Chapter 9: Aeternum (2)

"Good Job! You are now a true adventurer" praised the old man

"This is all thanks to your help, sir!"

"Oh please! I only taught you the way. You can get this from pretty much any academy in the outside world."

"A bucket of water is repaid with a well, I will never forget this debt sir" a smile crept into the face of the old man as he heard the sincere gratitude from the kid.

"Now that you reach the orange stage, you can have a name."

"That is right, my grandfather previously stated that Z is just a brand or code to determine who I am for I am still incapable of bearing a name."

"That is correct, only those considered as adventurers have the right to obtain a name."

"How do I gain a name, sir?"

"It is very simple, unlike those who are merely acknowledged by beasts, you can decide your own name. You simply decide. Afterwards, engrave it to the world energy inside your body. This will make you distinct and unique. Your energy will be separated from the energy of the world. With this you will have your own power!"

Z was speechless as shock and excitement filled his heart.

"Kid, remember to shout your name only in your heart. Also, know that your name is very important and cannot be casually thrown around."

"Yes, sir!"

Z thought of a name that he liked then followed the guidance of the old man. He engraved his name in his energy and shouted it in his heart.

'I am Aeternum'

A peculiar transformation occurred in his body. The world energy inside of him had changed. His core was still light orange but he feels that the energy inside of him is his. Before this he feels that he is controlling something like when a hand manipulates a sword or when one writes or draws. But this time it was like moving his body, it was natural.

"Excellent! You are now a true blue adventurer!"

"Hahaha! I am an adventurer!"

When they came back from the sweet spot, it was already evening.

In between two towering black trees sat two people. A kid and an old man. Of course the kid was Z.

"I said before that I would keep you here until the fair red stage but you are now at light orange, haha!"

"I want to cherish the opportunity to practice since it would take me a very long time to improve if I practice inside the village."

"If that is the case, then you should continue your stay here until you reach the yellow stage. The array formation or what you call curse cannot sustain people above the yellow stage hence allowing you to get out of the valley."

"The yellow stage... How long would that take me?"

"About 2 years. You see, growth becomes much harder the further you grow. Growth does not scale linearly after all. As you recall 100% of deep red only total to 10% light orange. 100% light orange is 10% fair orange so on and so forth. Together with the increase of size in your core, the necessary world energy needed grows exponentially."

"I see, but I know my grandfather is worried about me..."

"You were already gone for a year, they probably considered you dead by now. Coming back now or in another two years wouldn't really change that much. Furthermore, you said that your goal is to journey outside the word of what's outside this. You may not be able to imagine it yet but let me tell you that, that journey is long and not everyone can accompany you. There will always be people left behind. If you notice when you look at the night sky, no two stars are near each other. Because those who shine the brightest shine alone." said the old man with a mysterious tone.

"I guess you are right, sir. I need to brazen myself now. The journey ahead is long, I cannot afford to set myself back." said Z as he stood and looked far in the sky.