3 days had passed since my first death in the game. I told Dorian my choice which was definitely not aura style, but Wind Pagoda's instructor, who was the only one who was capable of teaching Wind Pagoda's art, was on a mission. He said that I should focus on cultivation in the meantime because he would be back in 4 days. He should arrive here today.

Waiting wasn't bad. Those times were used to explore my curiosity about qi cultivation. I also learned a few terms relating to martial arts novels as well such as meridians which I called body parts where qi flowed through before.

Doing research is the best! That was what I thought.

The number of permutations I experimented with was almost a thousand. I died 11 times because I couldn't stop and didn't know how to stop my qi from running wild. The common cause was internal bleeding, but there was a total organ failure that I couldn't describe how it felt.

There was a saying that The first time always hurts the most, but that didn't apply to the pain of dying even after several times. Luckily, my body got used to the pain a bit, or else I would go insane. 

Spoiler

Spica66

"The first time always hurts." (￢◡￢)

[collapse]

'Skill'

Basic Qi Cultivation Method (E): While circulating qi, the amount of qi in your body improves slightly. It also recovers your health and stamina.

Unnamed Qi Cultivation Method: An unorthodox qi circulation invented by a young martial artist. While circulating qi, the amount of qi in your body improves. It also recovers your health and stamina. This skill was created by the player. The system cannot measure the skill rank and its effectiveness accurately.

Qi Hypersensitivity (E) (Passive): Your constitution became sensitive to qi. You can sense qi better than a normal person, however, you're vulnerable to direct qi attack as well.

Pain Tolerance (F) (Passive): Your body tolerates pain.

Spica66

In Gaia Grand Quest, there are no passive mastery skills or skills that directly improve player's numbers. Passive skills are more likely a body development in general.

I looked at the skill list with satisfaction. 

Qi Hypersensitivity might sound like a double edge sword, but it helped me detecting qi inside my body. With the skill rank increasing to E, I could judge if an attempt was going in the right direction. 

And another 2 skills, at first, I didn't notice the system message when I got them. Maybe I focused too much on the experiment.

What I learned from going through GGQ's forum, reverse qi circulations were categorized as unorthodox cultivation because of their nature and risk in cultivating. They were mostly used by evil or independent cultivators. The topic of evil cultivation methods piqued me a bit. Sadly, I couldn't find much information about them, especially circulating instructions.

Ultimately, nothing in this world was free.

Why did I keep insisting on reverse qi flow you asked? There was a strange sensation, the feeling that my body was stimulated from going against the flow. I felt strengthened.

My best way to learn about reverse circulation was to try the shit out of everything. I created my own circulation method by simultaneously circulating qi in both regular and reverse flow. Why both? Because I found it hard to force qi in my entire body to flow in reverse. 

At first, I imagined a train rail that you have stations that prevented both trains from opposing directions crashed into each other. Those stations were meridians. I wasn't different from trying to draw a square with the left hand and drawing a circle on the right hand. The rhythm was the key.

I also realized that the qi path wasn't a singular line, but I couldn't grasp the control of those paths as if it was like there was an electric wire where copper wires inside were twisted and packed close to each other.

As a result of running experiments, my title was changed to Self-taught Foundation Stage Martial Artist.

This morning, I was covered in black sticky liquid. People in the camp, NPCs, explained that it was impurities in my body. It was stinky as hell, so I asked them if I could get a spare bed sheet or change the room. Obviously, they allowed me to switch the room without a problem because there were only 3 players in the camp.

But after releasing impurities, my qi bar increased to 15 and I gained more stats as well.

I stared at the weight, which looked like a bag full of sand, placing inside the room. Dorian added weight lifting into the routine because on the day that he brought me to try different kinds of weapons. I was unable to hold any weapon steady, even not enough strength to pull a bowstring. 

Muscle pain, my most detested enemy, how long till we were apart.

***

When I went outside after finishing the weight training, Elle was running in the field. Usually, the twins stuck together like a magnet, but it seemed that today was an exception.

I decided to run with her. Not because I worried if she would feel bored without her brother, but I was bored.

“Hey, Elle."

"Ah... it's big sis." As if she didn't care much, the girl sighed and kept running. 

It seemed that siblings had low social skills, I had to start the conversation.

"Like what you guys said, the training became much easier after cultivating qi."

Elle stopped. I guessed it was hard to talk while running. 

"Did they give big sis cultivation manuals?"

"Yes, I chose Wind Pagoda."

"Heee~ If it's Wind Pagoda... Why's big sis' qi flow like that?"

Our gazes had met—

At that moment, I felt a chill went down my spine. There was a cold stare coming from the girl in front. 

I didn't move. To be precise, I couldn't move. I was frozen. I couldn't breathe.

"Hmm~ Seems like it was my imagination."

"huff... huff..."

As Elle was back to her usual self, I regained control of my body.

This wasn't the first time I felt pressured. I had a gun pointed several times, but this was the first time I was threatened by someone who didn't have a weapon. That brief moment was like an eternity. I started to feel sweats dripping down from my face.

She knew... She could sense qi inside of me. Even Dorian couldn't detect qi in someone else's body without touching.

"Does big sis has Qi Hypersensitivity?"

Elle pulled me out from thoughts. I was unsettled, but my instinct told me to answer her. I had to remain calm.

"I have, E rank."

"We almost finish the training quest. Since I'm kind and generous unlike Al, I'll teach you something good." Elle smiled— I didn't like that smile... It was hideous.

Elle approached me and held my right hand. Then, she placed it on her chest. Hold on— that last sentence... She threatened me to do this kind of thing against my will(?). Even if I didn't look girly, I'm straight! I liked men like most other girls! She was too young for me!

And we were in the open area, on the training field! I'm not into exhibitionism!!

Suddenly, I felt the qi circulating inside the girl. It was wild and furious. If I compared between her and me— My qi flow was like two wheels turning in opposing direction, but Hers was the embodiment of insanity that I couldn't describe. Maybe my qi sense wasn't at the level to feel it.

QI: 14/15

QI: 13/15

…

I was losing my strength and went down on my knees. I couldn't move a finger let alone put up a fight. She was draining my qi.

QI: 0/15

[Your qi has depleted. If your qi stays empty for a certain time, it can cause you to become unconscious and possibly dead if the qi is drained for a long time.]

"If it's not about righteousness, there are two types of cultivators. One who seeks to understand nature, utilize nature, and be part of nature. Another one is the hint I'm giving you." In contradiction to her action, Elle's voice was stern and clear.

“I hope we'll meet again. If big sis hasn't given up yet.” Elle said. She let go of my hand and left me lying on the ground.

"W-wait..." I tried to stop her.

Although I was frustrated, there were so many questions I wanted to ask. However, I didn't have strength left and my consciousness was fading as I saw the shadow of Elle slowly walked away. That was the last thing I remembered before I passed out.

***

[You passed out in the middle of the field. Everyone in the training camp thought that you're a weirdo.]

[Fame -5]

After getting bullied by a player, the system didn't hesitate to do so. 

Who's going to give up? My frustration hadn't gone, but not enough to make me angry. Still, I would pay her back when I became stronger.

"Pandora! Did you have a good nap!?"

Yes, this loud noise was from Dorian. He was here with someone who I had never seen before. I assumed that he was my new instructor.

If I had to summarize his appearance, he was an Asian dude who seemed to be bored 24/7. Aside from my summary, he was thin but muscular.

"Err... Hello... Pandora. I'm junior knight Yang Ji. You can call me Yang."

His introduction was lifeless. This guy took a while to think about my name even though Dorian called my in-game name a few seconds ago.

[The quest has been updated.]

Combat Training! (Tutorial Quest)

Difficulty: F

Clear conditions:

• Complete physical training. (0/1)
• Complete Hand Blade at any skill level. (0/1)
• Be able to utilize Qi.

Minimum rewards:

• 50 exp

Failure:

• -

Instructor Dorian was overjoyed that the outlander was interested in combat training. He saw you stare at the training field passionately with eyes full of determination. He hoped the outlander will become a great warrior one day. Dorian had assigned Yang Ji as your instructor.

"Let us meet at the wooden dummies after lunch."

Yang said before heading somewhere with Dorian. I tried to find the twins, but they were nowhere to be found.

***

"You're here, Pandomon."

"It's Pandora."

As soon as I had arrived at the dummy area. Yang forgot my name. Literally, it had been half an hour since Dorian introduced me. What was wrong with his short-term memory?

"Alright, Pandoro— Do you know why Wind Pagoda invented hand art?"

Yep... correcting him didn't help at all. I wondered if there were normal instructors in the camp.

"Is it some sort of backup plan when you lose a sword?"

"Correct... Keep in mind that what I'm going to teach you isn't a preferred way of Wind Pagoda."

Yang turned his body facing a dummy. He lifted his right arm and the hand was covered in semi-transparent power, which was sharp and uniform qi materialization before he struck down.

Although it was served as a weapon substitute, the strike was deadly. The wood was halved in an instant.

"Even it was made for emergency... There was once a sect leader who reached the peak of martial arts using only the Hand Blade.— The keys of the Bladeless Art are stance, footwork, and the Hand Blade. But... you don't need to achieve this stage."

"What's the passing level?" I asked.

"First stage... Hmm... Hand Blade has 5 stages namely Wooden Sword, Iron Sword, Steel Sword, Wind Sword, and lastly... Ah... I forgot."

Was this guy a reliable teacher? I was starting to regret my decision to choose Wind Pagoda's art. On the bright side, I wouldn't get hit by the excessive force of Dorian and Yang could teach me on the practical side.

Yang showed me the Hand Blade again. This time I got a chance to take a closer look. Qi which covered his hold hand was straight and sharp like a blade. Its length was around 10 centimeters from the tips of his fingers. It was like a thin plasma blade without heat. 

To be honest, it looked cool. 

Then, the qi faded into his hand. I couldn't tell the difference between a bare hand and a hand using Hand Blade, but I felt his qi holding inside.

"The Hand Blade before was the half step to Steel Sword and this one is Wooden Sword.— The Wooden Sword is only for physical enhancement. Before you learn Hand Blade... I'll teach you about the stance first."

Yang's qi subsided. He stepped his left forward getting to a half-crouch position. Both of his hands straightened as if they were knives at his chest level. 

"This is Wind Pagoda Hand Blade Stance... Try to move while maintaining the stance like this." The man said. He walked one circuit of a square where on each side he moved 2 steps.

"Do I have to practice that?"

"Yes, for 2 hours... er... half a day, daily."

"Got it."

"You can start now, Pangora."

Fine, I should finish this training quest and getaway out of here. I crouched down imitating Yang's posture then starting to move— 

Whack!

Something hit my leg.

"Stop. your legs... wider. You would fall if someone kicked you."

I was hit by a thin wooden stick. 

Whack!

"Pandoro, you should widen your stance to the side, diagonally..."

Yes, I got hit again. It wasn't hurt. However, I would be annoyed if I constantly got hit by it. I didn't if I could endure his training before I snapped.

***

'Don't crouch too low', 'Widen your feet', 'Keep your back straight'— Those were all I had been listening to the whole day. And I got whack every time he said something.

When I got the stance right, Yang told me to sprint 2 steps, then stop and hold at the square corners for 2 seconds. This consumed more stamina compared to doing the previous routine all day. At least, my level went to 3.

'Status'

Pandora
Titles: Self-taught Foundation Stage Martial Artist.

LVL: 3
HP: 32/32
QI: 15/15

STR: 20
DEX: 25
AGI: 16
VIT: 17
CON: 13

2 more levels and I would meet one of the quest clear conditions.

I circulated my qi to restore my energy. Today's training was more tiring than before. Of course, my old friend, muscle pain visited me again. Why a fragile woman like me had to go through this?

Spica66

I want to write around 3,000-4,000 words/chapter. But this is the first series I've written in English, so for now, I'll keep chapters at least around 2,000-3,000 words.

I changed the skill name from Basic Qi Circulation to Basic Qi Cultivation Method because the term cultivation method is more flexible to use.

There's a poll below regarding whatever if I should write a prologue or not. Because Gaia Grand Quest is a slow-burn story, meaning that it will slowly build to the climax.