1/5?>>5521795 >>5521797 >>5521812 >>5521842 >>5521850 >>5521875 >>5521904You will allow for three years to acquire the cultivation manual. Perhaps just long enough to do so without incurring major loans.
<span class="mu-i">Proposal. You will pass through The Martial Gateway and attempt to earn the required funds. Enough to forgo a loan if possible, or to reduce the amount if not.</span> 「Is that possible?!」 <span class="mu-i">Some time ago you mentioned in passing that one of your coworkers broke through, did you not? From observation he was likely older than you.</span>
「But he was an exception - not the rule. By 30, 90% of those who will become a martial artist already have. And those who do manage to pass through The Martial Gateway then won't get very far.」 <span class="mu-i">You do not need to get very far. You just need to get as far as you can get. If you are able to put the effort in, then I can supply you with additional spiritual energy.</span> A short pause.「I am willing to try. Proposal accepted.」
It does not take you long to know why Takigi has not naturally become a martial artist himself. His body cannot handle much spiritual energy, and of what energy it can be made to absorb it releases more than half, like a leaky bucket. Given what you've been able to glean during observation, you estimate that perhaps only between 5% and 15% of humans manage to break through The Martial Gateway during their life, and even fewer become proper cultivators afterwards. A lack of both talent and resources simply cannot be helped. At least not without your aid.
Your vessel was not made to the highest standards of technology possible to your kind. It was made to be mass-produced for the lowest price per unit possible while still retaining all required functions, so as to offset the minuscule chance of a vessel actually encountering a life-bearing planet. That is to say, it gets the job done, but that is all. This instance of spendthrift that occurred millions of years ago is the reason why Takigi is currently loudly swearing in pain, the feeling of spiritual energy entering his body resembling that of needles stabbing his flesh from the inside. The energy he absorbs is reckless, mediated only to the extent that it will not result in the termination of his life. But to his credit he does get used to it, and after only a few days laid up in bed resumes his normal duties.
Sunrise. Takigi wakes. He leaves the home in order to exercise in the cold for several hours. Stimulation of the body seems to aid the absorption of spiritual energy somewhat, at least according to humans. Given what you can observe, you are inclined to believe him. After returning, Takigi consumes his morning meal with Nui and Kinzou. Afterwards, Nui mends clothing and does basic clothwork while Takigi engages in carpentry. You are not at all an expert in the topic, but you do refer to what information regarding the topic you have on hand in order to assist him. Some of it does help, and he is appreciative.
