bookpower Book 14-12.3: Mystic Arts and Where to Find Them
Book 14-12.3: Mystic Arts and Where to Find Them
This time, Elsie kept her motorcycle running at a low speed, barely faster than someone could run. With good reason too, Yuriko supposed, since the path they took went through narrow alleys littered with trash, excrement, and bodies. She figured most were alive since she could see their torsos moving as they breathed, but her perception was still hampered by the presence of so much ‘chronian gear. It was annoying, she knew, but she could bypass that protection simply by pressing harder. But it would become obvious, not just to anyone watching her but also to the one being scanned. She had little reason to do that, and the one time she did, her perception penetrated past clothes, ‘chronian gear, and skin. Not all that pleasant, but perhaps she should hone that skill so she could be accurate and precise. Who would she practise against though?Elsie was right in front of her, but Yuriko wasn’t comfortable experimenting like that with a possible friend. Certainly, Elsie could be considered an ally at the moment, so anything of the sort wouldn’t be done without express permission. But still, her Anima perception might touch off something, so better to practise with clear enemies.ended to forget it as soon as the eyes left the mark. It was in the shape of an empty circle, right in the middle of his forehead, etched in silver light. It faded away moments afterwards.
Tiger Lao shook his head and said, “Unfortunately, she is the only one I’ve taught, over the past dozen years, to have succeeded. And I think that she would have, eventually, with or without my tutelage.” He met her gaze without flinching, though his mechanical pupils expanded and contracted slowly. “You…I sense you are awakened, too. I cannot fathom your power, and you look completely organic. You said you just arrived in the city…are you one of them?”
“Who do you mean?” Yuriko asked curiously, though she had an inkling of what it was.
“The Conclave.”
“No.”
“No?”
Yuriko nodded, and the man seemed to wilt. In relief, though, Yuriko thought, not in despair.
“Were they the ones who…?”
“Indeed. Ah, the Brand, of course. And not them, directly, but the subsidiary that Millenium State Conglomerates owns.”
“Can you clarify? Did they awaken you or did they put that symbol on your head?”
“I would say both, but of the first, it was during a Delve. I used to be part of a MilState-sponsored Delve Team, Special Forces, and we were in the 1st Lower Floor.” He swallowed. “There are no other places that resemble despair, suffering, and death than there.”
The lower floor? So he knew how and where to delve the tower? Was it the same place or method to climb? Damien’s memories pointed out that the Eternal Tower could be climbed or delved, ascending beyond the Firmament or descending below the Abyss. He’d never reached that far, or at least, not in the memories she held, but she knew a bit of the distinctions once she unravelled more of the subject.
Delve to gain power, material or otherwise, and ascend to gain knowledge. She needed the latter to devise a way to return to Rumiga. Or better yet, a way to cross the boundless distances with as little time as possible. After all, if an accident brought them to the shores of Arcadia in the blink of an eye, when it would have taken decades to cross otherwise, then there must surely be a way to do it on purpose.
It had only been a day since they arrived here in Dragon Fall City, and she had been lost in exploring its mysteries and culture. She also had no idea where to go to start the trials of the tower, but this seemed an excellent start.
“Can you tell me how to get to that place?” Yuriko asked with an inviting smile, but Tiger Lao simply looked at her.