Dahlia and Arden stood in front of the three junior disciples inside a quiet training room.
Dahlia crossed her arms and grinned.
"Alright, you three. Now that you've learned… maybe half of the body, we can finally start real cultivation."
Valtor straightened up. "Finally."
Seira exhaled calmly. "About time."
Mersha held her notebook tightly. "I'm… ready."
Arden stepped forward with a small smile. "Before we continue, I need to ask, are all three of you first realm?"
Valtor nodded. "Peak first realm. I almost formed my mana core before coming here."
Seira tilted her head. "Same."
Mersha raised her hand shyly. "I was supposed to form mine next month."
Arden suddenly held up both his hands. "Stop. All of you. Don't form your mana core."
The three froze.
Valtor frowned. "Why not? Isn't forming a mana core the next step?"
Seira's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you saying it's wrong?"
Mersha blinked. "Um… is something wrong?"
