Whispers of the Deep

Days blurred into a continuous cycle of observation, stealthy essence absorption, and hunting Lumina-Beetles. His Earth Essence absorption slowly but steadily increased. He also noticed a subtle change in his own body. His green skin felt tougher, less fragile. His claws seemed a little sharper.

[Cultivation Progress]: Earth Essence absorbed: 0.35 units.

The system hadn't shown any new skill unlocks, but he felt the innate improvements. This was the slow, relentless grind of cultivation.

One 'night,' as the male Cave Boar was deeply entrenched in its cultivation, a new sensation pricked at him. It wasn't a sound, or a smell, but a faint vibration through the rock. It was deeper than the boars, more ancient. It came from the very foundations of the cavern, from somewhere far below.

He activated [Earth Sense (F)], pushing its limits. The faint currents of essence he usually felt were now overlaid with a powerful, rhythmic tremor. It was almost like a pulse, resonating from beneath the cavern floor. The tremor felt... rich. Abundant.

[Notification]: Strong Mana Fluctuation detected below current location. Potential [Mana Vein] or [Lair of Mana-Attuned Creature]. Proceed with caution.

Mana Vein? The words intrigued him. His Mana regeneration was still painfully slow. If he could find a source, it would unlock more opportunities for using his skills, maybe even new skills entirely.

He scanned the cavern floor. Near where the male boar cultivated, there was a jagged fissure, almost hidden by shadows. It was too narrow for the boars, but perfectly wide enough for him. It was also dangerously close to the larger boar.

The risk was high. The reward, potentially greater. A surge of mana could be a game-changer. He carefully crept towards the fissure, his heart thudding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The boars were oblivious.

He peered into the crack. A faint, almost imperceptible blue light pulsed from the depths. The tremor intensified. The air growing warmer, humid.

He hesitated for only a moment. This was the kind of risk a weak creature had to take to become strong. He slipped into the fissure.

The passage was tight, forcing him to crawl. The blue light ahead grew stronger, illuminating the rough-hewn walls. The tremor became a deep hum, filling his entire being. He felt a profound sense of raw power, different from the steady Earth Essence. This was volatile, pure Mana.

He emerged into a smaller, almost circular chamber. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and something sweet, like wildflowers. In the center of the chamber, a cluster of glowing blue crystals pulsed with a mesmerizing light. A true Mana Vein. And surrounding it, almost like guardians...

Small, shimmering, almost translucent insects fluttered around the crystals. They weren't like the Lumina-Beetles. These were graceful, darting. And they seemed to be drawn to the Mana Vein, absorbing its energy directly.

[Creature Detected]: Mana Moth (Mortal Realm, Low Grade)

[Threat Level]: Negligible (for current Host strength, unless provoked)

These creatures posed no immediate threat. In fact, they seemed to be another resource. He instinctively activated [Scavenge (E)].

[Item Found]: Mana Moth (Common) - Edible. Provides moderate Mana regeneration.

His eyes widened. Not just minor, but moderate mana regeneration. This chamber was a treasure trove. He had found a sanctuary of power, a place where he could rapidly replenish his mana and cultivate a different kind of energy. The path to becoming an overlord was clearer than ever.