Chapter 9 - The First Familiar, Parsifal
Long ago, the Original Vicegerent taught his people how to see and understand mana. Eons had passed and what was taught evolved into what it is today. In combat, inner force was incorporated and their martial prowess grew to outstanding heights.
Generally, “Martial Arts” are styles of combat with numerous schools and systems each with a different approach to battle. However, the Omen Nation is fundamentally different from the rest of the world.
Unlike the rest of the species of Soa, the warriors of the Omen Nation were required to practice chi cultivation methods from a young age. Mana would flow through channels and a mana pool was stored in the Dantian. When chi practitioners grew older and matured, they could easily manipulate and control mana like it was their own limbs. In effect, Enlightenment was achieved by certain individuals. This is what the Original Vicegerent had taught many eons ago.
The importance of qi arts is the most essential aspect that the Demonic people take into account in their way of life. After all, mana is ever-present in all living organisms, including plants, animals, and even oxygen. In essence, absorbing and assimilating mana from the environment and turning it into internal force is practically the basic foundation for the demonic people.
(Author’s note: “internal force” is synonymous with energy.)
Additionally, martial arts are practiced religiously in the Omen Tribe. Not many understand, but the demonic people are more efficient fighters. And that’s because of their control and cultivation of internal force.
Typically, any class of physical fighters like a Knight, Ranger, or Pugilist does not practice mana absorption methods. Jobs like those have their own system of growing stronger. This begs the question as to how a warrior from the Omen Tribe would fight.
Anywhere outside of the Omen Nation, species could perceive and utilize mana by constantly training the body. Bones become harder and muscles become larger and more sturdy. Consequently, the heart and lungs are always working, constantly increasing lung capacity. In effect, channels would be opened and the expansion of veins allows for mana to flow through. That right there is the difference.
Fundamentally, the very fact that they have control of mana at such a level will put them at a level on par with Archmages. This means that fighters at that level can use spellcraft without chants or incantations. Instantaneous casting and silent casting would be their primary method for using spells. At that level, one can fight in the ways of mana and completely dispel the use of fighting physically. This is where Dario’s level is at.
Awakening from his slumber, the first course of action was obvious, “Status screen,” he said.
Dario Courtwell Lvl: 30
Class: Transcendence Realm
4th Class Mage
Main Job: Sith Lord
Sub job: Dark Hero
Titles: Lord Disciple (passive)
King of Sunshine/Sunshine King (equipped)
HP: 6000
MP: 350
AP: 5000
STR: 438
DEF: 455
VIT: 423
INT: 577
WIS: 580
SPR: 600
DEX: 445
SPD: 590
LCK: 100
Evasion rate: 50%
Critical chance: 100%
Main Job: Sith Lord - A Mythological Class that had been lost in the red sands of Hollow World. It is said that this job allows the user to resurrect/reanimate species of boss level and above. Some Undead will retain their original personality and act as unique and rare characters. There is no time limit for the souls that wish to be reanimated.
Sub job: Dark Hero (Legendary): The Mythological Class Job “Heavenly Demon” is the pinnacle of all physical fighter jobs. All attacks are extremely fast and powerful. Aura can now be controlled at will.
The Heavenly Demon: On Earth, there was a Sect that existed long ago in Murim China. Those that were a part of said Sect followed a leader who was the strongest under the heavens. -Sayings of the Heavenly Demon Manual
*Unable to unlock status benefits due to low level.*
*Heavenly Demon job will be reduced by one tier to the Dark Hero job.*
“...” Dario said nothing. A sharp grin was shown on his young face. Surprised, the young man was at a whole new level. Still, even at that time, Dario felt that he could reach a higher dimension.
His Enlightenment began in this phase.
As Dario fell unconscious shortly after his Breakthrough into the Transcendence Realm, he was dreaming about many things in a short span of time. Fortunately, thanks to the Qi of Asura that Dario had been practicing since a young age, it can augment the user’s brain to achieve enhanced performance, making it easier to concentrate far better than the average person.
This means that Dario’s perception of time is faster. In other words, his reaction speed is top-tier, and can actively enter flow state.
(Author’s note: flow state is similar to entering “the zone” where time slows down.)
With all that said, Dario was able to fully memorize everything down to the very details. The young disciple now knew what his Master had been preparing him for. With that understanding, he got up and equipped his pieces of equipment that were set on the table nearby.
He awoke in a room within the Divine Manalum temple. There was a mirror on the wall so the young man wanted to see how much he had changed. Dario is one of those warriors who can tell a person’s level by a glance, and, when he looked upon himself, he gasped.
A complete Twin Veins of Control, four Arcane Rings, and a complete Diamond Tendon Reformation?!
What was thought to be a half-completed Diamond Reformation became complete somehow. Not only that but four arcane circles were also formed.
Strange. Just how is it possible?
Dario caressed his face as he had become more mature-looking and was starting to bloom into a handsome young man. The impression of Dario looking like an adolescent individual can no longer be seen. The height change came to be a surprise being 177 centimeters tall. A medium and common height amongst the human race. Yet, it is the balance that counts when it comes to attaining a martial body. Safe to say that his height is perfect for performing martial arts.
Now that he had surprisingly attained a completed Diamond Tendon Reformation, the young disciple’s muscle mass and volume increased in proportion to the height change. His muscles were quite defined as could be seen by the sharp cuts that make the definition of each muscle group, and, burly enough to not look too lean. His body had become a magnificent vessel in which it could contain whatever the user wishes, specifically, whatever martial arts the user wishes.
Moving along, wanting to meet his Master in his new form, Dario immediately headed off to where multiple presences were sensed in the Soul Throne’s hall. He opened the gates and three figures could be seen. Hades to the left, and Elder Saru to the right, in the middle, sitting on the Soul Throne, Jinn.
The young man knelt and spoke, “Master,” Dario said in a solemn tone.
“Congratulations, my disciple. Not only have you achieved Enlightenment, but also a Metamorphosis as well?” As if knowing what his disciple had wanted to ask, Jinn went along and told him.
“Master, you had prepared this all along?”
Chuckle. Jinn lightly chuckled, signifying that Dario was right.
“Indeed. You have improved at a glorious level. I have trained you as such, that leveling up will now become like child’s play.”
“How? Enlightenment and Metamorphosis at the same time? The sudden increase of power is sure to cause death, Master!”
A soft grin was shown on his master’s face. Fazing through Jinn’s body, Veda appeared, “You are not wrong, young master. Death is a certainty. However, know that your Master is the only one capable of making such a feat possible.”
“I understand,” replied Dario.
“Now that you understand what you need to do, Veda will explain the future of the Omen Tribe.” Veda proceeded to explain the plans that Jinn has in store for him.
“Restore the Ten Demonic Masters and Assemble a Squadron of 36 High-tier Masters in the Peak Realm. Although low in number, the best of the best belong to that unit.”
Ten Demonic Masters and 36 Experts?
A tear of sweat descended from his right temple signifying the difficulty of such a mission. Even though Dario had reached a level never experienced, his young age was beginning to show. Jinn noticed that his disciple has yet to grasp his type of power.
“Worry not. Why don’t you start with the three experts referred by Elder Saru?”
I had wanted to meet them.
Knowing what to do, a few words were left to say, “At once, Master.”
Resolve and a firm tone emanated from the young disciple’s breath.
***
Hollow World is riddled with low to high-tier Undead and legendary monsters, dinosaurs, reptilians, and heteromorphs. Most wars were fought at Hollow World by many countries. Eventually, the golden sands turned crimson. It is said that the mana is mixed with two extreme energies, both dark (yin) and light (yang). In effect, this naturally attracts monsters and unique creatures.
Overall, Hollow World is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Only high-ranking Adventurers and Master Class Knights can actively challenge the crimson sands. Though, the Omen Tribe is a different case.
Since the beginning, the Omen Tribe which was the Omen Nation at the time had always retained ownership of sections of Hollow World. That cursed desert was a place for the Omen Nation’s warriors to go train and conquer. Those that were capable of hunting in every area of the vast desert are said to go beyond Transcendence Level.
In Dario’s case, he had been hunting at Hollow World since he was nine years old. This was not possible for previous generations. Still, it came as no surprise for the Elders of the Omen Nation since they knew who the young man’s father was. In other words, the boy’s heritage can not be denied.
Although Dario was not taken under anyone’s discipleship when he was young, mastering the basics combined with the Qi of Asura cultivation method enabled him to awaken “chi” at the age of eight.
Then, his adaptability with chi increased tremendously. Hunting every day at Hollow World became easier. The only reason Dario was able to challenge such a place was because of his mastery of chi.
By the age of twelve, Dario was able to defeat a Lich by a hair’s breadth. That experience was the first for him to almost lose his life, aside from the training with his Master. Now, Dario has returned to the inner dunes of the crimson desert. Where the mana is most concentrated, mid-tier Undead roams the plane.
If I’m to gather 36 Masters, then I’ll have to occupy some places for my Undead.
Dario’s current mission is ranked as S-Class difficulty. All S-Class rankings remain the hardest difficulty. Still, it was a good idea that the young disciple decided to use some of his Undead as one of those Masters.
The young man’s intention was simple. He would resurrect unique Undead with names. So far, he can keep twelve Familiars. Contrary to the lower-ranked class Necromancer, the Sith Lord’s powerful resurrection ability is offset by having a low amount of Undead to summon.
With that said, Dario revisits the place near Omen Village at the border of Hollow World. He was looking for the Undead which is usually avoided due to the monster being a Boss-Type.
Boss
-Special creatures often designated as the apex that has survived and adapted to their environment. Can also be the “alpha” of a single species, or, the one with the gene for leadership.
-It is exceedingly rare for a monster to have a name, however, most boss-rated creatures have high-ranking Titles and stronger-than-usual attributes.
There he is… Dario thought. Whenever he would return home, within his path was a detour that led to the Undead, Skeleton Soldier.
“My instincts were right,” a devilish grin appeared on Dario’s face. To think a measly Skeleton Soldier would have a name? Looking at the status window, Dario had found the answer as to why that Skeleton Soldier was different.
Parsifal Lvl. 30 Class: Peak Realm Species: Skeleton Soldier Main Job: Ranger
Rank: Lieutenant
Boss
Elite Boss (sealed)
Ultimate Boss (sealed)
Before crossing into the Transcendence Realm, Dario was unable to fully deduce Parsifal’s true value. How fortunate. The young disciple had already made up his mind as to who would be his first Familiar.
“From what I remember, that guy’s range should be around there,” Dario said.
There were a few occurrences that happened when the boss-ranked Skeleton Soldier would fire an arrow from that long recurve bow whenever a random monster or beast would enter its range, and, quite a wide area at that.
As if on cue, a random monster had stumbled into Parsifal’s range, it was a Skeleton Knight. Although the latter is an evolved species, it pales in comparison to the value of a named boss monster.
THWACK!
Critical!
-3847
Overkill!
The arrow had pierced the Skeleton Knight’s head, instant kill. The damage was relatively low since skeletal creatures are resistant to piercing and slashing damage. Not only that, the longbow that Parsifal was holding onto was an old and rusted one. That skill… he must be at the 2nd advancement.
The elite job class, Ranger is an advanced evolution from the initial stage of the normal job class, Archer. This is what Dario was referring to.
Job Class: Ranger
- The combination of mastering the job class Archer and Soldier will unlock the unorthodox, Ranger. Described to have exceptional bow skills that snipe enemies from afar with a shortbow or longbow. Unlike its previous level, the Ranger is an elite physical fighter as well as a deadly ranged combatant.
- A job class dubbed as a Hybrid vocation.
Out of all the information that is received so far, the Ranger job class made Dario’s greed grow uncontrollable, so much so, that he grew impatient and decided to stop sneaking around.
“I tire of waiting,” crawling from the fabric of darkness, Dario stood and the light revealed his character. Dario inserted his hand into the interdimensional Item Box and pulled out Sijjin. When his hand clasped the beautiful and elegant golden sword, a radiant Aura surrounded the blade like an unending flame. Looking at his sword that naturally siphoned his mana to create Blade Aura, Dario felt astonished at the utility of the sacred sword.
“With this, I should be able to do ‘that’ without any problems.”
Dario looked at the undead that was far away and had yet to sense his presence. What the young disciple had mentioned was the move that was once considered an Ultimate Technique. It was a move he had created before meeting his Master.
Aura Techniques: [Skill - Flare Sword] Rank: S Proficiency: 100% -An array of large non-elemental waves. Cannot be parried.
This was the move I mustered with all my might to kill that Lich. Swirls of mana concentrated around Dario’s hand and electrical shocks followed along it.
I’ll kill you. With that subtle thought, the powerful Aura that's been growing was unleashed as Dario made two perfect slashes, one horizontal, and one diagonal.
Thanks to the mastery of Silent Casting that the young disciple had learned from a young age, the attack which normally produces a loud sound was actually nothing but silence. In essence, this attack that made no sound would count as a surprise attack that is highly probable of producing a critical hit.
School of Illusion [Silent Casting]
- Adept level understanding of the School of Illusion. A subtle art that requires a deceitful and sociopathic trait to unlock a deeper comprehension of the Arcane.
- All spells or mana-related skills are quiet to others.
Much how like the Skeleton Soldier snipes any that enter its range, Dario would do the same to it, but, from a farther place. Not only that, it was a back attack.
KABOOOM!!!
Critical!
-9999
Overkill!
The condensed wave of Aura crashed into Parsifal and dealt tremendous damage. A dust cloud was kicking up a storm after such an attack. As the dust subsided with the wind, the appearance of the Skeleton Soldier was seen kneeling while using its sword as a support.
“You survived that?” The Skeleton Soldier was missing an arm and a leg. “Looks like you have a skill that saves you from one-hit kills,” a grin as wide as the devil appeared on Dario’s face. “Indeed, you are worthy,” his greed was uncontrollable as he faced his palm toward Parsifal and sent his mana.
Congratulations!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Resurrected a named (low-tier) Undead Boss, Parsifal!
***
There were notable differences between the Necromancer class and the Sith Lord job. Of course, the latter was superior since it was the last rank-up of the Necromancer evolution tree.
First and foremost, the Necromancer job is not purely mana-based. In the world of Soa, they are lethal fighters and excellent users of the Arcane. The Undead that is controlled has complete mimicry of the Necromancer’s martial arts. When it comes to magic, Liches have access to their Master’s spellcraft (spells). Communication between the Master and the Undead is handled via telepathy.
In the case of the Sith Lord, all of those aspects remain with the final class but are enhanced to a terrifying degree. With the retainment of the Undead’s personality, combat prowess is doubled or tripled as opposed to the monotonous and predictable movements of the previous classes’ capabilities.
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“You are the one who has resurrected this old soldier?” The old bone soldier asked.
He could talk? Let’s see what he wants. “Indeed,” Dario replied.
Parsifal knelt, “What is thy will, O’ resurrector?”
Finally, the question could be asked, “Do you remember who you were?”
“...”
Parsifal looked befuddled, unable to remember long-term memories. Although such a thing is expected since the dead do not have the ability to remember anything. Dario expected as such and asked no further, “Rise, you are the first of my Familiars.”
Parsifal Lvl. 30 Class: Peak Realm Species: Bone Knight (Diamond) Main Job: Ranger Titles: The First Familiar
What had changed after the resurrection was the fact that Parsifal was no longer a measly Skeleton Soldier species, but a rare sub-species said to be incredibly competent. Due to crossing into the Transcendence Realm, Dario realized that his Familiar's body reformation would be proportionate to his Class level. The real question is expressed through Dario’s thoughts. The Sith Lord’s Blessings appear to transfer my Diamond Body Reformation to my Familiars, though, not fully.
The Sith Lord job is a dead and forgotten art originating from the Omen Nation. However, much of the history and culture was lost in the Divine Library at the Holy Imperium, Odessa. Unfortunately, there is little to help it but verify the capabilities of the Sith Lord job.
“Time to see what you can do,” Dario said.
“You need but say a command and this knight of darkness will oblige,” Parsifal replied.
Is the undead that eloquent? They should have a hard time talking at their low level.
“Hunt monsters that get in my way. I will lead while you stay at the front as my eyes.”
“I hear and obey.”
The young disciple wasted no time and traveled the vast desert. From what Elder Saru said, ‘they’ made camp close to the center of the desert. It should be at an oasis. Dario analyzed the area that looked like an endless path of earth and sand. This area is filled with mid-tier undead, Mounted Skeleton Knights, Skeleton Apprentices, Lesser Demons, Evil Eye, and of the like will begin to appear.
Dario had wanted to analyze the dead job class, Sith Lord, and figure out what it can genuinely do. Normally, Necromancers need verbal commands to move their Familiars, however, a Sith Lord can command the undead with mere thoughts.
There’s a Mounted Skeleton Knight wielding a spear. Snipe it down and tame the undead horse.
Parsifal brought out a long recurve bow from his Item Box and seamlessly released the arrow infused with Aura in one smooth motion. It was a seamless transition. Before becoming a Bone Knight species, Parsifal could not use Aura in the slightest.
THWACK!!
Critical!
-2534
Overkill!
The Mounted Undead Knight was shot perfectly in the head and fell to the ground. Parsifal quickly moved to fulfill the last part of the command while Dario walked to the slain enemy. The Aura should have let out a large explosion upon impact. This means… Dario looked at Parsifal and examined the bony creature.
I see.
What the young disciple saw with his perceptive eyes was that his Familiar was emitting chi. “How can you use Aura, Parsifal?” Dario asked his undead knight.
“Why Master, it is our connection with the soul that you have given thy blessing.”
The young disciple was deep in thought. This antiquated knight speaks too well. Was he nobility when he was alive? “Speak plainly, you possess a way to store mana in that bony body of yours?”
“Indeed, Master,” Parsifal replied.
“How so?”
The Bone Knight pointed his finger directly at Dario’s stomach, specifically, the perineum.
Ah!
Dario finally understood. He examined his Familiar again and concluded that the Aura was being stored in the bone. What is known to the Omen Nation is that undead creatures store mana in a Blood Orb, though, such a thing is like finding a needle in a haystack.
“Let’s hunt as many as we can before meeting ‘them.’” What the young disciple truly wanted was kept in his mind. I often see mid-tier monsters wear valuable gear. His greed grew uncontrollable at the thought of collecting gear all this time.
The poor and disheveled people of Omen Village seldom have an abundance of higher-end materials. After all, they had lost the Omen Campaign, to restock on armor and weapons was a golden opportunity. Not only that, Dario was not on the level to be hunting at this certain part of Hollow World where mid-tier monsters fester.
With the will of his thoughts, Dario commanded the naked Parsifal to don the few armor pieces of the slain enemy. “We will be scouting for a while,” Dario blurted out. He intended to find more gear to fully equip his Familiar. The desert is a vast place that is visited by people all over the world. There is bound to be valuable treasure among these common-grade gear.
The Mounted Skeleton Knight wore a leather shoulder pauldron and steel greaves. Parsifal looked more competent as he held the iron-tipped spear and bow and arrows strapped on his back.
“Since I can share my chi breathing methods with you, I suppose I’ll allow you to use my martial arts as well. Have you wielded a spear before, my knight?” Dario said.
“I am proficient, though, I have no skills or techniques with such. I have mostly developed my bow skills,” Parsifal replied.
“Very well, I will open up my experiences with you. You will be given the Nejibana Yin Spear Arts, ‘Heavenly Screw Flower.’”
And just like that, as easily as it was said, Parsifal felt a surge of enlightenment pass his soul which left a transcendental feeling. Immediately, the Bone Knight began spinning the spear with ease. Normally, a Ranger is proficient with any weapon, meaning they can use a wide variety of weapons like a veteran. Though its main focus is the bow and arrow, it can grow to become a hybrid mastering two different martial arts.
Dario fully intends for Parsifal to be a Master of the spear. I wonder what Class he would walk with this newfound enlightenment.
Usually, the undead can proficiently perform their master's martial arts by a fraction, for Necromancers, that is. However, a Sith Lord job is displaying a terrifying degree of mimicry. Kuku… A devilish grin dawned upon Dario’s face. He’s almost as good as me. Very soon, we can meet those powerful experts.
Dario telepathically ordered Parsifal to start moving to a precise location and attack whatever it sees. No words had to be thought of because the Sith Lord's job allows the user to give out orders by intention. This is one of the great boons of the Sith Lord's job.
Simply imagining things of how the undead should act made controlling the undead like it was your limbs. The innate ability of the Sith Lord job allows the user to control its undead without expending any sort of MP or AP. Dario displayed his quick adaptability and gained experience in leadership.
In the history of the Heavenly Demon Sect, no martial practitioner has ever achieved Heavenly Demon strength at a young age. It simply hasn’t been done before. Though, being a Heavenly Demon at the Transcendence level is highly perplexing.
Dario may not know the history of the Heavenly Demon Sect, but Jinn does. With that in mind, Jinn has guided his young disciple to be such. In other words, Jinn has a grand plan awaiting Dario’s future as Heavenly Demon in the Master class.
(Author’s Note: Master class is often referred to be people of the Transcendence Realm, although it is not wrong if they are Peak Realm level as well. In this case, it is the former.)
Anyhow, the undead horse that Parsifal tamed galloped through the vast desert. It looked like horseback riding was extended for the Bone Knight. It is uncommon for Skeleton Soldiers to be riding atop undead horses due to their low level and, otherwise, low intelligence to be operating on a mount. Although Parsifal was a named undead, he appears to not have learned any horseback riding skills, therefore, Dario shared his experience with him.
***
Within the divine court of Divine Manalum, there is a model of the planet Soa being telegraphed via quantum technology. Jinn has an intricate plan for the people and the burden he has inherited. One of them is the open recruitment of trustworthy and reliable people. And, they did not need to have strength or power.
It was hard for Elder Saru to find anyone outside of the tribe who fit those standards. He had been taking care of the tribe for hundreds of years and found that there were not many people who the elder could actually trust. But then, he had a recent encounter with a mercenary company called, Iron Slashers, in the red desert.
Initially, Elder Saru was making his annual rounds of culling the monster infestation at Hollow World. In the inner dunes of the southern part of the desert, the elder saw a company of men being overtaken by a single Marlboro. Monster species like those are called “Legendary” due to them only existing in certain parts of the world and being highly dangerous. However, that is only for people outside of the Omen Tribe. The Omen people have been using those monster species as trials for warriors since the beginning.
Though, they make no scoff at the monster species. Marlboros are grotesque-looking monsters with numerous tentacles springing from their heads along with a massive and corrosive maw emitting acrid breath. They are by no means, weak.
That in itself is apparent since one fully grown Marlboro is at level 80. With the simple movement of swinging its tentacle was able to wipe out half of the Iron Slashers. Just when things looked dire, it went even more than that. Suddenly, the Marlboro was preparing its signature skill, Bad Breath.
When the elder saw that, he willed his massive chakram to appear through thin air while telekinetically moving it at blinding speed, and cutting the Marlboro in half. All of that had occurred in several seconds.
From then on, Elder Saru and the Iron Slashers were acquainted with one another. What surprised the elder the most was the gratitude the Iron Slashers displayed.
Most people fail at even the basics of manners. Thought the elder.
It was that action that made Lord Vicegerent accept the Iron Slashers.
“Hohohoho, even at my time, there were only a few beings who displayed such manners,” said Hades.
The Lord Strategist’s statement surprised Elder Saru since he has only heard of Hades in the old tales. Jinn was in thought for several seconds as is the indication of the holy court when it fell completely silent.
“Tell me about these Iron Slashers, Elder Saru.”
The old man bowed to his master and replied, “By your will, Lord Vicegerent.”
Elder Saru went along and explained a comprehensive list of the individuals of the Iron Slasher mercenary group. There are less than fourteen people in the group altogether, each with their own character and circumstance. For the time being, there are only three that are important as of now. The three strongest of the mercenary party, are Caesar, Nocturne, and Gerald.
“Those three are Peak Realm Martial Masters, not only that, they’ve been at that level for some time now and are bound to reach Master Class,” said Elder Saru.
“Oh? Then we can set those three on the path to Demonic Lord Slayers.”
Cough!
Elder Saru coughed when Jinn said those words, “S-So soon, Lord Vicegerent?”
The old man questioned how such a thing could be done in a short span of time and with a low level. After all, Elder Saru is one of The Heaven's Respected Ten and knows many powerful individuals in this world. To say that creating warriors capable of slaying Demon Lords is almost an impossible thing to do. Demon Lords rule countries of their own, yet, Jinn had said something like that nonchalantly.
“Have faith, Elder. Tell me more about those three.”
The old man sighed. Sigh.
“We can start with Caesar. He’s from a small village built of bamboo and is a master of the peculiar weapon, Nodachi.”
A Japanese weapon? Thought Jinn.
Elder Saru continued, “When I taught the party ‘Aura,’ Caesar was the first to realize and awakened Blade Aura.”
“Seems like this man has quite the skill in being lucky.”
“Y-You continue to make this old man surprised, Lord Vicegerent.”
Jinn was not wrong. And for him to say such a statement made the old man understand that his Lord had already realized that Caesar has a high-luck attribute.
“My Lord, I was about to say that all of his skills and talent may originate from his abnormally high luck status, yet, such a blessing comes with an equal amount of tragedy.”
Jinn understood full well the wisdom that came from the elder’s tongue. For a person to be talented in many fields in the art of war is often said to have a tragic past, “I look forward to his story.”
Elder Saru nodded.
“Next is Nocturne. I think of that man as being a hybrid due to his mastery of two different job classes.”
Nocturne has two different job classes. For a person to have two different job classes is rare, of course, the quality of the job plays a core factor in the overall power of the individual. Still, having two classes and mastering them will make the user stronger than most people. A cut above the rest.
“What’s different about Nocturne is that he’s extremely skillful in using his two job classes.”
Equipped with a greatsword he wields seamlessly with one or two hands and two daggers. One is a weapon for the class, “Warrior,” and the other weapon for the class, “Thief.”
“A hybrid, indeed.”
A soft grin came upon Jinn’s face.
“The last person is the leader of the Iron Slasher group, Gerald Killeway. He’s a Master Dual Swordsman who was second to realize Aura. Last I saw him, he had lost his left arm from taking a hit from a monster that would have killed Nocturne.”
“How commendable to sacrifice a limb to save an ally. I’m worried about his current power level after losing a limb.”
“When I was with him, Gerald said that when he lost his arm, his focus on Aura became deeper and was able to create a new mode of fighting.”
“Even at such a loss, he was able to create something better and continue to grow,” Jinn cracked a devilish grin. “Magnificent. Those three will be perfect in my creation of Demon Lord Slayers.”
***
What was thought to be a simple command, “Go forth and become stronger,” turned out to be something like a pleasant surprise. Dario had enjoyed witnessing his Familiar go about in the vast desert sniping and piercing creatures to and fro. Levitating in the sky with the magic spell, Fly, Dario was chuckling at the efficiency of the hunting as Parsifal did what he does best, sniping enemies from afar. Parsifal had hunted scores of mid-tier monsters in a couple of weeks and Dario did some monster slaying of his own. When the time came for them to return to one another, a pleasant surprise came up.
He evolved again?
Parsifal Lvl. 53
Class: Transcendence Realm
4th Class Mage
Species: Death Knight (Diamond)
Main Job: Mystic Ranger
Sub job: Legendary Ice Lancer
Parsifal’s appearance changed drastically. As of now, he is fully armored in what looks like black steel armor with a single spiky pauldron detailing a demon’s head and a black cape covering the other arm. Oh? Looks like he found some interesting gear. Dario’s inquisitive eyes instantly recognized the plates of armor to be considered high value.
Demon Battle Mail (set) [Stats:] Grade: Unique (set) -An armor created by an extinct country that knew how to smelt physical material with extreme yang energy. Exerts strong death energy that gradually reduces the HP of living beings while undead creatures would receive the opposite effect. Type: Chest, Arms, Legs, Head, Cape Material: Damascus Demon Steel, Mage’s Cold Enchanted Weave
There’s more. That Silverite halberd looks special. Dario thought, recognizing the bright shade of blue that represents the famous metal, Silverite.
Exvane [Stats:] Grade: Unique (growth-type)
- A halberd crafted by sea dwellers with the goal of making it a legendary weapon, instead, the weapon turned out to be the rare aspect of becoming a growth-type. Contains highly condensed yin energy. Has the power to instantly freeze or shatter a specified target.
-The famous material, often dubbed as the nobility of metals due to its permanent resistance against rust and extraordinary mana sensitivity. Silverite glints an attractive and lustrous white-blue sheen that boasts offensive and defensive capabilities combined with its incredible mana conductivity. Such material is found deep in the sea and is primarily traded with sentient sea creatures.
Material: Cold Silverite
I can’t wait. Dario wanted to see if the change was real as he stepped out of the darkness.
“Parsifal,” Dario called out, descending from the sky with a flight spell.
“What is thy will, O’ resurrector?” Parsifal received his master by kneeling.
“I wish to see how much you have changed since we last met,” it was a straightforward statement.
“By your will,” Parsifal replied, understanding his Master's intention.
Parsifal shares the same superficial consciousness with his resurrector and had the intuition that he was being prepared for an occasion. It was as if a battle was about to ensue.
The two were standing high above a peak mountain range spanning several tens of miles. Attack the ones sitting by that campfire light over there. Take heed, you are forbidden to use your magic bow. Dario commanded.
Parsifal looked yonder and jumped high in the sky, leaving his footprints implanted on the earth. He’s mastered the legendary footwork art, Air Jump.
Footwork Techniques: [Skill - Heavenly Titan Stance]
Air Jump - Legendary jumping skill that allows the user to ascend to the skies in proportion to their chi manipulation and MP/AP reserves.
-The footwork necessary to perform spear techniques focusing on the firm footing on the ground. Graded as an S-grade footwork skill for its stalwart stance with a spear that is unmoving like a mountain.
Rank: S Proficiency: 100%
This was a skill that powerful masters could perform, probably less than fifty in neighboring continents. However, the reason why Parsifal was able to do it was that the footwork skill was the only thing remarkable about the Nejibana Mystic Spear Arts, other than having theatrical spinning moves. The Death Knight, Parsifal, executed a technique that struck the shiny light blue halberd like a needle falling from the skies, Dragon’s Gate.
Aura Techniques: [Skill - Nejibana Mystic Spearmanship] Dragon’s Gate - Plunges the spear downward reminiscent of a dragon’s bite. Rank: S Proficiency: 100%
KABOOOOM!!
A dust storm scattered the area, “What the hell!” One of the men yelled at the campfire. “To battle! An enemy has entered the camp!”
Parsifal managed to get their attention which was the plan from the beginning, “It’s a Death Knight!”
Sounds of fire crackling intensely were eerily heard alongside a chilly atmosphere. Parsifal’s Spear Aura held a color as pure as life.
Typically, characters would often have their Aura’s color in accordance with their nature, however, Cold Silverite is one of those materials that will naturally emit a light-blue hue. This usually means that the energy is pure while being condensed.
Parsifal acquiesced and began to perform the martial arts that is, Nejibana. Roughly translated as, “Screw Flower,” it is a high-tier Peak Realm martial art that is no longer practiced in the Omen Nation due to its complex moves and spinning feints. However, Dario admired the martial arts that practice fighting in a fanciful way with a spear. Such of thing was displayed by Parsifal.
Spear Techniques: [Skill - Nejibana Mystic Spearmanship] Spinning Wave - A 3-hit combo beginning with the thrust of the spear, following up with a spinning feint while slashing horizontally from right to left. Rank: S Proficiency: 100%
It was a classic move performed often by Parsifal. The one holding the greatsword, Nocturne, blocked the thrust but was unable to keep up with the rest of the combinations. The theatrical vision of Parsifal spinning that beautiful Silverite halberd was glittering, yet, was not easy for Nocturne to dodge.
“Kugh!”
“Nocturne, you okay?!” Caesar and Gerald came in quickly while Parsifal took a step back.
As soon as the three experts saw such a pure Aura, they immediately started communicating via their unique telepathic skills not born from magic or nanotechnology.
This guy’s a Master class at the Transcendence Level. Gerald messaged his two comrades.
Gerald, Nocturne, go all out. Caesar relayed.
!!
When the two heard Caesar’s words, the three of them imbued their respective Blade Aura at the same time.
“Who would have thought that what the Demonic Teacher had taught us would come in handy in situations like this,” Gerald said boastfully.
“Gerald shut your mouth,” Nocturne replied.
“Ughh. Fine.”
Don’t get overconfident. This guy’s Spear Aura is on a different level compared to us.
Caesar warned. With that understood, the three pounced together while maintaining a horizontal positioning.
Let the games begin. Dario thought, hidden in the shadows.
“Sixfold Corkscrew Thrust.”
Aura Techniques: [Skill - Nejibana Mystic Spearmanship]
Sixfold Corkscrew Thrust - A technique uniquely created by a Ranger who loved to hunt. It was the Ranger’s lifelong goal of infusing certain archery skills into hand-to-hand combat.
-A deceitful thrust of the spear that fires six additional attacks in rapid succession. Inspired by the skill, Sixfold Shot, from the Ranger job class.
Rank: S Proficiency: 100%
A speed at the level of supersonic was produced too fast for the three experts to even see it. Though, to their credit, they managed to perceive that the unknown Death Knight unleashed an attack too fast to comprehend and for their eyes to keep up with.
With that understanding, a series of supersonic spear aura waves was launched at the three while Parsifal instantly maneuvered behind them. And just like that, the three received deep cuts around the chest, stomach, legs, and arms area. It was excruciating damage.
“Gakk!” Gerald let out.
“Amazing to see that you lived that through while conscious. Your other friends seem to have given up.” Parsifal remarked, almost in a gloating manner.
!!
The one-armed man was heaving heavily while on his right knee, astonished at the undead was capable of speaking. His one arm was still clenching onto his broken sword.
This guy’s too powerful. Is this the end for me? Enduring while conscious, his last thoughts were like this.
In the end, we could not reach the next realm. Nocturne and Caesar were unconscious. The one-armed man barely holding himself, still held a composure befitting a master of the Peak Realm.
“Curaja,” a high healing spell was cast.
A feeling of complete rejuvenation and complete tranquility nourished the three experts.
“W-Wha,” the one-armed man was confused.
Visually, Gerald was seeing himself and his comrades’ cuts and wounds form back into their healthier state.
“You must forgive me.” Dario appeared from the shadows, hooded.
“W-Who are you?!” Questioned Gerald shakily.
Even though the one-armed man may be fully healed physically, his mental state was about to slip at any moment. Apparently, the three experts have gone through an inauspicious trial.
Those were Gerald’s last words as he finally lost consciousness and slowly fell. At that moment, Dario easily reached the one-armed man before a head injury would occur.
“You’ve done well,” Dario said with a devilish grin on his face. “Kukuku. To think things would turn out this well in a short amount of time, kukuku,” a chuckle of arrogance born from supreme confidence. Time would tell about what that infamous grin would bring to the present.
***
Alone in his room aboard the Regalia, Jinn was busily admiring space. Veda holographically appeared to the side of Jinn’s lofty chair.
“I must say, sir, the young disciple is starting to worry me,” a remark that Veda pointed out.
“Pray tell, what troubles the mind of our butler?” Jinn replied playfully.
“He’s starting to take after you, sir. Your incessant habit to toy with your opponents is reflected by the actions of the young disciple.”
Chuckle. The hooded man giggled.
“Was that all?" Jinn stated nonchalantly.
"Sir, do you intend to release an Angel of Death into this world just like on Earth?"
"This bothers you so, Veda?"
"I must confess, the sight of you dominating your enemies on Earth was my first terrifying experience. That was the first time that my heart trembled so much."
"Oh? Then quantum technology was already instilling emotion?"
The refined holographic butler bowed.
"I see," Jinn understood his butler’s intention and got up from his lofty chair and came closer to the window.
Stargazing at the beautiful nebulas, stars, planets, and massive gas particles seen from the Regalia is a favorite pastime for the Angel of Death. Ever since space travel was unlocked by Veda, Jinn would often venture to beautiful places and marvel at creation.
It was one of the few things that consoled Jinn. He lived a mostly solitary existence at the beginning of his life. So when he gazes upon things that he likes, it would soothe his cold heart.
"It is necessary for my disciple to be what he needs to be for the Omen people to survive. After all, I have taken the solemn oath of Vicegerenct."
"And what about the extreme bloodlust trial that is inevitable for the Heavenly Demon?" Asked the concerned butler.
"That is something Dario will have to contend with, just like how I did with mine."
The butler still had a worried expression on his holographic face.
"Worry not, my old friend. Have faith in Dario just as you have faith in me."
Veda could not always understand Jinn’s foresight, yet, the butler continued to be a dutiful servant to his creator.
It reminds me of the old times. Thought Veda.
There was this one time that Jinn offered Veda to be free and exist, yet, Veda declined such an offer and wished to remain by Jinn’s side. The very symbol of a butler.