Second part : Hidden ruins
Hidden ruins, remnants of an ancient civilization that flourished hundreds of years ago at the height of its power and development. However, like any civilization, no matter how great, it couldn't withstand the relentless passage of time. For reasons unknown, the land of this mysterious kingdom disappeared from the face of the world, and from time to time, gates appear in various locations connected to the lost kingdom, known as the Hidden Ruins. From within the gateway, a different natural landscape was visible, and Arfi's excitement was evident.
"Gateway to the Hidden Ruins. Information suggests there's a treasure there, and if luck is on our side, we might find a sacred weapon."
Artsia intervened to temper his excitement. "Don't get too excited. We haven't found anything yet."
"Artsia, why do you always dampen my spirits? Everyone considers me the weakest link due to my defensive spiritual form."
Artsia didn't utter a word but jumped into the gateway, followed immediately by the young man. They found themselves in a vast, green area devoid of buildings. Arfi produced a compass, charged it with his power, and as it spun, it eventually settled to point east. They both headed in that direction and eventually arrived at an empty area. Arfi scratched his head and looked around. "This is the place, but there's nothing here. Should we dig?"
"It's a type of illusion magic, but it weakened over time. Close your eyes and try to seal your spiritual energy. Then allow your body and senses to accept the magical energy."
Arfi followed her instructions. He took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes to find everything around him changed. The green spaces transformed into the ruins of an ancient city. The spot the compass indicated was a tomb. Arfi wasted no time in pushing aside the dusty stone lid, revealing the coffin beneath. Dust and the scent of decay couldn't quench the excitement in his eyes. He had finally found what he was looking for. Without concern for the books and tools inside the tomb, he pulled the sword from the grip of the deceased and examined it.
"A materialized spiritual sword with lightning law. I'm no longer the weakest link."
Artsia gazed at the sword and said, "A weapon spiritual essence turned material, the idea might not be wise." Some fighters from the ancestors and at a certain stage of spiritual enlightenment were able to transform their spiritual essence into tangible material weapons, preserving their power and laws. These weapons were called Material Spiritual Weapons, extremely rare, unlike sacred weapons used only by martial arts experts. This weapon was the dream of any ordinary person without a spiritual form, but the same couldn't be said for a spiritual fighter, as having such a powerful weapon had its drawbacks. Arfi knew this more than anyone else but couldn't find an alternative solution.
The strong, the weak, capable of standing against the mightiest warriors, and unable to defeat the weakest opponents, the Material Spiritual Weapon was his only hope for advancement.
Initially, he wanted a sacred weapon to use alongside his defensive barrier, but now he was considering merging his spiritual form with the material spiritual weapon, a perilous endeavor. Those with free forms similar to weapon forms would do anything to obtain a matching material weapon. If the fusion succeeded, they could activate the weapon's laws early and train before entering the realm of law. However, the risk remained and increased the greater the difference between the weapon and the form.
Arfi still harbored some concerns, so he spoke audibly to encourage himself, "Do I have a choice? Relying solely on defense will keep me lagging behind. If I can't get an offensive weapon, I'll modify my spiritual form. I'll take the sword, and as agreed, the rest of the treasures are yours."
What remained in the tomb were three books, energy pills, and wooden beads. These tools could be sold for a good amount, while the books' value depended on their content. While Artsia was busy evaluating the tools, Arfi focused on his new weapon, seeming to adapt to it quickly. "Ah, there's a problem. I can't honor our previous agreement. The deal was with my partner, Artsia, not you." The girl stopped browsing the books and took a few steps back.
"If you figure this out quickly, it's expected. I usually need more time to study someone's personality before disguising as them. Let me guess, your friend knows nothing about illusion magic."
Arfi tightened his grip on the sword and observed the young man who had taken on Artsia's appearance, his body shrinking and emitting white smoke to reveal a guy with white hair like snow.
"That's right, my colleague had a bad experience with wizards. I hope you haven't harmed her."
"She's fine. I used a magical circle to teleport her to the edge of the forest. But who knows what could happen to a girl alone in the woods? Maybe you should hurry back to her."
"You're brave, still calm even in a situation like this. But it doesn't matter; I'll make sure you pay the price."
"It's not about bravery. I simply don't see someone underestimating their spiritual power as a match for me."
"You scoundrel..."
Arfi swung the sword toward Alex, who leaned back to avoid the blow and jumped back a step. Arfi quickly followed, attacking again, the wind cutting through the air. Luckily, his Autumn Leaf technique granted him an advantage in defense and maneuvering, but the situation wasn't as easy, given Alex's material weapon and combat experience. If not for Arfi's lack of sword proficiency, the situation would have been far more perilous.
"This isn't in my favor. Trying something else."
*Smack*
Small stones hit Arfi on the head. "As expected, you can't rely on your spiritual shield and material sword simultaneously."
Arfi rubbed his forehead where the stones hit, smiling sarcastically. "And all you have is good movement skills. Let's see how long you can keep evading me."
*Thud*
Two blows landed on Arfi, one on his ribs and the other on his cheek. They were so quick he felt them together, staggering slightly but shaking his head. Those blows only fueled his anger.
Alex's grip had completely numbed from striking Arfi's rock-hard body. The body often took on the characteristics of the spiritual form. His opponent's body was as hard as his shield. Now, Alex was seriously contemplating killing him, although he initially hadn't planned to. While he was in a tight spot, fighting and killing were two very different things. To Alex, killing required a well-timed strike in the right place at the right moment, ending the enemy. With Arfi's poor sword skills, it wouldn't take more than one blow. Alex made up his mind, considering ending this when he was about to use his weapon. Suddenly, the material sword glowed, emitting lightning-like energy and releasing several bolts. Arfi's excitement at the powerful sword caused him to overlook his opponent.
"Boy, it seems your luck has run out. The battle is over."