The elder, his eyes twinkling with amusement, led Roman to a small, sparsely furnished room. He gestured towards a worn wooden table upon which rested a simple card. "Before we proceed with your training," the elder began, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "I must explain the fundamental principle governing life within the Azure Serpent Sect: the point system."
He leaned against the table, his gaze sweeping over Roman. "Everything in this sect, from the most basic necessities to the most advanced training techniques, has a cost. There is no such thing as a freebie. Learn that lesson well, young Roman Rakrak."
Roman listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. He understood the harsh realities of this world, but this was a new layer of challenge.
"Points are earned in three ways," the elder continued. "Firstly, by completing missions assigned by the sect. These missions range from simple tasks to perilous adventures into the wilds. Secondly, by hunting and killing beasts. The corpses of slain beasts, as well as the materials acquired from them, can be sold for points. And thirdly, through trade and competition. Informal trading among sect members is permitted, and participation in various competitions within the sect offers lucrative rewards."
The elder paused, allowing Roman time to absorb the information. "Your room number is 36. You will share it with a senior brother. Consider this your first lesson: resourcefulness and adaptability are crucial for survival within this sect. If you desire a private room, or any other upgrade, you must earn the points to acquire it."
He pushed the card towards Roman. "This is your sect card. It currently holds 1556 sect points. This initial allocation, along with a 50% discount on basic necessities for the first few months, should provide you with a suitable start. But remember," he warned, his tone hardening slightly, "this discount is not a license for extravagance. Do not abuse its limitations."
With a final nod, the elder turned and left, leaving Roman alone with his thoughts. He picked up the card, his fingers tracing the intricate design etched into its surface. 1556 points. It felt like a lifeline, a small but crucial stepping stone on the long and arduous path ahead. This was his new reality – a world where everything came with a price, a world where his worth would be measured not by lineage or family name but by his capabilities, his determination, and the number of points he possessed. The weight of this reality settled upon him, not as a burden, but as a challenge to be overcome. He would not fail.
Roman entered his assigned room, a small, sparsely furnished space with two simple cots and a shared desk. Before he could unpack, a young man with a cheerful, if slightly mischievous grin, entered.
"Oh, the new guy! What's your name?" he asked, extending a hand.
"Roman Rakrak," Roman replied, shaking the other's hand. He noticed the other man's clothes were slightly more refined than his own.
"Rodrick Piccolo," the young man said with a wide grin. "But you can just call me Piccolo. I'm a cultivator at the Warrior Stage, third level. How long have you been at the sect?"
Roman explained he had just arrived. Piccolo chuckled.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of things. Cultivation takes time. Everybody here's pretty slow, to be honest. But resource management is key," Piccolo said, tapping his fingers on the table. "So, let's get some points. You must be new; the easy missions are always the best. The Ali missions for freshers are perfect. We can earn a bunch. It's beneficial for both of us. I can mentor you in combat while we are doing the mission. We'll complete the mission together."
Piccolo grinned, his eyes gleaming. "Dual missions for freshers usually offer bonus points. You can learn new fighting techniques and I get extra points. It's a win-win. But you have to cooperate." He paused for a moment. "Unless you'd prefer to go alone?"
They walked together to the sect's mission hall, a large chamber filled with notice boards detailing various missions of varying difficulty and reward. Piccolo pointed to one notice board.
"I've got one in mind," Piccolo said, pointing to a notice detailing the hunt for a high-tier beast. "It's a tough one for a freshman, but the reward is substantial. I'll teach you some martial art techniques on the way, and we'll take it down together. You get 50% of the points, for helping."
Roman eyed the notice board. It stated that only freshmen could take this mission.
"Wait," Roman said, noticing a requirement. "It says only freshmen can take this mission. Why are you taking half the points?"
Piccolo grinned. "Because it's one of the hardest missions available, and I'll be protecting you. That's why I'm taking half of it. Consider it a fair exchange for my expertise and protection. Deal?"
Roman hesitated for only a moment before nodding. The potential reward, combined with the opportunity to learn from a more experienced cultivator, was too tempting to refuse. The risk was high, but he was ready to push his limits. He had nothing to lose.
Roman and Piccolo journeyed deep into the forest, the air growing heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The path was treacherous, overgrown with thorny vines and shadowed by towering trees. After hours of walking, they stopped to rest on a moss-covered rock.
Piccolo, ever the jovial mentor, grinned. "So, as promised, I'll teach you a skill. I'm a good teacher, but not a good learner. My skillset is… limited. What kind of skill are you interested in?"
Roman thought for a moment. "I prefer skills that give me an advantage against stronger opponents. I don't want to rely on brute force; I'm too weak for that right now."
Piccolo laughed. "That's funny, because most people here are the same. Weak, but they prefer precision over brute force. You're in luck; I have a superb skill for you. It's called the 'Flying Dance of Sky.' It's a footwork technique that lets you… practically fly."
Piccolo's eyes gleamed with excitement. He began to explain the intricacies of the technique, his movements fluid and graceful as he demonstrated the steps. The Flying Dance of Sky was a complex series of steps and leaps, designed to maximize agility and evasion. It relied on precise footwork and a deep understanding of body mechanics. Roman listened intently, absorbing every detail.
"Now, regarding the grading system for skills," Piccolo continued, as he demonstrated a particularly complex sequence of steps that left him momentarily suspended in mid-air, "there are eight basic ranks: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Super Rare, Epic Rare, Peak Super Rare, Legendary, Ultra-Legendary, Mythical, Dominator." He grinned. "The Flying Dance of Sky? That's a Peak Super Rare."
Roman's eyes widened. A Peak Super Rare skill? This was an incredible opportunity. He already knew that mastering this technique would not only greatly increase his survivability during missions but would also give him a distinct edge in combat. This was more than just a skill; it was a game changer. He focused intently on Piccolo's every move, determined to master this rare and precious technique. The path to power wouldn't be easy, but he was committed to walking it.
"So, this 'Flying Dance of Sky'… it lets you fly?" Roman asked, still marveling at the technique's complexity.
Piccolo chuckled. "Not exactly fly, like soaring through the air. Think of it more as incredibly powerful leaps. With mastery, you could jump eight steps in a single bound, easily outrunning or evading attacks. It's about control, precision and timing. The height and distance of each jump depends on your skill level. Even at a lower level of mastery, you'll be able to jump incredibly far and avoid attacks effortlessly."
Roman nodded, understanding dawning on his face. This was a skill that would dramatically enhance his survival and combat prowess. "Right. Let's go kill that beast and get some points!"
They set off, their footsteps silent amidst the rustling leaves. Piccolo moved with surprising speed and agility, effortlessly navigating the treacherous terrain. Roman struggled to keep pace, his movements still clumsy and unrefined. Piccolo demonstrated the techniques he was teaching again, emphasizing each point.
They finally reached the beast's lair, a dark, shadowy cavern. Piccolo, with his superior cultivation, dispatched the beast swiftly and efficiently. The entire encounter took only minutes, a testament to Piccolo's skill and experience.
Their return to the sect was uneventful. After presenting the beast's remains and materials, they were each awarded 5000 sect points. Roman felt a thrill of satisfaction. Five thousand points. It was a significant sum, a testament to their successful collaboration and his quick learning of the Flying Dance of Sky technique. He had not only mastered a high-tier skill but also earned a substantial amount of points, all in one day. The path to strength was proving to be much more exhilarating than he had ever imagined.