So, Vikam shamelessly ransacked each and every house and double-checked if he had everything.
[Asylum Key]
[A key where the greatest Blacksmith ever to live had been sealed. The reasons for sealing are unknown, but it is said that the blacksmith had gone mad, and thus needed to be dealt with.]
The Asylum Key was not actually a key as anyone would think. It was circular in shape and had multiple inscriptions on it. It had a mysterious aura around it.
Vikram stored it inside his storage.
[Mayfly grass](×3)
[It exudes a vibrant and medicinal scent. Maybe it has some alchemical purpose.]
[Bloodgrim Berries](×2)
[It exudes a bloody and yin-specific aura. Maybe it has some alchemical purpose.]
[Blood Metal.]
[A torcher device that is used to remove eyes from the victim.]
'Never gonna use that!'
Vikram stored all of these inside his storage.
[A piece of journal]
Vikram opened the paper and the letter was a little bit more readable.
[It is getting more and more suspicious lately. The Village Head is getting more and more fidgety, and his eyes are all bloodshot.
Maybe, it is just the stress that I have been having lately because I spent too much time in the forge a lot. The heat can get to some of us sometimes.
I have been saving money lately, to ask her the Village head's daughter's hand. It may be because I have some talent in smithing. The Head is a little bit eased up about me and Linda's relationship.
Anyway, even though we are not married, Linda has gotten pregnant, and I can't let people know about that...
Everything is going to be okay. After a week, I will gather enough money to ask her hand, and no one is going to tarnish her reputation. I won't let anyone.
Everything is going alright till now. It's not like the world is going to flip upside down in the next week... Anyway, that's it for now.
Goodnight, Brother.]
'Why did you have to jinx it like that...' Vikram grimaced, and stored the letter in his storage, and looked around him, and was ready to step towards the outside wor-
[You have been slain.]
"You all are spawn of pure evil!"
Vikram stretched his body, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays glaze over his skin. The transformation in his physique was notable. What had once been a stick-like frame with four limbs had now developed significant mass, a testament to his rigorous training and determination.
Also, that biting and painful cig had helped a lot to suppress his illness
Kayala had been instrumental in his progress. She had sneakily given him a tempering exercise, a specialized regimen designed to enhance his body's adaptability and strength. This exercise not only built his physical form but also prepared his body for any cultivation path he might choose in the future. Vikram felt a deep sense of gratitude for Kayala's guidance and support.
As he stood there, soaking in the morning sun, Vikram reflected on the recent developments. He had received a notice that his batch of Walkers would be participating in a trial next month, scheduled for December. The anticipation of the trial filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It would be a critical test of his skills and abilities, a chance to prove himself among his peers.
Additionally, he had been informed that he would receive a scripture for cultivation next week.
Vikram didn't need it actually, but he had to keep his appearance. All was nice and good for Vikram, but he had one bugging question mark that was still unanswered to Vikram.
Why were Kayala and Brunus treating him this nicely?
He was not dumb. Well, at least to his knowledge, he wasn't.
But the point still remained. Vikram knew that at least Kayala was aware of his "conditions." Initially, he had feared the worst, thinking he might be "recycled" in some way, deemed a failure and discarded. However, the reality had been quite the opposite.
Despite his perceived inadequacies, Kayala continued to support him, providing guidance and resources. This unexpected support puzzled Vikram, especially when he compared himself to his peers. He had seen multiple "geniuses" among them—like Vold, who could slap robots aside as if they were kittens, and the guy with the attitude problem who effortlessly dominated in sparring sessions.
Objectively speaking, Vikram knew he was the weakest among his peers. His abilities, or lack thereof, made him seem like a poor investment. He was painfully aware of his shortcomings and the apparent futility of investing time and resources in someone like him.
Vikram often found himself questioning why Kayala would bother with him. He had no extraordinary talents, no natural aptitude that stood out. The stark contrast between him and the others was glaringly obvious. In terms of power and skill, he was at the bottom.
Vikram entertained another thought—that perhaps the system was also designed for people like him. But he quickly dismissed the idea. The system spanned galaxies, and the notion of equality was something even Earth had never fully achieved. The chances of a system so vast catering to individuals at his level seemed slim.
He finished his coffee, an essential part of his morning routine that helped him feel functional at this moment, then freshened up and left his room. As he walked, he lit a cigarette, savoring the familiar ritual.
Entering the sparring room, Vikram observed his peers training their abilities with intense focus. The room buzzed with energy, filled with the sounds of exertion and the occasional shout of triumph. Vikram found a spot on the sidelines, sat back, and took a long drag on his cigarette. The smoke curled around him, providing a brief respite from the chaos of training.
As he sat there, he spotted Brunus across the room. He also noticed the amused and curious glances from his peers as Brunus approached him. Vikram ignored the looks, maintaining a calm exterior.
"Like hell I can wait!!!"
A loud boom of sonic attacked him, and he was sure that Brunus had protected him somehow.
"What can't you understand, you dumb fork! I need reinforcements!! This is a fight for the central Galaxies!!!"
Kayala furiously swiped at the air, her movements sharp and angry. She grabbed something from her ear and hurled it toward the glass wall. Brunus, with his quick reflexes, caught it deftly before it could shatter the glass.
Vikram raised an eyebrow at the scene but remained unfazed. He sauntered over to a chair and sat down as if it belonged to him, exuding a casual confidence. Neither Kayala nor Brunus seemed to mind his presence or his apparent disinterest in their heated discussion.
*Smack*