Exploration Team

"Swoosh"

The door opened and closed and Lester was right inside of a grand office. The walls were practically glass as you could almost see the whole island on the horizon. There were bookshelves no taller than Lester's waist here and there and a nice lavender scent patrolled the room, finding its way to Lester's nose.

At the center of the room, there was a wooden table, very typical and office-like with a man sitting on a chair behind it. The man was facing the horizon with his back towards Lester initially, but as Lester entered he turned slowly.

Lester was a little taken back as he could tell this man's cultivation was much higher than his. There was a unique pressure being emitted from this man and from the get Lester could tell that he was a man of cultivation and his accomplishments were not low.

"Welcome Black Seed! It's an honor to have you here! In the Cultivation Island, I go by Wooden Crown as I'm sure you know of me from prior cultivation." Said the man who looked to be in his fifties. His hair was combed back as there could be sightings of gray hair here and there. Alin was a handsome man with chiseled features and sharp eyes that made him look intimidating. The circular glasses on his face constantly slid down his straight nose as he raised it slightly with his fingers after speaking.

"Thank you for having me," Lester spoke with a smile wondering what the purpose of this man was. He knew a little about this man that still held power before the alien's contact, however, Lester didn't invest too much of his time learning or caring for these people as he lived a rather simple life.

"Black Seed you've contributed so much to this planet with three simple submissions. Not only have you contributed tremendously, but you have also appeared from thin air as a low-level cultivator and grown at such a fast pace. You hold many secrets, but none of it is my business…" Wooden Crown said and continued, "These merits show your care for the human race and our planet which to me means a lot. I was influenced by your contribution and decided to contribute more cultivation resources as well…"

Lester was a little taken back by this but continued listening not once making a sound.

"... Initially I was going to place these later as we grow the Cultivation Island, however, the beasts outside are growing at a fast pace and we as a species are falling behind. I'm sure you are very well aware of this fact. I will be placing a few techniques into the shop on the island, however, I have run into a problem which I wish to discuss in hopes that maybe you have answers."

Lester nodded and said, "Pray tell."

"The techniques I am considering posting were gathered from countries willing to form a mutual partnership and support. However, some of these are techniques that require weapons and as you know some of the metals previously used by humans are not enough to crack the defenses of these beasts… I was wondering if you might know of any ways of getting around that…"

Lester squinted slightly as he felt like he was asked this question due to the qi sword he was able to create. However, apart from the qi sword Lester truly did possess something else that could assist this, Lester inquired. "As there have been some differences with beasts, plants, and even some laws of our world since cultivation was introduced, have our minerals not been affected?"

Smiling Wooden Crown said, "Of course they have and this perfectly leads to my next reason for bringing you here. A lot of these magical resources that could boost the human race's powers are in dangerous areas that most cultivators are afraid of approaching. The Cultivation Island would like to form a mutually beneficial relationship with you, Black Seed. There is an exploration team, exclusive for cultivators who have reached the Rooted Core Realm. Contrary to public belief there are a good amount of Rooted Core Cultivators around, although the number might not surpass twenty, it is much more than the handful the media are predicting. We would like you to join that team and assist us in acquiring resources. You'll not only be able to keep fifty percent of the resources acquired but also any treasure you stumble upon, you'll have an allowance of magical fruits per month which assist in cultivation, and you will be able to own an estate on the Cultivation Island. These estates are huge, and much more convenient for cultivation and privacy..."

"I'm not a Rooted Core Cultivator yet, why me?" Lester asked.

"You've shown a power comparable to those above your level from the very beginning. At the moment I can sense that you are a step away from reaching the Rooted Core Realm, which means you should at least be able to contest with those who had just reached the Rooted Core Realm. I must add that in addition to these rewards the Island would be giving you, you'll be able to take better missions that are more important to the grand scheme of the world, and since the Exploration Team is a secretive group for the moment, you may keep doing normal missions as well until you are needed. Why do you think the rankings are the way they are now? Many individuals aren't looking for fame and are fully focused on their cultivation, and some of these people are more powerful than me, haha!"

Lester was stunned, but also extremely interested as this proposition wasn't a bad one at all! With all of the perks, he would be gaining more than what he was doing now. Not only with just information but also resources for his progress. From his memories, these Qi absorption pills wouldn't be as helpful at the Rooted Core Realm, and as one created more roots it would become useless, and maybe these magical fruits might be able to assist in that.

"I see no problem with the exploration team, and in regards to the weapon situation I'll think about it a little longer." Lester looked towards Wooden Crown with a slight smile.

"Haha! Great! I'm glad you've agreed and from your character, I shouldn't doubt your words… Here!" Wooden Crown laughed and pulled something from the desk he was behind and threw it towards Lester as he continued, "There is a phone exclusive to the Exploration Team, and the paper is a little manual of all the uses for them. The Exploration Team will be meeting in a month as there have been a few additions to the team since the last meeting and mission. The earliest mandatory mission you need to keep an eye for is in three months. The details will be explained in the meeting next week… Do you have any questions or concerns?"

Lester shook his head as he was still processing all of the information he had just received, however, it felt like all of it was very self-explanatory.

"Interesting… Okay well, I have nothing more to add, welcome to the Exploration Team!"