Karni woke up surprisingly fresh. His mind was clear of the fog that had been accompanying him, but a new worry now appeared. Those haunting words that penetrated his very soul. It felt terrifyingly nostalgic. The voice he heard at the very beginning, coming back to haunt him.
Those words. Messing with other's fate? Destiny? What, with Wulin's and Gu Yue's? Was that what that feeling of wrongness was?
Karni couldn't help but scoff. So, he would have won? If not for that feeling weakening the attack, he would have won? A part of him was angry about that, and another one was happy. He may have actually won.
He blinked. Speaking of that attack. The world just now felt… amazing. Wide. Even the particles of the air. The small Sounds going through it. And that vision, when his senses transformed.
Black and White. And only Soundwaves. It was wonderful. It was… wait a minute. His Spiritual Power…
The Spirit Abyss! His Spiritual Sea felt immensely deep. So deep it turned black. It really did feel like an abyss. No wonder it was named that way.
But what was that Black and White world he saw… he stood up, only to notice the bed he was on. Oh. He was actually at the hospital. Well, no matter. He felt great and he wanted to test things out.
His legs gave up on him. Okay, so maybe he wasn't perfectly fine. His body was tired, while his mind was extremely healthy.
He pulled himself back on the bed, took out his Martial Soul and checked on the Still Harmony. His body was somewhat broken, but his mind was perfectly healthy right now. It was fully reformed.
The world and the Sound turned different with Still Harmony coming into play. But the weird vision of the world did not come… so he combined it with his Spiritual senses. His newly formed Spirit Abyss Realm.
The world turned Black and White, just like in the battle. And only the Soundwaves told him of the shapes of the world. It was… beautiful. And also tiring. He stopped the connection. Oof. Those 10 seconds just wasted 10 percent of his Spiritual Power.
Which gave him further confidence. That message warning was imprinted in his very soul, but with his progress recently, he actually felt slightly offended.
He might not have been able to defeat Long Yue, but not messing with his friends' destinies? When he knew he could help them? Fuck that. Some things should be changed. At the very least this situation… still had other ways of changing it.
This felt like a challenge. He was unsure before of his alternative plans, but right now, he felt ambitious for a change. If he could not change these outcomes, he'd start slowly. He'd mess with other ones.
But, uh, before he did that… He focused on his head and body. Yeah. He'd just rest for now.
… … …
The park. Cocoa. A good, fresh morning. Warmth. Sisi, leaning onto him. Smiling. It was a good, comfortable cuddle.
She reached her head up to kiss Karni.
And that's when he woke up, due to footsteps approaching the hospital room. Dammit. It was a good dream as well. He wanted it to last longer. Despite being interrupted, however, Karni couldn't help but smile. After all of this, his feelings felt… free. He'd thought he'd been dealing with his feelings healthily at the start, but then noticed that tiny frustrations turned into big one, and he could not hold them back anymore.
At least he got something good out of it all. Spirit Abyss Realm. Still Harmony… whatever that attack was.
He closed his eyes as the nurse came in to examine his body. Remembering that feeling. The Spiritual Power. The Soul Power. The Sound. They all joined together. Still Harmony was there. The Soundwaves everywhere.
The imbalance was used as a release. Back into Equilibrium. Into Entropy. Somehow, it brought back balance to his state of mind as well.
Huh. Sonic Entropy. Yeah, that… that just felt right. A return to balance. A forceful rebalance of Sound from a great imbalance of power.
The nurse looked him over and nodded. "Fast healing. Good." She wrote down the details, then looked back up. "Some of your friends are here."
"Oh?"
"Mm. Do I tell them to come in?"
Karni nodded. He listened to the nurse leave and go into the lobby area to bring in a few people. Except. Those voices were definitely not of Wulin's group. No, it was Yun'er and a few others.
The group walked in. Yun'er was the first in, then it was Dai Yueyan.
A third person however, stood outside quietly.
"Hi. How are you doing?" Yun'er asked, genuinely worried.
"Quite well actually. I only really strained myself. And hey, I caught up to your Spiritual Power at the very end."
Yun'er's eyes bulged. "You reached the Spirit Abyss Realm?"
"Impressive. I'm not even close to it yet." Dai Yueyan sighed.
"I did. In that last attack that almost beat Long Yue." Karni smiled, clearly saying that to the hallway instead of to Yun'er and Yueyan.
A chuckle escaped from the hallway. "I'm just glad you lost consciousness afterwards. Maybe I would have lost my temper then."
"Long Yue." Yun'er stared at him with a frown.
"Don't worry." Long Yue shook his head. "If I lost control completely, Master would have stopped me before I killed anybody."
"Oh? Is that a guarantee? Always?"
Long Yue changed an expression immediately. "Are you doubting my Master?"
Yun'er jumped in. "Karni, you should know. His Master is the Headmaster of the Monster Academy. En Ci."
"Oh, I know." Karni smiled. "Doesn't mean I know the person himself though, so I was just asking."
"He would always stop me if I got too far. It's not good for anyone. For me to rage, it directly hurts me, and for others, well… their life. My teacher would never risk that."
"Right. Even if his bloodline is above yours?"
"What?" Long Yue stared for a bit, then shook his head. "Anyway. That's not why I am here. I want to ask you about the end of our battle. Why did you hold back at the end?"
Karni's eyes went wide, actually forgetting what he was going to bring up for a second. Interesting. So the guy actually noticed it?
"I did." Karni admitted. "Lemme paint you a picture. It was my first time using the move. That's the picture."
"Oh." The man said. Genuinely surprised. "So you're saying that it weakened while you were building it up cause it was improvised?"
"Yeah." Karni confirmed. He couldn't actually tell them that it was some feeling of wrongness. So he went with the simplest answer.
Long Yue, however, couldn't help but cover his mouth and smile widely. "Wow. You're a monster."
"Sorry?" Karni was confused.
"You did a move, which, if not for the fact that you improvised it… it would have defeated me."
Yun'er turned to Long Yue shocked. "Wait. You're serious?"
Long Yue nodded. "If the power I was bombarded with is anything to go by. The power I sensed before he released that attack was… far above something I could handle. I'm honestly not sure if I would've survived."
"That you would, no matter what?"
Long Yue turned to Karni again. "How's that?"
"Because I control the kind of Sound I put into my attacks. And the attack I sent at you did not include any deadly frequencies."
Long Yue blinked, not fully understanding.
"Layman's terms. The Sound was set to stun. Think of it like that."
"Good." Yueyan said. "There could've been a problem if anyone died. International problems."
Karni nodded. "I can see that. You might want to watch out for that in the next match."
Long Yue laughed. "You really think that guy can kill me?"
"Obviously not." Karni said seriously. "I think you might kill him."
The room fell silent for a second, but Karni would not be discreet right now. That voice even warned him about messing with destiny, he doubted that a single conversation would change anything, since that big even was disturbed in such a way. That meant he had more leeway in his actions than he thought. He might as well test how much he can change things.
"Fine." Karni said, the full idea forming. "I'm not just saying this without any reason. It's due to who Wulin is. And more exactly, his Bloodline."
Long Yue interrupted him. "My Bloodline is the Mountain Dragon King. There are no higher bloodlines that appear in humans."
"Have you heard of this neat little thing called the Golden and Silver Dragon King? Like from the legends?" Karni shook his head. "Right. Sorry. No time for sassiness. Siduo had rubbed off on me. It's quite simple. Wulin has the bloodline of the Golden Dragon King inside him."
Long Yue was about to say something, but Karni raised his hand. "Just let me finish."
"Alright." The man crossed his arms, doubtful.
"So, just follow me here. Wulin has the Golden Dragon King Bloodline in him. You will feel that soon. Hell, I'm sure you've felt it already."
Long Yue nodded.
"You'll find out for sure when facing him. But now I'll ask. Does your teacher know about this?"
"Of course he does. I tell him of all my instincts."
"And what do you think your teacher would think when he finds out that Wulin can influence you—the greatest prodigy of the Empire? A kid from Douluo to overpower you of all places. And especially with that past event in your academy."
"Past case? How do you know that?" Yueyan turned hostile to Karni.
Karni had a simple and calm answer. "Precognition. I had a few visions of En Ci's thoughts, of Long Yue's rage and of Wulin… being stomped to death. It's why I'm bringing it all up."
"And why didn't you start with that?" Yun'er complained.
"Well, it's more effective this way." Karni smiled.
"Even if you speak the truth. My teacher is not like that."
"Have you actually seen him in such a situation before?" Karni asked.
Long Yue fell silent. Awfully silent.
"Alright." Dai Yueyan clapped his hands. He saw that they were losing the argument. "Karni. Do your visions usually happen?"
Karni nodded. "Most of the time. There are variations in them if I actively work against them."
Yueyan turned thoughtful. "Brother Yue. Since that's the case, we can just work against it. You focus on keeping your sanity. We could even go to the Headmaster and-"
"No. It would be unbecoming of us to do something like that. I do not believe my teacher would stoop so low as to use me for such political gains." Long Yue still argued.
"Let's try it that way then." Dai Yueyan said. "We try as best as we can, not tell the Headmaster, but we keep the problem in mind. You do. Since it will be on you, to keep your head straight." He looked at Long Yue seriously.
Then he continued. "We could do more. Karni. I can see that face you're making. You think we won't be able to prevent that... stomping. So let's do a simple little bet. Since you're warning us, I'm guessing you want to be compensated if we don't listen."
Dai Yueyan then paused. "Though that takes a preposition that Wulin survives that."
"He will." Yun'er and Karni answered at the same time. They looked at each other and Karni showed Yun'er to continue. She wanted to say something.
"Karni never said that Wulin would actually die. He knows that somehow, he survives. Sneaky little bugger. He said stomping." She looked at him.
"If we can prevent this from happening," she looked at Long Yue, who nodded, "you become one of my people."
"Your people?" Karni was surprised.
Yun'er nodded. "We'd help get both you and Siduo transfer here to Monster Academy. You're great talents. And I want you two by my side. Both of you." She made sure to emphasize the last sentence.
"Hmm." Karni pretended to think for a second. "Deal."
Easy thing to agree with. A simple reason really. He would mess with destiny, but he already knew that what would happen between Long Yue and Wulin had to happen. That voice was proof of it. Wulin had to almost die for his own growth. It was why Karni couldn't complete that final attack. Karni did not have the capability to take the role of Long Yue and make Wulin almost die.
This really only meant one important thing. Karni would win that bet. And plans would get put into action. A safety guarantee of sorts. No matter the perspective.
Long Yue huffed after the deal was made and turned to leave. Dai Yueyan sighed and followed. He did not expect such things to happen. He did not want that either, since he felt like they were fooled.
Yun'er however looked at Karni with a smile and with a challenge before she left. She was not aware that she already sealed her fate.
After they were alone, Long Yue asked. "Yun'er. Are you really sure you want him on your side? He is bold and powerful. Not something you can control"
"He's my friend Brother Long. I don't seek to control. I genuinely want him and Siduo on my side. For more than just their prowess. Their knowledge as well."
…
That was interesting to hear. Karni smiled. He heard that whole conversation. People often forgot just how well his control over Sound was. He decided to lay back down… only for the door to be opened by Wulin.
He smiled. "Hi. Didn't hear you there."
"Of course you didn't. You definitely didn't." Wulin chuckled, before turning serious. "What was that all about?"
"A little deal and a small bet for the next match. And clearing up some things."
"My match?"
Karni nodded.
"Can I ask what kind of bet?"
Karni smiled honestly. "You getting beat up half to death."
Wulin stared at him for a while, before making a weird tone. "You're serious. Did you see it?"
"Yep. Madman Long will prove his name, so to say. Well, just do your best." Karni waved him goodbye. And he could feel Wulin getting heated up by that statement. Wanting to prove Karni wrong.
… … …
The match had gone… almost as he expected. Except both of them fought slightly different than what he remembered. Long Yue stayed more reserved for longer, but it was hard for him to do so when Wulin fought with twice as much vigour as he did originally.
It ended exactly the same at least. Madman Long lost his temper… And stomped. And En Ci at the very top? The man just watched.
But Karni watched as well. Carefully. He memorised it well. Searching for weaknesses he knew he would have to use. The reaction time. It was one of the biggest one. When Mu Ye swooped in to save Wulin, En Ci swooped in as well. Instantly. Perfect.
That together with Long Yue's statement about En Ci always protecting him? It would be a good blow. This time those who have committed transgressions shall not go unpunished like they did originally. Though really, that was just an excuse for Karni to see his limits at the moment.
It was time to make some calls.
A voice picked up. "Karni? What do you need?"
"Master. How's that Spirit Soul coming along? I hope it's soon."
Hu Jie sighed. "Karni… I watched the match. Tang Wulin is alive, under Mu Ye's care. No need to be reckless-"
"I reached Spirit Abyss Realm."
"Oh… Well… In that case, give me a week."
"That's perfect! Just enough time for me to get some plans ready as well."
"If its plans about what just happened... Karni, you will tell me about them afterwards."
Karni could hear the seriousness in Hu Jie's voice. "Okay."
Now time to call Yun'er's group.
… … …
The atmosphere in the room was not pleasant. Yun'er and Yueyan were grumpy, sure, but Long Yue? He looked like he was battling with some genuine inner demons.
It was Dai Yueyan who broke the ice. "Val Karni. What are you planning exactly."
Dai Yueyan was genuinely willing to plan right now, because they were on the cusp of an international crisis. Shrek Academy had been pressing them constantly since the incident.
There was no crisis in the original timeline, nor would there be one here, because Wulin would return in three weeks' time, and the only reason Shrek didn't interfere immediately was because they hoped for Wulin to have been saved by that mysterious Mu Ye. In that case, it worked as well.
But Karni here was not about to not cause a scene. Oh, he was going to cause a goddamn scene. And these guys were going to help him. "The plan is quite simple. Yueyan, you're going to get beaten up by me in the Team Competition one on ones." Karni smiled like Mo Qing.
Yueyan answered surprisingly simply. "How exactly? I will admit that I cannot win against that Soud of yours, but how would that help anything? How would I get 'beaten up' with that?"
"It's gonna be a more showcasey, physical fight." Karni stayed silent for a second, breathing in. "I have a second Martial Soul. A Panda to be exact. And I'm going to get an upgrade soon."
"What would you get by beating me up then?"
"Well it wouldn't just be a normal beat up, obviously. I'm going to try and kill you. At which point, En Ci will save you."
Yueyan blinked. Then he started to laugh. "Right. You think I'd just let myself get beaten up like that?"
"Of course not." Karni smiled. "You should fight to your best abilities. As will I. I only want one thing. Do not surrender at any point."
"I'm not sure about all this." Yun'er said with doubt. "I mean, how are you sure that the referee won't interfere beforehand?"
"Because if they try to, I'll put up my hand, that I'm still resisting." Yueyan smiled, understanding Karni's ideas.
"Brother, you're just okay with this?" Yun'er was surprised.
Long Yue finally joined the conversation. "Yes. He should be. It is the only way to bring everything to light." He looked at Yueyan, figuring out why he agreed.
Yueyan nodded. "I'll help out afterwards as well. When En Ci protects me. The news is going wild at the controversial final match right now, and my father is trying to supress it. It's not right. Whenever we face each other, it is a chance for me as the Crown Prince to show my pride and showcase a different side of the Royal Family. If Karni succeeds, with my actions, even my father won't mind it, because it should work out in my favour. En Ci won't be able to do much. Not in front of the whole audience. And I'm sure Karni will make sure everyone hears it." He turned to look at Karni.
Karni just smiled. "Of course. What you said is the best-case scenario, and honestly, I think it will work just fine."
"As long as you defeat me with overwhelming strength that is." Yueyan smiled back. His eyes threatened Karni. This was going to be a challenge either way. It had to be authentic.
"I'll worry about that." Karni smiled back, non-chalantly. He paused. He missed being able to so easily take on a challenge without a care. Just a few days ago, he would have gotten angry and frustrated at the guy trying to go against him.
His cleared his thoughts. "And with that outta the way. I think that's that for our planning. Now it's just a matter of waiting and greeting."
"Greeting?" Yun'er got confused as she watched Karni walk to the door and open it.
"Yes, greetings to the little eavesdropper. Yo, Gu Yue. What's up?" Karni opened the door.
"Ugh. How'd you… never mind. Can you not have super hearing for a change? What are you doing with… them." She pointed at Long Yue specifically with hostility.
"This is Wulin's girlfriend." Karni explained. He then turned back to her. "And FYI, this is gonna work in our favour. And as a little revenge."
She looked around. "Fine." She pointed at herself and Karni. "We're having a talk about this after."
"Deal." Karni said, and Gu Yue vanished, teleporting away.
"Now if you'll excuse me. I have some upgrades to get to." Karni went away, down the building and out into the walkway, where he yet again encountered Gu Yue.
He approached her to say some simple words. "He's alive."
She looked at him with slight shock, before her face lit up. A smile he had never seen on her before was revealed. "Thank you."
… … …
The Greatsword. He wanted another version of the Guardian, but an upgraded version of it. A key function was needed on it now that he would finally get new Soul Rings. One that would allow him to use both Martial Souls at once.
The world was different right now. It breathed new life, new patterns since his little evolution to the Spirit Abyss Realm. And he saw the path he had to take.
The path to an upgraded Greatsword, but also a path to what would be needed to make these upgrades. A 6-Star Designer. It was almost as clear as day. Now it was just time for him to prove it.
Time to get to work. Time limit? Seven days.
The most important function needed was exactly the one that would allow him to use both Martial Souls at the same time.
For that he needed to change the way the Martial Soul connected to the Greatsword. Through the slot of the handle. If he were a plant type he'd have needed a container, and if a beast type, he'd have needed a blood pattern. That's what the Mecha Augmentation Project had found out in his division. Either way, a new Soul Array was required to be connected to the rest of the core Soul Array.
For now, he decided to focus on only the Bo Staff Martial Soul, since the Panda had yet to have any Soul Rings. This eased things up, since he didn't need to make another array for his second Martial Soul. That was a project for another day. It was also why he decided not to use the Greatsword he got from the Mecha during the train attack. He wanted to use that only when the design was perfected.
He did, however, decide to use better, thicker, heavier metal.
Just one thing alone would take a while to design, especially because he had to consider some other things into the design. He was going to change some fundamental things after the array was finished.
Two days passed.
The shape and design of the Guardian was the most fundamental of all. A different function was needed in place of the current Drumstick variation of the Guardian. The current Sword and Shield version was… inefficient.
Instead, he saw a pattern and a potential for connection. One bigger and the other smaller than originally. Farther into imbalance, to allow for connection.
The Shortsword was made smaller, becoming more of a Dagger to be held in a reverse grip. He got the inspiration from his recent Disordered Spiral Resonance technique.
The other was made bigger. Into a Longsword as wide as a Shield. Shields alone were not useful if he could not use them to strike back as well—that was Karni's philosophy with this design.
And to smoothen the process, once the Bo Staff was split into Drumsticks, the Guardian would split on its own, so Karni did not have to do it manually. He would automate the process.
Another two days passed.
Finally, the connection between the two. Only the Shield was compatible with his Martial Soul in the Mark One version of the Guardian. Time to connect both.
The Dagger became a device that could connect to a net of Soul Arrays. Connect much like the internet to the Core Soul Array. He got the idea from his recent discovery of Still Harmony. The two Drumsticks floated, and the music connected them. The same principle was applied here.
Yet another day was used for this function.
And now the production could finally begin.
A day to study.
A day to create.
And create they did. With the help of his teammates in Tang Sect. Another safety guarantee for the journey.
He was ready. Ready with the Guardian Prototype Mark Two. And a 6-Star Designer badge as proof for it. Time to get a new Spirit Soul.
And to evolve the Royal Bamboo Panda.