The Lionheart Palace and the Path of Cultivation
Victor strode along the grand hallway of Lionheart Palace, his raven-black locks sweeping against his shoulders, violet-colored eyes reflecting the glint of light that flooded onto the gleaming marble.
Each step resounded softly against the gilded passage. White and gold paint covered the soaring walls, every corner topped by tender engravings. Light streamed through tall windows, crashing against the chandeliers suspended above like drops of crystal flame. Battles, kings, and peaceful landscapes hung in measured spaces, infusing each inch of stone with history.
He strolled slowly, enjoying it—every detail, every moment. After all, he had been raised an orphan in another realm; establishments such as these were once only distant dreams.
Maids swept elegantly down the corridor, their heads rising when he came by. They smiled warmly, curtsying in unison.
"Good morning, my Prince."
Victor's lips curled into a small smile. He nodded slightly in acceptance, his feet never wavering. Guardsmen lined every corner, clad in shining silver armor, halberds glinting. They all stood straighter and bowed with fists to their chest as he moved by.
The respect, the air, the reverent silence—it awakened something inside him. He was amazed, not only at the opulence, but at the life he now lived.
Lastly, having navigated through the gilded corridors, he came to the grand entrance of his parents' room.
The door was larger than his own, made from ancient wood supported by ribbons of gold. Faint, shimmering sacred runes covered its face, braided together in motifs of lions and crowns. The very aura of power it emitted was more dense than that which his room could possibly muster.
Victor hesitated, smoothing out his white robe. He straightened, coughed, and raised his hand. With a calm cough, he knocked, voice steady but respectful.
"Father. Mother. It's me—Victor."
For one heartbeat, there was silence. Then, instead of his parents' voices, a little voice chirped playfully from inside—followed by the creaking of the door opening.
"Brother!"
The gates swung open, and there stood—Ania. Her purple locks danced around her pixie face, her violet eyes opened wide with happiness. She ran to him before he could say a word, holding her arms close around him.
Victor blinked, surprised for a mere second, then relaxed his façade. His arms went around her in a soft hold, his lips flexing into a rare smile.
"Morning, my little sister."
Ania laughed against his chest, her laughter pure and light, before she pulled back, grinning. "Morning, Brother!"
A voice from within called out.
"Victor, come inside."
He nodded and stepped in with Ania at his side.
The room ran long and broad, sunlight pouring in from high arched windows. A heavily carved table occupied the center, set with fruit, warm pastry, and tiny plates of delights. Cushioned couches bracketed it, positioned for comfort and warmth over formality.
His parents were already seated—Ben, stately in demeanor, black locks tumbling down his shoulders, blue eyes serene yet authoritative. By his side, Anna, her loveliness shining and soft, her purple eyes glinting with maternal pleasure.
Victor stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Morning, Mother. Morning, Father."
Ben's stern face broke into a smile. "Morning, my son."
Anna's voice came next, sweet and warm. "Good morning, Victor."
He straightened, and Anna indicated the couch facing them. "Come, sit."
Victor complied, sinking into the plush cushions. Ania gladly pulled on his sleeve, sitting beside him and leaning in, still holding fast as if she didn't want to release him. He laughed softly at her heat, a sound that made Anna's lips twitch even more.
Ben's eyes rested on his son, serious but proud. "Victor. If you recall what I said last night during dinner, then you should already know—today begins your cultivation. And with that, I will bestow a gift upon you."
Victor nodded. "I remember, Father. But what is the gift?"
Ben's eyes sparkled. "Patience. You'll understand when we arrive at the cultivation chamber."
Victor nodded, excitement pumping into his chest. He had heard the name, but now he would finally enter into it himself. A room where spirit energy and mana were attracted in endless folds more powerful than any other place. A place that could transform years of labor into mere months.
But his interest didn't end there. He slanted forward a little. "Father… before that, can you tell me—what are the realms of cultivation exactly?"
Ben smiled weakly, happy with the question. He laced his hands over his knee, his deep voice steady.
"Then listen well, my son. The journey starts here—"
And he started.
???? Level 1 – Foundation Realm
Mana: Meridian Refinement – opening and clearing the twelve major meridians for energy flow.
Body: Copper Body – fundamental muscular strengthening and stamina.
Soul: Spark Soul – initial spark of spiritual consciousness.
Theme: Emergence. A step on the way sooner than usual.
Breakthrough: Complete circulation through every meridian; initial pulse of soul energy sensed in meditation.
???? Level 2 – Stabilization Realm
Mana: Core Condensation – creation of the initial firm energy core.
Body: Bronze Frame – compact musculature and reinforced bones.
Soul: Nodal Soul – steadfast spirit that can repel illusions and emotional attacks.
Theme: Discipline. The practitioner starts to manifest distinctive battle abilities.
Breakthrough: Energy core maintains flow while the soul stays cool under pressure.
???? Level 3 – Tempering Realm
Mana: Spiral Core – spinning inner mana that accumulates power and density.
Body: Iron Veins – body adjusts to explosive motion and collisions.
Soul: Resonant Soul – soul starts echoing visions of the past or future.
Theme: Equilibrium. Twin mastery of physical and inner power becomes evident.
Breakthrough: Gain optimal core spin in harmony with the voice of the soul.
???? Level 4 – Evolution Realm
Mana: Flesh Infusion – mana becomes embodied in tissues, bones, and blood.
Body: Silver Flow – superior agility, beast-level speed, reflex perfection.
Soul: Ascending Soul – acquires pressure projection, protection from mental intrusion.
Theme: Mutation. Mortal constraints start disintegrating.
Breakthrough: Synchronization of entire body without compromising soul integrity.
Victor heard with unbroken attention, eyes shining with the selflessness of one who once had nothing. He recited softly, almost in awe, "Foundation… Stabilization… Tempering… Evolution…"
Anna smiled warmly. "Well done, Son. You remembered it all."
Ben nodded in agreement. "That's correct. And you should also be aware of this—each world consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Mastery. A genuine cultivator never underestimates the jump between them."
Victor leaned back, slowly nodding his head. "I comprehend, Father."
Anna cocked her head, speaking softly but with a playful undertone. "By the way, Victor… do you know who was the first to cultivate, me or your father?
Victor blinked, taken aback. He looked back and forth between them, his expression one of genuine confusion. "Eh…?"
Anna and Ben shared a knowing glance, their faces nearly mischievous in their solidarity.
Victor's eyes narrowed at them, lips fighting to break into the first part of a smile. "…You two are up to something again, aren't you?"
Their laughter rang out across the chamber, bright and sunny, and Victor—though frustrated—could not suppress the growing smile from breaking full release.
To him, such moments were precious jewels. Family. Heat. Ties that could not be quantified in terms of realms or power.
And yet, this was merely the start.