Takeo took the dragon's head in his hand and knocked. Strangely enough for a knocker, it didn't knock. Nor did it roar, as he had expected. Nothing happened for a minute, which made him slightly nervous. The guards hadn't reacted to their presence either. Still, as statues, their eyes had been following them since they had reached the gate.
Why hadn't the Elder given us a clear date? Are we too early? Too late? he ruminated.
Without a sound, the large black lacquered door opened itself, revealing a petite woman, with black hair, tied in a bun. She was wearing a simple white dress, with a red sash around her waist. Her countenance remained impassive, veiled behind layers of stark, white makeup. She's creepy. Takeo thought.
"Welcome to the Reader's Palace," she said in a monotone voice. "You are expected. Please follow me." She turned around and walked away, without waiting for an answer.
Takeo exchanged a hesitant glance with his friends, who shrugged uneasily. "We're here to meet the Reader, right?" Xander asked. "Let's go then."
The young man swallowed nervously. It wasn't just that servant's, or whatever she was, attitude. The whole place was eerie and unsettling. The corridor behind the entrance door was just as tall, but not that long and opened itself on a large garden. Maybe more of a jungle than a simple garden. Beneath the glass dome they had spotted from the outside was a mesmerizing collection of plants, trees, and flowers blended together in a mostly uncontrolled mess. White stone pathways have been religiously cleared of any vegetation, along with several benches, and a few lanterns for the evenings. The outside world's air had been banished, replaced by a warm, humid, and fragrant atmosphere. Showing through the vegetation, in the middle of the garden was a large single-story tower, from which three white bridges were extending, connecting it to the rest of the building.
Their guide showed them through the wilderness and reached a door at the base of one of the walls. From there, they followed a corridor that led them to a large circular room, with a high ceiling, and a large round table in the middle. The walls were covered with shelves, filled with books, scrolls, and other objects. The room was lit by a large chandelier, hanging from the ceiling, and several lanterns on the walls. A wooden door was on the opposite side of the room, and a large painting was on the right side, the single place where no books had been allowed. A wide library ladder was leaning against the shelves. Curiously it was on rails, allowing it to move around the room.
The furnishing in this room was lavish, the chairs around the table were all made of dark wood, with red embroidered cushions. The table itself was made of a single piece of wood, with a dark red varnish. The maid invited them to sit down. "The mistress will be with you shortly," she said, before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
The whole experience overwhelmed the poor Takeo. He had never expected to find such a place. It was like a mad architect's delirium. He looked around, trying to make sense of it all. What is this place? he wondered. Why is it so weird?
"This is... weird," Xander said, echoing his thoughts. Only a grunt came from Connor, who was busy looking at the books on the shelves. "Such a large collection of books," he mumbled, slightly awed.
Takeo had already been to bookstores, but this was clearly different. He could bet all these books were unique, manuscripts, not mass-printed versions. Also, he had expected the air to be a bit stale and moldy, but it was fresh and warm. Yet another oddity of this place.
The lady servant came back, carrying a tray with a teapot and four cups. She placed it on the table. Without a word, she left again. Not everyone is flush with spatial magic? Takeo wondered.
They didn't wait much longer, the servant opened the door one last time, and she was accompanying a taller, elegant woman. She wore a flowing, dark ruby dress with black trimming, adorned by an embroidered golden open book on the right side of her chest. Only half of the book was visible from the front, while the other half extended to her back. Unlike her maid, she had straight long red hair secured with a black ribbon. Her face bore a natural makeup that accentuated her features, rather than concealing them. She wore a pair of golden glasses that allowed her raspberry-colored eyes to shine through.
She walked purposefully toward them, her heels clicking on the stone floor, and sat down in the chair opposite theirs. "Welcome to my humble abode," she greeted with a warm smile. "I am Dame Tanagi, the Reader of the Valley. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Takeo bowed slightly, and his friends followed suit. "I am Takeo, and these are my friends, Xander and Connor. We are pleased to meet you too, Dame Tanagi."
Dame Tanagi acknowledged them with a nod, and the servant promptly poured tea for everyone before discreetly exiting the room. After taking a delicate sip of her tea, she began, her demeanor poised and composed. "This session is somewhat unconventional. The Elder Karima has bound me with an additional Oath, demanding the utmost secrecy." She paused, fixing her gaze on them.
The young man knew that already, but he didn't understand. Connor had stressed the point that this was surprising, as Readers were already bound by an Oath of Secrecy. He took it upon himself to ask the question. "Pardon me, Dame Tanagi, but I don't understand. Weren't you already bound by an Oath of Secrecy?"
"Indeed," she responded calmly. "And therein lies my curiosity. Allow me to shed more light before we proceed." Another sip of tea punctuated her words. "As a Newcomer, you are entitled to certain privileges, including a complimentary Reading. In my past experiences, I've conducted numerous such Readings without this additional binding."
Connor and Xander shifted uneasily in their chairs. "So, I must understand that I am the reason for this additional Oath?" Takeo asked, a bit worried. "Is it because she said that I was a Natural?"
Her expression tightened briefly. "A Natural?" she murmured. "A rare occurrence, indeed." She swiftly brushed it aside. "Nevertheless, it's inconsequential. I am bound by an Oath, and I shall uphold it."
Takeo nodded, relieved. "I understand. I am sorry to have interrupted you."
She offered a reassuring smile. "No apologies needed. It is I who must apologize for the delay in your Reading. Let us commence." With a composed air, she took a deep breath. "Shall we begin with you, Takeo?" she inquired, directing her gaze toward him.
A friendly pat on his shoulder from Xander encouraged him to speak. "Yes, please."
She extended her right hand toward him, ungloved. Her seal appeared from the retracting sleeve of her dress. A bit like his, it depicted a large book, it was open with pages flowing. The book was surrounded by various symbols, and the pages were filled with scribblings. Four Yellow, three Blue, and one Brown Jade were embedded on her Seal, along with numerous Orbs. Just like his friends, the whole tattoo seemed to be chained to her arm.
"I will need you to remove your Seal-glove and extend your hand to me," she requested, awaiting his compliance. As he removed the glove, her eyes widened, a small gasp escaping her lips. "I've never encountered such a Seal before," she uttered in surprise. "It's... truly unique."
Takeo was a bit taken aback by her reaction. "Is it bad?" he asked, worried.
"I-I'm not certain," her surprise was palpable, leaving her momentarily unsettled. "This Seal is unlike anything I've seen. It's... intriguing." She shook her head, attempting to refocus. "Forgive me, I'm getting ahead of myself. Please, offer me your hand, and I shall commence your Reading." Taking his hand, she instructed, "Remain still and do not resist. It will be over in a moment."
What ensued was a novel experience for all three of them. A faint radiance escaped their host, lingering around all of them in a soft mystical mist. It flowed all around them like a gentle storm. Out of this storm, a tendril reached out toward Takeo's hand and passed through it. He felt a slight tingling sensation, but nothing more. The tendril then returned to Dame Tanagi, laden with a faint golden glow. It punctured her hand, just as well and when it came out, it rejoined the storm. The glow slowly propagated, and the storm dissolved itself into glowing arcane symbols that floated around them. There were hundreds of them, and most were different.
Dame Tanagi's eyes were wide open, their color had faded leaving only a faint white glow. She was breathing heavily. A few seconds later, a sheet of white paper appeared in front of her, and writings began to appear on it. The glowing symbols slowly dissipated, along with the Dame's glowing eyes. She took a deep breath, and her eyes regained their natural color. The sheet of paper landed gracefully on the table, for all to see. It was packed with writings, along with a bunch of numbers.
After a brief pause to collect herself, she regained her composure and spoke, her voice slightly unsteady. "The Reading is finished," she announced, her tone wavering. "You may put your glove back on. I will leave you to review the findings, and I'll return shortly." With a faint effort, she rose from her seat and exited the room, leaving them alone with the parchment.
Takeo was a bit worried, it seemed to have taken a lot out of her. "Is she alright?" he asked, concerned.
Neither of his friends had an answer. They were both staring at the sheet of paper. Connor was the first to speak. "Aren't you curious?" he asked, his voice full of excitation.
"Try anxious," Takeo replied. "I don't know what to expect. Will it truly change anything?" He still hadn't touched the little paper. He could see the scribbling over it, but he couldn't read them, they were too small to make sense of them at that distance.
"Yes? No? Maybe?" Xander replied, shrugging. "Most probably not, from what we know of your Abilities. But it's still interesting to know what you can do, right?"
This eased the young man's mind. "I guess you're right," he said, taking the paper in his hand. "Let's see what it says."
Reading of Takeo - 108 WFV - Year 858 SE, 7th of the 3rd Moon
SEAL: Insightful Adventurer's Guide
SEAL: Adventurer's Insightful Guide
SEAL: Adventurer's Guide to Insight
(BROKEN, FLOWING, UNIQUE)
THE PATH IS LONG AND WINDING, THE JOURNEY IS TEEMING WITH DANGERS AND MYSTERIES
THE ONE WHO WALKS ALONG THAT ROAD, OVERCOMES THE CHALLENGES, DISCOVERS THE TRUTHS
THAT ONE IS THE ADVENTURER
Abilities: 5/8
- Insightful Adventurer's Guide (UNIQUE)
- Blink (Rare)
- Enhanced Perception (Rare)
- Hardened Skin (Common)
- Stasis (Rare)
Orbs: 10/25
Statistics Scores (Natural, Orbs, Other, Efficacity, Total):
- Strength: (3 + 5 + 10) x 0.8 = 14
- Dexterity: (3 + 5 + 10) x 1.0 = 18
- Constitution: (3 + 5 + 10) x 0.8 = 14
- Intelligence: (10 + 5 + 10) x 1.2 = 30
- Wisdom: (8 + 5 + 10) x 1.2 = 28
- Charisma: (5 + 5 + 10) x 0.8 = 16
- Luck: (10 + 1 + 10) x 1.5 = 32
Silence stretched for some time. His friends had their eyes out of their sockets, and their jaws were on the floor. Takeo was a bit confused. "Isn't it a bit underwhelming?" he asked, a bit disappointed. "I mean... I expected to learn more about my Abilities."
Connor was the first to react. "Underwhelming? Are you kidding me? You have a Unique Ability! Through the roof Luck! And you're complaining?" he exclaimed, his voice full of excitement.
"And let's talk about that 'Broken', 'Flowing' Seal?" Xander added. "What does that even mean? I've never heard of that before." He was clearly excited too. "And what's with the three names?"
It was now Takeo's turn to feel uncomfortable. "How should I know?" he mumbled. "I don't know what I expected of this reading, but this is... well it's not what I expected." He tried to find the right words. "It's just a few words and a bunch of numbers. How is that me?" Besides, it felt like it was a game, and he didn't like that. It made everything that had already happened feel cheap and fake.
"First off," Connor began, his finger tapping at the paper. "This isn't 'you.' It's a summary of your Seal, and what has been added to it." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Second, it's a tool. It's meant to help you understand yourself, and assist you to choose your Path."
"Besides, I'm sure that Dame Tanagi is currently searching for answers. It's her job to get you the best out of a Reading." Xander added. "Let's hope she isn't as confused as we are. Like, where does that 10 all over your sheet come from?"
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in," Takeo said, still rummaging through the paper. Just like Xander had surmised, Dame Tanagi reappeared, gracefully maneuvering a wheeled cart laden with sizable, aged tomes. She seemed to have regained her composure and had probably taken the time to freshen up.
"Please accept my apologies for my earlier reaction," she expressed, her voice retaining its calm and composed demeanor. "I was... taken aback by your Seal." Pausing momentarily, she gracefully poured herself another cup of tea. "However, let us set that matter aside for the moment. I have brought forth a selection of books that may illuminate aspects of your Abilities and address any inquiries you might have."
She took a sip of her tea. "Your first ability is a Unique one, but not so Unique that none similar have been documented before." She paused, and took one of the books from the cart, opened it, checked a few pages then opened a more appropriate page. She read, then nodded to herself. "Here, this book is a reference of all Jades and their effects. Of course, this is just a fragment of the whole collection, but it pertains to this Guide ability of yours." She turned the book toward Takeo. It was a very large book, written in a very small script. There were a lot of different handwritings, and many pages had been added to it. In fact, it was probably more a binder than a true book. His eyes darted to the Jade names and saw so many Guides and Indexes. All were different, but the main effect was the same and cataloged under Book Summoning.
"If I were to summarize it succinctly, your Ability allows you to summon a book. Its appearance holds no significance. According to my findings, with adequate training, you may possess the capacity to modify its design. Based on the Ability, the Book will amass information on a specific subject. Indexes, generally passive, solely inscribe what they are provided. Guides, however, tend to suggest and integrate new information." She took a sip of her tea. Takeo swiftly scanned several Jade descriptions, confirming her explanation. "Indexes are commonplace and practical. For instance, I currently have at least a dozen requests for Herb Indexes. With proper nurturing, such Abilities can evolve into potent resources for Alchemists and Herbalists."
Xander and Connor remained silent, understanding this discussion was primarily for Takeo's benefit. Takeo summoned his Book, which materialized in his hand. "But this one is a Guide," he remarked.
Observing his summon with curiosity, she nodded. "Indeed. Yours is a Guide. Think of it as an upgraded version of an Index. Let me provide an example." She pointed to an entry in the book with her finger. "There. 'Guide to Swordsmanship'." Glancing at Takeo, she continued, "Commonly referred to by laymen as a cheap Black Jade. With enough exposure and samples, it can generate a comprehensive manual on any sword-fighting style. It will also offer an in-depth analysis of your own style. With time and sufficient samples, it can even merge and refine styles. It's an immensely potent tool for a Swordsman."
After taking another sip of tea, she redirected the focus. "Now, let's delve deeper into your ability. It's a Unique Guide, and I'm certain you've already encountered some of its capabilities. There are crucial aspects to comprehend." She paused before continuing, "A Guide thrives on information input. The method of supplying that information is dependent on the guide itself. For instance, in the case of the Swordsmanship Guide, the summoner must engage in combat with people using that style to provide the book with essential information. More fights equate to more knowledge, leading to a finer understanding within the book. This refined understanding then influences the quality of information it furnishes. It's a self-perpetuating cycle."
She sighed softly, continuing, "However, unfortunately, your Guide's subject matter is... uncommon. Likely the reason for its categorization as Unique." Another pause followed. "What I'm about to share is speculation. I lack entries in my books regarding this subject in Jades. Insight is a prevalent topic for Ascending Jades, but it exists as an intangible concept."
"If the previous example represents a cheap Black Jade, then yours resembles a fractured gateway leading to the White and Purple Jade," she paused, her words measured. "Insight, on its own, won't provide practical benefits. Eventually, you'll need to uncover a means of application." She took a deep breath before continuing. "However, here lies the most intriguing aspect. If, as the Elder labels such individuals, you are a Natural, then your Guide will serve as a modest substitute for the Spirit Guide typically bestowed by your Ascending Jade."
Takeo recalled Connor's remarks during his experimentation with the Insight Token, finding Dame Tanagi's words matching his own. She pressed on, "Nevertheless, Spirit Guides offer more than just imparting Insight; they also instruct their wielders in Energy Manipulation. Your Guide, unfortunately, will not fulfill that role. Yet, if I were to conjecture, with prolonged exposure to any Ability, your Guide will furnish all the necessary elements for replication. However, it will be your endeavor to ascertain the method."
"That's-" but Connor received an elbow jab from Xander. Both his and Xander's faces were full of excitement.
Takeo swallowed. "That's a lot to take in," he said, a bit overwhelmed. "I don't know what to say."
The Dame elegantly nodded. "I understand. It's a lot to digest. I will leave you to peruse the book at your leisure. Now, I'll just brush on the other Jades. While rare, they are far more common and easier to explain." She paused, "Oh, how silly of me. I forgot to mention that upgrading a Guide is usually both worthwhile and dangerous. For yours especially I wouldn't recommend an upgrade. You would take the risk of losing it entirely. Usually upgrading Guides expands their scope and means to absorb knowledge."
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The young man nodded absentmindedly, still trying to process the information. "I understand," he said.
"Good," she replied, taking hold of another book. "Blink is classified as a Teleporting Ability, entailing its inherent limitations and advantages." Presenting the book to him, she explained, "Specifically pertaining to Blink, it constitutes a single-user teleportation technique that necessitates a direct physical line of sight. I insist on the physical aspect. You can Blink through a door by peering through the keyhole or utilize reflections in water to reach otherwise inaccessible places. However, employing a Farsight Ability to reveal your destination is not viable. Nevertheless, it is compatible with sight extension, such as Dark Sight." She shrugged slightly, adding, "Theoretically, a telescope could be used, but Blink is inherently short-range." Pausing briefly, she continued, "Nevertheless, it boasts an array of known upgrades which I would strongly recommend exploring."
Transitioning to the next book, she continued, "Enhanced Perception is a compounded version of most Enhanced Sense you might encounter. Should you unlock the benefits of Qi, Mana, or Soul Perception through your training as a Natural, Enhanced Perception will also extend to these. It proves to be a remarkably versatile ability with numerous applications. However, exercise caution; it can be deceptively intricate. Perceiving does not necessarily equate to understanding or instantaneous reaction." After a momentary pause, she added, "Its potential for upgrades is somewhat limited. The most significant upgrade would potentially introduce a new sense or remote sensing, yet such advancements remain highly improbable."
Taking a final sip from her cup, she exhaled contentedly before continuing, "Regarding Hardened Skin, it is a widely prevalent defensive Ability that offers moderate resistance to blunt damage. Neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous, it does harbor potential for enhancement. Upgrades may include transitioning the passive ability into an active one, extending its resilience to other forms of damage, amplifying its efficacy, or even integrating a regeneration component."
Takeo was a bit lost in all these pieces of information. If he was honest, he was still stuck on the first one. But he didn't care too much for these Abilities. It was good to know of course, but he didn't feel like he needed to know more.
"Lastly, Stasis," she enunciated, relishing the name. "A rare and elusive Ability that I've encountered only once. If you've already experienced its effects, you likely grasp most of its intricacies. Nevertheless, for the sake of comprehensiveness, allow me to expound upon it." Flipping open the final book, she located the pertinent page. "Its fundamental premise is straightforward—it provides extensive protection to the target's body, nearly suspending it in time. The style of the ability may result in the target being encapsulated within a bubble of sorts—be it Amber, Stone, or even Iron. The secondary facet of this Ability involves a significant enhancement of the target's physical regeneration, fostering the essential nutrients required for bodily reconstruction. However, it does not facilitate alterations to Qi, Soul, or Mana regeneration. Additionally, it lacks the capability to regenerate lost limbs, barring specific exceptions where a severed limb is reattached before activation. Lastly, it compels the target into the deepest forms of Meditation, rendering it an incredibly effective safeguard during meditation within perilous environs." Pausing briefly, she concluded, "In essence, it stands as a remarkably potent Ability, housing several potential upgrades. Enhancements may encompass amplifying regeneration potency, fortifying protective measures, or even extending the protective shield to encompass the target's mind and soul."
"And that concludes what I can tell you about your Abilities," she said, turning the last book toward Takeo. "I hope it will help you in your future endeavors."
Takeo nodded, still a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, Dame Tanagi. I will take the time to read these books. I am sure they will be of great help."
She offered a gentle smile to the young man. "You are very welcome. Now, I shall divulge what knowledge I possess about your Seal. Regrettably, it may not amount to much." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "As you are aware, your Seal is classified as Unique. This does not imply that I have never encountered one before. Rather, it signifies that yours is the first instance of such a Seal's manifestation." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Throughout my life, I've encountered several Unique Seals, yet not all possess the potency exhibited by yours." Another pause ensued, and her confidence seemed to wane slightly. "Now, onto the next pieces of information. Your Seal is identified as broken and flowing. Neither descriptor holds any familiarity for me. The broken aspect might potentially elucidate or be elucidated by the absence of chains in your tattoo. However, I lack any insight into the consequences of this designation. As for the flowing attribute, its significance eludes me as well. I speculate it might be linked to the fact that your Seal appears to possess multiple names—an occurrence previously unprecedented."
She displayed a small discontented expression. "Unfortunately, that comprises the extent of my knowledge on this matter. Additionally, due to the current Oath binding me, I am unable to delve any further. I apologize for this limitation." Bowing slightly, she added, "I trust you comprehend the circumstances."
More mysteries, Takeo mused. What's twenty more meters of water when you're already drowning? "I understand," he responded with a tinge of disappointment. "Thank you for your assistance."
She nodded affirmatively. "You're welcome. However, there is another detail I can impart to you. As you've observed, your statistics exhibit a slight... deviation. While not identical, I have encountered similar occurrences in the past. Some Pathers have experienced extraordinary events that significantly influenced their body and soul. For instance, I once encountered an individual who inadvertently immersed himself in a sacrificial ritual's blood, intended to summon a demon. It permanently tinted his skin a deep red and granted him an additional five points in Constitution and Strength." Pausing to allow the information to sink in, she continued, "I am unaware of what transpired in your case, but it is evident that it has left an indelible mark on your body and soul. Whatever occurred had an exceptional effect."
Takeo shook his head, his mind still reeling from the information. "I understand. Thank you for your time and effort, Dame Tanagi."
Her smile persisted as she reassured him, "Please, do not concern yourself about me, Takeo. It is my role as a Reader to aid you in any way possible. I shall momentarily excuse myself to refresh and gather some more sustenance. Feel free to take your time perusing the books. Upon my return, we can delve into the Reading for your friends. Once that is concluded, I will gladly address any queries you might have regarding your Path." With a conclusive nod, she gracefully rose and departed from the room, leaving them alone amidst the collection of books.
If he hadn't been sitting he would have fallen to the floor under the weight of it all. "What the hell?" he exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief. "It's now way more than I had been expecting."
His comrades laughed at his reaction. "I told you," Xander said, still chuckling. "But still, what a rush!"
Connor couldn't nod anymore without having his head detach itself. "You heard her right? You can learn any trick you want with your Guide. That's insane!"
The young man shrugged. "I guess..." he said, still a bit overwhelmed. "But you've tried yourself, it's not as easy as she makes it sound."
"Sure, but think of the potential. Think long-term! That's not something you're going to resolve right now, of course. It's more like me, you'll have your next years or so to figure it out, get a feel for it, and then..." he trailed off, his eyes shining with excitement. "You'll be unstoppable!"
Xander was deep in thought. "While I definitely agree with Connor. Unlike us, you don't have any fighting knowledge. We must figure out a way to keep you alive and safe in the interim." He paused, "I, we, will help you as much as we can, of course, but we won't be able to be with you all the time. You'll need to learn how to defend yourself."
It wasn't that Takeo didn't care about his friends, but the next hour or so was spent discussing in detail their own Abilities. But adding on what he already knew, he still felt like he was the weakest of the three. As Xander said, he was the only one without any fighting knowledge. If according to the Elder and Dame Tanagi, he was a Natural, then he should be able to become anything. A blessing and curse.
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Still, Takeo shared his friend's surprise to learn that both also had extraordinary Seals, Legendary even according to Dame Tanagi. But she couldn't elucidate the secrets behind Damian's Path or his Seven Steps. She still pointed out a few items in her books that could help him figure out how to trigger his Seven Steps in full. One point of interest was that according to her, there were no examples of Named Seals that provided an Ascending Jade whose Guiding Spirit was if not the named person itself, at least a representation or a direct relation to it. Not that they could communicate with the Guiding Spirit enough to exchange names, but such Spirit Guides were always in full harmony with all starting Jades.
This of course was also valid for Connor's Scrap Animation Jade. His Seal was also a Legendary one, and all his starting Jades were highly rated. And totally unheard of, from what Dame Tanagi could tell, albeit, not unique. She still found similar Jades, specialized crafting tools. It was enlightening to witness the variety of Jades and their effect.
All their heads were full of knowledge and ideas. Takeo took notes in his Book, for future reference. He didn't know if he would ever need it, but it was better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Besides, he didn't know if he was allowed to do that, but... well, he didn't care.
Dame Tanagi returned once again with a wheeled cart, yet this time not laden with books. "I trust you've had a pleasant interlude," she greeted warmly. Presenting a plate of pastries and a fresh teapot, she continued, "I've arranged some refreshments for you. I hope they suit your tastes." Pouring herself a cup of tea, she settled into her seat. "Shall we resume?" she inquired, her gaze brimming with curiosity.
Takeo nodded. "Yes, please." He took a pastry and bit into it. It was delicious. "I am ready."
"Very well," she retrieved a small wooden box from her cart, unveiling its contents before him. The interior was delicately lined with soft red fabric, revealing several Jades.
"Now, this phase of the Session is more open-ended. I'll showcase several Jades available for purchase. Should you wish to acquire one or more, you're welcome to do so. However, if you have other intentions in mind, I'm open to hearing them, and I might be able to assist." Pausing briefly, she added, "I also offer Fusion services if you're interested in upgrading your Orbs or Jades." Displaying another box, she continued, "Additionally, I have a selection of Orbs available for purchase."
"Let's begin with a query: What aspirations do you hold for the future?" she inquired, her eyes alight with curiosity.
While he had been forewarned about this question peculiarly, he was still at a loss for an answer. "I don't know," he said, a bit embarrassed. "We have discussed it a bit. And I want to be able to take care of myself. I don't want to be a burden to my friends, and I want to be able to pursue the Path." He paused, "But I don't know how to do that."
Dame Tanagi nodded in agreement. "A good starting point indeed." She directed her attention towards the box. "I anticipated as much, so I've prepared a selection of Jades that might align with your interests." She paused briefly. "Among them, I have primarily two Red Jades that could complement your existing Abilities, providing a well-rounded enhancement. I also have faith that, with the aid of your Guide, you'll be able to delve deeper into their capabilities and further develop them."
She took a sip of her tea. Only then did Takeo realize she had been speaking continuously for the past two hours. No wonder she's been drinking non-stop.
"Firstly, there's a Red Jade that grants you the ability to summon a Slime," she explained with a smile. "Despite the current popularity in the Village, genuine Slimes can be remarkably effective." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "I have two versions available, both sharing similar traits. Slimes possess immunity to most physical damage but can be vulnerable to magical attacks. They might be sluggish, yet they boast versatility. A Slime inherently adapts to its surroundings, a characteristic widely exploited in the Village, as you might have noticed. When provided with fire-aspected items or mana, it transforms into a fire Slime, enhancing its fire resistance, acquiring a fire-based attack, yet becoming vulnerable to cold." Another pause followed. "My rationale is twofold. Firstly, with your Guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore and understand more about them and the summoning process. Coupled with your Insights, you might uncover methods to infuse Abilities within them. Secondly, Slimes possess inherent combat knowledge and defensive capabilities. They can serve as reliable companions, allowing you to concentrate on your personal training."
Takeo could see how that would be useful, and powerful. And it assuaged some of his concerns. "I see, that's a good idea. I will think about it." He took another pastry and bit into it. He was truly getting hungry. "You said you had two versions of this Jade?"
"Indeed, I offer a simple Slime Summoning Jade and a more advanced version, the Major Slime Summoning Jade. Both initially manifest as neutral elements and swiftly adapt to the environment within a minute post-summoning. Alternatively, if supplied with appropriate mana or items, they can adapt to a specific elemental aspect. The disparity lies in their potency—the Major Slime presents as a heightened iteration of the simple Slime. It boasts increased resistance, strength, and speed, albeit at a greater cost of your Soul and Mana."
Takeo nodded, visibly intrigued. Xander seemed equally interested but didn't voice his thoughts. Connor, on the other hand, was a bit more vocal. "I think it's a good idea. But how much will it cost?"
Dame Tanagi's smile persisted. "I'm pleased you're interested. The simple Slime Summoning Jade is currently priced at 16,000 credits, while the Major one stands at 30,000 credits."
One could hear a fly buzzing in the room. "That's a lot of money," Takeo said, a bit disappointed.
She acknowledged his concern. "Indeed, it is a substantial investment. However, it proves to be a valuable asset. Considering your circumstances, this is the most intriguing Jade I can offer. Nevertheless, I do have other suggestions, albeit more conventional. For instance, the Stellar Crown—a Jade enabling the summoning of three to seven small energy stars, functioning as homing magical missiles. Individually, they lack tremendous power, but collectively, they wield significant effectiveness. Moreover, their swiftness and distracting capabilities make them noteworthy. Additionally, their stellar nature renders them less susceptible to common counters. It's a useful Jade, and it's priced at only 10,000 credits. Additionally, I have a range of standard magical missiles of varied elements, both homing and non-homing, priced between 4,000 to 5,000 credits, with the homing variants being slightly more expensive."
Takeo was a bit lost for words. "I didn't expect Jades to be so expensive," he said. He looked at his friends, but didn't seem as trouble. He frowned.
"You know, we have probably a lot of money right now," said Xander. "I'm pretty sure we can afford one or two of these Jades if you think it's a good idea."
Dame Tanagi interjected, "Furthermore, I extend another proposition. Should you permit me to document your entries within my Books, I'm willing to purchase that information from you, ensuring complete anonymization. It would only require you to suffer another more invasive reading. I would also ask you to complement the extracted information with your own observations." Pausing briefly, she continued, "Given your possession of a Unique Ability, I can offer 5000 credits for it, and an additional 1000 for the specifications regarding your Seal, except for its Broken and Flowing descriptors." She shifted her attention to Takeo's companions. "For your Legendary Abilities, I can offer 1000 credits and 500 for your Seals."
That wasn't much, in comparison, but it still amounted to a bit more than 10000 credits. Connor added, "Also we might have a few Jades to sell." He turned toward Takeo, "I think any Summoning Jade would do you good. Dame Tanagi's reasoning is sound, and that's not much money all things considered."
Takeo nodded. "Okay, but let's see what else you guys might want to buy before."
Xander shook his head. "I'm fine for now. I have already filled a lot of my Slots, I need to learn to use them before adding some more."
Connor on the other hand was a bit more interested. "Do you have any Jades that could assist me in learning crafts? And any Spatial Storage Jades?"
Dame Tanagi readily acknowledged, "Spatial Storage Jades are consistently sought after, particularly the major ones which tend to sell out quickly. However, I do have a few minor variations available, priced between 15,000 to 20,000 credits, contingent upon the storage volume ranging from one to four cubic meters. As for the unconventional ones, pricing hinges on what precisely you intend to store within. Regarding your other request, I possess several Jades that might be of interest. Unfortunately, I'm currently without any Indexes or Guides, which would have ideally suited your needs. However, I do possess a Mind Palace Jade. This Jade allows you to construct a mental space for storing information. Accessing this space occurs within your mind, available for retrieval at any time. Notably, time passes at three times the speed compared to the real world within this Mind Palace. It's a non-restricted Orange Jade, priced at 15,000 credits. Additionally, I have an Eidetic Memory at 50,000 credits, and Fast Learning at 80,000 credits. I also possess a more specialized item called the Mental Library, which stores any book you've read in your mind. This Jade permits the summoning of an illusion of the book for perusal. If upgraded appropriately, it could potentially encompass other forms of information. The Jade alone is at around 10,000 credits."
Takeo was impressed by the variety, but even more so by the delivery. Dame Tanagi didn't even need to look at her books, everything flowed naturally.
"Would you mind putting some Jades on hold for us?" asked Connor, "I would like to check whatever is available at the market above." He turned toward his friends, "I think we should also sell our Jades. We don't need them, and we could use the money."
"I have no objections. You're free to check now if you wish. I have no other engagements scheduled today," she replied graciously. "However, I doubt you'll find anything superior to what I have to offer, particularly concerning Spatial Storage Jades. As for the other items, I couldn't say."
Connor nodded and stood up. He took out his ring and handed it to Xander, "Sell whatever you feel we won't use," he said and turned toward Dame Tanagi, "I will be back in a few minutes, thank you very much." He bowed slightly and left the room.
Takeo was a bit surprised by his friend's behavior. "Is he always like that?" he asked, a bit confused.
Xander laughed, "Well, he's always been a bit impulsive. But he's right, we don't need these Jades, and we could use the money. We can always buy them back later if we need them." Then he added, "Also, the Jades he wants are very specific, and not something that you might want to buy on a whim." He caught himself up, "Not that what the Dame proposed you are any less specific, but it's probably easier to adapt to them..."
The swordsman put on the Spatial Ring and took out about twenty Jades. Their complete loot so far, minus the few they had slotted and the infamous White Mind Mastery Jade. "By the way, what would happen if Takeo were to slot an Ascending Jade?" he asked a bit curious.
"Nothing particularly dramatic, he would acquire a Spirit Guide, and that would be the extent of it," she explained. "It would, of course, aid him in mastering Energy Manipulation. However, in all honesty, I'd deem it somewhat detrimental. Guiding Spirits tend to be... opinionated. They invariably strive to steer individuals toward their own chosen Paths. His Path remains unbound," she paused, "and a challenging one at that. My advice would be to abstain from it."
Xander nodded, "I see, thank you." He turned toward Takeo, "What do you think?" he asked while showing his selection.
Takeo was a bit surprised by the question, he expected Xander to decide for him. "Sure? Besides, I don't think I have much of a choice. I don't have much money."
"Good," Xander said then turned toward Dame Tanagi, "Then we will sell all these Jades. Can you tell us how much we can expect to get for them?"
She nodded in agreement, "Certainly, allow me to evaluate them." With a swift examination, she reached a conclusion. "That's quite an impressive collection. Although the majority are minor and specialized Jades, totaling eighteen in number. I can propose 56,000 credits for these. Should you choose to sell me your information as well, it would amount to a total of 68,000 credits."
Takeo was a bit surprised by the amount. "That's a lot of money."
Xander didn't seem to agree, and he grumbled. "It is a good amount, but even if we keep it to a minimum, almost everything would be spent on four Jades with little cash to spare." He paused and asked Dame Tanagi, "By the way, I was wondering if you sold Specialty Orbs?"
"Indeed, we have two Specialty Orbs available in the Valley: the Jumping Orb and the Oxygenation Orb. Both are priced at 20,000 credits, exclusively available at the Bright Grade. The Jumping Orb, at this grade, enables jumps of up to 5 meters in height and 10 meters in length. On the other hand, the Oxygenation Orb permits underwater endurance for up to 30 minutes."
"See, we don't have enough credits," complained Xander. "Add to that if you want to add a few more Orbs to your Seal, and we are out of money. Can you tell us how much it would cost us for a simple Energy Orb, and a Bright one?"
"The standard Energy Orb costs 100 credits, while the Bright variant goes for 20,000," she promptly responded. "Bright standard Orbs are priced at 64 credits each. Although I do possess Luminous Orbs, they're priced at 10,000 credits each. However, I don't currently carry Luminous Energy Orbs or Luminous Specialty Orbs."
"Grah, that's a lot of money," Xander said scratching his head. "I can refrain for now, but at some point, I'll have to buy a few more."
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In the end, they left the Reader's abode with a heavy heart and a light purse. They had bought the simple Slime Summoning Jade, the Stellar Crown for Takeo, the Mind Palace Jade, and a Minor Spatial Storage Jade for Connor. Xander was just happy to have seen his stats. They have also sold all their Jades and information. All in all, they had spent 56000 credits and had 12000 left from their haul. To that they added around 2000 they had gathered as Orbs on the way to the Village. It wasn't much. They still had a lot of things to buy, new clothes, weapons, armor, and such. Hopefully, the Jobs at the board would help them with that. They could also sell some of their loot, but they didn't know how much they could get for it.