The landscape unfolding beyond the dome was a canvas of nostalgia, a tapestry echoing elements of a distant past. As we advanced, my eyes meticulously scanned the new land, seeking clues and understanding of what awaited us in this new chapter of our journey.
"From what I understand, they have a power system divided into ranks, from 1 to 3 for those who have started on this path of ability, extending up to 9." I clicked my tongue, delving into the intricacies of these intriguing pieces of information.
"Shen, tell me, is there any way for me to mimic that rank level of theirs within me?" I inquired, allowing my thoughts to delve into this possibility.
"The Incarnation has its own evolution, but if we consider ourselves in the same terms, you also have your own rank," Shen stated with his unyielding voice.
"So, technically, they have a version of the Incarnation, just a downgraded one?" I commented, exploring the complexity of this new power system.
"They have their own system, different from ours. They use something that is born with them, something like will or impetus," Shen elucidated, adding layers to the intricate tapestry of this unknown world.
"All right, in what current state is my Incarnation?" I stopped walking, directing my piercing gaze at Shen.
"If we consider that you awakened prematurely, you are currently at rank 4, equivalent to the Gaseous Impetus for them," Shen clarified as I absorbed this peculiar classification.
"Gaseous Impetus? What a horrible name, damn it." I shrugged, expressing my disdain for the terminology as I resumed walking.
The trail unfolded in front of me, a simple path outlined on the ground promising a less arduous journey. However, hunger began to weigh on me, a constant reminder that our quest for food should be an immediate priority.
"Shen, find something for me to eat," I requested, waving my hand impatiently. Shen responded by dissolving into mist, fading into the air.
"Mei, tell me, what do we have around us?" I crossed my arms, fixing my gaze on the terrain that unfolded, revealing signs that the snow was giving way.
"I can't sense any intelligent presence around us, but someone has been here before," Mei informed as she emerged from my cloak, her form taking shape in the mist.
"And the mark? Dissolved?" I inquired, searching her expression for any signs of concern.
"Yes," Mei nodded with a calm look, confirming that the exile mark was now absent.
"Well, how's the search for food, have you found anything?" I asked, closely observing Mei's reactions.
"Yes, there's a forest ahead, and some animals can be found there," Mei replied, pointing in a direction with a nod.
"All right, we need eyes in the sky. Go find some animal you can control and fly as well," I instructed, moving my hand in the opposite direction of the forest while Mei once again dissipated into mist.
"I can get used to this," I muttered to myself, smiling at the flexibility of abilities that our peculiar situation offered. I walked toward a nearby rock and sat down, waiting for Mei's return with news about the aerial hunt.
"According to Shen's memories, it would take a few days to reach the nearest city by foot," I commented aloud, imagining the distances stretching before us.
"Yulong, huh? I hope it's interesting," I added, maintaining an intrigued look at the prospects unfolding on our horizon.
I leaned against the large rock, eyes closed as my mind navigated a sea of thoughts. Each recent event wove a complex tapestry in my consciousness, and I pondered the choices that lay ahead of me.
"If I intend to return to New Eden, I'll need powerful people. My first option would be to include them willingly in my group, but now, with this new ability, I can simply force them by my side," I murmured, letting my voice echo in the surrounding silence.
"But it definitely won't be enough. I need to get back to New Eden, and as far as I've thought, it won't be easy at all," I sighed, my expression reflecting the melancholy that permeated my thoughts.
I raised my hand to the sky and clenched my fist. I had started something that I couldn't simply abandon, something I was compelled to accept against my will. "I'll do this for you, mother," I whispered, opening my eyes to face the challenge that lay ahead.
Shen returned, carrying a deer over his shoulders. "Do you know how to prepare food, Shen?" I questioned, watching him with a serious expression. He nodded slightly.
"Skin it and prepare the parts. We'll roast it over the fire," I ordered, watching him use the tip of an arrow to cut the animal's skin.
"How's your search for a bird going?" I asked Shen, who continued working on preparing the deer.
"I found some prey, but nothing interesting enough. I'll be back shortly," Shen replied, the arrow's cuts echoing like a rhythmic sound in the quiet surroundings. The prospect of a freshly hunted meal provided a glimpse of normality to our journey, despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding us.
The twilight tinged the scenery around us with orange hues, casting a soft light on the unfolding scene. Shen, with skill and dexterity, began to prepare the freshly hunted deer, his attention focused on the task with an almost ritualistic concentration.
With agile hands, Shen manipulated the sharp tip of the arrow as an extension of his own skill. With a precise cut, he began the process of removing the deer's skin. The arrow's blade slid through the flesh, separating it from the fur with surprising ease. The smooth and methodical sound of the cuts was almost hypnotic, forming a peculiar melody amid the tranquility of the landscape.
As the skin was removed, it revealed fresh, pink meat ready to be prepared. Shen worked efficiently, cutting the necessary parts with surgical precision. Each movement was calculated, and his hands showed a skill that indicated previous experience.
The aroma of fresh meat began to spread through the air, impregnating the area around us. The fire burning near the spot where we were already prepared, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the food now in Shen's skilled hands.
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He began to skewer pieces of meat on the improvised spit, the flames dancing in their reflected light. The crackling of the fire echoed like background music to this rustic scene. The meat slowly began to brown under the heat of the fire, releasing a tempting aroma that further heightened my hunger.
Watching Shen prepare the meal with expertise, I couldn't help but recognize the utility of having someone with such skills by my side. It was a scene that contrasted with the complexity of the issues that pervaded my mind, providing a brief moment of normality in the extraordinary journey we faced.
The mist by my side took shape, and Mei materialized, sitting at my feet while watching Shen work on preparing the meat. The comforting warmth of the improvised bonfire filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. My stomach rumbled, demanding sustenance.
I reached out, grabbed one of the already cooked pieces, and took the first bite. The meat was juicy, and the salty flavor mixed with the smoky aroma further aroused my appetite. As I chewed, I noticed Mei and Shen's heads nodding in synchrony, as if both silently approved of the quality of the meal.
"A wagon, 4 people, approaching," announced Mei, directing her gaze in the direction of the sound of horses' hooves.
"Damn, I can't even eat in peace," I muttered between bites, affectionately patting Mei's head. The news of the approaching group didn't seem to bother me. I took a deep breath, sighed, and continued to savor the meat.
"If something happens, use Shen," I instructed, deciding not to let a possible intrusion disturb me. Although the idea of sharing that moment of tranquility was pleasant, the relentless reality of the world we were in demanded constant caution. I ate in silence, focusing on the momentary pleasure of the meal, while the distant sounds of the wagon approached, breaking the momentary serenity of the night.
With each bite, the meat melted in my mouth, providing a momentary relief to the persistent hunger. As the twilight turned into a shroud of darkness around us, the distant sounds of the wagon became clearer.
Mei remained by my side, her eyes attentive to the approaching direction. Shen, although focused on the task of preparing the meat, demonstrated a latent readiness, his posture indicating that he was aware of what was to come.
I finished the piece of meat, feeling energy spreading through my body. I stood up, shaking my hands to rid them of the traces of the improvised meal. I looked in the direction indicated by Mei, watching the dark silhouette of the wagon approaching.
"Let's take a look, Mei," I suggested, while Shen collected the remains of the meat and carefully extinguished the fire to avoid drawing attention.
We approached stealthily, using the shadows of the landscape to conceal ourselves. The night turned into a scene of blue and black hues, providing natural cover for our stealthy activities. Gradually, the wagon revealed itself more clearly.
It was a sturdy structure, pulled by two horses that seemed to be in good condition. Four human figures were on board, talking among themselves as the wagon advanced. My senses remained alert, aware that the situation could change at any moment.
"Shen, stay close but keep yourself hidden," I instructed, while Mei stayed ahead, providing silent information about the newcomers.
As we approached, I could hear fragments of their conversations. They seemed to be in a heated debate about the direction to take or the destination to reach. A dim lamp illuminated the front of the wagon, revealing anxious faces and tense expressions.
"Good evening, travelers," I announced, emerging from the shadows while Mei and Shen remained concealed. "Can I help in any way?"
The wagon's occupants, surprised by my appearance, quickly adjusted to defensive postures. Their clothes betrayed a long and arduous journey, and their eyes showed a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" the group's leader asked, a figure of imposing stature radiating unquestionable authority. The intense eye exchange revealed that any wrong move could trigger a hostile response.
A tense silence hung over us for a moment, as if the very air was waiting for a response. The group leader, with his piercing gaze, awaited my explanation. I remained calm, carefully analyzing every detail around me.
"I am Hei Feng," I replied calmly, "and I am passing through these lands. I was camping nearby, enjoying the company of the night and noticed your arrival. I thought of offering assistance if needed."
The wagon's occupants exchanged glances, assessing the situation. They seemed less hostile, but still maintained a cautious posture. The leader, after a brief moment of reflection, finally relaxed his expression.
"We're heading to Yulong," he explained, "in search of a new life, away from the troubles where we came from."
"Yulong, huh?" I murmured, contemplating the mentioned city. "Sounds like an interesting destination. If you need guidance or information about the region, I'll be happy to help."
The exchange of words was cordial, but the atmosphere still carried a palpable tension. Mei and Shen remained hidden, observing every move attentively. It was evident that trust wouldn't be granted easily, and I understood the reason. In the world we lived in, distrust was a survival tool.
The group leader nodded, thanking for the offer of help. The conversation continued in a more amiable manner, exploring topics about the difficulties faced in the God-forsaken lands and the stories of each present. Gradually, the initial distrust gave way to mutual understanding.
However, a question persisted in my mind: how could I use this interaction to benefit my own objectives? Knowledge about Yulong could be valuable, but it needed to be approached with care.
"Since we're all heading in the same direction," I suggested, "why not travel together? Safety increases when you have more people, and our destinations coincide. What do you think?"
The group leader, a middle-aged man with a disheveled beard, pondered the proposal for a few moments. His dark eyes reflected the distrust that permeated that arid world. The other occupants of the wagon, two men and a woman, exchanged cautious glances with each other.
"Traveling together could be an advantage," the leader finally said, "but we need to establish some rules. We do not tolerate betrayal or suspicious behavior."
"I understand perfectly," I agreed, maintaining a serene expression. "I am a peaceful traveler seeking knowledge and experience. There's no reason for conflicts."
The newfound acquaintances nodded, appearing more relaxed in the face of the prospect of a temporary alliance. The woman in the wagon, with tired eyes, broke the tense silence with a question.
"Do you have enough supplies for the journey?"
I reflected on my situation. My connection with the mist certainly gave me some advantages, but physical needs still needed to be met.
"I am well-equipped to survive," I replied, choosing my words carefully, "but any additional help would be appreciated. The journey in these lands is not easy, as we all know."
The group agreed, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Mei and Shen remained discreet in the mist, watching the interaction attentively. It was evident that they maintained a strategic reserve, ready to act if the situation demanded.
As the night advanced, we shared stories about our origins and the challenges we faced. The woman in the wagon, named Li Mei, spoke about her family and the difficulties that forced them to abandon their old home.
"Yulong offers a hope for a fresh start," she explained with a melancholic tone. "They say we can build a better life there, away from the constant threats of these desolate lands."
"The Specter Clan is known for their hostility," warned the leader, a man named Zhao, "avoid conflicts with them at all costs."
"Noted," I responded, mentally filing the information. "I intend to take a more discreet path, minimizing unwanted encounters."
As trust grew, stories flowed more easily. Zhao shared legends about ancient artifacts and mysterious locations that permeated those lands. One story, in particular, caught my attention: the legend of the Well of Destinies.
"They say the Well of Destinies grants glimpses of the past and the future," revealed Zhao, his eyes shining with fascination. "But entering its domain is risky. Few return unscathed."
Zhao, the group's leader, shared more details about the Well of Destinies. He mentioned that the guardian sect of the well was known as the Horizon Order, and their practices were shrouded in mystery. It was said that only those who passed rigorous tests were worthy to approach the well and glimpse the visions it offered.
As Zhao described the lands around Yulong and the complexity of the society that had developed there, I pondered the opportunity to explore the Well of Destinies. The quest for answers about my own origin gained a new perspective.
"What do you know about the Horizon Order?" I asked, directing my question to Zhao.
"The Order is reserved and selective," explained Zhao, "they guard access to the well with devotion. They believe that the visions granted by the well are gifts from the gods, and only those who follow the path of purity and wisdom can unravel its secrets."
This description made me reflect on the nature of my own existence. I was not a follower of the gods, but my connection with the mist and the ability to mimic abilities suggested a connection beyond conventional understanding. Would the Horizon Order be able to recognize or understand my uniqueness?
As we traveled through the landscape, I noticed a gradual change in rock formations and vegetation. The presence of Yulong announced itself as we approached. Distant towers rose against the horizon, indicating the presence of a densely populated city.
Zhao shared information about local politics, influential clans, and the challenges faced by newcomers. Yulong was a place of opportunities but also intrigues and rivalries. The complex political environment added a layer of uncertainty to my quest for answers.
"We will arrive in Yulong soon," announced Zhao, indicating the growing silhouette of the city on the horizon. "The city is ruled by the Nine Pillars, powerful clans that shape the destiny of everyone residing here."
As we entered the city limits, the bustling activity of traders, merchants, and ordinary citizens revealed the vitality of the metropolis. Mei and Shen remained discreet, absorbing information and assessing the city's atmosphere.
Zhao led us through alleys and busy squares until we reached a central meeting point where he proposed a friendly farewell. The temporary alliance had served its purpose, and each group would now go their separate ways.
"If you ever need help in Yulong, seek out the Twilight Merchants," Zhao suggested, offering a final piece of advice. "They are a respected guild in the city and can be helpful to travelers."
I thanked him for the guidance, expressing gratitude for the companionship and shared information. As Zhao and his group moved away, my attention turned to the bustling streets of Yulong.
The city, with its majestic towers and vibrant markets, offered opportunities and challenges in equal measure. The quest for the Well of Destinies became a priority, and the answers I longed for seemed closer than ever. Yulong, with its secrets and intrigues, awaited to unveil its own narrative in my intertwined fate with the mist.