The condition was just a single one, yet it was difficult for many to have such intelligence. Only with such high intelligence would one be capable of becoming a scholar. This was because the wielding manual for scholars was highly complex and difficult to perceive. Even more exasperating was that the manuals were very arrogant, and wouldn't open up to anyone whom they perceived as unworthy. These unworthy people were usually those with intelligence below the benchmark. And their path was a bit different.
Energy wielders and body wielders had one goal- to become strong in the body. They just used different means to achieve their goal. Spiritualists also sought to become strong. But this strength was aimed at the mind. Spiritualist sought to strengthen their minds so they could do so much more. Scholars sought to train their senses. It sounded lame, but it wasn't. With heightened senses, scholars were able to avoid dangerous places; they were able to react to attacks due to their beyond extraordinary reflexes and senses; they could shroud the senses of others; they were so fast that they could escape from most, and; they were able to locate and pinpoint the weaknesses of others! The last skill was envied by even spiritualists. Scholars mostly went on to become explorers, seeking the truth behind the universe. With their senses guiding them, they were able to follow the tinniest of leads to the most groundbreaking of discoveries. And when they entered the ranks of the gods, they were no longer referred to as scholars- they were called Sensors! But mortals called them Sensor Gods.
Mane had learnt all this from the 6th. Mane was interested in this path, and according to his masters, Mane's senses were extraordinary. If he stepped upon the path of scholars, he would definitely do well. His masters weren't even worried that the boy would be biting off more than he could chew by pursuing so many different paths. In their minds, Mane was a Supreme. He should be able to do that much. Unfortunately, although each of the nine had their own unique traits, none of them were scholars. So Mane could only put thoughts of becoming a scholar aside.
But from this woman, Mane could feel a different kind of energy. It was a path that was different from the ones his masters walked. His masters were either Spiritualists, Energy Wielders- both Law Kings and Elementalists- or Body Wielders. She didn't belong to any of these paths. Mane was certain she was a scholar! He didn't know if she was a dual or triple wielder- or even a quad wielder. But he was definitely certain that she was a scholar.
"You are a Sensor God, aren't you?" Mane asked.
"As expected of one I have my eyes on. Indeed, I am a Sensor God. I am the Sensor God of Wisdom. I hail from the 5th Heaven yet every inch of the Universe has been graced with my presence. I have explored the farthest of lands and the deepest of oceans. I have measured skies with the breath of my palm and with my feet I have traversed the most dangerous of lands. I am known to few, but I know many."
Indra was just as startled by the grand introduction as Mane was. Until today he had never known who his informant was. All he knew was that she was incredibly powerful. He doubted that even he would be a match for her. But even then, he didn't know who she was. He knew she was a Sensor. After all, she was able to cloud his senses whenever they spoke, and till date he had never seen her face. She was highly skilled too, for Indra noticed Mane's reaction when he saw the goddess. The little boy blushed. When Indra looked at her, all he could see was a dark mist that robbed him of his far sight. Yet Mane's reaction meant that he could see the goddess. The boy could see what he could not. That meant she had dulled his (Indra's) senses, and heightened Mane's. At least now he knew her name. He was a great figure in the 3rd Heaven, so he knew who Ananse was. Just like she said, many didn't know her, but she knew many. She was known to peak level gods as the most fearful Sensor in existence. Many feared her knowledge, and until today, Indra was one who thought her stories were exaggerated. But after all her predictions had come to pass, and knowing that it was indeed Ananse who stood next to him, Indra realized that the stories had underestimated her capabilities.
"I haven't left Zandor before, so I don't really know much about you." Mane shook his head innocently. "But I would ask my father about you when I return. I am sure he'd know. Even if he doesn't, my mom is very smart. She would definitely know."
"Indeed. The Absolute Queen knows who I am. She is one with intelligence that rivals even mine. But her attachments to the mundane weigh her down" Ananse's words caused Mane to smile bitterly. How could he not know that the 'mundane attachments' the goddess was referring to was him.
"But they cannot know. No one must know about our little meeting. Your parents are no exception." Ananse insisted. Mane didn't ask her why. She must have her reasons. If she wanted to say them out loud, she would.
"I came here to give you this" Ananse opened her palm to reveal a bright red orb. Mane didn't know where this orb had appeared from, for it wasn't in her palm before. Mane was confident of this because it was the same hand he shook a while ago- her right hand. The orb floated off her hand and presented itself before Mane. It waited silently, defying gravity as it waited for Mane to take it.
"What is it?" Mane may be attracted to Ananse, but he was no idiot. They had just met. He wasn't going to take something he didn't know about.
"There is no need to be frightened. If I wanted to kill you, I would. Even Indra wouldn't be able to save himself from me, much less you. And he wouldn't be able to stop me either." Ananse stated calmly. She didn't care about Indra's thoughts concerning the matter. Indra didn't show much of a response. His twitching eyebrows suggested that he was slightly ticked off. After all, who would like being looked down on. But his guts told him she was right. So he didn't refute.
Even with her assurance, Mane still didn't grab the orb. It was calling to him, but he remained steadfast. He needed an answer first. Ananse sighed upon seeing the still hesitant Mane. "*Sigh* It is a wielding manual for scholars. It is the manual I use. I have included notes from my own experiences as well. Take it. It would serve you well."