Broken Core [LitRPG • Cultivation • Post Apocalyptic • Romance]

James woke early to the sound of the doors shuddering in the lingering winds of night. Luna was draped over his chest, her ears twitching against his chin. For some reason, she had partially crawled on top of him, and he didn't know how to move her.

Both of their blankets were tightly wrapped around them and she was sweating from their combined heat. His soul thrummed with power at her proximity as hers seemed to resonate with him. The other cultivators shied away, their souls seeming to flee his as they stirred in their sleep.

I wonder why she's different. Running a few fingers over her ears, he felt them twitch and their warmth. She was clearly happy with their façade. Married, huh. It's a better cover than I expected even if demi-humans don't involve themselves with humans that often.

Yawning, Luna twitched a few times before her eyes slowly opened. Pulling away, she met his gaze. "Good morning, Honey."

Snickering, he brushed his fingers over her ears one last time. "You seemed to have slept well, My Love," he teased.

Nodding, she beamed at him. "Honestly, it was the best I've slept in months."

Returning her smile, he slipped out from under her. Turning onto his side, he faced her before saying, "that's good. But you do know we know nothing about one another, right?"

Shrugging, she yawned again. "Does it matter? They don't know that and we made the most of the situation yesterday. Apparently, I really like sweets."

"And I'm in love with your tail," he added. "If only I had made a brush. Spoiling you would fit the mood."

Giggling, she leaned in and rested her head against his chest. "You already know I was chased out of my village. There's nothing more to say about it. I was a hunter, and I used a spear. I'd rather make new memories with you."

Rubbing her ears, he hummed. "I agree. Is this us starting our relationship over? Yesterday we weren't even talking to each other for months."

"It is." Pulling away, she glanced at the door. "The sun should be rising soon. I need to cultivate the warm air if I'm going to grow."

"I'll clean the tub. We might as well bring it with."

Still smiling, she slipped out of the bed and stretched. Leaving him to his work, she went to the base of the stairs where the heat was slipping in. Sitting with her legs crossed, she closed her eyes and started pulling on the air. Her core spun faster, and her soul flared as she started condensing her core for more power. How she was going to reach the nascent soul was beyond him. He had never learned that much.

Moving to the tub, he detached it from the pipes and plugged the drain. Using a bit of water and fur, he scrubbed the sides and bottom, making sure it was clean for future use. By the time he finished, Nebra was getting up with the others.

"Good morning," Nebra said softly. "I thought she wasn't going to cultivate here."

Glancing at the woman, he shrugged. "Unless you suddenly cultivate air, I'm sure it'll be fine."

Getting up, she started putting away her bedding. The others copied her before pulling out plates of food. The smell of spices brightened the dull basement as he finished with the tub. Adding it to his inventory, he stretched before putting away his bedding.

"What are your future plans?" Nebra asked.

Raising his brow, he said, "you are going to take us back to your sect. We need supplies and I need to talk with your elders. I also need a break from the wastelands and by your appearance, you do as well."

"We are supposed to be here for another few months," Nebra argued.

"Let's go back," Mender argued. "Heavens only know that we need new robes and a bath. I'm sure the sect will understand us bringing them back."

"I agree," the other girl said. She was the shortest amongst them, and also the youngest. Like Mender, she was eastern and shared a striking resemblance. Placing them as family, James took note of her pixie cut black hair and doll-like features.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"You too, Jamie?" Nebra asked.

Nodding, the quiet girl finished eating. Crossing her legs, she started pulling on the earth Qi in the room.

Nebra ran a hand through her hair. "I give up." Turning to James, she bowed her head. "We will go back with you. But we need to cultivate each day to prove that we have grown stronger."

Throwing his thumb at Luna, he said, "so does she."

"What about you?" Mender asked. "Do you need to cultivate?"

"I will as we walk," James said. They didn't need to know the specifics.

Walking to the stairs, he looked up at the doors. The heat was fading quickly, and it was likely the sun was already rising. Moving past Luna, he ignored the stares from the group as he pushed open the doors and flooded the basement with air Qi and heat. Luna hummed behind him, making him smile.

Stepping out into the rising light, James scanned the nearby buildings and judged them. The house they were using was almost entirely collapsed, the wood rotted, and foundation collapsed. Glass was sprinkled in the black grass as he walked around the structure.

The interior of the house was unstable as he looked over the appliances and metal furniture. The couch was nothing more than legs and springs as the fridge and oven were rusted too severely to be added to a museum. Still, he found a few cast iron pots and pans that were rusted but could be cleaned and seasoned with time.

Walking through the house, he didn't find anything else to add to his inventory. Walking out to the main street, he glanced around before settling on the city in the distance. Plumes of dust were in the air as he crossed his arms.

That's not good. The giant is still moving around and seems to be destroying buildings. We need to get away from here and quickly.

Turning back to the basement, he felt the air stir as it was pulled down to Luna. She was likely growing decently, and the others would have joined her in cultivating. They had a few hours before they needed to leave and truly start their day.

Stretching his soul senses over the town, he didn't resonate with anything. The cultivators must have cleared the town during their stay. That would explain their ragged appearance. With a chuckle, he started walking down the street. The sun rose in the east, and he directed his steps towards it.

What are we going to find today? Can those cultivators truly fight? Will they get in the way?

He had too many questions, just like normal. It seemed the heavens wouldn't bless him with easy answers either. If it did, he would know why his core was broken and why his elder tossed him out. He believed that the elder was his friend. The man had worked closely with his father before he died. Mother didn't last much longer after that. One day he walked in and found her on the floor. Her heart was stopped and core unmoving. She had simply died.

Years were spent in the sect after that. From the lower section, all the way to the inner, he made a name for himself. His core solidified at a prodigious rate and he was ready to learn the secrets of the nascent soul. In the blink of an eye, that all changed.

Touching his ribs, he could still feel them when they were shattered, and he was thrown through the portal. His skull had been cracked, and he was left for dead. He just wished he knew why it had come to that. Why was he disposed of?

Soft steps approaching pulled him from his thoughts. Before he could turn, fingers slipped between his. "Are your thoughts that unruly?"

Glancing at Luna, he nodded. "They are. For the first time in months, I have free time to think. I don't like it."

"Want to talk about it."

"No." Focusing on the horizon, he took a deep breath. Her fingers felt nice between his and her warmth was comfortable as he felt her tail wag against the back of his legs.

"We are ready to head out," Luna said. "We'll have to slow our pace for the others, but we have nothing but time." Letting go of his hand, she wrapped her arm around his back and leaned into his shoulder. The metal-like feathers of his armor poked her, but she didn't seem to care.

"Let's gather the others and head out." Touching his armor, he enjoyed the feeling of the feathers against his fingers. Outside the city, it might actually protect him from the Forsaken.

Letting him go, Luna kissed his cheek, making him blush. Giggling, she whispered, "they are behind us. Should I kiss you for real?"

Forcing a smile, he shook his head. "My heart would probably stop if you did."

Frowning, she asked, "have you not kissed a girl before? Wait! Are you a virgin? You blush an awful lot."

Glaring at her, he didn't answer.

Bursting into a fit of laughter, she held her stomach. "Oh my!"

"Shut up," he grumbled.

"James! This is going to be so much fun!"

"Something wrong?" Nebra asked as she reached them.

Cutting off her laugher, Luna quickly shook her head. "James was just telling me about his dream last night. Apparently, I'm supposed to bury him in my tail tonight."

"That's…odd," Nebra murmured.

"It's perfect for a man like James!"

Glaring at his wife, he walked away before he said something mean. He'd get her back when he could. And that time was right now.

Turning back to Luna, he smirked. "Since you know I love your tail so much, why don't you tell them how else we like to use it?"

Jaw dropping, Luna gawked at him. "J-James!"

Nebra copied her. "Uhhh…"

Narrowing her eyes, Luna scrunched up her nose, clearly having lost the moment.

"Shall I whistle for you like normal?" he asked. "I know you like it when I pat my leg."

Snarling, she walked over to him and pushed a finger into his chest. "You win this one!" she growled. "Keep your eyes open! I won't let you win the next time!"

Leaning in, he kissed her nose. "Don't be like that, My Love. I'll wash your tail tonight to make it up to you."

"You better!"

"Should I give you two space?" Nebra questioned.

"Yes!"

"No…" James sighed.