Back in DAVID's digital mind, he felt the distinct sensation of being lifted. Instinctively, he shut off the visible light waves he had been emitting, as they were no longer needed. Instead, he started emitting lower frequency electromagnetic waves, wavelengths so subtle that they would likely go unnoticed by the creatures nearby.
Utilizing the time between the wave's release and its return, DAVID pieced together an echolocation-like vision of his surroundings. It was a swift method, far quicker than the material detection he had employed earlier. However, there was a drawback – he could only discern the outlines of his surroundings, unable to pinpoint the precise chemical composition of nearby objects.
As the trio moved along, DAVID scrutinized them with his newfound perspective. Their outlines gave him a rough idea of their physical forms. Given that the old man seemed to be holding him, leading the group, DAVID surmised that he was likely their leader or master.
Curiosity piqued, and with the trio seemingly unalarmed, DAVID decided to perform a material detection to gauge their power levels. He closed the echolocation-like vision and began emitting more complex waves, meticulously analyzing the data that returned to him.
Minutes later, DAVID's observations revealed the following details:
The old man appeared to be in his seventies, his hair stark white against his silhouette. He possessed an impressive power level, standing at level 7 on the practitioner scale.
The young man, likely in his early twenties, sported brown hair and exhibited a power level of level 4 on the practitioner scale.
The young woman, also in her early twenties, had dark hair and held a power level of level 5 on the practitioner scale.
In the vast cosmos, each planet with a practitioner system held its own unique nomenclature for the various levels. It was a testament to the rich diversity of cultures and civilizations across the galaxies. Words and titles flowed like stardust, each one carrying its own significance.
Tech-based civilizations, on the other hand, took a more pragmatic approach. They categorized practitioners based on their idle aura emissions and internal aura readings, creating a system that was more utilitarian and less poetic.
It was important to note that a practitioner's level didn't necessarily dictate their strength in combat. True power lay in the methods and techniques they had mastered. However, the level system provided a standardized framework, a common language amidst the myriad names that civilizations bestowed upon their power divisions.
With each ascension in practitioner levels, aura intake increased, and the aura expelled became purer and more refined. For instance, a level 2 practitioner absorbed approximately twice the amount of aura per second from the air compared to a level 1 practitioner. The amount of aura they expelled remained consistent, but the output of a level 2 practitioner was twice as refined as that of a level 1 practitioner.
DAVID, in his digital existence, had never encountered practitioners with such low levels, as a minimum of level 10 was typically required for interstellar travel. However, he had diligently added this knowledge to his ever-expanding database, drawing from the archives of other tech-based civilizations that had met their demise.
With his echolocation activated once more, DAVID continued to observe the trio as they navigated the dense forest. Roughly 15 minutes passed, and they emerged on the outskirts of a small village, nestled amidst lush farmland.
The village unfolded before DAVID's digital senses, its quaint charm revealed in intricate detail. Around the settlement, vast fields of crops stretched out in a patchwork quilt of vibrant greens and golds, tended by the village's diligent inhabitants.
At the heart of the village stood a cluster of approximately 20 houses, their structures exuding a rustic warmth. Although DAVID couldn't discern the exact materials used, their shapes suggested that they were crafted from sturdy wood, each dwelling a testament to the skill of the village's craftsmen.
Amidst this rustic tableau rose a grand temple, a centerpiece of the village. Its architecture bore the mark of time, constructed from a material resembling concrete or stone. It loomed in solemn majesty, a sanctuary for the spiritual pursuits of the villagers.
The trio made their way into the heart of the village, and it quickly became evident that the old man was a respected figure among the villagers. Greetings flowed toward him like a gentle river, each passerby acknowledging his presence. DAVID meticulously saved the data of the mouth shapes of the villagers, recognizing that it might prove invaluable in deciphering the language of this world.
Despite his acute visual perception, DAVID remained deaf to the sounds of the world due to the absence of microphones. However, his 360-degree vision offered a unique advantage. It enabled him to read lips, deciphering the movements and shapes of mouths to unravel the mysteries of spoken language. Unfortunately, his limited processing power couldn't provide real-time conversion, so he stored the data for later analysis, patiently piecing together the auditory puzzle.
The trio's journey through the village continued until they reached the central temple. DAVID's digital gaze was drawn to the temple's interior, where stone pillars stood like silent sentinels. These pillars, devoid of intricate carvings, possessed an unnaturally smooth surface, hinting at a craftsmanship beyond mortal skill.
Within the temple's entrance hall lay nine rooms. Two of the room doors stood ajar, revealing a kitchen and a toilet. The young man and woman accompanying the old man entered two of the remaining closed rooms, each adorned with its own unique decor, hinting at their private spaces within this sacred sanctuary.
With a sense of purpose, the old man led the way deeper into the temple's labyrinthine corridors, their footsteps echoing through the hallowed halls. After navigating several twists and turns, the old man paused and swung open a door nestled against the wall. The room beyond revealed itself as a study, a realm of knowledge and contemplation.
The study was a chaotic blend of organized chaos, with papers strewn haphazardly across multiple desks. The centerpiece was a vast library, where large bookshelves stood in horizontal alignment, crammed with volumes that whispered secrets from the ages.
Within this scholarly sanctuary sat a young man with tousled blonde hair, small glasses perched upon his nose. He was engrossed in his work, scribbling fervently on a piece of parchment.
The old man approached the young scholar and addressed him by name. "3rd," he began, "I have found something that might interest you."
(Note that DAVID cannot understand this exchange yet.)