The moment Koshin descended the staircase to the inn's main floor, he was met with the familiar sight of Eris. Her arms moved deftly, wiping down a table with practiced ease, her every move resonating with the comfort of routine.
She looked up at his approach, her eyes brightening as she looked at him. "Heading out again, kid?" Her words were casual, her smile looked genuine and warm, lending an inviting aura to the quaint establishment.
"Yeah," Koshin responded, his footsteps resonating softly against the wooden floor as he walked past her. His confidence was more evident this time, his usual nervous energy seemed to have dissipated to a great extent. This change didn't go unnoticed by Eris, her eyes following him with a thoughtful gaze.
"Stay safe then," she advised, her tone touched with a bit of concern as he neared the inn's entrance.
"Thanks, I will," Koshin replied, his hand already on the door handle. He cast a final look over his shoulder, raising his hand in a casual wave before stepping out into the bustling streets of Void Crow.
'That was weird, why did she sound so caring? Or am I just thinking too much of it?' Koshin pondered as he walked toward the market. He thought about going back and using 'Analyze' on her but decided to do it later if he saw her, as he didn't want to turn back around.
Upon entering the vibrant marketplace, a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells greeted Koshin. The bustle of the crowd, the colorful array of stalls and their diverse wares, and the tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, drawing him into the fray.
With a keen gaze, Koshin began his exploration, wandering amongst the bustling stalls. His eyes darted between the myriad of herbs on display - from vibrant, lush greens to intriguingly rare roots and seeds - each with a price tag that made him weigh his options carefully.
Vendors peddled their wares enthusiastically, their voices harmonizing with the general clamor of the market. Koshin, being as shrewd as he could diligently compared prices, weighing the worth of each herb against its price. His skill 'Analyze' aided him well as he navigated the busy marketplace.
Whilst walking around he stumbled upon a satchel that caught his eye. The sturdy fabric and the sizable space it offered were ideal for his needs. After a round of haggling that involved a fair bit of persistence and the use of 'Analyze', he managed to secure the satchel for the price of 7 copper coins.
'I should leave before it gets too late, I need to return before night,' Koshin thought as he looked up at the sun, he estimated it to be around mid-morning.
Strolling towards the North East city gates, Koshin took in the various sights and sounds that marked the city's vibrant commercial life. His eyes skimmed over the unique storefronts and fascinating venues, mentally bookmarking a few of interest. He planned to pay some of them a visit once he had some free time.
As he approached the city gates, the sight of a bustling queue unfolded before him. A variety of people and carriages lined up, all awaiting their turn for entry inspection. The scene was a lively snapshot of the city's daily routine.
As Koshin neared the gates he heard the guards' commanding voices echo across the vicinity, a stern "NEXT!" punctuating the air at regular intervals. Yet amidst the stern commands, he could also catch snippets of their casual banter, the guards swapping stories, gossips, and chuckles, lending a touch of normalcy to the otherwise official scenario.
As Koshin reached the city gates, the bustling line of travelers gave way to the stark imposing figure of the guards. Their stern countenances were etched with the wear of routine, scanning the crowd with practiced eyes that had seen it all.
Upon catching sight of Koshin, their gazes lingered on him for a moment, scrutinizing him with a brief, penetrating stare. After a shared glance amongst themselves, one of the guards extended his arm, his palm opened in a gesture that signaled Koshin was free to leave the city.
The guards' duty was to inspect those who drew their suspicion - a mismatched detail, a nervous demeanor, or perhaps an overly-laden carriage. But Koshin, with his unassuming demeanor and the lightness of his belongings, didn't raise any red flags, sparing him the thorough inspection that others might endure.
With a small nod of acknowledgment, Koshin stepped past the gate. The clamor of the city was gradually replaced by the quieter sounds of the world outside, and he continued his journey with a brisk step, leaving the imposing city gates behind him.
Strolling up the paved path, Koshin found himself enveloped in the rhythm of everyday life. Conversations swirled around him like a colorful tapestry of human experience - tales of trade, family news, the latest city gossip. It was a rich panorama of young and old, their purposes as diverse as their backgrounds, whether they were transporting goods, trading, or simply savoring the vibrant energy of Void Crow.
A few minutes into his walk, Koshin arrived at a crossroads, a humble signpost indicating the direction to Emeria's Grove. The signpost had three different directions, one of them being the road to Temeed. The majority of the crowd flowed along the more popular paths, while a smaller tributary trickled towards Emeria's Grove. Solo travelers, like him, as well as small clusters of individuals strayed towards the path less taken, their intentions likely mirroring his own.
Embarking on the path to Emeria's Grove, Koshin kept to himself, maintaining a quiet bubble amidst the ebb and flow of the crowd. His senses were sharp, his ability 'Analyze' casting an invisible net over everyone. It wasn't long before he discovered that most were cultivators like himself.
As he continued his solitary journey, another realization dawned upon him. There was an omnipresent undercurrent of danger subtly hinted by the presence of weapons. Bows hung over shoulders, swords glinted at waists, spears bobbed above the crowd – they were silent, but undeniable companions of each traveler.
A faint regret tugged at him, his lack of armament suddenly feeling like a stark vulnerability. 'Maybe I should've gotten one,' Koshin mused, his gaze instinctively scanning the crowd.
A few minutes into his walk, Koshin arrived at a quaint sign hanging from a gnarled old tree to the side. With its simple wooden frame and painted letters, it proclaimed, [Now entering Emeria's Grove].
As he ventured past the sign, the smooth dirt road beneath his feet gave way to the untamed earth. Now, he was truly stepping into the wild. Like water flowing around stones, the travelers dispersed, each individual carving their unique path into the verdant landscape. There was an unspoken rule amongst them - no one welcomed an unexpected shadow. Thus, in an unsynchronized dance, they all drifted apart, each following their intuition deeper into the grove.
Emeria's Grove was a spectacle in itself, an idyllic painting come to life. The foliage was a mosaic of rich greens, bathed in the golden glow of the sun filtering through the leafy canopy. A carpet of nutsedge-colored grass spread beneath his feet, punctuated by a riot of colorful flowers that sprinkled the forest floor like jewels. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, their whispers a soothing soundtrack to the natural beauty around him.
As Koshin wandered further into this captivating wilderness, his eyes began to scan his surroundings. He was here to gather herbs, a task that required a keen eye and a wealth of knowledge. Fortunately, for him, he had the Omni-Eyes.
Before long, his sharp eyes spotted a cluster of tradeable herbs peeking out from beneath a bush. This plant was a vibrant shade of green, showcasing intricate patterns on its leaves, if one wasn't paying enough attention one could miss it since its patterns were only prominent if one looked closely.
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[Gentle Mist Herb]: The Gentle Mist Herb, when burned as incense, releases a subtle and delicate fragrance that creates a peaceful atmosphere. It has a mild mood-lifting effect, providing a slight boost in positivity.
———————————————————————————
'Found some' Koshin smiled, he then knelt down to gather them, his heart beating in sync with the tranquil rhythm of Emeria's Grove.
After carefully picking and placing the herbs in his satchel, Koshin walked deeper into the forest on his way he found even more herbs.
———————————————————————————
[Earth Lotus petal]: The petals of the Earth Lotus, when ingested, offer a mild sedative effect, aiding in inducing light and restful sleep. They are known to promote gentle relaxation and tranquility.
———————————————————————————
———————————————————————————
[Murmuring Vine Herb]: This creeping vine has small leaves that emit a barely audible rustling sound. Consuming its extract provides a temporary enhancement to hearing but offers no significant advantage in combat or perception.
———————————————————————————
After a few minutes of 'meticulous' herb gathering, Koshin spotted a sizable stone nestled in the cool shade of a towering tree. It rested at the heart of a serene clearing, inviting him to take a breather. With a sigh of relief, he claimed the stone seat, letting the calmness of the surrounding woods wash over him.
Cracking open his nearly-full satchel, he took a moment to marvel at the collected herbs. His lips curved into a satisfied smile as he did the mental math.
'If I'm willing to take a slight loss, these should net me about 40 copper,' He thought. Barely an hour had ticked by since his entry into the grove, and his haul was already promising.
As he closed the satchel, he couldn't help but consider a predicament he thought about. 'Space could be an issue. But, juggling two satchels... That'd just be a pain,' His eyes drifted aimlessly across the lush expanse of the forest, lost in thought trying to find a solution.
His tranquil contemplation was broken by a sudden, raw growl that echoed through the woods. His body jolted, adrenaline surging through his veins. He spun around, only to be met by the serene emptiness of the clearing. His pulse thundered in his ears, his mind reeling with a question. 'What was that?'
Straining his ears, he picked up on a muffled, munching sound coming from deeper within the forest. A cascade of questions rushed through his mind. 'Should I check it out? Is it safe?' After a moment's hesitation, he steeled his nerves, leaving his satchel behind, he rose slowly from the stone.
Creeping forward with cautious curiosity, he moved towards the origin of the noise, his senses heightened, his heart beating wildly in his chest. The forest seemed to hold its breath, amplifying the suspense of his cautious approach.
Creeping ever closer, Koshin found himself near the source of the noise, but the dense thicket kept the cause hidden from his sight. The sound, however, was unmistakably close, a gruff chomping that reverberated through the peaceful quiet of the grove. Steadying his breath, he edged closer, prepared to take a quick peek over the bush.
As his gaze met the sight beyond, his breath hitched. There, bathed in dappled sunlight, stood a dark-gray boar of monstrous proportions. Its body was a hulking mass of power, dwarfing Koshin in sheer size. From its massive head sprung a pair of menacing tusks, flanking a snout that was busy tearing into some vegetation. Above its eyes, a pair of horns sat proudly, adding to the creature's formidable visage.
The sight was strangely majestic, a testament to the untamed beauty of nature. But there was an undercurrent of danger too, a reminder that beauty often came hand in hand with danger in the wild. Without wasting another heartbeat, Koshin activated 'Analyze'. His eyes glinted with focus, as he began the process of understanding this beast.
———————————————————————————
-Status-
[Brute Boar]
Age: 10
Sex: Male
Race: QI Beast
PBH(Primal Beast Hierarchy)- Lesser Kin - [☆]
Mood: Hungry
[Description}
With a hulking frame and a thick, muscular build, the Brute Boar exudes an aura of raw power. Its coarse, dark-gray fur covers its body, offering protection against the elements and providing an intimidating appearance. The Brute Boar possesses tusks that protrude from its mouth and horns that protrude from its skull, both of which serve as formidable weapons for defense and attack.
Territorial by nature, the Brute Boar fiercely guards its area, typically a secluded area such as a dense part of a forest or small clearing. It marks its territory with assertive grunts and territorial displays, warning other creatures to keep their distance.
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Ducking down once more, Koshin kept his breaths shallow, his movements careful as he crept away from the behemoth. After reaching his satchel, he delicately scooped it up, not wanting to alarm the Brute Boar. With one last glance at the direction the creature was in, he made his retreat, slipping further away from the small clearing, away from the beast.
After silently getting out of the general vicinity, a profound sigh of relief escaped him. 'A Brute Boar, I've heard about them before, still, it's a completely different feeling seeing one in person,' he mused to himself, the adrenaline slowly subsiding.
His steps quickened, the wild encounter reminding him of his vulnerability. 'Should I buy a weapon? Actually, I don't think I can afford one right now,' he concluded, his thoughts already on his immediate plan.
His heart still thudded heavily as he put more distance between himself and the clearing. The last thing he wanted was another run-in with a Qi Beast, especially given his lack of combat experience.
Emerging from the grove's threshold, Koshin found himself on the familiar dirt path, leading him back toward civilization. With a determined pace, he followed the path until he came upon the crossroads. After a few minutes of walking the imposing walls of Void Crow came into view, a welcoming sight that prompted another relieved sigh.
After reaching the wall he fell in line, patiently waiting his turn to re-enter the city. The guards gave him a cursory glance before waving him through, a routine they'd performed countless times.
Without a moment's delay, Koshin steered his steps towards the bustling market bazaar. As he navigated through the sea of shoppers and vendors, he began trading his hard-earned herbs with merchants who were willing to strike a deal.
With the last of his herbs sold, he quietly muttered, "42 copper coins," a hint of satisfaction creeping into his voice as he patted the money sack hidden within his robe. The weight of his earnings felt reassuring, a tangible proof of his successful foray into the wilderness.
Whilst walking down the main road, Koshin thought about his current predicament, "I'll need to go into the forest every day if I want to make a substantial amount of money, that means I'll constantly be in the way of danger. A weapon would be nice but I think a skill manual would be better, though it might be more expensive than a sword, but I'll have to carry around a sword which will be too much. Sigh~" Koshin thought while massaging his temples.
Stopping in his tracks, Koshin found himself standing before a building. Above the entrance, an ornate sign read, [Sage's Secrets: Scrolls of Ascendance].
The building's façade was a marvel of craftsmanship, a symphony of red lacquered woodwork intricately carved and highlighted with lavish yellow accents. The roof was an architectural masterpiece, showcasing sweeping eaves and layered tiles that cascaded in the traditional curved design seen around the city. The dark polished double doors at the entrance were embellished with golden engravings of arcane scriptures and auspicious symbols, a grand invitation for cultivators seeking hidden knowledge within.
'Might as well take a peek,' Koshin murmured, as he made his way inside.
The interior was as opulent as the exterior, if not more. Everywhere he looked, there were elaborate designs etched into every available surface, the walls, the ceiling, even the floor. The customers milling about were unmistakably affluent, their luxurious robes and confident demeanor speaking volumes about their wealth.
Feeling slightly out of place among such grandeur and wealth, Koshin tried not to linger too long. His eyes swiftly scanned the first row of skill manuals displayed prominently in front.
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[Infintismal State - Tier 1 - 5] [Normal Type]
[Leaf Whisper]: A basic technique that allows cultivators to perceive subtle movements in nature, such as the rustling of leaves or the whispering of the wind. It enhances sensory awareness and aids in detecting hidden dangers.
[10 Silver coins]
[Serene Breath]: Cultivators with this skill learn to control their breathing, calming their mind and body. It aids in relaxation, mental clarity, and the cultivation of inner peace. However, its effects are limited to personal well-being.
[5 Silver coins]
[Swift Stride]: This technique enhances speed and agility, allowing cultivators to channel qi to the legs to move faster than an average person. It provides a marginal advantage in evading attacks or traversing short distances swiftly.
[30 Silver coins]
[Flickering Blades]: This technique enhances the speed and precision of swordplay. It enables cultivators to perform quick, agile strikes with their blades, granting them an advantage in combat situations that involve bladed weapons.
[30 Silver coins]
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Koshin's gaze drifted to the price tags adorning the manuals, and he almost choked on his own spit. '30 silver coins?! I'd need to forage for months just to afford one!' The reality of his financial situation hit him hard. He tore his gaze away from the expensive skills and hastily exited the building, avoiding the curious looks from the other patrons.
Reassuring himself, he thought, 'I have the Omni-Realm. I'll just create my own skills. How? I'll figure something out.' It was a bold plan, but it was all he had for now.
His footsteps echoed down the streets as he navigated his way back to the inn, the sun dipping lower in the sky. As he pushed open the familiar door of the inn, he noticed the absence of Eris but paid it no mind.
He then retired to his room. The soft, inviting bed and the silence were exactly what he needed. He decided to cultivate and patiently wait for the Omni-Realm to open. His mind was filled with thoughts about his experiences of the day, the choices he had made, and the challenges that lay ahead. A bit of frustration weight on him as he thought about his situation.
Nine days when by like this, each as predictable as the last. Koshin would leave his humble inn room in the morning, make his way to Emeria's Grove to gather herbs, then return to the bustling market of Void Crow, selling his collection to anyone who needed them. He would then use this money to, pay his rent, buy his food, and whenever he could afford it, pick up a new book, right now he had two - one on human anatomy, and another on basic combat. Over these nine days, excluding his rent, Koshin spent around 60 copper coins, but he managed to balance his expenditure with his steady income.
Currently, somewhere in Emeria's Grove, in front of Koshin stood a massive Brute Boar, its imposing figure dwarfing his slender frame. Yet, against this beast, Koshin stood firm, calm, and composed.
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-Status
[Brute Boar]
Age: 12
Sex: Female
Race: QI Beast
PBH(Primal Beast Hierarchy)- Lesser Kin - [☆]
Mood: Angry
———————————————————————————
"ROAR!"The Brute Boar released a thunderous roar. The sound echoed through the surrounding landscape, a powerful combination of a deep growl and a resounding boom. It resonated with strength and ferocity, commanding attention.
The beast dug its front hoove into the ground a few times signifying that it was ready to charge. Its head lowered pointing its sharp tusks and horns at the seemingly calm Koshin.
Without a moment of hesitation, the Brute Boar lunged at Koshin, reaching astounding speeds within mere seconds. Koshin, however, remained calm, his body lowering slightly in anticipation.
Koshin's concentration peaked as he activated [Intense Focus]. He then aligned his hands with the beast's tusks just as [Accelerator] surged to life, bolstering his strength. Koshin's aura quickly changed, he then deactivated [Intense Focus]. And just as he did, he grabbed the boar's tusks. His feet dug into the ground, absorbing the impact of the beast's charge, yet he didn't move an inch.
"GRAH!" With a powerful roar of his own, Koshin heaved the colossal beast into the air. It was a sight to behold - a thin, frail-looking boy, lifting a creature many times his size with astonishing ease.
The boar found itself airborne for a moment before it was abruptly slammed onto its right side. The beast squealed in pain, but Koshin paid no heed. His hands clamped onto its left tusk, squeezing and twisting with relentless force. A loud, bone-shattering crack then echoed through the surroundings.
Before the boar could react to the loss of its tusk, Koshin mercilessly brought down the broken tusk onto its head. The sharp end punctured the beast's skull, embedding deep into its brain as blood gushed out.
The boar's struggles ceased abruptly, its life extinguished in an instant. The tranquil forest held its breath, a silent witness to the unlikely victor of this showdown.
As he looked down at his hands, smeared with the scarlet lifeblood of the beast, a triumphant grin spread across Koshin's face. "All the training paid off," he declared, his voice echoing through the serene grove, a testament to his hard-earned victory.
These past nine days had served as a crucible, honing not only his body, but his understanding of his abilities as well.
First, he discovered an intriguing similarity between his eyes and his Omni-Cells while [Intense Focus] was active. Both were free, unshackled from the normal restrictions of time being slowed.
Next, he found that when both [Intense Focus] and [Accelerator] were active concurrently, his speed surpassed its usual limits while being slowed, this meant that he could move a little bit faster than his opponent as long as he had [Accelerator] activated. This meant he had a slight advantage in speed during combat - a crucial edge he could exploit.
Then there was the matter of the Omni-Realm. Koshin found that any inanimate object he held could be summoned there. This discovery opened a plethora of possibilities, the most immediate of which allowed him to read his newly acquired books within the Omni-Realm. In effect, he could condense days of studying into a few fleeting hours.
And lastly, he discovered that while he is in the Omni-Realm he could perceive his surroundings outside, his senses were not tethered to only the inside of the Realm. Furthermore, he discovered that he could also move his body outside to a certain extent while inside the Omni-Realm.
While discovering these things Koshin also trained relentlessly, he had died a handful of times, and unbeknownst to him he was starting to get numb to it. He was also able to create another Omni-Cell - an Omni-Throm Cell, during this time and could also feel himself getting closer to a breakthrough.
———————————————————————————
-Status-
Name - Stane Celtus
Age - 11
Sex - Male
Race - Human
-------------------------------------------------
CR (Cultivation Realm) - [Tier 1] Infinitesimal State
-------------------------------------------------
-Stats-
Strength - 7.2
Speed - 7.2
Body- 7.2
Mind - 10.2
Stat Points: 0
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
OA (Origin Abilities) - [Omni-Realm, Accelerator, Omni-Eyes]
-------------------------------------------------
-Cells-
Omni-Blood Cell - 1
Omni-Cyte Cell - 0
Omni-Throm Cell - 1
———————————————————————————
{Omni-Throm Cell
1 - Increases regeneration
2 - Increases lifespan}
Koshin was about to take out a small skinning knife from his robe, but just as he did a text box appeared in front of him.
———————————————————————————
[Absorb Brute Boar Blood - Yes/No]
———————————————————————————
"Huh? Yes?" Koshin mindlessly answered. A minuscule amount of blood was then absorbed from Koshin's bloody right hand.
———————————————————————————
[Blood absorbed, Brute Boar blood clone is now useable.]
———————————————————————————
"I see.. so I guess I can now fight it in the Omni-Realm," Koshin mused, he next looked down at the boar, 'I can't carry it back, so I guess I'll just leave it here, well, not before taking the pelt,' Koshin thought as he pulled out the small skinning knife.
Koshin's lack of experience was evident in the tedious task that lay ahead. He had never skinned a beast before, let alone one this big. His hands moved with hesitation, yet he tried his best. Every stroke was measured, every cut precise, his sharp eyes and fine control compensating for his lack of skill. After an arduous hour and a half, he finally managed to separate the beast's pelt.
Koshin carefully rolled up the hefty pelt and secured it under his left arm. He then made his way towards a nearby bush where he had stashed his satchel filled with herbs before the encounter with the boar. Adjusting the straps of the satchel on his shoulders, he prepared to make his way back.
However, just before he set off, an instinctual urge prompted him to make one final sweep of the area with 'Analyze'.
And just as he did so he discovered something odd.