Three years later…
Agois had turned 10, and thanks to his regular training, his body was quite developed for his age. While meditating in his room, he was trying to catch a light, as if something was about to break.
Suddenly, extraordinary changes began in his body. His muscles, flesh, skin, and even his bone structure were slowly strengthening. As his muscle structure hardened, it tightened, resembling iron hammered in a forge. These transformations continued for about twenty more minutes, and then slowly began to subside. However, beneath this calmness, an extraordinary, explosive power, which Agois had never felt before, was hidden within his body.
Agois opened his eyes; they were sparkling. He felt that his body had undergone a true transformation and metamorphosis. He felt so powerful that he thought he could kill the Stone Boar they had previously hunted with a single punch (which was, of course, a surge of confidence he was experiencing; he still needed all the traps).
He happily began to look at his body. He had grown 10 centimeters taller, and his muscles had become more pronounced, hardened, and sculpted. A pressure seemed to emanate from his body.
Agois exited his room with joy. As the day was slowly darkening, his mother was preparing dinner, and his sister was wandering around his mother. Agois smiled and went out to the garden. His father was quietly watching the sunset in his rocking chair.
Hearing footsteps, Crone felt something unusual and suddenly stood up. He knew the person behind him was his son, but sensing a threat from him froze Crone on the spot. This meant his son had reached the Iron Body Realm. This was shocking for Crone: His son was ten years old, and he had reached the Iron Body at ten? He had never seen this before, at least not in this city.
Recovering from his surprise, Crone excitedly approached his son. He began examining his muscles, arms, and every part of his body.
Seeing his father like this, Agois smiled proudly and began to tell the story with joy: "Dad, meditation really worked! There was a light I couldn't catch while meditating in the past few days. After calming my mind, myself, and everything, I tried again today. Suddenly, everything vanished from my mind; existence, time… everything. I only focused on that light. My body suddenly started to warm up and tingle. It was as if my entire body structure was renewed, rising to a completely different level!"
Crone was deep in thought. He hadn't expected such results when he told his son to meditate. He didn't know exactly what this was; he had just thought that meditation would gradually give his son a calmer state of mind and slightly nourish the human body.
However, his perception was shattered. The reason his son had reached the Iron Body Realm at such an early age was most likely related to this meditation. But he still couldn't make sense of it. Cultivators use meditation to cultivate and advance; they have special techniques. The basic meditation technique practiced by ordinary people shouldn't have any feature other than calming the mind. Crone had never come into contact with the mysteries and secrets of this vast world; the Cultivator world was as far away as heaven to him.
He just sighed. Even though he didn't understand exactly what it was, it had to be a good thing. His son had now reached the Iron Body Realm. Even if he couldn't become a Cultivator, he would be a genius in the physical realm; perhaps he could even surpass the Copper Body Realm. Anyway... He was just so happy. His son had gained the minimal strength to protect himself in this cruel world.
As a father, it felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Agois called out to his father. "Dad, are you okay?" he asked, interrupting Crone's thoughts.
Crone came back to himself, laughing proudly: "That's my son! I congratulate you, Agois, for reaching the Iron Body Realm!" He stroked his son's head with his single hand and continued: "I wasn't planning to give you this gift so early, but you are a warrior now, son. Wait for me here," he said, walking away and going inside.
Agois waited curiously. "What could it be?" he wondered. Since his previous sword had broken due to the hunting incident, it would likely be a sword. He felt a moment of disappointment but thought, "That's good too, he would have a sword now. It felt as if the time had come to step out into this world."
Crone returned with a long box in his hand. Agois understood what it was but still maintained his curious expression.
Crone smiled, watching his son's "feigned" expression, and put the box on the ground: "Open it, son, do you like it?"
Agois slowly opened the box. Inside was a long, silver-glistening sword. The sword's hilt, wrapped in a jet-black, leather-like fabric, drew attention. He slowly took the sword in his hand. The word "Agois" was inscribed on the blade in shiny gold letters. The sword, reflecting the sunlight, shone into Agois's eyes at that moment.
Crone, looking at his son holding the sword, felt a great pressure. His son exuded such a heroic, imposing feeling that it was almost a mystical scene. But this feeling passed after a moment. Looking at his young son's bright, sharp eyes, Crone was overcome with deep pride and joy.
Agois, looking at the sword in his hand, thought that the sword had a simple yet attractive aura and he really liked it. Its structure clearly indicated it was made of a sturdy alloy, and its appearance suited him perfectly. The disappointment he initially felt had vanished, replaced by great excitement and satisfaction. He loved his sword. His own name was inscribed on it in gold letters. He imagined the scene where he would become famous with his sword in the future and involuntarily began to smirk. However, he also estimated that the sword must be very expensive.
Hesitantly, he put the sword back in the box and looked at his father with embarrassment: "Dad, this gift must be very expensive. Our family doesn't need this. A regular sword would also do the job." He said this to relieve the pressure on his father. He liked the sword very much, but he also knew his family's situation.
Crone was touched looking at his thoughtful son. Turning to his son, he said, "Agois, do you know that your grandfather was also a warrior?" He continued: "When I wanted to become a warrior, he also gifted me a bronze sword. I loved that sword very much; I slept and woke up with my sword every night. Yes, it wasn't a good sword, and it broke in my first battle. But I still keep that broken sword; it has great meaning for me. I wish I could have used it throughout my entire period of fighting."
He was very emotional. Crone immediately composed himself and continued: "That's why I wanted to have this sword made for you. Yes, maybe it's not the best sword, but it won't break in your first battle, don't worry. I hope this sword will also be with you, fighting alongside you throughout the path you walk. I hope, Agois, your name will echo in the heavens with this sword. This sword, my son, is now your father's gift to you."
Agois's eyes reddened but he didn't cry. With excitement and determination, he said: "Don't worry, Dad, I will take good care of this sword, and I will make a glorious name for this sword in this world. The earth and sky will hear your name!"
Crone patted his son's shoulder, saying: "I am sure of it, my son! One day you will be the strongest, ha-ha-ha!" Crone truly wished to see those days…
Crone grew serious and turned to his son: "Son, the moment of fate has arrived for you. In one week, you will enter the Awakening Baptism. Whether you can become a Cultivator or not will be determined there. We are going to the capital in one week."
Hearing this, Agois was very excited. That moment which would determine his destiny and future had finally arrived. Along with the excitement, there was also apprehension: What if he had no talent? Could he cope with that then? Because he did not want to be an ordinary person and die as nothing. He wanted to see the beauty of this extraordinary world, he wanted a name, fame, glory; he wanted to reach the peak on the path of power. His ambitions were great. If his talent was not as great as his ambitions, would he accept his fate…
Agois immediately asked his father curiously: "Dad, what happens after the Awakening Baptism if I have talent?" He didn't know much about such things.
Hearing this, Crone became excited. "If he truly has talent…" he thought, the thought alone was exciting. He began to explain: "As far as I know, if someone has talent in the Awakening Baptism, powerful forces invite them. The greater the talent they have, the greater the forces they join. That means there will be representatives of certain powers there. Don't worry, if you have talent, one of them will take an interest in you."
Hearing this, Agois became even more excited. He would finally be able to make contact with immortal clans and sects. He had only recently heard of the Awakening Baptism and was curious. In this world, the baptism was administered at the age of 10 to see and measure talent.
Crone spoke again: "During this one week, you will spar with me to get used to your new power."
Crone seriously warned his son: "And remember! Never tell anyone about the state you entered while meditating after this, absolutely not!"
During this one week, Agois spent time fighting with his father and meditating, other than eating and drinking.
Today, the whole family had gathered at home. Agois and Crone had taken their backpacks. They had taken everything valuable in the house with them; the whole family was going to the capital.
Crone was planning to take his family out of this gloomy city. Even if Agois couldn't become a Cultivator, he planned to move them to a city close to the capital Aron.
After the family packed and organized everything, they said goodbye to their good friends. Agois would say goodbye to his good friend Lustin. Lustin's father was not planning to put his son through the Awakening Baptism; he neither believed he had talent nor could they afford it. Lustin was also a lazy person who had already accepted his fate and didn't have great ambitions. If he could reach the Copper Body Realm, that would even be a great event for his family.
Agois gave encouragement to his friend, but his words were sincere feelings from his heart: "Friend, I am leaving now. We won't see each other for a long time, but whether I become a Cultivator or not, I won't give up, I will always fight. You, too, Lustin, cannot give up no matter what! You must reach the Copper Body Realm and even surpass that realm, you must push the boundaries of the physical realm! Come on, friend, inscribe your name onto this realm."
Hearing this, Lustin's eyes welled up. Looking at his friend, he said: "I know, you will become a Cultivator. With your diligence, determination, and this ambition, you will make a name for yourself even in the Cultivator Realm, my friend. Just continue on your path. You will always be my friend, don't forget that. Take care of yourself," and he hugged Agois.
Agois hugged his friend too: "You will always be my friend too. So, stay alive, and the day we meet again will come."
Agois walked slowly and determinedly toward the carriage. After one last look at their old home and his friend, he got into the carriage. Ten years of his life had passed in this city. His only friend in this city was Lustin. Now he was leaving here. He felt emotional for a moment but immediately composed himself. As the family sat in the carriage, the coachman began driving the horse carriage. Their journey to Aron had begun. The carriage was slowly leaving the dilapidated houses of the city of Lenes. Inside the carriage, the family looked at this gloomy old city; each of them felt different emotions.
The streets were full of slaves, vagrants, and people struggling with hunger and thirst. The carriage had traveled far enough that these scenes were no longer visible. Finally, it had passed through Heven Street.
As Agois passed here, he involuntarily clenched his fists even tighter. He had not forgotten that incident, and he would not forget it until he got his revenge. But the time for revenge had not yet come. He had waited this long; he could wait a little longer. Everything could be handled after he became a Cultivator.
The carriage left the city of Lenes and entered the desert. The desert in this kingdom was not dangerous, provided enough provisions were brought. A week later, they saw a city with high walls in the distance. This city, surrounded by a forest, formed a beautiful contrast to the desert.
"During the journey, while his mother and sister slept, Agois silently began to meditate. The blue-violet pearl silently rotated in the depths of his mind.
'I reached the Iron Body Realm in just one month. Moreover, this happened with the ordinary meditation technique Crone gave me. This speed must be entirely due to the pearl,' he thought. There was no other explanation.
This pearl was his greatest trump card; if the Baptism revealed his secret power even if he lacked talent, everything could be ruined. All his dreams and his family's safety depended on the secret of a single pearl. Agois touched the hilt of his sword. Along with that sword, he would guard this pearl for the rest of his life."