Boundless Cultivation-Chapter 49 - Revelations

“Alaric, wear this at all times,” said the count, presenting him with a bracelet etched with intricate runes.

When Alaric regarded him with a questioning look, he elaborated on the function of the bracelet. It was a mana scrambler — something that would obstruct cultivators from tracking him once activated.

No witch would dare to approach Alaric while he remained in the count’s estate. However, someday he would have to depart to explore the world beyond. It was inevitable that somebody from the witch clan would eventually attempt to reach him.

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Activating the mana scrambler would grant a measure of safety by preventing them from locking on to his position and pursuing him.

Hmm…that’s a nice artifact. He accepted the bracelet and clasped it around his hand, expressing his gratitude to the count.

Alaric wasn’t afraid to confront any witches whenever they came for him. He refused to live in fear of being targeted by an enemy all his life. The life of a cultivator was fraught with risks, and it was through those risks that they grew.

However, this little bracelet could serve many purposes. It would not merely deter witches but anyone intent on hunting him.

The count still appeared somewhat guilty after thrashing Alaric.

He chuckled inwardly. In truth, he was rather grateful for the thrashing. It had granted him an excellent opportunity to partially awaken his sacral chakra. In fact, he could’ve advanced his sacral chakra mid-fight.

But he had vowed not to use a single skill, ability, or chakra power during the fight.

It was the only way to truly win against the count and make him submit to his demand. However, there was another reason - it was too risky to use the powers of chakra under the scrutiny of Edgar and the count.

Especially during moments of advancement when the uniqueness of his cultivation method would become more evident. He’d succeeded in evading suspicion from Captain Aldric, but he didn’t want to push his luck.

Nevertheless, once he returned home, he resolved to channel the inspiration he had gained today to advance the cultivation of his sacral chakra during his mind-tempering meditation.

Edgar materialized a whole table laden with a variety of snacks. A dimensional storage device.

“Eat your fill and recover your energy. We are not done yet,” said Edgar with a smirk. He clearly anticipated Alaric’s curiosity about the dimensional storage device, but Alaric denied him that satisfaction.

He feigned indifference. Instead, he retrieved a chicken sandwich and orange juice from the table. Edgar clicked his tongue in annoyance. Alaric smirked.

“Alaric, how far have you progressed in your cultivation?” asked the count.

The count fixed his gaze on him, as if probing for any signs of dishonesty. Alaric relayed the truth — as much as he could. Of course, he couldn’t divulge anything about his chakra cultivation process.

However, he recounted his explorations in the Tutorial Rift and the number of skills he had acquired. He had yet to consume the bone-forging pill and the Troll’s Blood Elixir— he was reserving them for when he undertook his reforging process.

“Have you noticed anything peculiar inside the rifts?”

“Like hidden zones?”

The count and Edgar both raised their eyebrows. “So, you did discover a hidden area?”

Alaric confirmed. If he could communicate clearly about the hidden zone, that must mean they were both recognized as authorized users by the system - they had ventured into hidden areas on their own inside the Tutorial Rift.

However, he could only explain the details of the ‘Azure Ruin Arch’, not anything about the group delving. Apparently hidden areas were also customized by the system and this whole group delving aspect was even more mysterious.

“You are doing good Alaric,” the count placed a hand on his shoulders. “But we have to ensure you are living up to your full potential.”

When Alaric didn’t answer, the count continued.

“We have to prepare you for The Tower of Trials.” The count explained that he and Edgar would start training him after he acquired his mana skills in the Tutorial Rift. They had devised some plans for him.

“Try to acquire at least 10 mana skills and all the resources inside the Tutorial Rift,” said Edgar. “With your potential, we believe you can attain the advanced mana manipulation ability.”

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Alaric scratched his cheek. “Yes…about that…”

When he explained his strategy for obtaining the [Superior Mana Manipulation] ability, they were stunned. Initially, they attempted to dissuade him, stating it was too reckless. However, upon witnessing his resolve, they gave up trying to convince him.

“I’d have thrashed you to convince you,” said Edgar. Alaric smirked. “But I already know it doesn’t work on you.” He gestured at the count. “Besides, I suppose you’ve been battered plenty for one day.” The count shot him a glare, clearly unamused.

When Alaric inquired how far they managed to delve inside the Tutorial Rift, both of them evaded the question. Hah…what happened to sharing information?

“You are progressing at a good rate,” said the count. “We also need to focus on your reforging process.” Alaric simply nodded.

“Have you grasped the cultivation technique I’ve taught you?”

“Ye...Yes.”

The count squinted his eyes and glared at Alaric, who averted his eyes and casually munched on the chicken sandwich and sipped his juice. I hope he doesn’t ask me to demonstrate the technique.

Fortunately, the count refrained from requesting a demonstration of the cultivation technique he taught.

Alaric knew the technique but would be clumsy at it since he hadn’t actually practiced it. And that would prompt many questions — like how he had managed to progress so swiftly while being so inept at the technique.

“Okay, our first priority is to assist you in advancing your mana core to the liquid stage,” began Edgar. “Don’t worry, you will receive some resources that will facilitate your advancement.”

Alaric opted to remain silent. He wasn’t sure how to break the news that he had already advanced his mana core to the liquid stage.

The count caught his expression first and blurted, “You don’t seem that excited to be offered so many resources.”

Alaric shook his head. “No, I’m grateful. It’s just that I’ve already received a resource for advancing the mana core inside the Tutorial Rift. An Azure pearl."

“Where is it?”

“I’ve used it already.”

“And, what stage is your core at now?”

“...”

“Alaric, at what stage is your mana core now?” The count leaned closer.

“Liquid…”

The count and Edgar burst into laughter. Alaric couldn’t comprehend what had suddenly amused them.

The count flashed a knowing smile but swiftly masked it. Alaric expected the count to question him some more. Instead, he just patted his back and congratulated him.

All of them worked out a training schedule for him. Originally, they had planned for Alaric to demonstrate his skills so that they could devise a proper training regimen for him. However, given his poor condition, they opted to wait for his recovery.

The high-grade healing potion they administered would accelerate his recovery tenfold. Alaric was grateful for that. When Alaric finished his meal, all of them teleported back to the mansion.

***

Eustace POV

Eustace sat in his study with his trusted friend Edgar - a glass of whiskey in each of their hands. His heart pounded. What he did today - thrashing Alaric... He shook his head. I went too far today.

He let out a self-deprecating chuckle. And, ultimately, I failed to accomplish my objective. I don’t understand you, Alaric.

“What came over you today, Eustace?” said Edgar softly. “When you said you’d handle things, I didn’t expect you to take it this far.”

He downed his liquor in one gulp and slammed the glass onto the table. “No, I didn’t want to put that burden on you.” He gazed outside the window. “I had to do it myself.”

“I know why you did what you did today, Eustace. You can’t hide it from me.”

He averted his gaze. It was too painful to acknowledge why he acted the way he did, even to his friend.

“Of course you do,” Eustace poured them another peg of whiskey. “I was trying to teach my kid a lesson. The audacity of him, defying me,” he let out a half-hearted chuckle, sneaked a quick glance at his friend, and continued. “I was just angry and lost control.” His friend wasn’t buying his act.

“Eustace, you never lose control like this,” said Edgar. “Have they arrived in the city already? How many?”

He released a sigh and locked eyes with his friend. “It seems I can’t hide anything from you.”

Edgar smirked and waited for him to continue.

“I’ve detected the presence of three witches in the city,” he said gravely. “Powerful ones too.” Eustace always knew this day would come. The moment Alaric entered the Tutorial Rift, Seraphina would have been alerted.

The witches possessed all sorts of tricks. It was only a matter of time before they uncovered that information, and now they had.

He hadn’t disclosed this to Alaric. There was no point in worrying the kid. The bracelet wasn’t just a mana scrambler; it was uniquely crafted to erase his mana signature as well. Hopefully, it would be enough to keep him safe.

“Do you want me to investigate them?” asked Edgar.

“No,” he denied, shaking his head. “They are waiting for now. I don’t want to escalate things unnecessarily.”

Dealing with witches was never wise. It was like disturbing a hornet’s nest. If you provoked them, you would get stung. In the end, it was a no-win scenario.

“You don’t need to worry about Alaric,” assured Edgar. “He is a good kid and has a strong heart.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” he snapped. The burning sensation in his chest intensified under the influence of the alcohol, and he vented his frustration. “The witches, the church, or even the emperor himself could take me hostage...” he exhaled sharply. “Alaric has too much potential. I cannot allow him to become a slave or a puppet.”

“So, what?” bellowed Edgar. “You mercilessly beat your own kid so that he starts hating you? That is not how you protect him.”

“There was no other way,” Eustace muttered, though even he didn’t believe his own words. He had no idea how to guarantee Alaric’s safety.

“And how did that work out for you?” countered Edgar. “What about his friends? Will you take care of them, just so they cannot become a weakness too?”

Eustace had no response. He had expected Alaric to hate him after delivering his ‘punishment,’ yet he couldn’t sense even a trace of hatred from him. And he could never harm any of the kids, no matter what.

“Stop living with the guilt, Eustace,” Edgar urged, gripping his hand.

He wanted the entire world to know that Alaric was his son. To acknowledge him as his rightful heir. He wanted Alaric to meet his mother. And yet, all he had done was create obstacles for him and strip him of the dignity he rightfully deserved.

Eustace released a sigh. Perhaps, Edgar is correct. He resolved to approach this matter from another angle.