The Hero System - Chapter 10

Two days later, Feb 24th.

Yesterday, Jonah finished his last exam. So he’ll just go to check his exam results before starting his spring break.

In the past two days, Jonah learned a lot from Ren. Well, most of it was about cultivation. Other things can wait.

In summary, it appears that there are seven main stages for cultivation. They’re the following.

Energy Condensation, which has 9 sub-stages.

Energy Materialization, which has 9 sub-stages.

Soul Core Formation, which has 6 sub-stages.

Soul Possession, which has 6 sub-stages.

Spirit King, which has 3 sub-stages.

Spirit Emperor, which has 3 sub-stages.

Spirit God, which has 3 sub-stages.

Jonah then understood the whole cultivation layout. At least, he knew how many stages there were. Since he needs to finish the first stage in 6 months, he felt that it was difficult indeed.

However, he also understood that the first stage got to be the easiest. He might be able to finish the first stage in 6 months, but he might need years to finish the one that followed.

He didn’t really understand what the other stages were all about. He only knew that in the Energy Condensing stage, he needs to absorb the Spiritual Energy from the surrounding and condense it into his body. He decided to know more after he reaches Terra.

Going by Ren’s explanations, they were going to a city in Terra called Zoras. He didn’t know anything else. For now, that’s all he needs to know.

“Hey, Jonah!” He turned around to see Leo walking behind him.

“Hey, Leo. Do you even need to check your results?” Jonah smacked his lips.

“Shut up man, it’s not like I won’t do any mistakes.” Leo laughed.

The two headed to the results board where they post the results. It was crowded since everyone was trying to see how they fared.

When Leo and Jonah walked over, everyone looked at them with amazement. They started to whisper and point. Jonah ignored them since he knew why, but Leo was confused.

First Place: Perfect Score: Leo Yohan, Jonah Regon.

Second Place: 599: Ren Kerlin, Oden Hervy.

[Ding! Quest completed. Would you like to receive your reward?]

Jonah decided to check his skill later. The rest of the top scorers were unknown to Jonah. However, he was speechless at Ren’s score. Maybe she was trying to avoid attention? And Oden is probably the brown-haired youth from before.

“What the fuck bro? You got a fucking perfect score?” Leo had his mouth agape. His friend barely had average score last year, now

“Well, I got lucky?”

“Lucky? Did you know the questions beforehand?! Confess!”

“Dammit man, you have no confidence in me?” Jonah was speechless.

As they were bickering, Jonah saw a figure walk toward them not from far away. It was Ren. Jonah was confused, why did she pick this time and place to talk to him?

“You two, we’ll be going tomorrow. Meet me here at school. Tell your parents that you have a school trip and bring clothes with you.” Ren said before walking away again.

Only the two dumbfounded youths were left with shocked expressions. They turned their heads toward each other and looked at one another with shock.

“You” They spoke at the same time.

“No wonder you scored perfect! And I thought you were actually smart!” Leo laughed as he drank his cola.

The two were sitting on the rooftop. For some reason, this has become their usual spot. Maybe because they always get beaten here?

“For fuck’s sake Leo, you’ve awakened a month before me? Seriously?” Jonah still had a shocked expression.

The two couldn’t have imagined that both of them awakened at the same time.

“Well, what can I say? It’s not like I had control over it. I thought I was just smart at first, but at some point, it got a little absurd. Then I woke up one day to find my body drenched in black waste, and the next thing I know, Ren talked to me.” Leo helplessly sighed.

It seems that Leo was one of those who naturally awakened. He had a strong soul since the beginning. It just kept triggering the more knowledge he absorbed. Somehow, it worked like meditation for him.

Of course, Jonah knew that his friend wasn’t only a textbook person. Leo would read any book he lays his hands on. And somehow, he can remember most of it.

“But I didn’t expect you’d awaken after you fell off the building That explains how you recovered so fast.” Leo thought that was the reason for Jonah’s awakening. Jonah didn’t want to reveal unnecessary stuff, so he only accepted it.

“So you’re also going to Terra for the first time tomorrow?” Jonah asked as he gazed at the sky.

“Well, yeah.” Leo nodded.

“Well, take care of me, bro.” Jonah laughed and raised his cola. Leo nodded and clinked his bottle.

“You fuckers are sure having it nice huh? Two fucking punks scoring the top must feel good!” The three bullies came in when Jonah and Leo were chatting.

Jonah looked at them and couldn’t help but snicker. Even though these guys were bullying them for so long, he still doesn’t know their names. Leo glanced at him and the two nodded.

Five minutes later, Jonah and Leo clapped their hands to remove the dust. The three bullies were lying on the ground beaten up.

With Jonah’s improved physiques, he could keep them occupied. And Leo could just sneak attack from behind. Now that the two got stronger, they wouldn’t let anyone bully them.

The two walked back to the train station together. The planned their stay in Terra even though they didn’t know much. Naturally, they were going to work together.

Ren said that most Spirit Cultivators gain money through hunting monsters in Terra. Of course, they only hunted and sold the unintelligent ones that would harm humans if they encounter them.

The Spirits Organization would happily buy the materials to make different products. Sects, groups, societies, and many other organizations also had shops in Zoras where they sell and buy materials. However, the Spirit Organization had the most influence.

Jonah returned home after getting separated from Leo. The two will meet at school with Ren tomorrow.

“Mom, I’ll be leaving tomorrow on a school trip.”

“You are? Okay. Take this with you.” His mother took out 75 dollars and gave it to him. Jonah didn’t refuse because he needs it to get the necessary stuff.

“Are you going to be alright alone?” Jonah asked concernedly.

“Why wouldn’t I? Enjoy your trip.” His mother smiled warmly as she said.

Jonah didn’t have exams anymore, so he started to cultivate. Of course, he only did so with his mother not being around or asleep.

Jonah decided to see his new skill first.

[Spear Arts. Level 1: Proficiency with spear fighting. Level up: Practice.]

Jonah felt that it was weird he got a spear skill. But still, he was happy with it. Now that he was going to Terra, he needs a fighting skill.

Jonah looked around and picked a mop. He pointed its shaft like a spear. As he did that, he felt the wooden stick has become a part of his body. He used it for a while and was amazed at the results. Jonah felt like a veteran spear warrior.

Jonah opened his Skills and Techniques Menu.

[Spiritual Sense. Level 2.]

[Evade. Level 2.]

[Spear Arts. Level 1.]

[Basic Spirit Control Technique. Mastery (Beginner).]

[Void Energy Condensing Cultivation Technique. Mastery (Beginner).]

Jonah told the system to hide any skills he doesn’t need to make it easier to navigate. He hid the Basic Spirit Cultivation Technique since he doesn’t need it anymore.

After two days of cultivation, Jonah met the requirements to level up his first two skills. Evade now boost 15% of his agility. And spiritual sense has a 10 meters radius now.

With this, Jonah concluded the following. Until now, there were two ways to level up his skills. One, increase his stats. Two, practice. It seems weapons’ skills require practice. However, Jonah needs more information to conclude anything further.

Jonah closed his menu and decided to cultivate.

After a whole night of cultivation, Jonah was again amazed by his stats.

[Name: Jonah Regon]

[Age: 16]

[Level: 2]

[Cultivation: Energy Condensing (First Stage)]

[Spirit Points: 10/10]

[Experience points: 3/20]

[Upgrade Points: 0]

[Vitality: 18]

[Stamina: 16]

[Strength: 15]

[Agility: 20]

[Resistance: 14]

[Intelligence: 19]

[Charm: 12]

[Spirit: 29]

Jonah was satisfied with his progress. However, according to the system, it wasn’t enough. Going by this pace, he wouldn’t be able to reach the second stage by March 5th to gain the rare-level skill. Jonah can only hope that he’ll level up in Terra. This way, he can upgrade his spirit to breakthrough.

Keep the stones coming!