Training Methods

Standing in silence, Sol shut his eyes as he felt the strange energy flowing within him even before he said the word. 

"Hak!" Sol screamed as he yanked his eyes open, revealing bright red pupils, but what happened next left him dumbfounded.

From the tip of his index finger, all he saw was a spark, accompanied by a stabbing pain in his chest. 

"The fuck?" Sol was furious.

What sort of underwhelming ending is this? 

The thought of it alone made him want to bash someone's face in, but the Old steward wasn't moved by this. In fact, it seemed like he expected it. 

"While powers like this are inherited, they need to be groomed and nurtured to be able to manifest them properly." The Old Steward explained. 

"What are the ways I can nurture my abilities?" Sol asked in a calm tone, the frustration on his face slowly fading.

"Well, there are four ways." The old steward said in a stern tone. 

"The first and most primitive way is by constantly using the ability. Repetition brings perfection." He said. "By utilizing your abilities consistently, your proficiency will grow and in turn, it will grow stronger."

"The second method is through the use of cultivation resources." The old steward continued. "Cultivation resources refer to materials utilized by individuals to enhance their abilities, powers, or spiritual growth. These resources play a crucial role in the cultivation process, contributing to the development, refinement, or amplification of skills and capabilities."

"The third method has to do with cultivation tools." The old Steward said. "They are instruments, artifacts, or devices used by individuals to aid in their personal development, enhance their skills, or amplify their abilities. These tools play a vital role in the cultivation process, providing a means for individuals to channel, manipulate, or refine the energies, elements, or forces they work with."

"The final method is through the use of Cultivation chambers." The old steward paused briefly. "Cultivation chambers are specialized spaces, often enchanted or imbued with mystical energies, designed to facilitate the personal growth, training, or cultivation of individuals with supernatural or magical abilities. These chambers serve as controlled environments where practitioners can focus on honing their skills, deepening their connection to mystical forces, or undergoing transformative experiences."

Sol was shocked by all the information dumped on him, and even more shocked by the numerous methods. Since he was the heir to the house of Ark, Sol felt elated, believing there would be an abundance of resources for him to use and improve his strength quickly.

"I guess I will start with the cultivation resources first." He said. "Or I can use all three at once." He added with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Young Master, Believe me, I would love to give you everything you need, however, that is not how things work." The old steward said in a stern tone.

"Believe it or not, Aetheria follows the rules of the jungle, where everyone will earn their meals. " The old butler said. "All the resources are in the possession of the academy and will be distributed to students according to their capabilities and achievements. The better you perform, the more resources are allocated to you." 

Hearing this explanation, Sol felt like climbing to the top of his castle and jumping off. In his past life, he was born poor and had to work hard just to get to the top. 

But now he was born at the top he expected things to be different, but he was also expected to work hard to stay at the top.

"Who the hell makes these stupid rules?" He couldn't help but blurt out.

Sol spent the entire day casting Hak, only taking breaks to eat and sleep when he ran out of energy.

The next morning he looked unusually pale, leaving the old steward worried. It was clear Sol harmed himself each time he used Hak, but that was the only way he could practice before the ranking exam. 

Initially, he wanted to advise Sol against using his abilities anymore, but remembering Sol's words the previous day, he chose to stand aside and watch Sol give it his all.

As soon as their carriage reached the gates of the academy, Sol saw Kevin standing at the gate like a puppy, waiting patiently for him. 

Seeing this, the old steward frowned but after receiving a displeased glare from Sol, he promptly looked away. 

"Young master, don't forget your condition." The old steward said as Sol was about to leave the carriage. "Take care of yourself."

"Mm," Sol responded with a nod and left the carriage afterward.

Seeing him at a distance, a bright smile spread across Kevin's face as he ran forward to meet him. As soon as he got closer, he noticed Sol's pale look, leaving him disturbed.

"Are you okay?" Kevin couldn't help but ask.

"Unfortunately, the seal harms me each time I try to use my power. Coupled with the fact, it costs me twice as much energy to cast Hak when compared to normal people." Sol said while shrugging his shoulders.

While Sol said this, there was no form of displeasure on his face. He seemed to accept this weakness easily because he believed while he lost something important, he gained the system.

With the system, he still had an advantage over his peers. 

"That's horrible," Kevin said while chasing after Sol, who didn't stop walking even when he spoke.

"It's life. Don't think too much about it." Sol said.

"Okay…" Kevin nodded in a low tone.

"That reminds me. How is your training going?" Sol asked.

"It's going well, I guess," Kevin responded absentmindedly. It was obvious he was still thinking about Sol's condition.

A day ago, Sol felt annoyed by the system of this world, but right now he doesn't really hate it anymore. Following the rules of Aetheria meant people like Kevin had the chance of reaching the top with their skills alone, since resources are shared according to achievements and not background.

It meant Kevin truly had a chance to become something more than just an omega. As long as he has the skills and talents to make it happen, Sol planned on making him alpha.

He wasn't sure how he would do it, but he just kept the thought at the back of his mind.