The Retired Teacher

Kurt followed the directions given by the noble, his path leading him to a less affluent part of the city, a place of narrow streets and modest dwellings. He found the retired teacher's home, a small, unassuming house tucked away at the end of a quiet alley.

He hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose himself. He knew that this encounter was crucial. This retired teacher was his only hope, his only chance to gain the knowledge he desperately needed. He knocked on the door, his heart pounding in his chest.

The door creaked open, revealing an old man with a stern face and piercing eyes. He was dressed in simple robes, his movements slow but deliberate. He looked at Kurt, his gaze sharp and penetrating.

"You are not a noble," the old man stated, his voice raspy but firm. "What do you want? I will not unlock your core."

Kurt's carefully prepared lies crumbled before the old man's unwavering gaze. He stammered, his words failing him. "Umm… um… m…"

He realized that deception was pointless. This old man saw through him, knew his true nature. He took a deep breath, steeling himself.

"No," he said, his voice surprisingly steady. "I am not a noble. But I can do this."

He extended his hand, focusing his will, and summoned the energy spear. It materialized before him, shimmering and potent, a testament to his raw, untamed power.

The retired teacher stared at the spear, his expression unreadable. He remained silent for a long moment, his eyes fixed on Kurt, his gaze seemingly piercing through him. Finally, he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion.

"You want your core unlocked, correct?"

Kurt nodded, his throat tight with anticipation. "Yes. Please. I need to know… I need to understand how to use this power."

The retired teacher did not question him further. He simply nodded curtly. "Very well. Remove your shirt and sit."

Kurt, surprised by the suddenness of the request, obeyed without hesitation. He removed his oversized tunic and sat on a nearby stool, his small frame exposed to the cool air.

The retired teacher approached him, his hands glowing with a faint, golden light. He placed his hands on Kurt's chest, his touch surprisingly gentle.

"Remember the pattern of the channels," he said, his voice low and focused. "Feel the flow of energy."

Kurt closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations. He felt a strange warmth spreading through his body, a subtle shift in the way the energy moved within him. It was as if something was being… opened, expanded. He could sense the pathways, the channels, within his core, but he couldn't fully comprehend them, couldn't control them.

The process was quick, efficient. The retired teacher worked in silence, his movements precise and economical. After a few moments, he withdrew his hands, the golden light fading.

"It is done," he said, his voice flat.

Kurt opened his eyes, feeling… different. He couldn't explain it, but something had changed within him. He felt more… connected, more grounded.

"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with a profound gratitude. "But… how do I use the weapons? How do I control the energy?"

The retired teacher turned away, his expression unreadable. "Find it yourself," he said, his voice almost rude.

Kurt hesitated, wanting to ask more, but the old man's demeanor discouraged further questions. He realized that this was all he was going to get. He stood, retrieved his tunic, and bowed his head in thanks.

"Thank you," he said again, his voice sincere. He turned and left the small house, stepping back into the quiet alley.

He walked away, his mind racing. He had his core unlocked, but the retired teacher had given him no answers, no guidance. He was still alone, still grappling with the mysteries of his power. But now, at least, he had a starting point. He had a chance.