After her eighth round of combat had ended, and she had been crowned the champion of the second bracket, Ophelia had returned back to her own courtyard and was now sitting on the grass carpet, holding a wooden box in her hands.
As she loosened the lid of the box, a refreshing scent of spring wafted out and tickled Ophelia's nose. For a moment she could see herself walking along a quiet path, surrounded by budding birch trees. This serene feeling made her relax as she opened the box in full.
On the middle of the box laid the so called Spring Vitae Root, which wiggled as if it was still alive. The vitality simply oozed from the green-yellowish root. Its appearance was similar to that of persons, the head of the root was bulbous and its carrot-like main body had four extending appendixes. While the main ''body'' and ''head'' of the root were bright green, each ''limb'' had a more sickly yellow color.
Ophelia was instinctively drawn to the weird root, so she let her eyes wander freely. However soon she could see something appear in front of her. It was a typical window she would see when she looked at her own status or techniques she had mastered.
Spring Vitae Root
A vitality and endurance enhancing medicine. Especially effective for anyone below Martial Foundation Realm. Spring Vitae Roots can be grown at medicinal gardens. Every stalk of Spring Vitae Root is over a hundred years old.
Effect: +20 Vitality, +10 Endurance.
Effect II: -50% effectiveness if consumed at Martial Foundation Realm. It has no effect at all when Martial Foundation Realm has been surpassed.
''Woah...'' Ophelia gasped as she read about the Spring Vitae Root. This particular medicine was effective only when consumed at the beginning of one's cultivation journey. The effects of the Spring Vitae Root clearly told Ophelia that it was very expensive medicine. It was clear that not every cultivator could consume this kind of medicine in their youths.
''I am indeed blessed to be born to a generous family who would equally reward its members, based on their merits.'' Ophelia thought and shifted her eyes to the scroll. After looking at it, she felt a surge of power from it. A skill which was described in the scroll was a technique known as Bronze Body Art, a physical martial art cultivation technique which differed greatly from the spiritual Basic Qi Circulation technique she knew. She also spotted an additional note that had been personally written by Gareth. However, before she even could begin to read it, a system screen popped up, compiling all the essential information.
-Bronze Body Art-
Rarity: Rare
Grade: Peak
Type: Passive / Budo
Requirement: 100 STR, VIT & END / Tempering Bronze Solutions & Virgin Alloy Fruit.
The Bronze Body Art has five different steps one must complete to attain a complete Bronze Battle Body. These five steps are as follows: Skin Purification, Organ Cleansing, Bone Washing, Muscle Augmentation & Bone Tempering.
Each of the five steps of Bronze Body Art has three stages to them. Minor Success, Major Success, and Perfection. By mastering Bronze Body Art, a person can stand and fight anyone below Houtian.
Step I Skin Purification, Minor Success Requirement: Virgin Alloy Fruit & 5 hours of bathing in a Tempering Bronze Solution. Reward: ???
Step I Skin Purification, Major Success Requirement: ???
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Note from Gareth
Hello, Ophelia. This is the technique I spoke to you about when we met at the Martial Pavillion. This Bronze Body Art is one of the Four Metal Budo Arts. Even if it is the weakest of the four it is still a mandatory stepping stone in a path of Budo.
Right now you might be confused about what Budo is, and probably you have no idea what Qido actually is either, but do not let it distract you too much. Let's just say that there are two different kinds of ways to become stronger. Most people, like you, practice Qido which is known as Spiritual Path and leave Budo, or Physical / Martial Path completely unattended. Specializing in one or the other is completely fine, but dabbling and dual cultivating to see which method of the two you prefer is completely alright, in a matter of fact, I encourage it.
Only by combining intense, physical training with right ingredients as supplements can one walk the path of Budo. However, for a squirt like you to cultivate Bronze Body Art which can typically only be cultivated by a Body Reconstruction martial artist is almost impossible since you are both weak and for the lack of a better term...poor.
But do not fret yet, along with this Rare Technique I have also given you a sufficient starting point. After you consume the Virgin Alloy Fruit, train yourself to a brink of exhaustion for the Tempering Bronze Solution to take effect. However, do mind that the process of absorbing the Tempering Bronze Solution is remarkably painful. Your success in Budo depends completely on yourself!
Ophelia sat down in silence. Her eyes glued to her new Rare Technique, which turned out to be a cultivation technique. But not only was it a new cultivation technique it was also a completely different style of cultivation. There were questions floating in Ophelia's mind.
''What are the benefits?''
''How expensive is this thing to cultivate?''
''How often can I take the Tempering Bronze Solution bath?''
''How many times I can bathe in a single solution before it loses efficiency?''
''Where are the Virgin Alloy Fruit & Tempering Bronze Solution?''
...
...
...
''Where the hell is the Virgin Alloy Fruit & the Tempering Bronze Solutions Gareth spoke of in the note?''
...
...
...
She remembered Gareth's voice in her mind: ''You may even learn a little bit of this Rare technique, but I suggest that you consume the Spring Vitae Root with haste.''
Ophelia's lip was twitching.
''That old geezer...he totally forgot about the Virgin Alloy Fruit & Tempering Bronze Solutions...learn a little bit of it he says. But of course, he would go and forget all about it, talk about a punch to the nuts. Eh, no! I mean, ah, forget it! Shit!''
Ophelia put the Bronze Body Art scroll back to the box and took out the fourth item. And the information again flooded her vision. Helpful.
1,000-year Coagulated Wyrm Blood Pellet
A Coagulated pellet formed with a blood of a sea dwelling dragons, or more commonly known as Wyrm. This pellet has been formed from a blood of an over 1,000-year-old Wyrm. This blood medicine, as all medicines of its kind, will degrade in effect the longer they remain unconsumed.
This particular pellet is three days old and begins to degrade in another four days.
A vicious blood medicine like Wyrm Blood is usually heavily contested and only those above Houtian can ingest it. However, by adding a little bit of it to a tea, or by bathing a water with the pellet, it should be possible to gain 20% of the medicinal efficiency. However, absorption in this manner is both wasteful and very time-consuming.
Effect: Affinity with Water is increased. Vitality, Endurance & Dexterity are increased by 100.
An audible gasp released from Ophelia's lips. She had no idea that she had been given such an amazing gift.
''For the effect to be that great, I am more than happy about the 20%.'' Ophelia thought as she reread the information on the screen.
But Ophelia knew that there was no such a thing as a free gift, there always was and had to be a reason, a logical reason for why she and the others would be gifted with such a wonderful treasure. Ophelia thought of it to be an extravagant gift for people like her who had just begun their cultivation journey.
Although Gareth was part of the Drakern family, they weren't close, they might not even have been closely related. Although Drakern family was known as a family, it was more like a clan with different branch families, all living on Drakern family residential district with the strongest branch of a family, which would be the main branch. At least that is how Ophelia saw it.
Ophelia made up her mind to talk to Hina about their theories again. Theories about the truth of their family.
''This is another clue Hina, there are many weird things and they keep piling up,'' Ophelia said to herself, closing the box full of treasures and stood up. She then retired back to her room, took a quick shower, changed her clothes to loose tee shirt and pants, and finally relaxed.
She loitered around for about an hour, burned a few sticks of incense to further calm herself. It was her first time absorbing a medicine after all.
''It is time.'' Ophelia sighed and walked close to a table where she had placed the box before taking a shower. She unlocked the box and held the Spring Vitae Root in her hands before taking a lotus position on a cushioned mattress.
She took a few deep breaths before taking one final glance at the slightly wriggling ''limbs'' of the bizarre looking medicine. Ophelia closed her eyes again and traced the root in her hands.
''Damn, I am stalling. Ahaha~'' Ophelia proclaimed to herself with a nervous chuckle.
''I mean, its limbs are freaking moving like it's alive. I-it seems so disgusting. Can't I cook this thing? Why am I talking to myself, I am stalling again. Fuck, just do it...like a...ugh...whatever.''
Ophelia after her procrastination and stalling took a hearty chomp. As her teeth cut through the root's ''flesh'', she could feel an explosion of flavor and juice burst into her mouth. Ophelia could feel tears forming in her eyes.
''G-green apple! It tastes just like a fresh green apple...''
She muttered as she took another chomp, her apparent disgust towards the wriggling of the Spring Vitae Root disappeared. She took in deep breaths through her mouth as she ate, trying to take in the flavor of the Spring Vitae Root.
Apple, a popular and common everyday fruit from back home. However, in the world of Land, fruit like Apple didn't exist, in fact, there are many common fruits and items that had no substitute here. Apple was one of those fruits.
For Ophelia this taste was sweet and painful, it was delicious and painful reminder of home. There were things she missed, she used to have loving parents, a little sister, delicious food, ...friends, and entertainment. Memories can be brought back to surface easily by eating nostalgic food like this.
''Haha...last time I ever saw...her, we ate apples, didn't we? It has been thirteen years, I wonder if any of them even remember me anymore? If she even remembers me anymore, I hope she is happy, wherever she is.''
Ophelia murmured and continued to munch the Spring Vitae Root until it was completely gone.
As she took the final bite and gulped it down, she could feel a breeze and smell the grass, she could've sworn of hearing the shuffling of tree leaves in the wind. The state she had entered had multiple names, some called it the State of Tranquility, others the State of Immersion.
Ophelia was truly immersed in the after effects of the Spring Vitae Root, and she could feel that a spring had come to her. Even though the spring had brought her painful memories, in the end, it was a season of new beginnings and opportunities.
Ophelia could feel her cells rejoicing, a warm sensation wrapped her from the inside as the Spring Vitae Root nourished her whole body. She felt a similar feeling of euphoria akin to being a bit drunk, but not too drunk. She could control herself but felt lightheaded, more open and liberal.
She couldn't bother sitting formally anymore and laid down, eyes looking at the wooden ceiling. She could feel her body growing warmer, she perspired and her breathing got more labored and rugged.
''C-control yourself Ophelia...it is just a...just a...haa...''
A red tinge formed on her tanned cheeks, her body was tingling all over.
''W-what is happening...''
----------------------------------------
''I am getting old,'' Gareth complained as he walked on the streets of Golden-ridge City. He had remembered that he actually forgot to gift Ophelia the Virgin Alloy Fruit and Tempering Bronze Solution while he was watching the rest of the matches. Without these things, she wouldn't be able to begin her journey as a Dual Cultivator.
'It should be fine to show this much affection to a peerless talent like her, right? I mean, it is just a little push, besides Dual Cultivation is the strongest!' Gareth asked and convinced himself while caressing an ornate ring on his finger.
'Bronze Body Art is truly the greatest possible choice for Ophelia. Thankfully I was there to dissuade her from beginning to take the path of ''leather'' arts and introduced her to ''metal'' arts instead. ''Leather'' style, while not completely useless, as they are easier to master but in the end, they lack the lasting power and paths to become truly great Budo Art. I mean, Bronze Body Art surpassed four of the Qido Realms, that should be all people need to decide which is better, hmph...' Gareth thought.
Gareth grumbled while taking strides towards the smaller courtyards allocated to what he and the older generation called ''seeds'', because of his quick pace he soon arrived in front of Ophelia's courtyard. Although it would have been easy to a master like Gareth to just jump past the courtyard wall and the door, he still showed patience like any normal mortal.
-THUD THUD THUD-
Gareth slammed the metallic door knocker thrice and waited...
Then waited for some more...
No answer...
''But I can sense that she is home, perhaps she didn't hear me? Well, I still have to give these to her as I promised.'' Gareth reasoned and pulled the largeish door open and made his way inside Ophelia's courtyard.
It was a small and a simple courtyard. All in all, she had a small pond, few cherry trees, a cherrywood table and a set of four chairs, punching machine, stone weights and a spacious thick mat of grass. Well enough space to do all sorts of training and relaxation. Gareth nodded in satisfaction but didn't still see Ophelia.
So he took a few steps towards the actual building the courtyard was adjacent to and arrived at a porch, walked up the stairs and tested the door. It was open so he instinctively opened it and took strides inside the wooden halls.
''Ophelia, are you home? I brought the things I forgot,'' Gareth announced his presence, only to hear a yelp from a room next to him. ''Ophelia?'' Gareth questioned and grabbed the door handle.
''N-no! D-don't open the door, don't come in!'' He heard a distressed voice address him, as he instinctively opened the door.
What he saw was a sweaty Ophelia, flushed bright red, curving her back on a ground, it was a totally compromising position to find a girl in. Gareth's eyes widened a bit before he smirked at the young girl.
''So the spring HAS come for you!'' Gareth teased.
''N-n-no! It's not w-what it looks l-like! I-I wasn't! W-what are you doing here anyway!'' Ophelia quickly defended and tried to sit back up. If Gareth had a poker face it had completely betrayed him, as he burst into laughter.
''Don't worry, Spring Vitae Roots side-effects are well known, so you don't have to be ashamed of it. I will wait outside for you to collect yourself.'' Gareth explained while still snickering at Ophelia's misfortune.
----------------------------------------
Thirty minutes passed quietly, and finally, Ophelia had gained back enough control of her body to not squirm in the ground in heat. Spring Vitae Root was delicious but dangerous. Dangerlicious.
Ophelia opened the door of her room and walked out, into the hall, to her porch and finally into her courtyard where he saw Gareth patiently waiting while sitting at the table.
''Oh, so the spring has finally passed?'' He asked with a schadenfreude grin plastered on his face.
''Ugh, just leave me alone,'' Ophelia grunted and walked to the table and sat on the side, opposite where Gareth was sitting.
''So!'' Gareth spoke and looked at Ophelia. ''It seems that the Spring Vitae Root is taking effect, you seem to ooze with vitality.''
''Well, now that the terrifying experience is over, I do have to say that I do feel pretty great,'' Ophelia admitted and looked at her hands and body. She could still feel some warmth, but it wasn't a hot sensation like before.
''Mm, I hope you will keep doing well so that family would have even more reasons to invest in developing you,'' Gareth said and traced a beautiful golden ring on his fingers. And in a blink of an eye, two chests appeared on the table. An ornate red and golden chest with a hefty lock, and a wide and flat black chest.
''A storage ring!'' Ophelia exclaimed. Of course, she would recognize what it was immediately after seeing it. Dimensional pouches, storage rings, infinite chests, hammer space, those were all typical elements in many martial art fictions.
Gareth placed his hands on both of the chests and a locking mechanism could be heard opening. Then Gareth took an additional key from a keyring he produced from inside his robes and used it to open the bigger, more visible lock on he red chest.
Ophelia gave a questioning look to Gareth.
''You can never be too careful, having spiritual locks and physical locks along with some formation and arrays placed to protect an item is generally pretty normal when guarding a good piece of treasure,'' Gareth explained and opened the red chest.
As the chest revealed its treasure, a cleansing aroma was released. Virgin Alloy Fruit came in the view. It was shaped like a lovely heart symbol, it had a silverish-metal coloration and it looked like it was slightly beating.
''This is a Virgin Alloy Fruit. This is an important medicine which strengthens inner organs and improves body's natural regeneration capabilities. This medicine also allows one to begin the great path of Budo with an advantage. I can guarantee that you can begin to transmute your mortal body to bronze battle body in no time!'' Gareth said with pride.
''It sounds really expensive,'' Ophelia commented, slightly worried.
''Hahahahaha~ It is expensive alright, probably more expensive than the Wyrm Blood I rewarded you with.'' Gareth laughed.
''And how expensive is that!?'' Ophelia hurriedly asked as her voice raised up.
''Well, since you are still untainted by otherworldly matters I guess I would need to tell about it using mortal terms.'' Gareth stated and paused for a bit, organizing his thoughts.
''Well,'' Gareth began. ''You probably know that the further a person cultivates the stronger he becomes. Longevity, beauty, and strength are all increased by each realm one reaches. If one is talented in a field of cultivation, they can even become figures that are not unlike saints or gods spoken in legends. Those kinds of people usually have no need for silver or gold, but cultivation resources and materials for armor and weapons.''
Ophelia silently nodded, letting Gareth continue.
''Mortals however still have a need for bronze, silver, gold, and platinum are using metals and gems to trade. Because the coins mortals use among each other is the same between all five continents their value is the same everywhere. You know the value of each coin, right?'' Gareth suddenly asked.
''Of course, hundred copper coins is worth a single silver, a hundred silver is worth a single gold piece and platinum is worth a hundred gold,'' Ophelia answered dutifully.
''But what does that have to do with the value of the Virgin Alloy Heart?'' Ophelia then asked.
''Patience, I am getting there,'' Gareth began. ''Right, since copper is the lowest currency used by the mortals. A single piece of bread costs about three to five pieces of copper. With a high amount of copper or a bit of silver one can buy plenty of clothes and daily needs. Silver is mainly used as payment currency, while gold is used as a currency of adventurers and soldiers to purchase armor. Platinum is used mainly by the royalty or highly successful business owners.''
''Still waiting,'' Ophelia smirked.
''You are so impatient,'' Gareth shook his head before continuing. ''Do you know what this is?''
Gareth said as he produced a small white bead from his spatial ring. Ophelia's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
''Is that a Spiritual Pill?'' Ophelia asked. In many stories at her old world, Spiritual Pills were the main currency used by cultivators. They had an effect of replenishing spiritual power and they also helped in the process of cultivation.
''You would be correct, now tell me how much is this low-level Spiritual Pill actually worth, in the mortal currency,'' Gareth asked while grinning.
''How the hell would I know that!?'' Ophelia exclaimed while slapping the table with her hand.
''Give it a try?'' Gareth said with a shit-eating grin.
''Ah, what the hell! Okay, it is like double or triple my monthly allowance. 100 gold, 150 gold?'' As Ophelia spoke the numbers Gareth laughed like it was the funniest thing he had heard.
''300 gold, no 500 gold then?'' Ophelia continued and Gareth shook his head dismissively.
''A single low-level Spiritual Pill is worth around 100 Platinum,'' Gareth said dryly.
''T-that much?!'' Ophelia stuttered.
''That much, yeah,'' Gareth said, before continuing. ''A single low-class Spiritual Pill can enhance the amount of Qi rotations one can perform while training their Qido by temporarily purifying the Qi and increasing the speed of the Qi flow within consumers veins. A single pill guarantees that five rotations can be performed within ten minutes.''
''T-that...'' Ophelia began but was cut off.
''Crazy effect for a pill, I agree. By amassing dozens and hundreds of Spiritual Pill it becomes a lot easier to raise in the path of Qido. Even if the circulation technique is garbage.'' Gareth said while Ophelia gave a nod of understanding.
''Now that you understand some of the value of this single pill, It becomes easy to tell you the price of the Virgin Alloy Heart,'' Gareth said and took a small pause. ''10,000 low-level Spiritual Pills.''
''Huh?'' Ophelia gave a small reaction.
...
...
...
''EEH? Ten freaking thousand!!'' Ophelia slammed her hands on the table and stood up, looking towards Gareth who had a faint smile on his lips. Ophelia's reaction was more than amusing.
''B...but one pill is worth hundred platinum, a platinum is hundred gold! I only get 50 gold from grandpa every month! T-this kind of ridiculous, how can I accept it!'' Ophelia stuttered and yelled, meanwhile glancing at the Virgin Alloy Heart. 'No wonder it is in a chest with such security measures, it is a priceless treasure!!' Ophelia screamed inwardly, stomping the ground while pacing back and forth.
''Just take it, it is not like you complained about the Spring Vitae Root either and you still have the Wyrm Blood,'' Gareth said.
''Wait, wait, wait, wait. How much was the Spring Vitae Root worth?'' Ophelia asked.
''1,000 Spiritual Pills!'' Gareth answered, his facial expressions didn't change a bit while he did so.
''I ATE A FORTUNE!'' Ophelia screeched.
''A small fortune, Coagulated Wyrm Blood Pellet you have should be worth about 11,000 or so low-level pills,'' Gareth added fire to the flames.
Ophelia meanwhile felt numb. A single platinum was an amazing price at the market she visited regularly.
''Don't think about it too much, these kind of reactions are why we really don't speak about the prices of the cultivation resources in our family,'' Gareth revealed.
''But how can I ever pay the family back this kind of debt? I can't think of many reasons why you would be so good to me.'' Ophelia indirectly questioned.
''Not a single reason? You are the greatest talent since your Father. You are Qi Awakening sixth stage warrior, and you have been cultivating for a very short amount of time. Why wouldn't your own family want to see you grow and flourish?'' Gareth asked, slightly confused by Ophelia. It was almost as she didn't trust her own family.
Ophelia's mind remembered various novels from her old world. Haughty young masters, conniving old men, vicious uncles who would become kinslayers in a heartbeat if it got their own children the advantage. Those were the kind of thoughts that plagued Ophelia's mind. Just because she hadn't seen any signs of people wishing to get rid of her didn't mean the plots didn't exist!
'Maybe I am thinking too hard about it, maybe I am not infected with the Main Character Syndrome?' Ophelia thought, looked at Gareth and nodded.
''Thank you for all of this Pavillion Master.''
''Nay, don't mention it. It would be a pretty shallow of us elders to give you a cultivation method to train with and not actually give you any resources you would need to cultivate it.'' Gareth laughed and opened the other chest. A total of ten canisters sat on the cushioned spots.
''This is the Tempering Bronze Solution,'' Gareth began. ''These ten canisters should last you the whole way. To use the Tempering Bronze Solution you need to add it to a boiling hot water, keep the mixture boiling and jump in. Each canister has enough ''bronze essence'' to last for hundred or so baths. Remember that it will be painful.'' Gareth said before closing the chest again, and pushing it to Ophelia's hands.
''I will remember,'' Ophelia said and took the black chest in her hands.
''Now, it is time for you to take the Virgin Alloy Fruit. Eat it now, I will not be giving you this chest.'' Gareth said while offering the Virgin Alloy Fruit to Ophelia, who gladly took it in her hands and stared at it till the information about the Virgin Alloy Fruit flowed into her mind.
Virgin Alloy Heart
A rare heart-shaped fruit that grows primarily in a Blazealloy Valley on Artio. But the species has also been encountered in Pyre Fiend's Pit of Foritas and at Asteroid Falls of Borea. Virgin Alloy Heart dramatically increases the natural regeneration of those who eat it while strengthening their inner organs. But the largest benefit of eating a Virgin Alloy Heart is the affinity increase to different metals. Techniques requiring metal transmuting become easier to use and are stronger as well.
Effects: +50 natural regeneration per minute, Minor Metal Affinity.
'Affinity to metal, +50 regeneration? W-what?' Ophelia's mind swirled. A bonus to natural regeneration was huge! And affinities are also a thing?
''Well then, I shall indulge!'' Ophelia announced and bit her white teeth into the slowly beating fruit. Then the taste...didn't come. The texture was smooth, but the taste was disappointing and bland. However immediately after finishing the fruit, she could feel pressure on her stomach.
''Feeling a bit of pressure and discomfort after eating the Virgin Alloy Fruit is normal, it just takes your body a bit of time of getting used to it.'' Gareth comforted Ophelia who was holding her stomach.
''It feels like I have stones in my stomach,'' Ophelia quietly mumbled to herself.
''Well then, you still have around twenty hours to go before the next round of the tournament begins. So I would go and take the path and try to cultivate the Bronze Body Art. With your speed, I think you could actually make a small breakthrough.'' Gareth said as he returned the red/gold chest into his ornate ring, and turned to leave.
Ophelia bowed for Gareth. ''Thank you for everything, Pavillion Master!''
''Just train hard, I look forward to seeing your performance tomorrow,'' Gareth said as he left Ophelia's courtyard.
----------------------------------------
After Gareth had left, Ophelia focused and invoked her ability to check her own status. What she saw was slightly different than before.
Ophelia Drakern
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Realm: Qi Awakening Realm Stage 6
Age: 13
Level: 1
Health: 2800 / 2800
Health Regeneration: 1.6 + (50) = 51.6/m
Stamina: 2550 / 2550
Stamina Regeneration: 76.5/m
Martial Qi: 6300 / 6300
Qi Regeneration: 158.0/m
Strength: 21 + (21) = 42
Endurance: 30 + (21) = 51
Vitality: 35 + (21) = 56
Dexterity: 16 + (21) = 37
Mind: [17+1] = 18
Spirit: 0 + (126) = 126
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Combat Techniques
-Illusionary Finger-
Rarity: Uncommon
Grade: Middle
Level: Stage 3 / Stage 5
Type: Active
Cost: 500 Martial Qi
[Despite its reputation of being the weakest of any ''flying finger'' techniques, the very fact that it is one at all garners a certain amount of respect. Due to it being still a relatively common technique of the middle tier rank the distance of the shot illusion and its strength are relatively small.]
Stage 1: 5-meter distance, 408 damage for a solid hit.
Stage 2: 10-meter distance, 618 damage for a solid hit.
Stage 3: 15-meter distance, 828 damage for a solid hit.
Stage 4 Progress: 300 repetitions.
-Flaying Steam Palm-
Rarity: Uncommon
Grade: Peak
Level: Stage 2 / Stage 5
Type: Active
Cost: 1,000 Martial Qi per minute + 1,000 Martial Qi for a steam projectile.
[A technique which coats the arms of a martial artist with a hot steam formed by Martial Qi. The user also has to coat his own hands with another layer of Martial Qi so that the technique wouldn't burn him as well. Those who master this technique often use it to simply induce passive extra damage rather than use the actual projectile, because it is more cost effective to keep the steam stored on users hands rather than to release it.]
Stage 1 (Passive): +50 bonus heat damage to all passive damage done with hands.
Stage 1 (Active): Flaying Steam Palm projectile has 5-meter distance, 630 damage for a solid hit.
Stage 2 (Passive): +75 Bonus heat damage to all passive damage done with hands.
Stage 2 (Active): Projectile has 10-meter, 840 damage for a solid hit.
Stage 3 Progress: 245 repetitions.
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Qido Cultivation
-Spiritual Breathing Technique-
Rarity: Common
Grade: Low
Level: Stage 10. [MAX]
Type: Active
[Basic meditation technique which every martial artist would know. By remaining calm and breathing slowly and deeply one can absorb spiritual qi from the atmosphere and quickly replenish their stamina and own martial Qi reserves. Each level recovers 10 Martial Qi and Stamina while meditating per minute.]
-Basic Qi Circulation-
Rarity: Common
Grade: Low
Level: N/A
Type: Active / Qido
[Most basic way to circulate Qi in one's body. By concentrating one can gather pure spiritual world Qi from the atmosphere and gather it into a vessel within a body. By circulating the gathered Qi it is possible to turn it into a Martial Qi and make it into a permanent addition to one's power. This technique is one of the most basic of its kind and it takes a lot of effort to make one circulation and can only take martial into the peak of Body Reconstruction Realm.]
Qi Circulations Per Hour: 10.
Next Qi Awakening Realm Grade = 1150 Circulations
-Qi Awakening Realm-
Rarity: Common
Grade: Low
Level: Stage 6
Type: Passive / Qido
[First realm which martial artists must overcome. Each stage of Qi Awakening Realm increases martial artists Qi reserves and each stage widens the gap between the martial artists that lag behind. Each stage effectively doubles the increase in Spirit which was gained from the previous stage, body's other improvements in Qi Awakening Realm are relatively small. All in all, there are ten stages in the Qi Awakening Realm.]
Stage 1: +2 Spirit, +1 Strength, +1 Vitality, +1 Stamina, +1 Dexterity.
Stage 2: +4 Spirit, +2 Strength, +2 Vitality, +2 Stamina, +2 Dexterity.
Stage 3: +8 Spirit, +3 Strength, +3 Vitality, +3 Stamina, +3 Dexterity.
Stage 4: +16 Spirit, +4 Strength, +4 Vitality, +4 Stamina +4 Dexterity.
Stage 5: +32 Spirit, +5 Strength, +5 Vitality, +5 Stamina, +5 Dexterity.
Stage 6: +64 Spirit, +6 Strength, +6 Vitality, +6 Stamina, +6 Dexterity.
----------------------------------------
Miscellanies
- Elemental Affinities-
Fire: -
Water: -
Earth: -
Air: -
Lightning: -
Poison: -
Metal: Minor Affinity [+10% Damage & -10% Cost for Metal Qi techniques.]
Wood: -
Light: -
Dark: -
Holy: -
Unholy: -
----------------------------------------
''There is more information!'' Ophelia exclaimed and went through all the added information. She had gained 20 Vitality and 10 Endurance from consuming the Spring Vitae Root, by eating the Virgin Alloy Fruit she had gained an affinity towards Metal. But more importantly, fifty points in regeneration. She almost recovered a single point of health per second.
Previously her regeneration had been measly 1.6 health per minute. But then again it was reasonable, when people get hurt it takes some time to recover. That is why some competitors that made it into late stages of the tournament weren't in the best of shapes.
Ophelia decided to take Gareth's advice to heart and begin training the Bronze Body Art. She retired back to her house and drew water for the bath and set a fire under a white basin made out of some kind of monster bone.
After the water started to boil, she opened the black chest and took one of the canisters and opened it. A strong scent of metal wafted the bathing room. Ophelia didn't think too much of it and simply poured the dark brown, almost black liquid into the water.
It took mere seconds for the clean water that boiled to calm down, as it was smeared by the dark invading liquid. Soon the surface of the water became like a slab of molten bronze, steam silently rising from it.
Ophelia had to make sure that she still had a fire going, and was relieved that it was. It seems that that the mixture wasn't going to boil any longer, no matter how intense the heat became.
She took a deep breath and stepped in.
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Unspecified Locations
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A night had fallen, and the noises and bustling of the residential districts had gone quiet. However, nine different courtyards still had lights or movement.
In one of the courtyards, two girls were engaging in some night-time activities. ''Miss, no! N-not there!'' A sweet moan escaped the lips of a petite maid. As she opened her teary eyes, her vision was covered by a long, wavy, brunette hair which ended in curls. Suddenly her molestation came to an end as a finger was placed over her lips to shush her. ''Shut up, you just be a good girl, a good substitute.'' A sweet voice said as it whispered in her ear. ''There is no need for you to say a thing, just quietly satisfy this burning sensation..,''
On another courtyard a man was lying down, completely motionless.
Shrill screams and seemingly endless painful wailing came from the third courtyard.
Sexual moans escaped from the fourth courtyard. A mix of feminine and masculine moans and grunts filled the close proximity.
The fifth courtyard was dark, and only muffled feminine voices of pleasure were barely audible.
Sounds of sparring, kicking, punching, grappling was heard from the sixth courtyard.
Angry, bestial growls emanated from the seventh courtyard.
The eight courtyard was utterly silent, calming smells were released by hundreds of burning candles that filled the room a man was sitting in. Tall, lean and handsome youth meditated in silence.
On the ninth courtyard, noises of pleasant harp could be heard. A tune both relaxing and powerful.
Nine courtyards, eight finalists of the Youth Evaluation.
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When the morning came, Maria had already woken up. She was always early to the bed, and early to wake after a good night's sleep type of person. She had already performed most of her morning hygiene routine and was drying herself with a towel. After she had dried her beautiful red hair she walked up to a table and took a good look at the mirror on top of it, and then began to style herself.
With the help of a black string and white needles, she formed a slightly off-centered ponytail that leaned slightly to the left. She smiled and nodded in satisfaction before opening a small case which held different beauty creams and makeup. Skillfully, she made a calm makeup and concealed bruises and cuts that were still present on her face. Only when she looked unblemished did she stop.
Next up was the clothing. Cute, but bland white underwear, beautiful, frilly red dress, and black heels. Finished with a simple gold necklace and ring earrings.
''Perfect!'' Maria smiled gleefully and brought her hands to a clap.
Maria left her room and a walked the wooden halls and into her own porch which led to her courtyard. Her courtyard was fairly similar to Ophelia's although she didn't have cherry trees nor was her pond as big as her's.
After leaving the confines of her home she immediately headed to pick up Dina. They both had a really bad experience two days ago after getting wrecked by Leynarin who ended up winning the fourth bracket.
Maria hadn't met up with Dina since the day they were both beaten. Maybe it was just a momentary weakness that allowed Maria to actually be worried for Dina. Maria had seen her get crushed by Leynarin and his animalistic fighting style. And by crushed she meant it, there was no contest at all.
Thanks to the fight ending quickly and decisively there was not that much physical damage dealt. But the blow to her pride must have been incredible. When she had fought with Leynarin did it end quick? Sure, but it wasn't a completely one sided crushing.
However, Maria's momentary concern for Dina has been swept away after she arrived at Dina's place. Dina's cute small nose, red lips, and round face was absolutely beaming with vitality. Maria could see the natural blush on Dina's face as well.
''Morning! We didn't meet yesterday as I was resting, you certainly seem to be doing alright? What kind of cream do you use to make your cheeks look that smooth?'' Maria questioned and smirked at Dina. There was nothing to worry, after all, she did pull through.
''Oh, hello Rii! Were you worried for me?'' Dina smiled and teased as she bounced to meet her friend. ''And to answer, it is a new kind of product, very special and secret. Oh, oh! And it is not a cream, but a plant based product. However I wouldn't suggest it to you, it will make you sweat like craaaazy at nights.'' Dina giggled as she played with her curls, entwining her fingers with them. She then wiped the imaginary sweat from her forehead.
''I see...maybe some other time. We should hurry, I want to get good seats!'' Maria didn't pry further and took the lead, with Dina following right behind her. It didn't take long them to arrive back where the fights would be held.
Thanks to being early they had a bunch of front row seats and they got comfortable, waiting for the day to begin. Today would be a quite a day.
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Ophelia opened her eyes, it had been nearly eighteen hours since she and Gareth had met, eighteen hours since she took the first step into the bath of hell. Ophelia stood up from her bed and began her morning routine, she bathed, dressed back into easy moving clothes. Short tee shirt and cut shorts.
Nonchalantly she walked in front of the mirror and took a good look at herself. The image that stared back was different from yesterday morning, but Ophelia already knew that. She had soaked in the bath of hell for a total of ten hours. Thanks to her newly found regeneration capabilities her skin had rapidly molded and remolded multiple times.
Her former, lightly tanned skin, had taken a more aggressive, brownish-metallic color, it was dull and dark bronze coloration. Ophelia didn't really care either way, it was just another way to become stronger. But a thought passed through her mind. If she cultivated the Skin Purification step of the Bronze Body Art to Perfection would she have more shining, beautiful bronze skin? And since the Gareth had told her that there are three more techniques that complemented Bronze Body Art, would the next one be a silver one? Would she look like a walking piece of silverware?
Ophelia left her room quietly and walked through halls of her house. It was a relatively large housing for a single person. It had a kitchen, two bedrooms, living room, guest room, toilet and even hallways between some of the rooms. Then there was a porch, attic and even basement where a bathing room was located. Ophelia shuddered at the thought of the terrifying room and remembered the hell of yesterday and was drawn back to it.
At first, the pain hadn't been that bad. Was it hot? Sure was! But unbearably painful? In all honesty, no. However, after submerging herself into the damned liquid the true hell began. Like a thousand wasps, hornets, and bees stinging at her everywhere. Ant's gnawing at her eyelids, intruding the orifices of her ears, nostrils, privates. It was painful hell, worst was when he had opened her eyes because of the terrible pain, only to get her eyes roughed by the vicious liquid.
The first hour had been relatively easy, the horrible pain came really quickly, and it didn't feel like it would have intensified. But oh, she was wrong. When her skin had finally begun to erode, with it came wound, with wounds came bleeding. She remembered when the tug of war with the bleeding and fiery death began. Thankfully her regeneration was enough to supply blood to fill the wounds so the vile liquid couldn't invade her innards. She knew it would have been over if it did.
Then came the peeling.
Molding of skin, she was like a fucked up caterpillar.
Then came screaming which had been halted for too long. And with her opened mouth, more pain, more burning and stinging. It was on her tongue, tonsils, gums, her teeth felt like they were rotting.
Doubts came, why was she doing this?
Why would anyone do this?
Why was Gareth doing this?
What was wrong with him? What kind of sick fuck would give something like this to a thirteen-year-old child?
What. The. Fuck...
...
Then came tranquility, the pain, it wasn't getting any worse. Ophelia thought that it wouldn't matter if she died at that point, it was painful, but it was not getting any worse so she took some kind of misguided comfort in that feeling.
At first, she didn't know how long she had been submerged on the seemingly endless hell. However, no matter how long it had hurt, she didn't leave the bath. She held til she felt something changing. She felt succor in the midst of all the pain, which was now subsiding ever so slightly.
Feeling that something had changed she finally emerged from the pool of blood, discarded skin tissue, excreted body fat, tears, and the stupid Tempering Bronze Solution.
She remembered when she first saw her reflection in the mirror. Her skin was like burned cheese that had been left in the oven for hours on end. She felt her skin crackling though, and she slowly peeled off the old and crusting skin. Yellow, liquid fat, and clear muscle fluids were released from under the peeling skin. She felt like she had been ripped apart, the worst kind of feeling.
But she had survived it. Maybe it was mania, or that she had been confident that her body could withstand the hellish torment. Women were strong after all. Ophelia didn't remember her own thoughts back then, relief perhaps, or a foreboding sense of doom. She already knew that she had to go back there again, back into that hellish pool.
However she took four hours in regenerating her new skin, her color had changed to dark and metallic bronze color. She also opened her status and looked if she had learned anything, and she had. The price in her mental health had taken a hit but the prize was worth that price.
Bronze Body Art
Rarity: Rare
Grade: Peak
Type: Passive / Budo
The Bronze Body Art has five different steps one must complete to attain a complete Bronze Battle Body. These five steps are as follows: Skin Purification, Organ Cleansing, Bone Washing, Muscle Augmentation & Bone Tempering.
Each of the five steps of Bronze Body Art has three stages to them. Minor Success, Major Success, and Perfection. By mastering Bronze Body Art, a person can stand and fight anyone below Houtian.
Step I Skin Purification, Minor Success: Damage Resistance +100.
Step I Skin Purification, Major Success requirement: 20 Baths in Tempering Bronze Solution.
One hundred points reduction to incoming damage. Simple punches from people who are at the same level as her will not be able to inflict damage without spending vast amounts of Qi to enhance regular attacks to use Qi to use actual martial techniques.
She knew that this would definitely help her in the future. Aside from the increase of hundred points, Ophelia also saw a new statistic between Qi Regeneration and Strength, it was appropriately called: Resistance.
Resistance: 114.9
After four hours of rest from the pool was finished, she decided to do what a true cultivator would do. Get back into the pool. There she continued the hell for five more hours, before finally giving in and going to sleep. Thanks to her amazing healing factor she could completely regenerate all of her damage in less than an hour.
That was the moments she realized the road she would walk and etched the choice she made in her mind, into her heart. Journey, which she would walk would be painful, but she who had barely begun could already see the wonderful benefits of cultivating both ways. Gareth, as crazy as he was, was probably right.
Ophelia shook her head, snapping out of the horrible memory. At least there was something good that came from all that suffering she had to go through. But she did have to admit, this body she had was remarkable. If there was a person like this in the old world of her's, she could just imagine the tests the government that was able to snatch her first would perform on her. Scary thoughts.
Ophelia buried her dark thoughts and took off, she had a competition to catch.
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The seats of the stadium had begun to fill up as Ophelia arrived to scene. She quickly began to spot her competition and her friends. She quickly found Dina and Maria sitting on the front row and made her way to them and squeezed next to them.
''Hello!'' Ophelia confidently said.
''Who?'' Was the first word that came from Dina's mouth. Maria looked over and her eyes enlargened,
''And what on blazes happened to you? It is like you were dropped into a molten pool of cheap metal and immediately fished out of it!'' Maria audibly gasped in wonderment.
''Ah-ha-ha...'' Ophelia gave a dry laugh. 'Could you not be that specific? It is just a fluke but...ouch...' Ophelia winced.
''It is a new training method, no need to worry about it. And no Dina, it is not a failed tan.'' Ophelia continued. ''But I am not only one looking different. Dina, you are glowing.''
''Aaw, don't embarrass me, stupid you...'' Dina smiled ear to ear and babbled on. Performing her usual, yet overly cute theatrics.
Girls kept talking until more people gathered, and finally, a voice from the arena caught their attention.
''Would the contestant please make their way to the stage?'' Came the announcement.
''Offy, That is your cue to go!'' Dina exclaimed. ''Do your best!''
''Give 'em hell!'' Maria encouraged.
''Thanks, I will do my best.'' Ophelia smiled at her friends, she was glad to get some cheering from her friends.
Since both Dina and Maria had dropped out of the competition there was no need for either one of them to wish for her to fail or something along those lines. Ophelia and other fighters rose up from their seats and made their way to the stage which had been reinforced with smooth, white stone slabs. Those in charge of the organizing probably thought that the fighting would become way more intense in the finals.
As Ophelia was making her way to the stage she could hear multiple betting pools being opened up. Odds were created based on who was fighting who, their cultivation level, gathered knowledge and how impressively the fighters had performed.
As their popularity became more apparent each fighter's confidence surged. Thanks to their popularity each of the fighters had also received a nickname and public opinion about them. Ophelia was one of them so she received one as well.
Champion of bracket one, Karwin Drakern, ''the Prideful''. Due to his sudden blooming to the fifth stage of Qi Awakening. He has become rather arrogant about his abilities and will rarely exert his full potential from the beginning due to his pride.
Champion of bracket two, Ophelia Drakern, ''the Favored''. A young child seemingly favored by a god of martial arts. Only fought in the competition twice due to people surrendering before even fighting her. Despite being only thirteen she has advanced to stage six of Qi Awakening Realm.
Champion of bracket three, Reynald Drakern, ''the Knight''. Reynald is tall youth who dons a metallic armor and wields a sword. Due to his sword arts and armor that he wears he was called a knight early on and the name stuck.
Champion of bracket four, ''Wild'' Leynarin Drakern. Leynarin who fights with a reckless abandon, relying on speed and aggression. Despite being a higher level than most contestants he is prone of getting hurt thanks to his high risk, high reward style.
Champion of bracket five, ''Serene Princess'' Hina Drakern. Her beautiful and lean figure, stoic and expressionless face has made her very popular, especially between all the other young male contestants. Graceful actions, graceful fighting style, truly fitting for a princess.
Champion of bracket six, Lazuria Drakern, ''the Bulldog''. When people talk about a grit and never give up attitude, Lazuria's name often comes up. She is resilient to a fault. She fought and overcome a dangerous battle previously, only winning thanks to besting her opponent mentally.
Champion of bracket seven, Roman Drakern, ''the Young Dragon''. Unquestionably the favorite to win the tournament. High realm of cultivation, knowledge of many techniques and a stern personality. A young dragon in a making.
Champion of bracket eight, ''Lucky'' Kara Drakern. A young woman who showcased extraordinary luck during the tournament. By winning matches that she shouldn't and facing opponents who were a bad match-up with her or otherwise injured.
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Soon all of the contestants were standing on a stage, except for one of them.
''Huh,?''
''Where is he?''
''What is that stupid doing?''
Voices from the audience groaned in frustration, one of the contestants was late. However, there was something else that was weird. VIP stands were abandoned and stood completely empty, the tournament wouldn't continue until the Patriarch was present.
''Where is Karwin?'' Ophelia walked up to Hina who shrugged.
''It's weird, someone who is called ''Prideful'' would not miss a tournament for any kind of reason,'' Roman said as he walked to meet Ophelia and Hina.
''Maybe he was scared of me after my fight with Essrin?'' Ophelia smirked. ''And he simply decided it was not worth it. Another surrender coming up.'' Ophelia joked.
''Mm...not sure,'' Hina said and pointed towards the entrance. Ophelia turned and saw her Grandpa Alaric, Pavillion Master, and Disciplinary Elder. Ms. Envoy was with them as well, along with another older woman. Their faces were stern and hardened. ''Something must have happened.'' Hina finished.
As soon as Alaric sat down he beckoned the referee over. The referee who was one of the elders of Drakern family was shocked to hear what Alaric had to say. His face became just as hard. A few minutes of talking between the VIP's, Referee and Announcer they had reached conclusion.
''The first match, Reynald Drakern vs Leynarin Drakern! Other contestants, please leave the stage and return to your seats.'' came the announcement.
''What!'' Ophelia exclaimed. ''But a match with me and Karwin is first! What is going on with him?''
''Ophelia.'' A calm but powerful voice addressed her. She turned around to look at Alaric who's eyes were deep with meaning. He also lightly shook his head. It was when Ophelia finally understood the gravity. Her opponent wasn't coming.
Ophelia left the stage with heavy steps, followed by Hina. Roman, on the other hand, went to VIP section, he needed answers.
''Congratulations Offy!'' Dina happily said as Ophelia reached where Maria and she were sitting.
''Y-yeah...'' Ophelia answered weakly. She calmed herself and started thinking. Just what happened to Karwin? Either he is injured horribly or...dead. Ophelia took a peek at the VIP section and saw Roman's terrible expression.
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Earlier that day, Alaric had gotten a shocking message brought to him by his personal butler. Alaric immediately left his quarters and arrived at Karwin's courtyard in mere seconds. He followed a teary eyed maid and opened a door that felt heavy, even for him.
What he saw in the room was a motionless body of Karwin, who just a day before had won the first bracket. His body was cold and his flesh was turning purple. It was a clear sign of poisoning or an overdose from an overpowering medicine. Gareth who arrived with his brother Reyes was devastated.
Purple skin and quickly beginning signs of decomposition were signs of overdosing in Wyrm's Blood. Karwin must have taken the medicine, but why would he do such a thing? Gareth had instructed each and every contestant to not consume the medicine directly, lest they wished for death.
''Gareth, use your Inner Eye...tell me what you see.'' Alaric calmly said, and Gareth did as asked as a white spot appeared on his forehead. It was as he feared, Wyrm Blood had given him a shock far too large and his blood had became clotted, and his brain died of asphyxiation. However, there was something weird.
''W-weird...'' Gareth stuttered and looked around, the room, finding the box he had given to Karwin.
''What is it?'' Alaric asked and walked towards Gareth and looked the box he had taken into his hands.
''Spring Vitae Root is missing,'' Gareth said. ''Cultivation technique is still here though. Hmm...''
''What is weird about that?'' Reyes asked as he as examining motionless Karwin.
''Karwin's body has no traces of Spring VItae Root.'' Gareth slowly said.
''So?'' Reyes said, out of reflex and not thinking. ''What does tha...oh...''
''Weird, right?'' Gareth spoke again and looked at his father.
''Yeah...weird...'' Alaric nodded.
...
...
...
As Alaric thought back to what had happened to Karwin. His grandson who stood in front of him had an endless amount of questions. Then finally, the right question came.
''Grandfather, you don't think that someone took the Spring Vitae Root do you?'' Roman asked.
Alaric and Reyes were silent both of them giving a look at Gareth, who was the first one to speak.
''I think I have a pretty good idea what transpired, although there are no lines to connect all the dots. This is merely a theory of mine.'' Gareth began. ''When Karwin returned to his courtyard he was being followed, or the culprit simply knew where he lived. The culprit would wait until the right moment before snatching away the Spring Vitae Root. We don't know when it took place, we have no idea when Karwin was planning to consume the Spring Vitae Root either.''
''So it could have been a crime of opportunity?'' Roman interrupted.
''Could be, but I don't think so.'' Gareth continued. ''Maybe the culprit knew that Karwin wouldn't be absorbing the Spring Vitae Root before night fell and struck when Karwin left the medicine unattended.''
''You would need to have intimate knowledge of him, and one would have to be cunning and insidious enough to steal something from a child. Also, the thief should be remarkably skilled, or he had help.'' Alaric spoke.
''Right...'' Roman whispered. ''But if the thief theory is true then why did Karwin die?'' Roman asked.
''Young Karwin was a man of pride. Someone stole an impressive treasure from him and he couldn't bear to lose it. Just imagine, he would be the only champion who didn't consume the Spring Vitae Root. Based on the books we found at his home he was studying medicine and was well aware of Spring Vitae Roots effects.
Such a huge disadvantage and thoughts of being completely blown away by your younger sister probably gnawed at him. He had to grow stronger quicker, so he turned to something else he had: Wyrm's Blood. It was dangerous, no, a suicidal endeavor, but he had to do it to stay competitive. At least that is how I see it.'' Gareth said.
''But how are you sure Karwin took the medicine himself, maybe he was actually killed and then the Spring Vitae Root was stolen. Maybe the Wyrm's Blood was used to cover up tracks?'' Roman offered.
Reyes scoffed. ''Impossible, Wyrm's Blood behaves differently when it comes to contact with the dead tissue. It simply wouldn't be absorbed into victim's...well, in this case, Karwin's bloodstream. We would only have found samples from his belly, not from his blood veins and brain.''
''So it was just an accident?'' Roman asked in confusion, there was not going to be a murder investigation?
''Just an accident? No-no. There were two goals in stealing Spring VItae Root.'' Gareth said.
''Two?'' Gareth heard the four people ask in synch. ''Absolutely certain, it wouldn't make sense otherwise,''
Miun spoke up. ''Two goals? I know that gaining the Spring Vitae Root was absolutely one of the thief's goals, but what is the other one?''
''To kill Karwin Drakern.'' Gareth seethed. While others were confused, how could he come to such a conclusion?
''Son, explain,'' Alaric demanded.
''Father, think about it!'' Gareth began, raising his voice in frustration. ''A thief is a person who steals things for profit, to get something of value easily so they can live their lives being at ease. Why would a thief leave behind a valuable medicine like Coagulated Wyrm's Blood Pellet and a priceless martial art technique?''
Silence followed, and Gareth continued.
''Because they were after something else. If the thief knew about Karwin's personality there is a possibility that the thief came to a conclusion. ''If I steal the Spring Vitae Root, he will act like this, and he will die thanks to his stupid pride.'' Also, it may be possible that the thief knew that Karwin would suspect him in due time, so it was also to get rid of a potential nuisance in the future.''
''Son, do you know what you're insinuating,'' Alaric said, his voice was grave.
''I am saying that the thief, no, the murderer, and the victim knew each other. This could be a...'' Gareth was cut off.
''A kin-slaying...'' Dean Hui-Lu concluded.
Everyone fell silent. A kin-slaying, murder of one's own kin was considered one of the heaviest of all crimes under the heavens. If news of this kind of incident spread out it would cause panic and distrust between family members. Alaric immediately formed a plan to deal with it.
''Karwin's death, situations surrounding it, is from this moment on, off limits. I will issue a gag-order. Reyes, make sure that Karwin's servants are going to be quiet. Make sure of this, alright? Gareth, you will resume your duties as an overseer and overrule the referee if necessary. Also, make sure to keep an eye out of anyone suspicious. And Roman, I have something for you to do as well, at first you will...''
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Ophelia felt like she had a lump in her throat. What did the look on Roman's face mean? It couldn't be that, right? Ophelia was so distracted with her thoughts that she didn't notice Reyes and Alaric leave for some reason. Only Gareth, Miun, and Dean Hui-Lu remained. Roman was also walking towards her group.
A fight between Reynald and Leynarin also began. It was a classic battle between speed and strength, however, it seemed that Leynarin also edged Reynald on strength, slightly. Reynald strength training almost allowed him to have equal strength against a warrior who was a stage higher than himself.
Roman arrived and Maria quickly scooted over and intruded on Dina's seat. Before Dina could protest she too could see Roman and let Roman sit next to Ophelia. It was cramped but Roman still sat down.
''Excuse me,''He apologized to Maria who nervously dismissed that he was intruding.
''Ophelia, don't worry about it,'' Roman said with a pained smile.
''B-but I don' t even know what happened to him! How could I not be a bit worried?'' Ophelia protested.
''Don't worry, Grandpa says that it is not that serious. A little mistake in training, Karwin will be fine soon enough. I doubt it is life threatening.'' Roman said his voice was calm and stoic.
As Dina heard Roman speak her palms became sweaty, and she unconsciously gripped her dress, before she began to play with her curled hair, coiling them with her fingers. ''What are you two talking about? Is Karwin sick?''
''Something like that, it is a mess,'' Roman sighed. ''But let's concentrate on the fights from now on.''
''Yeah! Offy and Blanky can spy and benefit a lot from this!'' Dina said happily. Not noticing that she was being glared by Ophelia who scoffed.
''I don't need to be part of this,'' Ophelia said and stood up. ''Hina, Brother, I will take a walk. I wish both of you luck.'' She said as she stood up, and walked away.
''Hm? W-what is with Ophelia? R-roman.'' Maria stuttered as she stole glances at Roman.
''Not sure, she gets like this sometimes,'' Roman answered. ''She probably needs some time to think about.''
''But why?'' Dina quickly chimed. ''She has it nice and easy due to Karwin's absence. And I don't think they knew or interacted with each other that much. Why would she be so upset?''
''Dina...'' Maria just looked at her airheaded friend. ''Just because she didn't know him very well, it is common sense to feel bad. Karwin worked hard to get where he was and they were going to have a thrilling match. Obviously, she would feel bad for him.''
''Is that so,'' Dina tilted her head. ''Well, he can always try again next year.''
''True, but Ophelia and I will not be here to see it,'' Maria stated.
''Hey! I will apply to Golden-ridge Dragon Martial House as well! I should be able to pass the exam.'' Dina pouted. She was not going to let others leave her behind.
''We will both have to do our best, you must train harder to pass as well,'' Maria advised her friend and tried to make some more small talk with Roman.
''Yeah, train harder..,'' Dina hissed softly to herself.
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''It seems Ms. Ophelia left to be alone.'' Hui-Lu commented.
''Yeah, but it is shocking that she is capable of learning Budo at such a young age. I cannot imagine what kind of specialized training she had to endure to get this far. It is amazing that Drakern family has so much time to oversee her training such a difficult art.'' Miun praised. She knew how hard training Budo was because she had tried and couldn't handle it.
''Truly, she had been showing marks of learning Bronze Body Art but it seems that she has now broken through the first stage of the first step of Bronze Body Art.'' Hui-Lu praised, causing Gareth to sweat a little.
Ophelia's tanned skin was kind of a blessing here. Her light tan was easily mistaken as an early symptom of reaching the first step of Bronze Body Art.
''But I will not condone this.'' Hui-Lu suddenly said, shifting her tone. ''To teach such a young girl such a harsh exercise is terrible. Even if you give her the pain relieving medicines or induce hypnosis it still wouldn't completely erase the pain.''
''Well she is insisting on training it,'' Gareth grunted. He hadn't given her any painkillers or relieving medicine. There were three styles of training Budo, two of them which Gareth couldn't approve of. Medicines lessened the effect of the Tempering Bronze Solution, meanwhile, hypnosis would slow down the actual absorption of the Tempering Bronze Solution. Only real way to train it was to do it raw, without any outside help.
''Also, how can elders who remain at her side just listen to her wails?'' She continued.
''Well...'' Gareth didn't have anything he could say at this moment. There weren't any elders to supervise her training. When training Budo it was typical for elders to oversee the training of a young Budo practitioner to make sure their cultivation didn't rampage. However, Gareth completely ignored this rule as well.
''My niece is strong, she laughs at things like pain and would rather train by herself. She is also a genius, truly a favored child of heavens.'' Gareth praised. He truly was impressed by Ophelia and her cultivation speed and was certain that she could be able to take whatever training he threw at her. In fact, he had pushed her right into a bathing exercise, normally there were other preparations to be done before the true training could begin.
''Haha, it sounds like you think Ms. Ophelia could train according to a barbaric method and not use anything to numb herself during training. People who try would lose their minds thanks to the pain like that. Without even mentioning the possibility of their bodies revolting against their minds and going berserk.'' Miun smiled. ''Such confidence in your niece.''
''Haha, yeah,'' Gareth smiled.
However Hui-Lu wasn't amused, she would need to ask the young girl about her training regime.