[Analysis complete]
"Nori, report!" I called out, waiting for Nori's prompt response.
[New form of energy identified: Store energy form as Qi.]
"Qi, I see," I said, slowly grasping the significance of this discovery. Qi had the potential to enhance my abilities and enable new techniques.
[Warning] User's Qi is chaotic. Continued intake of pills is strongly advised against.
"Damn, this won't be easy," I muttered in frustration.
Mark agreed, saying, "Yeah, now it's time for us to focus on learning martial arts styles and techniques."
I turned to Nori, requesting her to develop a fighting style that incorporated Qi.
[Simulation failed] [Insufficient information. No comparable data found in the database.]
Mark immediately understood my intent, and so we set off in different directions, scouring taverns, tea houses, and markets. We discreetly mingled with the crowds, occasionally having drinks, purchasing herbs, and eavesdropping on the conversations around us.
It was astonishing how much respect was shown to us as alchemists. Every green alchemist would bow reverently as we passed by them. This respect opened doors to valuable information.
Nori worked tirelessly, automatically collecting every piece of information we picked up during our explorations. She sorted, dated, and documented them in her extensive database. With every whisper, every rumor, and every clue, our collection of important locations, individuals, and potential quests grew more extensive.
It was impressive how Nori processed the information in record time and provided us with precise reports. We now had access to a wealth of knowledge that helped us uncover the secrets of the Murim cultivation world and advance our journey.
In the evening, we reconvened with Mark at an inn specifically funded by the guild for alchemists. We had reserved a room where we could meet undisturbed.
"I've found the perfect quest," Mark said excitedly, his face beaming.
I had already searched the database but found nothing extraordinary. Curiously, he slid an AR window to me that only we could see.
"A band of robbers in the mountains?" I said with a hint of skepticism. "That sounds quite cliché."
"However, they are wanted robbers and murderers," Mark explained earnestly.
"Yes, but what do we gain from going after them to kill them?" I replied skeptically, attempting to weigh the risks and benefits.
"Among the plundered items is said to be a scroll with a unique fighting style. However, only one of the robbers has reached the Golden Core. He is desperately trying to master that style," Mark revealed, explaining the reason for his determination.
"But how do you plan to get past all the guards? Is it going to be another hit-and-run operation? I doubt they will let themselves be easily robbed," I skeptically interjected, doubting the feasibility of the plan.
"That's where this comes in," Mark gleamed, pointing to a marked Kalashnikov in my storage. "Few would be able to dodge or block a hail of bullets."
A smile of realization crossed my face. "I see, that could actually work. We'll make quite the team, won't we?"