After we returned home from the courtyard we waited till Ma and Chop came to rearrange the lounge room. Once they were done, the room looked a lot better. With two couches in front of the fireplace and a small table, it gave us somewhere to be able to relax. Thanks to my Cold Resistance, I didn’t exactly need a fireplace or coat, but I knew the other two would appreciate it.
Sitting down in the lounge room, I held the Tome of Advanced Knowledge in my hands as I contemplated what I should use it for. I knew from the Basics of Cooking book I had back in Crater that it was possible to create meals that can achieve results like increasing stats or empowering you for a short time, however that book never really went into it.
Currently my dilemma was in regards to whether I should seek knowledge on gardening, spellcasting or martial arts. I was hesitant about going with martial arts, since I knew there were all sorts of different types, and at first I thought of trying for knowledge about Dancing Fox Wind Style, the style Teacher Lee taught me, but I knew from Xia that style was holding my strength back by a lot. Otherwise I didn’t know what else I could seek when it came to martial arts.
For spellcasting, I knew this was something I desperately needed help with. I didn’t understand how to progress when it came to building the foundations for Wind and Lightning magic, and crafting actual spells was usually done in a moment of desperation or inspiration. I wanted to learn how to make spells on my own, without it coming from a book.
Lastly, gardening. This coupled very well with cooking, something I very much enjoyed at the moment and felt excited to see where I could go with it. If I could start making food that gave others more stats or empowered them, wouldn’t it help everyone like Aubrey and Elizabeth? Not only that, but I could give it to others like Bloom’s team since they have been good to me, or even Elise and Xia. Sighing, I leaned back while looking at the roof.
“Alisha.” Turning my head to Xia, she takes out her own Tome of Advanced Knowledge. “If you’re stuck, I can provide you with my Tome. I do not require anything at this time.”
“Are you sure? It’s something you received.” Shaking her head, Xia hands me the Tome.
“If you require assistance, I will provide my all to you. I will say however, if you wish to go down the path of food creation, you should use one for gardening and the other for food preparation. If possible, you should get a third Tome at some point to learn about advanced cooking as well.”
Tilting my head a bit, I had thought she was against me using it for things like cooking. Seeing my confusion, Xia gave me a slight smile.
“What I said earlier was to remind you that there were more options. However, remember that knowledge of all sorts can be found in the city. Perhaps learning more about food, gardening and cooking is something that will help you in the future, since I do not recall many places offering help with learning to cook…also, the food you made earlier was tasty…”
Smiling a bit, I liked seeing Xia speak more openly like this. Nodding as I agreed to what she said, I looked down on the first Tome and soon it morphed. The thin booklet very quickly became a very thick and heavy book, titled “Cultivating Fruit and Vegetables for Chefs”. Raising an eyebrow, the book was incredibly heavy. Opening it to the first page, I started reading.
***
Putting the book down on the table in front of me, my mind spun with how much information was held within them. I understood everything within it. How to cultivate all sorts of different plants, ranging from those I knew to those that I didn’t. It had information like how long certain plants should be in the sunlight, how some needed complete darkness or always be in sunlight. How to imbue mana into seeds to make them flourish, the right amount of water they needed daily, what type of soil, fertiliser and so on was best for certain plants to grow the best fruits and vegetables.
I read the book three times throughout the day. In fact, the day had turned to night at some point. In front of Xia were a few pages that I had her write for me about the plants, seeds, soil and fertiliser that I wanted to start on as soon as possible. Techniques in the book included cross breeding certain plants to make newer, tastier ones, or types that had stronger effects etc.
“Alisha, would you like to start gathering everything now?” Holding the papers, Xia turned to me.
Thinking about it for a moment, I nod. “First, I want to check the backyard and see if we can use it. If not, I’ll ask about changing it with the courthouse. We can also ask where to get everything.”
On the lists were different types of seeds, equipment as well as certain things like magic circles that provided water, covered a row of plants with Earth magic and for some provided heat to a row. As we went into the backyard, I found it to be quite a nice sight. We exited onto a patio, a round table and four chairs laid on it. The backyard itself was large, covered with grass and plots of soil for flowers. This was something I couldn’t work with, the plots of soil were simply too small.
Talking with Xia, who seemed rather excited herself, I found we’d have to convert the entire backyard, excluding the patio, to fit my needs. With an idea of how I wanted to remake everything thanks to the examples provided in the book, we headed to the courthouse and found Sebestian once again.
After giving him details of what I wanted to do, he drew an example of my description and after discussing it thoroughly, we found a design that was perfect. The courthouse was also able to handle inscribing all of the magic circles we needed, as well as purchasing and installing all the equipment we’d require. All up, it would cost 3 Platinum coins for everything, a cost I wasn’t expecting.
“The main costs come from the equipment and magic circle inscriptions. What you are looking to build is rather…complex and advanced, thus requiring more work than your previous requests. It will take a day to gather everything, so in two days we will be able to set everything up for you.”
Pursing my lips, I was short two Platinum coins. Xia however offered to cover the cost, once again saying she would support me. After thinking about it, I took her up on her offer, but planned to help her in anything that she required, which of course she said she didn’t need as what she wanted was what I wanted. Holding a sigh back, I had predicted that to be her answer. After making the purchase, Sebastian noted everything down.
“This job is rather large, it’s not very often we get requests like this. If Madam is a Chef, we can always discuss the option of extending your kitchen. Your house has a good amount of unused land on either side that you can build over. There are more facilities we can offer as well, such as converting the basement into a craftsmen room if you have anyone that specialises in that, or adding another level to the house. You have quite a bit of freedom to build upon the house.”
Taking in his words, I thought it over but declined for the time being. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself for the time being and the cost was getting rather scary. We handed Sebastian the plans for the magic circles and he looked them over.
“I don’t see a master control for these magic circles. I can reach out to a service that can create one for you. It will ensure that the magic circles are operational and allow you to control it from within the house. The cost…50 Gold coins, however I can assure that this will save you a lot of time and costs, as the master control will be able to supply natural mana to the magic circles, meaning you don’t need to manually supply the mana yourself.
“As you are an adventurer, there may be times where you will not return home for several days, a master control will keep everything going for you, the only thing you’d need to organise is for someone to pick the ripe fruits or vegetables.”
Without waiting for me, Xia handed me a Platinum coin and nodded. Scratching my ears with a bit of embarrassment, I agreed to Sebastian’s idea and after arranging for the master control to be in my bedroom, we left the courthouse while I felt excited.
“It’ll take a few days…Xia, thank you for helping me.” Smiling at Xia, she bowed slightly back.
“I am happy to help you, Alisha.” Looking at this girl with blue hair, my main concern was that she’d only ever concern herself with me. I’ve grown to like her and have started trusting her. Originally I still held thoughts of mistrust, however she has no once been punished by the System, meaning she had no ill intent towards me, hasn’t lied once and has held herself true, even after learning of my mistrust towards the Moon Goddess.
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Another fact remained as well. During our time in the Tomb of Lilith, she has every opportunity to kill all of us. Her Domain was frightening, if she saw us as enemies we would be helpless as she set spells up. The perfect chance for her to do so was during the mutated colosseum. Because she hadn’t taken action, I started trusting her a bit more.
As we walked under the moonlight, we didn’t make our way home, instead we just walked around. I hadn’t had time to explore the city, and even though I didn’t have plans to now, I felt like just walking. Seeing the sight of people outside talking happily, children playing, cafes and restaurants filled with people eating was a rather refreshing sight. I hadn’t taken the time to take in sights like this, and I’ve found I enjoyed them.
People mixed in with each other, even evolved monsters could be seen throughout the crowds. They, and myself, received some hostile glances, but none ever took it further. I didn’t care if they stared at me like that, however if they took any action I’d kill them.
Under the night sky my body became empowered because of my Race, but not only did it empower me but my mind felt at ease as I felt at peace. I had been fighting ever since being freed from Gerald back in Crater and have never really been able to experience something like walking around the city while not having to worry about fighting…if I ignored the Church for a moment…and maybe the Firebrands.
The city didn’t seem to sleep at night. This wasn’t unusual considering that those who levelled didn’t require sleep unless they tired themselves out, though it wasn’t possible to stay up all the time as rest was something everyone needed. Xia explained this to me as I asked about why people were still out and about. Though most did sleep as a lot of people didn’t actually level, they lived what Xia described as “civilian lives” meaning they never really stepped outside of Vale and lived within the safety of the city.
After asking her what these civilians did, she explained they usually did jobs around the city like running businesses, such as those cafes and restaurants we saw around the place, as well as shops, the courthouse and so on. A city wouldn’t run without those people working these jobs, she said, and most people were either afraid of fighting or had no talent in it, so they instead worked to ensure those who did fight lived well. I understood what she meant as well from looking around.
“Alisha, I believe if your cooking goes well, you may very well be able to start a business as well. If you are able to cook food that gives adventurers benefits, you would be able to earn a lot of money. Something that would be vital to your goal of returning to Crater Hell.”
“Mm, I’ll think about it. Honestly Xia, recently I’ve been wondering if I should stay here. If I could find a way to send Sally, Olivia and Gray a message, or a way to come here, then I would have no worries. Sadly I can’t…” Shaking my head, I knew at some point I’d have to look at moving towards Crater Hell. My plan was to reach Black Grade, and once I achieved that I would use every method available to see them again.
“Alisha, regarding your friend, Olivia, could you not check with the Guild?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the Guild isn’t just something in Vale. It spans the entire world, excluding select continents. So if your friend Olivia was teleported somewhere that had a Guild, she may have joined to do as you’re attempting to do. If you both were teleported together, there is a chance she may be somewhere close by. It might be worth asking if they could check with the other Guilds. As far as I’m aware, they can tell you if someone matching her description has been at a certain branch, they just can’t send a message.”
A bit shocked, I had forgotten that the Guild here was only a branch. Thinking it over, I wanted to ask Elise to check for me. Planning to do so when I meet up with her in a few days.
“Thank you, Xia.”
“Not at all, Alisha. I hope you can see your friends again.”
Smiling at her comment, we continued to slowly walk around before I asked Xia to lead me to the Ministry of Martial Arts. Xia had said earlier that services for adventurers would remain open at all hours, so I figured it would be best to head there now.
The building was far from our house. It was a rather simple stone building, grey in colour. It felt rather dull, the words “Ministry of Martial Arts” were inscribed on the archway that led into the building. As we stepped inside, a System message came up.
[Alice has levelled to 9!]
Smiling, I knew from this message it was likely Aubrey and Alice had rushed out the moment I said yes. I also knew they would be safe, so I wasn’t worried. I couldn’t sense anything from Alice so she wasn’t close by.
As we entered the building, it was rather quiet. Approaching the reception desk, there was a bored looking girl sitting there who looked at us with a bit of surprise.
“O-oh, welcome!” Sitting straight, she tilts her head before looking bored again. “A Bronze Grade, A Rank? What do you want?”
Feeling a bit irritated at her attitude, I stiffly smiled. “I’m here to get help finding a do-”
“The list of low level dojos can be found here. Once you find one you can leave.” Without giving us a second glance, she put a small pamphlet on the desk in front of her.
Feeling even more irritated by her words, I saw Xia frowning from the corner of my eyes. Shaking my head, I took out the letter Alexander had given to me as I approached the desk.
“I got a letter from Alexa- my Master. He said to bring it here.” Placing the letter on the desk, the young girl looked at it before letting out a loud sigh.
“A letter from a low level master? It’s going to be the same answer, you know?” Picking up the letter, she pulled out a tiny knife and used it to break the seal. Opening the letter, as she read it her frown started deepening before looking at me.
“Where did you steal this from?” Looking at me with disbelief, she looked back at the letter before looking at my wrist, at the bracelet I had just received.
Before I could say anything, the young girl got up. “I’ll be reporting this to my manager. Stealing something like this will be met with punishment, you know.” Saying this, she turned and went through a door behind her with the letter.
Feeling a bit confused and angry at how she acted, I turned to Xia who looked astonished. She turned to me before saying, with some confusion “Does she think we’d wait around to be punished?” Chuckling at her comment, I decided to wait. It didn’t take long however.
“YOU IDIOT!” A voice reverberated through the building. I could’ve sworn the building shook slightly. The door the girl had left through slammed open to reveal a well dressed man with a panicked look in his eyes.
“Esteemed guest, I apologise for my idiot daughter. We have received your letter and acknowledge you are Alexander the Branch Master of the Guild’s disciple. It will be our honour to ensure you receive only the best options once we have tested your abilities and stats.”
“Mm, don’t worry about it.” Waving off the man’s apology, he looked relieved.
“My daughter tends to only see one’s Grade as their worth and is quick to come to conclusions. I apologise once again.” Bowing with those words, he looked back up with a serious look. “I will guide you through our full testing. To do this, I require every piece of information about you. Age, Race, Class, Talents, Skills, Spells, True Magic Nature and weapons you have an affinity with. I understand this information is something you may not wish to reveal, however we swear an oath of secrecy with you through the System to ensure that information is never revealed or leaked.”
As I agree, he walks us through a door and into a small room. Sitting down, he pulls out a stack of papers and makes the oath. The oath said that if he was to leak my information in any form he would be killed. Accepting the System prompt, we began as I described everything to him
Quickly filling out the papers, he wrote everything down as I gave him everything he prompted me for. After an hour, we finished as he nodded with a satisfied expression.
“A human and monster hybrid? You’re quite the rarity, I’ve only seen two of your kind since I started working here. Right, I’ll need to take some measurements. However you’d need to remove your clothing, so I’ll get my daughter in here and she’ll get them done for you. Once those are taken, we’ll move onto the training field.”
As I nodded, he left the room and soon the young girl came in. She refused to make eye contact and seemed rather apologetic. After removing my clothing, she quickly took measurements with a strange piece of string before writing everything down on another piece of paper. At first I was confused as to why I had to undress, but quickly understood. She measured everything like my legs, arms, hands, neck, head and so on. If I had been wearing the clothing The Blade had given me it would’ve made the measurements incorrect.
As soon as the young girl finished, she left the room. The man came back ten minutes after the girl had left.
“Alright, everything is ready. We’ll begin testing your physical attributes, once we’ve done that I’ll go through the assessment and we’ll find the best martial arts and masters for you.”
As he leads us out of the room, we walk for a minute before arriving in a large arena. “We’ll begin with checking your strength, followed by reflexes, then movements and finally endurance.” Leading us over to a large boulder, he nodded at me. “We’ll begin with this. Your preferred method is using your fists, so when you’re ready, hit this as hard as you can.”
As I’m about to walk forward, Xia stops me. “Alisha, it’ll be best to do as we discussed and strike it while tensing your body. It’ll give them the best result to work with.”
Understanding what she meant, I stood before the boulder as I prepared myself.