Yin & Yang Pleasures of Cultivation

"Ju-just what the hell is going on?! Ho-how can they?!" 

One of the Siren Mages couldn't hold it in anymore. He had even pointed his shaking finger towards the trio, treating them as if they were some kind of freaks.

And from his shouts, a calamity of other cries was raised. 

"This just has to be impossible! Three at the same time, and they have similar latent auras?!" 

"They're cultivators….just merely cultivators….just how…."

In a single instance, Darcel, Aniela, and Masami managed to shake every Siren Mage to their very cores. 

Compared to the Lightning Mages, the Siren Mages were having an extremely difficult time accepting this. These Mages shaped their fundamental beliefs that it's utterly impossible for any cultivator to have strong Magical Talent. 

This belief didn't just come from prejudice but also facts supported by what's definitely known from Qi and Magical Energy.

People who were born with an affinity for Qi will have an entirely different bodily structure. Their bodies will evolve to hold a dantian space and to absorb at least the weakest form of Qi energy.

As for Magical Energy, these people were born with a Magical Space within the lower part of their stomachs. 

Inside their Magical Space is where one's Magical Core would develop. This will allow for these people to eventually perceive Magical Energy, comprehend it, and then absorb it. 

Similar to Qi Energy, these people's bodies will also accordingly evolve to intake stronger Magical Energy.

All of this would show it's biologically highly unlikely for cultivators and Mages to mix in together. 

They both have their own path to power that completely differs from each other.

With all this in mind, it's no wonder why the Lightning Mages and the Siren Mages had such intense reactions towards Darcel's group. 

These three were quite literally achieving something that logically should be impossible!

At the same time the Siren Mages was fraught and bustling with overwhelming shock. Darcel, Aniela, and Masami were basking in the limelight. 

Truthfully, this was actually Darcel, Aniela, and Masami's first time unleashing their Magical Energy at a high capacity. 

Before coming here, Masami actually had the mischievous plan to suppress their Magical Aura to create a grand, shocking reveal. And of course, Aniela was quick to agree, feeling the same amount of mischievous as her. 

This plan would serve for their own self-satisfaction and as a way to knock these high-brow Mages off their peg.

Darcel, while finding their plan amusing, agreed to do this for more practical reasons. 

He found that suppressing their Magical Aura was an added layer of good practice for controlling their Insect Magical cores. They found the process similar to suppressing their cultivation aura but had some distinct differences in circulating their Magical Energy. 

Furthermore, Darcel fathoms that this would be a clear way to gain a quick starting foothold in this organization.

By going off what Bella told them, these Siren Mages take any help they can get. And showcasing they can prove to be extremely useful would undoubtedly help to elevate his and the girl's position.

At that moment, Darcel's lips were curving up in slight amusement. Going by everyone's bewildered reaction, he could say this move was a step in the right direction. 

Darcel wasn't sure how long it had been since he and the girls were under a bright spotlight. But this feeling of elation felt more than just good; it felt absolutely pleasurable. 

After a few more seconds of basking in the limelight, Darcel was about to continue their stroll up to the main deck.

However, right then, he heard Masami speak in a low whisper voice that only he and Aniela could listen to because of the high bustling noise. 

"Look at them so riled up cause they can't handle the truth. Say, why should we stop now? Let's see how many buttons we can push. I mean, they wouldn't throw great talent like us out, right?"

All at once, Masami's previous grievances were slumbering to the surface. She was relishing in the feeling of absolute superiority after losing it for so long. 

From the various fights she previously lost, she wanted to vent some of her frustrations right here. 

Darcel could understand her plight, especially considering how prideful she used to be.

But now wasn't the time for that. 

In the same low, whispering tone, Darcel told her, "Just hold off for that right now, Masami. At least, when we become strong enough to contend with them, we can start pushing buttons."

Hearing this, Masami wasn't so satisfied with that response. She was about to argue back until Aniela put a gentle hand on her shoulder. 

Even though she was quiet all this time, Aniela's thoughts more so lined up with Masami. However, she could also understand Darcel's more sound reasoning. 

With all this in mind, she cut into the conversation, telling Masami, "Darcy is just being cautious, Sami. As much I want to vent, too, we're not really in a position for that. But soon, we can bring these arrogant people to their knees."

"Haaah~. Well, if you put it that way, that does sound more satisfying than just using our words. Alright then, let's get whatever process they have done with already." Masami already rechanged her focus after a little convincing. 

Although Darcel could just tell that the first moment she gets on to their level, Masami would have another rise of her mischievous nature. 

Wryly smiling to himself, Darcel put this thought down for later.

Then, he, Aniela, and Masami continued strolling up to the main deck. Under numerous still shocked gazes, Darcel confidently spoke to the high-level Siren Mage. 

"I'm sure this goes without saying, but we would like to join your group. With what we show, I trust there aren't any more issues, right?" 

The high-level Siren Mage couldn't properly respond at first. Her eyes blinked a few times before her mind quickly processed what was going on. 

It was then she forced herself to regain her calm. No matter how shocked she was over this situation, it wasn't her job to ask questions.

If somebody comes in here with decent enough Magical Power, it would be her job to enlist them here. 

"In-indeed. There aren't any more issues. Wait right here; you all now need to undergo a process that will help consolidate your Magical Cores. Even if your Magical Cores are already perfectly consolidated, all new members must undergo this process."

Although the high-level Siren Mage didn't want to show it, she couldn't stop a distinct change within her tone. 

Now, instead of the utter indifference she had on her first meeting with the trio, there was only gradual respect filling her voice.

Immediately when she finished talking, the Siren Mage pulled out a contact ring from under her disk. A faint purple glow sparked the contact ring as the Siren Mage injected her energy within it.

A few seconds passed, and the Siren Mage put the contact ring back under her desk. 

After doing so, the Siren Mage didn't dare to look back up to the trio. 

She tossed her gaze back onto her desk, apparently now intently focused on whatever was upon there. In order to keep her mind from going ballistic, she needed to distract herself with something else.

Seeing that reaction only served to fuel Darcel, Aniela, and Masami's egos. Truly, it was like the days when they all had their outrageous combat prowess. In awe and respected by all.

Although, Darcel could tell they haven't reached the level of full genuine respect. He thought to himself, 'After they get over their initial shock, they all will most likely be entirely unconvinced of our true power. We'll need to actually greatly increase our strength before any real trouble arises then.'

As he rummaged to himself, a sharp glint swirled within Darcel's eyes. 

No matter where they go, he can predict trouble will always follow. And there won't be any way he'll let the girls or himself be blindsided by this.

Since the high-level Mage called on her contact ring, only a few seconds passed. 

During these short moments, the other Siren Mages forced themselves to go back to what they were during, though many still took glances towards the trio.

All the while, Aniela and Masami were about to start a conversation among themselves. 

But right then, a familiar figure exited out of the hall right next to the lobby's main desk.

Darcel, Aniela, and Masami snapped their attention to this person and smirked from behind their masks. 

Of course, the person who came to collect them was Siren Blade. 

And exactly like everyone else, Siren Blade froze when sensing Darcel, Aniela, and Masami's latent Magical Aura. His expression morphed between shock, disbelief before returning back to calm.

Compared to the others, he was able to take in this news much easier. After all, he was the one that had peered into the trio's true Magical Talent for a split moment. 

The only shocking thing to him was the fact that these masked youths found the Royal Orb so quickly!

Not even a whole week has gone by, yet these three made more progress than any veteran adventure group. 

Getting rid of any unnecessary thoughts, Siren Blade nodded and told them, "Come with me. This process shouldn't take long." 

And without another word, Siren Blade turned around and began slowly walking right back into the same hall he walked out of.

Feeling entirely calm, Darcel, Aniela, and Masami promptly followed behind him. Each of them could still feel so many eyes on them even as they walked out of sight.

As much Darcel, Aniela, and Masami found those reactions entertaining, they soon tossed those people out of their minds. 

They all quickly focused on whatever mysterious process they needed to undergo now.

No words were shared between any of them as Siren Blade led Darcel's group further down the quiet halls.