Born in Blood

Liam's expression turned stern.

He opened the other parchment up and read it as well.

'Tranquil sky body-tempering method. Rank-1.'

'Allows the user to absorb 'Ora' within the body, cleaning out the impurities within, using the tranquil sky breathing-technique.'

'Slower than most tempering methods, but the safest and most stable for its rank.'

'The end result is a Rank-1 tempered body for the user. In addition to this, the user's body will have more attunement to Body-Tempering methods that require 'Ora'.'

"The first one is torture, but I'm guessing it's stronger." Liam said with a pensive expression. "What are ranks anyways?"

Lloyd smiled at Liam's maturity.

"Ranks are basically a classification system for cultivation techniques and cultivators. I'd describe Rank-1 as rigid wood and Rank-2 as a hardened stone. I'll tell you more about the future ranks, but for now, focus on learning the basics."

Instantly, Liam's eyes widened.

'Is the difference between ranks really that vast?' He wondered, before thinking about his decision.

"How long would these techniques take me?" Liam asked.

"For the Rank-2, it could even be less than two years, even more perhaps. For the second, it'll take just as long, but you'll only be Rank-1."

'...There's no reason to fear getting hurt if it's strength I get by the end of it. After all, pain is just a feeling. Power is bound to stay.'

Inwardly, Liam was done living in weakness. Meaning entered his life in a sense, and for the first time, there was a goal he set out to achieve.

"I'll go with the Infernal Breathing." Liam said after a short pause.

Lloyd nodded approvingly with a smile.

"Good choice. A blade cannot be forged without entering the fire. Of course, I'll train you rigorously before you undergo it." Lloyd promised, before taking out another set of parchments from his ring.

"These are the martial arts you can choose from. Pick whichever one you're comfortable with. They have different levels of difficulty, but there's nothing you can't learn."

Liam nodded and instantly began rummaging through the arts.

'Lightning Spear arts.'

'A spear martial art consisting of four forms. High speed to catch opponents off guard. Focuses on offense, weak at defending. Movements are irregular and snappy, giving the opponent the appearance of fighting against lightning. 'Ora' gives the user a slight burst of speed for 20 seconds. Rank-2.'

"What are forms?" Liam asked. "And didn't you say without the Core, I wouldn't be able to manipulate 'Ora'?"

"Forms are special techniques within a martial art. The first form is usually the weakest and easiest to learn, while the following ones are more difficult." Lloyd explained thoroughly.

"Martial arts can utilize 'Ora' as well, and it doesn't require you to manipulate 'Ora', it just needs you to absorb it, which is entirely possible. You'll understand when we start."

Liam nodded, before reading the next few arts.

'Limbs of Freedom.'

'A weaponless martial art consisting of two forms. Focuses on defense, while taking advantage of openings to attack. Allows the limbs within the body to contort and twist irregularly, even extending and shortening. 'Ora' coats the body with a thin barrier. Rank-2'

Liam couldn't help but remember a rubbery figure wearing a straw hat.

'Defense is boring, though. Plus, it only has two forms.' He thought, before shifting to the next.

'Sun & Moon arts.'

'A dual-wielding martial art with three forms. Requires a Katana and Wakizashi. Like the sun and moon, the blades alternate in use, making it hard for the opponent to predict where the next slash will come from. 'Ora' provides a layer of sharpness, no matter how dull the blades are. Rank-2.'

Memories of Liam's dreams flashed in his mind. Him standing atop a giant flaming dragon with his blades in hand.

"I choose the sun & moon arts." He instantly decided.

Lloyd nodded. "Good choice. I use a sword art myself, so I can teach you thoroughly."

Lloyd spent the next few minutes showcasing to Liam what cultivation looks like.

The former sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, and the surrounding mist entered his abdomen, glowing fervently.

"That's pretty much it." Lloyd said, opening his eyes and losing the glow.

"More boring than I thought." Liam realized, but his intrigue didn't waver one bit.

"Now, the guilds. They're run by the high-ranking nobles and each building plays a different role." Lloyd clarified. "I currently work as a hunter specialized in magical beasts, but there's plenty of other jobs to pick from."

Liam's ears perked up.

"Can I become a hunter as well?"

The benefits that would bring were endless. Food for both himself and Eve, as well as learning more about magical beasts.

"You can, but not without the proper experience and training.

A moment later, the cave lost the mystic glow, signifying the end of the one hour.

"Come. It's time I teach you how to hold a blade."

Liam nodded with a smile.

The pair promptly left the cave and underground.

Lloyd had led Liam to the borders of Ucladd, where— beyond it— nothing but lush trees and foliage could be seen. An eerie silence covered the region, and various smells entered Liam's nose.

The pair had walked a considerable distance, before reaching a beautiful ravine.

Water trickling down to a flowing river gave a tranquil air to the space. The sides of the river bank looked as though a war had taken place on it.

The surrounding trees were cleanly cut from the middle, leaving bare stumps.

"Alright, we've arrived." Lloyd uttered, taking off his upper clothes, revealing the endless scars that ran across his chiseled body.

While Liam was speechless, Lloyd shifted his gaze to him and smiled as he said:

"Strip."