To attain strength, one must embrace the rigorous path of training—an unyielding truth echoing across generations, unwavering in the realm of universal energy arts.
The journey to greater heights begins with seamlessly integrating meditation into daily life.
Of course, this way of meditation was distinct from its ancient counterpart. This one had the breathing technique as its core to gather universal energy.
From the moment Leon delved into the world of universal energy arts, the mandate was clear: daily meditation was essential for those seeking strength. This was the world's, this universe's normal and as he wanted to get stronger, he had to abide by this rule.
Thus, even after enduring a demanding day, Leon's second act, following a refreshing shower, was to immerse himself in meditation.
Each breath proved invigorating, akin to inhaling the scent of rain-drenched trees. Yet, this breath held a distinct potency, energizing him in stark contrast to his initial, dizzying experiences with meditation. The reason for this transformation lies in the core creation process.
During core creation, he had to be awake all the time. It was Akin to a meticulous project, it necessitated attention to the minutest details to avert life-threatening risks. Though taxing on both body and mind, this time Leon entered a trance relatively easily, breathing and drawing energy to fill his energy core.
The prerequisite for Level 2 was an energy core the size of a grown man's fist. Achieving this demanded relentless meditation, gathering universal energy within the core.
Subsequently, he had to employ it to expand the core's boundaries. This delicate process resembled creating concentric circles.
Yet, he had to be gentle since that core of his was a feeble one. Slow pushes are needed to take care of that phase successfully. Lastly, just before the end of the meditation session, he needed to integrate the new circle with the existing core.
Consequently, he will not only store more energy but also will have that circle of his get thicker, stronger, and more durable over time.
---
Ding!
[INT +1]
[INT: 0 (+7)]
Waking up to such notifications could be the most gratifying experience. Hehehe, it's amazing, man. I really feel like I'm in a game or something. I mean, I just did some meditation and my INT went up. It feels really great. Hehehe.
But, I couldn't feel that power-up kind of feeling. So, it's safe to assume that it only happens when breaking through to the next level. Yeah, that must be the case. Well, I got that feeling when I'd used that many stat points at once, too. So, those two must be the only cases.
Speaking of stat points, seems like my system wants to turn me into a mass murderer or something. I mean, I don't mind killing guards or fanatics since they are my enemies, but I'm not sure about ordinary people. I don't want to and won't kill innocent people.
Yeah, there are also monsters out there, but they are rare to see in the world. It isn't like there is a scarcity, but rare. Soo, should I steal a spaceship and visit other planets? And, of course, die before even seeing the spaceship.
Well, let's see how things will unfold
However, what I'm certain of at this moment is this: First, I can accumulate stat points through training. Second, stats in parentheses increase through training or activities akin to it. Third and lastly, I can amass stat points by killing others.
That means… I can kill a thousand people and put all the stats into STR to one-shot a planet! F*ck man! I'm too OP! Hehehe, my time to shine presented itself quicker than I thought! Even imagining is awesome!
What about Chaos, though?
"Open the Chaos stat."
Same as before, huh?
"Chaos stat's details, please. Talk to me about Chaos stat. May I see the Chaos stat? F*cking b*tch, show me that Chaos stat already! I, Leon Rastia, make this request with the utmost respect and plea for the unveiling of the Chaos stat."
Yep, this system doesn't want to show a details screen, or it doesn't have one in the first place. Well, I may learn something about it in the future. It may unlock or something after achieving something, either.
Soo, there's only one thing left.
"F*ck you. You could make my life much easier."
Alright, it's time to sleep.
--
Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Here we go again…"
Already awake to his bones, Leon casually swung the door open. Triss, as always, was the one pounding on the door as if preparing for war.
"Hey, good mo—"
"Why the hell are you knocking on the door as if we are going to war or something?"
"Well…" Rolled her eyes briefly, then pointed a finger at Leon's face, "You know the reason."
"What do you mean?"
"Hmph, if you don't know, that means you don't know."
"…" A momentary silence, "Wise words."
Added for a last time, "But I think it has nothing to do with my question."
"You should consider the bigger picture."
"Just agree that you won't knock on the door that hard again, and we'll all be good."
"Sigh," shook her head, "I'm not sure, but I may try to do something along those lines."
"Sigh…"
"Any problem?"
"No, let's start."
"Sure," and took out a stone from her pocket.
Leon sat on the bed, prepared to listen quietly. It was time to absorb the teachings of telekinesis, and he was prepared for it.
"First of all, as you may know, telekinesis is quite easy to learn; some people grasp it on their first attempt. By the way, I happen to be one of those people."
Leon decided to nod in front of such a proud declaration, but disbelief in his eyes.
Nevertheless, she was correct. Telekinesis was relatively easy to learn, with the primary challenge lying in the initial stages—specifically, mastering the imagination aspect.
Practitioners needed to visualize their energy extending beyond their bodies while maintaining control over it.
It resembled pulling an object with an invisible force, much like using a whip. It was easier said than done, but achievable since one didn't have to conjure an actual whip. The focus was on imagining the energy extending outward and gripping the stone, then pulling it as if drawing a rope.
Yet, this was for pulling something and there was more than one way to get over with imagination part. For example…
"Imagine your blue energy's other end as a glue and stick it to the stone. Then, use the other end to pull it. Easy, right?"
"Sounds easy, yeah."
Almost everyone out there was opening their one hand toward the object they wanted to pull to make things easier for them. It wasn't a necessity, but a method to reduce their efforts and guarantee success.
However, those at higher levels, like their leader, avoided such displays and favored subtlety as they had adequate power.
If you open your hand and showcase your next move to your enemy, then you most likely will die in a high-level fight. Well, using it as a distraction also was a thing. Still, high-leveled people tended to be much more cautious compared to those at the lower levels.
That's also why their fights were more intense in brain utilization wise.
Opened his right hand towards the stone and closed his eyes, Leon. Focused his ears on Triss's words. His utmost attention once again showed itself. Just like other people, he also wanted to learn telekinesis, and it was high time for that.
"First of all, you have to imagine your energy. Just the time with core creation, imagine an ocean blue mist and let it push forward the stone. Don't forget that stone is just in front of you. If you want, you can open your eyes, too."
Leon chose to keep his eyes closed, but in the following second, he felt a cold sensation in his hand as it closed around an invisible object.
"You know what? Let's just put it on top of your hand. Wouldn't that make things easier? Hehehe."
Nodded in agreement and delved into the imagination part. Regulated his breath to enter a meditative state. This part didn't take that much of his time.
He already was getting used to it and the more he meditates, the easier it will be for him to blank his head, and dive into the depths of it. And being in a safe place played a vital role in making things easier.
In the pitch-black scenery, his cross-legged form sat, completely exposed. An ethereal Leon, palms open as if gripping an invisible object, manifested a slowly emerging blue energy at the top of his hand—a force propelling something toward the heavens.
The more he exerted, the higher the stone on his palm ascended.
The astonishment on Triss's face grew apparent as the stone hovered for about twenty seconds.
"Haah… How was it?"
"Damn, you did one-shot it!"