45 Chapter 19.2: Elemental Affinities (1/2)

The time had finally come, to focus on my cultivation. Getting a feeling for it helped to understand the principle. Knowing what to expect I sat down on the ground, cleared my mind, and slowly controlled my breathing.

Before I knew it I arrived at the place within my soul.

The ocean well. I could see in the darkness,

Which is why I knew the place was different...

Instead of being engulfed by darkness, now the entire area was dimly lit enveloping the area with warm small flames. The well cleared of heat was now easy to access. Standing at the edge something drew me closer almost as if it was asking me to sit down and chat.

Doing so allowed me to calm down and take in the gentle weaving of the water. I concentrated at the center making the water rise as it expanded its sheer size. But this time... I was not afraid...

this time... It was almost like I was welcomed with open arms.

The water now reaching my feet didn't feel cold,

Instead, it was unexpectedly warm and gentle.

Something else happened when the water reached me. Coming into contact with it only made it expand more. The container was unable to hold as it slowly began to crack.

I had to do something about it,

even if it was done ever so slightly.

The pure essence began pressuring the container.

Trying to find a way to contain the expanding essence, my gut told me there was only one way.

I had to open expand the container by matching and synchronizing with my expanding essence.

I slightly opened my soul well allowing the essence to seep out, while immediately expanding my container.

This allowed me to maintain the expansion of my essence. I awakened as a stronger man.

Geo walked it to witness this phenomenon.

Essence bursting out of every fiber of my being, quickly subsiding into a calm yet stronger aura around me.

I opened my eyes to a surprised Geo in front of me.

”I see you have broken through the first stage of cultivation.

And just in time too! It seems the guild master has sent me to come and get you.

It appears our training will begin shortly. Come on, follow me to the central training grounds.”

Following Geo, to the training grounds, I noticed everyone stared at us.

”Geo, why is everyone staring at us? It's making me uncomfortable…”

”Ah, my friend! That's because everyone saw what transpired at the tournament.

Seeing us here must have made them all envious, not to mention everyone saw what happened to you too! They must be keeping their guard up by staying at a fixed distance.

But not me! No matter what everyone thinks or says about you I know you were the one who saved us during that time. I know we own our lives to you, that much is certain.”

Not knowing what to say I looked away and bashfully smiled,

scratching the back of my head not knowing what to expect I kept following Geo.

After a short while, we arrived at a large gate at the and of the corridor.

”we're here.”

Geo said as the door slowly began to open with heavy creaking sounds.

*Creeeeeaaakk* *Klang* *click* *Thud*

Fully opened I looked at what was waiting for us at the other side of the large gate.

I couldn't believe it, the sheer size of the area was captivating.

All around people were training. Alone, together and even in large groups.

It made me think of the training grounds of the Martial Novices.

Looking around everyone was heated up as they gave it their all just so they could gain the accumulated experience, like what we too were planning to do.

I followed Geo towards the large open area in the center of the training grounds.

Here a large group was being thought about what seemed like cultivation on a large scale.

Two people were watching over them silently. Arriving by their side Geo introduced us both.

Being as he is, he tried to approach the teachers silently. Even trying his hardest this wasn't possible as Geo was born with a naturally loud voice. Which meant he would be perfect for broadcasting, instead… here stealth was of the essence making it extremely difficult for him to do silent observation.

”We have arrived, guild master! Let me introduce you to the one who saved us all during the tournament. Michael Shadowfang!”

The guild master turned to us and bowed down to greet us in a Japanese fashion.

Before the guild master could answer one of the pupils stood up and snarled at Geo.

”Can't you see we are trying to cultivate in peace here? None of us disturbed your cultivation didn't they?!”

The guild master held his pupil back wanting to prevent the ruckus to escalate.

”Now now… young one… Please calm down, these two are new and will be training with us all shortly. They weren't aware of the rules yet so I'll let it slide this one time.”

”Whoops, sorry about that. You see I was born with this manly loud voice…

I can't do much about it, but I'll promise to try and keep it in check.”

Oh… it must be hard for you… sorry for lashing out like that… I'm Rika by the way. Since we all be training together from now on we better get to know each other, right? I'd better get back to my cultivation.”

The guild master and pupil quickly turning to us with a smile as the pupil bowed down and took her to leave.

”Don't mind her, she has always had a bit of a hotheaded personality.