In the midst of the desert, situated far from the academy's protective walls, a clandestine conversation unfolded.
"Yes, General. They have fallen into our trap, and the Zaštitniks remain unaware of our exact coordinates; the isolators have ensured that," the Asura commander reported, his attention shifting between Agustin and his master in the distance.
"Excellent. Eliminate them both!" The command was issued with a swift finality before the communication terminated.
"Men, heed the General's orders! It's time to exterminate these unwanted intruders," the commander declared, his gaze fixed on Agustin and his mentor.
"Encircle them! Leave no avenue of escape. If they choose to enter the cave, so be it," he directed, his tone fervent. "But sir, won't this prove counter-productive?" the captain interjected. "I mean, the formation safeguarding the cave is our primary concern. Allowing them access might jeopardize our efforts."
Jack, you're not aware of the new safeguard implemented by our General—a formation shielding the cave from incursion. Breaching it is nigh impossible.
"But, sir, consider this: what if they managed to break the formation and descend into the depths? After all, one of them holds a high rank within the Order."
"Huh! To shatter that formation, they'd need to resurrect the Sword Saint himself. And even if, by some miraculous feat, they reach the depths, Musashi awaits them," he dismissed, redirecting his attention to his quarry.
"As it stands, the second phase of our plan requires significant improvisation," Brahma remarked, his hand gently massaging his forehead.
Indeed, Acharyasri. Considerable improvisation is necessary.
A sudden shift in the atmosphere caught their attention. "Agustin! Did you feel that?" Brahma inquired urgently.
"Yes, Acharyasri. The unmistakable aura of bloodthirst – it's the Asuras. They are advancing upon us, and in considerable numbers.," Agustin responded, his tone laced with concern.
"Prepare yourself..." Brahma's voice trailed off, his thoughts poised on the impending confrontation.
"Acharyasri, you should escape. I will hold them back," Agustin interjected urgently.
"That's absurd! I was about to suggest the same to you. Besides, I'm stronger than you. You won't last long against..." Brahma began, only to be taken aback as Agustin's aura surged with incredible power.
"My God! The fifth chakra. When did you..." Brahma trailed off in astonishment.
"There's no time for explanations now. Please, just leave and inform the Order. They may not believe it if it comes from me. Now go!" Agustin urged with a sense of urgency.
Agustin's expression grew determined as he invoked the power of his bhumiputra-mahakaya tantra, channelling his qi into the very earth beneath him.
"I am the soul of this world,
Earth is my body, fire is my blood,"
His voice resonated with power as the words left his lips.
The ground trembled under the force of his energy, and the earth cracked open. From the depths emerged rocks and boulders, coalescing into a towering form that bore a striking resemblance to Agustin himself. Armour and weapons materialized around this earth-formed giant, completing its imposing appearance.
The Asuras, who had been advancing menacingly, came to an abrupt halt, their expressions a mix of surprise and wariness. They watched in awe and disbelief as Agustin's gigantification unfolded before them.
"Fifth chakra—on top of that, a grandmaster of the bhūmipada (earth path). Remarkable! It seems we must alter our approach," the Asura commanders remarked, their initial confidence giving way to a sense of strategic assessment.
"Jack, take command of the men and follow the headmaster. Our allies will provide assistance. I'll handle this monstrosity," Jack swiftly made the decision, grateful for not having encountered this colossal entity before. "Has he grown this much since our last encounter, or was he deliberately concealing his strength back then?" Jack pondered while hurrying after the headmaster, his steps quick and determined.
Brahma, focused on escaping, glanced over his shoulder. The process of gigantification had been completed, transforming Agustin into a towering figure with a height rivalling that of a three-story building. The transformation had given him three heads and six arms, each appendage wielding weapons hewn from stone. Agustin's body was as dark as the night, cracks filled with flowing lava providing a stark contrast. Through the heat haze surrounding the giant's form, Brahma could discern the horde of Asuras fragmenting from their commander's position to pursue him.
As the colossal Agustin moved, attempting to block the horde's path, the Asura commander wouldn't stand for interference. With a single sword, he deftly parried three of the massive stone weapons aimed at him by the giant. The horde, however, managed to break through the obstruction, relentlessly pursuing Brahma. The standoff between Agustin and the commander persisted, yet the commander's expression revealed a growing unease.
The colossal figure of Agustin maintained its hold on the Asura commander while adroitly transforming the weapons in his other three arms into a makeshift bow and arrow. "Oh no!" the commander exclaimed, realizing the dire predicament. The giant aimed his newly formed weapon at Jack Volstagg, who was leading the charge against the horde. In response to the imminent threat, Jack swiftly pivoted and launched his double axes toward the colossal arrow hurtling their way. Despite his efforts, the disparity in their levels of cultivation was undeniable, and the axes were effortlessly deflected away. The massive arrow struck its target with devastating effect, injuring all those in its path.
Meanwhile, Brahma neared the end of the isolated area, a mere few steps from escape. In his momentary lapse of guard, he considered sending a message before hastily rejoining the battle to make a final stand with his students. Confidence swelled within him as he contemplated the impressive performance of his students. However, his thoughts were shattered as three searing fire bolts pierced through him. Turning to face the direction of the sudden attack, Brahma was met with a blazing pillar of fire erupting from the very spot he had stood.
Agustin, witnessing the dire scene unfold, intensified his power and forcefully hurled the Asura commander a considerable distance away. His focus now shifted to rescuing his beloved master. As the dissipating flames revealed the aftermath, Agustin's eyes fell upon a scorched figure lying sprawled across the charred desert. He quickened his pace, heart pounding, until he was within arm's reach of his mentor. But the scene before him was a nightmare come to life—a figure cloaked in red robes drove a long sword deep into the spine of the man who had been a father figure to Agustin.
A scream erupted from the normally silent giant as he lunged at the man, every weapon he bore raised high in a blaze of unrestrained fury. Overwhelmed by rage, Agustin momentarily forgot the tactics of battle. In response, the man in red signalled with a simple gesture, prompting a torrent of searing fire bolts to assail the colossal figure. Pinned and immobilized by the barrage, Agustin could only watch as a colossal pillar of fire erupted from where he stood, swallowing him whole. The fury within him, however, refused to be quenched. In a final surge of strength, Agustin sought to retaliate, but his efforts were thwarted as the Asura commander seized his chance and launched a devastating attack—his Azripada (sword path) tantra manifested as a thunderous slash. Two heads, three arms, and a shoulder were mercilessly severed from Agustin's form.
Bereft of consciousness, Agustin crumbled, his tantra disintegrating into oblivion. He lay amidst a heap of molten rocks, a stark contrast to the life that once surged within him. Not far away, his Acharyasri—his revered master and the tower's guiding light—lay lifeless, his gaze fixed upon the student he couldn't shield from this ruthless fate.
Acknowledging his allies, the Asura commander withdrew, taking Agustin's body as a grim offering to their great General.
"Sir, are we truly leaving this place?" inquired the injured captain.
"Jack, our purpose here is fulfilled. We've thwarted the intruders and averted the risk of compromising our secrets."
"But what if they stumble upon this location by chance?"
"By the time they do, it will be too late," the commander replied resolutely.
However, unbeknownst to the Asuras and their confederates, the guardians of the Zaštitniks had been alerted. Utilizing a forbidden technique rooted in the demonic path, the master of the first tower—loyal to the righteous faction—exhausted his waning life force to transmit the coordinates of their hideout via the soul path. Employing a lesser-known path granted this transmission the ability to circumvent the isolator's defences, ensuring that the message reached its intended recipient: Damon Zaccai, a friend of the fallen master.
Inside the cultivation room.
Yuvan's consciousness snapped back into his physical body, his body glistening with perspiration. He sensed the potent energy coursing through him and delved into his inner self for insight. To his astonishment, he discovered that his mastery in akṣapada (soul path) had escalated to the level of a master. More remarkably, his proficiency in ātatipada (dark path) had ascended to the grandmaster tier. Within his psyche, the dark serpent with its black horns exhibited an eager, excited movement—a reflection of Udal's elation in their newfound expansion.
"No wonder ancient texts caution that only those of worthy stature can ascend to the sixth chakra. This so-called 'divine intervention' is akin to a double-edged sword—more of a 'demichelis sword,' if you will," Udal mused, their thoughts intertwined. "It seems luck has favoured us, and not only that—my ātatipada, which was already approaching the pinnacle of mastery, has risen as well. The inherent resemblance between my path and akṣapada seems to have triggered this unparalleled advancement. Do you grasp the significance of this? Can you fathom the number of devils within the dark tower who would offer their cherished offspring for the gains we've acquired?"
Absolutely, I'm gaining a clearer insight into the intricacies of channelling my mana towards ātatipada's dark path, right down to the finest nuances. Presently, I have a much more distinct grasp of how the ātmadāsatā (soul-enslavement) tantra functions; I comprehend how my internal Qi effectively secures the souls of those I target, ultimately binding and subjugating them. With my newfound advancements, I'm inclined to tailor and enhance this tantra. I intend to delve into this through meditation; it's a matter of seizing the opportunity while it's at its peak, striking while the iron is hot.
"Hey, what made you resort to employing your wills again? Have you forgotten our agreement? I thought we had a good thing going on." Udal questioned Yuvan regarding the use of sattvapada (wisdom path) tantras that isolated him from Yuvan's mind.
"I find it more reassuring to maintain some boundaries," Yuvan responded, as he delved back into his meditation. Udal didn't press the matter further; after all, the recent experience had led both of them to develop a deeper appreciation for each other's presence. While sharing the same consciousness, their thoughts became transparent to one another, and being the proud individual that he was, Udal wasn't particularly keen on Yuvan knowing the extent of his newfound acceptance.
At the academy,
The siege was in full swing. Catapults, ballistas, and trebuchets were meticulously aligned, bombarding the sturdy walls of the academy. "Enhancing the walls with mana was a prudent decision. If this attack caught us off guard, as it was intended, we would be in dire straits now," remarked an officer named Damon Zaccai. He stood atop a tower, overseeing the battlefield below. Suddenly, Zaccai was gripped by a premonition, causing him to visibly start.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"Commander, are you alright?" inquired the concerned officer.
"Yes, I'm fine. But do me a favour—gather all the officers for a meeting," Zaccai requested.
"Of course, sir. But didn't we just conclude one?"
"Follow the order, officer!" Zaccai's firm tone prompted the officer to quickly depart. Alone in his thoughts, Zaccai pondered what to communicate to the higher-ups. The recent death of his friend, combined with the enigmatic message sent through a demonic tantra, left him perplexed. "I need to dispatch a scout of commander level to investigate Brahma's situation," he Mused.
Yuvan emerged from his meditation, and Udal greeted him with a question. "Hey, Yuvan, don't you sense something unfolding outside?"
"Yes, I'm aware. But before I step out, let's put my newfound powers to the test—the modified ātatiātmadāsatā-tantra (dark-soul-enslavement) that I've just refined."
Yuvan focused his concentration and began to gather ātatipada (dark path) Qi, coalescing it around his navel until it formed a sizeable sphere. With a forward push, he commanded, "ARISE!!"
A howl of wind accompanied the entry of a spectral form into the dark sphere. The sphere trembled, akin to life quickening within a womb but at an accelerated pace. The embryonic space expanded, and the entity inside began to take on the likeness of a familiar boy—Lucas. "Seems that even time elapsed after death holds significance. Despite my three subsequent killings in this world, only Lucas responded to my summon," Yuvan noted. Upon reaching maturity within the sphere, it morphed into a dark wraith bearing a resemblance to Lucas. This wraith was a fusion of ātatipada (dark path), akṣapada (soul path), and dāsīkṛpada (enslavement path).
Udal commented on Yuvan's creation. "You employed ātatipada to fashion a vessel for the ensnared soul, allowing it to materialize without undergoing the struggles Mrityunjay faced. Quite impressive for a novice."
"I've sensed the gradual fading of the tiny fragment of your remaining soul since your ascension. At this rate, your existence will be short-lived. My tantra could greatly assist your situation—what do you think?" Yuvan proposed.
"And become enslaved by you, do you even have to ask?" Udal retorted, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Enslaving you is not my intention. With my tantra, similar to how the old master consumed that apparition, you could absorb this wraith and bolster your soul. Although it's a feeble soul, it should provide some aid."
"I understand your game quite well, Yuvan. First, show me the method, and then I'll decide."
"Observe for yourself." Yuvan shared the details of the tantra with Udal.
Udal examined the information. "This is reminiscent of the technique you employed on soul earlier."
"Yes, it's the same principle, but without any enslavement involved. The manifestation of the fragment of your soul will use the same tantra. Once that's achieved, you'll be able to absorb Lucas' soul with my assistance."
"How can I trust that you won't pull something unexpected?"
"I'm aware that the black horn will detonate and annihilate the serpent the moment I erase you. So rest assured, you have nothing to worry about."
"Very well, let's proceed."
"Ah, one more thing. While devouring the wraith, try delving into its memories. As the heir of the Brandwache clan, he likely possesses valuable information."
"Why? Weren't you able to access his memories?"
"His memories are shielded by sattvapada (wisdom path) techniques, possibly the work of a grandmaster. I'm hopeful that when you consume him, these defences might weaken, allowing you to catch a glimpse of his memories."
Inside the tower,
Tensions were running high as Damon Zaccai grappled with the devastating news. The headmaster's demise, Agustin's unaccounted absence, and the discovery of a formidable formation linked to an earth vein within the cave—guarded by another intricate set-up—had plunged the situation into chaos.
Seeking solutions, Zaccai turned to the formation masters for insights. "What strategies have our formation experts devised?" he inquired, his concern palpable.
"The higher the cultivation level of the officer attempting to breach the formation, the more formidable the challenge becomes," a response came. "We require an individual with a low cultivation level, preferably within the first chakra, possessing exceptional martial prowess, and, most importantly, nerves of steel."
Zaccai's frustration was evident. "Are there any guards stationed at the first chakra?"
"No, sir. Our guards are required to be at least in the second chakra," an officer responded.
"Unbelievable. What about the students?"
"Students who've reached adulthood are primarily situated within the second chakra. Those who haven't are less promising candidates."
"So, you're suggesting we might need to rely on a junior-year student. Is there anyone suitable for the task?"
"There's one individual who comes to mind, sir."
"Well, who is it?" Zaccai's curiosity peaked, eager to know who could potentially rise to the challenge.
Emerging from the cultivation room, Yuvan was met with a scene of chaos and destruction. Flames roared along the academy's walls, battle cries echoed through the air, and the urgency of the situation was palpable.
“DEFEND IT WITH YOUR LIFE!!”
“DEATH TO THE ASURAS,” the battle cries resonated around him. Udal offered his insights, observing that the turmoil was more widespread than anticipated. Yuvan agreed, acknowledging that the distractions provided by the ongoing battle would facilitate their mission.
As Yuvan made his way towards Lucas' room, he reflected on their recent merger. Udal had gained access to a crucial piece of information during their fusion—the knowledge that Lucas possessed an epic-ranked weapon. With this knowledge in mind, Yuvan approached the task ahead with calculated determination.
Upon reaching Lucas' room, the issue of the locked door arose. Udal prompted Yuvan to consider how to handle it. “What are you going to do about the door?”
“Break it, of course. If needed, we can always attribute it to the Asuras,” Yuvan replied. Infusing his fist with ātatipada (dark path) Qi, he delivered a powerful punch that shattered the door. Udal commented on the sensation of newfound strength, but Yuvan remained focused and proceeded to Lucas' locker.
“What’s the password?” Yuvan inquired.
Take a guess. Consider the obsessions of a sadistic, hormone-driven teenage boy.
Yuvan input a name: "Serena Briggs." Udal expressed surprise at the quick guess.
A sadistic coward like Lucas would covet that which he cannot have.
Inside the locker, a single item awaited—a ring. Udal recognized it as a high-grade storage ring with ample storage space. “Insert your mana, let’s see what’s inside,” Udal suggested.
“Hmm. What do we have here? It's quite a collection—elixirs designed to temporarily enhance vitality, agility, strength, and concentration. There are even elixirs for mana and health recovery. And these scrolls, are mostly related to agnipada (fire path). It's impressive, but impractical for us. With your involvement in four other paths already, further diversification could hinder progress. We could trade these later; first-grade clan tantras usually fetch a good price.” Yuvan observed the scrolls, his attention soon drawn to a particular item. “Kṛṣṇagni-tantra (black flame), intriguing—it's incomplete, yet fascinating. A fusion of the demonic path and fire path; our current abilities might allow us to modify it by replacing demonic path with the dark path. But that's a consideration for another time. Let's focus on the main items—the artefacts. Phantom ring, Ebenezer’s earring, and Green Dragon Crescent Blade.” Udal provided his insights on each item:
Phantom ring: A rare-grade signet ring adorned with a phantom inscription. It grants the ability to create an after-image—a doppelgänger, if you will. While the image doesn't engage in combat, it can be utilized for distraction and confusing enemies. It can prove highly advantageous during battles. If used skilfully, its value could be akin to an item of epic rank.
Ebenezer’s earring: A unique-grade black earring, a solitary piece. Its purpose is to enhance your control over Qi management, leading to a significant reduction in Qi expenditure during tantra execution. The conservation of mana holds immense importance, especially in the midst of warfare. Even a minuscule amount of saved mana can be the difference between life and death.
Green Dragon Crescent Blade: An epic-ranked guandao blade, renowned for amplifying the force of your strikes by doubling their power. Weapons of this calibre have the potential to alter the course of battles, particularly until you advance to the sixth chakra. Beyond the sixth chakra, weapons of this kind struggle to contain the might of immortals; that's where legend-grade weaponry comes into play.
It might have been more convenient if there were a pole shaft as well, allowing us to convert the blade into a glaive.
Let’s look for a pole to attach it to.
Where can we find one?
Inside the tower.
Inside the tower? What if someone is there?
“Well, I'll simply ask for refuge if anyone questions us. After all, I'm just a student. Going to the tower was always part of the plan. Did you think I intended to fight the Asuras now?” Udal remained silent, and Yuvan continued toward the tower.
Yuvan reached the tower; he could sense others’ presence and knew they had already felt his presence. He made his way to the top, heading towards the headmaster’s office where Damon Zaccai was currently using it as a war room.
As Yuvan approached the doorway, he could see Zaccai engrossed in giving instructions to the Zaštitniks. "Enter, Ethan. I've been anticipating your arrival," Zaccai spoke without turning, his attention still on the officers. Yuvan entered the room silently.
"This is a kamikaze tactic; there's no turning back from it. I'll give you all an hour to prepare," Zaccai announced.
"No need for further consideration, sir. A glorious death is what a warrior aspires to," one of the officers proudly exclaimed.
"Hold your horses!" Zaccai interjected firmly. "As I've mentioned before, this is an essential mission—one that could reshape our history. I'm not looking for zealots seeking honour in death on this team. This mission demands that you latch on to your lives for as long as possible. Take the next hour to prepare both physically and mentally. Dismissed," he ordered, and the Zaštitniks left the office, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Zaccai's gaze shifted towards Yuvan, his tone carrying a tinge of regret. "In different circumstances, the academy would have been celebrating your accomplishments," he sighed before pressing on. "As both a student of this academy and a member of the righteous faction, you bear a moral responsibility towards our world. Today, I'm appealing to your sense of duty and loyalty to join a cause larger than yourself—to confront this unprecedented catastrophe that has descended upon us…"
However, Yuvan's demeanour remained unchanged, and he remained impassive even in the face of Zaccai's heartfelt monologue. Zaccai's patience wore thin, though he outwardly maintained his composure. “What do you say?” he asked, the irritation barely concealed beneath his words.
“Oh! It’s happening again. These old men and their lacklustre monologues.” Udal's voice resounded within Yuvan's mind, the sarcasm evident in his tone.
“Oh! You were talking to me? My mind wandered off trying to grasp what the hell is happening around here.” Yuvan responded, noting a slight twitch in Zaccai's temple. The commander took a moment to compose himself before continuing, "I apologize for not providing a clear explanation earlier. Allow me to rectify that. Presently, we find ourselves besieged by the Asuras. They have encircled us, cutting off any possibility of receiving reinforcements. We've lost hundreds already, and yet we're at a deadlock with the enemy. However, we suspect this might be a diversion—a ploy to draw our attention away from their true objective."
"You stand at the precipice of a lifetime opportunity, a chance to etch your name into history, to become a living legend—the youngest to embark on a mission of such magnitude for the Order. What do you say, Ethan? How do you answer this call, this blessing from the heavens?" Zaccai reiterated, his eyes fixed intently on Yuvan.
Yes, what do you say, Ethan—to certain death?
“Me? What do you want me to say?” Yuvan feigned ignorance.
"Say 'Yes'! Embrace this golden chance, align with the cause, and commit to the mission!" Zaccai replied to the teenager who had been exasperating him for a while now.
I’m so pumped up now; I’m going to say yes and annihilate all of these Asuras. What about you, Ethan?
“You want me—a first year student—to participate in an official mission from the Order of the Zaštitnik? Doesn’t it sound absurd to you? What happened to the high rank cultivators of the Order, Can't they effortlessly crush the enemy and resolve this?” Yuvan dodged the question again.
Oooh! You are good, very good at dodging questions—you slithering snake.
Indeed, we possess high-ranking cultivators within our ranks, but they are currently engaged in other pressing matters. The current circumstances have led to a unique situation where the assistance of a first-year student like you is imperative.
What’s more pressing than the fate of the world?
Now, that was a good question.
That is classified information; I cannot divulge it to someone like you. Just know this, you are becoming a part of something far beyond your individual life…
Blah!blah!blah!
“Will you shut up! I’m already dealing with one jerk and I don’t want another.” Yuvan chided Udal. “You are no fun,” Udal replied like a child.
“What about the tower master?” Yuvan questioned again, sensing Zaccai was going to deliver another monologue.
Regrettably, unlike you, he remains within the confines of closed cultivation. Our only hope is for him to break through swiftly or emerge abruptly due to sensing the disturbances. Concerning your status as a first-year student, that's precisely what we need now – a low-grade cultivator who won't arouse suspicion from the Asuras and is nearly impossible to detect.
There are thousands of students like that, but why choose me? Isn’t the academy filled with prodigies?
Among the multitude of students, none else meets the exact criteria as you do. We meticulously reviewed the profiles of every promising individual within the academy, and our selection landed on you—standing out from the rest. Your accomplishments, resourcefulness, adeptness at evaluating situations and devising strategies, your natural talents—the list is comprehensive. Collectively, these attributes render you eminently qualified to assume the mantle of a Zaštitnik, making you the ideal candidate for the mission we propose.
Why should I agree to such a suicide mission? Please refrain from mentioning glory or honour, as those concepts hold little value to me.
You ask him, Yuvan! You ask him!….. Sorry!.. being silent is too dull for me.
How dare you say that the fate of their world means nothing to you? Ethan Throne! Being a student of the academy, I compel you to take this mission. By the academy’s rules, the Order has the authority to call upon the academy students to take up arms and fight. If they refuse, it would be considered treason. And we don’t deal nicely with traitors.
Uh-oh! he is revealing his true colours.
Remaining unfazed by the threat, Yuvan quoted, "According to the academy's regulations, Part: one hundred eighty, Article: three thousand five hundred twenty, Section: twelve, Paragraph: eighteen, It clearly states that, first-year students are exempted from the law you just mentioned."
Nice! How did you even know that?
I learned how to read and write using the rule book!
Zaccai couldn't contain himself any longer; he burst out. "Listen, boy! Whether you like it or not, you will do it. Don't assume that you will leave this room with a 'No' for an answer."
Here comes the threat, folks! And the history repeats!
Listen, old man! I had seen death face to face many times; your scare tactics won’t work on me. You want something impossible from me, and what would you give me in return—honour and glory? keep it for yourself. I haven’t endured all this ordeal just to participate in a suicide mission. If you have nothing to offer, we are done here; do whatever you want to do. Either I will die at the demonic faction’s hands or the so-called righteous faction; nonetheless, death is inevitable.
Bravo! Brilliant reply, you didn’t even need my assistance.
Even though he was a member of the righteous faction, Zaccai wouldn't have hesitated to resort to torture to bend Yuvan to his cause. However, time was of the essence; he required Yuvan's full commitment, and his active involvement was paramount for the success of the mission. Zaccai was well aware that Yuvan comprehended this reality. Thus, he retracted from his intimidation tactics. "What do you desire in return?" he inquired, acknowledging the determination in Yuvan's gaze.
Negotiate well, boy! No holds barred.
I demand the utmost you can offer. I want to be draped from head to toe in high-grade artefacts; I want access to high-grade tantras encompassing vyūhapada (formation path), ātatipada (dark path), and sattvapada (wisdom path). I yearn to cling to my life, or at the very least, grasp onto a glimmer of hope.
Attaboy!!
“Remember your identity, young man; your avarice may ultimately lead to your downfall!” Zaccai restrained himself from erupting in anger, choosing to keep his emotions in check. “I comprehend your wish to shield yourself using artefacts, yet it would be an error to burden yourself with too many on the battlefield. Furthermore, mastering an artefact typically requires years of practice for a cultivator, depending on its grade. And as for the tantras, what is your intention? Do you believe you can grasp even a single one, let alone master several within a mere few hours?”
The man has a valid point! Why does a soon to be dead boy, need all these?
Are you aware that there exist passive artefacts designed to provide their users with benefits without requiring extensive mastery? Concerning the tantras, I will view them as a reward for my dedication and efforts.
You tell him, Yuvan!
This is a clandestine operation; too many artefacts on you would raise unwarranted suspicion; we don’t want you to stick out like a sore thump in the enemy camp…
I'll interrupt you there. First and foremost, arrange for the artefacts and tantras as requested. Next, provide me with a comprehensive explanation of the plan. Afterwards, I will determine my course of action. As you previously mentioned, you selected me not for my appearance but for my capabilities. Thus, permit me to wager with my own life based on my abilities.
Taking charge, I say! Take command, Captain Yuvan!
I will follow you till your death!