As the first rays of dawn filtered through the narrow window, painting the room in hues of soft gold and rose, they rose, a silent understanding passing between them. The time for mourning was over. The time for action had arrived. They washed in a basin of cool water, the simple act of cleansing their bodies a symbolic gesture, a shedding of the weight of grief and a preparation for the challenges ahead. They donned simple tunics and trousers, the Guild’s emblem, a stylized mountain peak with a single star at its summit, embroidered on the left breast, a symbol of their newfound purpose.
Refreshed from a meager breakfast of bread and dried fruit, they gathered in the outpost’s main hall, a spacious chamber with a high, vaulted ceiling and walls adorned with maps, charts, and trophies from past expeditions. The air hummed with a subtle energy, a blend of natural mana and the focused intent of cultivators practicing their skills. Elara, her presence commanding respect and radiating a quiet strength, stood at the head of a long, sturdy table, her hands resting on a stack of well-worn scrolls. Her dark eyes, sharp and intelligent, met theirs with a mixture of kindness and expectation.
“The path of cultivation is vast and varied,” she began, her voice clear and resonant, carrying a hint of the power that lay dormant within her. “There are many ways to harness the world’s essence, to refine it, to shape it to your will.” She gestured towards the scrolls, their parchment brittle with age, their ink faded in places, yet still holding a wealth of knowledge.
“Some paths focus on the individual, on mastering one’s own essence and forging a unique path to power.” Elara described the most common form of cultivation, practiced by adventurers and warriors alike. It was a path of discipline and perseverance, of long hours spent meditating, absorbing ambient mana, refining one’s core, and honing one’s skills.
She spoke of the intricate art of Inkflow Cultivation, practiced by those with an affinity for inscription and manipulation of essence through intricate patterns drawn on scrolls, weapons, or even their own bodies. The scrolls hinted at the potential for immense power and versatility, but the path was demanding, requiring both artistic talent and a deep understanding of the subtle nuances of essence flow.
She described the harmonious melodies of Songforge Cultivation, where practitioners channeled their essence through music and sound, using their voices and instruments to heal, inspire, and even defend. The thought intrigued Jess, who had always found solace in music, her voice, though untrained, carrying a natural warmth and expressiveness.
Elara's voice grew more somber as she spoke of the destructive power of Ashflow Cultivation, a path that drew upon the raw, volatile energy of volcanic regions or places tainted by powerful curses. It was a path of risk and sacrifice, where practitioners walked a fine line between power and madness, their bodies and spirits constantly tested by the intense, corrupting forces they wielded.
She then described Gestalt Cultivation, practiced by groups like the wood elves, who tethered their cultivation to a core tree, their individual strengths and weaknesses balanced and amplified by the collective energy of the grove. And some dwarves, she explained, practiced a similar form of communal cultivation, their essence linked to a central gem, their collective will shaping the very mountains they inhabited.
Beast Cultivation, she continued, involved a deep bond between a human and a beast, their essences intertwined, their strengths complementing each other. The beast’s raw power and instincts were tempered by the human’s intelligence and discipline, allowing them to achieve heights of cultivation neither could reach alone. The scrolls hinted at the challenges and rewards of this path, the need for mutual trust and respect, the potential for both partners to be elevated or corrupted by the other’s influence.
Elara's description of Object/Weapon Cultivation captivated Kai's attention, his blacksmith's heart recognizing a kindred spirit in the practice of imbuing an object with essence, shaping it, refining it, and forging an unbreakable bond. He could envision himself forging a weapon not just of metal and fire, but also of his own essence, a weapon that would embody his strength, his determination, his love for his family.
Elara's voice turned cautionary as she spoke of the dangers of Primal Cultivation, a path that involved drawing upon the raw, untamed energy of ley lines, wild mana surges, or the presence of primal beasts. It was a path of immense power, but also of immense risk. The scrolls warned of cultivators who had lost themselves to the primal forces they sought to control, their bodies and minds twisted into monstrous forms, their essence corrupted beyond redemption.
She emphasized that regardless of the path chosen, the journey of cultivation demanded discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to confront one’s inner darkness. She reminded them of the importance of the cleansing ritual, the need to consistently address their impurities, to face their fears and regrets, to transform their weaknesses into strengths.
Elara then elaborated on the stages and methods of cultivation. Although they varied, most paths involved core development, body enhancement, and spirit growth. Cultivators advanced through ranks from clay/dust, where they began, to coal, tin, brass, and beyond. She explained that anything below brass was considered weak or ineffectual, a warning that resonated with the urgency of their mission.
Elara concluded her discourse with a stern warning about the dangers of cultivation deviation, which could manifest in physical, mental, or spiritual imbalances. She stressed the need to maintain balance, to address their impurities, to remain vigilant against the darkness that could twist their path and corrupt their essence.
Jenn, Kai, and Jess sat in stunned silence, absorbing the vastness of the knowledge that had been unveiled before them. The path ahead seemed daunting, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But amidst the fear and doubt, a spark of hope flickered, a newfound determination to choose their path, to hone their skills, to become the warriors they needed to be.
Elara, her gaze steady and unwavering, surveyed the three prospective cultivators, their faces a mixture of awe and apprehension. "The path you choose will shape your destiny," she said, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "It will demand everything from you - your strength, your courage, your very essence." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle upon them. "But before you can choose a path, you must understand yourselves. You must delve into the depths of your being, uncover your affinities, and embrace the forces that resonate within you."
She gestured towards a nearby alcove, where a collection of smooth, polished stones, each one a different color and texture, lay arranged on a low table. "These stones are imbued with the essence of the various elements," she explained. "Touch them, feel their energy, listen to the whispers within. Let them guide you."
Jenn, her cognac-colored eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, approached the table first. She reached out, her fingers hovering over the stones, hesitant to make a choice. The weight of their mission, the need to find her children, pressed upon her, fueling her impatience. She wanted action, not introspection. But Elara's words, spoken with a quiet authority that commanded respect, made her pause. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and let her intuition guide her.
Her hand, drawn as if by an unseen force, reached for a stone that pulsed with a vibrant, swirling energy. It was a deep blue, almost translucent, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. As her fingers brushed against it, a jolt of energy surged through her, a feeling of exhilaration and boundless freedom. The wind, picking up as if in response, whipped around her, carrying the scent of pine needles and distant rainstorms. Images flashed through her mind - soaring through the sky on the back of a giant eagle, summoning a whirlwind to scatter her enemies, her laughter echoing on the wind.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Elara's, a sense of wonder and excitement replacing her earlier apprehension. "Wind," she breathed, the word a revelation, a confirmation of something she had always known but never fully embraced.
Kai, his hazel eyes narrowed in concentration, approached the table next. He ran his calloused fingers over the stones, his blacksmith's heart seeking a connection to the elements he knew best. He paused, drawn to a stone that radiated a comforting warmth. It was a deep red, almost black in places, its surface rough and uneven, like the clinker he would chip away from his forge. As he touched it, a wave of heat surged through him, a familiar sensation that resonated deep within his being. He saw visions of molten metal flowing, sparks flying, the rhythmic clang of his hammer shaping raw materials into objects of beauty and power.
He closed his eyes, letting the warmth envelop him, feeling a connection not just to the element of fire, but also to the earth from which the metal he worked was born. He could feel the solidity, the grounding force of the earth, a counterbalance to the fiery intensity of his passion. He opened his eyes, a sense of clarity replacing his earlier uncertainty. "Fire," he said, his voice firm. "And earth."
Jess, her grey eyes scanning the stones with a scientist's curiosity, approached the table last. She wasn't seeking a rush of power, a surge of energy, but rather a deeper understanding, a connection to the forces that sustained life itself. Her hand, guided by a quiet intuition, reached for a stone that pulsed with a gentle, nurturing energy. It was a vibrant green, flecked with gold, its surface smooth and warm to the touch. As she touched it, a wave of tranquility washed over her, a feeling of growth and renewal. She saw visions of forests teeming with life, sunlight filtering through leaves, the interconnectedness of all living things.
She closed her eyes, letting the energy flow through her, feeling a connection not just to the element of wood, but also to the spirit that animated all living things. She could feel the pulse of life, the ebb and flow of energy, the delicate balance that held the world in harmony. "Wood," she said softly, her voice filled with a newfound certainty. "And spirit."
Elara, observing their reactions, nodded approvingly. "You have begun to awaken to your affinities," she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "This is just the first step. Now, you must learn to cultivate them, to refine your essence, to hone your skills." She gestured towards the stacks of scrolls that lined the walls. "Within these texts lie the secrets of centuries of cultivation, the accumulated wisdom of countless practitioners. Study them, practice diligently, and seek guidance when needed. The path ahead is arduous, but with dedication and perseverance, you will become the warriors you need to be."
As the three parents stood on the threshold of their new lives, the weight of their mission, the love for their children, and the unwavering determination to reclaim their family fueled their every step. The path of cultivation, once a distant dream, now stretched before them, a winding road leading towards a future they were determined to forge.
Elara watched with a knowing smile as a sense of purpose settled over the three. "Your affinities are strong," she said, her voice carrying a calm authority. "But knowing your affinities is only the beginning. You must now choose the path you will walk, the way you will shape your essence."
She gestured towards a vast, intricately carved wooden panel on the wall. Depicted on it were figures engaged in various forms of cultivation. A warrior wreathed in flames battled a shadowy beast. An archer with glowing runes etched into their bow aimed an arrow at a distant target. A group of individuals, their hands intertwined, channeled energy through a network of glowing branches.
"There are many paths to power," Elara explained, her voice resonating with the wisdom of countless generations of cultivators. "Each one is unique, demanding dedication, sacrifice, and an understanding of your own strengths and limitations."
"Choose wisely," she cautioned, her gaze lingering on each of their faces. "The path you choose will not only shape your abilities but also your destiny."
Jenn, drawn to the image of a warrior riding a powerful beast, their energies intertwined, stepped forward. Her heart yearned for the thrill of the hunt, the bond of a loyal companion, and the power to protect her loved ones from harm. Her fingers traced the flowing lines of the warrior's form, her mind already envisioning herself fighting alongside a creature whose strength mirrored her own.
"I want to fight alongside a loyal companion, a beast whose strength matches my own," she declared, her voice ringing with determination. "I want to be a force of nature, a whirlwind of fury, unstoppable and unyielding."
Elara nodded, recognizing the fierce spirit that burned within Jenn. "The path of the Beast Cultivator is not for the faint of heart," she cautioned. "It requires a deep connection with your chosen beast, a willingness to share your essence, and an understanding of the delicate balance between your individual strengths. But for those who master it, the rewards are great. You and your beast will become a force to be reckoned with, your powers amplified by your shared bond."
She gestured towards a secluded corner of the outpost, where several cages housed a variety of creatures - wolves, panthers, bears - each radiating a palpable aura of power. "Choose your companion wisely, Jenn. The bond you forge will shape your destiny."
Kai, his gaze lingering on the image of the archer with glowing runes etched into their bow, felt a pull towards the fusion of craftsmanship and magic. His fingers traced the intricate lines of the runes, his mind already envisioning himself imbuing his blacksmithing creations with power. He then glanced at the figures channeling energy through a network of branches, seeing a connection between the flow of essence and the creation of objects.
"I want to create," he said, his voice soft but steady. "I want to imbue my craft with magic, to forge weapons that can banish darkness and protect the innocent."
He hesitated, then added, "I also want to understand the interconnectedness of things, the way energy flows and can be shaped."
Elara, recognizing the creative spark and the thoughtful nature that resided within Kai, nodded. "The path you seek is a unique one, a fusion of Inkflow and Object Cultivation," she said, her voice laced with respect. "It requires a deep understanding of both runes and the essence of the objects you craft. You will learn to channel your energy into your creations, imbuing them with power and purpose."
She directed him towards a section of the outpost where shelves were lined with books on runecraft, alongside displays of weapons, armor, and tools, each radiating a subtle magical aura. "Study the runes, Kai, and explore the possibilities of imbuing objects with your essence. The path you forge will be one of both creation and protection."
Jess, her gaze drawn to the group of individuals channeling energy through interconnected branches, felt a profound connection to the image. She had always been drawn to the subtle energies of the world, the interconnectedness of all living things. Her fingers traced the delicate lines of the branches, her mind already envisioning herself harnessing the power of nature to heal and protect.
"I want to understand the flow of life," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I want to learn how to heal, to nurture, to protect the delicate balance of the world."
Elara, recognizing the compassion and wisdom that radiated from Jess, smiled warmly. "The path of the Spirit Weaver is one of harmony and balance, demanding a deep connection to nature and a compassionate heart," she explained. "It is a path of healing, of growth, of understanding the interconnectedness of all things."
She led Jess towards a collection of scrolls bound in woven vines and adorned with images of trees, flowers, and flowing streams. "Within these texts, you will find the teachings of the Spirit Weavers, techniques for channeling wood and spirit essence, enhancing your healing abilities, and manipulating the flow of life energy."
Jess hesitated, then added, her gaze shifting towards the scrolls adorned with runes, "I'm also interested in learning about runes. I think understanding them could help me augment Jenn and Kai's abilities."
Elara nodded approvingly. "Runes are a powerful tool, Jess. They can amplify essence, channel energy, and create a wide range of effects. Your understanding of the spirit realm will give you a unique perspective on their creation and application."
As the three parents stood before their chosen paths, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, they knew that their journey was just beginning. They had taken the first step, embraced their affinities, and chosen the path that resonated with their deepest desires. But the road ahead was long and arduous, filled with challenges and sacrifices. They would need to draw upon their love for their children, their newfound connection to their essence, and their unwavering determination to succeed. They would become cultivators, they would master their chosen paths, and they would reclaim their family from the clutches of darkness.
