Soon, the next day arrived. Ash had spent the entire night cultivating. When he finally opened his eyes, his body felt incredibly refreshed. Despite staying awake all night, there was no trace of fatigue—only an abundance of energy.
Damn… so this is what it feels like, Ash thought. I can clearly sense my progress. My power is steadily growing. It's gradual, but exhilarating. I didn't even realize how much time had passed.Now he finally understood why everyone desired to become extraordinary—to rise above common people and stand at a higher level.
"Enough daydreaming. Get moving already. Don't just sit there dreaming in broad daylight," the Black Index said bluntly.
Ash nodded to himself. I should get ready and clearly map out everything I need to do.
First, he needed to prepare a list of cultivation resources required to grow stronger. Many elite family descendants were born with silver spoons in their mouths. After the upcoming school awakening, they could rapidly boost their strength using high-grade resources, reaching the peak of the first tier or even breaking into the second rank. Meanwhile, he could only scrape by with inferior resources due to his lack of money and connections.
Second, he needed to conduct more experiments with his powers. His ability didn't seem limited to hypnosis alone—it felt like a broader mental ability, with hypnosis being just one aspect of it.
Third, he needed to recruit capable subordinates. His first target was Sophie. Once her favorability reached around eighty, he could entrust her with important tasks. People with that level of favorability rarely betrayed others unless pushed to extremes. He needed to build a team focused on gathering valuable information—especially clues that might lead him to the mastermind behind his family's accident.
This two-way approach should work, Ash concluded. I'll live my life openly, showcase my talent, and stay in the spotlight—while quietly recruiting capable people to work for me in the shadows.
There was little time to waste. The school awakening ceremony was only a few days away. After that, he would be constantly busy with academy selection and preparation for the Megacity Cultivation Exam—an important milestone on the path to becoming an extraordinary being.
"This is good," the Black Index said approvingly. "Having a clear plan will help you act efficiently and maximize your benefits."
"Got it," Ash replied, immediately starting to prepare a list of cultivation materials.
Soon, it was time for his meeting with Sophie. Ash quickly headed to the abandoned ruins where they had agreed to meet.
He didn't have to wait long before he saw a beautiful girl walking toward him. Sophie soon stopped in front of him and greeted him with a smile.
"Hi, Ash. How are you?"
"I'm fine," Ash replied.
"Come on," Sophie said. "I'll show you a perfect, remote place where no one usually goes."
As she spoke, she grabbed Ash's hand and led him toward a secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city.
"This place was sold to my father by a gambler who couldn't pay his debts," Sophie explained as they walked. "My father tried selling it, but no one wanted it—it's too remote. So it was considered a loss. You don't need to worry, though. No one will disturb you here, and your privacy is guaranteed."
After touring the courtyard, Ash assessed the place. It was spacious, with two floors and a basement. The only downside was its remote location. Weeds had overgrown the area, and dust covered almost everything.
This place will take a lot of effort to clean, Ash thought. But it's perfect for potion-making and training. My room is too small, and I can't attract too much attention before I have the power to protect myself.
"So, how is it?" Sophie asked, looking at him expectantly.
"Not bad. This is acceptable. You did a good job."
Hearing his praise, Sophie's eyes curved into crescent moons, and a sweet smile appeared on her face.
Ash was momentarily stunned. He had always thought of Sophie as an arrogant, spoiled princess with a sharp tongue. Maybe this is her true self… or maybe it's because of my power, he wondered.
Coming back to his senses, Ash handed her the prepared list of cultivation materials.
"Can you try to get these items for me? And remember—be discreet. I don't want anyone finding out."
"Got it," Sophie replied, taking the list. After glancing through it, she frowned slightly. "Apart from the A-tier spirit liquid and a few extremely rare materials, I can get everything else. Don't worry—just give me some time."
Ash frowned. "Is it really impossible for you to get the A-tier spirit liquid?"
"It's not completely impossible," Sophie explained. "But it's extremely difficult. High-grade resources are monopolized by elite families. Even if there's an extra potion, it gets auctioned at a ridiculous price. And even if my father gets one, it would only be a single bottle—and he wouldn't allow it to be given to someone else."
"I see…" Ash sighed. Life is truly difficult for those living in the outer city.
"I'll find another way to obtain those resources," he said calmly. "For now, give me a hand. Let's clean this place up."
The two of them worked together, cleaning the courtyard until nightfall.
"It's finally done," Ash said as they stood before the now-clean courtyard.
"It's time to head home. Let me know if you find any information about high-tier cultivation resources," Ash added.
With that, Ash and Sophie went their separate ways.