With their panting slowly receding as they regained their composure, Nora could help but rejoice, although she had lost the wager, she had still learned from watching Lucius go full out that 'intent' existed in this world.

She hadn't been able to try to find out for herself since she had yet to find a suitable weapon for weapon cultivation. If she would have tried to create a bond with a crude or frail weapon, it could've crippled her future cultivation.

With a smile far too wide for someone who had just lost, Nora inquired, "Well... Lucius, would you mind if I could take a look at your cane?"

Pausing, Lucius seriously contemplated. His cane was very precious to him. He'd normally scoff at such a request... but something about Nora made him feel as if it was alright. Something about how they both shared an exhilaration for battle, or how she made him feel truly alive after so long.

"Fine, but don't forget about the wager you set. I'm tired of this old face of mine..."

As Lucius reluctantly handed over the cane, Nora validated her suspicions. The moment the cane made contact with Nora's hand, the cane began to emit a wave of bestial anger. It clearly rejecting Nora, far preferring its proper master. The previously seeming normal cane, although still, writhed with life. She could sense the faint circulation of mana from within the cane, almost as if it was breathing.

Unlike other Paths of Cultivation, Weapon Cultivation built on top of other cultivation techniques. Acting far more like an auxiliary power than the main power. Lucius had cultivated in a warrior technique based completely creatures which already innately circulated mana. Mimicking their innate act, humans could create their own cultivation.

Lucius' cane built off of the provided technique, embodying its origin and it itself becoming a beast. Appreciating Lucius' efforts in Weapon Cultivation, Nora had to ask, "Have you given the cane a name?"

"Why would I name a cane?" confused, Lucius attempted to make sense of the question.

Amused by Lucius' lack of knowledge, Nora couldn't help but smirk. He had made progressed so far in Weapon Cultivation, yet he couldn't see the road ahead of him. "I've got a lot to teach you..."

-

Percy awoke, only to find himself in a dimly lit dark cell. The air carried vast amounts of humidity, dampening the decrepit stone walls which enclosed the cell.

No longer bound, he looked around the cell. His only comfort being the vague noise of dripping water. Having a hard time looking around, he found a small note in the centre of the cell.

The note itself being a small piece of aged parchment while in the dimly lit cell, he could faintly read the words inscribed, yet he couldn't help but notice how it reeked of sulphur.

It read,

-