A Crazy Man (2)

As Aris delved deeper into the city she found many more people who tried to help her. Unfortunately, every single time she mentioned looking for Alden Reece they would just turn around and leave. Some ran fast, while others made up lame excuses to get away from there.

"What a weirdo!" Aris couldn't help but to exclaim after a man just said that he forgot his cow at home and ran away. 

[Why is everyone in this town so weird!?] She thought angrily. It seemed that every person she encountered would approach her with smiles and apparent good intentions, only to abruptly withdraw without offering any genuine help or assistance. The repeated pattern of interaction left Aris feeling increasingly exasperated and distrustful of the people around her.

Not giving up, Aris walked through the sidewalks that now accumulated some dirty water from the melting ice, soaking her feet in the process. Her determination fueled her search as she scanned the surroundings for any indication—a plaque, a sign, anything—that might lead her to Alden Reece's whereabouts.

Moments later, Aris found herself standing before a technology store, captivated by the myriad of electronic devices on display. Despite her pressing mission, Aris was, in the end, just a simple and young pumpking girl and could not resist the allure of the new technology. She was completely fascinated, there were so many devices which she had never seen!

"Oh, how can a TV be so big!?" Aris marveled at the immense colorful screen displayed in front of the store, its vivid tones enhancing the beauty of everything it portrayed. As she gazed at the television in awe, her curiosity was piqued by the unfamiliar term she noticed in the description. 

"What is 16K?" She wondered aloud.

Inside the store, Aris caught a glimpse of the latest generation cell phones, augmented reality devices, and a myriad of other gadgets that she had never seen but they piqued her curiosity nonetheless. However, she hesitated to enter the store and explore further, especially as the stern gaze of the seller made her feel unwelcome. That was to be expected, she now looked like a beggar, not that she understood its implications as she was pretty naive for her age.

With a resigned shrug, Aris acknowledged the reality that she couldn't afford any of those luxuries. And just as she was about to turn away and leave, the TV screen in front of her changed, drawing her attention once again. 

Apparently it was just another boring advertisement and just as Aris was ready to leave, a single word uttered within it caught her ear. 

[TV]

"Are you a cultivator?" A strong male voice echoed in the dark. "Can you use natural energy to enhance your body?"

Abruptly, illumination pierced the obscurity, unveiling a clearer image on the TV screen, showing a young man sitting in the lotus position on a training ground. Despite looking no older than sixteen, his curly brown hair partially obscured his closed eyes while the white robe with blue trim gave him a majestic appearance. Gradually, the camera zoomed in on the boy's visage, accompanied by a deliberate soundtrack punctuated by rhythmic beats akin to a pulsing heart.

Still in the throes of adolescence, the boy exhibited no traces of facial hair, yet possessed a sturdy chin and a moderate nose, further enhancing the tranquil ambiance of the setting.

*THUMP*

With a resounding thud, the boy suddenly opened his eyes. His brow furrowed in determination, and his brown eyes blazed with fierce intensity as he swiftly rose to his feet. Without hesitation, he strode purposefully toward a nearby concrete barrier and unleashed a powerful punch.

*BANG!*

The wall shattered upon the impact, chunks of concrete fell, cascading downward in slow motion. The camera zoomed in, capturing every detail as the debris fell, obscuring the television image. Gradually, the rubble cleared, revealing a new image that materialized from top to bottom as a mysterious melody filled the air. Once more, the deep voice echoed, resonating with an enigmatic aura.

"But... Do you have enough courage to face the unknown!?" The deep voice reverberated once more, as the scene transitioned to reveal an expansive forest from an aerial perspective. As the camera zoomed in, the forest came into focus, displaying its vibrant array of colorful leaves and towering trees. Mysterious and foreboding, the sight of the Reenboog Forest sent shivers down the spines of many spectators.

The image, previously static, began to move, traversing through the dense foliage towards the edge of the forest. Along the way, it briefly passed by heavily armed military camps, hinting at the dangers lurking within the depths of the forest.

"Do you yearn to etch your name into the annals of history? To ascend to unparalleled strength, or luxuriate in boundless riches? We offer you the gateway to your wildest dreams!" The deep, enticing voice crooned seductively.

As the melody swells with anticipation, the video showcases a breathtaking and expansive building complex that emerges majestically in the distance. 

"A place unaffiliated with any government or political agency, where the boundaries of society are reimagined and reshaped!"

Its architectural design was a marvel to behold, featuring sleek lines and grand structures that exude luxury and opulence. The complex boasted a magnificent 6-star hotel adorned with glistening glass facades and opulent interiors fit for royalty. Surrounding the hotel are lush green landscapes dotted with serene pools and manicured gardens, creating an oasis of tranquility. 

State-of-the-art laboratories gleamed with cutting-edge technology, while spacious warehouses which Aris wasn't able to identify what they were used for occupied hundreds of miles.

 As the camera shifts across the complex, it becomes evident that this is not merely a place, but a utopian haven where dreams are realized and desires fulfilled. Behind this complex, an airport that seemed even modest compared to the size of it all stood.

"Join us in building a new world, where freedom reigns supreme and limitless opportunities await. Here, your destiny is yours to craft, your dreams yours to fulfill. Step into a realm where innovation knows no bounds, and together, let us forge a future unlike any other!"

"We are the Global Cultivators Union! Take the first step towards your extraordinary journey by registering at any nearby branch, or visit our website to discover the limitless possibilities that await you. Embrace your potential, unlock your true power, and join us in shaping a destiny worthy of legend!"

The advertisement concludes with the same boy reclining in a lavish room, a vision that surpasses Aris's wildest imaginations, akin to the grandeur depicted in the fairy tales her father once narrated.

*An initiative brought to you by Diamonds Pharma, Robotics Alliance, and James Sloan, the billionaire*

The fine print caught Aris's attention, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of how to join this intriguing new organization. She was completely captivated by the advertisement; after all, she too was a cultivator, wasn't she? Like any child, she was still too innocent to grasp the full implications of such a venture, which extended far beyond a mere registration.

[That man was using Qi, I'm sure!] She thought, not for a second daring to question the scene's authenticity. As a child, she accepted what she saw at face value, her innocence shielding her from skepticism. 

Yet, despite her certainty about the young man using Qi when he punched the concrete wall, Aris couldn't help but wonder about the fact that the boy displayed the same level of strength as her, a third-stage Body Tempering cultivator! Not only that but it seemed somehow that the boy had enveloped its hands with a small line of Qi, a thing she could not do - at least she had never tried it yet. 

Ignoring the technicalities of how a camera could capture Qi or if it was just a visual effect, she pondered over the potential benefits for herself.

"Are people really going to enter that forest?" Aris muttered to herself, mulling over the potential risks and rewards. If this opportunity could make her stronger faster; fast enough to soon achieve her revenge, the allure was irresistible. "How can I register?"

"Don't fall for these scams, little girl." Aris turned to find herself face to face with a plump, middle-aged man who had overheard her muttering. His friendly smile was accentuated by the excess fat on his cheeks, and patches of baldness showed through his gray hair. "I tried one of those myself, the books, you know. There are some available for free on the internet. But even after hours of following the instructions, I couldn't feel anything different. Only then did I realize I had made a fool of myself again."

The man scratched his head and smiled, a hint of embarrassment in his expression as he shared his experience with a stranger. Aris, lost in her own thoughts, didn't notice his demeanor as she pondered the implications of what the man just said.

[Is he unable to cultivate?] Aris couldn't comprehend why cultivating seemed so easy for her, yet the man said he couldn't feel the Qi despite his attempts. [Could it be… because his belly is too big!?] She mused, trying to find an explanation for the man's inability to sense Qi.

Mistakenly assuming that Aris was listening attentively to his advice, the old man began rambling for some time about how people get scammed by such things. However, Aris remained lost in her own thoughts, paying little attention to his words.

"...But anyway, I've heard they'll be opening a small branch of this Cultivators hub here in town, just a few blocks away from my bakery… wait, are you lost, kid?" The man suddenly stopped, only now noticing the tattered clothes the girl in front of him wore, concern evident in his expression. "Do you need any help? For how long haven't you eaten anything?"

*GROWWWL~

The rumbling of her stomach did not let her lie and she could only nod shyly.

"Come on, it's on me. Let's go grab something to eat." The man said kindly, gesturing for Aris to follow him to his bakery.