Minutes slipped by in silence before he finally reopened his eyes, a complete internal assessment forming with striking clarity. 'My physical body has undergone a complete metamorphosis. The changes are extreme. Previously I couldn't precisely quantify how vast the gap was between my previous base stats and those of a typical 1st layer Spiritual Foundation Realm cultivator, but now…'
'I know!' he thought, clenching his fist tightly enough to produce a small popping sound. A grim realization settled over him. 'Without my Vitalis enhancements, a single punch from a 1st layer Spiritual Foundation Realm cultivator could have easily reduced me to a bloody mist!'
Despite the overwhelming improvements to his physique, Mikael quickly recognized that the transformation of his body wasn't the main purpose of this breakthrough. No — the true focus lay elsewhere.
'The primary objective was undoubtedly the acquisition of Qi and the integration of my Cultivation Aptitude with my talents,' he reflected, shifting his attention toward his dantian. With a focused will, he guided the slender trickle of liquid-like Qi swirling within it, feeling its smooth flow and potent density.
After a few moments of experimentation, Mikael let the Qi settle once more, reaching a conclusion. 'This breakthrough was unique. It attuned me directly to the Akashic Records Universe's power system. The other minor breakthroughs I'll undergo within the Spiritual Foundation Realm will undoubtedly differ from this one.'
'Still, this breakthrough had a clear "focus", and I suppose the subsequent ones in the Spiritual Foundation Realm will each have a similar one as well. The first and most significant focus was undoubtedly on the Qi itself, which experienced the greatest growth, starting from absolutely nothing and developing into a fairly substantial amount. Afterward, the next aspect that received a considerable boost was my physical body, which underwent the "baptism" of my newly-formed Qi, tempering and refining it.'
'Following the transformation of my body, the two other aspects that received a smaller, yet still noticeable, enhancement were my mind and my soul. Both were tempered by the Qi as well, although the effects were much less pronounced, which is logical. After all, within the Spiritual Foundation Realm, the primary focus lies first and foremost on Qi, then on the physical body, with the mind and soul trailing afterward. Based on what I know about the progression within this Realm, during my next minor breakthrough, a similar pattern should likely occur!'
Mikael stood up and began practicing some light shadow boxing to test the changes more actively. 'Yeah, and I shouldn't forget about my talents either. I can feel them acting even at this very moment. My body has become far more responsive, my movements more fluid, my mind sharper, and my thoughts faster, clearer, smarter. Numerous other subtle benefits are also present, all merging together.'
'My "comprehension", as it's referred to in the Akashic Records Universe, has also skyrocketed. I can feel problems that previously left me stuck becoming clearer by the second. For example, the limitations of my Weighless Wind-Explosive Style and my Elemental Sword Style, which had both stagnated at the Legendary rarity. No matter how much I had trained before, I wasn't able to break past that bottleneck and push them into Mythical rarity.'
'I had hit a wall, so to speak, but now I can feel it distinctly—if I invest some time into training them properly, both styles could become significantly stronger. Reaching Mythical rarity is no longer a distant dream; it's an achievable goal!'
A small, satisfied smile spread across his lips before an unwelcome thought struck him, wiping the smile clean from his face.
'...Of course, all of this would only be possible if I still had these skills and the ability to tier them up. But that's no longer possible, as I don't have any skills anymore. Honestly, it's a major blow to my immediate battle power.'
'Sure, I can still use skills like Weighless Wind-Explosive Style because I created them myself and understand them intimately, but more "esoteric" skills like Supernatural 6th Sense are simply unusable now. Even for techniques that I personally designed, like Weighless Wind-Explosive Style, their effectiveness has been reduced, since they no longer receive the boost of the Records. Consequently, my overall battle strength has taken a significant hit!'
'However, due to my breakthrough to the Spiritual Foundation Realm, which dramatically boosted my "base stats", I am still, overall, a little stronger than before. It's a pity that I lost access to my old skills, because if I hadn't, I wouldn't just be "a little stronger"—I would have experienced a massive leap forward. Still, it is what it is. I traded away short-term battle power for long-term growth, a sacrifice that is absolutely worth it.'
He stretched his arms and shoulders a little, but a deep frown remained etched across his face. 'But ultimately, this doesn't really matter. I had already anticipated this outcome ahead of time, so while it's unpleasant, it's not particularly surprising.'
His gaze wandered aimlessly across the room as his thoughts continued to swirl. 'What's more surprising—and not in a good way—is that none of my five energies changed after my breakthrough into the Spiritual Foundation Realm!'
At first glance, it didn't seem like a major issue, but the more Mikael thought about it, the more unsettling the implications became. 'It might not look problematic immediately, but if I take the time to think it through carefully, the consequences really aren't good. It means that as I continue advancing through the cultivation realms, my current five energies, having already reached their limits, won't be able to grow any further. They'll gradually become more and more obsolete until they eventually turn completely useless.'
"This is really not good," he murmured to himself, his voice barely louder than a whisper, as his mind kept circling around the troubling thought. 'Maybe I'm overthinking it. After all, it wouldn't make much sense for the Book of Carefree Immortal to put such heavy emphasis on increasing battle power to obtain the best Cultivation Aptitude... only for the energies that contributed significantly to that battle power to become useless right after a breakthrough.'
A small flicker of hope surfaced within him as he considered the alternative. 'There should be some way to enhance them further through cultivation or something similar. At least, I hope so. Otherwise, it would mean their only real purpose was to boost my strength temporarily in order to help me achieve a higher Cultivation Aptitude... and that would be extremely disappointing at least to me it would be.'
Though Mikael couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him, he made the decision to set the matter aside for the time being. There were too many unknowns and too little reliable information to work with. His knowledge of the Akashic Records Universe and cultivation was still limited, basic at best.
'I'll shelve the issue for now. Once I join a sect and gain access to deeper knowledge, I should be able to find the answers I need.'
Trying to shift his focus away from the worrying discovery, Mikael turned his attention to a more pleasant realization. 'There was an unpleasant surprise, sure, but there was also a good one. As the talents integrated themselves into me—truly becoming a part of me instead of simply being passive abilities—I also grew stronger.'
The feeling was subtle but undeniable, a newfound sturdiness that ran through his body and spirit.
'It's not like I suddenly became ten times stronger or anything ridiculous, but the boost is there, and it's noticeable. Normally, from what I know, talents serve to increase someone's potential in different ways—accelerating learning speed, enhancing comprehension, improving reaction time, that sort of thing.'
He clenched his fist experimentally, feeling the slight but distinct improvement.
'But I never read anywhere that talents could directly increase battle power. It wasn't something I had expected at all, so it's a very welcome bonus. Thanks to this, I'm not just a little stronger than before my breakthrough into the Spiritual Foundation Realm... I should be about one or two layers stronger across every category.'
A faint, satisfied grin crossed his face as he reflected on that unexpected gain.
'Anyway, I've introspected long enough. It's time to finally check what this system transformation is about.'
"Status Window," he mentally declared without hesitation.
[Name: Mikael Angelini | Race: Human (Akashic Records Universe Variation) | Lifespan: 25/200 → 25/300 | Military Rank: Corporal (Rank 3) | MP: 2,000/10,000
Cultivation Realm: Spiritual Foundation Realm - 1st Layer
Special Energy:
- Aura (Dirarnia World): SSS+ 50K/50K
- Mana (Dirarnia World): SSS+ 50K/50K
- Mental Force (Myrrakar World): Perfection Realm
- Vitalis (Zarvital World): Perfect Human Realm
- Anima (Eidorym World): Ascendant Realm
Cultivation Aptitude: Prodigious Cultivation Aptitude Level 5
Traits:
- Self-Sustenance
- Partial Body Control
Talents:
Unique Type Talents:
- Prodigious Evolution Talent Level 3
Rare Type Talents:
- Prodigious Spiritual Wisdom Talent Level 3
- Prodigious Cognitive Prowess Talent Level 3
- Prodigious Tactical Genius Talent Level 3
- Prodigious Close Quarters Combat Talent Level 1
- Prodigious Adaptive Combat Talent Level 1
- Prodigious Vital Vessel Talent Level 1
- Prodigious Fluid Motion Talent Level 1
- Silent Predator Talent Level 5
- Energy Mastery Talent Level 5
- Arcane Elementalism Talent Level 5
- Forging Talent Level 5
- Runic Arts Talent Level 5
Common Type Talents:
- Prodigious Sword Talent Level 3
- Energy Efficiency Talent Level 5
- Alchemy Talent Level 5
Cultivation Technique:
Main Cultivation Method(s): (Empty)
Offensive Cultivation Technique: (Empty)
Movement Cultivation Technique: (Empty)
Defensive Cultivation Technique: (Empty)
Auxiliary Cultivation Technique: (Empty)
Life Points (LP): 545 800 | Akashic Credits (AC): 0]
'Interesting,' he thought, but chose not to comment on the new Status Window. Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward the chamber's exit.
"Hmm?" He halted mid-step as a glint caught his eye—a faint reflection on a polished section of the wall.
Only then did he realize his disguise had vanished. Likely undone during his breakthrough into the Spiritual Foundation Realm. With the complete transformation of his body, the effects of the disguise pill had dissipated entirely.
Still, it no longer mattered. Within the protective boundaries of an Evolution Center—a place considered neutral ground—concealment was unnecessary. He didn't bother taking another pill and simply exited the chamber.
"Mikael."
A soft, familiar voice reached his ears. Instinctively, he turned toward its source.
There, seated elegantly on a throne-like chair, was Amelia in her true form. Beside her, occupying equally ornate seats, sat three cultivators whose presence radiated strength and status.
To the far left lounged a handsome man who appeared in his thirties. His gaze was sharp, his presence honed like the edge of a blade. A refined sword rested at his side, and he was robed in the distinctive black with hints of silver garments of the Wandering Sword Sect.
At the center sat a middle-aged man exuding an oppressive, fiery pressure. His crimson robes, embroidered with golden flames, marked him as a member of the Flame Sovereign Sect.
On the right sat a breathtaking woman with a cold, expressionless face. Her beauty was ethereal, her aura frigid and composed. Draped in the icy blue robes of the Frozen Serenity Sect, she radiated a stillness that could silence storms.
All three cultivators stared at Mikael, their expressions shifting the moment he stepped through the threshold. Even the aloof demeanor of the Frozen Serenity Sect woman cracked for a heartbeat.
The fiery cultivator muttered, his tone low but audible to the nearby elites:
"Prodigious Cultivation Aptitude Level 5… And the young miss Amelia Mounrsky holds a Level 4. Both would be invaluable additions to our sects. If the remaining two young ladies have similar potential... even better."
As his voice trailed off, his gaze locked onto Mikael with burning intensity. The two other cultivators from the Overlord Sects were no different—their eyes reflected the same calculating hunger.
'How did they find out?' Mikael wondered, glancing over his shoulder.
The answer was immediate. Above the chamber entrance, a glowing panel displayed in ornate script: Mikael Angelini – Prodigious Cultivation Aptitude Level 5.
Of course with a panel of this size and the results bein showcased in the entire building the one who were attracted weren't only from the Three Overlords Sects as numerous other peoples waiting in line saw the results instantly discussion exploded.
"Monster!"
"I'm too jealous with a Cultivation Aptitude like that he will definitely soar. Even receiving a good position in one of the Three Overlords Sect isn't impossible!"
Author Note:
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