[Alpha and Omega Heavenly Sword Arts
Stage 1: Basic Sword Arts – A sword cannot be mastered overnight. Everything must begin from the basics. A solid foundation determines how far one can go with advanced sword arts.]
[Requirement: Physique – Heaven's Equality Body, Skill Points – 100]
[User meets all requirements. Does the user wish to learn Basic Sword Arts?]
"Yes!" Ethan answered without hesitation.
[Congratulations to the user for mastering Basic Sword Arts]
The moment the notification appeared, information regarding Basic Sword Arts flooded into Ethan's mind. The knowledge merged seamlessly with his memories. After the integration, it felt as though he had practiced basic sword techniques for nearly a hundred years. That level of familiarity was now ingrained deep within him.
Ethan was overjoyed.
He never imagined that one day he would become a sword wielder. Growing up in an era dominated by firearms, nuclear weapons, machines, and technology, swords had long become relics of history. Learning sword arts felt strange at first. But he knew better now—before a powerful cultivator, even nuclear weapons were no more than toys. He no longer underestimated the weapons of the cultivation world.
The Basic Sword Arts covered fundamental movements—stabbing, drawing, sheathing, chopping, and proper grip. Ethan could execute all of them instinctively. This alone filled him with immense satisfaction.
What shocked him even more was the requirement.
To learn even the basic stage, one needed the Heaven's Equality Body—a physique that required affinity with all ten natural elements. That alone revealed how terrifying this sword art truly was. Ethan no longer dared to underestimate any skill bestowed by the system.
After calming down, he decided to learn Heavenly Steps next.
[Heavenly Steps: By using Inner Force, the user manipulates wind around their feet. Wind particles from the world's spiritual energy enter the body, boosting leg strength and dramatically increasing movement speed.]
[Prerequisites: Wind Affinity Body, Stamina ≥ 100, Strength ≥ 100, Agility ≥ 80]
[Requirement: Skill Points – 50]
[User meets all requirements. Does the user wish to learn Heavenly Steps?]
"Yes!" Ethan replied instantly.
Detailed information regarding Heavenly Steps integrated into his mind. Every nuance, every movement felt natural—like a technique he had practiced for years.
With these skills in his grasp, Ethan finally felt secure. He let out a long breath and glanced around.
Now that the system matters were settled, it was time to look at the "offerings" from those shameless trees.
Thousands of fruits lay scattered across the forest floor.
Though he had jokingly called the trees shameless, Ethan could tell these fruits were anything but ordinary. They looked normal at first glance, but faint traces of golden radiance surrounded them—too subtle for the naked eye to detect. If not for Heavenly Gaze, he wouldn't have noticed it either.
He picked up a fruit.
[Discovered Grade-1 Mango]
[Effect: Restores +50 Stamina]
[Discovered Grade-1 Grapes]
[Effect: Restores +50 Endurance]
[Discovered Grade-1 Banana]
[Effect: Restores +50 Strength]
Ethan froze.
His opinion of the trees changed instantly.
He had thought they were attacking him earlier—but in truth, they were repaying him with everything they had gained from his lecture. Even though they benefited silently, their sincerity was undeniable.
Only now did he truly understand their goodwill.
He spoke sincerely, "Thank you. I will remember your kindness. I'll definitely come back to give more lectures. You have no idea how much these fruits will help me."
And he meant every word.
He planned to open a clinic in Phoenix Feather City, but he had no money—not even enough to buy food. These fruits alone had solved that problem.
The trees responded in their own way. Their leaves rustled gently, releasing pure wind and oxygen. The air felt so clean it seemed to cleanse his soul.
After several hours, Ethan opened his eyes.
He felt refreshed—mentally and spiritually. His clarity and comprehension had improved once again. He was thrilled.
He ate his fill, then stored the remaining fruits in his system inventory without hesitation. He had plans for them.
Once everything was packed, he looked at the trees with emotion.
"I'll take my leave now. Thank you for the hospitality. I'll remember this kindness. You saved me from hunger. I promise I'll return and give you another lecture. Until then, practice diligently."
The trees felt reluctant.
Unlike them, humans could travel freely. They couldn't stop Ethan from leaving—but he had promised to return. That was enough. Until then, they would cultivate diligently and grow stronger.
Ethan said his goodbyes and resumed his journey.
He liked these trees.
But he knew his priorities.
Though reluctant to part, he left.
Time passed.
By the next day, the emotions of farewell had settled. Following the system's navigation without hesitation, Ethan finally emerged from the forest.
In the distance, towering city gates came into view.
A smile formed on his face.
He had arrived.
Phoenix Feather City.