Cian exhaled fully, his breath midnight black.

"You've managed to expel the corruption successfully, but don't allow yourself to bask too long in that victory. The world’s energy and corruption are two sides of the same coin. Use your nodes without rest, push them to their limits, and you'll find the insidious tendrils of corruption creeping back into your being." Elder Leon advised

As he spoke, Cian's breath gradually lightened, the black giving way to a gray fog, then finally to an almost translucent wispy cloud. "Understood, Father," Cian nodded, a determined gleam shining in his eyes.

Elder Leon's voice took on a more authoritative tone. “Drawing in the world’s energy doesn't equate to an increase in your combat capabilities. No matter how much the idea of awakening stirs up the youthful spirit, remember, refining that energy and converting it into your physical prowess is what truly matters."

Cian’s eyes sparkled with fervor, his heart drumming in his chest like a warrior's call to arms. “Please guide me, father.”

Elder Leon began his teachings, his voice a gentle brook flowing over time-worn pebbles. “Refinement is akin to taking the raw, untouched energy of the world and shaping it into a part of you. It's about honing, perfecting, and strengthening yourself."

He paused, his gaze as sharp, focused on Cian. "You stand at the beginning of the journey. Do you know what two roads stand upon you in refining?”

Cian, a small frown creasing his forehead, confessed his uncertainty. "I have some idea, but my understanding is incomplete,”

Elder Leon explained further. "The human body, in its intricate design, is much like an ancient vessel - it can only hold a set amount of energy.”

He moved a hand through the air, his fingers gently curling, as if he were shaping an unseen sphere. "General refinement, you see, is a path that ensures balance, casting a broad net over your abilities. This method, akin to a river feeding numerous streams, is a common choice amongst many of our kind. By refining your blood, tendons, muscles, bones, and internal organs equally, you receive a universal amplification of your power, akin to upgrading every part of the human being."

His aged eyes glowed with intensity as he spoke, bringing an air of profound reverence to his words. “However, specialized refinement takes a more calculated approach. It’s as if you are carving a riverbed to direct the flow of your energy, enhancing specific areas of your body with precision. In our Philon faction, we have a unique focus. We pour our energy into refining our tendons, transforming them into entities possessing a whip-like quality - swift, flexible, and devastating."

"However," he continued, the glow in his eyes dimming slightly, "what we bolster in one area, we must compromise in another. Thus, we often have to settle for partial refinement of our blood or bones. It's a sacrifice we willingly make."

His gaze locked onto the listener, his tone now carrying a hint of caution. “Remember, the higher your aptitude, the more specialized refinement you can undertake. With your grade B aptitude, you can undertake two specialized refinements among the five. Choose wisely, for this path shapes not only your abilities but also your future."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "This is the threshold that separates the average from the exceptional."

Leon continued, his voice filled with pride. "Our Philon faction focuses on flexibility and dexterity, and our refinement process places emphasis on the tendons. We have various Rank 1 professions that can only be achieved when the tendons reach a certain level of dexterity. When you specialize refine now, you might take a loss in the short term, but it is an investment for the long term of the awakening state."

His voice hardened like the crack of a whip cutting through the air. "Enough talk. Now feel the energy."

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Taking a deep, steadying breath, Cian reached inward, tapping into his nodes. He could feel the gentle hum of the world’s energy within him, a soft melody that danced on the edge of his consciousness.

"The traditional approach begins with the refinement of blood, as it flows to every organ, carrying with it the least amount of potential drawbacks," Elder Leon elucidated, his voice a steady stream of knowledge. "However, we hold a different tradition. We refine tendons first, a path that's not without its challenges."

He paused, his gaze unwavering. "This method will result in tendons that possess an elasticity far beyond their general natural range. Tendon refining already has the drawback of losing their inherent shock-absorbing capabilities in general refinement, which can lead to joint instability or damage. However, since we push it further, the heightened flexibility leads to hypermobility, making your joints more prone to dislocations. Before you refine other parts of your body to compensate for these aspects, these drawbacks are going to be prominent."

"But," he added with a voice that brooked no argument, "fear, not the potential drawbacks. We have developed measures to mitigate these risks as less as possible. Now, begin."

Cian nodded, a look of determination etched across his face. He began channeling the energy within him, directing it towards his tendons.

***

“Blood.” The village chief spoke with confidence; his voice filled with the assurance born of years of experience. "Its refinement is typically the first step for a reason. The future is an open book, and you cannot predict which Rank 1 profession you may choose. Therefore, it is wise to start with general blood refinement. Over time, you can venture into specialized refinement. With your grade-A aptitude, you can undertake 3 specialized refinements. Consider yourself a blank canvas, ready to be painted with the vibrant colors of your future."

He continued, "Refining blood enhances your vitality and endurance, enabling your body to function more efficiently. However, there's a catch. Your refined blood will be more viscous, making it harder for your heart to pump it effectively. The increased strain on your heart means before you refine your muscles, you must maintain a steady pace during combat. You are on a timer. You need to kill your enemy before you kill yourself."

Mitrus, a hint of relief coloring his words, responded, "That doesn't sound as daunting compared to other potential drawbacks."

"If you push your refined blood to its limits-" The village chief clapped his hands with a sudden ferocity that echoed around the room, making Mitrus flinch backward, his skin erupting in goosebumps. "-your heart will burst. But if you're desperate enough to reach that point, death would be a mercy."

***

“Do I start with blood?That's what was recommended.” Finn asked

"You may," Markus replied, his voice as firm and unyielding as a granite cliff. "However, we Seleruos pride ourselves on our balance between offense and defense. Therefore, I suggest you either start with a specialized refinement focusing on raw power and strength by refining your muscles first. Or, choose the path of resilience and durability by specialize refining your bones.

Finn looked to Elder Markus, his eyes reflecting an echo of the elder's strength. "I would like you to make a choice on which one I do first."

Markus let out a soft chuckle, a sound reminiscent of dirt under heavy boots. "I am here to guide you, Finn, not dictate your path. Regardless, you plan to use your two specialized refinements on muscles and bones. You must only be mindful of the drawbacks."

He paused, his eyes like flint as he continued. "Denser and more defined muscles add to the weight you must carry, and without proper precautions, can lead to internal bleeding. Harder, denser bones will further increase your body's weight, leading to increased fatigue, diminished agility, and a noticeable reduction in overall mobility, especially in combat situations. In combat, be awry of those shortcomings until you refine the rest of your body."

Finn nodded solemnly. "Understood, Father."

***

Glucia walked into the study. "Hello, Mr. Bagus. My father said he wanted you to advise me on something."

Bagus, the council leader, glanced up from the parchment-laden desk where he sat. His spectacles gleamed in the dim light as he shuffled through his notes. "Ah, yes. Your father mentioned you are interested in refining your internal organs as your first specialization. Our vast resources are at your disposal as an individual under the council's patronage."

He leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Specialized internal refinement is a broad field. Could you be more specific about your goals?"

After a moment of contemplation, Glucia replied, her voice firm with resolve. "I wish to focus on refining my brain first. I want to enhance my thinking and analytical capabilities."

Mr. Bagus nodded, appreciating her choice. "An excellent focus, indeed. However, remember that refining your internal organs will heighten your sensory perception. This could be overwhelming, necessitating countermeasures. We will have to employ certain methods to dull your senses to ensure you can function normally."

Glucia listened intently, absorbing his words. With a look of determination in her eyes, she asked, "What more can you tell me about this process?"