"Legends say that the reason that the Wastelands is as it is today is because, in ancient times, two extremely powerful Essence Artists fought here. It was a heaven-shaking battle that resonated throughout the whole world. The aftermath of that fight was so horrifying that the Wastelands could never have normal amounts of Essence ever again; people say on the power level that those two Essence Artists were, it is no longer only Essence that is used to fight, but another greater source of power. Now, this area marked black is thought to be the very center where those two experts fought. As you can imagine, a lot of curiosity was directed here; however, all those who had gone there died. Forget Normal Essence Artists. Even powerhouses that could kill me with less than a breath have perished there. But the fact still remains that there seems to be a great secret in this place, and essence artists have not completely given up on finding it."

Ju took a deep breath as he digested the secrets that Old Kai divulged. Information like this was very valuable.

But the elderly man was not yet done; Old Kai still had one more thing for the young wolf, something that was even more precious than the map he had shown Ju.

"What do you know about Essence Arts?"

"They are the most powerful ways to use Essence, and they can only be used by the Essence Artists," Ju replied subconsciously, a little bit confused as to why Old Kai asked him this. Even the most lowly person in the wastelands knew this.

"True, but Essence Arts is not just a single entity; there are several categories and types based on numerous factors. Techniques, Spells, Skills, and the Innate abilities of spiritual beasts are all Essence arts. But one thing you said was a bit false; it is not only us Essence artists who can use some of these Essence arts, but it is only Essence Artists who can display their true worth and power. Do you see the point I am trying to make?"

Ju nodded slightly. It was not that some techniques and skills could not be taught to people like him who were not yet Essence Artists; they required so much Essence that it was deemed unnecessary for Essence gatherers to be taught in most cases.

Only the most skilled Essence gatherers could successfully use an essence art, even at the lowest proficiency. Techniques were also challenging to come by and learn, even for Essence Artists, let alone for gatherers. Old Kai continued.

"My spirit source was forged more than 30 years ago, yet I only know three techniques; one was given to me by the Family I served when I became an Essence artist, the other one I bought for a large amount of resources, the last and most peculiar of them all was the one I found by myself, from the dead body of a most difficult foe, what was more astonishing that he was not yet an Essence artist, yet he gave me such a hard time and the reason why he was so troublesome, was this particular technique that I am about to show you."

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Ju could feel his heartbeat quicken. Up until now, he had only heard vague rumors about techniques and essence arts, and to think that right now, he had been offered one.

"The name of the technique is Dark Assault." Old Kai allowed a bit of tension to rise before he continued.

"Dark Assault allows the wielder to draw upon the essence from somewhere other than their spirit nodes or spirit source, which is the 'soul' and 'life source' of its user as a power source. In simpler terms, it amplifies the physical prowess to a monstrous scale."

As Old Kai illustrated the mechanism behind this obscure technique, Ju could vaguely sense ethereal tendrils of Essence coiling around the elderly man's limbs, synchronizing with the cadence of his heart.

"When casting the Essence, the user's physical attributes—strength, speed, agility—are heightened, mirroring the potency of the soul's energy within. The more potent the soul power is the more devastating the effect. However, Dark assault would still leave a significant amount of impurities," he explained.

Old Kai's then fingers curled in contemplation before he continued.

"For some reason, I feel that the technique would suit you a little well, but if you should use it and feel severe adverse effects, then it's better you discard the technique. The consequences of using it forcefully are quite unsavory," the elderly man said with an eerie look in his eyes.

Ju felt the chill of the Old Kai's words sink deep.

"Yes. I would heed your words." the teenager spoke up, excitement creeping out of his tone.

With the solemness Old Kai showed, Ju knew that this was not an ordinary Essence art, even by the standards of Essence artists; rather than mastery over Essence or a spirit source, what the technique needed was more ethereal in origin depending on the innate soul strength and life-force of the user.

Old Kai brought forth a scroll tied with a black ribbon and handed it over to Ju. The teenager looked at it tentatively before grabbing it.

"It can be extremely useful, but at the same time perilous… But then the path of Essence arts is loaded with danger." Old Kai sighed.

"Take some time to learn it; you are smart, and it should not be too difficult to grasp some basis, as this is not a bona fide essence art in the long run."

Old Kai hesitated a bit before giving a final warning.

"It is best not to show this technique to another person in the future. I fear its origins are not that simple. Don't forget to use it only as a trump card. I am still trying to clear some of the backlash caused by Dark Assault. That is all I have for you. The mine closes tomorrow, and I am going back to where I came from. Take care of yourself, young wolf.

Old Kai then waved his hands; Ju knew he had to leave now

Before exiting through the door, Ju looked up at Old Kai for a moment and took one last bow at Old Kai before giving his thanks.

It was the loudest the boy had ever spoken, yet his tone was as gentle as a warm breeze.

A strange light shone from Old Kai's eyes as he saw the young boy leave.

He then sighed to himself.

"I really am getting old."

The following day, word spread that one of the medium-sized mines had officially closed. The inhabitants who relied on the mines once again had to look for another means of survival, whether it was going to another mine, becoming an adventurer, or robbing other people.

Nothing ever really lasted in this world, especially not in a place like the Wastelands.