Under Nadeshiko's guidance, Aster learned one Qi Technique after another.
The speed at which he absorbed the techniques and made them his own was beyond normal—so much so that even Nadeshiko herself was excited to see how far he could go.
Before the day ended, he had already been hamred with all the techniques from beginner to interdiate level!
"Oh, night's about to fall," Nadeshiko comnted, finally realizing the ti. "Then, let's continue with the Advanced Level Qi Techniques tomorrow. Rest well until then."
*Wheeze!* *Wheeze!*
The problem was that the one she was speaking to was lying on his back, sprawled out on the ground, panting heavily.
Aster had completely drained his Qi through relentless practice and had nearly depleted all his stamina just trying to keep up with Nadeshiko's pace. Right—he had been half-forced into learning more and more techniques without breaks!
Still...
After stabilizing his breathing, he raised a fist and squinted his eyes. Even with just that small movent, he could sense the Qi flowing through his body—its quantity far greater than anything he could have ever imagined.
"I'm getting stronger, without a doubt!" He smiled.
Although exhausted beyond belief, he felt that his hard work was worth it. At the rate he was mastering Qi Techniques, he was confident he could fight toe-to-toe with soone at level 1000 or above by tomorrow!
As he lay there, he stared at the orange clouds above, slowly being swallowed by the night sky, letting his mind wander through various thoughts.
"Cassy..." He whispered, his heart weighed down with worry.
The last thing he rembered was seeing the girls wounded—and to make matters worse, he had no idea where his Adventurer's Card was. Without it, he had no way of checking if they were still alive and well.
After so ti, just as the surroundings were dark enough to require lights to walk around, Aster finally pushed himself up and headed back to his small hut.
He went around to the back, drew water from the well, and washed away the sweat clinging to his body before returning inside to change into fresh clothes.
Just as he was in the middle of changing, a series of knocks ca from the door.
Aster turned his head, his senses quickly identifying the familiar Qi of the person beyond the door.
"Kurenai, right? Please enter."
"Please excuse ," Kurenai spoke from outside—just as Aster had guessed. "I've brought your dinner, Aster-sama."
She stepped in respectfully, carrying a tray of food as usual. However, Aster didn't miss the slight awkwardness in her movents.
"Uh... Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine, really. It's nothing major, just... slight discomfort."
"I see... Sorry about that."
Aster recalled what Nadeshiko—Kurenai's mother—had ntioned earlier in the day, making him avert his gaze with an apologetic expression. After all, this was technically his fault.
"Please don't be," Kurenai quickly shook her head.
"Rather, I should thank you, Aster-sama. Thanks to our Dual Cultivation, I managed to break through twice in a row. Right now, I'm just a step behind Master in terms of cultivation level!"
"No, no. I should be the one thanking you! If not for you helping unblock my ridians, I wouldn't have gained this much power so quickly!"
"Then, let's just say we both paid back each other's favors?" Kurenai proposed, smiling sweetly.
"Well... if you're fine with that..." Aster nodded. "Then, if you ever want to do Dual Cultivation again, just tell . As long as I'm here, I'll be more than willing to help you with that."
Kurenai blushed at his sudden offer, her voice turning flustered.
"P-Please don't tease , Aster-sama. Once was enough... I can't trouble you more than that..."
"Alright, I won't force you." He raised his hands in surrender, grinning playfully. "Then, shall we eat?"
From the amount of food prepared and the extra set of utensils, Aster could tell that Kurenai had planned to dine with him. With their conversation reaching a comfortable pause, she quickly moved to arrange the plates on the low table.
It was a peaceful dinner... but unfortunately, it would be the last bit of peace they would have.
---
The Next Morning.
Aster woke up as usual—or rather, he was woken up by loud screams echoing throughout the entire hidden village.
"This is..."
His heart sank, instantly recognizing the sounds. Panic—and death!
Without hesitation, Aster grabbed his clothes, throwing them on just as a rushed set of footsteps stopped outside his hut.
"Aster-sama!"
Kurenai's voice rang out a split second before the door burst open. Her face was filled with urgency.
"Forgive , but we don't have ti! The Emperor's n have attacked the village!"
That was all the information he needed.
Aster nodded sharply. "Got it. Let's go!"
"Please follow closely!"
Without wasting another second, Kurenai leaped up and took off across the rooftops of the main building. Aster followed right behind her, putting the Qi Techniques he had learned the previous day to the test.
With their strength enhanced by Qi, they moved across the rooftops like shadows. Yet, despite their speed, they could still see what was unfolding below them.
The village was in chaos.
Countless presences filled the area—completely different from the usual tranquility, where he could barely detect anyone.
People dressed similarly to Kurenai were locked in battle against a group clad entirely in black.
The thick scent of blood, the clash of blades, and the roar of explosions filled the air.
This wasn't just a simple skirmish—it was an all-out war!
The problem, however, was clear.
The ones in black had the overwhelming advantage. Aster gritted his teeth, watching Kurenai's allies fall one after another—until he couldn't stand it anymore.
"I'm going to help them—!"
"NO!"
Before he could change directions, Kurenai spun around and grabbed his wrist.
Her eyes were glistening, just barely holding back tears, but her gaze was firm and unwavering.
"Right now, our priority is getting you to the God's Thirteen Dungeon! Everyone in the village is risking their lives for your safety!"
"Kuh...!"
Aster clenched his teeth. He couldn't understand why they were doing so much for a "stranger" like him. He didn't want to see, or hear, anyone dying for him!
But Kurenai's grip remained firm—she wasn't going to let him go.
"...Alright." He exhaled heavily. "Then let's hurry! If we make enough ti, everyone can still retreat and regroup!"
"Yes!"
Kurenai imdiately turned, preparing to lead the way—
*BAM!*
But as soon as she let go of his wrist, Aster suddenly stomped down hard on the roof, shifting his weight—
And charged straight toward the battlefield!
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