Chapter 37: "Scientific Ascendance"
In the basement of a secluded villa, Ron stood alone amidst the gruesome aftermath of his actions, with the lifeless bodies of two Acolytes surrounding him.
Rubbing his temples, a blue glow emanated from his eyes as he consulted his advanced A.I. Chip, "A.I. Chip, scan my stats and provide an update on my current condition."
The A.I. Chip swiftly complied, revealing Ron's new stats, "Ron. Level 3 Acolyte. Grand Knight. Strength: 7.9, Agility: 5.9, Vitality: 7.7, Spiritual Force: 15.8, Magic Power: 15 (magic power is in synchrony with spiritual force). Status: In the middle of forming 72 meridian points and cultivating in Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique, spiritual force in purification."
Ron had been meticulously adjusting his meditation technique, enhancing his foundation as an Acolyte. The Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique offered three levels, each advancing his Warlock rank automatically. Ron had also refrained from utilizing the Giant Kemoyin Serpent bloodline, but he was now ready to test his theory.
As he had few impurities in his spiritual force due to his avoidance of potions, his meditation process was greatly accelerated. His rapidly purifying spiritual force was drawing him closer to the requirements for advancing to an official Magus, which was a spiritual force of 15.
Satisfied with the spell formation, Ron double-checked the bloodline transfer spell formation to ensure its perfection. With all systems in place, he decided not to rush through the bottleneck.
Ron sat cross-legged and invoked the A.I. Chip's assistance to create 72 meridian points, relying on the knowledge he had gathered from the two Acolytes.
Using the tremendous amount of sentient force he had collected from the Black Horrall Snake, Ron initiated the process. The goal was to establish a channel between the Dantian and meridian points, facilitating blood refinement.
Intense pain wracked Ron's body. He gritted his teeth as though 72 swords pierced him, causing continuous spasms. Blood began to ooze from his mouth, and his entire body trembled.
Despite the agony, 72 small beads formed, creating a network. Ron's eyes turned blood-red. As he double-checked the formation and potions, a resolute look overtook him, and he said, "Let us begin!"
Ron stripped naked and moved to the center of a scarlet formation, seated on a black stone platform. The cold surface sent shivers down his spine.
In his hand, he held a cold black dagger. Ron cut himself, and blood flowed from the wounds. He cut himself repeatedly, leaving a mystical triangular rune on his body. The blood flowed into grooves on the platform and directed towards the formation below.
The scarlet formation grew brighter under the influence of the blood. The intense light generated a powerful energy wave, which the blue runes on the walls absorbed.
As blood continued to pour from Ron's body, it converged into the formation, amplifying the light further. A thick black smoke appeared in the blood-red world, constantly changing form in midair.
Following a chant in the Byron language, Ron felt a mysterious iciness followed by burning sensations in his body. The A.I. Chip's warning suggested using his own magic power to dispel the phenomenon, but Ron denied it.
The burning sensation seemed to set his cells ablaze as his spiritual force increased at a rapid pace, nearing the requirements for an official Magus.
Satisfied with his progress, Ron took the Kemoyin bloodline and poured it over his wounds. The blood wriggled like tiny snakes, and agony overwhelmed him.
In his moment of excruciating pain, the 72 small beads consumed the bloodline with his own blood, releasing refined crimson blood.
As consciousness slipped away, Ron focused on the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique, aiming to break through to a Warlock.
When he awoke on the morning of the second day, Ron saw that the scarlet light had grown stronger. He contemplated his dream, which had felt like his reality.
Looking at the nearly destroyed barrier, he mused, "I correctly estimated the disturbance of advancing but underestimated my own strength."
Ron's spiritual force had significantly increased, and he was in better physical shape. He gazed at his chest, noticing the enhancement in his physical figure.
Grinning, he clenched his fist, causing an air explosion. "My body is no longer inferior to that of any powerful creature."
With his spiritual force on the brink of official Magus status, and a new surge of power coursing through his veins, Ron had successfully advanced.