Cultivating (Aura gathering)

Eckert let out a sigh, leaning back against the closed door as he muttered to himself, "Thank God nobody suspects anything. Maybe I should just drop martial arts and start acting. I'm such a good actor, but how can I drop everything after all of this?"

With a shake of his head, he pushed those thoughts aside. Acting might be a useful skill in his position, but it wasn't what he had dedicated his life to. He knew that his path was set, and now, more than ever, he needed to focus. There was no turning back after the power he'd just unlocked.

Eckert moved to the center of the room and settled into a meditative position, closing his eyes and taking deep, controlled breaths. He had to calm his mind and body, especially after the intense experience he'd just endured.

The path of martial arts in this world, on Etha, was clear and structured, at least to the public. From bottom to top, practitioners progressed through the ranks of Aura Gatherer, Aura Apprentice, Aura Master, and finally, Aura Grandmaster. These were the official ranks known to the masses, but Eckert knew that these were merely the beginning.

For an Aura Gatherer, the process involved gathering aura into the body's aura gates, which were points throughout the body designed to absorb and channel energy. This aura would nourish and strengthen the body, preparing it for the next stage. Once the aura was fully gathered, it would be used to forcefully open the gates to the aura pool, the reservoir of energy that would empower an individual beyond their previous limits.

Eckert began to breathe in a specific rhythm—a technique he'd learned through rigorous study and practice. Inhale… exhale… exhale… inhale… He followed the sequence of breaths, each one slow and deliberate. After about ten seconds, he felt it: small particles from the air around him began to seep into his body through his skin, entering through every pore and gathering at key points in his body.

He could feel the energy converging at the head, the chest, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the mouth, the lungs, and even the elbows. Each of these points began to highlight, a sensation that was both familiar and new. It was the energy he had felt before, but now it was stronger, more concentrated.

As the energy built up, Eckert could feel the aura pooling within him. The sensation was overwhelming, like a powerful current flowing through his body, washing over every nerve and muscle. But he remained calm, focused on the process. He knew that if he lost control now, he could undo all the progress he had made.

Three hours passed in what felt like an instant. Eckert opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he adjusted to the dim light of the room. He could feel the energy thrumming beneath his skin, a potent force ready to be unleashed.

But as powerful as he felt, there was also a sense of weariness, a realization of just how much further he had to go. He smiled wryly, the expression tinged with both satisfaction and irony. This was just the beginning of his journey. The real challenge was still ahead.

Standing up, Eckert stretched, feeling the tautness in his muscles and the hum of energy in his veins. He knew that he would need to push himself even harder if he wanted to reach the heights he aspired to. The road to becoming a true master of aura was long and arduous, but he was prepared for it.

As he looked around the room, his gaze fell on the closed door. He had managed to keep up the facade so far, but he knew that it wouldn't be long before his family or someone else started to question what was really going on. He couldn't afford any more slip-ups.

"Acting or martial arts," he murmured to himself, "I'm going to need both if I want to survive in this world."

With that, he closed his eyes once more, letting the residual aura flow through his body as he prepared himself for the days ahead. There was no time to waste. Every moment counted, and he intended to make the most of it.