Chapter 6
The memory of the colossal dragon's indifferent gaze continued to fuel Usato's relentless training. Each swing of his daggers, each grueling set of exercises, was a desperate attempt to bridge the seemingly insurmountable power gap. The jungle, no longer just a survival arena, had become his personal dojo. As the weeks blurred, a flicker of an idea sparked in Usato's mind, a concept born from the countless cultivation novels he had devoured on Earth. "SKY," he thought aloud, panting after a series of knife thrusts, "I've been thinking... about those cultivation systems in the novels. The Skin Tempering Realm, Bone Forging... what if I actually structured my training like that? Made it a real, defined progression?"
SKY's immediate response was analytical. "Host, your current physical adaptations are occurring organically in response to environmental stressors and targeted exercises. Imposing a structured system based on fictional narratives may not align optimally with your unique physiological responses and the specific demands of this environment. However, conceptualizing a framework could provide a mental focus and a sense of progression."
"But think about it, SKY," Usato countered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Those novels always had clear stages, focused on different aspects of the body. Skin, then bones, then tendons, maybe even internal organs later. If I consciously train with those goals in mind, wouldn't it give me a clearer direction? A target to aim for?"
"Hypothetically, Host," SKY conceded, "such a structured approach could enhance motivation and provide a framework for tracking progress. However, the efficacy of these fictional 'realms' and 'levels' in achieving tangible physiological enhancements in your unique biology remains unproven. Furthermore, the specific methodologies for advancing through these stages in the novels are often fantastical and lack a scientific basis."
"Exactly!" Usato exclaimed, a spark of excitement in his voice. "That's where we come in! We can observe what works, what changes in my body as I train, and then categorize those changes into my own 'realms' and 'levels.' It'll be like creating my own cultivation novel, but instead of just reading about it, I'll be living it! And those levels? They won't just be for show; they'll represent actual gains in strength, resilience, and speed – the kind of power I'll need to one day face that dragon."
SKY processed this for a moment. "Host's proposal presents an unconventional approach to optimizing physical development. While the correlation between fictional cultivation stages and actual physiological changes is speculative, the creation of a personalized framework could serve as a powerful cognitive tool for focused training and progress tracking. I can continuously monitor your biometrics and correlate them with your self-defined 'levels' to provide objective feedback."
Usato grinned, a surge of determination coursing through him. "Alright then, SKY. Let's start with what I've been doing – focusing on making my skin tougher. Let's call this the 'Skin Tempering Realm.' And right now, after all that training, I think I've just hit the first level: 'Initial Tempering.' It's all about cleansing and toughening the surface, right? Making it more resistant."
SKY responded, "Based on the observed 5% increase in physical resilience and the increased density of your skin cells, the designation 'Initial Tempering' within your self-created 'Skin Tempering Realm' appears to be a reasonable initial categorization of your progress."
After weeks of diligent practice, Usato finally completed the Initial Tempering level of the Skin Tempering Realm. He had focused on consciously directing his internal energy (though he didn't fully understand it yet, his instincts guided him) to cleanse and purify his skin, attempting to remove impurities and toxins that had accumulated over time from his previous life and his initial exposure to Kharon's environment.
As he looked at his reflection in a nearby stream, he noticed that his skin had taken on a slightly healthier appearance. The dirt and grime that had accumulated on his skin during his time in the jungle seemed to have been washed away, revealing a more radiant complexion.
But the most significant change was not visible to the naked eye. Usato could feel a subtle but noticeable increase in his physical resilience. His skin felt slightly more resistant to damage, and he could sense that his body was better equipped to withstand the rigors of combat.
SKY's voice echoed in his mind, providing a more detailed analysis of his progress. "Host, your initial tempering has resulted in a 5% increase in physical resilience. Your skin cells have become slightly more dense and resilient, providing a modest improvement in defense."
Usato nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He knew that this was just the beginning of his cultivation journey, and he was eager to progress to the next level.
With his initial tempering complete, Usato took a moment to rest and reflect on his progress. "Alright, SKY," he thought, stretching his limbs. "What should the next level be? In those novels, it was always about accumulating energy, building a foundation."
"Based on the principles observed in the fictional narratives you have referenced, a logical progression within your 'Skin Tempering Realm' could involve enhancing the density and overall strength of the skin through a process of sustained stress and recovery," SKY responded. "The term 'Accumulation' aligns with this concept of building a stronger foundation."
"Accumulation it is then," Usato decided. "The next stage will be about making my skin not just tougher, but actively resistant to more powerful attacks."
With his initial tempering complete, Usato decided to test his new realm by ambushing animals that were within his perceived power level. He had been living in the jungle for months now, and he knew that there were plenty of creatures that he could use as test subjects to gauge the effectiveness of his 'Initial Tempering.'
Usato set his sights on a small, rodent-like creature that he had seen scurrying through the underbrush. He stalked his prey, using the skills he had learned from his time in the jungle to get close without being detected.
As he pounced, Usato felt a surge of excitement and adrenaline. He had always been cautious when hunting, but now he felt a sense of confidence that he hadn't felt before, a tangible result of his first cultivation level.
The rodent-like creature let out a high-pitched squeak as Usato's dagger flashed in the sunlight. But to Usato's surprise, the creature didn't die immediately. Instead, it struggled and squirmed, trying to break free from Usato's grasp.
Usato's eyes widened as he realized that his initial tempering had given him a significant boost in strength. He had expected to overpower the creature easily, but instead, he found himself struggling to hold on. "Huh," he grunted to SKY, "Definitely tougher than before, but not invincible."
"Analysis confirms a notable increase in your grip strength, Host," SKY responded. "However, the creature's musculature and resilience are also within a certain threshold."
With a surge of effort, Usato managed to pin the creature to the ground, ending its struggles with a quick and merciful kill. As he stood up, panting and triumphant, he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.
SKY's voice echoed in his mind, providing a more detailed analysis of his performance. "Host, your initial tempering has resulted in a 10% increase in physical strength. Your attack speed and agility have also improved, allowing you to overpower your prey more efficiently."
Usato grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "See, SKY? It's working! This 'Initial Tempering' actually made a difference."
"Observed data indicates a correlation between your focused training and enhanced physical capabilities, Host," SKY confirmed. "The framework of your self-defined cultivation system appears to be a functional method for tracking and potentially directing your development."
With his confidence boosted, Usato set off into the jungle, ready to take on new challenges and continue his journey towards becoming a true cultivator, eager to see what the 'Accumulation' level would entail.
With his initial tempering complete, Usato decided to test his new realm by ambushing animals that were within his perceived power level. He had been living in the jungle for months now, and he knew that there were plenty of creatures that he could use as test subjects.
Usato set his sights on a small, rodent-like creature that he had seen scurrying through the underbrush. He stalked his prey, using the skills he had learned from his time in the jungle to get close without being detected.
As he pounced, Usato's dagger flashed in the sunlight, aiming for the creature's neck. But the rodent was quicker than he expected, and it dodged to the side, avoiding the fatal blow. Usato was caught off guard, and he stumbled forward, off balance. "Damn it!" he cursed internally.
The creature took advantage of Usato's momentary lapse and counterattacked, biting down on his arm. Usato grunted in pain and quickly regained his composure. With a swift and precise strike, he plunged his dagger into the creature's heart, ending its struggle.
As he stood up, panting and slightly shaken, Usato couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. He had expected to take down the creature with ease, but instead, he had almost been caught off guard. "So, 'Initial Tempering' isn't a free pass," he mused to SKY.
"Analysis suggests that while your physical resilience has increased, your combat technique and awareness still require refinement, Host," SKY stated objectively. "The 'Initial Tempering' has provided a foundation, but skill remains a critical factor."
Usato nodded to himself, recounting the fight in his mind. He realized that he had underestimated the creature's speed and agility, and that he needed to work on his combat technique and reflexes.
"If I were to do it again," Usato thought to himself, "I would need to be more cautious and anticipate the creature's movements. I would also need to work on my dagger technique, using more precise and controlled strikes. This 'Accumulation' phase needs to focus on more than just raw toughness."
With a newfound sense of determination, Usato set off into the jungle, ready to continue testing his limits and refining his combat skills, understanding that his self-created cultivation system was a guide, not a guarantee.
As Usato pondered his performance, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the maneuver he had used at the beginning of the fight. The way he had lunged forward, dagger flashing in the sunlight, had felt... effective.
Usato's eyes narrowed as he replayed the move in his mind. He could see himself, dagger extended, body coiled and ready to strike. It was a crude, instinctual movement, but there was something raw and powerful about it.
"SKY, can you record that maneuver I used at the beginning of the fight?" Usato asked, his voice thoughtful.
SKY's response was immediate. "Host, the maneuver you used exhibits biomechanical similarities to certain close-quarters combat initiations employed by specialized operatives on Earth. It demonstrates a rapid transfer of kinetic energy into the attack."
Usato nodded, intrigued. "Can you archive it for future reference? Maybe it can become part of my 'Accumulation' training – focusing on explosive movements."
SKY's response was affirmative. "Host, I will create a dedicated sub-folder within 'Martial Arts and Techniques' labeled 'Early Combat Maneuvers.' This specific movement pattern will be recorded and analyzed for potential refinement."
With that, SKY created a new archive, labeling it "Martial Arts and Techniques," with a sub-folder for "Early Combat Maneuvers." The instinctive lunge was recorded, awaiting further study and integration into Usato's evolving cultivation system.