Astralis Ascendant

The Coracck's tail swung in a wide arc, cutting through the air with enough force to snap tree trunks like twigs. Lucian ducked low, feeling the wind of the strike ruffle his hair as it passed over him. The ground where the tail struck shattered, dirt and debris exploding outward.

Lucian rolled to his feet, spear in hand, his breath steady despite the chaos. He could feel the faint warmth of his Qi pulsing in his veins, responding to his will. His thoughts raced. This isn't the first monster I've faced, but it might be the last if I falter. Maywood prepared me for this… didn't it? No. Stop. Doubt will get you killed. Focus, Lucian. You've survived worse.

The Coracck hissed, its fangs dripping venom that sizzled as it hit the ground. With a coiling motion, the serpent sprang forward, its massive head snapping at Lucian. He sidestepped, thrusting his spear toward its open maw. The tip scraped against the Coracck's fangs, deflecting its bite, but the serpent retaliated with a quick lash of its tail.

This time, Lucian wasn't fast enough. The tail clipped his side, sending him sprawling across the forest floor. Pain flared as he rolled to a stop, dirt and leaves clinging to his clothes. He groaned, forcing himself to stand as the Coracck loomed over him.

Pain means I'm alive, he reminded himself, tightening his grip on his spear. Keep pushing, Lucian. This beast isn't invincible. You're not that boy who hid in the shadows anymore. Today, I fight back.

"You're a persistent one," Lucian muttered, gripping his spear tighter.

The serpent coiled again, its body tense and ready to strike. Lucian took the opportunity to gather his Qi, letting the energy flow into his weapon. A faint golden light surrounded the spear, its warmth reassuring. He shifted into the first stance of Diverse Reinforcement, First Form: The Parry Position, his spear angled to deflect incoming strikes.

The Coracck struck, its tail glowing with venomous Qi. Lucian moved instinctively, his spear meeting the attack with a resounding clang. The force of the collision rattled his bones, but he held his ground. Sparks of golden and black energy scattered into the air as their Qi clashed.

Lucian saw his opening. He pushed forward, flowing into the second form, Whirlwind Flow, twirling his spear in a blur of motion. The sharp end slashed at the Coracck's side, leaving a shallow cut that oozed dark blood. The serpent recoiled, its hiss turning into a roar of fury.

The Coracck retaliated with a move Lucian hadn't anticipated. Its body coiled tightly before springing upward, its tail smashing into the canopy above. Branches and leaves rained down as the serpent used the debris as cover, striking Lucian from above. He barely dodged the attack, the serpent's fangs snapping shut where he had stood moments before.

That's new, Lucian thought, sweat dripping down his face. How much power does this thing have? No, how much power do I have left? Enough. It has to be enough.

The serpent's movements grew more erratic, its Qi fluctuating as it channeled energy into its next attack. Lucian could feel the pressure building, the air around them heavy with the Coracck's killing intent.

Lucian knew he needed to end the fight quickly. Summoning every ounce of his strength, he shifted into the third stance: Piercing Slash. He spun his body, the spear glowing brighter as he gathered momentum.

The Coracck lunged, its venom-coated tail aimed at his heart. Lucian met the strike head-on, his spear slicing through the air in a brilliant arc.

"Sky Piercer!" he roared, the name of his attack echoing through the forest.

Golden energy erupted from his spear, clashing with the Coracck's venomous Qi in a blinding explosion. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a deafening crack, Lucian's attack broke through. His spear cleaved into the serpent's body, severing its tail and driving deep into its flesh.

The Coracck let out a final, ear-splitting shriek before collapsing to the ground, its massive body twitching before going still. As Lucian watched, the creature's massive form began to dissolve, golden particles rising from its body. The aura-like fragments drifted upward, fading into the sky as though the very essence of the beast was being reclaimed by something beyond his understanding. Lucian staggered back, his chest heaving, his spear trembling in his grip.

The fight was over, but the venom coursing through his veins reminded him of the price he'd paid. Sky Piercer… it worked, but it took everything I had. If there's more out there like this serpent, I'll need to push harder much harder.

Lucian limped back to his cabin, clutching his wounded arm. The venom burned like fire, spreading slowly through his body. He pushed the door open and headed straight for the bundle of herbs on his shelf.

Maywood's gifts,… he thought bitterly, grinding the herbs into a paste. The same forest that threw beasts like the Coracck at me also gave me the tools to survive them.

He laid out the ingredients:

Poisonous Vine Root: a gnarled, pale root vine with dark green streaks.

Ember Red Leaves: vibrant red leaves with a faintly spicy scent and taste.

Moondance Moss: a soft, silvery moss that glistened faintly under the light.

Lucian worked quickly, grinding the herbs into a fine paste. The scent of the mixture was sharp and earthy. He spread the paste over his wound, wincing as the venom burned in protest. Slowly, the pain began to subside, replaced by a cooling sensation.

No one's coming to save you, Lucian. They never have. So, you do what you've always done to survive. Because survival is all that matters in this world.

By morning, the venom was gone, and the wound was nearly healed. Lucian ran his fingers over the faint scar on his arm, a reminder of the battle and the power he had begun to wield. His thoughts turned to the future, a vision of the towering gates of Eldralis, the capital city, taking shape in his mind.

"Six months from now," Lucian said aloud, his voice firm, "Lumen Obscura Academy will hold its entrance exams. I'll be ready."

From that day, Lucian poured himself into relentless preparation. Every morning began with drills to master the techniques in the golden book, his spear a blur as he practiced in the clearing near his cabin. The forest became his training ground; its challenges honed his reflexes and sharpened his mind.

Lucian's mastery of Diverse Reinforcement deepened, and he began to combine precision and raw power. He hunted, sparred against the dangers of the forest, and strengthened his Qi foundation until it felt as natural as his heartbeat. Thus entering Stage 3: Foundation Establishment is the beginning of true cultivation.

Lucian packed his belongings. The golden book rested safely in the spatial bag, along with the small collection of tools and herbs he had prepared for the journey. His spear, now a polished weapon glowing faintly with residual Qi, leaned against the doorframe of his cabin.

Lucian took a final look at the small home that had been his refuge and his forge. The memories of struggle and growth here would fuel him for what lay ahead.

The sun rose over the Maywood Forest as he slung the bag over his shoulder, gripping his spear with steady hands. The world beyond the forest called to him, and with every step, his resolve grew stronger.

As he walked the path toward Eldralis, the faint whispers of the forest seemed to echo behind him a warning or a farewell, he couldn't be sure.

This isn't just survival anymore. This is my path. My chance to prove that every scar, every fight, every ounce of pain was worth it.