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Still, her goal seemed distant, and she realized it would take considerable time to climb the ranks within the association. The higher the cultivation, the better the job and pay. Despite the challenges, Samira remained determined, believing that she would eventually achieve her desired outcome. As her gaze fell upon a teenage cultivator entering the association for registration, her eyes gleamed with interest. 'He's a dual cultivator!' she exclaimed in her mind.

Samira's eyes lingered on Kevin, her gaze scanning his body, only to be met with disappointment. 'He's just started cultivating,' she observed inwardly, maintaining a polite smile. "It's confirmed. You can put your hand away now," she said to Kevin.

Following her instructions, Kevin withdrew his hand from the crystal. Samira continued with her official duties, asking for his name and age.

"Kevin," he answered.

"Age?" she inquired.

"16," he replied.

With these basic questions out of the way, Samira reached into a drawer and handed Kevin a black metal bracelet. "This here is your identity card, Mr. Kevin. You can use it to browse the Association's shop and missions. It can also function as a smartphone if you wish."

Kevin took the smooth and thin bracelet, feeling its unexpected weight. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks."

Samira smiled and continued, "The registration fee is 2000 units."

Kevin, already aware of the fee, promptly paid the amount. Once Samira received the money, she handed him a bag, stating, "This is a gift from our Cultivations Association for joining us. Remember, as you help the association, it will help you in return."

Kevin's eyes lit up with excitement as he accepted the bag and eagerly reached inside. His hand grasped a long, black knife, and he marveled at its craftsmanship. The blade seemed to be forged from a single piece of material, giving it a sleek and seamless appearance. The top of the knife was gracefully curved, adding to its allure.

Next, he pulled out a set of black-colored clothes, and his expression changed to one of surprise. The fabric felt substantial and heavy in his hands, indicating its quality. He couldn't help but wonder about the significance of these items and how they would aid him on his cultivation journey.

"Thanks," Kevin expressed his gratitude to Samira.

To which Samira replied, "It's just a small token from the Cultivations Association to show how grateful we are to have independent cultivators like you be a part of us. You can access some missions posted by the association through that bracelet and choose the one you like."

"I will," Kevin said, feeling a surge of excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead. He and Sia left the building.

Samira watched Kevin as he left and muttered to herself, "Let's hope he becomes powerful soon."

As Kevin walked home after Sia left for hers, he began to explore his newly acquired smart phone, or rather, smart bracelet, as it seemed. To his shock and excitement, a message popped up on the screen.

**********

"Haa haaa." Kevin breathed heavily as he sliced the dark knife through the air. It had been 5 days since he registered at the Cultivations Association, and a pleasant surprise awaited him when he opened his smart bracelet's message box. There was a file labeled "Soldier Blade: Guide to Wield Long Knives," sent by Samira, accompanied by a text that read, "Hope you will get strong and return me the favor."

Kevin didn't know the reason behind the receptionist giving him this fighting technique, but he decided to accept it and train his skills. He also made the choice to postpone his trip to the Misty Mountains, focusing on mastering this new technique to grow stronger so he will not die on his first trip there.

The Misty Mountains were classified as an B-Rank place, according to the information Kevin obtained from the Cultivations Association's servers. He was thrilled to access the association's exclusive information network, which provided useful data not available to lower-level cultivators like him. Within just two days, he gathered crucial details about monster hunting, cultivation resources, and common monsters found in the region, along with tactics to defeat them and the usability of their body parts.

With his preparations complete, Kevin had secured enough capital to purchase essential survival supplies, such as a military-grade bag, a sturdy tent, and other necessities, amounting to about 4000 units. Additionally, he bought a new phone for his sisters and mother, spending around 7000 units.

Today, Kevin returned to the mine to earn some extra money and enhance his transforming armor and knife further. Meanwhile, Sia diligently mined for shiny crystals, building a substantial pile.

"You're really going to the Misty Mountains?" Sia asked, holding another blue crystal and adding it to her growing collection.

"Yes," Kevin replied, stopping his knife-waving exercise and catching his breath.

"You know, even powerful cultivators sometimes don't return from there. It's dangerous," Sia said, concern evident in her eyes.

"Don't worry, I'm only going to explore the outer mountains. I won't venture too deep," Kevin assured her, sitting down on the mine floor, fatigued from his rigorous training. He continued, "Have you mined enough, or do you want to gather more?"

Sia looked at her impressive pile of luminous blue crystals and nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, then let's go. If my mother or uncle asks about me, just tell them I'm staying at a friend's place that you introduced me to," Kevin said, gathering the crystals he mined that day.

Sia nodded knowingly, aware that Kevin hadn't revealed his status as a cultivator to his family for some undisclosed reason.