Chapter 2: Unexpected Discovery

Four years had passed since Aodhan's failure to become a cultivator, and life in Killasser had settled into a comfortable routine. Aodhan had accepted his lot in life, working diligently on the family farm and tending to their sheep and crops. Though he couldn't help his father with blacksmithing, as that required cultivation skills, Aodhan found solace in the simple life of a farmer.

Aodhan's fascination with the gods remained as strong as ever. The people of the Kingdom of Mayo, like the rest of Eire, worshiped the Tuatha Dé Danann, a pantheon of powerful deities. The gods governed various aspects of life, such as Lugh, the god of skill and mastery, Brigid, the goddess of healing and poetry, and the Dagda, the all-father, whose power and wisdom were unparalleled. The gods were believed to have originated from mysterious islands across the sea, and their arrival in Eire marked the beginning of a golden age for the people.

One fateful day, while working on the farm, Aodhan's faithful dog, Rua, began digging frantically at the base of an ancient oak tree. Curious, Aodhan knelt beside her, helping to unearth what appeared to be a small, tarnished medallion. He brushed off the dirt and examined the artifact, noticing the name "Goibhniu" inscribed on the back.

Aodhan's eyes widened with excitement as he recognized the name of the god of craftsmanship and smithing. The medallion bore the likeness of Goibhniu, depicting him as a powerful, bearded figure wielding a mighty hammer. Aodhan's heart raced as he pondered the significance of

his discovery. However, he didn't believe the medallion to be a genuine artifact from the time of the gods. Instead, he thought it might be a recreation crafted by someone who shared his fanatical interest in the Tuatha Dé Danann.

With the medallion in hand, Aodhan continued his work on the farm, the sun casting a warm, golden glow across the verdant fields. The rolling hills of emerald green seemed to stretch on forever, dotted here and there with ancient stone walls and clusters of sheep grazing contentedly. The rich, earthy scent of the soil mingled with the crisp, clean air, creating a sense of tranquility that Aodhan had come to cherish in his daily life.

As he worked, Aodhan couldn't help but daydream about the gods, imagining their incredible powers and the epic battles they must have fought. He pictured Goibhniu, his mighty hammer forging legendary weapons and crafting wondrous artifacts in his divine forge. Aodhan felt a deep connection to the god, as his father was a blacksmith, and the art of smithing held a special place in his heart.

When evening fell, Aodhan returned to the family's modest cottage, the medallion still clutched tightly in his hand. He couldn't wait to share his discovery with his family, eager to hear their thoughts on the mysterious artifact.

Over dinner, Aodhan excitedly showed the medallion to his parents and younger sister, Ciara. They examined it with interest, marveling at the intricate details and craftsmanship. Eamon, with his experienced blacksmith's eye, remarked on the quality of the metalwork, noting that whoever had created the medallion was a skilled artisan.

Deirdre, ever the supportive mother, smiled at her son's enthusiasm. "Perhaps you've found a kindred spirit, Aodhan," she mused. "Someone else who shares your love for the gods and their stories."

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Aodhan's face lit up at the thought. "Maybe," he agreed. "I would love to meet them and learn more about their work."

As the family continued their meal, discussing the possible origins of the medallion and the gods it represented, Aodhan felt a sense of contentment. Though he hadn't become a cultivator, he was grateful for the life he had and the love of his family.

The following day, Aodhan decided to venture into the nearby town of Swinford for an evening of drinking and camaraderie. Though he was content with his life as a farmer, he couldn't deny the allure of spending time with old friends and sharing stories over a pint or two.

Swinford was a bustling market town, its lively streets lined with shops, taverns, and other establishments catering to the needs of its diverse population. As Aodhan wandered through the lively town, he couldn't help but marvel at the energy and vibrancy of the place. It was a stark contrast to the quiet serenity of his family's farm, and he felt invigorated by the change of scenery.

Upon reaching the local tavern, a cozy establishment with a roaring fire and the enticing aroma of roasted meats, Aodhan was delighted to find several of his old friends gathered around a table. They had become apprentice warriors for the Cealleach warriors, a local power known for their prowess in close combat and physical enhancement techniques. As members of the Cealleach warriors, Aodhan's friends had been training under experienced warriors, honing their skills in both combat and elemental manipulation.

As the evening wore on, Aodhan's friends regaled him with tales of their exploits and adventures as apprentice warriors. They spoke of daring battles with bandits, fierce storms they had weathered, and the thrill of harnessing the power of cultivation. Though Aodhan was happy for his friends, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and longing as they described their experiences.

Despite his inability to cultivate, Aodhan's love for fighting and his interest in the gods remained undiminished. As he listened to his friends' stories, he found himself becoming increasingly intrigued by the idea of joining a local power like the Cealleach warriors, even if it meant serving in a non-cultivator capacity.

As the night progressed and the drinks continued to flow, Aodhan casually brought up the topic of the mysterious medallion he had found, careful not to reveal that he actually possessed it. He described its appearance and the word "Goibhniu" inscribed on the back, subtly asking his friends what they thought about such an artifact.

His friends, who shared his fascination with the gods, eagerly discussed the potential significance of the medallion. Niamh suggested that it could be an ancient relic connected to the gods, while Fiachra pondered whether it could be a talisman used by powerful cultivators to enhance their abilities.

As the conversation continued, Aodhan's friends began to discuss the cultivation levels. They spoke of the initial stages, where a cultivator would learn to control their elemental powers and gradually build their strength. The first stage was typically referred to as the Novice Stage, followed by the Apprentice, Adept, and Master stages.

Each stage was further divided into ranks, representing a cultivator's progress within that stage. As a cultivator advanced through the ranks and stages, their abilities would grow exponentially, eventually unlocking new and powerful techniques. The ultimate goal of most cultivators was to reach the legendary Ascendant Stage, where they would transcend their mortal limitations and become beings of immense power.

Throughout the discussion, Aodhan listened intently, absorbing the information and pondering the possibilities. The idea that his medallion could be connected to the gods or cultivation intrigued him, and he resolved to learn more about its origins and potential significance.

As the evening wore on and the tavern began to empty, Aodhan and his friends bid each other farewell, promising to stay in touch and meet again soon. As Aodhan made his way back to the farm, his thoughts were filled with the stories of his friends' adventures, the mysteries surrounding the medallion, and the vast world of cultivation that lay just beyond his grasp.