For now on, If I make a mistake with Owen "seeing" something he shouldn't, call me out and I'll release a new chapter to make up for it. Eventually I'll piss myself off from releasing so many chapters I'll correct that mistake~!~ Well thanks to Leafy for smashing me first D: Wuu wuu. *Bows* my bad I know that completely destroys character immersion so forgive me~!~
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Although Kovinth took a pause in his speech, Owen knew it wasn’t for him to question it but as to ponder what would be the best way to teach his disciple. Kovinth deeply cared about whether Owen was being taught in the best way possible and after nodding he continued.
“The point of any Pathwalker is to absorb Essence. However at the same time this becomes problematic. The more you absorb at the early stages, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract more Essence to you in the future. So we use a catalyst. You remember that spiked bear?”
“Yes Master, I nearly lost my life from that beast.”
Kovinth nodded to Owen’s response. Although Owen didn’t show much, Kovinth knew that Owen fought for his life during that fight, after all he was watching. It might sound cruel, but no one would get strong is a expert was hiding behind them protecting them all the time. Even if Kovinth was waiting for Owen for millions of years, just like how Owen would never rush things, he would never act overprotective of his student.
“Beasts, they follow the Survival of the Fittest Path, which allows them to grow stronger by devouring others. They at the same time develop Essence crystals. These crystals are a get source of Essence that allows one to grow without relying on absorbing from the world. And only the person who defeats it can eat the absorb the crystal.”
“Why is that Master?”
“Because once you kill the beast, the crystal will absorb your Essence and is unique to you, and for others to absorb would only be harmful to them. The problem is that beasts are usually strong and they develop extremely quickly.
“But Master wouldn’t that mean the entire continent is filled with those beasts now?”
Owen asked curiously. After all he met a beast like that on the first day, it would be strange if the rest of the continent didn’t change as well. Although Kovinth wanted to agree at the same time it was wrong to assume that so he only smiled and continued.
“The beasts that have set on Devouring to grow stronger will all be snatched away by the Keepers. Like those two sister’s you met. They roam around the continent teaching everyone the Path. But there are also some who gather the monsters and place them in Boundaries. They place the stronger ones in the inner boundaries and the weaker ones in the outer boundaries. When any beast evolves the Boundaries will automatically kick them to the next boundary to avoid any becoming too strong.”
Owen was shocked. He felt that this world was becoming increasingly well ordered. It was like king brought his servants to protect the world but let his subjects roam freely. However although Owen understood for the most part he couldn’t help but question one point.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Master, what are Boundaries?”
Giving a smug smirk, as if it was saying ‘I knew you would ask’, Kovinth flicked his wrist and suddenly a box appeared out of thin air. Although it was box, it was red in colour and it was transparent! Then Kovinth went to touch the box and his hand actually passed through! Even Owen who had already seen miraculous things one after another couldn’t help but be startled. Kovinth felt a little pride from causing his student to be shocked. After all it was really difficult. But he continued to explain after he felt pride.
“These are called Boundaries, and those who can make them are called Boundary Artists. Although anyone can learn, it requires enormous amount of time and skills and immense imagination to create these. Anyways for now let’s just say that allow you set rules and laws and people of similar strength must follow them unconditionally. The more restrictive the rules, the stronger the Boundary Artist must be.”
Owen nodded in agreement. Although he wished to know more about these miraculous Boundaries, he knew he was simply too weak at the moment to focus on it. So he asked his next question.
“Then, by using these crystals we get stronger and make our way to the center Master?”
Kovinth who was anxiously waiting for the next question titled his head back before answering.
“Sort of, after you enter the first Boundary, you need to find the first Pavilion. In these Pavilions you will be required to pass a test. A test in which even I do not know what they will be. After each of the Pole Masters will determine.”
“So what Master is saying is that after we will have to go to the remaining Poles to pass their tests as well?”
Kovinth gave Owen a deep nodd. He gave a slight pat on Owen’s shoulder as if he was pleased by Owen’s question.
“Yes, Although you won’t be required to stay in the same Boundary. If you wish you can enter the second Boundary, However for you, I will require you to at least go up a rank before you go on to the next Boundary.”
Now that Owen thought about it. He stepped onto the Path, but he still didn’t know how to gauge strength at all. He clenched his fist, knowing fully well he became stronger, but he wasn’t sure what to call this strength. As if knowing what Owen was thinking Kovinth waved his hands.
“Too much knowledge will be hard to remember. I will tell you the ranks of strength tomorrow. For now go grab some food for yourself from the mountain.”
Owen was curious, but he knew that Kovinth didn’t want to overwhelm him and so he complied and went to walk out of the cave. After being here for a week he had naturally gone out looking for food before.