Chapter 14: The Awakening of Mental Power.
Chapter 14: The Awakening of Mental Power and Return to the Border City
The First Realization
I woke up feeling… different. The moment I opened my eyes, the world seemed sharper, clearer. Every sound, every movement of the wind, even the faintest rustling of leaves registered in my mind with unnatural clarity.
Frowning, I sat up, trying to understand what had changed. Then, I noticed it.
A small rock, barely the size of a coin, lay near my hand. I focused on it, not really expecting anything to happen, but—
The rock trembled.
I blinked. Had I imagined it?
I tried again, this time focusing harder. A strange pressure built up in my mind, and the rock shook slightly before settling back.
A slow grin spread across my face. I had awakened my mental power.
Testing My Limits
I spent the next hour experimenting. I tried to lift the rock completely, but it only wobbled before dropping. Still, it was proof that my mental power had activated.
Next, I tested my mental perception range. Closing my eyes, I focused outward, trying to "feel" my surroundings without looking. It took a few tries, but soon, I could sense things within a 10-meter radius—the trees, the wind, even small movements from insects.
My control was weak, but the potential was enormous. If I could refine this power, I would have another edge in battle.
System and Mental Power Breakthrough
As I sat there, a thought crossed my mind. Could I use the system to advance my mental power, just like my physical cultivation?
Opening the system panel, I checked my available lifespan.
[Lifespan: 287 years]
The system displayed a new option:
Mental Power Advancement:
Foundation Stage Level 1 → Level 2 (20 Years Lifespan Required)
However, a message appeared:
"First-time Mental Power Upgrade Detected. Discount Applied: 1 Year of Lifespan Required."
The cost was negligible. If I could enhance my mental power with just one year of lifespan, it was a deal I couldn't refuse. Without hesitation, I selected the option.
The moment I confirmed it, a surge of cool energy spread through my mind. It was different from a physical breakthrough—this was sharper, clearer, as if my consciousness was expanding.
Foundation Stage Mental Power - Level 2 Unlocked!
I could instantly feel the changes. My mental perception range had increased from 10 meters to 25 meters, and when I tried to lift the rock again—it rose a full inch before falling. Progress.
With this, I was now a true dual cultivator—a Gene Warrior and a Psychic Master.
Planning to Return to the Border City
With my mental power stabilized, I turned my focus to my supplies. My storage bag was filled with monster parts—beast cores, claws, and valuable hides from the creatures I had slain.
It was time to sell them and earn some AstraCoins.
However, I couldn't afford to attract too much attention. A 16-year-old Foundation Stage warrior selling high-grade beast materials would raise suspicions.
I decided to wear a hooded cloak and keep interactions minimal. After all, in the wilderness, many warriors kept their identities hidden.
Arrival at the Border City
By midday, I reached Shivgarh Border City, one of the many outposts protecting humanity from the monster-infested lands.
The city was surrounded by massive steel walls, with turrets and energy shields reinforcing its defenses. Entering was easy—warriors regularly came and went—but my priority was the Hunter's Market, where mercenaries and warriors traded monster materials for AstraCoins.
The Trade and Earnings
Inside the market, merchants shouted over each other, displaying various weapons, armor, and medicinal herbs. I approached a reliable-looking vendor specializing in beast materials.
The merchant, a middle-aged man with cybernetic eyes, glanced at my hooded figure but didn't ask questions. "What do you have?"
I placed a sample of each beast material on the counter. "I want to sell these. Bulk deal."
His cybernetic eyes scanned the materials, and after a few minutes, he nodded. "Good quality. Here's my offer:"
20,000 AC for 20 Level 1 Foundation Stage Beasts
20,000 AC for 5 Level 2 Foundation Stage Beasts
80,000 AC for 10 Level 3 Foundation Stage Beasts
50,000 AC for 1 Level 6 Foundation Stage Beast
Total: 170,000 AstraCoins
I pretended to hesitate before nodding. "Deal."
The transaction was completed smoothly, and a moment later, 170,000 AstraCoins were transferred to my account.
With this wealth, I could now buy high-quality armor, weapons, and resources for my next breakthrough. But first, I needed a plan.
What should I invest in next?
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END OF CHAPTER 14....
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