[89 days left until Alvorna's Rite of Ascension]
Somewhere in a remote mountainside at Avanthal's western outskirt. Their designated place of training for the Odyssey. Much to Jihoon's surprise that there's anything remotely resemble of untouched nature in such a massive metropolis whose expanse might really as well be a world of its own.
Karim is here too, bearing a serious expression on his face. Entering the Odyssey isn't any simple matter as one must have the qualification to join. If Jihoon can't achieve it in the following 3 weeks, they may have to resort to the more... extreme solution. But then again, Karim has his faith in Jihoon that he can achieve it with ease before resorting to that terrible alternative.
"The Odyssey is modeled after the merfolk's most famous epic journey of legend passed down by their history.". Karim said as he surveys the terraiin around them.
First, definitely expect survival scenarios. Stranded on multiple different uninhabited islands, trying to overcome nature's wrath through raw fortitude and wit. Just as how Odysseus was tormented across turbulent seas and mythical islands, so too must participants endure a slew of trials resembling that fabled odyssey home. Although definitely isn't of the same intensity that Odysseus did, it is still a very difficult test that will push the participants' resilience to the absolute nightmarish end.
"Beyond that," Karim continued grimly, "you'll face increasingly deadly combat arenas pitting you against Absence's most fearsome participants and predators in the Simulacrum phase of the Odyssey using Absence's most highly-advanced virtual simulation technology. But don't be fooled thinking that none of it is of no consequence or difficulty, I heard that some former contestants were beaten so badly that they developed trauma in it due to the sheer realism that it can emulate."
The merchant's eyes bored into Jihoon's. "And that's not even covering the inevitable confrontations against other Odyssey participants themselves. Merfolk warriors whose power in water are virtually unstoppable and numerous other races with their unique racial ability. You'll need every advantage, magical and mundane otherwise, just to stay competitive."
Then with a flinty edge that Karim's tone took on, he spoke "If you cannot overcome these unforgiving lands through sheer persistence and willpower, then you have no hope weathering the trials the Odyssey itself will relentlessly batter you with across every leg of its odyssey."
Jihoon felt a fierce determination flare inside him, reminiscent of his darkest training days preparing for the Hunter's exam. Just as then, failure meant surrendering any hope of redeeming his fallen friend's noble spirit - a possibility he refused to entertain no matter the blood, sweat and tears required.
Nodding firmly, he met Karim's gaze. "Then let us begin immediately. The path to Calphennis awaits - and I will not falter, no matter how daunting the climb."
"So it is then... Our training will begin now.". Karim said as just as he is about to approach the truck that is the one of the few things he truly owned.
Just as when one would thought that nothing eventful will occur. Jihoon noticed that someone is flying toward him, someone familiar that he couldn't help but smile at their approaching appearance.
It's Alvorna and she has come for him again. The Harpy's Plume that she has given him to track his location brought her here. And it seems that she heard something about Jihoon's training.
She descended gracefully in front of them again, Jihoon felt a sense of warmth blossoming in his chest upon seeing her again at the sight of her radiant form. Her elegant feature alighted with curiosity as she noticed that Jihoon and his sponsor is doing something in the midst of nowhere.
"Hey, Jihoon. What are you doing?". Alvorna said as she inquires her trusted confidant whose extent of her trust clearly goes beyond just its namesake.
"As you can see, I'm undergoing a training arc, again. All of this is to participate the Odyssey". Jihoon said as he contextualize his situation as a story beat of some novel just to maintain a semblance of reality in this chaotic mess of fictionality that his life has become. All of this Hunters, Gates and other worlds nonsenses.
"I see then... I assume that you are going to train hard for the foreseeable future ahead, am I correct?" Alvorna said as her emerald eyes still glimmering while returning the genuine smile that existed only for him. Her only savior from the darkness within her own that threatened to consume her.
Jihoon nodded and then he has an idea of using his [Observant] on her, the daughter of the Matriarch is certainly not a pushover, isn't it?
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Daughter of the Matriarch
Name: Alvorna (Absence) Lucifera
Level: 91
Class: Royalty
Job: Overseer
Race: Harpy
+Physical Attributes:
-STR: ??
-END: ??
-AGI: ???
-DEX: ???
+Non-physical Attributes:
-INT: 8
-CHA: 14
-MAG: ???
-Active Skill:
+Wind Magic (Expert)
+Unfettered Flight (Advanced)
+Mana Attunement (Advanced)
+Celestial Connection (Intermediate)
+[??????????????] (Innate Racial Ability)
+Musical Prowess: Early-Expert
-Description:
The daughter of the revered Matriarch who rules over the entirety of Absence.
She possesses exceptional grace, intelligence and a soul profoundly attuned to music.
Despite societal pressures of her own kinds, she pursued mastery of the violin,
an unconventional path driven by her heart's desire and protected by her mentor.
Blessed with incredible magical prowess and an affinity for wind manipulation,
she shows promising capability to overtake her own mother if given enough time
to develop.
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
As he reads her observed status panel, Jihoon analyzed all the details that they have. Obviously as she is the daughter of the Matriarch of the Citadel that overlooks all of Absence, her stats are all exceptional without a doubt. All of them show only the number of digits that represent her stats remain indeterminate due to the staggering difference between them now. But Jihoon will see himself to bridge that gap.
But the most pressing intrigue that he noticed of her is the unanalyzable skill that she has. And seeing how carefree she is, she likely not aware of it either. It makes him question if every Harpy is like that with that hidden trait slumber or only she has it. Seeing it listed as Innate Racial Ability doesn't bode him well to overthink about it either.
Alvorna's own description put guidance toward the hints of her incredible potential, already displaying mastery over wind magic despite her youth. If she could defy traditions to pursue an unconventional path much like mastering the violin, could she also be the one to remove the veil of secrecy shrouding her kind's genesis?
He knew that he must maintain and reinforce the bond between them as durable as he could against the world of Absence. And that her presence might be the key required to unraveling the truth of Absence's mythology. Her faith in him is the fuel for his determination against all the obstacles that Absence may present itself to him.
Back to the conversation at hand, Jihoon simply nodded. They have already come close together enough to move past the need of courtesy.
"I see then. I have a feeling that you are up to something so I decided to also brought with me this Mana Signature Detector, it helps with discerning what elements you are although most of Absence's inhabitants are already aware of their own innate magical capability just by putting their thought to self-reflection.". Alvorna explained as she brought out what seems like a mystic seer's orb in her own spatial inventory.
Alvorna's emerald eyes took on a didactic gleam as she continued. "From a very young age, we Harpies are trained to attune our spirits to the ambient mana flows surrounding us. This heightened self-awareness allows us to coax our innate affinities into bloom over years of diligent meditation and practice."
That's what Innate and Initiate proficiency represents when it comes to magic power. Innate represents the potential power that has yet to be manifested meaningfully in any application nor has yet been trained to greater degree at all. Initiate stood for those who managed to make use of their own innate magical capability for daily convenience but not exactly enough to use for combat.
She smiled brilliantly at Jihoon. "However, you are an outsider to this realm, Jihoon. Your spiritual paradigms may be vastly different thus conscious guidance from an experienced tutor is essential. With my masterful mana control however, I can help guide your internal energies and discern the true nature of your elemental alignment."
Taking Jihoon's hand and place it on the orb. And with her own slender hand placed atop his, she focused her will on his internal mana pathway. And then, the mystic orb started to light up in a warm incandescent glow. Her eyes widened as she studied the color that the orb has, and a look of wonder stole across her features.
"Extraordinary... Your resonance blazes with the essence of Light itself - one of the rarest and most revered affinities. But so rare that there's too little of what one can do to learn how to make use of it."
Jihoon considered this revelation thoughtfully. Then he started to recall of when he swung the Judgement of Light with all of his might as his resonance and connection with it bleeding into one another. When he performed Breaking Dawn technique, the output power was so immense that it overcome even Der Freischutz's final seventh shot.
Perhaps his soul had been imprinted by the very act of resonance itself. When the blinding light severed the chain of despair that held his old friend imprisoned to it.
However, with her comments about how rare such an attuned element it is that Jihoon has, it makes him worried that he won't be able to make use of such element at all for there is no one to teach him and that he is too old to even experiment it on his own.
"Don't worry, you're not the first case of being too late to have the chance to use your own innate Element. That won't stop you from making wave with every other potentials that you have". Karim said as he tries to cheer Jihoon up which ended up with mixed result.
And speaking of Karim, Jihoon decided to use [Observant] on him too to see what's he capable of or that he has hidden aces below his sleeve.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
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Charismatic Wood Elf Merchant
Name: Karim Erdalaten
Level: 53
Class: Commoner
Job: Merchant
Race: Wood Elf
+Physical Attributes:
-STR: 33
-END: 35
-AGI: 31
-DEX: 23
+Non-physical Attributes:
-INT: 8
-CHA: 33
-MAG: 55
-Active Skill:
+Wood Magic (Intermediate)
+Natural Charisma (Intermediate)
+Business Acumen (Intermediate)
+Hard Bargain (Novice)
-Description:
A charismatic wood elf merchant with an uncanny ability
to read people and strike profitable deals.
While not a physical powerhouse, Karim's real strengths lie in his
sharp business acumen honed over decades of deal-making across Absence.
His magical talents allow him to commune with nature's bounty,
securing resources to fuel his mercantile business without worry or fear.
What truly sets Karim apart, however, is his determination to honor
his late brother's final wishes. To uncover the primordial truth
that the rulers of Absence have suppressed.
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
To his surprise, Karim is actually a decent and capable fighter although his position would definitely be placed on the lower rung of the combat hierarchy. His saying of how he realized of his natural charisma wasn't just an off-handed joke after all and everything else is naturally what he picked up on his own.
But now the bulk of the matters come, Jihoon's training. Why exactly are they coming here in the middle of nowhere? When there are dedicated facility to improve one's own strength that existed for the easily-affordable price as a Maestro that he is.
"Good question". Karim said before he drags Jihoon away from Alvorna's earshot. Her being courteous decided to not eavesdrop on them despite her full-capability can easily overwhelm them.
"As you might know, the facilities in Avanthal do offer rigorous training regimens. But the strength gained through such means is ultimately superficial and glamorous, All of that required consistent training to upkeep either way. If that's the case then might as well skip all of that and focus on something more permanent to your benefit."
The merchant's expression grew more severe. "Additionally, considering the knowledge we aim to unearth about Absence's genesis...any associations with official institutions could potentially incriminate us before we even begin once they realized what we're up to. Out in these untamed wilds, we leave no trail for the ruling powers to track and considering that Alvorna is coming here either way, that eliminate any chance that other Harpies might come across here."
Jihoon nodded firmly, the gravity of their quest solidifying his resolve. No matter how arduous the training ahead, he would endure and overcome. Unlocking the lost origin of this world was more than just satisfying curiosity or trivial contrive. It was a matter of doing what's right no matter others' protest.
"Then let us waste no more time," he said, gripping his halberd's handle tightly.
Karim took out what looks like a pinecone from his inventory and planted it in front of him. Then with focus, luminous particles shining in evergreen color started to pour into the pinecone itself. Then within a blink of an eye, the pinecone sprouted a sapling then turned into a fully grown pine tree.
"Your first training is to chop down this tree, ideally within a single swing. Once we're done with that, we can push the difficulty slightly upward". Karim said as he stood out of the way for Jihoon to test his current ability.
Planting his feet firmly, he focused all his strength into his grip on the Halberd's solid oak shaft. With a guttural yell, he swung the ancient weapon in a horizontal arc, putting every iota of his physical might behind the strike.
The halberd's blade sheared through the pine's trunk with a resounding crack. However, rather than cleaving it in two, the tree toppled over intact, its roots torn violently from the earth.
Jihoon grimaced, realizing his current baseline strength still fell short of the lofty expectations for this training's so-called 'first step.' Steeling himself, he prepared for Karim's adjustments - a stark reminder that the path to unveiling Absence's primordial secrets would be an uphill, grueling battle every step of the way.
"You know... this is disheartening in the same way that you learn where female dwarves' beard actually is". Jihoon said to himself and Karim seemingly know it too but kept his shocked expression controlled so that Alvorna won't pick up on it, and she apparently doesn't understand either.
After an entire morning has passed and Jihoon has repeatedly try to fulfill his training. Each bout and each time he tried to cut down the pine tree in one blow without using any of the crutch that has improved his ability so far. Apparently, it is a lot easier said than done and he realized just how tedious even the task of cutting down a tree manually is.
"Oh fucking hell... It's like I've been runover by a fucking train and live to feel the consequence". Jihoon groaned as he lies sprawling on the grassy hill next to where Alvorna is sitting, all as that pine tree still remain imposing as if it still taunts him for his lack of strength.
Despite his relentless efforts, he couldn't even get past the first milestone, or even the first test of his training. Swinging that massive halberd over and over had sapped his strength utterly.
Alvorna have been observing the whole ordeal that Jihoon undergoes the entire time. From the very first bout to the current moment, this supposed to be nothing of interest to her but she sat there and patiently watch him training in the same vein of watching paint dry.
After listening to his complaint however, she stood up before taking something out of her spatial inventory. A vial of azure liquid but it felt distinct from just water alone. Then with her other hand are wind imbued with her light green mana. Then in combination, Jihoon recognized that she is about to do something with her Magic.
Unified Aerokinesis Theory - Intermediate-class Healing Spell - Youthful Breeze
The azure liquid poured from the vial merged with the whirling wind in her hand as it takes on unique phenomena that Jihoon didn't recognize. With a subtle gesture, strands of imbued verdant mana coalesced around her hands, taking the ephemeral form of soothing zephyrs. Then with a wave of her hands, those currents washed over Jihoon's broken body.
Like a refreshing breeze, he aches and pains racking his body melted away, his muscles reinvigorated as if he'd just woken from a restful night's sleep. Within just mere moments even which is a recovery time impossible for conventional treatment.
"Did you know that all the common elemental magic can be utilized to perform healing techniques as long as one have fundamental understanding of its essence?" Alvorna explained with a warm smile on her face. "Though I do admit that it's harder to envision being healed with or through Fire or Earth Magic."
Jihoon listened to her explanation and understand where such a thing might come from. If Light Magic is really that rare to the point no formalized development can be made then there really is no chance that anyone can figure out how to heal with it. Them having to make do with the standard elements sort of spoke of their ingenuity.
Her melody did soothe his restless soul at the time and her command over the element rejuvenate his broken body. There just no end to his gratitude toward her and the extent of her help.
"Thank you," he said gratefully, determination renewed. "I won't be defeated so easily."
If it isn't this moment that he chop down this tree in one blow then it would be in the near future. Until then, don't lose heart and keep at it until he truly become an indomitable.
"By the way, that vial of liquid water mana is on your tab". Alvorna said in the most inopportune moment possible.
"Oh come on!". Jihoon said as he suddenly had a fright of the day as his grip on the halberd wane and it bounced off the tree harmlessly.
"Just kidding... It's nothing really of worth to me". Alvorna said with a mischievous smile on her face.
And so, Jihoon goes on with his training. For every time he fail to fell the tree in one swing, the swing carved upon it would start to undo in just seconds as it leave behind a scar of his attempt. By this very point, it is now marred in countless gouges that long outstripped even the bark itself.
But his body didn't stay in stagnation. For each attempt no matter his success or failure, he becomes a bit slightly stronger as a result. Whenever he collapsed from muscle fatigue or similar, Alvorna would help him with her brand of wind-based healing magic. This pattern goes on until dusk arrived and Jihoon completely disheveled and his sweat permeate the surrounding.
Alvorna of course can't stay in one place for too long or else it would have aroused suspicion of her prolonged absence as an Overseer. But she would always return timely just to heal him back to his fighting shape, concern glimmering in her emerald eyes as she observed his intensifying obsession.
Eventually, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Jihoon abruptly stopped and stared emptily ahead, beyond the tree with labored breaths. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he slowly centered himself, refocusing his stance with the halberd. Alvorna watched apprehensively with bated breath, wondering if he had finally reached his limits of today.
Then, with a primal bellow that shook the very air, Jihoon swung the ancient polearm horizontally, putting every last ounce of his spiritually-fortified might into the strike. The shaft bent by the force of his swing that briefly transcend the limit of his capability.
One final strike. This time, his movements were eerily calm yet brimming with a potent force barely contained.
The decayed Judgment of Light arced through the air with a whistle, its edge shimmering like refined starlight within the dusky glow despite the rust completely ruining it. The instant it connected, a thunderous boom echoed across the plains as the entire trunk separated into two halves with surgical precision.
For a suspended moment, the severed upper half remained eerily frozen in place...
...before crashing to the earth with an earthshaking thud, shaking even the surrounding trees.
Jihoon stood motionless, chest heaving, as he surveyed the tree's cleanly bisected remains. His knuckles were white from the death grip on his weapon's handle.
Alvorna's eyes shone with a mixture of pride and relief as she rushed to embrace him. No matter how daunting the obstacles ahead, she knew that Jihoon's resilience and fortitude would ultimately prevail without any further words of affirmation needed.
"Don't... I'm stinking badly right now. It wouldn't do you well if you got tainted by my stench". Jihoon said as he can't help but worry about her more than he should.
After all, if this path is anything to say, he might really be confronting the Matriarch herself if he wished this relationship between them approved and take flight beyond Absence's boundary.
While both of them sharing a tender moment, Karim made his revisit to assess Jihoon's progress. Actually, he did this throughout the entirety of the day. Seeing him going at it out of sight then go back to whatever he is doing before. To his surprise however, he didn't actually expect Jihoon to achieve such a feat in just one day of training.
"Jihoon, you... you actually accomplished the trial I set forth?" Karim stuttered, scarcely believing his eyes as he surveyed the neatly halved tree trunk. "I had merely suggested that daunting task as an ambitious milestone while I prepared the proper gear for your actual regimen. Yet here you stand, having conquered it through sheer, indomitable persistence."
The merchant studied Jihoon more closely, his brow furrowing with concern. Despite Alvorna's healing winds, the composer himself looked utterly spent. His eyes hollow, muscles quivering from overexertion. A feverish glint burned in those depths, hinting at a state far more precarious than outward appearances suggested.
Placing a firm hand on Jihoon's shoulder as he winced from the pain, Karim spoke with paternal gravity. "You've more than proven your unshakable resolve today. But the path ahead will demand far more of your resilience and fortitude. For now, you need true rest, the kind that even celestial magic cannot provide. Regain your essence, Jihoon. We'll continue your forging on the morrow."
Karim knew that the path ahead is still very long and it will be difficult throughout all of it. But he also recognized that Jihoon's indomitable spirit and that deadly obsession of his can be honed into an unstoppable edge, one that is crucial to pierce the veil that has been placed upon Absence's primordial history.
"I see... I hope you will be alright, Maestro Jihoon". Alvorna said with concern in her eyes, as much as she would have loved to stay with him. Her stay is limited and she would have to return whenever evening would fall. Although she is an Overseer, she is still the Matriarch's daughter and have to follow her mother's curfew accordingly.
Jihoon managed a weary but reassuring smile for her. That's all he can do in this current state of his. Alvorna returned his smile, though it carried a tinge of melancholy. No matter how profound their bond right now, there would always be the divide imposed by her duties and Absence's strictures. Still, she cherished every moment spent harmonizing with him.
"The Citadel's spires beckon me home," she said wistfully, lifting her gaze to the immense, cloud-piercing spire looming in the distance. No matter where one stood in Absence, the monolithic citadel dominated the horizon as an eternal reminder of their presence overlooking them. Honestly, Jihoon only feel its oppressive sight now that he is on the path of opposition.
Alvorna's ethereal wings unfurled, shimmering with lustrous iridescence. Then, with a powerful downstroke, she launched herself skyward, rising on currents of verdant mana until she became a distant speck painted against the dusky horizon.
Jihoon watched her soar towards the Citadel's spires until she vanished into the clouds, the setting sun's crimson rays emblazoning her form in brilliant silhouette. Only then did he allow himself to slump wearily, drained from his day's exertions but his spirit remained resolute.
Karim placed a supportive hand on the songweaver's shoulder. "Come, you need nourishment and rest to recover your full vigor."
Then with a heave, Karim carried Jihoon over his shoulder like a potato sack. Jihoon felt like he is drifting further into unconsciousness and at this point, he would rather have nothing else than his rightfully deserved rest. His eyes fall shut and his day ends there.
Somehow, it was both the shortest and longest night that he has.