24: The call for a change

Three days came up and it was time to set out. For the past two days I had been sneaking into Maria's quarters for every opportunity I got, and for that three days, I had been trying to cultivate but not being successful. After taking up some lessons from commander Campbell I got to know so much about cultivation techniques and some major skills in achieving a breakthrough.

With all that in mind I hadn't made any progress in even becoming a cultivator.

Shhh, these past three days was hell. How can I try what they did to breakthrough and still no progress for me?.

I was standing in front of the Castle gates. In front of me was my team for the scouting mission. Everyone has made their preparation and ready to depart for the south. In this group were all the people in Caldwell's team but in addition of some new faces. Those who were lost in the search mission had been replaced with new individuals making the team strong.

"ARE YOU ALL HERE!!" Shouted Caldwell who was making his way out of the castle. Looking at him, one could see that he was been surrounded by a cool air making the surrounding atmosphere calm. Clad in his normal outing outfit for scouting he looked relaxed.

Why is he in a cool mood. Shouldn't he be stressed or worried? This man is very !! He's soo unpredictable.

Right behind him was the Marquess and Maria. During my stay at the Castle, I had opened up to Maria publicly making everyone know that I am now in good terms with her.

"Nate! It's great to see your sense of adventure as you set out on this scouting mission with Caldwell and your team." Marquess Dolphy said with a laugh.

Seeing the Marquess laugh out made me realize how open he could be and behind him, Maria gave out a wink to which I smiled back.

"Don't worry, I'll be here to assist him every step of the way. He's now like a brother.....because anyone on my team is a.....? Caldwell asked with his gaze fixated on me.

"BROTHER!!!" roared the team members.

Does this man have something with me. Why does he keep tracking me with his gazes? I have to keep clear.

[Quest Activated]

[Find out the motive of commander Caldwell]

[Reward: Activation of Core]

[Exp will be earned automatically]

[With the activation of core, you can start cultivating]

Seeing this I was dumb-folded. It had been long since I received any real quest, and right now thinking about this man whose right in front me I gets a quest.

Hold on!, what's about starting to become a real cultivator. Am I not a cultivator despite that waterball Skill.

These thoughts were beseeching my mind but I had to put them aside now as right in front of me were the Marquess and Maria.

"As you head towards the south border, it's important to stay alert and be prepared for any potential threats from the humanoids." Marquess said with with care. He knew what we were going to face being on this mission.

Remember to listen to Sir Caldwell's advice and follow the instructions of your team members. They have experience and knowledge while you're a newbie," Maria added, before I could say goodbye as we were setting off.

"Stay focused on the task at hand, but also take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the new experiences that come with exploring the unknown. We will take breaks when needed, as it's crucial to keep yourself refreshed and energized throughout the scouting mission." Sir Caldwell ordered, patting his mount carefully. His mount was a white horse with much hairs. It was a healthy and strong horse for battle.

On this mission were the famous Aripul, Grayson and Agale.

"If you encounter any challenges or uncertainties along the way, don't hesitate to use this." Maria said handling me an azure dagger.

Taking it, I gave a bow to show my appreciation for the gift. I had to pretend in front of the eyes of peoples to avoid been suspicious. I could feel the energy in the dagger surging through my veins twitching, burning and retracting them. I bared with the pain it was giving me to show how capable I am.

"Because you haven't started cultivating your muscles aren't fit for energy oriented items. And this dagger is having energy you're not up to yet, hehe," Aripul whispered to me as he walked toward his mount.

Taking a quick glance at Maria, there was a smile on her face.

Did she intentionally do this to me. I bet she knew what this small sword could do? I will show her something....just you wait. I smiled back at her.

"Most importantly on this mission, remember to stay positive, brave, and vigilant. Your enthusiasm and determination will be a great asset to the team. I think you all know your comrades..if not get along while we are in the road. Because for this team!! there's no one man" Caldwell ordered looking at all of us. It seems he was beginning to get serious.

"Good luck, Nate! Have an amazing scouting adventure at the south border! And return alive." Maria barked with a blush. She had in mind that his father shouldn't know that they were now close again.

Not looking back anymore, we set out on our mounts. I was finding it difficult to maintain balance as I hadn't had a ride on a horse before. The jumping and speeding was having a toll on me; making me feel nauseated.

"Are you aright, Nate?" Aripul questioned seeing me wanting to throw up.

"Yeah am good..it's just that it's been a long time since I had ridden. I think that's why." I lied. I remember how the old Nate would ride through town with his mother and their guards, so why would I say I haven't ridden a horse before.

The road was grumpy narrow and I knew the journey was a long distance. Riding through the town, I could see many people gathering with shouts of joy and happy faces.

Why are there people outside now. I quite remember how there was no one five days ago. I was dump folded but I couldn't ask as the horses were beginning to speed through the south forest of where my abode was.

"This is just the beginning I think! Passing through that forest my life will be changing and I am going to see to it." I assured myself. With how things are going, if I don't fight for myself I would be left behind.

We rushed through the forest, not stopping, and there was no turning back for me.