THE BLACK CULTIVATOR

"You still owe me my change," Chris said, grabbing the driver's shirt before he could climb back into his bus.

The driver shoved his hand away with a scowl. "I already told you the fare was two thousand naira. If you don't have the money, that's your problem."

"That's a lie!" Chris shot back. "You clearly said one thousand five hundred before I got on the bus."

Within seconds, a crowd formed around them. Some people tried to calm them down. Others laughed and encouraged the argument. A few passengers simply stood back, recording the drama on their phones. It was another ordinary afternoon in Lagos.

The sun blazed overhead, horns echoed from every direction, and street vendors squeezed through the endless traffic, shouting over one another while trying to sell cold drinks, snacks, and phone chargers.

"You think you can cheat me because it's only five hundred naira?" Chris said. "It's my money."

The driver folded his arms. "And what are you going to do about it?"

Chris took a step closer. "I'm not leaving until you return every kobo."

Neither man noticed the massive trailer slowly reversing behind them. The driver of the trailer leaned on his horn. The deafening blast echoed across the road. People screamed.

"Move!"

Chris instinctively turned around. The trailer was already upon them. There wasn't enough time.

**BOOM!**

The impact was devastating. Steel crushed flesh. Glass exploded into the air. The world spun violently before everything disappeared into darkness.

---

Silence.

Chris felt strangely comfortable. There was no pain. No traffic. No shouting. No blaring horns. Only an endless, peaceful silence. His eyelids slowly fluttered open.

"...Where am I?"

He pushed himself into a sitting position and looked around. A vast field of emerald-green grass stretched endlessly in every direction. Snow-white clouds drifted lazily across a brilliant blue sky. A cool breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers. It was so peaceful that it almost felt unreal. Chris frowned.

"This definitely isn't Lagos."

A woman's voice suddenly echoed behind him.

"No. It isn't."

Chris spun around. Standing several feet away was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She wore a crimson dress that hugged her figure perfectly, while her long black hair flowed effortlessly down her back. Her golden eyes seemed impossibly calm, as though they had witnessed the birth and death of countless worlds. She smiled gently.

"Welcome to the Land of the Dead, Chris."

Chris blinked. "...Excuse me?"

"You died approximately three minutes ago."

For several seconds, he simply stared at her. Then he laughed. "That's a good one."

"I'm serious."

His smile slowly disappeared. "...Wait. You mean... I'm dead?"

She nodded. "You died arguing over transportation fare."

Chris stood motionless. Finally, he buried his face in both hands. "My mother warned me. She always said one day my stubbornness over loose change would get me killed." He let out a long sigh. "I honestly didn't think she meant it literally."

The woman snapped her fingers. An elegant wooden office suddenly appeared-a polished desk, a chair, towering bookshelves, and stacks of ancient documents. She walked behind the desk and sat down as though welcoming dead souls was simply another day at work. Chris stared in disbelief.

"I've seen some strange dreams before... but this is definitely the weirdest."

"This isn't a dream."

She opened a thick, ancient book covered in dust.

"According to God's original plan, today was not supposed to be the day you died."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "If I wasn't supposed to die... then why am I here?"

"Because pride kept both you and the driver from backing down." She calmly turned another page. "Sometimes destiny only needs one foolish decision."

Chris rubbed his forehead. "So I really died because of five hundred naira."

"When you put it that way... it sounds even more embarrassing."

He looked at her again. "So what happens now? Do I go to Heaven? Or Hell?"

She smiled. "The truth is more complicated than humans realize. You are not here to be judged. You are here because you've been chosen."

"Chosen?"

"You will be reborn."

Chris froze. "In another world." His eyes widened. "...Like those fantasy novels?"

She nodded. "A world where the strong cultivate spiritual energy. A world where people chase immortality. A world where a single expert can destroy kingdoms."

Chris suddenly became excited. "So cultivation is actually real?"

"It is. And yes... it resembles the stories you enjoyed reading."

A huge grin spread across Chris's face. "Now we're talking. So I can become one of those ridiculously overpowered cultivators?"

"If you survive. ...That's the important part."

His excitement dropped slightly. "How dangerous are we talking?"

She closed the book. "In your previous world, people competed for money. In this one... they kill for power. They destroy families over treasures. They massacre sects over ancient inheritances. The weak are treated worse than insects."

Chris remained silent. Instead of fear... he smiled. "I survived Nigeria. I'll figure this one out too."

For the first time, genuine amusement appeared on the woman's face.

"That confidence... must be a uniquely Nigerian trait."

She walked toward him. "As compensation for your premature death... you will receive a system. It will assist your growth until you reach the Half-Body Immortal Realm."

Chris nodded. Then, completely against his better judgment, his eyes wandered. He couldn't help noticing how breathtaking she was. She was easily the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

"You know..." he said awkwardly. "You're incredibly beautiful."

She smiled. "Thank you."

Chris blinked. "That's it? I expected you to slap me."

"I can hear every thought in your mind."

His smile froze.

"...Every thought?"

"Every single one."

Chris cleared his throat. "Well... at least I said it respectfully."

She laughed softly. "You certainly did."

Then her expression became serious again. "This is where our journey together ends."

Chris nodded. "So... how exactly do I get to this new world?"

She raised one elegant finger. "Like this."

**Snap.**

His body instantly dissolved into countless particles of light. Darkness swallowed him once again. As his consciousness faded, only one thought remained.

*This time... I'm done living an ordinary life. I'll become someone no one can ever look down on again.*

---

Chris's eyes flew open. He inhaled sharply. Sweat soaked his entire body. Red sand covered his clothes and skin. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet. His eyes widened. Two blazing suns illuminated the endless crimson landscape before him. He stared at the impossible sky.

"So... I really made it." A smile spread across his face. "I've actually been reincarnated into a cultivation world."

Without warning-agony exploded inside his head.

"AAAGHH!"

He collapsed onto one knee. Memories flooded his mind. A lonely childhood. Relentless bullying. Endless humiliation. Betrayal. Fear. Hatred. The memories belonged to another person. Li Yan. An orphan. An outer sect disciple of the Lion Clan. A young man framed by his fellow disciples and chased into the forbidden Void Mountain, where he eventually died from exhaustion.

Several minutes later, the pain finally subsided. Chris slowly stood. He looked toward the distant mountains.

"I don't know who did this to you... but I'll make them regret it."

Before another thought could cross his mind-a sleek black interface materialized before his eyes.

**[Supreme Hustle African System Activated.]**

**[Reincarnation Successful.]**

**[Host Confirmed: Chris.]**

**[Special Talent Detected.]**

**[Nigerian Heritage Activated.]**

**[Passive Traits Unlocked:]**

• Undying Courage (Extreme)

• 5x Recovery and Breakthrough Speed

• Rhythmic Combat Intuition

Chris stared at the glowing screen. A slow smile spread across his face.

"So this is my cheat."

Another notification appeared.

**[Main Quest]**

Survive the cultivation world for as long as you can.

Time Limit: None

Failure Penalty: None

Chris clenched his fists. His eyes burned with determination. "I didn't come to this world just to survive. I'll climb higher than every cultivator. I'll surpass every immortal. And one day... I'll become the god standing above them all."

The system responded immediately.

[Quest Accepted.]

[Willpower Recognized.]

[Undying Courage Enhanced.]

[Future breakthroughs will accelerate whenever the Host refuses to surrender.]

Far beyond the crimson horizon, countless ancient experts cultivated beneath the heavens. None of them knew it. But on that day... the greatest variable the cultivation world had ever seen had finally arrived.

Chris stood still, breathing in the dry, scorching air of Void Mountain.

Two suns burned overhead - one crimson, one golden - turning the red sand into a bleeding wasteland.

In the distance, jagged peaks stabbed the sky like broken teeth while faint, monstrous growls rolled down from the rocks.

"Naija boy don land!" he muttered, dusting red sand off Li Yan's cheap brown outer sect robe. "Chaii, this place no be joke oh. I gats lock in."

["Naija boy has landed!" ... "Damn, this place is no joke. I have to lock in."]

He quickly sorted through the flood of memories. Li Yan was only at the early stage of Qi Condensation - basically an ant.

Li Yan's seniors had framed him for stealing a grade 4 spirit herb. He was chased deep into the forbidden outer zone of Void Mountain and left for dead. Classic sect bullying.

[Supreme Hustle African System]

[Host Body Status: Severely Exhausted. Minor Injuries.]

[Realm: Qi Condensation, Early Stage (Unstable)]

[Qi Reserves: 20%]

[Warning: Multiple Powerful Energies Detected Within 5km radius. (Recommended Action: Run)]

"You say wetin?" Run go where? Chris scoffed.

Naija no dey run like that oh, we no dey run from trouble - we dey manage am.

["What did you say?" ... "Naija people don't run like that. We don't run from trouble - we manage it."]

Chris took a few steps forward and collapsed to one knee as sharp pain shot through his meridians.

The previous owner had pushed past his limits, unfortunately it didn't do him any good.

[Undying Courage Activated]

[5x Recovery Engaged]

Warm energy began flooding his body. The pain dulled and his breathing steadied.

"Omo, this guy body wan wound me." God pass you sha. Chris returned to his feet.

["Damn, this guy's body wants to wound me." God has passed you sha.]

A low growl echoed from behind the rocks.

Two red-eyed Void Wolves stepped out, saliva dripping from their jaws. They were both at the early stage of Qi Condensation.

Alarmed, Chris locked eyes with them. Their black fur radiated dark energy.

Undying Courage kicked in. Chris's blood boiled with pure Naija vexation.

"Now, now, person enter una world... una wan turn am into food?"

["Now, now, someone just entered your world... and you want to turn him into food?"]

Chris clenched his fists, his eyes scanning the Void Wolves. They were the size of full-grown adult lions.

The wolves lunged.

Chris sprinted on instinct. The first wolf came at him from below, its mouth wide open - Chris evaded with ease.

The second appeared by his side with its right claws aimed for his guts. "Bam." Chris sent it flying high. "Boom." It crashed into the ground.

[Rhythmic Combat Intuition Engaged]

'Una no fit do shit!" Chris yelled. He dashed forward at the second wolf, speed too fast for the human eye. He drove his knee into its head with surprising force.

["You people cannot do shit!"]

"Thud." The wolf fell to the earth.

The first wolf returned, unleashing a fury of claw strikes that split the air around him.

Chris dodged a few, but one claw strike drew blood from his left shoulder.

"Your matter don end like this," Chris growled, jaws clenched.

["Your matter has ended like this."]

[Adrenaline + Willpower Surge]

[5x Recovery Maxed Out]

The wolf charged. Chris dropped low, sliding under its snapping jaws. His fist slammed upward into its ribs with a sickening crack.

"Huuuu!"

The wolf beast dropped to the earth.

[First Kill Bonus!]

[+100 System Points]

[You have Absorbed Faint Spiritual Energy From The Void Wolves]

[Qi Condensation Early Stage → Mid Stage (Stable)]

[+10 Points Added To All Stats]

Chris burst out laughing while collapsing to the ground.

Naija no fit carry last! A smile lit up on his face.

[Naija cannot come last!]

[Daily Quest Activated]

[Daily Quest: Find A Home Or Build One]

[+200 System Points]

[+1 Advanced Qi Pill]

You no need tell me twice my guy. Chris replied.

[You don't need to tell me twice my guy.]

Chris rose and moved deeper into the mountains. Every few minutes he heard the distant cries and howls of beasts - some deep and powerful, others high-pitched and vicious.

After what seemed like an hour of careful trekking, he stumbled upon a cave hidden at the south of the mountain by large trees.

"This place looks good enough," Chris muttered, crossing his arms. "The only thing wey fit enter this place na something my size or smaller."

["The only thing that can enter this place is something my size or smaller."]

"Hmmm." He covered his nose with his sleeve as he walked in. "This place dey smell somehow." (Like old socks)

["This place smells somehow."]

Green grass blanketed the entire ground. The walls were smooth and cold.

The light of both suns barely brightened the cave.

At the center lay a stone slab that looked like a bed.

Chris walked around, observing and feeling every surface.

This place looks great. It will be my personal home for now. Chris whispered.

[Congratulations! You Have Successfully Found A Home]

[+200 System Points]

[+1 Advanced Qi Pill]

Vast energy surged directly into Chris's body.

[Qi Reserves: 300%]

"Everywhere good!" Now this place just needs a little make-over. Chris mumbled.

["Everywhere is good!"]

The trees on Void Mountain stood at incredible heights and widths. Some easily overshadowed a five-storey building.

He tiptoed through the trees and long grasses. The sun was scorching. He halted under a tree resembling an oak - its branches long and wide, leaves the size of a couch.

He plucked a fruit. It was bright yellow.

"Ham." Juice squelched between his fingers as he bit into it.

"This fruit sweet die!" Chris smirked. He ate one, two, three, then five.

["This fruit is very sweet!"]

[Yellow Fruit Digested]

[Meridians And Dantian Strengthened]

[Energy Suction Increased]

What the fuck! Na golden fruit be this oh! System, do you have anything wey I fit use store my food? He asked.

[Na this na golden fruit oh! ... anything I can use to store my food?]

[Void Storage Unlocked]

[Note: Storing Capacity Unlimited. Anything Stored In The Void Storage Remains The Same. Time Doesn't Function In The Void.]

Thank you, System. He said, grinning.

Chris started plucking every fruit he could find and sent them into the void.

Evening came fast. Chris brushed sweat from his face with the back of his hand.

A wooden door now sealed the cave entrance.

[Craftsman Unlocked]

[No Pain, No Gain Unlocked: (Moving Forward - Cultivation Speed, Understanding Of Scrolls, Manuals, Techniques & Treasures Will Be Increased x10)]

[+30 System Points]

He shut the door.

"Yessss!" It works! Overjoyed, Chris did a little leg work.

He powered up his insect lamp as the cave was plunged into darkness. Earlier while coming back, he had spotted some insects flying around with bodies glowing in different colors - he captured some.

Night fell not long after.

The cave was filled with smoke and steam.

"Mmmmm!" Chris groaned. "This one sharp wella!"

["This one is very delicious / hits well!"]

He dipped a finger into the bubbling pot and licked it clean, eyes lighting up.

He covered the pot. Steam rose, white and warm.

With his stomach filled and his body restored, Chris rested on the stone bed. A proud smile hovered over his face.

System, reveal my stats to me. He flopped onto the bed, legs crossed.

[Supreme Hustle African System]

[Host: Chris] [Age: 20]

[Realm: Mortal (Qi Condensation - Mid Stage)]

[System Points: 330]

[Strength: 50] [Speed: 50] [Agility: 50] [Intelligence: 50] [Endurance: 50]

[Qi Reserves: 300%]

[Special Talent: Nigerian Heritage (Lv1), Craftsman (Lv3)]

[Special Traits: Undying Courage (Extreme), 5x Recovery & Breakthrough Speed, Rhythmic Combat Intuition, Void Storage, No Pain-No Gain]

[Note: Start Cultivating]

Chris hissed. You don't need to tell me twice, Oga. My stats are poor.

["You don't need to tell me twice, system."]

Chris took deep breaths, eyes sealed shut. His meridians pulsed, hot and peaceful.

Energy flowed into his body at an impressive rate.

Through the cold night, he cultivated.

Chris was still asleep when the system beeped. He yawned and stretched.

"Omo, allow me sleep na!" He spoke softly, eyes sliding open.

["Please, let me sleep, damn it!"]

[Morning, Host]

[Daily Quest Activated]

[Daily Quest 1: Hundred Push Ups, Sit Ups, And 5 Minutes Plank]

[Rewards: +20 Points To All Stats, Basic Bone Refinement Scroll]

[Daily Quest 2: Kill Five Qi Condensation Beasts]

[Rewards: +500 System Points, 1 Advanced Skill Scroll]

This system, no be so them dey wake person up oh! Chris murmured, still half-asleep. He sat up and gave the back of his head a good scratch.

["This system, this is not how people are supposed to be woken up oh!"]

[Notice: Chris You Dey Fear?]

["Chris, are you afraid?"]

"Taaa! Fear wetin?" He exclaimed, planting his feet on the ground. "I go show you why I be Naija boy today."

["Taaa! Afraid of what?" ... "I will show you why I'm a Naija boy today."]

Chris completed his exercises. His body was hot and drenched in sweat. Exhausted, he crumpled to the floor.

[Daily Quest Completion Rate: 50%]

[+20 Points Added To All Stats]

[Basic Bone Refinement Scroll Downloaded Into The Host's Mind Successfully]

[No Pain-No Gain Upgraded (Lv1 → Lv2)]

Chris clenched his fists until his knuckles whitened. It's not going to be easy. But man must become strong. No matter what.

He cleaned up and properly adjusted his robe. Marching towards the door, he chugged two cups of water.

He knelt down beside the stone slab.

"Father, if you fit hear me - watch over me today in Jesus Name, Amen."

["Father, if you can hear me..."]

"Alright, system. I don ready." He tugged the wooden door open, and a cool morning breeze brushed calmly against his damp skin.

["I'm ready."]

He ventured out into the mountain. Both suns burned high, already warming the air.

Deep into the mountains he marched, his eyes scanning everything with each step. His movements were like a shadow.

He heard almost every sound while roaming.

Chris walked through the thick forest. He was already at the northern side of the mountain.

"Today person come out to hunt, beast come dey hide," Chris whispered.

["Today someone came out to hunt, and there are no beasts cause they're are hiding."]

He spotted an open field up ahead and sprinted towards it.

"Arghh!"

As he sprinted toward the field, a low, thunderous grumble - deep and powerful - echoed loudly around him.

Chris flinched, stumbling to a stop.

"I never hear that kin sound before, e no matter sha." Whatever I encounter I will kill. He stilled himself.

["I've never heard that kind of sound before, but it doesn't matter sha."]

He pressed on, following the sound until he was out of the forest.

Shit! His eyes widened. He quickly hid behind a nearby boulder.

Wetin be that thing?

["What is that thing?"]

[Grey Wolf]

[Realm: Qi Condensation Late Stage]

[Special Skill: Blood Claw]

The grey wolf was the size of a large truck. It lay still on the ground.

How can I kill this thing now? Can my fists be enough? Chris muttered, eyes surveying the rocky field and the sleeping beast.

[Chris You Dey Fear?]

No, system. I was only thinking of a way to kill the beast. Chris stepped out of the boulder's shadow.

He took deep breaths.

"Oya oh! Time to prove once again why I be Naija boy."

["Lets goooo!"]

He bolted forward. The air detonated.

"Hwfa, pussy cat?" Chris yelled out.

["Hwfa, pussy cat?" (Hey, pussy cat?)]

The wolf's eyes awakened, its gaze meeting Chris's head-on.

It towered over him, its body blocking the sun.

"Huuuuu." The earth quaked.

Chris halted, sweat dripping down his chin, eyes raised upward.

He grinned, adrenaline surging. This kind of quest is terrible, but I like am. His fingers dug in until the knuckles showed white.

["but I like it."]

[Undying Courage Activated]

[Rhythmic Combat Intuition Engaged]

The field stood in silence as man and beast stared each other down, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

"Boom."

The air exploded like a thunderclap as the Naija youth dashed forward at the wolf.

"Arghhhh!"

The wolf's roar thundered. It advanced, its prints marking the muddy ground.

Both forces met at the center. The wolf's mouth widened - teeth plenty and razor sharp, hungry for blood.

[teeth many and razor sharp]

Chris leaped backwards instantaneously.

"Omo e no go easy, oh!" He sighed. He covered his nose with his sleeve. "Why you dey smell like expired sardine?"

["Omo it's not going to be easy oh!" ... "Why do you smell like expired sardine?"]

The wolf came at him fast, attack after powerful attack - each one he evaded with precision and control.

The air suddenly grew thick as a gravity-like force slammed into him. He dropped to one knee, blood spilling from his nose.

Where this attack come from? Chris whispered to himself.

["Where did this attack come from?"]

Cracks spread across the earth like spiderwebs.

The wolf swung its tail directly at the Naija youth's guts.

He ducked. Too late.

The next second he was flying through the air.

"Boom."

He crashed into the earth.

The world tilted. Sound warped. His vision was blurry at the edges as he struggled to his feet.

Breathing hard, he fell back to one knee.

[Host Body Status: Cracked Ribs, Internal Bleeding]

[5x Recovery Maxed Out]

[Body Healing Percentage: 30%]

"See animal wey we dey chop like ant for Africa anyhow, dey here dey beat me like small pikin."

["See an animal that we chop like ants back in Africa, yet here it's beating me like a small child."]

Chris lifted his eyes. The wolf's energy was surging through its body.

He grunted, returning to his feet, jaws clenched.

The wolf charged at him. The ground trembled as it ran.

He stood motionless. His heartbeat slowed. His mouth began moving - not talking, but humming.

The wolf's huge and sharp claws dropped from the heavens.

The Naija youth danced through the strikes but still sustained injury to his back. The earth where the claw smashed shattered open.

Huge chunks of rocks and dust rose into the air.

The wolf jumped backwards, eyes blazing red, spit slipping from its mouth.

Chris laughed. "You don tire, my guy?"

["You don tire, my guy?" (Are you tired now, my guy?)]

The wolf's movements slowly began lagging.

The clouds suddenly gathered. The wolf's energy detonated.

The wolf's claw tore through the air in crimson red - a three-way slash attack.

The earth fractured.

The Naija youth stood unfazed.

Time to test this my heritage. Chris said, his hand stretched forward. Powerful Qi engulfed his palm.

"Naija Heritage: Shield Of Shege!" He screamed out.

[Naija Heritage: Shield of Shege! (Shege = extreme suffering/trouble)]

A giant hand materialized, its energy not of this world.

"BOOM."

The ground around the two forces shattered. Huge chunks of earth flew into the air.

Dust and sand filled the sky. Nearby trees were split in halves.

"Naija Heritage: Pressure Of Tinubu!" Chris screamed once again.

[Naija Heritage: Pressure of Tinubu!]

The clouds opened up. A giant brown sword appeared. Its pressure pinned the wolf as it fell onto it - slicing its body into two halves.

"THUD."

The two halves hit the surface.

[Daily Quest Completion Rate: 60%]

[Daily Quest: 1/5 Qi Condensation Beast]

[You Have Defeated A Grey Wolf]

[Naija Heritage Upgraded (Lv1 → Lv2)]

[+20 Points Added To All Stats]

[+100 System Points]

[Qi Reserves: 200%]

[Recovery Time: 20 Minutes]

Breathing hard, the Naija youth fell to the ground.

His laughter echoed throughout the entire battlefield. The heat was massive, the stench of blood heavy.

"I kill am oh! Naija no dey carry last."

["I killed it oh! Naija no dey carry last." (Naija doesn't come last.)]

"Hmmm." Chris licked the blood spilling from his mouth.

[15:39:25]

[Count Down To The End Of Daily Quest]

[Punishment For A Failed Daily Quest: Loss Of Sight For 24:00]

Something dey worry you oh, system. Relax. I go complete the task. You wan kill me - eyes wey I go use admire yansh for future, you wan off am. Chris hissed.

["Something is worrying you oh, system... You want to kill me - the eyes I will use to admire yansh (ass) in the future, you want to switch them off."]

He groaned, standing to his feet.

"Void Storage!" Chris whispered.

He stored the wolf's body.

Onto the next prey, he muttered. His legs were already marching.

He returned to the cave as the two suns were already setting.

He sealed the door, shut it, and powered up his insect lamp.

"E no easy, at all." He eased onto the stone slab.

["It's not easy at all."]

[Daily Quest Completion Rate: 100%]

[+400 System Points]

[+1 Advanced Skill Scroll: Realm Jump (When activated the user can temporarily harness the power of the next realm)]

[All Stats Greatly Increased]

[Special Bonus: +1 Grade 4 Katana]

Sharp, now my vision to becoming the strongest don dey clear. Chris said.

["Sharp... is now becoming clear."]

Chris spent the night studying the advanced skill scroll and pushing his cultivation stage further.

At the dawn of the next day, he sat on top of the branch of a dark-colored tree - gazing at the sky.

[Morning, Host]

[Daily Quest Activated]

[Daily Quest 1: Five Hundred Push Ups]

[Reward: +50 Points Added To Endurance]

[Daily Quest 2: Break Into The Foundation Building Realm]

[Reward: +4 Advanced Qi Pills, +1 Heavenly Protective Talisman, +1000 System Points]