One way or another, Influence Items were worthy rewards that could mean a lot in the long run, so when Lisa heard no limits for their taking, she wondered what Murai would do. If one thought of Items carefully in sight of further evolutions or Paths, their worth was nearly the same as Blessings in disguise.
Lisa knew that Murai had barely anything under his Path right now. Well, he had yet to set anything for something. He had no sets of evolutions available either, except the Anatidae Aquantis, which was mentioned only once when she was sleeping.
That was a long time ago, in a time when Murai endured hardships and improvements that should've provided at least some basic choices. Lisa couldn't see why his choices were nearly non-existent. Will of the Battleworld gave him nothing.
Why?
Was it because of Anatidae in general, whose aptitude and ways or workings were way out of the norm? In that case, Lisa's lack of knowledge about them would excuse her lack of ideas.
Some beasts could evolve a lot of times with small bits of increasing powers, or one could also take significantly better evolutions less often. Both of these choices were worth the same, but in terms of growth and potential, taking care and finding the strongest evolution was the greatest choice. It also depended on the Will of the Battleworld.
At least according to Lisa's knowledge about the Divine Beasts, this was the truth. Anatidaes shouldn't be that far into insanity, even if they were no such beasts.
That could mean that what was inside this hut might be of limited value to him, because of a lack of choices. That was wrong. It was perhaps much more valuable to him than anything else, as this choice could let someone focus on finding evolution that would fare well with an Influence Item alone. One could take the full-on Influence for the evolution as long as it was compatible with the species, creating a full evolution out of it.
It was well worth it in all regards since Murai wasn't finding any evolution choices. It was better to take Influence Items concerning Anatidae's next evolution. That was what Lisa thought was the best course of action.
She didn't know why... or perhaps she knew why Will of the Battleworld wasn't giving him any choices. Encounter or other things things about his soul might be that reason.
Another plausibility was simpler. Murai didn't have any choice, because he was focusing on the beginning of the Anatidae Panacea which was surprisingly deep and basic in some aspects. For a Class D evolution, it was fairly standard if one compared it to many Divine Beasts.
The next evolutions could mean Class C, or better, which spoke of many accomplishments, reached Limitters, and incredible growth, or other things that she knew but hadn't mentioned to him yet.
Leveling and evolution meant growing out of the Child Stage, which Murai was still under, according to the attributes Lisa recalled.
He had them in the 50s, which was within the norm for his stage in progression. Some evolution choices could disregard potent evolutions and stay in the Child stage.
And if Lisa knew Murai, he wouldn't like something of that kind anyway. He was far too bothered or happy in finding his footing in the Panacea Sub-Species, so that was it. He would like something potent, which might probably require attributes in the 100s or a level close to 50. It was another question of which evolution would happen or unlock, as various choices had diverse sets of requirements or insane conditions.
Like Aquantis requiring water affinity, Murai should simply follow what he had and reach that, or give Panacea's further evolutions a try.
That meant not much different course of action and his act. It might even be easier because he was fond of learning.
Lisa thought about this far too much for Murai's sake, and well outside of his head. Murai wasn't thinking about such things at all, opting to focus on what mattered right now.
Surprisingly, through time and talks, Murai got the gist of Influence Items and evolutions alike. He understood how important they were, or how one should view them besides evolutions of abilities, which poised as equally important power boosts.
All of them were important to gain proper power, yet they didn't happen overnight.
One had to be truly crazy to level abilities up or gain special privileges to skip the leveling altogether.
Murai skipped the leveling in Beak's Fury, but not in Mana Detection. Mana Shaping, Proper Mana Blade, and Beak's Peak all seemed to have no shortcuts either. They were closing on Level 20 however, meaning that their time to shine was soon to arrive.
Having the Beak's Fury change so quickly was more than enough for him to change his mind. He was just not impressed by things that were far from his sight.
Which meant a lot of things.
Perhaps he wasn't willing to touch Influence Items at all or regard them as a world-shattering opportunity. They could be normal for his level, cause evolution, Influence the Aquantis, or some other choice that he might get in the future. That was essentially far from what mattered right now, creating a choice he wasn't stone certain about.
Mindarch gave him a choice that influenced the biggest choice a beast had up their minds.
It was no Path, as Paths were often set in stone and never forgotten. Evolutions were slightly different in this regard, as they could follow a Path closely or far away. It was all about species and their potential Bloodline or followed Sub-Species.
Panacea should have further magic-related choices that should focus on some aspects of his established technique. It could be Blade-related, Flame-related, and so on. Magic was near endless, while his Anatidae Bloodline seemed to possess a wide range of motion because of their Universal Affinity.
Depending on one's view of choices or power, relying on Path, evolution, or both, everything can work in different ways.
So Murai decided to take as great an Influence Item as he could take or find. The rest will be resolved at a later date, at times when he will grow.
Something that guaranteed interesting power was up to his taste. So it could be usable as a Fusion Influence, which was taking an Influence Item for a compatible evolution that could override Panacea or not, or it could go to a Partial Influence and establish a relation to a suitable and fulfilled Sub-Species.
It was a fairly straightforward system, but repercussions from them were deep. Lisa thought and said how complicated all of it was since there was an incredibly large web of interest between evolutions, Bloodlines, and Influence Items available to him.
Every race and species had something different in this regard, so she didn't know how exactly Murai should think about it, but talking about general terms to him was worth it. She gave him some ideas and bits of information, which should give him further context and knowledge.
Fusion Influence and Partial Influence meant a different approach to species and choices that may one regret later or sooner. But at the core, it was still a choice.
And Murai never disliked a choice.
“Fine. Fine.” Lisa shook her head, realizing that forgetting anything between him and Mindarch was better than anything her mind wanted to tell. “Is there anything else that you, oh, great Mindarch can tell?” She said the latter part with some sarcasm, but Midnarch didn't seem to dislike it.
[There is a change in plan that I had to reconsider. It isn't a poor choice by the way. Just take it for a reward. I shall proclaim the time for Question Mark right now before Citizen M comes into the hut, the rest of the rewards, or Gate 3 itself.]
“Mark?” Murai wondered. “Oh, right. I think I haven't used it after all because a lot of things happened. Can't you leave it for the lower Gates? It wouldn't hurt me, nor yourself.”
[Situations have changed. Speak of a topic and I shall talk about how you want it. Simple.]
“Such a Mark doesn't work like that,” Lisa argued. “He.. I mean...”
“Why?” Murai asked.
[Ghost speaks far too much... Ah.. Nevermind. I forgot I haven't mentioned anything major about it after you got it.]
[Question Mark has a few stages of ideas around it, creating a neat getaway into my Codex. It isn't just a question with an answer, but a topic with layers surrounding it. There is depth to this chance that could broaden even the simpleton's mind to a new level. It can work as a great way to teach topics, learn information, broaden context, or straight up shock the mind.]
[Any kind of information up to my Codex is there for an answer, but not everything is fine to tell, you see.]
[Example: How to kill Lady of Thousand Graves?]
[Can't speak of it, can I?]
Murai heard logic in that statement, so he nodded and wondered what he could ask if there were limits to it. Could he ask a ridiculous question? Something simple?
[The second issue is a double-edged sword since many knowledge Codexes runs deep, and mine is the same. Thus, there are parts of certain questions or topics that are inadequate for me to mention. There is a clear degree of secrecy that I pick, creating flexible means that are both for me or you to consider.]
[Basily, you speak the topic and I decide if I can answer it first, before giving you a chance to adhere to this topic and ask questions.]
[If it's fine, then it is fine to proceed to another interesting topic about Question Mark.]
[Question Mark follows the premise of Minor, Wild, and Chaotic questions. Each gives length to my answer or certain privileges depending on my Codex or my own choice.]
[Example: What are the continents in the Battleworld, or how are their politics?]
[I can mention a lot of things about such topics, giving it various attention, details, or secrets, thus Minor, Wild, or Chaotic answers vary in length and degree of answers. It could be quite a juicy, long, or potent way to find information, so choose your topic wisely.]
“Wait... What does it matter?” Murai asked, finding this whole thing a little bit convoluted.
“Wait for it...” Lisa added. “He will speak more.”
[Depending on the topic, I shall gift Minor Perk, Wild Perk, and Chaotic Perk to further provide context for the topic. Each will have various aptitudes to an acceptable topic, giving choices for you and how I could answer it. Choices are important.]
“So complicated...” Murai sighed. “Fine. There is nothing more for me here anyway. This world is vast, but my heart is the same or worse. I want to know about Anatidae species.”
[Oh, such a vast topic, yet so small?] Mindarch chuckled as if he told a fine joke. [That is easily done but even among this topic, there are answers not within my power. Hence, I shall give you 5 Minor Perks, 2 Wild, and a single Chaotic Perk to broaden your choices. Those could crack some of my Codex or rules, but it is fitting for you, Citizen M. Choose your question and Perks wisely, as it could Breach me for sure.]
[That means you have 8 questions in total with answers that should all surround the Anatidae topic. All of them must include it in some way. Every question will need one Perk of your choice.]
“Oh! I get it now!” Murai cheered. “You explained it like a dog a food... Alright.” He tensed up, thinking of what to ask, as it seemed Mindarch was done stalling and was up to some talking.
Murai didn't know where to start.
And silence spread.
Minutes went by into awkward silence.
[Ehm. Ehm.] Mindarch faked a cough. [I mean, there are no time limitations, but wasting time isn't fine for you or me.]
“I am thinking!” Murai argued.
[Just voice a question and choose the Perk. Oh, and if the question about Anatidae isn't under my Codex or is far too complicated or unacceptable, I can still refuse it without it costing a Perk. Simple enough. BUT! If you choose Chaotic Perk, I could be forced to talk.]
“So I can't ask for some tough question that I have no idea about, but force it anyway? How do I know what is that or not? Wait... that does contradict that killing your lady question, doesn't it?”
[Not at all. You are overcomplicating it. Your topic is as easy as vast, with various ways to think about it. Most Anatidae questions are a rattle of legends that have some validity and research in this world, myself included. Currently, their standing in the world is relatively common when we talk about high levels of interest.]
[That means that commoners and weak powers have no knowledge or idea that ridiculous ducks are roaming the world, capable of shattering some Tier S or A powers, or rage and eradicating the cities and dungeons alike. Some folks may have ideas about it, giving it a touch similar to dragon legends spread like telltales for children.]
[Anatidaes are, unsurprisingly to the Anatidae Golem that you've fought, well researched under this place and my Codex. I can't speak for the golem nor its details because it is a topic that is private under Levandis. I can talk about most things, depending on what kind of manner of question you ask, or how your Perk perks me up. Hah! Get it? Perk?] Mindach laughed but Murai had nothing to add.
“So?” Lisa patted his head, floating beside him and letting him rest on the ground. She was over with her, touching him. “Not difficult, isn't it?”
Murai scoffed at her. “You've never mentioned shit about the Question Mark. Nor Keys!”
“Can't know what Mindarch would decide in terms of Perks, could I? Also, they weren't that important before. Now it is. You didn't ask them either, even if you've already known about this topic.” She made a point, so Murai went ahead to ask for the basics that needed a Minor Perk at best.
“How many Anatidaes are there, and where to find them?”
[A fine question. Perk?] Mindarch asked even though Murai asked two questions at once.
“Oh, Minor one will do.”
[Acknowledged.] Mindarch said firmly.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
[Numbers are limited by their harsh breeding factors that stem from their Bloodline and origin. Details are mostly unknown because of their questionable time from the Sky or their creation, but there are dozens of Anatidea tribes with a variety of powers and politics in the Battleworld. Some have various levels of influence over their regions. Some are large, others little. Some take care of other beasts under their wings, and other hides because dangerous fools hunt them down to eat or for other reasons. It goes across the continents.]
[Finding them may be hard or simple, as most of their tribes are hiding in remote or very dangerous places. Not dangerous for them, however. There is a certain Depth into this idea that Minor Perk won't get into.]
“Heard that myself. Diving Sphere gave me some ideas. It spoke of how they reached some place under some sea, creating a spell that allows them to roam the Depths, I suppose.” Murai said.
[Oh? Knowledge gained from the ability is rare. Exactly. Deep seas are part of the harsh environment, but Anatidaes created a good spell to make it passable. That was many millennia ago, and seas are known to be forever unchanging, unlike the Surface. They are deep and dangerous, so it goes without question it is a safe place from the Surface.]
[But... it is still more dangerous.]
[Beside the sea, Anatidaes are more of Surface dwellers, with their biggest source of influence being a power known as Altas.]
“Altas?”
“Heard of that term before,” Lisa said. “A place that is set to be quite intense and rich. Not much is known about it, as it dwells in unknown continents. It may be in Radagan, Zeanor, or Somalis for all we may not know. Heard it is powerful.”
Murai nodded, satisfied with this minor answer that was surprisingly detailed.
[Another question?]
“What are their aspects?”
[Define an aspect and I might get some idea of what you want to know. Perks could change your mind too, or mind. So think carefully about what to ask.]
“Strenght? Powers? What makes them special? I am thinking of it every day, so if you know about it...”
[Oh, that kind of aspect is fine to tell, albeit the length and might of Perks could give it a vastly different approach. Anatidae powers are vast, you see. So, which Perk?]
Murai hesitated before deciding on the Wild Perk.
[A fine choice!] Mindarch exaggerated it but spoke deeply like an elder before a clueless child. [Powers of Anatidaes has various ways or areas of expertise. It goes deeper than one would think since their core strengths surround their evolution choices the most. Magic adds some complication, thus it limits their Paths of choice, thanks to their Beast Cores and rich Bloodlines. Their strengths lay in their universal mana affinity, stemming from the Bloodline of Anatideamons.]
“Sounds savage. I like their name better than mine.” Murai added with a sigh.
Lisa shook her head and sighed too. She expected this to arrive at some point, so hearing about this from Mindarch was admirable.
[It goes into their origin, which is relatively known for being a mash of experiments with various Bloodlines and species across the universe. Magic is their vital aspect, right beside a surprising amount of incredible wildness that Citizen M should more than know. The flow of mana is wild because of that, so their cores are pretty savage on all fronts, capable of taking all kinds of affinities or potent magics. Why or how it all works is a rather peculiar topic that few ever researched directly. In this regard, even our research facilities have their shortcomings, as we have no Anatidae to work with... yet.] He added cleverly.
“So you know something or not? How can I trust your answers then?” Murai asked.
[Oh! You can. You can! I have Codex full of them, so no worries. Anatidae species is known for countless and various Sub-Species that have all sorts of powers because of their unhinged nature, Beast Cores, and Bloodlines powers in general. Making them finite for research purposes is thus, hard. One can't toss each apple into one pouch. Every Anatidae is often very different from one another, but their aspects may remain more or less close.]
“Those are? That was my question to begin with.”
[Magic, as I've said, is a vast topic that gives their bodies potent powers as well. Their beak and set of wings often come in handy and in various numbers, and their feathers provide an unnatural stimulus of mana flow, making them one kind of protection that is impossible to research or imitate. We think it is because of Anatideamons since the feathers you have are potent indicators for your acts in Gate 2.]
[Feathers are alive, in strange ways, acting as a factor between flesh and the outside world, yet they are soft and hard at the same time. They have never been replicated in the human world, nor our facilities. It is not much different from the scales of dragons, or various divine birds. The one that comes close is perhaps Pheniex Species, but those are, similar to Anatidaes or Dragons, secluded or intense depending on which continent we are speaking about.]
Murai was fairly impressed with the amount of detail in this reply. It confirmed his guesses, but mentions of feathers, other species, and strengths were surprising. Mindarch spoke about them in general line to dragons and phoenixes, which were all insane and legendary beasts.
He didn't trust him that much, considering ducks were the topic of this question.
Mindarch considered them on the same level as dragons or phoenixes. Ducks!? Murai didn't believe this for the time being, thinking that Mindarch was exaggerating things, since he wasn't aware of the heights of his species.
But he can ask Mindarch about it, shatter his mind, and broaden his soul.
He had many questions left, and the left-out Chaotic Perk was yet to shine.
He wondered which question should he spend it on. Something about himself was a good topic because he was also part of the questions and answers. Or should he go through details about the ways of Anatidaes in general or in some specific heights?
Mindarch seemed to be over with this question, albeit it could be deeper even with Wild Perk. Going to insanity, however, required a Chaotic Perk.
Murai turned to Lisa. “Is there something you have in mind? My Perks are still numerous.”
“You want my feedback?” Lisa asked, shocked and half hesitant she heard him right.
“Don't be surprised. You've been helpful for a while. Don't jinx it.”
Lisa thought for a second. “Anything related to you may be good, but useful questions should be up for you to seek. I have my own curiosity that will always come after you, rather than the overall topic of Anatidaes. I don't need them. I need you alone.”
Murai heard her every word with quite some impression. He didn't reply to her and turned to Mindarch. “Why was Levandis curious about making Anatidae Golem?”
Mindarch was silent for a second, before humming in interesting tones.
[That is... a curious question. I do wonder if that is answerable, as it is kind of hidden, so depending on the Perk, it may be decently answerable or not.]
“Minor one will do. I am just curious.”
[Well, then there is nothing much to this question then.] Mindarch secretly cheered, since Chaotic Perk would give this topic immense flavor that would piss Levandis for sure. [She was interested in how such a little creature could wield so much power. It runs in Bloodline, so it is deep and old. Ancient, almost, which isn't wrong. Anatideamons are older than this world, or so it is believed. It isn't a fact.]
“Fact? How many things you've said so far wasn't a fact? I don't like half-truths or guesses!” Murai quacked in annoyance.
[All of them were facts! I don't lie!] Mindarch argued. [Anyway, the interest in making a golem out of them was simply in their nature, and golem-making was stagnant for many cycles. She deemed a change, thus she started creating new kinds of golems. It is an old process, with new features and ideas that only come around in this world of interest and countless colliding cultures. Blessed changes a lot of things, as one of many reasons why, Citizen M.]
“That doesn't answer my question all that much.”
[That is what a Minor Perk does for this kind of question. Next question.]
Murai took a long breath to figure out what he should ask next.
Lisa was itching to ask about his Mother but figured she shouldn't try her Fate.
“Answered a bunch of interests, but what else is there for me... I don't know...”
[Perhaps I can guide your interest with a simple Minor Perk question?] Mindarch offered. [There are a lot of topics that may provide many additions to your current living.]
“Don't need a question for more questions,” Murai said. “Time for a Chaotic one then, before going to the rest...”
[Oh, is Citizen M that confident about this question? Think twice about the Chaotic Perk! It does happen rarely!]
“I am an Anatidae. Give me a deep rundown of myself, my possibilities, merits, ideas, aspects, and strengths that deem some interest in your Codex. I know you've researched me throughout this temple's Gates and battles like a rat. Each foe went hand in hand in the latest Gate, giving me various headaches and touches like some mild or intense experiments. Who else than you decides that? You should know all about it. You know a bunch of things I don't because of added context. Your Codex also runs deeper than I could know, so give me some ideas for my future or present. It could go to Panaceas, my spells, and so on. Hm? Is it all? I hope I didn't forget anything.”
[That... seems deep.] Mindarch mumbled because of his demands. He feared that he should not have given him the Chaotic Perk. Now it bit him back.
“This is exactly what a Chaotic Perk question shall be like,” Lisa said with a smile.
[Ehm... Fine. Extensive and deep topics are my forte, and this is the only chance for your Chaotic Perk to shine. I hoped for it to arrive in a different light.]
“Just talk like you should,” Murai said. “About me and my demands. I want it deep.”
[Well, I can see why...] Mindarch gave up and went over the details. [Your readings are clear to me like my experiments. The surroundings of your might are subject to a Child Panacea, the forefront runners of the magic of your species. Magic is their primary power and it is often said to be the most acceptable and adaptable magical beast. They can handle anything you give them, with few shifts or ridiculous things that would require a specific Bloodline to work. Those could be some blood-related powers, physique-based powers, or spells that need special attention, and so on.]
[You are at the Risen Stage right now, making you a Child that is of Panacea Sub-Species. Eat and fight, get your attributes high, and you will grow out of your Risen Stage.]
[Filled with 3 affinities, Water, Flame, and Sharpness, your Beast Core is fairly... impressive for its limited ways, but your affinities are stable. All is good between them, albeit Water and Flame are different from one another like Light and Darkness. And Flame doesn't like Sharpness either.]
[Everything can be interchangeable when you have your Universal Affinity, making the affinities one of the strong aspects of Panaceas. You work with it as you deem fit because of the strength of your species, albeit the Water is lacking as you don't like it.]
“Agreed. Water isn't good.”
[I suggest combining Water and Sharpness or changing your approach to your affinities as a whole. You hardly changed your ways or approach to it, but your time in Gate 2 was subject to your core powers. I saw it as a good idea, but magic is what makes Panaceas special. Not their beaks necessarily, but it is one of their strong aspects too, since they are beasts.]
“Will see what I can do when I want to do that.” Murai excuses himself. He will definitely focus on magic in the future. When, was another question.
[There ought to be great additions later too. Experiments and proper learning curves with affinities give Panaceas better attention and options. Heavenly Shaping should follow it too, according to my Codex and information about its historical aspects. Beasts have some neat characteristics that run deep and... Pillage created something interesting indeed. Give it a deep try, that is my suggestion about some of your magical potential, but his topic is away from this topic, so I shall not reach deeper.]
“Is this not about Anatideas? I prefer to take suggestions when asked.”
[You did ask. Magic is magic. How one handles it is different, and every Anatidae takes their magic seriously. You do it differently, as Blessed without Anatidae instincts, but never mind. It seems you don't like it either, but you handle it for the time being, or not at all.]
Murai grunted as Mindarch continued.
[Beside the course of magic is the core of everything that makes Anatiades savage little monstrosities.]
[The BODY!] He shouted as he proclaimed a massive truthful statement.
No one here was impressed by this.
[There are strengths in the body of a Panacea, albeit not to the degree of Peniscula, who are known as powerful and physique-based beasts. Flesh and body are still strong in you, as you are quite compatible with it more than the Panacea.]
[Perhaps you would make a great Peniscula, but the strengths of Panacea are still notable by your soul and handling of your acts, making you some sort of hybrid that has fewer disadvantages. Panacea's physical aspects are still strong, while Bloodline's abilities or their aspects are also there.]
[Those are Beak's Peak, Beak's Blitz, and partly, Mana Sonar, which is a variant of Detection spells that stems from various species that Anatidae are also part of. It is part of a whole lot of bird species, so think of Sonar as something fairly compatible with you.]
“Agreed.” Murai nodded. “So, the Bloodline-related abilities aren't some spells?”
[Kind of. Magic has spells. Body-related powers are called abilities in most depictions of readings. It gives some differences to both. Oh, I almost forgot. How poor of me. The Diving Sphere is exclusive power to Anatidaes as well. There are many others beside it as well, stemming from your beak, feathers, or wings, and Bloodline histories. Those are the major aspects that I've mentioned already. They are unique to Anatidaes as their strengths lay in what is clear to their physicality.]
Murai wanted to argue about something, but Mindarch spoke without any stops. Perhaps for the better.
[Peak and Blitz are kind of like body spells, but Bloodline-related to mana. Depending on mana, they follow the body and mana at the same time. It all works wonderfully in you, Citizen M. You've worked hard and established great merits in fighting powers over the Peak and Blitz. You get the gist of their inputs, depending on the core, their backlashes, or their potential.]
“At the cost of your damned experiments, being a rat, and my strategies. I must thank you, in a rather begrudging manner.” Murai said coldly, unwilling to admit that he was a little grateful for Mindarch's challenges.
[No worries. You have your time. Anyway, Blitz is flexible and powerful in quick close-quarter combat. Its Fatality is also sharp like a shot of a spear, with massive point damage. Peak is utter savagery in any input, meant to shatter things. Everything has some foundation and fountain to cheer it all up. Inputs and seconds are also there, as I must say you know it already.]
“Beak is easy to figure, but wings? I don't think there are a lot about them up to myself.”
[Right. Wings are wings. They are like hands, but... not really]
“What did you just say?” Murai grunted a question, half angry to hear anything about hands. It was insensible for Mindarch to speak of it, so he changed the topic.
[Then, another suggestion follows the topic of wings. You should work or implement some ideas around the wings and Shaping. Blade could work with them well, or feathers do. Mana and feathers are all part of the Panacea magic. There are many ways Anatidaes take their wings as better Mana Blades, but that requires either good training, Influence Item, or a great degree of Sharpness. Some things are under your possession, as familiarity comes with efficiency, and efficiency comes with training.]
“Go on,” Murai said, half impressed and curious.
[Influencing feathers to make them sharp with Shaprnes and mana works making to work with your beak, but you've never trained with them. It is suggested in our research that finding ways to awaken some powers requires specific touches and training. Nothing comes out of nothing. One should provide for oneself too. It could do something good, and you may work with Shaping as your priority, rather than be dependent on the body. Choices are essentially endless when you have so many choices. Anatidae are really wonderful little creatures.] Mindach cheered in a good mood.
Muria heard some truth out of this. Shaping and taking initiative in finding power was what training and Boostless living provided. It wasn't anything unfamiliar, so he was curious how many things he could force out of his efforts.
So far, his body limited this approach, so what Mindarch suggested didn't shock him. The main problem was that his body may not cooperate with this idea or his soul.
If wings could be worked with in a similar manner as his beak, then... perhaps he was overthinking it, but that didn't seem easy at all. Beak-related powers went out of him on their own, feeling good and comfortable, while nothing about his wings was there for him at all. He depended on their flight a few times, but that was it.
“Can't see a point in wings. I have nothing to prove their strengths besides some... ideas. It isn't that practical.”
“Training can change that. It is your body part, you see.” Lisa said. “Time can do well for you, right beside you tries.”
“You think I don't know that?”
“I wonder. Your Blitz did that to you already, changing because you haven't touched Fury, yet your body and something did change it. It all comes down to your trials and errors. That is what learning, comprehending, and training without any shred of Boosts in sight does. All of that then comes out as a Boost because of met standards, readings, or after your own understanding. Either way, there is no loss in trying some suggestions. Will of the Battleworld provides nice touches for most beings, so finding ways to reach quicker or proper conclusions is up to individuals. It is how Mindarch said it. Forcing some acts out of Boosts is possible because of training that could ease the progression and learning. Got it?”
[Couldn't argue with a ghost more.]
Murai looked at Lisa with suspicion, believing that what she said wasn't entirely right or wrong. He didn't feel he got the hang of the Will of the Battleworld anyway, which was something Lisa knew.
“Fine. I get the idea, but tell it to the world then. I can learn however I want, so no one will stop it, right?”
“That is... something else,” Lisa mumbled.
“Though so. Anyway, continue.” Murai ordered Mindarch.
[Feathers and wings are one of the more difficult aspects to work with and something that you take with apprehensions and slowly creeping ideas. Take them all for your limbs and body. It is your tool. Your weapon. I can see how difficult it all is. The beak is often considered to be the most precious thing in Anatiade bodies, right beside the feathers, or an outside perspective can change that. It is rigid and strong, second to the feathers that are all over them.]
[When it comes to your encompassing abilities of Anatidae, you are at the beginning stage of your species, albeit speed is up to your benefits, stemming from the way of your teachings or handling, or accomplishments. There is frankly not much to be said than to continue doing what you do, build up the strengths, and figure it all out as you go. I've said the strengths and what you want.]
[As for the further possibilities that you depended on. The power of the Chaos Perk is wild, but there is nothing much to power for a Child. Growth allows that. You are young, so the best thing I can suggest is increasing the Success of your Beast Core, strengthening Shaping related powers, coming to terms with your body and affinities, and fusing that all.]
[You could make due techniques, make new ones, or use tomes or things in your head, Blessed. These sorts of beings use various techniques with ideas from outside of this world. The world will acknowledge that, whether Encounter is dooming over your head or not. It will pass, I believe. Well, after the Part 1, I mean. There is that encompassing chain that I got rid of, albeit briefly.]
[Which is why you should take the upcoming Gates seriously! Try not to die at Gate 3!]
[That's it for the Chaotic Perk question. Hope it is to your devices, but that is what a Child Panacea gets. Too bad. If you were stronger or older, there would be more readings and benefits.] Mindarch sighed.
Murai agreed again, thinking he got more than he asked for, but Mindarch hadn't mentioned a word about souls. Perhaps it wasn't within his Codex, or Murai figured it wasn't about Anatidaes at all, so he didn't talk about it.
It wasn't wrong. Mindarch spoke enough and even gave suggestions when he didn't have to.