**Chapter 15: The Golden Path**
The first light of dawn spilled through the window, painting the dormitory walls in pale gold. Ethan sat cross-legged on his bed, his breathing slow and measured. The knight cultivation manual lay open beside him, its pages filled with intricate diagrams of energy circulation.
The System's interface glowed softly in his vision:
**[Knight Cultivation Progress: Squire Level 1]**
**[Qi Circulation: 87% Efficiency]**
**[Vessel Stability: 68% (+3% Overnight)]**
Ethan inhaled deeply, drawing in the faint golden Qi that shimmered in the morning air. It flowed through his meridians, reinforcing muscle and bone, tempering his body like steel in a forge. With each cycle, the golden veins beneath his skin pulsed faintly before fading.
He exhaled, watching as his breath swirled with residual energy.
*"Progress."*
---
### **The Cafeteria Challenge**
The academy cafeteria buzzed with its usual morning chaos. Students clustered around tables, their voices blending into a steady hum. The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced tea filled the air.
Ethan moved through the crowd, his tray laden with simple fare—steel-cut oats, honeyed nuts, and a mug of bitter black tea.
He had barely taken his seat when three third-years blocked his path.
"Gale." The leader, a broad-shouldered youth with a jagged scar across his cheek, smirked down at him. "Heard you're training as a knight now. How about a friendly duel? No magic. Just steel."
Ethan didn't look up from his meal. "No."
The third-year's grin faltered. "What, scared?"
Ethan took a deliberate sip of tea. "I don't waste time on pointless fights."
A murmur rippled through the nearby tables. The third-year's face darkened, but before he could retort, Professor Kaelthorne's voice cut through the noise.
"Enough. Classes begin in twenty minutes."
With a final glare, the group dispersed.
Ethan finished his meal in silence.
---
### **History of the Worlds**
The lecture hall was dim, its high windows filtering the morning light into soft beams that illuminated swirling dust motes. Professor Thalric, a wizened scholar with a beard that reached his waist, stood before a massive floating orb that displayed a shifting map of the known realms.
"Today," he intoned, "we discuss the **Division of Worlds**."
The orb fractured into three distinct layers:
1. **The Mortal Realm** – Where they now stood, a plane of physical laws and limited magic.
2. **The Spirit Realm** – Home to ancient beasts and ethereal beings, accessible only through rare portals.
3. **The Void Between** – A chaotic expanse where time and space frayed, said to contain remnants of dead worlds.
Ethan's gaze sharpened as the professor continued.
"Legends speak of cultivators who pierced the veil between realms," Thalric said, stroking his beard. "The strongest among them could summon spirit beasts as familiars or even **ascend** to higher planes."
A student raised their hand. "Has anyone ever done it?"
Thalric's eyes gleamed. "The **Celestial Vanguard** supposedly could. But their techniques are lost to time."
---
After class, Ethan returned to his dorm. The System's latest analysis awaited him:
**[Dual Cultivation Synchronization: 18%]**
**[Physical Reinforcement: +25% Since Knight Training Began]**
**[Mana Core Stability: Improved]**
He opened the alchemy manual, flipping to the section on **Qi-Infused Elixirs**. If he could brew a potion to accelerate his body's adaptation to dual cultivation...
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
Professor Dain stood at the door, his scarred arms crossed. "Dawn tomorrow. **Armor drills**." He eyed the alchemy book. "Don't blow yourself up before then."
Ethan nodded. The professor left without another word.
Outside, the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the academy towers in fiery hues. Somewhere in the city, the Veynes plotted. The Headmaster schemed.