The puzzle pieces were starting to fall into place.
Yuta's blessing, his curse, the silent warning of apocalypse and war—they all felt like threads of the sa web.
But it was still confusing, especially considering the fact that Ryuen's knowledge of magic ca only from what he had read back on Earth.
"And what happens to those who are marked?" he asked, his voice steady despite the unease he felt.
Althea's smirk faded. "In a world like this, those capable of wielding skills, abilities, and those born immortal..." She paused, stretching out her hand.
An erald orb of energy slowly ford above her palm, spiraling rapidly.
"I use mana primarily, especially in situations where I have to act fast. However, balancing Qi and mana gets a little complicated. Most races here find it difficult to balance physical and internal capabilities with magical and spiritual ones."
'Does she think I'm that ignorant?' Ryuen thought, watching her explanation with a blank expression.
Based on what he had co across during his ti searching for a job back on Earth, Ryuen had indulged deeply in reading about cultivation and fantasy novels.
He had developed a keen interest in two distinct yet interconnected forms of cultivation: Qi cultivation and mana cultivation.
At first glance, they might seem similar, but they were far more complex.
Qi Cultivation, he learned, was the practice of developing one's internal energy.
Qi, often referred to as vital energy, flowed through the body like a current.
Through techniques such as ditation, controlled breathing, and deliberate physical movents, practitioners could cultivate and balance their Qi.
Qi cultivation enhanced physical abilities—strength, agility, and endurance far beyond normal human limits.
It also enhanced and increased spiritual growth, helping practitioners achieve inner peace and harmony.
Lastly, Qi was known for its healing, letting one to heal injuries and cure illnesses.
And this was exactly what Ryuen's first skill was linked to.
Mana Cultivation, on the other hand, dealt with a different type of energy. Mana was a magical force—a pool of power that could be harnessed and wielded both internally and externally.
Cultivating mana also involved ditation but extended to spellcasting and manipulating mana in various ways.
For instance, creating explosive energy blasts, infusing objects or weapons with mana.
And even divination—using mana to gain insights into the future or uncover hidden knowledge—were all part of its application.
While Qi was rooted in balancing the body and spirit, mana represented external manipulation and control of the forces surrounding oneself.
What Ryuen once found to be pointless knowledge was proving to be imnsely useful—especially now, in this world.
"Ryuen?" Althea called, snapping him out of his thoughts. She had noticed his distant gaze.
When he shifted his attention back to her, she raised a brow. "Are you listening to ?"
"Yes, I am," he replied almost imdiately.
She didn't seem to believe him but decided to let it slide.
"As I was saying," she continued, "most of your kind, those favored by the Arbiter, don't survive long enough to find out why they were chosen."
"And as things stand, the wildlands expand and eventually consu them. Or worse..."
She trailed off, her gaze turning distant for a mont before snapping back to him.
"You'll learn soon enough. By then, you should have t my mother."
Ryuen opened his mouth to ask a question, but Althea silenced him with a sharp glare.
"Here's a bit of advice, newcor," she said, leaning closer until her face was only a few inches away from his.
She swiped her split tongue along her lips and smiled.
"Don't trust anyone. Not the beasts, especially when you can't handle them. Not the people. And certainly not the Arbiter's remnants."
Her voice dropped into a soft, almost lodic chuckle.
"Because in this world, everything wants to devour you—in one way or another."
With that, she rose to her feet and stepped out of the gazebo, her serpent dragon appearing behind her, its eyes gleaming as it hovered protectively.
"Do you actually think I would trust anyone so easily?" Ryuen asked as he stood and followed her out of the gazebo.
He dipped his hands into his pockets, a smirk tugging at his lips when she turned to face him.
"I don't know," she paused, studying him with narrowed eyes.
"Your kind are known for easily trusting strangers—especially those who appear sweet."
He couldn't deny that. It was painfully true.
But...
"I might be human," Ryuen said, his tone growing sharper.
"But I know better than to trust beings with features too abnormal to comprehend."
"And what do you an by that?" Althea asked, crossing her arms under her chest, her curiosity evident.
"I an, there are humans with forked tongues—so things are understandable," he said, his tone casual.
"But a being like you? Half-dressed, arrogant, a beast tar who looks like an elf and serpent hybrid?"
He stepped closer, his voice lowering. "I wouldn't trust you, even if you were polite or offered advice."
Althea scoffed, a flicker of annoyance flashing across her face.
"Humans are all the sa—naïve and stupid."
"Of course we are," Ryuen replied, his voice taking on a cold edge.
"But we don't give up so easily. Here's a word of advice..."
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as a faint golden glow flickered within them.
"You should never cross a human."
"Oh?" she asked with a mocking smile. "What will they do? Curse ? Or maybe show their middle finger?"
Ryuen's smirk widened.
"Oh, they'll do that too. But humans are creatures of rage. When anger consus them—especially the silent ones—they beco dangerous. Unpredictable. Lethal."
"Tsk!" Althea clicked her tongue.
"Do you think that's enough to scare ? Your kind is weak. Your kings are nothing but fragile fools who frolic around, ignorant of real struggles."
Ryuen shrugged nonchalantly.
"Imagine a world that faced two global wars, endured lockdowns from deadly diseases more than once, and dealt with corruption and torture from its own kind," he said.
"And yet, they survived all–without Qi or mana."
Althea froze, her blood running cold.
"Impossible," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Mortals are not that strong. They wouldn't survive a re blizzard, let alone sothing like that."
Ryuen chuckled softly, turning away to leave. "Like I said, don't cross a human—especially a broke one."
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