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Rocky stood in stunned silence, his mind racing with questions. The mention of "divine words" by the chieftain left him skeptical. After all, throughout his experience with Nen, he had never encountered anything like the concept of "God" associated with Nen abilities.
"Is it possible that the so-called 'divine word' really appears in Nen abilities?" he thought to himself. "I've never heard of it. In fact, the word 'God' doesn't even seem to exist in the Nen world."
Although some abilities had unique patterns, was this what the chieftain meant by the "divine word"? Rocky's mind wandered to Greed Island. Was the concept of the divine word somehow connected to the development of that game? After all, Gon and the others had played a role in creating Greed Island. If they had used the power of the divine word, it might explain how such a magical and complex world had been created.
But could that really be the case? And if so, how could it be controlled? Rocky had to admit that the idea intrigued him, especially if the divine word had contributed to the creation of something as sophisticated as Greed Island.
As his thoughts swirled, a surge of excitement hit him. If the divine word could help create something like Greed Island, perhaps it wasn't so impossible to develop his own abilities either.
"Grandpa, can you teach me to learn these divine words?" Rocky asked, eager to explore this new path.
The chieftain smiled warmly. "Of course! Isn't it for you to learn these divine words?"
He walked over to the wall and raised his hand to touch the divine symbols etched into it. "These are the most precious wealth accumulated by the Kuruta tribe over generations. If you can learn them, then even if the entire Kuruta tribe were wiped out, as long as you're alive, the tribe will never be destroyed."
The chieftain's words struck Rocky deeply. Could the old man truly foresee the tribe's tragic fate? Or was it just a reflection of his trust in Rocky's talent? Rocky hesitated, but the chieftain's expression seemed more hopeful than foreboding.
Rocky was about to speak when the chieftain cut him off. "Alright, let's get started with the first lesson."
The chieftain moved to a porcelain plate filled with sand and took out another plate, setting it in front of Rocky. "For the first pattern, try using your thoughts to replicate it on the sand. This process will help you practice the three main Nen abilities: Conjuration, Emission, and Transmutation."
As Rocky focused on the task, the chieftain continued, explaining how this exercise tested the ability to transform, manipulate, and release Nen in different ways. "Let's see if you have the talent for this," the chieftain said, his voice calm but full of anticipation.
The chieftain raised his hand and released his thoughts into the air. Unlike Rocky's expectations, it wasn't a focused carving of air into a specific shape. Instead, a misty mass of air moved toward the sand, almost as though it was following a predetermined path.
Soon, a small but distinct divine symbol appeared on the sand.
"Touch it," the chieftain instructed.
Rocky reached out and felt the sand. It was solidified, as if glued together. "It's so hard," he murmured.
"Yes, that's the effect of this divine word. It adds strength and unity," the chieftain explained. "This is the simplest of divine words. Try replicating it yourself."
Rocky nodded, though doubts lingered. He had only half an hour to master it, and the chieftain was confident in his abilities. "You should be able to learn this with your talent in Conjuration, Transmutation, and Emission," the chieftain added.
Rocky set to work, his brow furrowed in concentration. His first attempts were frustrating—his thoughts didn't seem to translate into the desired result. The air shifted, but nothing meaningful happened. He was growing more frustrated by the minute, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.
Was it true that he lacked the talent? Could it be that he wasn't cut out for this after all?
"Mastering the divine word is different from practicing Nen," the chieftain said, noticing Rocky's growing tension. "You don't need to force it. Just relax. Even if you can't learn it, you're still a genius. Don't feel pressured."
The chieftain's words didn't seem to reach Rocky. He was too absorbed in his attempt. But then, something clicked. The chieftain had mentioned that the divine word didn't require the same strength of will as Nen. Maybe that was where he was going wrong.
Rocky closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing. He let go of his rigid focus, relaxing into the process, and unconsciously entered a state of perfect "En" (Entanglement).
The chieftain watched, stunned. "Perfect En... This child's Nen talent is remarkable." He had not expected Rocky to enter such a state so quickly.
As Rocky's thoughts settled, something extraordinary happened. The sand in front of him began to absorb the air, pulling it in until it swirled and settled into a golden prototype of the divine word.
The chieftain's eyes widened in disbelief. "This... this child has already mastered the divine word!" He had only intended for Rocky to sense it, not to actually replicate it so quickly.
But Rocky was already beyond the initial step. Without opening his eyes, he pushed the porcelain plate aside and grabbed a handful of sand. He began drawing the second divine word, seamlessly integrating it into his flow.
The chieftain's heart raced. What he was witnessing was not just talent; it was a moment of enlightenment. Rocky's Nen was so attuned to the world around him that he could see the rules of Qi like never before. He had become one with nature, able to perceive and manipulate it with ease.
The chieftain was overcome with excitement. "This child... he's a gift from the gods to the Kuruta tribe!"
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