Xianzhou Continent - Year 2990 of Cycle of Qi (CQ)
At the tender age of three, Silak had already achieved the initial mastery described in the Titan's Ossuary bone enhancement technique.
"The scroll stated that upon reaching this stage, fracture-like marks would web my bones, their color a distinct bronze." Silak mused, his eyes closed as his consciousness traced the intricate structure within his small body.
He was still too young to initially activate his inner sight, a skill that finally bloomed just days ago on his third birthday. Without that ability to assess his bone condition, they hadn't been able to confirm his progress to the next stage.
A flicker of surprise, then a wide smile stretched across Silak's face. "My efforts have truly borne fruit," he whispered. Hehe, I almost believed all that focused effort had been for naught.
His bones weren't the stark white the scroll described for initial mastery. Instead, they shimmered with a distinct bronze hue. He had surpassed the initial stage and reached the Bronze Stage!
Bronze, silver, gold... The Titan's Ossuary scroll's mention of these advancements echoed in his mind as his eyelids fluttered open.
Excitement bubbled in his chest. Without delay, Silak's small feet padded quickly down the stairs, eager to share the momentous news with his parents. It was time to begin the next phase: Tendons Strengthening!
He found his mother in the kitchen, the scent of their morning meal already filling the air. "Mother, did Father go hunting?" Silak inquired, his gaze sweeping the room. He barely reached his mother's waist, his dark hair brushing his shoulders.
"How was your rest, little one? Yes, your father left early for a hunt but should return soon," Iskra replied, turning to greet her son with a warm smile as she continued preparing their food. "Is there something you need?"
"Well," Silak began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "since Father isn't here, let me share the good news with you first. We can finally start the tendons strengthening stage of my cultivation!" He announced proudly, puffing out his small chest.
"You've already achieved initial mastery?" Iskra asked, her brow furrowing slightly in curiosity. Wasn't a year a remarkably short time to reach even the initial stage? she wondered. "Come, sit down, and let me take a look."
They settled onto chairs at the small kitchen table. Iskra reached out, gently taking both of Silak's forearms in her hands. "Alright, just relax while I take a look, okay?" she said softly before closing her eyes, her consciousness reaching out.
"Okay," Silak replied, his anticipation building. Hehe, I can't wait to see Mother's surprised face when she realizes I've reached the bronze stage.
Her consciousness delicately probed his bone structure, examining each part from his forearms to his ribs and beyond. Suddenly, her grip tightened, a tremor running through her hands as shock rippled through her. Silak hadn't just reached initial mastery; he was already at the bronze stage!
After a moment, ensuring she wasn't mistaken, Iskra opened her eyes. Surprise was etched on her face as her son beamed back at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Iskra sighed, a fond smile replacing her shock. "No wonder you were so eager. Your surprise certainly worked, Silak. I had to check three times to believe what I was seeing."
"Hehe. I was actually quite surprised myself when I realized my consciousness had become strong enough to perceive my internal state," Silak giggled, recounting his discovery.
"Well, this means we can indeed move on to tendons strengthening. But we won't say a word to your father. I want to see the same look of astonishment on his face that I just had," Iskra said conspiratorially, winking at her son as they plotted their shared surprise for Rajah Bayani.
"Hahaha! I can't wait for Father to come home!" Silak exclaimed, his laughter echoing in the cozy kitchen as their plan solidified.
True to their expectations, Rajah Bayani mirrored Iskra's astonishment upon discovering his son's rapid progress to the bronze stage after barely a year of cultivation. Once their laughter subsided after enjoying his bewildered expression, they sat down to eat, the conversation turning to the next phase of Silak's training: tendons strengthening.
Rajah Bayani began, "We'll start your tendons strengthening today since you've already surpassed the minimum requirement for your bones. Remember that your bones provide the fundamental support for your physical strength. Your tendons, on the other hand, will grant you explosive power, flexibility, and incredible speed."
Iskra then added, "We've already selected a cultivation technique for your tendons," as she handed a new scroll to Silak.
Silak's eyes widened with excitement as he eagerly reached for the scroll. "Thank you, Mother, Father! I'll study this first, and then we can begin later today," he said, turning and dashing outside, determined to find a quiet spot to delve into the new knowledge.
Unaware of the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the people of Tala ng Gubat continued their peaceful existence. Around the vast forest, however, unseen developments were taking place, the various tribes quietly stirring.
Grrr… Rooarr!