One week later
After spending an entire year in his personal realm, Akasha, finds himself making his final preparations before setting off for the Academy of Kalpa. During this Akasha has made tremendous progress. Other than speed running dungeons, he took this opportunity to get more information about further realms from Luna.
Currently sitting the endless expanse of white, Akasha, is sitting crossed legged with his eyes closed. With flowing black and silver hair, wearing black sweatpants, shirtless, Akasha looked like a carved deity. If one were to look closer, you can see his brows furrow from time-to-time. It was if he studied all night for some kind of test and on the day of the test you simply forget everything. And this was precisely the problem he was dealing with.
Over the course of this year in his personal dimension, Akasha, came to learn a few things about the power progression. After spending the first 4 months grinding dungeons endlessly, he finally reached the peak of Rank S. Absurd right? It took him only 4 months to go from a 'normal' mortal to the peak of the mortal realms.
Normally in the world of Kalpa, people are allowed to awaken at the age the age of 15. The standard time, usually for one to go from 'mortal' to the peak of the 'Mortal Realms" is 5-6 years. In other words, Akasha, he was able to catch up to his peers in a mere 4 months. After reaching the peak of S rank he needed to know which step to take next and this where the problem came in.
6 months ago, inside of his personal dungeon.
After absolutely dismantled what looked to be a winged tiger, He approached Luna, who, like always was sitting on top of a tree branch, while watching Akasha, like he was her favorite tv series. Other than grinding dungeons, the relationship between the two had also improved. Unable to keep up his usual nonchalance with Luna, he slowly began to develop special feelings for the peerless beauty. Although, they can't be considered lovers, Luna is literally the only friend he has ever had. As he made his way to the tree luna was sitting on, he sat cross legged at the base of the tree, while he spoke to Luna with a sly grin on his face.
"Heh, so I assume you were enjoying the show, right?"
[Of course, dear~ Fufufu watching you battle is like watching anime in 4k. How can I not enjoy it?] She spoke in her usual teasing manner. Honestly though she loved the fact that Akasha was determined to become stronger. 'The thing I'm most impressed about is not your leveling speed though.... the determination you carry is absolutely mind boggling. You, a being, with so many things at your disposal yet, you're grinding endlessly.... I LOVE IT!!!' She thought silently while her heart fluttered a bit just from the thought of Akasha's recent feats.
"Haha, well, as long as you enjoy, love~" He spoke back in a flirty manner before continuing with what was really on his mind.
"So, Luna, now that I am the peak of S rank. What comes next?" This was the only question that was bugging him the most right now. He reached the same level as his peers in just 4 months. At this rate who knows how strong he would be after this year of training is up.
'Hmm, if I remember correctly then I think the Golden Core realm is after S rank.' As he thought this, he couldn't help but smile a bit in anticipation. Increasing his rank was his favorite time of training. Just the overwhelming feeling of energy filling his entire body felt, HEAVENLY!
Hearing the question Luna disappeared from the tree branch and appeared sitting right in Akasha's lap! Normally this would cause Akasha to feel a bit weird, but he has now gotten used to it. The first time this happened Akasha started freaking out, say things like "LUNA!!! WTF ARE YOU DOING?!". I mean who could blame him? In his entire 21 years of living during the illusion, let alone having friends, he could count on one hand the amount of people who actually came into physical contact with him. His reaction was totally justified especially when the person touching you looks like a FREAKING GODDESS!
[Well dear, next is the Golden Core realm. This is the first real step on the road of power. If before grinding dungeons was needed to rank up, then this realm is the start of something totally different. To breakthrough to the next rank, you must begin the formation of your core. To form your core, you must mold your affinities into a core. From now on each major realm will be divided between Early, Middle, Late, and Peak.]
'Hmmm, sounds easy enough to get done. Since I have Fire, Space, and Time affinities then I just have mold them into a core, huh?' Akasha thought to himself as he was listening to all the information Luna was giving him.
[Your core will begin to form in the center of your body. At the early stage you will be needed to form your initial core. After the initial core is formed, you must then continue to nurture you until all affinities are fused with your core. At this point you will reach the peak of the Golden Core realm.]
"Haaa..." After receiving this info dump Akasha slowly exhaled before closing his eyes. At this point he was trying to connect to the energy in the air so he could begin to feel his different affinities.
Fire, Space, and Time elements all rushed toward Akasha in droves. Feeling the surging elements, Akasha slowly gained control of them and begin to form his core.
Now, one might be wondering about the fundamental difference about the mortal realms and the realms that come afterward. Let's start with the Golden Core realm, as you know, in this realm you will form your core. This core is the reason this realm is the first step to real power.
In the 'Mortal Realms' cultivators are just bonafied superhumans. After cultivators become awaken, the affinites they have, are only the elements that's already in the atmosphere. Meaning, if someone were to awaken an affinity for water, then this user will be able to absorb water elements. This is the reason you may find some cultivators at a disadvantage when fighting in an environment opposite of their affinity.
In the 'Golden Core' realm the forming of a core allows a person to store those elements. After storing your elements and eventually fusing it into your core, you will always have access to that element, provided you have Mana or Qi. Next, is your talent, this realm is the first realm where one's talent can truly shine. Starting in this realm comprehension is key and your talent is a key for that.
*Ding*
[Congratulations on leveling up! Early-Stage Golden Core Realm.]
*Ding*
[+1 Gacha roll]
At the sound of his system Akasha, open his again only to see, Luna, the peerless beauty, still in his lap, looking at him with a smile full of... love?
[Congrats Dear~] She said as she was truly excited, he was able to progress so fast. After she said those words, she froze because....
*mwah*
Yes, a kiss!!!
After ranking up Akasha was in a lovely mood and seeing such a beauty in his lap with a smile full of love? He couldn't resist and gave Luna a quick kiss on her cheek!
"Thank you, love~" he said to her before checking his status
'Status!'