Boundless Cultivation - [Isekai Progression Fantasy with Light LitRPG Elements]

For a moment, the girl froze under the expressionless stare of Alaric, as if she were a deer in headlights. When Alaric offered her a smile, a shade of crimson colored her cheeks, and she quickly turned around to avoid his gaze.

What was that about? Alaric scrutinized her form, taking in her golden hair, slender body, and fair complexion. She looked to be about his age, probably another kid who was on her way to participate in the entrance exams.

When Alaric detected her gaze on him, he had expected trouble. But her blue eyes had revealed irritation, embarrassment, and surprise more than malicious intent.

He chuckled at that thought. She probably couldn't believe how quickly he had detected her gaze on him. But Alaric was mildly surprised as well since he couldn't determine what he had done to her to earn such kindness.

Well, whatever. Alaric turned his head and focused on the beautiful mountainous landscape that accompanied his journey. The murmur of the crowds had grown more intense as more people slipped into the observation deck.

On further examination, he identified numerous kids his age, many dressed in lavish attire, congregated in small groups. He also spotted a few more knights from different noble houses, likely to safeguard the heirs of noble families.

From their excited discussions, it didn't take any effort to realize that most of these kids were going to the capital city for their entrance exams as well. The debate over which institute was superior remained a hot topic.

It didn't really surprise him since it was the admission season. The pantry service arrived a while later, offering fresh servings of tea, coffee, biscuits, and more.

Alaric chose another cup of black coffee, sipping on it leisurely as he focused on hearing chunks of conversation. He hoped to learn more about this world and the culture so that he could fit in better.

Unfortunately, the discussions of these kids, who were mostly fourteen and fifteen-year-olds, didn't really interest him. A majority of them simply discussed cultivation strategies or the milestones they had reached in their cultivation journey.

It was obvious that many of these children had known each other for a long time. So he tuned out when the conversations became more personal. However, there were some snippets of discussions that piqued his interest.

A few of them had expressed concern about the entrance exams due to certain rumors that predicted an increase in the difficulty of the practical exam.

Another rumor suggested that the competition would be more intense this year since noble heirs from the Great noble families would enlist this year. One kid even worried about assassinations, terrorist activities, and an increase in bandit activity around the region.

It seemed only a few of them hoped to get invitations for the Tower of Trials. In the end, he didn't learn anything groundbreaking, except for the fact that most of these young cultivators hadn't even reached the peak of Tier 1.

Alaric strolled to a corner of the observation deck. Among all these groups, he felt alone and out of place. He briefly wondered what the journey would've been like if Rowan, Gareth, and George could've accompanied him.

He shook his head as a smile spread on his face. No use wondering about something that couldn't have happened.

The sound of a frustrated sigh reached his ears. Alaric's eyes drifted to a young cultivator who shared the lonesome corner of the deck with him. The boy's perfectly pressed clothes were a stark contrast to his disheveled blonde hair and the resigned expression that marred his face.

It seemed Alaric wasn't the only one in this deck who felt alone. The boy - no doubt a noble - had claimed ownership of the corner before him. When their eyes met, Alaric offered a kind smile and the boy returned it hesitantly.

"Worried about the entrance exam?" said Alaric in a kind voice, slightly angling to face him. He didn't really like small talk but had the sudden urge to ease whatever mental burden afflicted the boy. And starting a conversation about the academy entrance exam seemed like a safe bet.

The boy let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "In a sense," he began meekly, "I'm more worried about what's going to happen after the test is over."

"Why is that?" replied Alaric curiously. "Is the entrance test really that hard to crack?"

"Well, it is obviously tough, but it's not just about that. I…" said the kid, his voice tinged with hesitation. "I'm not…I, uh, I don't have a strong foundation."

The kid looked dejected, as if he was forced to participate in the entrance exam against his will. A brief scan of his aura confirmed that he indeed lacked a strong foundation. However, his physical condition was quite good.

It was clear that the boy had spent countless hours doing his physical training exercises and practicing martial arts techniques. So he wasn't a slouch. But, perhaps due to bad luck or a lack of proper guidance, he had failed to create a proper cultivation foundation.

Alaric didn't want to pry any further. Instead, he tried to offer words of encouragement.

"Don't worry about it too much. I'm sure you will do fine," he offered a cheery smile before extending his hand. "I'm Alaric, by the way. Alaric de Vermond."

"Dale Ashwood," the boy replied confidently, clasping Alaric's hand for a shake. That opened the way for the blooming of a new friendship. It appeared that some of the worry that reflected in Dale's eyes had vanished after chatting with Alaric for a while.

During their chat, Alaric learned that Dale had a complicated relationship with his family, especially his elder brother Corvin, who was a second-year student at the Evercrest Academy.

Apparently, Corvin was the gem of the family, gifted in cultivation and brilliant in his studies. However, he despised Dale since their father treated them both equally, even though Dale wasn't as talented or skilled.

Alaric guessed that there was much more to the tale that Dale wasn't revealing, but what he shared was enough to paint a picture.

"That is my brother," said Dale, pointing to a tall boy within a group that hung around in another corner. He had the same disheveled blonde hair as Dale, but his countenance reflected a confidence that Dale lacked.

It seemed Corvin was the center of attention in their group. He spoke while the other group members listened attentively.

Alaric subtly reached out with his senses and determined that Corvin really was talented according to normal standards. His power level reflected that of a mid Tier 2, which was nothing to scoff at for a second year.

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Then it just so happened that Corvin suddenly looked at Dale, who seemed to wither under his gaze. As Corvin approached Dale with his friends following in tow, the latter subtly distanced himself from Alaric.

Great, I hope I don't have to break any jaws today! Although Alaric had guessed the reason why, he still asked Dale a question. "What happened? Why are you separating yourself?"

"You shouldn't be seen with me," said Dale apologetically. "If my brother finds out, he can cause you trouble."

Alaric chuckled. "I'm not worried about your brother, Dale," he replied with a grin. Before Dale could reply, his brother had already arrived at the scene, delivering him a smack on the back.

"Come on, loosen up a little bit," said Corvin with a snicker. "Why are you fretting like the others when you already know the outcome?" His eyes gleamed with scorn.

Dale visibly deflated under Corvin's merciless gaze. He closed his eyes, scrunching his eyebrows and clenching his fist. Everybody could tell that Dale was doing his best to restrain his frustration and anger at the snide remark.

"Is this your brother who we've heard so much about?" said a girl with a high-pitched giggle, standing beside Corvin.

"Yes, this is my beloved brother," started Corvin, briefly glancing at the girl before continuing. "He is still trying to follow in my footsteps," he released a mock sigh, before bursting into laughter as if he had told the biggest joke of the century.

Alaric didn't get irritated or angry easily. But when he saw how Corvin blatantly insulted Dale, his own brother, he couldn't just stand by.

It looked like some of the members of Corvin's group felt uncomfortable with the situation as well, but didn't dare to intervene as Corvin continued spouting indirect insults.

Generic noble trash. Nobody should be treated in this manner, regardless of their talent or status. Alaric briefly glanced at Dale, urging him to speak up for himself.

Unfortunately, Dale seemed ashamed to catch his gaze and simply put his head down. The thought of confronting his brother didn't cross his features. He is afraid of Corvin. The scar was too deep to heal so easily.

I can't just stand and listen to this nonsense. Dale wasn't his friend, at least not yet. However, that didn't mean he would simply ignore this injustice while it happened right in front of him, especially when he could do something about it.

Alaric debated slapping Corvin. That would've been so easy, but would that have achieved anything? Probably not. Instead of solving their brotherly conflict, it would only deepen the hatred.

Besides, starting a fight right now wasn't sensible and could land him in trouble, no matter the reason. Dale would have to prove his worth to Corvin himself.

He used his [True Vision] to thoroughly scrutinize Dale, looking for any weaknesses that would explain such a weak foundation. What he found was quite a twist.

The beginnings of a plan formed in Alaric's mind as he watched the pantry service roll in once again, this time with a cart filled with breakfast. It included sandwiches, a bowl of soup, and some slices of fruit.

Everybody started accepting their breakfast, including Alaric. Yes, that would do! thought Alaric with a smile as he dug into his sandwiches. But before that, let's have some fun.

Alaric quickly finished his meal, carefully monitoring Corvin eating his own fill. Then, just as Corvin started tasting his soup, Alaric made his move.

"Dale, there you are," cried Alaric, as he approached the group from behind. Corvin tried to turn around to check who addressed his brother, but Alaric shoved him with his shoulders and pushed through, spilling Corvin's soup.

A series of gasps erupted, to which Alaric feigned ignorance. He registered calls of 'reckless behavior', 'dumb', and 'an idiot'. But he paid them no mind, waiting for the tantrum that never came.

Then, as if catching Dale's shocked expression, he glanced back to witness Corvin staring daggers at him. A part of his suit and his left shoe were smeared with the spilled soup, pieces of vegetables, and meat clinging to the fabric.

It seems Corvin is not as short-tempered as I'd expected. He mentally chuckled. Well, no matter.

"Oh, it's completely my fault. Forgive me for my clumsy actions," said Alaric, feigning surprise, before chuckling. "Let's see," he continued, scanning the coach and pointing toward the washroom. "There it is. You can go there and freshen up."

Then, Alaric turned around to face Dale as though nothing had happened. However, before he could continue talking, Alaric felt a hand tightly grab onto his shoulder.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" growled Corvin, his voice carrying a hint of threat. "Why did you do it, and which house do you hail from, huh?"

Alaric casually brushed off Corvin's arm and slowly turned around to meet his stare. Corvin used a handkerchief to clear the stain on this suit, but his eyes never left Alaric's, as though he was trying to understand Alaric's true intentions.

"As I said, it was an accident," said Alaric with a nonchalant grin, cleaning his ear with his pinky finger. That seemed to irritate Corvin further. However, he didn't lash out immediately, probably trying to assess whether Alaric was a real threat or belonged to an influential house.

"You're lying," snapped Corvin, his eyes briefly flicking to Dale. "And you didn't answer which house you represent."

"I have no reason to lie," said Alaric with a shrug. "And, what does it matter which house I belong to?"

"Scoundrel, you ruined my suit," hissed Corvin. "Do you know how expensive that suit was? And you-"

Alaric flicked a few gold coins at Corvin's face, who promptly caught them. "There, is that enough compensation, or do you need more coins?" Alaric said in a playful manner.

A vein bulged on Corvin's temple, and his face started to turn purple with rage. He sneakily released a tendril of aura, trying to assess Alaric's potential and to subjugate him if possible.

Alaric made no overt attempt to indicate he was aware of Corvin's sly tactic, but he reinforced his own aura.

"Alaric, what are you doing?" hissed Dale, gripping Alaric's arm and trying to pull him to the side before turning to look at Corvin. "I apologize for him, brother. Please, let him go."

"How do you know each other?" asked Corvin.

"He's your brother?" replied Alaric, feigning surprise. "Well, I ran into him a while ago while watching the sunrise."

"Yes, that's right. We just met. I don't even know him that well," Dale stammered. "He is going to take the entrance exam like me. And, well-"

Corvin's face broke into a smirk when he realized Alaric was a first-year. Emboldened by his assumption, he unleashed more aura tendrils and attempted to ensnare Alaric. However, his face soon morphed into a scowl when his aura couldn't penetrate Alaric's defenses.

No matter how much he strained, Corvin utterly failed to punish Alaric like he had intended.

"So, is that enough?" asked Alaric with a smile, locking eyes with Corvin, who seemed dumbfounded.

"What?" muttered Corvin, confusion apparent on his face. It seemed he couldn't grasp why he wasn't able to overpower Alaric, even though he was supposed to be so much more powerful.

"You didn't say anything," continued Alaric. "Let me know if you need more coins."

"Enough! I don't need coins from you," snapped Corvin, his frustration apparent. "Dale isn't this bold to make such a plan. You," Corvin quickly tamed his temper when he saw other people looking at him, either snickering or eyeing him with pity.

"You will regret making an enemy of me, whoever you are," threatened Corvin. "If I see you in Evercrest Academy, I will teach you a lesson in manners you will never forget."

"I wish you all the best," Alaric chuckled, offering a mock bow. Corvin stormed off to the washroom, full of anger and frustration. However, his eyes also held a hint of caution when he briefly glanced back at Alaric from a distance.

"Why would you make an enemy out of a senior like that?" chastised Dale. "I didn't ask for your support, and I don't need it." He looked frustrated and scared.

"I'm sorry," said Alaric with a sigh. "It's not just about you. I simply couldn't tolerate his behavior towards you."

Dale crossed his arms, and turned his head to gaze outside the window. For a while, he remained silent. Then, a few tears rolled down his cheeks, which he quickly rubbed off with his elbow.

"Th-Thank you, Alaric," whispered Dale. "Nobody had ever stood up for me like that. And we just met."

"It's no big deal," replied Alaric with a smile. "We are soon going to be classmates, so it was the least I could do."

"I-I don't know about that," Dale mumbled. "And, I'm more worried about you, now."

"You don't need to worry about me," said Alaric, gently patting Dale on the shoulder. "In fact, let me worry about you."

"What do you mean?" Dale said with surprise.

"What if I told you that I have a way to increase your chances of passing the practical portion of the entrance exam?" Alaric held a smile, but his eyes reflected genuine warmth.

Dale simply stood with his eyebrows raised and lips parted, as if he wanted to say so many things but didn't dare. It seemed he wanted to hold on to that feeling of cautious optimism for a little longer before letting his critical side take over.