Stonepalm Duchy.

The air was heavy with unease.

Lumberling and his four companions rode hard through the gates of the ducal barracks, dust trailing behind their cloaks. The clang of weapons and the sharp calls of training soldiers filled the courtyard.

At the far end, near the main hall, they spotted Duke Hadric speaking with several armored officers. He wore a full suite of emerald-colored armor, and two swords crossed over his back.

When his sharp eyes caught sight of them, he dismissed the officers with a single nod and gestured for Lumberling's group to follow.

Inside his office, maps and reports were scattered across the table, each one marked with red lines, troop routes, and burning towns.

"Senior, what happened?" Lumberling asked, stepping forward.

Hadric turned slowly, his expression solemn. "I received a letter from the capital," he said. "Hroldir the Dreadwake, the so-called King of the Northern Sea has begun his campaign. His fleets are burning coastal towns and pushing inland."

Lumberling's brows furrowed. The elves standing beside him exchanged looks. They had talked about Hroldir not long ago, how he might one day turn his eyes toward the Pentaline Empire. But they didn't expect him to strike so soon.

Hadric's tone deepened as he continued, "The reports also speak of his chosen, ten warriors blessed by the sea gods themselves. One of them is here, leading the assault in my territory. I'll be heading out to deal with him personally."

"Do you need help, Senior?" Lumberling asked without hesitation. "If it's a battle, I'll fight beside you."

Hadric paused, meeting his eyes before shaking his head. "Your spirit is admirable," he said with a faint smile. "But instead of fighting by my side, I have a favor to ask of you."

Lumberling straightened. "What is it, Senior? Just tell me, I'll do whatever I can."

Hadric crossed his arms, studying him in silence for a moment before speaking.

"I need your help to protect the city while we're away," the Duke said finally. "I'll be taking most of my elite warriors to face the threat head-on. That means the city will be left with only a handful of defenders. I can't risk the safety of my people."

Lumberling nodded without hesitation. "No problem, Senior. Don't worry about your city, I'll protect it with my life." His words were filled with quiet conviction.

Hadric's stern expression softened, a faint smile forming. Good," he said. "That's exactly what I was hoping to hear."

Lumberling rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes shifting aside as if searching for the right words. "Um… Senior, about that reward," he began, sounding almost embarrassed.

"Oh?" Hadric raised a brow. "Speak. If it's within my ability, I'll grant it."

Lumberling took a slow breath, his tone steady but earnest. "I want to learn the method that allows others to cultivate."

Hadric blinked, his expression tightening in surprise. "The method… to let others cultivate?" he repeated, studying him closely.

Lumberling nodded. "I have friends and family in this world, people who mean a lot to me," he said quietly. "I've tried teaching them how to cultivate, but it never works. The energy here… it just rejects them. And every time I see them grow older while I keep getting stronger, it hurts."

He lowered his head slightly, his tone quiet but heavy with emotion. "I want to help them too, Senior. That's all I ask."

The room fell silent for a moment. The distant sound of marching soldiers echoed from the courtyard outside.

Hadric leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing in thought. When he finally spoke, his tone was calm, but there was a sharpness in it, as if he'd already pieced something together.

"So that's the real reason you came here," he said quietly.

Lumberling rubbed the back of his head, smiling awkwardly. "Part of it, yes," he admitted. "But I was also curious when I heard there was someone else in this world who practiced martial arts. Until now, I thought I was the only one."

The Duke didn't respond right away. His sharp gaze lingered on Lumberling, as if weighing every word.

'Did he see through me completely?' Lumberling wondered, keeping his expression calm. 'Guess it wasn't going to be that easy after all.'

Then, to his surprise, Hadric gave a slow nod. "If you swear upon your Dao heart that you'll only pass this method to your family," he said solemnly, "then I'll agree to share it with you."

Lumberling's eyes widened slightly, relief washing over his face. "Thank you, Senior," he said earnestly. "I'll swear it now."

Placing a hand over his chest, he spoke with clear conviction. "I, Lumberling, swear upon my Dao heart to share the cultivation technique only with my family. Should I ever break this vow, may my cultivation never advance again."

Hadric studied him for a long, quiet moment, then nodded in approval. "Good," he said simply.

Turning toward the door, the Duke called out, "Corven, bring me the scrolls."

"Yes, my lord," answered a deep voice from outside the door.

Hadric looked back at Lumberling. "Before we depart, come see me again in my office."

Lumberling bowed deeply. "Understood, Senior. And… thank you again. I won't forget this kindness."

The Duke gave a faint smile before turning his gaze toward the open window, where the sound of soldiers preparing for war echoed in the distance.

….

Hours later, inside the Duke's office.

Lumberling stood before Duke Hadric, who was now dressed in a simple robe instead of his emerald armor. Between them lay an old wooden table, its surface covered with open scrolls marked by strange runes and intricate diagrams.

"This," Hadric began, his voice steady but calm, "is the result of centuries of my work." He ran a finger along one of the drawn energy paths, his expression thoughtful. "I'll allow you to learn it only this once because you and I share the same origin."

Lumberling nodded deeply, his expression serious. "I understand, Senior."

Hadric looked up, his eyes reflecting the faint glow of the lamp. "This technique is called The Hadric Conversion Art." He smiled faintly. "A rather direct name, I know, but I wanted my legacy to carry my truth, not just my title."

He took a breath, his gaze growing distant for a moment. "Even though I was never the most talented martial artist, this… this is my greatest creation. My legacy to this world. If you ever pass it on, carry it with pride."

"I will, Senior. I promise." Lumberling said softly.

Then Hadric began explaining the method in detail. His voice grew calm, almost like a teacher in meditation.

"This technique works by converting mana into Qi through an artificial resonance inside the body," he said, pointing to a diagram marked with flowing lines that traced the body's inner channels. "It's built on the foundation of cultivation breathing, combined with this world's magical circulation. It took me decades to find balance between the two."

Lumberling listened closely, his eyes following every stroke of the Duke's quill as Hadric drew energy channels across the parchment.

"I discovered," Hadric continued, "that Qi and mana are not so Both come from the same source, life itself. The difference lies only in their frequency. You and I, assuming that you received the divine blessing too, can harmonize with both. But ordinary mortals cannot. Their bodies reject Qi's vibration, treating it as something foreign."

He leaned back, folding his arms. "The Hadric Conversion Art teaches the mortal body to imitate that resonance, to shape itself into harmony through painful conditioning and specialized breathing."

Lumberling's brows furrowed slightly. "So… it forces the body to adapt?"

"Exactly," Hadric said, nodding. "But the process isn't easy. It takes time, and endurance few can bear."

He unrolled another scroll and tapped it with his finger. "There are four steps to the process…"

He paused, his eyes meeting Lumberling's.

"…and each step must be mastered carefully, or it could cost the user their life."

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