Chapter 59 - User’s influence in another world
The room felt heavier with each passing second, as if the very air had thickened under the weight of Jianfeng’s words. Shadows from the flickering torchlight danced on the rough fabric walls of the tent, casting elongated shapes that seemed to echo the grim history being unraveled. Adam sat stiffly, his fingers curling and uncurling restlessly against his knee, his eyes flicked between his comrades, gauging their reactions. Li’s jaw was clenched, his brows knit together in a furrow of deep concentration. Drake, ever the stoic, leaned slightly forward, his broad shoulders tense as if ready to spring into action despite the stationary nature of the conversation.
Kazue’s wide eyes shimmered with a mix of awe and excitement, her breath shallow as she absorbed every detail of the tale. Sebastian's usually composed demeanor cracked ever so slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line, Nikolai's expression was harder to read, his face a mask of quiet contemplation, yet the slight tapping of his boot against the floor betrayed an undercurrent of unease.
In stark contrast, Chloe sat with a confused tilt of her head, her brows slightly raised as if still trying to catch up. Katya fidgeted beside her, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her clothes. Emir and Gregor shared a glance, the young boy’s brow furrowed in deep thought while the older man’s eyes bore the weariness of someone too familiar with stories of war and betrayal. The dichotomy between those who understood the stakes and those still grappling with the context was palpable.
Breaking the silence, Adam’s voice cut through, steady but tinged with an edge of daring.
“Normally, any mention of the system, or the lobby, to characters within a scenario is instantly censored.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
“But here we are... discussing it freely.”
All eyes turned toward him, the room seemed to hold its breath, the anticipation of some unseen force intervening hanging thickly in the air. Seconds stretched into an agonizing eternity, but nothing happened. No glitchy censoring, no system warnings, not even a whisper of the usual constraints they had come to expect. Adam’s heart pounded, the sound loud in his ears.
“Why isn’t it stopping us?”
The boy thought, the implications swirling in his mind like a storm. His gaze returned to Jianfeng, whose solemn face held no answers, only the promise of more revelations. After a moment of shared uncertainty, Adam nodded, signaling for Jianfeng to continue. So, the ancient warrior who had a face etched with a thousand untold stories took a breath and began.
“The world of Murim was not always as you see it now. Long ago, it was a place of relentless conflict, where might determined right. Sects, alliances, and schools waged constant war over territories, their ambitions fueled by an unyielding thirst for power.”
Jianfeng started, his voice low and steady and his eyes narrowed as he recalled the distant past.
“These were times of chaos, where betrayal was commonplace, and every man, woman, and child knew the way of the sword or fist. The strong ruled, and the weak were swept aside like leaves in a storm.”
Some shivered, not from the cold, but from the vivid imagery of a world so harsh, so unforgiving. They imagined vast landscapes dotted with towering mountains, each peak a stronghold for a different sect, their banners flying proudly… But rivers of blood carved paths through fertile valleys, and the skies themselves seemed to weep for the countless lives lost in endless battles.
“Then came Erlang Zhanshen, who later became our Supreme Immortal Emperor. He was unlike any other—a warrior of such immense strength and skill that his name alone inspired both awe and fear. He saw the chaos and resolved to bring order. One by one, he challenged the leaders of the warring factions, besting them not just with brute force but with a vision of unity.”
Jianfeng’s voice grew firmer, his gaze turned distant, as if seeing the long-gone figure of the Supreme Immortal Emperor.
“For a hundred years, he fought. Each victory was a step closer to his ultimate goal: the unification of Murim. Those who refused to join him met their end swiftly.”
Adam could almost see it—an endless horizon of battlefields, the clang of steel against steel, and the thunderous roar of warriors clashing under the Emperor’s banner. The Supreme Immortal Emperor, a towering figure radiating an almost divine presence, stood amidst the carnage, a beacon of unyielding resolve.
“It wasn’t merely his martial prowess that set him apart, he had mastered the essence of life itself. His understanding of the martial path transcended the mortal coil, granting him immortality.”
Jianfeng continued, his voice dropping to a reverent hush. Kazue leaned forward, her lips parted in awe.
“Immortality...”
She asked almost involuntarily due to the sheer surprise of such a concept.
“Yes.”
Jianfeng affirmed.
“He shared this secret with a chosen few—his closest allies, the Council of Six. I was among them. Together, we ruled, bringing peace and prosperity to Murim. Under his guidance, the martial arts flourished, reaching heights previously thought unattainable.”
The story unfolded like an epic tapestry before their eyes. They could see the thriving world of Murim in their minds—a place of disciplined warriors, serene monasteries perched on cliffs, grand tournaments where the strongest vied for glory, and a time of peace under the wise and mighty Immortal Emperor.
But Jianfeng’s expression darkened, casting a shadow over the idyllic imagery.
“But five centuries ago, that peace was shattered. A group of strangers appeared in one of our great cities, their presence an anomaly. They were unlike anyone we had ever seen, wielding powers that defied our understanding.”
Li’s hand tightened on his elbows, his curiosity kicking in.
“What kind of powers?”
Jianfeng’s eyes met his, filled with a mixture of fear and fascination.
“Techniques that made no sense. They moved without moving, struck without striking. Their very existence seemed to bend the rules of our world.”
Adam’s mind raced, drawing parallels with their own experiences. Powers that defy logic... just like theirs.
“They clashed with an important sect leader, he was corrupt, a stain upon our land, but his death at their hands brought chaos. I was sent to confront them, but even I was no match for the five of them. In a weird twist of fate, they didn’t kill me, and The Emperor himself had to intervene.”
Jianfeng’s fists clenched, the memory of that fateful confrontation searing in his mind.
“The Emperor fought them for a whole day without pause, while speaking with their leader... and, to my surprise, they suddenly ended the fight out of nowhere… The Emperor invited them to the Jade Palace with a smile, something we had never seen before. None of us in the Council agreed with his decision, but his word was law.”
Chloe’s eyes darted between the others, still trying to piece everything together.
“Why would he trust them?”
The girl asked because, despite everything, it was rare that the Emperor came to trust a group of strangers who had even defeated one of his closest subordinates.
“I don’t know what they talked about at that moment, but after they were in the palace, they warned us of another group like them, a group even more dangerous, poised to descend upon our world. The Emperor believed them, and we prepared for the coming storm. But no preparation could have readied us for what followed.”
Jianfeng explained, his voice heavy with the weight of old doubts. The room seemed to darken, the tale veering into its most harrowing chapter.
“The invaders arrived, uniting our enemies against us, and even worse, our own allies… At their side was a ‘Council of Six’ member, Mo Yanhui, now known as Lord Varek. He betrayed us, leading the charge alongside those foreigners. And in a battle that shook the heavens, he... he killed the Emperor.”
Jianfeng’s voice cracked, the pain of that moment still fresh.
“I arrived too late. I saw the Emperor fall, his chest pierced by Varek’s hand. I tried to avenge him, but I was stopped by those I once called comrades at the council, now loyal to Varek. They too had betrayed us.”
The weight of his words settled heavily on the group. The betrayal, the loss, the descent into chaos—it was all too much to bear.
“I fled after being nearly killed by them.”
The man confessed, his voice a mix of sorrow and shame.
“The entire kingdom plunged into chaos after the Emperor fell. Without his unifying presence, the land fractured. Our enemies surged forward, and the once-great Murim descended into anarchy. Amid the turmoil, there was no sign of the foreigners—neither the group that had warned us nor the invaders who had brought devastation. They vanished as if swallowed by the earth.”
Jianfeng’s voice wavered, a crack of despair breaking through.
“Amid this chaos, I sought out anyone who might stand against Lord Varek, and I found only one—Park Zhen, the last remaining council member who hadn’t allied with him. You know him as the Don you met. I had hoped he would fight, but after we spoke, he decided resistance was futile. He saw no point in standing against what was to come. And so... he left.”
A palpable silence filled the room, the gravity of his words sinking in. The image of Park Zhen, a figure of incredible strength, walking away from the fight, lingered in their minds, a bitter testament to the hopelessness of those times.
“The world changed after that day, Lord Varek began to consolidate power once more, but this time his methods were far more brutal. The remnants of the old Murim were crushed under his iron fist. And with him stood the four members of the council who betrayed the Emperor. They became his subordinates, wielding powers beyond comprehension.”
Jianfeng continued, his tone bitter as his eyes narrowed, his expression darkening.
“The strangest part was how Varek and his soldiers displayed abilities that defied all logic. These weren’t martial arts or ki manipulation as we knew them. No, they were like the powers those foreigners wielded—unnatural, inexplicable.”
The room seemed to grow colder at his words, the notion of such alien powers unsettling. Kazue’s hands trembled slightly, her mind reeling with the implications of a force so foreign yet so devastatingly effective.
“With these abilities, it was easy for Varek to seize control of the entire world, the old ways, the traditions and customs that defined Murim, began to fade. Varek ushered in a new era, one built on knowledge and technology that seemed to materialize overnight. The world modernized rapidly, and the Murim I knew was lost.”
He paused, his gaze distant as if seeing the passage of centuries unfold before him.
“Five hundred years have passed since that day. The world has advanced in ways I could never have imagined. Yet, it has come at a great cost. The four council members who betrayed the Emperor have become the Four Dons, ruling the most important regions with an iron grip. Each of them is immortal, their power rivaling even the gods of old.”
Jianfeng’s voice dropped to a whisper, a confession laced with both shame and defiance.
“As for me... I have lived in exile, bearing the burden of dishonor. Many times I have tried to rally forces to strike against Varek’s regime, but it’s impossible. His power is absolute, and society... society has changed. They don’t remember the Murim as it was. They only know the world Varek has created.”
The weight of his words settled over the group like a shroud. Jianfeng’s tale painted a bleak picture of a world forever altered, where the old ways were all but forgotten, and a tyrant reigned supreme with powers that bent reality itself.
A suffocating silence followed his tale, each member of the group grappling with the enormity of what they had just heard. Adam’s thoughts whirled, connections forming in his mind, theories taking shape.
“Two teams of outsiders... could this be related to the ‘Collabs’ in the system? And Varek, using powers like ours... what does it all mean?”
The questions piled up, each more pressing than the last, leaving them all on the edge of uncertainty… Either way, Jianfeng took a deep breath, his weathered face showing a mixture of hope and desperation. His eyes met each of theirs, lingering for a moment as if searching for a glimmer of agreement or understanding.
“I cannot force you, but I implore you to help me. You come from another world, much like those foreigners who brought this calamity upon us. Perhaps, you might hold the key to understanding the strange powers and abilities that Lord Varek and his Dons wield.”
The man said, his voice steady but pleading; Adam, Li, Drake, and Kazue exchanged glances, each digesting the weight of Jianfeng’s words, but before any of them could respond, a shimmering, translucent screen appeared before their eyes, hovering silently in the air.
image [https://i.imgur.com/qhNTEQe.png]
Li’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he clenched his fists, his heart pounding with excitement.
"Finally! We’ve unlocked it!"
He exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. His determination to reach this point had been relentless, and now, a sense of achievement surged through him.
Adam, though more reserved, felt a surge of relief at first, but after carefully reading the information of the subplot, he felt that something wasn’t right, his analytical mind pieced together the implications of such an ambiguous synopsis, especially when the end goal was just defeating the Dons but not Lord Varek, and just by wording alone it could mean… Could it be possible? A subplot that would end in the resistance's defeat regardless of what they did, and what about the [??? 0/1] option? This Subplot was different to the ones that they encountered in the last scenario.
On the other hand, Kazue, always eager for adventure, felt her heart race. She shared in Li’s enthusiasm, her chuunibyou tendencies flaring up momentarily.
"This is just like in the stories."
She whispered to herself, the thrill of being part of something monumental making her pulse quicken. Jianfeng, sensing their collective energy, continued.
“There’s something you must know. Attacking the Dons directly is impossible under normal circumstances. They always find a way to regroup when needed. But soon, an event will take place across different parts of the world. For the first time in over a century, the Dons will be separated.”
His voice lowered, the weight of his next words pressing down on the group.
“Our target will be Don Bai Huolong. He has been tasked with leading the gathering in Heavenly Jade City instead of Park Zhen for some reason. This will leave him isolated, and somewhat vulnerable. We’ll use this rare opportunity to strike.”
The room seemed to tense as Jianfeng laid out the plan.
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“We have two weeks. During this time, we’ll gather every piece of information we can from you—knowledge that might give us an edge, and we would also appreciate your aid in the battle.”
The group nodded thoughtfully, their gaze steady, knowing what they needed to do.
"We need to make the most of these two weeks. Preparation will be crucial."
Said Adam, still thinking about what was happening and how to tackle it appropriately. Kazue’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, her voice filled with eagerness.
"We’ll do our part! We’ve come this far, and we’re not backing down now."
Jianfeng’s expression softened, gratitude evident in his eyes.
“Thank you. During this time, you can also familiarize yourselves with the rest of the Alliance. It will be important to build trust and coordination before we discuss more critical matters.”
The group exchanged determined looks. Each of them felt the weight of the mission ahead, but there was also a spark of hope… Immediately after, they rose from their seats within the dimly lit tent, the fabric walls swaying gently in the breeze. The air inside was heavy with the scent of herbs and the lingering tension of the conversation they had just shared with Jianfeng.
Li was the first to speak as they got out, his voice brimming with conviction.
“It’s clear what we need to do, we’ve unlocked a subplot mission again, which means greater rewards if we complete it.”
Adam crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful yet cautious.
“I understand the allure of the rewards, especially after what we obtain in the last scenario, but we can’t ignore the risks. Not only its description is extremely suspicious, but we’ve also seen what Park Zhen is capable of. If Jianfeng’s strength is comparable, there might be a chance, but not with our current level.”
Kazue’s face lit up with an almost childlike enthusiasm. Her voice was filled with excitement, bordering on glee.
“That’s exactly why we have two weeks!”
She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
“It’s the perfect setup! We’re meant to train, to grow stronger. This is like living out one of my favorite stories!”
The others seemed less convinced, exchanging uncertain glances. Adam, however, couldn’t shake the memory of that morning, so he looked at Li thoughtfully.
“Actually… She might be onto something this time, you awakened your ki accidentally, didn’t you? Thanks to the medical treatment you received, if we could replicate that for the rest of us, it might give us a boost.”
Adam said, even when the girl was pouting at the part of “This time”, but before anyone could respond, a familiar, cheerful voice called out from behind them.
“Hey there!”
Shen approached with an easy grin, his steps light and energetic.
“I just heard the news—you’re staying to help the Alliance! That’s fantastic!”
His enthusiasm was infectious, and the group couldn’t help but smile in return, or at least most of them. Shen clapped his hands together.
“Well, since you’ll be here for a while, let me show you around. You need to get familiar with the place, right?”.
Nobody complained, so Shen led the way, chatting animatedly as he walked.
“First things first, the hierarchy. At the top, we have Jianfeng, our leader… Please forget he’s my father, it’s not something that matters now. Below him are the ten vice-captains, including myself, some of the people you saw in the tent earlier are part of that group. And then there’s everyone else—the fighters, the support staff, you name it.”
Kazue listened intently, her eyes wide as she soaked in every word. Katya, however, kept a cautious eye on her, worried about her reaction to Shen, but when Kazue showed more interest in their surroundings than in Shen himself, the blond let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Shen continued, pointing to various parts of the camp.
“Over here, we’ve got the dining area. Food’s simple but hearty—enough to keep you going through tough days.”
Chloe wrinkled her nose slightly but said nothing, while Kazue’s excitement didn’t waver.
“It’s just like a base camp in a strategy game.”
Kazue whispered, her voice filled with awe, Shen just smiled at the unknown words and moved on.
“That building over there is for meditation. It’s quiet and peaceful—perfect for centering yourself.”
Sebastian nodded approvingly.
“A place to clear the mind. I could use that.”
Falk nodded, still perched on his shoulder, meaning that he agreed.
“The barracks are over there.”
Shen continued, gesturing towards a row of sturdy tents.
“Simple accommodations, but comfortable enough. And, of course, we have the baths further down.”
Chloe finally spoke up, her tone slightly sarcastic.
“Oh, great. Communal baths.”
Shen chuckled.
“It’s not as bad as you think, I promise.”
The tour concluded at the training area, a large open space where warriors sparred and trained with remarkable skill. The sound of clashing weapons and shouted commands filled the air. The sight was breathtaking, especially for Drake, whose eyes widened with admiration.
“This is incredible.”
Drake muttered, watching as two fighters executed a series of dazzling techniques.
“They’re on a whole different level.”
It was clear that all this atmosphere had caught the blonde’s attention to the maximum, after all, even tho he had grown up basically fighting every day of his life, he had never seen such discipline, as if combat was not all about brutality and violence. Meanwhile, Adam seized the moment to address Shen.
“Shen, I’ve been thinking about something. Earlier today, Li accidentally awakened his ki. We were wondering if it’s possible to do the same for the rest of us.”
Shen’s brows shot up in surprise.
“Awaken ki by accident? That’s not something you hear every day, you otherworlders are so weird.”
He said, his tone incredulous, but he still paused, considering the idea.
“In this world, everyone is born with their ki channels open. But… there have been cases of people with blocked ki from birth. They are treated with acupressure techniques to awaken their ki.”
Adam explained further.
“Li also took a recovery pill right before his ki awakened. We think that might have played a role.”
Shen nodded slowly, his mind racing.
“Hmm… That makes sense. The combination of treatment and the pill might have triggered something. It could be an interesting idea. We’ll need to gather the necessary resources and experts, but it’s worth a shot if that’s what you like.”
The group exchanged hopeful glances, the prospect of unlocking their ki filling them with renewed determination.
————
The hours passed quietly as the group dispersed, each indulging in their own interests around the camp. Adam wandered towards a shaded corner of the camp, where a few ancient texts and scrolls were stored. He thumbed through them with a thoughtful expression, hoping to find any tidbit of knowledge that could offer an edge. His curiosity about the mechanics of ki deepened with each passing moment.
Kazue, on the other hand, darted around the camp followed by Katya. She eagerly explored every nook and cranny, marveling at the intricate designs and the harmonious layout of the camp while dragging her blond friend by the hand. The artistry, the carefully constructed pavilions, and the flowing banners fascinated her, a dreamlike manifestation of her fantasies.
Chloe sat by the meditation area, not meditating like Sebastian, but observing the serenity around her. Despite her initial reluctance, she appreciated the calm it provided, and she occasionally cast glances at the sparring grounds, where Nikolai, Gregor, and Emir were fully immersed in observing the warriors. The two men stood there, arms crossed, absorbing every detail of their technique, while the little kid was just amazed to the point of disbelief.
Drake, however, found himself at the edge of the training area, where he quietly admired the warriors' prowess. The sheer physicality and discipline on display resonated with him. He could almost feel the power emanating from their precise strikes and fluid movements, stirring something deep within him.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Shen returned, a lively spring in his step.
“Hey, everyone! I’ve spoken with the camp’s physicians. They’re ready to start the treatment to awaken your ki.”
The group reconvened, their previous conversations lingering in their minds as Shen led them toward the infirmary. The building was an architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and flowing calligraphy that hinted at ancient wisdom and the scent of medicinal herbs wafting through the air.
Inside, several physicians awaited them, their serene expressions contrasting with the formidable tools they held—long, thin acupuncture needles, glimmering faintly with imbued ki. Despite the intimidating sight, none of the group flinched. There was a brief, shared glance among them, as if silently acknowledging the unspoken irony: typically, someone would panic at the sight of such needles, but not here, not now.
One by one, they took their places on the padded mats. Li, having already undergone the treatment, stood by, his arms crossed, exuding a sense of quiet confidence. The others removed their shirts and towels were provided to the girls for modesty. The physicians moved with practiced precision, placing the heated, ki-infused needles at key points along their meridians.
The lead physician, an elderly man with a wise, composed demeanor, explained as he worked.
“We listened carefully to your account of your friend’s experience. It is clear that his body responded as a last-ditch effort to survive. Such a process, while successful, is inherently dangerous. Under normal circumstances, it could have been fatal.”
Li chuckled, attempting to mask his nervousness.
“Is that so? … Well, of course, my body is strong.”
He said with a smirk, but the way he swallowed hard betrayed his lingering anxiety. The physician simply nodded.
“For you, the treatment will simply open your meridians. You must learn to generate ki naturally. Meditation is the foundation—simple, but essential.”
Shen stepped forward, his usual cheer tempered with sincerity.
“I’ll guide you through it. It’s the first step in mastering your energy, even little kids here can do it unconsciously.”
As the treatment progressed, the room filled with a palpable tension. The needles, warmed by ki, gently pulsed as they worked to unblock the group’s dormant channels. One by one, they felt a strange warmth spread through their bodies, a sign of the ki beginning to flow.
Suddenly, the air grew thick, charged with an unseen energy. Drake’s body began to emit an intense heat, his skin glistening with sweat as an immense surge of ki poured from him, visible as a faint, shimmering vapor. The physicians stepped back, alarmed and seeing the scene in absolute terror.
“Drake, stop!”
Shen’s voice was sharp, urgent.
“You’re expelling your life force! Close your meridians, now!”
Drake’s eyes widened, panic flickering across his face.
“I—I don’t know how!”
He stammered, his body trembling under the strain.
The group watched in horror as Drake’s life force continued to pour out. Adam clutched his stomach, a sharp, twisting pain ripping through him. His face paled as he realized the parasite within him was reacting, drawn to the overwhelming energy like a moth to a flame.
But then, an even stranger phenomenon occurred. The ki emanating from Drake began to swirl and gravitate towards Emir. The boy’s eyes widened in confusion as the energy was absorbed into his body, seemingly without effort.
“I—I don’t know what’s happening, I swear!”
Emir exclaimed, his small frame trembling under the weight of the energy influx.
But that was just exactly what Drake needed to cool down, breathe calmly, and finally manage to regain control, to the incredulous looks of the doctors and even Shen himself. The room fell silent, the tension easing but leaving an undercurrent of unease. The physicians examined Emir with great care, their expressions grim.
“There’s no trace of ki within him.”
One of them remarked.
“Yet, his meridians are absorbing energy indiscriminately. This is highly unusual.”
Shen’s brow furrowed, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a solemn contemplation. Not only was there an abnormally talented individual about Ki manipulation, but also a kid who seemed to be a possessor of Void Ki, just like… Hmm, that was not good at all.
Either way, the procedure concluded without further incident, and the group slowly rose from their mats, stretching and donning their clothing once more. Shen, ever the patient guide, gestured for them to follow him, leading them to a quiet, secluded area of the camp, a space carefully chosen for its tranquility and seclusion, even more so than the meditation area.
“Alright, everyone, take a seat.”
Shen instructed, settling himself cross-legged on the ground. The others followed suit, forming a loose circle around him. The guy’s voice took on a soothing, instructional tone.
“Meditation is the foundation of all ki control. To harness your energy, you must find your center. This requires concentration, relaxation, controlled breathing, and above all, inner peace. Clear your mind and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply… exhale slowly.”
The group closed their eyes, each trying to follow Shen’s guidance in their own way. Adam sat with his back straight, his hands resting on his knees, trying to steady his thoughts, though the persistent memory of the parasite gnawed at the edge of his concentration. Chloe crossed her arms, her expression of skepticism softening as she attempted to focus. Kazue’s excitement bubbled just beneath the surface, making it hard for her to truly relax, while Katya maintained a composed facade, though her thoughts wandered.
Drake appeared more at ease despite his earlier ordeal, his breathing was steady, and his focus sharp. Minutes ticked by, the sounds of the camp fading into the background.
Suddenly, a subtle shift in the air occurred. Drake’s body began to radiate a controlled yet potent ki, his energy visible as a faint glow around him. Shen’s eyes widened in surprise and admiration.
“Drake… you’re a natural at this. Your control is exceptional for someone just starting out.”
Shen said, although its tone lacked his usual joy. But at the same time, a loud gurgle echoed through the serene space, breaking the calm. All eyes turned toward Adam, whose face flushed with embarrassment as his stomach protested loudly. Chloe couldn’t contain herself, laughing openly. Katya and Kazue exchanged amused glances, stifling their giggles behind their hands.
Adam tried to brush it off, his voice tinged with awkwardness.
“I… I think I need to step away for a moment.”
But before he could rise, Drake reached out, gently grasping Adam’s arm.
“Wait.”
He said, his tone firm yet understanding.
“You don’t have to keep going if it’s causing you this much trouble. I think… I might be able to help you.”
Adam looked at Drake, his surprise evident. Before he could protest, Drake took both of Adam’s hands in his own. The contact was unexpected, and the reaction from the others was immediate. Chloe’s eyes widened, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
“Oh my.”
She teased, unable to hide her amusement. Kazue and Katya shared a knowing glance, both blushing slightly. Kazue gave a playful thumbs-up, murmuring something like “Nice fanservice.”
Li, standing nearby, groaned audibly.
“Grow up.”
He muttered, shaking his head at their antics.
Drake closed his eyes, focusing inward. Slowly, a gentle stream of ki flowed from his hands into Adam’s, the warmth spreading through their connected palms. The boy felt the energy coursing through him, easing the discomfort in his stomach. Drake winced momentarily but quickly masked the pain.
After a few moments, Adam’s stomach quieted, and a peculiar dark energy began to emanate from his body as a system window appeared before him, something that let him dumbfounded.
⌠Due to the extreme intake of high-quality vital energy and the means to retain it within, your body is now capable of producing Cursed Energy naturally.⌡ ⌠Trait [Cursed Meridian Flow] has been created.⌡
"...?!"
Shen clapped his hands once, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Impressive, while I’m not entirely sure what just happened, it’s clear that blondie here has an unusually vast ki reserve, and you… well, your energy is akin to a Jian Shi. Those are undead warriors controlled by talismans, often possessing immense ki. Quite rare, but at this point, I’m not surprised by the peculiarities among you.”
Nikolai, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, his tone dry.
“Okay, that’s all well and good, but… how long are you two planning on holding hands? It’s getting weird.”
Adam quickly realized he was still holding hands and tried to get free, but to his surprise, Drake didn’t let go… A slight grimace crossed his face, but when he was ready to ask why the hell he was still touching him that way, the blonde shushed him with a harsh look.
“Wait just a minute, please”
Adam didn’t understand at first and was a bit creeped out but, almost immediately, two chat windows popped up in front of them.
image [https://i.imgur.com/pXAsFtA.png]
image [https://i.imgur.com/Sl4q39G.png]
⌠Otherworldly Fanbase: One of your fans is drolling over your “pure” friendship! You have been tipped 200 points.⌡ ⌠Otherworldly Fanbase: One of your new fans almost fainted with a gasp! You have been tipped “Pure Stamina Potion - Rank: C”⌡ ⌠Fanbase Count: [3 members] *+1 new member*⌡
Chloe whistled, clearly enjoying the spectacle, and joked about it.
“I didn’t know I needed to see that today.”
Kazue gave another approving thumbs-up, grinning.
“Fanservice at its finest!”
Li crossed his arms, exasperated.
“Seriously, can we move on? This is ridiculous.”
Drake finally let go of Adam while an actual bottle with a weird golden liquid materialized near him, part of the sponsorship he just received.
“Did… Did you just use me?!”
Adam said, ignorant of what it sounded like even tho he meant it literally, making Chloe and Kazue burst into laughter and Nikolai finally snap.
“Oh my god, dude, just shut up, you’re making it worse!”
Shen chuckled, his mood lightening.
“Alright, now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s get back to business… Mastering ki is essential. Normally, it would take about a week for beginners to reach this level, like newborns but that’s just newborns, and considering what you’ve shown today, I’m optimistic it’ll happen sooner for you all.”
He then turned his attention to Emir, who had been quietly observing the scene, his small frame tense.
“Little boy, come with me. We need to discuss your unique situation with Jianfeng.”
Emir glanced nervously at his friends. Kazue offered him a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry. Shen and Jianfeng are good people. They just want to help.”
Emir nodded hesitantly, rising to follow Shen. The others watched him go, knowing that his path might be the most challenging of all, but that was just life inside a scenario… After a few sighs, they settled back into their meditation.