16. R1 STAGE

After absorbing the ten bloodlines, it was time to cultivate and increase my strength. The past few days had been harrowing—I had encountered enough powerful individuals who could kill me with ease. Each encounter was a stark reminder of my weakness, an undeniable sign that I was at the very bottom of the food chain in this unforgiving world. If I wanted to survive and uncover the origins of my bloodline, I had to tread carefully. Recklessness would only lead to death. Avoiding enemies I couldn't contend with was paramount.

My immediate priority was to find a safe place to cultivate. I couldn't afford distractions or interruptions. The southern region, where I had initially come from, remained my ultimate goal, but I needed to reach the R1 stage before returning. Anything less would leave me vulnerable to the dangers I had narrowly escaped.

After some searching, I stumbled upon a hidden cave. It wasn't particularly large, but it was secluded and spacious enough for me to settle down. This part of the forest was dotted with volcanic areas, and the warmth of the surrounding rocks added to the sense of security the cave provided. Without wasting any time, I sat down cross-legged, shutting out the outside world as I entered a meditative state.

"Lumeria, can you explain the Life Code again?" I asked, seeking clarity before delving deeper into my cultivation.

"Of course, Adam," Lumeria's calm, reassuring voice echoed in my mind. "The Life Code is essentially the genetic makeup of a being. It details their elemental affinities, skills, and potential to progress through cultivation stages. Understanding it is the key to unlocking your true capabilities."

"Got it. Thanks," I replied, appreciating the simplicity of her explanation.

With that settled, I turned my focus inward. According to Lumeria, before I could begin refining my affinities or skills, I needed to locate my Life Code. Only then could I make meaningful progress in cultivation.

I decided to start with the fire element, the one I felt the strongest connection to. Closing my eyes, I directed all my focus toward finding the elusive energy within me. Minutes turned into an hour as I concentrated deeply, my breathing steady and measured. Finally, I noticed a faint, hazy red energy flickering within my body. Excitement surged through me, but I quickly suppressed it, knowing I needed unwavering focus to trace it to its source.

I followed the red energy, but my first attempt ended in failure. My thoughts wavered, and the energy dissipated, slipping through my grasp. Frustration gnawed at me, but I gritted my teeth and tried again.

Even after nine attempts, I couldn't pinpoint the source. Each failure weighed on me, doubts creeping into my mind.

Is cultivation really this difficult? Am I missing something?

I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath to silence the negativity threatening to overwhelm me. No. I can't think like this. I've come too far to give up now.

Drawing on my resolve, I steadied my mind, my breathing slow and deliberate. This time, I blocked out every stray thought and focused solely on the red energy, determined not to falter.

Finally, I succeeded. As I followed the energy, my surroundings began to shift. The sensation was surreal, like slipping into a dream. When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in an endless black void.

At the center of this void was a crystalline structure with eleven facets. The crystal shimmered faintly, its facets pulsing with a soft, otherworldly glow. Each face seemed to converge toward the crystal's core, as though feeding into a greater whole.

Around the crystal, streams of energy in various colors swirled and danced. I realized these represented my elemental affinities. Red, white, and a grayish hue were the most prominent, their colors vivid and alive, while others were dimmer, their presence faint but undeniable.

I stood there in awe, marveling at the intricate beauty of the scene before me. The crystal, the swirling energies—it was a reflection of my very being, the core of who I was.

As I examined the surroundings, a cold, emotionless voice suddenly shattered the silence. Its tone was devoid of warmth, yet it resonated with undeniable authority.

"Ulthar," it intoned.

The word echoed in the void, a name heavy with meaning and significance. My true name.

I opened my eyes to check myself, but before I could do anything, a searing pain overtook my body. It felt as if my entire being was being torn apart from the inside.

This level of pain was unlike anything I had experienced in my entire life. For fifteen excruciating minutes, I endured the agony, every second stretching into eternity. Just when I thought it would never end, the pain subsided, leaving me trembling.

As the pain faded, a warm, soothing current flowed through my body, mending the damage and leaving behind an incredible sense of vitality. Unfortunately, the sensation lasted only a brief two minutes before exhaustion overwhelmed me, and I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, the first thing I did was check my body. What I discovered left me stunned.

My body had undergone a complete transformation. Lean, moderate muscles now defined my frame, exuding strength and vitality. Curious, I lifted my shirt and found a chiseled six-pack gleaming under the dim light of the cave.

I let out a low whistle. "Well, at least there's one benefit to all this pain," I muttered, my voice echoing softly in the volcanic air.

Checking further, I noticed other changes. My hair had grown longer over the past two weeks and had turned from black to a striking shade of blue. Behind me, I could feel the presence of wings, also blue and adorned with scales. Parts of my body were now covered in shimmering blue scales as well.

"Lumeria, can I hide the scales and wings?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied. "You just have to focus."

Following her instructions, I concentrated. To my relief, the scales and wings vanished almost instantly. Focusing again, I was able to summon them back. I practiced this for a while until I could control it effortlessly.

For now, I decided to keep them hidden.

With these transformations and my breakthrough to the R1 stage, it was finally time to return to the southern region.