Dimm smiled knowingly before asking. "Will it be a bad idea to start the cultivation with the queen?"
Minxx immediately kicked him hard, throwing him to the ground. "I pitied on you."
"Sorry," Dimm muttered, groaning from the ground, rubbing his side where Minxx's kick had landed.
"That hurts," Dimm complained.
Minxx folded her arms and removed her stare from Dimm. "And you deserved it."
Dimm sighed and pushed himself up. "Fine, fine. I get it. I only meant to ask, what level of cultivation have you reached?"
"What level of cultivation do you expect a queen has reached?" Minxx asked, feeling herself.
"Maybe the top. I guess," Dimm said, frowning his face a little.
Minxx rolled her eyes and said. "Obviously, I am a Paragon. Paragon as a Soul Cultivator."
"Dimm blinked. "The highest level of cultivation, so you can—"
"Yes," Minxx cut him off. "I can do what they can do."
'Now, I see why you were able to tell what I thought. It will really be a good thing if I'm able to cultivate with her,' Dimm thought.
"It's risky to keep those kinds of thoughts in my presence," Minxx said, turning over to Dimm. "I can read minds. Remember the abilities of a Soul Cultivator."
"Grrr."
"What?" Minxx asked.
"So, you can decide to use your ability against me?" Dimm asked.
"If I wish," Minxx replied, noticing the worry in Dimm's eyes. "Not really. Dear Minxx have no right to play with a Chosen one. She will become his victim if she does."
"Become my victim? How?" Dimm asked.
"According to the Prophecy by a forgotten god of the game, a new being shall emerge, and will inherit a system he has created and kept hidden," Minxx paused. "I shouldn't be telling you this now."
But after a while of receiving an indignant stare from Dimm, she added. "This new being will be called a Chosen, and playing with this kind is the same as playing with fire. Even if they look weak."
"If I've become a Chosen, what then is this Prophecy all about?" Dimm sounded curious. "Besides, I'm not weak," he said with a firm tone.
"As to the Prophecy, dear Minxx will gradually unveil it to Master Dimm as time passes by," Minxx said.
"Master—?"
"Yes. I had chosen to address the Chosen one as my Master and will be liable to his service," Minxx said, bowing her head slightly to Dimm.
They had caught the attention of the other cultivators, as they approached where Dimm stood with Minxx. Surprise was clearly written on their faces; they were shocked to see their queen lower her head before a stranger to them.
Dimm gulped at this moment. Right from his encounter with Squiggon, he had known Minxx was powerful, but hearing her address him as Master made his skin prickle.
"Uhm—" Dimm wanted to talk, but words failed him. He didn't like the crowd that had formed around him, so he muttered again. "Uhm—"
"Let's go and get you some proper attire," Minxx smirked before saying, noticing Dimm wasn't comfortable around the many elves that had gathered around.
"Go back to your cultivation," she ordered the elves and turned to Dimm. "Let's go."
They walked down, through the grand corridors of the elfin palace.
The Elfin palace was made up of towering spires of crystalline silver and ivy-covered arches. Bridges that were woven from enchanted vines connect with floating terraces. A soft, golden light emanates from the lanterns that were affixed on the walls, casting a serene glow over the dimly lit corridors.
"Your palace is beautiful," Dimm complimented. 'Even though it has an ancient setting.'
"Oh. Thanks. The sight would have been more gracious if you viewed from the exterior," Minxx said, feeling overwhelmed by the compliment.
"Well, I guess we might be running out of time," Dimm said, increasing his steps behind Minxx.
Together, they walked through the corridors until they arrived at a boutique on the East side of the palace wings.
The boutique has intricate golden vines curling around the entrance, already exuding importance and luxury.
When Dimm stepped in with Minxx, he was graced with a pleasant scent of rare fabrics, polished wood, and a hint of blooming lavender.
"My queen, how can we be of help today?" a young woman approached Minxx and asked.
She represented a vision of spoken elfin beauty. Her jade-green eyes shimmered under the soft light of the rays that pierced in through the open louvers. Her eyes were also framed by long lashes that fluttered as she blinked.
Her silver-blonde hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, with braids woven through it.
'Such beauty.' Dimm, for a while, was lost as he concentrated his stare on the young elfin woman, approaching them with graceful moves.
Minxx cut in through his drown. "She understands fabrics like a scholar understands books."
Minxx smirked. "Dimm, meet Loriel. The best designer in the kingdom."
Loriel's voice was soft yet confident. "A pleasure to meet you."
"Same here," Dimm reciprocated, extending his hands to meet Loriel's, but she didn't take it.
He withdrew his hand and looked at Minxx, who chuckled slightly at him.
"She's not used to taking handshakes; she prefers hugs," Minxx said.
Dimm's eyes widened, 'If you told me earlier, it would have been a great pleasure on my end.'
"I see you need an outfit," Loriel asked, waking Dimm up to reality.
Dimm nodded. "Oh, yeah. But I did like to choose the design myself.
"I like a man with taste. Come, let's find you something perfect," Loriel said, her smile widening.
As Dimm and Minxx walked behind her, Minxx whispered to Dimm. "She is an Energy Manipulator cultivator. And she's at the initiate level. Her business doesn't usually give her time to cultivate."
"Well," Dimm said. 'But, why is she telling me this?'
Loriel took Dimm to a catalog of several designs of clothing, allowing him to browse through them. Each of the designs proved her renowned status, crafted with beauty. His eyes finally landed on the design he liked.
A high-collared black jacket with sleek buttoned fastenings. His heart throbbed for this design, the craftsmanship was flawless, made of durable yet elegant fabric.
"This one," he said firmly.
Loriel nodded approvingly. "A strong choice. It was crafted to carry an air of mystery and strength. Would you like any modifications?"
Dimm hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I would like it better if it came with a black mask. The one that covers the mouth and nose alone."
Minxx quirked her left eyebrow. "A mask?"
Dimm grinned. "Something like that. I like that kind of fashion."
Loriel chuckled. "A mask suits you. It will add an air of enigma to your handsome presence."
Immediately after she said this, Minxx pinched Dimm's side and whispered to his ears again. "She's an initiate."
"You told me already," Dimm replied, suddenly realizing why she kept informing him of the fact.
He, however, shifted his attention to Loriel, who with practiced hands, adjusted the outfit to fit him perfectly.
Dimm collected the fabric and tried it, feeling the snug yet flexible fit of the tunic underneath. The pants allowed for movement, and the jacket draped over him like a second skin.
Finally, he fastened the mask over his face and smiled.
Minxx studied him for a moment before nodding. "Now you look like someone who belongs here."
Dimm rolled his shoulders, testing the fit. "Not bad. A perfect work, I did say.
Loriel clasped her hands together and, with a blush, said. "Thanks."
To Minxx's surprise, Dimm pulled off the cloth, folding it neatly on his hands.
"Why?" Minxx asked.
"I plan to use it as my attire, but not now," Dimm smiled at her.
Shockingly, the cloth Dimm held in his hands vanished, and the screen materialized before his eyes.
«New Attire recognized.»
«Stored in the inventory.»
«Choose a word for summoning.»
«- - - -»
"Transform," Dimm said with a grin. Ignoring the look on Loriel's face. Of course, Minxx understood what was going on.
«Transform—recorded.»
***
Back at the cultivation ground, the atmosphere was still charged with energy. The elfin cultivators continued their training, but all eyes turned toward Dimm and Minxx as they arrived.
Minxx stepped forward. "Dimm, you should begin cultivation now. But, before you begin, you must choose a partner."
Dimm stiffened. "Wait, already?"
"Yes, of course. You already have a high chance," Minxx said. "Or, you can still find one here."
Dimm glanced around. The cultivators observed him with mixed expressions—some intrigued, others skeptical.
His heart pounded. Whoever he chose would be the one to guide his first steps into cultivation. He was going to follow Minxx's advice—an initiate first.
Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders. It was time to decide. Go back and try to make Loriel his partner, or choose from these cultivators gathered here.
But he didn't want to start with Energy Manipulating. He wanted to start from the very first—the Body Refiners.
He was about to make his move to their line when a voice distracted their attention.
"Hey! Hey!!"
"..."