CHAPTER 24: THE THREE PATHWAYS

"I don’t want to meet anyone."

Aegon really didn’t want anyone to know that he invented all those things. It wasn’t like he wanted to be low-key like those protagonists who always hide their strength.

The reason he wanted to keep a low profile was because he wanted to explore the world, and it would be annoying to have everyone recognize him everywhere he went.

’Wait! That’s exactly what being low-key is. I’m dumb! As for being recognized, that’s easily solved with a mask or something.’

"You don’t need to," Xiu said with a smile. "Anyways, since we’re going to the Awakening after this, let’s revise your knowledge. I know you have a good memory, but I want to check if I’ve forgotten to tell you something. Awakening is a very important stage, so we shouldn’t be careless about it."

Aegon nodded slightly and began explaining everything he had learned since he turned three years old.

"There are three Pathways of power. First is Body, which is the most used pathway on our continent. It includes using the Body’s Essence, like Blood Essence, to cultivate strength and make the body more powerful. It is basically to refine ourselves with our own essence."

He clenched his fists and continued.

"Everything has Essence in this world. It just depends on whether we can use it or not. It’s just that the body’s essence is the easiest to use since it’s ours, so even those who have no talent can use Body Cultivation as long as they have enough Willpower."

"What does Willpower do in this?" Xiu asked.

"Body Cultivation involves torturous training methods, so one needs great Willpower to endure all of that in order to succeed," Aegon answered calmly.

"Good! What is the ranking system for it?" Xiu asked again.

"There are a total of Nine Ranks for Body Cultivation, and for easier understanding, it’s simply named in numbers. From Rank 1 to Rank 9. In the initial Ranks, one strengthens various parts of the body like tendons, muscles, skin, bones, and so on. Then, they can even use it to coat weapons and fight even more ferociously. In the later stages, they can summon their Essence outside of the body and perform techniques matching those powerful Spells."

"Indeed. They are physically strong and can even tank spells if they’re not too powerful. Although it’s a path that’s looked down on compared to others because of how common it is, it has its own advantages." Xiu smiled in satisfaction. "Continue with the next pathway."

Aegon considered his words for a moment before speaking.

"The next pathway is Mana Cultivation, or simply Magic. This one covers many things, so it’s hard to define it in simple words. Hmm, if I have to say, then it’s using the world’s essence to project our desires into the world. But there are many factors that play a part in this."

"Such as?"

"First is Talent. If one doesn’t awaken their Mana Core and Magic Circuit during their awakening, they cannot become a Mage. Then, there are also Affinities to different Aspects of Reality, like simple elements such as ice and fire or strange concepts like cutting or even breathing. All of these play a role in deciding how strong a Mage is."

Xiu looked proudly at her nephew and said, "You explained it well. I agree it’s confusing, but you understand it, and that’s all that matters. Magic is bizarre and the most complicated of all three pathways, which is why it’s said that even if you have talent, it’s not certain you can become a Mage. Explain how it’s ranked."

"Ranking is actually easier in Mana Cultivation since it involves seeing how many Essence Stars one has formed in their Mana Core. That’s how it goes from 1-Star to 9-Star depending on the number of Essence Stars."

"Yup, but remember that it isn’t everything. A Mage’s power depends on their knowledge and the Rank of the highest Spell they can cast." Xiu raised her hand as warm water slipped beneath her fair arm. "Alright, explain about the last one."

"The last one is Soul Cultivation," Aegon replied, as he also played with the warm water. "It’s the most confusing pathway because it’s hard to explain its working to someone who doesn’t follow that path. I only know that it involves the Soul, and one can only walk on this pathway when they awaken their Soul Sea."

"What is the Soul Sea?"

"I’m not too familiar with it because there were only a few books on it in the Library. I only know that it’s an ethereal inner space inside us, and it’s the origin of our Spiritual aspects like memories, consciousness and willpower."

He paused for a moment before adding.

"Unlike with Mana Cultivation, one can awaken their Soul Sea if they encounter some good opportunities. But the best situation is still to awaken the Soul Sea during the Awakening. I’m not sure how it’s cultivated, but I know it’s tough to advance in Soul Cultivation, and it’s ranked with Steps like One Step, Two Step, and so on. As for its highest rank, I don’t know about that."

"My baby boy is so smart!" Xiu pinched his cheeks, earning a glare from her nephew which she casually ignored. "Now, tell me its examples."

"This one’s a simple question," Aegon said, escaping her clutches. "Runemaster, Enchanter, Beast Master—things like that. All of these occupations require one to be a Soul Cultivator to truly excel. Mages can replicate some effects at lower levels, but that’s it."

"Wonderful!" Xiu appeared near him in an instant and began patting his head. "All of your answers are correct, and you get a tight hug from me as a reward."

Before Aegon could even say anything, she hugged him tightly, making him scream mentally, ’Aghh!! Have some shame, you crazy Xiu!’

Once they finished their bath, Xiu helped Aegon dress up, which only included a light black robe since he was going for the Awakening Ritual.

Then, she took him to the eastern courtyard where his Awakening would take place.

"Do you know how Awakening happens?" Xiu asked on the way.

"We use the Awakening Liquid to stimulate the body, which results in the Awakening," Aegon said. "Though I’m still unsure how that Awakening Liquid is formed."

"It’s formed with various herbs mixed with specific techniques and many other things that I can’t be bothered to remember," Xiu said nonchalantly. "Anyways, good luck with your Awakening. My Little Sun will leave everyone speechless with his Awakening."

"I hope so!"

Aegon truly wished for a good Awakening, and he already had plans for it.