The Path

The towering walls of Lunar City loomed ahead, their sheer size and presence a testament to the power and grandeur hidden within. As Alex, Liam, and Lofi approached the city gates, the guards stationed at the entrance eyed them with sharp, trained gazes. Their armor gleamed under the midday sun, and their weapons, though sheathed, radiated an aura of discipline and lethality.

Lofi stepped forward, his posture relaxed yet confident. "They're travelers here to improve their strength," he told the guards while slipping three gold coins into their hands. The coins disappeared swiftly, and without further question, the guards stepped aside, allowing them entry.

Alex, observing the exchange, leaned in toward Lofi. "How much is a gold coin worth in silver? I'd like to pay you back."

Lofi chuckled. "Ten silver to a gold. But don't worry about it; consider it a gift."

Alex frowned, glancing at Liam. "That seems like a lot. How do players who aren't escorted make enough money to get in? Not to mention surviving the journey through the forest."

Lofi smiled knowingly, as if expecting the question. "The Dukes send their carriages to smaller villages to test the talent of potential cultivators. Those who show promise are brought into the city free of charge. If a traveler isn't deemed worthy, they can still negotiate their way onto a carriage with the right incentives." His voice carried an edge of amusement as he led them through the gates.

Once inside, the stark contrast between the citizens of Lunar City became apparent. The streets were filled with individuals of all walks of life. Some, clad in dignified golden robes embroidered with celestial symbols, radiated an air of superiority. Their confident strides and well-groomed appearances set them apart from others who wore ragged tunics and patched trousers, eyes wary and filled with quiet desperation. The city pulsed with life—market stalls lined the streets, peddlers shouting out the names of their wares, exotic beasts tethered to posts, and warriors displaying their weapons with pride.

Amid the bustling activity, Lofi led them toward a towering structure that dominated the skyline. A massive sign carved into dark stone read: "Stars."

As they entered, the cool air inside the building was a stark contrast to the chaotic energy outside. A refined woman in deep blue robes stood at a polished counter, her gaze inquisitive yet welcoming. "How may I assist you?"

Lofi inclined his head slightly. "These two need guidance. Please explain star techniques and their uses to them."

The woman nodded before turning to Alex and Liam. "Come with me."

Before following, Lofi reached into his robe, withdrawing a small leather pouch. He handed it to Alex. "Consider this a parting gift. Use it wisely." With a final nod, he turned and left, disappearing into the crowd beyond the entrance.

Alex and Liam exchanged glances before following the woman up a spiraling staircase. The second floor opened into an expansive library filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and tablets, all neatly arranged. The scent of aged parchment filled the air, lending an air of reverence to the space.

The attendant gestured toward a circular table where they took their seats. "To cultivate properly, one must first refine their body. But once that is achieved, they need a star technique to initiate their Dao connection."

Alex frowned. "Dao connection?"

She nodded. "A connection to one's Path—the fundamental concept that defines their journey. For example, a pianist may follow the Path of Song, while a warrior follows the Path of Power. The possibilities are limitless, but the means to reach them are rooted in similar techniques."

She paused before continuing, "The pouch your friend left you should be enough to purchase the basic star technique: '9 Path Connection.'"

Alex glanced into the pouch Lofi had given him, his fingers brushing against the cool metal inside. He tilted it, letting the gold coins slide onto his palm, counting them carefully. Twenty gold coins.

He turned to the attendant. "How much does the basic technique cost?"

"Ten gold coins per book," she replied smoothly. "Twenty for both of you."

Alex frowned. "Why can't we just share one?"

The attendant gave him a patient smile. "These books are one-time artifacts. The moment you use one, it activates, allowing the user to lock onto their chosen path. Then, it vanishes. It's impossible to reuse."

That made sense. Alex sighed and handed her the pouch. "Two books, then."

The attendant nodded and retrieved two ornate books from a shelf behind her. The covers shimmered faintly, as if infused with some mystical energy. She set them down on a table before gesturing toward Liam. "You may begin."

Under her watchful gaze, Liam hesitated for only a moment before picking up the book. The moment his fingers made contact, an eerie, spatial dark glow enveloped him. His body trembled slightly, his eyes flashing with a deep, unfathomable light.

Seconds later, the glow faded. Liam blinked, a dazed expression on his face. Then, he looked at Alex, his voice laced with both confusion and excitement. "I awakened a Class—'Overseer's Will.'" He paused before continuing, "And under the Class section... there's a new column. A 'Path' section. Before I could even choose, it automatically unlocked the Path of Omniscience."

Alex's brow furrowed. "It chose for you?" That was odd.

Liam nodded. "I didn't even get to think about it."

Alex fell silent, his mind racing. Liam's Overseer talent was tied to omniscience, which made sense, but was this how it worked for everyone? Did every talent actually correspond to a hidden path? If that were the case, then shouldn't he have the Path of Clones?

Yet, when he had hit level 10, nothing had appeared.

Unease settled in his gut. There was something else at play here—something he didn't understand yet.

Taking a deep breath, Alex reached for his own book. As his fingers met the surface, a rush of energy surged through him. His vision blurred, and suddenly, he found himself standing in an endless expanse.

A vast cosmos stretched before him, shimmering in ethereal hues.

Before him, numerous paths unfolded, stretching into infinity.

And in that moment, he realized—he had to choose.