The cube continued to display various objects, one after another, and each time, it would ask, "Can you?" Unior watched in fascination as the cube showed him a variety of things, from simple items like an apple or a chair to more complex concepts like a sunrise or a book.
As the cube displayed different objects, Unior couldn't help but catch on to its method. It was trying to establish a rudimentary form of communication with him by showing objects and prompting him to respond.
After a couple of attempts, the cube displayed an image of a tree and asked, "Can you?"
Understanding the cube's intent, Unior replied, "Tree."
The cube then displayed a picture of a horse and repeated, "Can you?"
Unior responded, "Horse."
The cube continued its probing, displaying more objects and actions. It showed two people engaged in a heated argument and asked, "Can you?"
Unior answered, "Fighting.", after a pause he also wrote "Arguing"
This exchange went on for a while as the cube presented various images and Unior provided the corresponding words. It was a slow but steady process of establishing basic communication between the two very different beings.
Eventually, the cube's image transitioned into that of a person engrossed in reading a book. Unior chuckled and said, "Reading."
But this time, it wasn't a simple blink-and-change routine. The image evolved into something slightly different. Instead of the person reading the book, the cube itself became the center of attention.
Unior watched as the image shifted once more, this time focusing on the book that the cube seemed to be reading. It displayed pictures of various objects, each accompanied by words describing them.
Perplexed, Unior asked the cube, "Do you want a dictionary?"
The cube hesitated for a moment, then words appeared on its surface. "Do not," it said, before switching back to the book image.
Unior furrowed his brows, pondering the cube's strange communication. After a brief pause, he asked, "A children's book?"
This time, the cube responded swiftly, displaying the word "yes."
---
Excitement coursed through Unior as he dashed to the temple's public library. His eyes scanned the shelves, searching for a colorful picture book filled with various objects and their corresponding names. He finally found it—a donation from the village school, intended for any villager to read for free at the temple's public library.
Clutching the book tightly, Unior hurried back to the botanical garden. Along the way, he noticed the temple master, a grand master level practitioner with flowing white hair, observing him curiously.
The temple master approached Unior, his expression a mixture of intrigue and concern. "What's got you in such a hurry, Little three?"
Unior couldn't contain his excitement and quickly recounted the strange exchanges he'd had with the cube, from its unique patterns to its communication through images and words.
The temple master listened intently, his brows furrowing as he processed the information. "This is indeed peculiar," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "Be cautious, Unior. We don't fully understand the origins of this cube, and its motives may not align with ours."
Undaunted, Unior presented the children's book to the cube, holding it up for the enigmatic object to see. "Is this what you want?"
The cube's image changed, once again displaying the word "yes."
With a reassuring nod from the temple master, Unior opened the book and showed it to the cube. After a few seconds, the cube's image transformed into an animation of a page being flipped. In about 15 minutes, they had traversed the entire book.
Unior gazed at the cube and asked, "Now what?"
The cube displayed the words "thank you" before changing again. "Want a gift in return?"
Unior and the temple master exchanged glances, their mutual agreement evident. The cube's request was met with a nod from both of them. The cube responded with a concise message, "Write this down."
With enthusiasm, Unior swiftly fetched a pen and a sheet of paper, ready to record whatever wisdom the cube was about to impart. As he poised the pen over the paper, the cube displayed intricate diagrams and precise instructions, unveiling various practice methods.
Unior's eyes widened with recognition. The techniques before him were not entirely unfamiliar; they bore resemblance to those found in his private library, but with subtle yet crucial distinctions. The cube's versions were smoother, clearer, and more refined, promising not only efficient progress but also a deeper understanding of the ancient arts.
Gradually, Unior comprehended that the cube was offering improved iterations of the practice methods he had long known. The changes were subtle but held the potential for significant enhancements in their training.
Excitement bubbling within him, Unior turned to the temple master, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Master, these methods... they're akin to the ones in my private library, yet they're better, enhanced. What should we do with this gift?"
The temple master approached and examined the cube's instructions meticulously. After a thorough review, he nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, these are refined and advanced versions of our techniques. We should consider incorporating them into our teachings, but with caution. We do not fully grasp the cube's intentions or its origins."
Unior diligently transcribed the cube's teachings, ensuring that the temple's future generations would benefit from this newfound knowledge. As he continued to write, he couldn't help but ponder the enigmatic cube and the boundless potential it held for their temple and the world of practitioners.