Pivotal Apex Points

In a dimly lit room veiled in shadows, the flickering light of a single candle cast eerie shadows upon the walls, concealing the identities of the four mysterious figures huddled in a circle.

A tense silence lingered, broken only by the faint crackling of the candle's flame. The air seemed to thicken with a palpable malevolence, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the nefarious conversation about to unfold.

"Yorak, our pawn, has successfully summoned the creature, but it seems our plans have encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Someone or something has thwarted its purpose."

"We cannot afford to underestimate the enemy. The roots run deep with 'them' on the heels."

Their whispers echoed through the air, carrying on raspy and ominous tones, as they spoke of their pawn, Yorak, and their dark agenda.

A low raspy voice, broke the short silence, their words curling around the room like a sinister incantation, "Our plans have reached a critical juncture. The major powers are growing suspicious..."

From another corner of the room, a whisper of concealed malice, leaned in closer, their words barely audible, "We…must be extremely cautious from henceforth. One misstep could unravel everything we have built."

A voice smug with wicked satisfaction, added, "Fear not, for we have anticipated such interference. We have devised backup plans and contingencies to counter any opposition. Not even the Ancient Elder will be able to stop us."

"We are at the climax. The time has come to seize control and plunge the world into eternal…darkness." Another figure, their tone laced with a dangerous allure, interjected.

As their conversation unfolded, the atmosphere in the chamber grew increasingly oppressive. Shadows danced ominously upon the walls, their flickering movements mirroring the dark intentions of the figures.

Every word spoken was laced with a sense of foreboding, a declaration of their insidious ambitions. Their voices resonated with a mixture of calculated pride and treacherous anticipation.

The anticipation for…chaos.

-The City of Tibia-

In the tranquility of the cultivation room, Ash pulled out and arranged all the Spiritual Beryls in front of him. Without wasting any time, he reached out and munched on them like candies, their energy infusing into his being.

As the Spiritual Beryls were consumed by him, a surge of potent energy coursed through his veins, illuminating his veins and filling up his entire body. The influx of energy was both exhilarating and overwhelming, causing Ash to stop briefly, feeling a sense of fullness that extended beyond his physical being.

"Ugh…I ate too much…" Ash muttered, his stomach and body filled to the brim with the noursihing energy of the Spiritual Beryls.

The remaining six Middle-Grade, three Top-Grade, and one Elite-Grade Spiritual Beryls lay scattered around him, waiting to be devoured later.

"System, display my Energy Points."

A resonant chime echoed in response, and the information appeared before him.

[Ding]

[Energy Points: 7914/2100]

Ash smiled and said, "Sweet!"

"Let's unlock more Apex Points, system!" Eyes gleaming with excitement, Ash addressed the system with a sense of impatience.

[Understood, Ash.]

The system acknowledged Ash's request and, immediately began the cultivation process. A perk of having your own system, you don't have to actively cultivate.

As Ash basked in the surging energy coursing through his body, he felt the familiar tingling sensation that signalled the imminent breakthrough to his next Apex Point.

*Bam*

And just like that, he broke through to the 19th Apex Point. But, did he stop there? Of course, he didn't.

With plenty of Natural Energy in his disposal, he pressed onwards to the next Apex Point. There was no such thing as a bottleneck for the trio. The system will automatically take care of it for them.

*Phssshhh*

The cultivation room seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light, enhancing the ambiance of anticipation. Shadows danced along the walls, casting an enigmatic backdrop to Ash's inner success.

With the assistance of the system, Ash swiftly guided his surging Natural Energy towards the next location of the Apex Point.

Like an unstoppable force, the torrent of energy flooded the barrier surrounding the Apex Point, causing it to tremble under the immense pressure. For a brief moment, the barrier fought to hold its ground, but it soon succumbed to the relentless assault, cracking open and granting Ash access to the 20th Apex Point.

"20? Done!" Ash exclaimed with a sense of accomplishment, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

So far, the only known person to have unlocked a total of 20 Apex Points is none other than the Ancient Elder himself. One could say that Ash had joined the leagues of the Ancient Elder in terms of talent and potential.

Taking a moment to check his remaining Energy Points, he realized he had enough to unlock one more Apex Point. Determined and eager to continue his cultivation breakthrough, he wasted no further time.

'Let's do it then!'

With the system's guidance, Ash directed the flow of his Natural Energy towards the next Apex Point, situated at the right side of his chest.

The 21st Apex Point is a major threshold that marks a bridge between the elite geniuses and the extremely rare monstrous geniuses, that appear once in a blue moon.

As Ash approached the formidable barrier guarding the 21st Apex Point, he could sense its overwhelming power and resilience. Undeterred, he summoned a raging motion, channelling his Natural Energy with an intense determination.

*Bam*

The barrier stood unshaken whereas his entire body trembled upon impact. Ash knew that given enough time, breaking through the barrier would be an inevitable outcome, but he wasn't sure of the impact it had on his body.

'Ah, who cares. A little bit of pain during cultivation is normal…'

*Bam*

'Right…?'

*Bam*

"Ugh!"

Ignoring the violent tremors affecting his body, Ash Ash continued his assault, repeatedly crashing into the barrier, which seemed to be slightly affected by the repeated assaults.

-After a few minutes-

Beads of sweat formed on Ash's forehead, evidence of the physical exertion that mirrored his mental efforts in breaking down the barrier. Every muscle in his body strained against each and every impact on the barrier, as if pushing himself to the limits of his capabilities.

"Ugh…this is not just a little bit of pain; this is a lot of pain!" Ash complained, his voice laced with a mix of determination and frustration.

Yet, despite the toll it exacted, Ash persevered. He knew he was close to breaking through the barrier, and that knowledge fueled his determination to push forward.

Summoning every ounce of his willpower, Ash launched a final assault against the barrier with everything he had.

*BAM*

The force rippled through his entire body, causing his bones to tremble. And then, with a resounding crack, the barrier shattered into fragments, resulting in an unprecedent feat.

Ash had unlocked the 21st Apex Point, and he wasn't the only one.

Breathing slightly heavily, Ash sat cross-legged with a brilliant smile on his face.

The room seemed to hold its breath, as if acknowledging the significance of his accomplishment. In that serene moment, a palpable energy filled the air and Ash was at the epicenter of the transformative energy, his body bathed in a radiant glow that seemed to emanate from within.

A gentle wave of power washed over Ash, its touch like the caress of a soft breeze on a summer's day. The influx of energy coursed through his flesh, enveloping every fiber of his being with a soothing warmth. The effects were immediate and profound.

The weariness that had weighed heavily upon him dissipated, as if carried away on the wings of this newfound strength. His muscles, once fatigued and strained, now thrummed with vibrant vitality and vigour.

A sense of rejuvenation washed over Ash, infusing his body with a renewed sense of resilience. The tempest of pain that had assailed him during the intense cultivation breakthrough receded into a distant memory. In its place, a harmonious equilibrium settled, as the influx of energy seamlessly melded with his physical form.

Ash felt as if his flesh itself was being minutely tempered and refined, honed to perfection by the efficient effects of the unlocked Apex Point. The energy flowed through his veins, revitalizing his cells and enhancing his body's natural processes.

'An increase in…lifespan?' Ash thought with a contemplative expression, as he sensed all the concurring changes.

With each passing moment, Ash could feel the transformative power of the Apex Point at work, sculpting him into a more formidable cultivator.

His skin seemed to glow with a newfound vitality, tinged with a subtle luminescence that hinted at the depths of his power.

Ash could feel his senses sharpening, his reflexes quickening, and his overall physical capabilities reaching new heights. He felt like a coiled spring, ready to unleash his strength upon the world.

Ash revelled in the sensations that now coursed through him, but he had a question to ask the system about the significance of the 21st Apex Point.

He turned his attention inward, and addressed the system with a thoughtful look, "System, what's so special about the 21st Apex Point?"

The system responded promptly, its voice resonating within Ash's mind.

[The 21st Apex Point is one of the four pivotal milestones in the completion to be a Perfect Natal Realm cultivator. It marks the transcendence of a mortal's journey to become an Immortal.]

"…"

"An I-Immortal…" Ash was flabbergasted. The realization that the concept of Immortality was in fact possible, weighed on his mind.

Immortality was a concept deeply ingrained in legends and myths, a state of eternal existence that transcends the boundaries of a mortal life.

Ash frantically shook his head and collected his thoughts. His voice slightly quivered as he sought further clarification from the system, "Y-You said the 21st Apex Point is one of the four pivotal milestones. So, are you saying there are three more Apex Points to unlock?"

The system responded with its customary efficiency, confirming his understanding.

[Correct. The 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Apex Point are yet to be unlocked.]

"I see…"

Eager to learn more, he pressed on, "So, do they each pose a significance if I unlock them?"

The system obliged, providing detailed explanations for each pivotal Apex Point.

[The 21st Apex Point enhances your physical attributes, such as your strength, speed, endurance, and lifespan. The 22nd Apex Point focuses on strengthening your mental power, granting you heightened mental acuity and cognitive abilities. The 23rd Apex Point delves into the enlightenment of your soul, allowing you to tap into profound spiritual insights. And, the final 24th Apex Point, will grant you an insight on your future Elemental Law, offering a divine understanding over your future elemental forces.]

"Wow…"