Surviving: A Tale of Ruthless Resilience

One month later, within a secluded inn nestled in a corner of the castle's expansive grounds, Aidan found himself reflecting on his markedly different circumstances. In his past life at this juncture, he had been cruelly manipulated by his aunt and uncle, stripped of his rightful inheritance from his parents. Alone and without support, he was forced to reside in such dilapidated accommodations, barely scraping by each day. However, in this life, his fate had taken a dramatic turn. Not only had he emerged victorious in two consecutive trials, but his robbery had significantly padded his coffers. Coupled with the wealth he had scavenged from Malagr's remains, Aidan had quietly amassed a small fortune.

Yet, despite his newfound wealth, Aidan's lifestyle remained unchanged, characterized by frugality and prudence. Unlike the prodigal heirs of wealthy families who squandered their resources on frivolities, Aidan saw every essence gem as a valuable asset, a tool to further his own development. His focus remained laser-sharp on enhancing his capabilities, understanding all too well that in the grand scheme of his ambitions, wealth was merely a means to an end.

Aidan's past hardships had ingrained in him a deep appreciation for the value of resources, teaching him the harsh reality that fortunes could shift in the blink of an eye. This understanding shaped his approach to wealth management, guiding him to invest in the most valuable asset he possessed: himself.

His room in the inn, while modest, served as a silent testament to his journey. Each essence gem he spent on his advancement was a step away from the vulnerability of his past life and a step closer to the strength and security he sought. In this quiet space, far removed from the bustling streets and opulent halls of the castle, Aidan plotted his path forward, his eyes not on the gleam of gold or the allure of luxury, but on the horizon of his own potential, waiting to be unlocked.

His right hand slowly closed, gripping the essence Gem tightly within his palm, drawing upon the natural Essence within, continuously replenishing his own.

Essence Gems are meant to be used, and Aidan was neither stingy nor inclined to save them.

"I have no backing, no friends or relatives to support me, so I must resort to robbery and extortion. Today is just the first time. From now on, every seven days when the academy distributes the essence Gem subsidy, I'll continue to block the academy's main gate."

A single act of robbery and extortion could hardly satisfy Aidan's needs. For the cultivation of a Ascendants, essence Gems are indispensable.

As for the repercussions of this robbery, Aidan wasn't worried in the slightest.

This world is unlike Earth.

In this world where strength dictates order and survival hinges on power, Aidan's pragmatism and survival instincts guide him. The moral constraints that govern society on Earth do not apply with the same force here, where the cultivation of one's abilities and the acquisition of resources are paramount. In such an environment, his actions, though seen as ruthless, are merely a means to an end, a strategy to navigate the treacherous paths of ascension and power.

Aidan's decision to continue his robbery every seven days, aligning with the academy's distribution of essence Gems, is not born out of malice but necessity. In a world where resources are scarce and competition fierce, securing one's advancement often requires adopting tactics that defy conventional morality. For Aidan, who stands alone without the support networks that many others rely on, these tactics are not just choices but survival mechanisms.

As he integrates the True Essence from the essence Gem into his body, feeling the gradual empowerment of his cultivation, he is reminded of the harsh realities of this world. The increase in his power with each essence Gem consumed reinforces his resolve to pursue his path, undeterred by the judgments of others.

This world is vast and boundless,In this expansive world, five continents anchor the realms of existence, with a central landmass dwarfing the others in sheer magnitude. To its east, west, north, and south, lie the four remaining continents, each unique and sprawling in its own right. Separating these landmasses, vast oceans stretch into the horizon, known ominously as the Seas of Death. Beneath their churning waves dwell countless supernatural entities, shrouded in mystery and danger. 

The waters of these oceans carry a heavy, persistent fog that defies natural explanation. It's said that this mist has a peculiar effect on Ascendants, causing the energy stored within their bodies to oscillate wildly and without warning. The higher an Ascendant's level, the more susceptible they are to these violent fluctuations, making passage across the Seas of Death a daunting task for even the most powerful among them.

Conversely, while lower-level Ascendants face a lesser impact from the fog, their journeys are far from safe. The depths below are home to formidable creatures that view these travelers as nothing more than prey. Thus, the Seas of Death represent a formidable barrier, isolating the continents from one another and holding countless mysteries and dangers in their misty embrace. This natural partition has long shaped the history and cultures of the five continents, creating a world rich with lore, conflict, and the eternal quest for knowledge and power among the Ascendants who dare to challenge its perils.

The northern continent unfolds as an expanse of rolling grasslands and vast plains, where the wind whispers tales of ancient battles and the sky stretches into eternity. It is a land of nomads and warriors, where tribes roam freely, their lives inextricably linked with the herds of majestic creatures that grace the landscape. The people here are resilient and proud, hardened by the elements and the constant need to defend their territories from rivals and monstrous beasts that roam the wilds.

To the west lies a realm of stark contrasts, where endless deserts meet lush oases, a testament to the enduring spirit of life. The western continent is a crucible of survival, where civilizations have risen around these rare pockets of water, creating bastions of culture and knowledge in the heart of unforgiving sands. Caravans traverse the dunes, connecting these islands of fertility, their routes marked by the bones of the less fortunate, while ancient secrets lie buried beneath the sands, guarded by creatures as old as the desert itself.

The eastern continent is a tapestry of myriad islands scattered like jewels across the azure sea, each with its own unique allure and mystery. This fragmented landscape fosters a multitude of cultures, each island a distinct world unto itself. Here, seafarers and pirates navigate the treacherous waters, seeking fortune and adventure among the archipelagos. The sea binds these people, their lives rhythmically swaying to the ebb and flow of the tides, and their stories are as varied as the islands they call home.

To the south, towering mountains and sprawling swamps define the landscape, a region where the land itself seems to be alive. The southern continent is a place of extremes, from the soaring peaks shrouded in clouds to the mire of the lowlands, where light struggles to penetrate the canopy. It is a land of ancient forests and deep, dark waters, home to beings and creatures of myth. Here, magic feels as tangible as the mist that cloaks the morning, and the people who dwell within these realms possess a deep, inherent connection to the natural world around them.

Each continent, with its distinctive environments and inhabitants, contributes to the rich tapestry of this world, their isolation by the Seas of Death ensuring that their stories, cultures, and mysteries remain largely their own. Yet, it is the dreams of crossing these treacherous waters, of discovering what lies beyond the fog, that fuel the ambitions of many an Ascendant, driving them towards greatness or doom.

The living conditions of each continent are all harsh, with humans typically congregating in families, constructing castles, and secluding themselves in corners for safety.

Periodically, the region faces beast waves or extremely severe weather that threatens the settlements.

Ascendants serve as the backbone of defense for these communities, with casualties being a significant concern each year.

A strong will to fight is essential for survival. Castle are always in need of combat Ascendantss, and there can never be enough.

Aidan is not bloodthirsty; he sees killing merely as a means to an end.

Each time he takes action, he has a clear objective. He employs whatever means that offer the quickest path to his goal.

In other words, he is unscrupulous in his methods to survive in this world and pursue immortal.