Beginning of Cultivation
Chapter 168: Awakening

Chapter 168: Awakening

Suddenly, strange memories surfaced in Nora’s mind. They were not foreign to him but rather knowledge—knowledge on how to wield the Samsara Divine Art and the Samsara Fist.

To him, these two techniques were invaluable, especially the Samsara Divine Art.

Nora had once been a hero of the lowest talent, struggling through countless hardships before finally reaching A-rank hero status.

The greatest function of the Samsara Divine Art was its ability to elevate one’s innate talent to the very ceiling of a given world.

This meant that, in his next life, his growth would be far swifter than in the past.

Receiving these abilities, Nora felt an overwhelming sense of optimism about the future. With a grin, he spoke aloud:

"Ha ha! Thanks a lot, Heavenly Book of Reincarnation. Though most of my memories won’t remain intact, I now have far greater confidence in defeating the Demon King!"

"No need for thanks. I am merely fulfilling my duty."

"And what does that have to do with whether I want to thank you or not?"

Nora’s words were not wrong. Even if the Heavenly Book of Reincarnation insisted that it was simply carrying out its duty, that did not mean the benefits it had bestowed upon him were any less real.

In this world, one must always remember kindness when it is given.

"Suit yourself."

The Heavenly Book of Reincarnation responded indifferently. It possessed wisdom, yet it was not human. It existed solely for its purpose, devoid of any deeper emotions.

"Are you ready to depart?" the Heavenly Book of Reincarnation inquired.

Seeing that Nora had finished his preparations, it was now time to send him back to redo his life.

"Yes. There’s no reason for me to linger here any longer. Send me back to the past."

"Understood."

The Heavenly Book of Reincarnation answered. Immediately, a swirling vortex of space-time appeared beside it. The vortex pulled in Nora’s spiritual form, and in an instant, both he and the vortex vanished.

Suddenly, his expression shifted. His gaze grew sharper, exuding a maturity far beyond what it had just moments ago.

Setting his cup of coffee down on the bench, he lifted his eyes to the sky before surveying the tranquil surroundings.

"So, this really is the past. It seems the Heavenly Book of Reincarnation didn’t deceive me. I truly have a second chance to save this world. Even though I no longer retain my memories, I believe that with sheer determination alone, I can change humanity’s fate."

With that, he sprang to his feet and sprinted toward home. As he ran, he tried to recall if there was anything significant about this particular time.

"What exactly happens around this period...? Right! This is when I awaken! It should take place today. Even if I’ve lost my past memories, there’s no way the Heavenly Book of Reincarnation would send me back to a random point in time."

Coming to this realization, he quickened his pace. He needed to ensure that his awakening went as smoothly as possible.

Unfortunately, he might soon find himself gravely disappointed—after all, his talent had always been mediocre at best.

.....

Upon reaching home, he rushed straight into his room. The small apartment was his alone.

His parents had passed away when he was young, leaving him to fend for himself from an early age.

Fortunately, his family’s financial situation had not been dire, allowing him to survive without excessive hardship.

The moment he entered his room, he collapsed onto his bed, lying on his back. Staring at the ceiling, he mused:

"When exactly will my awakening occur? Should I try something in the meantime?"

Waiting idly felt dull. He pondered what he could do in the meantime.

Then, suddenly, a thought surfaced—his two gifts.

"The Samsara Fist is out of the question. That’s a lethal technique, not something to be used recklessly. The Samsara Divine Art, on the other hand... that’s worth a try."

With that, he climbed off the bed and found a spacious spot on the floor. Once he located a suitable area, he sat cross-legged and entered a meditative state.

Instantly, his body felt incredibly clear, as though he could perceive even the tiniest details within himself.

More than that—he sensed something he had never felt before.

The energy of nature itself.

A vast energy, not concentrated in a single place but stretching endlessly, slowly seeped into his body.

Physically, he felt an indescribable comfort, but his mind remained tense—guiding the Samsara Divine Art required absolute focus.

Hours passed. His eyes fluttered open as he rose to his feet. Glancing down at himself, he examined his body before breaking into a satisfied smile.

"As expected of the Samsara Divine Art. Its effects are truly remarkable."

Just as he was reveling in his newfound strength, an unfamiliar sensation crept over him.

His body burned.

A raging heat surged through him, his heartbeat hammering erratically in his chest.

His blood, as though stimulated by some mysterious force, boiled.

Grimacing, he clutched his chest, his knees giving way as he collapsed onto the floor. His face twisted in pain.

"Damn it! What’s happening to me?!"

That was the last coherent thought he had before his consciousness blurred under the overwhelming agony.

Moments later, his body lay motionless on the ground.

His violent tremors ceased. To any observer, he would appear either unconscious or dead.

Then—

His eyes snapped open.

His muscles swelled, pulsing with newfound strength.

With a single motion, he propelled himself into the air, landing effortlessly back on his feet.

Stretching out his palm, he slowly clenched his fingers into a fist, then released them again.

His body felt... stronger. Not just unharmed—but enhanced.

Excitement surged through him. He clenched his fists, leaping into the air and throwing a punch skyward.

"Ha ha! Incredible! So this is a bloodline awakening?! What will I unlock? I can’t wait to find out!"

His eyes gleamed with newfound determination.

"Now, I can finally grow strong enough to protect humanity. It’s time to register as a hero!"