Chapter Six: The Beginning of the True Path

  Elena and Lisa stared in shock as they watched Lucas pull the heart of the dead bck panther from its lifeless body. He knew this scene might disgust them or make them see him differently, but he didn’t hesitate. His decision was already made.

  "Lucas... what are you doing?" Elena asked cautiously, her voice filled with uncertainty, while Lisa’s eyes widened in pure disbelief.

  He took a deep breath before answering calmly, "I’m just using my talent."

  It wasn’t easy to eat the heart in front of them, but he wouldn’t hide the truth from his sisters. They were his only family, and he would do anything for them. Ever since their parents died, he had promised to always be honest with them. If he couldn’t trust them, then who could he trust?

  Bringing the heart to his mouth, he took a bite, closing his eyes as he chewed slowly. The taste was metallic and warm, and he could feel a faint energy spreading through his body. The moment he swallowed the st piece, a system window appeared before him.

  [Heart of Bck Panther absorbed.][Choice avaible: Steal Speed Talent (D) or Convert to Talent Shards.]

  He maintained a neutral expression as he read the options, but he could feel his sisters’ intense gazes drilling into him.

  "Lucas... what’s happening?" Lisa asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

  He decided to expin everything.

  "This is my ability," he began, looking at them directly. "My talent is called Parasitic Dominion. It allows me to steal three talents in each Mana Cultivation Realm, but they always start at Rank E regardless of their original strength. However, I can strengthen them beyond their original level if I acquire enough resources."

  Elena remained silent for a moment before asking seriously, "And what are these resources?"

  He swallowed before replying, "Talent Shards… which I obtain by consuming the hearts of living beings."

  Lisa’s eyes widened further, while Elena frowned slightly as she processed his words.

  "So, you need to keep consuming hearts to grow stronger?" Elena asked, her tone more analytical than shocked.

  Lucas nodded. "Yes, but not just that. If I choose to steal a talent, it won’t be powerful at first, so I need to develop it gradually using the shards. This means I need a long-term strategy to decide which talents to steal and which to convert into shards."

  Elena took a deep breath, then looked at him directly. "That means you’ll have to kill more monsters… and maybe even people?"

  He hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "If necessary… yes."

  A heavy silence settled between the three siblings before Lisa finally broke it with a low voice. "It’s a dangerous talent… but also an incredible one." She lifted her head, looking at Lucas with determination. "And you’re not a ruthless person, so I know you won’t use it recklessly."

  Lucas felt warmth spread in his chest. Her support meant everything to him.

  Then, he turned to Elena, who continued to watch him quietly. After a long pause, she closed her eyes briefly before saying, "I don’t agree with senseless killing, but… we live in a world where strength is everything. If you’re going down this path, you need to become strong enough to protect yourself and Lisa."

  Something inside Lucas burned with renewed determination at her words. It wasn’t just acceptance—it was recognition of his capabilities.

  "So… will you support me?" he asked, looking between them.

  Elena let out a small sigh before reaching out and gently patting his head. "Of course. You’re my little brother, and I’ll always be by your side."

  Lisa, on the other hand, practically jumped on him with a tight hug. "I’m with you too! We’ll all become strong together!"

  Lucas felt relief wash over him. Despite how cruel this world was, he knew he wasn’t alone.

  "Alright then, let’s get to work," he said with a grin. "We need to pn how to make the most of my ability."

  Elena nodded. "First, we need to determine which types of talents you should acquire. You can’t waste opportunities on weak talents."

  "Right," Lisa added. "And maybe you should start by strengthening your body. If your ability doesn’t give you direct power, you need to make up for it through physical training and cultivation."

  Lucas smiled as he looked at his sisters. This was exactly what he needed—unwavering support and people who believed in him. This was not a journey he could walk alone.

  He took a deep breath and clenched his fist. "Then, let’s start this journey together."