Chapter 21: Black Seed

Patrick and Lester walked side by side through the bustling city streets, their eyes scanning the environment. Compared to what they'd imagined, the city wasn’t vast, but it was teeming with life. The skyline was punctuated by a handful of large buildings, most of which were essential services—restaurants, stores, and a hospital. The streets were void of cars and instead had several cultivators walking sound minding their own business. But the building they approached now was by far the largest. Its towering structure loomed over the city, a beacon of authority and purpose.

As they stepped inside, their initial surprise at the sheer size of the building turned into awe. The main lounge was enormous, capable of housing hundreds of people at once. Reception desks were set up in every corner, each one manned by clerks who were busy talking to individuals. The walls were lined with massive television screens displaying rankings, footage of cultivator battles, and breaking news from across the globe. Private meeting rooms dotted the periphery, while seating areas provided space for discussions, rest, and contemplation.

“Let’s go sign up!” Patrick said with a grin, nudging Lester as they spotted an available receptionist. The two stood a few feet away, waiting for their turn as a man in a green robe concluded his conversation.

The man, who had tied back his gray hair, carried an elaborate wooden pole on his back adorned with colorful feathers. His sandals softly clapped against the marble floor as he walked away toward the elevator, leaving the receptionist free for them.

Patrick stepped up first, quickly engaging in conversation with the blonde woman behind the desk. After a few exchanges, she handed him a paper and gestured toward the elevator. With a smile, Patrick gave Lester a thumbs up before heading off.

Now, it was Lester’s turn.

“Good morning, sir! Do you wish to establish a partnership with Cultivation Island?” the receptionist asked, her bright smile unwavering. She glanced curiously at the gem embedded in Lester’s glabella, her gaze lingering a moment too long.

Lester, feeling slightly uneasy under her scrutinizing eyes, simply nodded. “Yes, please.”

She retrieved a paper from her desk and handed it to him. “Please take the elevator to the third floor and proceed to Room 312. There, you’ll be given an introduction to the island and its processes. Thank you for choosing Cultivation Island, and we wish you success!”

With a nod of gratitude, Lester took the paper and walked toward the elevator. As the doors opened, he stepped in, the hum of the machinery filling the brief silence.

…

Lester strolled down the corridor, his ears catching the occasional bang and clash from the rooms he passed. Sounds of training, perhaps, or maybe sparring matches between cultivators. Whatever was going on, it had the intensity of preparation for something far bigger than what he’d faced so far.

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Reaching Room 312, Lester entered, taking in the sight of a man in a blue suit scribbling on a sheet of paper at a desk. The man had long blonde hair that fell over his shoulders and wore circular glasses that slipped slightly down his nose. He looked up as Lester entered, causing the glasses to tremble.

“Welcome!” the man said brightly, setting down his pen. “I’m Felix, one of the administrators for signups.” Felix pushed his glasses up and stood, motioning for Lester to sit.

“Hi, I’m Lester,” he replied, taking a seat across from Felix.

“Great to meet you. So, I take it you’re interested in partnering with Cultivation Island?” Felix leaned back slightly, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. “If you didn’t know, we’re not like the sects or schools springing up all over the world. We’re here to protect our planet from the monsters that threaten humanity. Beasts have decimated cities, killed countless people, and we need cultivators like you to help stop that.”

Felix’s blue eyes fixed on Lester, his expression somber. “If you don’t have the capability, it’s better to step back and let others handle it. You could lose your life if you’re not ready.”

Lester nodded firmly. “I understand, but I’m ready to go through with it.”

Felix’s serious expression softened into a smile. “Good. Like I said, we’re not a sect or school, and there’s no binding contract. We do, however, use Spiritual Contracts—treasures that ensure loyalty to humanity. All we ask is that you don’t betray the human race. Simple enough, right?”

Lester nodded again.

Felix chuckled. “You’d think so, but you wouldn’t believe how many try to work around that. They think they can abuse our resources and then join terrorist groups that threaten humanity. But the Spiritual Contract ensures they don’t get very far. The moment they break it, their core shatters, and that’s the end of them. Remember Fisheye Killer? Or Chico, Arms of Death?”

Lester nodded, recalling the infamous moment when Fisheye Killer exploded on live television. It had been a gruesome and sudden reminder of the consequences of betrayal.

“Now, we have a little procedure to ensure you’re not one of those fools walking to their death. Hope you don’t mind,” Felix gestured to an open area behind him. The floor was smooth, and the ceiling was rigged with intricate technology that hummed with power.

“No problem,” Lester said, standing and preparing himself mentally.

“But before we test you, I’ll need a cultivator name.” Felix paused, a playful grin on his face. “Cultivators are the new stars of this world, and a good name sticks with you. People love having heroes to look up to, you know?”

Lester had already thought about this. He wasn’t one for fame, and the spotlight wasn’t something he craved, but he knew the importance of a cultivator’s name. It wasn’t just a title; it was an identity, a statement of who you were and what you stood for.

“Black Seed,” Lester said with confidence.

Felix raised an eyebrow and smiled as he jotted the name down. “Interesting choice. I like it.”

The name had come to Lester naturally, inspired by the dark stone of knowledge embedded on his forehead. That gem had given him more than he ever could have imagined, and for that, he felt it deserved a place in his identity as a cultivator.

Felix stood and waved Lester toward the open area. “Alright, Black Seed, let’s see what you’ve got.”

With that, Lester moved toward the testing area, his heart racing with anticipation. This was his moment to prove himself, not just to Felix or Cultivation Island, but to himself.