Chapter 35

"Devour," ordered the shopkeeper as he clicked his fingers aloud seemingly commanding the empty space before him. 621 watched with suppressed curiosity at the sudden order, curious if the former had ordered him or something else, but it wasn’t long before he understood.

Deep growls emanated from the corners of the room as multiple shadowy tendrils manifested around, wildly swaying and moving in response to the shopkeepers command.

It was an unseen shadow, the horrors of the Order, materializing itself with a menacing presence, its form shifting and writhing as it eagerly inched it’s way towards Vulture’s body.

With a grotesque display of ferocity, the unseen creature suddenly lunged at Vulture's remains, its intangible tendrils extending like hungry serpents. With each strike, bones shattered like brittle twigs, and flesh was torn asunder with ruthless efficiency.

Soon the air was filled with the sickening scent of blood and the sounds of snapping as the unseen creature voraciously fed on the mangled corpse.

But the horror did not end there. Soon, other unseen creatures emerged from the shadows, drawn by the scent of fresh flesh. Like hungry predators, they converged upon Vulture's body, their forms shifting and materializing into reality as they fought for their share of the grisly feast.

The scene was a macabre ballet of violence and hunger, as the unseen creatures tore and ripped at Vulture's remains with primal savagery. Limbs were torn from sockets, flesh were devoured whole, and blood painted the walls in dark, glistening streaks.

Despite the brutality unfolding before him, 621 remained stoic and unmoved, his expression betraying no emotion as he observed the carnage from the sidelines. He had seen the grizzly actions of the Order's cleaners before, their insatiable hunger and relentless savagery a grim reminder of the darkness that lurked within the pocket domain.

Yet, even as he watched, a nagging sense of unease gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. The shopkeeper's command, the obedience of the unseen creatures, and the unnatural manner in which they manifested—all of it hinted at a deeper, more sinister truth that lay hidden beneath the surface.

As 621 observed the grotesque spectacle before him, the shopkeeper voiced a question demanding attention despite the chaos unfolding in the chamber.

"What do you think of Humans?" he asked.

The words were deceptively simple, yet they carried a weight that echoed through the chamber, mingling with the sounds of tearing flesh and desperate struggle.

For a moment, 621 hesitated, his thoughts drawn back to memories of his past, memories stained with blood and betrayal. He had at most seen a particular side of humanity—the cruelty, the greed, the endless cycle of violence that seemed to define a pawn’s existence.

"Don't think too hard about it" the shopkeeper continued, "Just tell me what you think" he goaded.

"They are targets," 621 responded, his voice calm and resolute amidst the crunch of bones. His words carried a chilling weight, a reminder of his ruthless nature and cruel indoctrination.

The shopkeeper laughed momentarily before a curious gleam in his eyes appeared. "Targets, you say?" he echoed, intrigued by 621's blunt assessment.

"Yes," 621 affirmed, his gaze unwavering as he watched the grisly scene unfold. "Obstacles to overcome, stepping stones on the path to power and control."

A shiver seemed to pass through the chamber, the air heavy with the weight of 621's words. The shopkeeper regarded him with newfound interest, a hint of approval flickering in his gaze.

"Interesting," he murmured, a twisted smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"But aren't you human yourself?" asked the shopkeeper, his tone laced with intrigue.

"Wouldn't that make you an obstacle then? A target?"

621 remained unfazed, his expression unreadable as he considered the shopkeeper's question. "I am what I need to be," he replied simplistically, his voice devoid of emotion. "Nothing more, nothing less."

The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of amusement dancing in their depths. "A true pragmatist, I see," he remarked, a twisted smirk tugging at his lips. "Survival above all else."

"But I expected nothing less from a pawn," remarked the shopkeeper, his voice laced with condescension.

"A mere tool to be weaved."

621's gaze flickered towards the shopkeeper, a glint of defiance shimmering in his eyes. "And yet, even a pawn can change the game," he retorted, his tone sharp and assertive.

The shopkeeper chuckled darkly, his amusement evident. "Indeed," he conceded, a wicked gleam dancing in his eyes.

"Let us see just how much you can alter the board."

Afterwards, the shopkeeper's fingers deftly flicked open the cover of an untitled book, revealing its pristine pages bound within a simple black leather cover. With a nonchalant gesture, he tossed it over to 621, the book landing with a soft thud on the stone floor beside him.

"Read it," the shopkeeper commanded, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "If you're serious about delving into the dark arts, you must first grasp the fundamental principles laid out within those pages."

621 hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering between the book and the shopkeeper's inscrutable expression. With a resigned nod, he reached out and picked up the book, feeling the weight of its knowledge in his hands.

The shopkeeper's next words cut through the air like a whip. "Now go," he said brusquely, a hint of irritation lacing his tone.

"I grow tired of your presence."

Without another word, 621 turned on his heel and made his way out of the chamber, the book clutched tightly in his grasp. As he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling of the shopkeeper's eyes boring into his back.

….

Soon, 621 found himself tucked away in his familiar abode within courtyard 11, embraced by the familiar atmosphere that opposed the decaying air around the shopkeeper’s domain.

He gingerly opened the untitled book given to him by the former, his fingers eagerly tracing the pages. But be that as it may, he encountered an immediate problem as a growing sense of frustration began to gnaw at him.

The pages contained unknown symbols which danced before his eyes, mocking him with their incomprehensibility—it was written in another language. No matter how hard he concentrated, how many times he tried to make sense of the cryptic text, it remained stubbornly unintelligible. It was as if the words themselves were taunting him, daring him to unlock their secrets.

A surge of anger welled up within him as he slammed the book shut, the sound echoing through the empty room. How was he supposed to learn the fundamentals of the dark arts if he couldn't even understand the very first lesson? It felt like a cruel trick, a deliberate obstacle placed in his path by the shopkeeper.

As he sat there, brooding in the dim light, 621 couldn't shake the feeling of being played for a fool. Perhaps the shopkeeper had never intended to teach him at all. Perhaps the book was nothing more than a meaningless prop, designed to lead him astray.

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Even when he contemplated his next move, 621 couldn't shake the nagging feeling of being trapped in a labyrinth with no clear path forward. The untitled book taunted him from where it lay on the table, its enigmatic contents a tantalizing mystery that seemed just out of reach.

Visiting the Alexandrian Pavilion to seek help in translating the text seemed like the most logical course of action, but 621 knew all too well the barriers that stood in his way. The Pavilion was a place of privilege and prestige, reserved for those deemed worthy by the Order. Without special authorization or status, gaining entry was next to impossible.

The news circulating among the Order only served to reinforce his predicament. Failure to enter the Pavilion on the designated day meant missing out on the opportunity to earn coveted martial skills. He was keenly aware of the pawns who missed out on their opportunities on that very day.

Additionally, 621 had no illusions about his chances of sneaking in unnoticed; the security measures were undoubtedly stringent, and any attempt to circumvent them would likely end in failure.

With a sigh of resignation, 621 acknowledged that his only viable option was to seek assistance from the shopkeeper. But he knew all too well of the latter's hidden intentions. It was clear that the untitled book and its cryptic contents were part of some larger scheme, and he doubted the shopkeeper would offer any genuine assistance regarding it.

“That means I must solve it myself” he whispered to the wind, nevertheless 621 merely cast the book aside for now, if he couldn’t solve it now then perhaps his future self will endeavor in doing so.

Thus, 621 sat cross-legged, his posture erect and his mind focused. With each breath, he drew in the surrounding Qi, allowing it to flow into his body like a gentle stream, filling him with a sense of calm and clarity.

He closed his eyes as he delved deeper into the recesses of his consciousness, seeking to refine his connection to the flow of energy within him in a meditative state. Over the past couple of days, 621 had not neglected his cultivation as he diligently refined his Qi as he is doing now with the help of the Whispering Breeze meditation technique.

He also took it upon himself to frequently exercise his Qi reversal techniques making it as efficient as possible as he made himself familiar with its every nuanced processes, forever improving where he saw fit.

In addition to his endeavors in Qi manipulation, 621 also turned his attention to the exploration of meridian stretching—an advanced technique that held unbelievable potential. Even as of now, he delved deep into the theoretical aspects of this practice, mentally envisioning various methods and approaches to achieving this goal of pocket creation.

However, 621 ensured a slow pace to this specific motivation for he knew that he couldn’t be too hasty in his ways; he had already gleamed much from his past mistakes and therefore, he made an internal promise not to proceed without a sturdy plan.

The only agenda 621 had yet to explore was the book titled “Aurum Manipulation”, only now had he felt the need to peruse its contents for he was aware of his increasingly stagnant state when it came to pure cultivation.

It wasn’t lost on him, the fact that he required a means of protection which mirrored his current realm, besides he felt a nagging instinct that he would require it sooner rather than later.

Without wasting time, 621 summoned the book from his dimensional bag before patiently perusing its introductory pages, fortunately, the book was readable. In the introduction, he suddenly found himself immersed in a world of philosophy.

More precisely, the idea of formlessness; the book depicted an account of transcending the nature of common thinking, resonating with the echoes of ancient wisdom and timeless truths.

The concept of formlessness, he reads, is not merely a philosophical abstraction but a fundamental principle that underpins the very fabric of reality. It spoke of the inherent fluidity and dynamism of existence, the ever-changing interplay of forces and energies that shaped the world.

In that world of formlessness, cultivators were described to be unbound by preconceived notions or dogmatic doctrines but are instead free to explore and innovate, adapting their techniques to suit the needs of the moment. It described a reality where creativity reigned supreme and where imagination was the only limit to what can be achieved.

The author of the skillbook likened themselves as a pilgrim of truth directly challenging the rules of preconceived thinking when it came to martial skills. A creation which defies the constraints of fixed techniques and rigid structures.

“What kind of philosophy is this?” thought 621 as he read through the introductory pages with skepticism.

He didn’t think much about the author’s words of wisdom for he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the concepts described in the book. In truth, he found all of it as being ridiculously exaggerated; numerous words with the intention of lengthening—jargon, one might describe.

621 read even further and suddenly found himself reeling from regret as he begun to wonder if he had chosen the wrong martial skillbook. For the next few paragraphs of the book highlighted a state of infinite possibilities, a canvas in which cultivators alike could sculpt their techniques and shape their martial prowess according to their own will and intent.

“Aren’t these just empty promises?” he questioned internally as he soon became increasingly skeptical about his chosen martial skill.

His mind lingered on the old grandma’s comment about the book previously, “A blessing or a curse” he recalled her say. Nonetheless, 621 bit his lip and patiently read through the skillbook by suppressing his inner doubts with uncertainty.

..

The second chapter of the martial skillbook was about the inherent properties of metal. As he flipped through the pages, 621 found himself immersed in a world of metallurgy and alchemy, delving into the secrets of reality’s most resilient and enduring element.

The book began by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a deep understanding of metal, not merely as a physical substance but as a manifestation of elemental energy and cosmic forces. 621 read about the unique characteristics of metal—its strength, its durability, its conductivity—each property a reflection of its intrinsic nature and essence.

He learned about the different types of metal, from the lustrous shine of gold to the cold hardness of iron, each with its own distinct properties and qualities. Through detailed descriptions and vivid illustrations, the book painted a rich tapestry of the diversity and complexity of the metal kingdom.

But beyond its physical properties, the book delved into the metaphysical aspects of metal, exploring its symbolic significance and spiritual resonance. 621 learned that metal was not merely a substance but a conduit for spiritual energy, a vessel through which cultivators could channel their intent and willpower.

The teachings were clear: metal was more than just a tool for combat or utility—it was a reflection of the cultivator's inner strength and determination. By understanding the properties of metal and attuning themselves to its essence, practitioners could unlock new depths of power and mastery in their martial arts.

In the third chapter, 621 was informed about the intricate processes of transmutation, from Qi to metal and vice versa. With each word, he found himself drawn deeper into the esoteric world of alchemical transformation, where energy and matter danced in a delicate balance of creation and manifestation.

He learned that this process was not merely a matter of physical manipulation but a profound alchemical transformation of spiritual energy into tangible form.

Various techniques and methodologies for transmutation were described in the book from focused visualization to intricate energy manipulation, all of it was deeply described. Theories of catalysation and the metamorphosis of Qi into metal, its shaping and sculpting was also described.

But transmutation was not a one-way process, the book explained. 621 found that cultivators could also reverse the transformation, converting metallic substance back into Qi and returning it to its ethereal state.

As he absorbed these teachings, 621 albeit skeptical at first began feeling a sense of wonder and awe at the intricacies of transmutation described within. He realized that mastering this martial skill would require not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the underlying principles of energy manipulation and metaphysical alchemy.

Subsequently, 621 found himself already gleaming much from the fourth chapter of the skillbook. This chapter delved into the crucial concept of intention and purpose in wielding the element of metal. It was a clear emphasis on the importance of clarity of intent.

621 now understood that the purpose behind the creation and manipulation of metal was not merely a matter of technique but a reflection of the cultivator's innermost desires, motivations, and values.

“So, this is the theory of formlessness?” he questioned deeply as if trying to encapsulate the author’s underlying concept.

He read about the different intentions that cultivators might have when wielding metal, from offensive strikes to defensive barriers, from utility constructs to artistic expression. Each intention carried with it a unique resonance and significance, shaping the manifestation and efficacy of the metal employed.

It wasn’t long before 621 found himself on the final chapter of the skillbook, still skeptical but not merely as much as before. Here, 621 encountered a comprehensive account of the inherent difficulties and challenges associated with mastering the martial skill.

The author acknowledged the inherent complexity of "Aurum Manipulation" and the steep learning curve it proposed to cultivators seeking to harness its power. 621 learned that while the martial skill offered boundless potential for creativity and innovation, it also posed significant challenges and obstacles that must be overcome.

He read about the energy expenditure required to manipulate metal, the mental and physical strain of channeling Qi and shaping it into tangible form. The vulnerability of metal to disruption and interference, the constant threat of opposing martial skills, elemental attacks, or environmental factors, all of it was detailed.

But perhaps most importantly, the chapter emphasized the importance of understanding the philosophical idea of formlessness, the author had warned that this was the perquisite for truly harnessing the power of true manipulation. And with that, 621 reached the end.

He thought to himself, allowing some time to pass as he mentally absorbed the principles at hand before he attempted to summarize the entire skillbook into a concise telling:

“Aurum Manipulation…Heh, interesting” he paused momentarily; “So, the creator’s idea of formlessness is basically about the freedom of intent, of imagination. A direct contradiction to the formulated rules of basic martial skills which relies on built in steps and concise methods. Instead, formlessness is about creation from thought, a martial skill free from a single purpose. A martial skill that aims to create a practitioner’s thoughts and intentions—a canvas of infinite possibilities.”

“But is it truly infinite?” he asked aloud, “No, it’s quite unlikely, for even the metals themselves have inherent properties which contradict such notions of limitless possibilities”

“I dare say it’s impossible…” 621 remarked convincingly.