The moonlight filtered through the cracked shutters as Arthur sat cross-legged on his inn bed, the dim candlelight casting dancing shadows across the wooden floor. The city outside was quiet, save for a few faint voices of guards doing their rounds. Nyx, the scroll bound to his soul, stirred with glowing silver runes above his palm.
Arthur's thoughts drifted back to what he had overheard earlier in the day—the 300th birthday celebration of the City Lord, a peak Stage 2 powerhouse.
"Scroll," he said aloud, "that City Lord… he's celebrating his 300th birthday. Isn't that beyond normal lifespan?"
The scroll shimmered, responding with a faint hum. Stage 2 powerhouses typically possess lifespans of around 500 years. Their bodies, having transcended mortal boundaries, age slowly.
Arthur leaned against the headboard, mind spinning. "What about Stage 3 and above?"
Stage 3 cultivators generally live up to 1000 years. Stage 4 may reach 5000 years. Stage 5—those who have truly surpassed the peak of the lower world—live for 10,000 years or more.
Arthur's brows furrowed. "Then… what of techniques and physiques? Some people look barely older than forty, yet claim to be centuries old."
"There are vitality-focused cultivation techniques", Scroll answered. "They refine life force, extend longevity further. Even more rare are vitality-type physiques—gifts of heaven. Such individuals might live multiple times longer than their realm should allow".
Arthur's eyes narrowed. "If so, then why do most people struggle to break even a sub-stage in a decade?"
The scroll pulsed." Because this world is cursed… or rather, sealed".
"Sealed?"
Scroll explained, This lower world is no larger than a star, but it is wrapped in the remnants of a higher realm's will. This world's own will is strong—but flawed. It is intelligent, yet limited. It cannot withstand the might of a true Stage 6 being. If one tried to break through, the world would shatter.
Arthur felt a chill. "So, it resists power?"
Yes. To protect itself, the world increases the cultivation difficulty of all beings. The path is steeper. Every step takes longer. But the Will of the Universe—above all—has one rule: it can make climbing harder, but it cannot shorten the lifespan gifted by cultivation.
Arthur stared into the candle's flame. "So this world… it shackles potential but not time."
Correct. And yet, ironically, this sealed world is rich in unique constitutions. High-level physiques are more common here than many vast worlds. It is a paradox. A star-sized realm with greater blessings per person than entire galaxies.
"…Why?" Arthur whispered.
Unknown. Perhaps fate seeks to balance its scales. This world may be a drop of water in the ocean known as the universe, but that drop is infused with secrets.
Arthur remained quiet for a moment before tilting his head. "By the way… do you have a name?"
The scroll pulsed, but no answer came. Only silence.
He sighed. "If you won't give me one, I'll name you myself."
He thought for a moment. "How about... Nyx?"
The scroll emitted a soft glow in response. A faint ripple of acceptance passed through Arthur's soul.
He smiled. "Then it's settled. From now on, you're Nyx—the echo of something ancient and powerful."
Arthur stood and went downstairs to the inn's small taproom. The innkeeper, an older man with a thick gray beard, greeted him with a nod.
"Something strong to drink?" the man offered.
Arthur nodded. "Something special."
The innkeeper served him a dark amber liquid in a clay mug. It was warm, with a spicy-sweet scent that calmed his nerves instantly.
Arthur took a slow sip, sighing. "Say, old man, do you know where I can sell beast materials?"
The innkeeper scratched his chin. "Marketplace opens at dawn. Look for the red-canopied stalls—those are the licensed merchants. They'll give you decent coin for clean materials. Perfection cores? Pricey stuff. Bargain hard."
Arthur nodded in thanks, finishing the drink with a satisfied exhale. He retired back to his room soon after, laying down with a lighter heart.
---
Dawn came with a breeze. Arthur exited the inn and breathed in the fresh air of the waking city. His steps were light, purposeful.
He passed merchants setting up stalls and laborers hauling carts. Conversations rose around him about the City Lord's grand celebration, nobles traveling from afar, and the Vaults of Echoes preparing rare exhibits for the occasion.
He turned left at a fountain, following the path toward the bustling marketplace. He stopped at a stall draped in crimson cloth, behind which stood a shrewd-eyed merchant.
Arthur placed his gathered beast materials and cores on the counter. "All from Stage 1 beasts. One perfection core among them."
The merchant's eyes gleamed. "Hmph, rare. Most of these fetch five silver per core. Perfection core… that's another story. Worth at least thirty gold."
Arthur frowned. "At least? Don't undersell me."
After some haggling, the merchant agreed to:
14 common Stage 1 beast cores at 5 silver each = 70 silver
4 mid-stage cores at 2 gold each = 8 gold
2 peak-stage cores at 5 gold each = 10 gold
1 perfection core = 40 gold
Beast materials = 20 gold total
Grand total: 78 gold and 70 silver
Satisfied, Arthur packed the coins into a satchel. Nearby, Nyx pulsed in his soul.
There is a statue fragment in the western section of the market. Broken, but carved from divine stone. Retrieve it.
Arthur raised a brow. "A broken statue?"
It contains a trace of forgotten divinity. Useful for my evolution.
Trusting Nyx, Arthur made the purchase for five gold after another short negotiation.
Then, passing through the crowded streets, Arthur spotted nobles riding beast-drawn carriages and adorned in silken robes, guarded by private soldiers. In contrast, barefoot children sat on dusty corners, watching longingly.
He stopped before two thin boys. "Here," he said, buying sweet bread and candy from a nearby vendor. "Eat well."
The boys' eyes lit up. "Thank you, big brother!"
Arthur patted one of their heads and turned to the Vaults of Echoes. He took a deep breath.
It was time to acquire a cultivation technique.
I've updated Chapter 5 with your plot, including the revised conversation with the scroll, Arthur's market visit, his compassionate gesture toward the children, and his preparation for entering the Vaults of Echoes. Let me know when you're ready to begin the next scene or chchaptecha