Chapter 23: A Reason To Cultivate
The sudden question shook Nolan's mind, replaying in his head repeatedly.
It was a simple question with a straightforward reasoning:
Why would he need to cultivate if he could grow strong using the system?
All he had done in the past few days was fulfill quests, and his strength had more than doubled in that short time.
That meant all he needed to do to grow stronger quickly was to keep completing quests as much and as fast as possible, and his strength would keep increasing indefinitely.
In such a case, was there really a need to embark on the normal cultivation path?
But that created a problem of its own.
"How do I explain my strength to others if I only complete quests and increase my attribute points?" Nolan pondered aloud.
[What do you mean?] the system replied, confused.
'Since I cannot let others know about the system within me—otherwise, I'll definitely be dissected to pieces for them to get their hands on the power—I need to have something to put out in front, something like an explanation for my growth in strength.
There would be fewer eyes and questions if they saw that my cultivation stage was increasing, compared to if they saw me stuck as a Celestial Initiate yet capable of soloing cultivators stronger than me.
It would be mystifying and attention-grabbing, don't you think?" Nolan asked, and to the system, his words truly had a point.
Wouldn't it be strange if a perceived ant suddenly could defeat lions?
All the animals in the kingdom would definitely be alarmed and would want to know why the sudden growth in strength.
That would draw too much attention and might end up exposing the system.
"Besides, I'm pretty sure there are some quests I won't be able to complete without growing my own personal strength."
"Growing strong through cultivation would only make those quests more achievable for me."
[I can't refute that, truly. But I'm not really sure if you can cultivate another source of energy.]
[The physique of a Celestial Heir is different from that of a Titan, a Nightmare Creature, or a Beast, and their source of energy is attuned to their body type.]
[So to cultivate the energy of a Titan, you would need the body type of a Titan. Something I don't think you have, do you?] the system asked rhetorically, and Nolan remained quiet.
That was truly reasonable; he was a Celestial Heir, not a Titan, whatever those were.
[Still, I think you would get a definite answer once you complete the last active quest…]
"To complete the first God King trial and obtain my first crown?" Nolan asked. He could still remember the content of the last quest in his head as clear as day.
"And when will I be able to complete the quest?" He couldn't help but ask.
[You're not currently ready. Once you're ready, you'll be able to take it...] the system said cryptically, and Nolan wanted to press on, but his attention was drawn to the classroom door as he saw the students storming back into class.
It was clear to him that their break time was over, and just about ten minutes later, another teacher entered the class.
A middle-aged man with green hair and green, gem-like eyes.
In all aspects, he seemed a normal human, which was more than a relief to Nolan.
He still wasn't good with aliens walking past him or being around him all the time. That was why he felt more comfortable around those who were more human.
It seemed the man was already familiar with the class, and after taking a quick glance around, his eyes pausing for three seconds on Nolan himself, he began his lesson on a topic that was very interesting to Nolan.
The man was discussing history, particularly about the world Nolan was currently in—something Nolan had very little to no memories of.
"Our entire plane of existence is divided into a total of nine heavens or planes. These planes are divided into three categories," the man began, and though the majority of the class wasn't paying much attention since they already knew this, Nolan was among those who were listening intently.
"The first is the Celestial Realm, which contains the 9th, 8th, and 7th heavens."
"These also happen to be the highest of the heavens, and noteworthy is that the Academy is in the 8th heaven.
"The second category is the Mortal Realm, which contains the largest number of worlds and lesser beings that we can all place under the category of mortals."
"They contain the 6th, 5th, and 4th planes of existence, and they are the greatest in number..." Sir Alberto explained casually, yet Nolan's mind shooked.
'There is a Mortal Realm!? Containing thousands of worlds. Could it be that Earth is also among those worlds!?' Nolan asked himself, hundreds of other questions appearing in his mind.
He knew well that he had been reincarnated into a different world, but never in his imagination would he have thought there was a possibility of ever being able to go back to his previous world.
If there was a Mortal Realm in this universe, then could there be a possibility that Nolan's world was also among those universes?
All his life, he had thought humans were the only dominant species of the entire universe.
While there were mentions of aliens and gods, Nolan didn't believe in aliens at all, and as for gods, he simply believed there was definitely a force behind the creation of the universe.
That was as far as his belief took him.
But now, he was faced with the reality.
If Earth was really among the mortal worlds, then humanity had no idea of the possibility of the true universe.
Whatever the truth was, Nolan felt anticipation growing in his heart.
The universe he was in was wide and wild, and it promised him a great adventure that he wouldn't forget until the end of his life.