Chương 10: Promise and discipleship
-= Two months later =-
This is bullshit. It's just crazy. In two months, I've taken "Thread Manipulation" up one level. BY ONE LEVEL. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I can feel the threads, I can control their movements. But as soon as I get distracted, for example - take one step... The threads stop listening to me! WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? It's the same thing that happens under Ice Anger. Yes, even under rage (I got very angry at my crooked hands at the time). It doesn't work like that...
- Art, why are you so sad? Come here, Sis will give you a hug and everything will go away! - Alice came up to me.
- Alice... I can't do it! I've been trying to learn the strings for two months! But nothing comes out, you tell me: what am I doing wrong? - I complained in anger.
- Silly big brother," she shook her head. - You think it's easy, don't you? It's not a stick you can wave! I've never heard of a hunter using a yarn in combat. I don't even know how you came up with that idea!
- Hey, they have a lot of potential! - I got indignant.
- That's stupid, Art! You can't control the threads! I couldn't believe it when you made them move at your will. That's ridiculous! No, I knew you were using your Aura, which was genius, actually! - Alice flailed her arms about sharply. - But... You can't kill a Grimm with them. You can't kill a Grimm with them. Accept it. Your threads won't have the strength, the sharpness, the speed. By the time you can do anything to a Grimm, he'll have killed you a hundred times over. So it's bullshit, Art. Better start training properly, get a... A sword, for instance.
- Swords aren't my way! I chose the strings! I feel like threads are the right choice! - I exclaimed in indignation.
- Art, *deep sigh* you're acting like a silly child. I don't understand you. Tell me, why are you so fixated on your threads? What, no other weapon? - my sister answered me tiredly. - If you want an exotic weapon, a sickle, what's wrong with that? Or a battle claw? Even a bow! Talk to your parents about it, they might be able to advise you. Or they might be able to talk you out of it and put some brains in your head.
- Parents never have time, you know, they're at their "favorite" professor's house. Fucking Ozpin! - I clenched my fists in anger.
- Art, don't say that. You know what they're doing, they're..." Alice said seriously.
- Yes, I know... I'm sorry. It's my anger that speaks for me. I'm a man. And I gave myself my word that I could fight with threads. - I interrupted her. - And it's not working...
- Pfft. Man. *sigh* Be patient until your parents arrive, maybe they know something about threads? - Sister advised. - Okay, and tomorrow I have my first training session with the Beast!
- How did you ever get Adam to teach himself? - I asked in between. - He didn't seem like the kind of faun who would teach for nothing. Maybe you seduced him? But then that would make him...
- Fool! *You seduced him, I got him. - Alice smiled slyly.
- So that's where you went every day for a fortnight..." I remembered and rubbed the bump on my forehead. - Then it turns out that he... Man-ick, he lasted two weeks...
*Punch*
- Ouch, for what?! - I rubbed my knee.
- For your sweet, dirty mouth. What do you mean, "endured"? So you're 'holding out' on me? - Alice frowned.
So, I do not like where it leads, I must quickly do something, or else will work a woman's logic, and that's when I'll be bad ...
- Alice..." I looked into her golden eyes and walked up to her. - No... No, I can't...
Now we press our ears to our heads and try to squeeze out a tear. Oh, it worked... Mhee-hee-hee.
- A-art, what's wrong? A-art! Why are you crying?! - My sister panicked.
- Leave me alone, sister... I'm... I'm not getting anything..." walking towards the door.
- Art! Do you want me to ask Adam tomorrow about the threads? - she babbled.
- Would you... Would you really do that for me? - I opened my eyes wide.
- Of course, Art! I... I l..." she looked me in the eyes.
- "Thank you! Thank you, Alice! - I interrupted her and gave her a hug.
*Hand-face* Art, are you stupid? Explain to me why you're doing this, eh?
She needs to unwind. Well, it's also fun.
You're a fool. Although who am I to say...
Congratulations!
The skill "Puppeteer" (passive) has reached level 25!
Puppeteer (passive).
Level: 25
Isn't it natural? To say different things depending on the person you are talking to. To adapt to the situation. If we didn't, there would be no countries, no nationalities and no society. Everyone lies depending on circumstances and desires. Everyone wears different faces in front of their family, friends and surroundings. But who says it is wrong? What is the 'true' face?
There's a +25% chance of success with any acting-related action.
The likelihood that others will believe your deception +25%.
Chances of stunning enemies with your actions +0.9%.
(O?;SH;AND*?B::K?A;"
This message sobered me up. Why am I doing this? No, I won't be like that! I won't do this to Alice!
- Alice. I'm sorry. - I said it very seriously.
- Why are you apologizing? - she wondered.
- I shouldn't try to influence you like that. If you don't want to, then don't ask Adam. I..." I excused myself.
*punch* Alice slapped me.
- Don't even try to finish what you started to say. - she said angrily. - I always know what you're doing. Did you think I'd refuse to help you and not ask Adam? I love you more than life. You decided to give your life in exchange for mine, promising you'd come back. You did everything you could to make me believe you...
Then she cried.
- And I ended up setting you up. Sitting there crying in terror while you stood up for me. All broken and bloody. YOU EVEN GAVE YOUR HAND TO PROTECT ME! - she screamed. - When you were lying in a coma, I made a promise to myself and to you...
Alice clenched her fists resolutely.
- I made a promise that I would become strong enough. Strong enough to stand beside you. Strong enough to protect you..." she said with steel in her voice. - Strong enough to be worthy of you.
My cheek throbbed, and I realised that if it hadn't been for me and my curses... She would have been happy, not trying to break herself...
Art, don't be a fool! If it wasn't for you, she might not even exist. Or she would have been killed by a Grimm. You didn't just change your fate that night. Remember that, and stop being such a snot. It doesn't suit you.
Akasha... Are you telling the truth?
Art, the library is called the "Akasha Library" for a reason. So stop your pussyfooting around and f... Ahem. And take her oath.
Akasha was right. I walked over to Alice and hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear:
- 'All right, Alice. I'll accept your promise. But on one condition. Stop beating yourself up, I can see it's hard for you. You don't have to prove anything to me. If you want to, prove it to yourself. For me, you'll always be my greatest treasure. So...
Alice didn't let me finish. She moved abruptly close to my lips and placed them in a gentle kiss. Then she quickly pulled away from me and turned away.
- This-this is how we sealed our agreement! - Alice said, stammering. - I will be worthy of you, you'll see. And then we...
Alice didn't finish and ran out the open door.
*Sigh* Oh, men, women always have to make the first move.
And I stood there thinking. Thinking about my first kiss being taken away by my little sister. Ehhh. It felt good.
*hand-face* Art, you know that sounded really weird...
-= Next day =-
- Hello, Monster! - Shouted Alice, running into Adam's office.
*Frankly.
Was it just me, or did Adam just... Snort? Adam Taurus... Taurus... Hmm.
- And I brought you my Beast. You've seen him lately! - my sister was pulling me by the hand. - Come on, Art, don't be shy!
I rolled my eyes tiredly.
- Hello, Adam. I'm sorry.
- Hey, kid. Don't be, I signed up for this myself. I'll probably regret it more than once," Adam finished in a whisper.
- So, are you familiar with the thread wizard? - She asked the sister, ignoring his words.
- Remind me again why I have to tell you about this? - Taurus inquired.
- Oh-oh, if you don't answer me, you will suffer, for I will drive you to it. Oh, poo poo..." said Alice dangerously.
- Oh yes, that's right. It's hard with creatures you can't kill when they get to you. - He complained. - Art, I happen to know a master like that. The last master of the Way of the Thread. But there are two "buts." One, you'd have to ask to be an apprentice yourself, I can't help you with that. This faun and I have... Disagreements. Two, she's a psychotic bitch. If you want to study anyway, go ahead, I'll give you the address.
Somehow his words don't mix with the ice-cold calm on his face. I made my choice a long time ago, so...
- Give me the address. Thank you, Adam, I owe you one. - I bowed and thanked the man.
- Maloy, you don't owe me anything, it's not a big deal for me to thank you for a possible death...
Ehhh, I like it less and less, but men don't give up their way! I guess...
-= A day later. The edge of the Forest of Eternal Autumn =-
I've never seen such a beautiful place in Vail. Certainly not comparable to the house of the Lady of the Lake from Arthur's memories, but still a very beautiful place.
There was a beautiful view of the Forest from the hill. The forest and the mountains. All the trees were dotted with red leaves. You know when the leaves on the trees turn a delicate red colour in autumn?
All the trees and even the grass was that colour. It was... Fascinating. From up there it was like looking at a scarlet sea with reefs like rocks...
In this forest, Red Sap is a viscous syrup that can be eaten. All the trees and grasses in the forest have taken on "red hues" because of it. Ahh, it's a beautiful place...
Adam showed me a rough map and route, all of which appeared immediately on my system map. "User+ is a useful thing after all! OK, gotta go, I've got a long way to go...
-= Forty minutes later =-
I heard a buzzing near my ear and tried to push the pesky gnat away with my hand, then the buzzing repeated... But it got bigger? Turning my head, I saw a cloud of five-inch... Red wasps? "Explore!"
Rapier Wasp.
The poisonous red Rapier Wasp has a long, rapier-like sting with which it injects a paralysing neurotoxin.
Warning. Large amounts of venom can lead to cardiac arrest! Be vigilant!
Level: 1
Name: %:O'B;!?!*!A:(%:
Age: 4 days
Title: Queen's Undertaker
Health: 100
Stamina: 74
Mana: Locked
Strength: 4
Vitality: 1
Speed: 5
Coordination: 6
Intelligence: 1
Wisdom: 1
Spirit: 2
Okay, this is not good. We need to be careful, or better yet, get out of here altogether. In large numbers they are dangerous...
Dangerous forest... Dangerous forest with the wrong wasps. And there are many Grimms in this forest, especially Urs. Urses are big spiky black bears, like all Grimms, with a mask on their face. Running away from Ursas I can, but defeating them... I don't think I can yet. Beowulf I could handle right now, but Ursa... I didn't go into these woods empty-handed because of it. I have a new tanto on my belt and a buckler on my right hand.
Oh, yeah. Here's what the system says when you study the buckler and the tanto:
Shield of Fire.
Type: Shield (buckler).
Rank: Good
Strength: 92
Protection: +15%
Protection from Elemental Damage: +10% (Fire)
Shield made using Ashes of Fire. Slightly protects against fire attacks. When covered with Aura, increases strength and protection against elemental/physical damage.
Wind Tanto.
Type: Dagger.
Rank: Good.
Durability: 89
Damage: 10-15
Elemental Damage: 1-2 (Wind)
Tanto made with Wind Ashes. Reduced weight and minor elemental damage. When covered with Aura, increases durability and elemental/physical damage.
It looks really bad at first glance, but I couldn't get another one. I'm too short to handle a good weapon and shield, especially since the best weapons and armor are made by hunters themselves. No, I've told you there are craftsmen who make their own work, but it costs a fortune in time and money. There are waiting lists for years to come. I also already have, I hope, a future weapon. All that's left is to learn how to operate it. A shield would be better, but... It is what it is.
Akasha also explained to me the ranks of items and skills. Skills, besides level ranking, have a rarity as well:
common - common enhanced (O. W. ) - unusual - unusual enhanced (N. W. ) - rare - rare enhanced (R. W. ) - epic - epic enhanced (E. W. ) - legendary - legendary enhanced (L. W. ) - divine/demonic - divine/demonic enhanced (B./D. W.).
Then there are medium and higher Gods/Archidemons levels. There may be more levels of Demiurges/Demons, but even Akasha doesn't know about that. Other than that, there are hidden and extra-level skills. Extra-level skills are difficult to obtain, but possible. Hidden skills, on the other hand... They are very hard to unlock. They can only be done by fulfilling a number of certain conditions that are unknown in advance. In my case, it was, heh, go crazy. It's not that difficult...
It's pretty much the same with items:
schizophrenic - ordinary - ordinary enhanced (O. W.) - good - good enhanced (H. W.) - magnificent - magnificent enhanced (W. W.) - masterpiece - enhanced masterpiece (W. W.) - epic - epic enhanced (E. W.) - legendary - legendary enhanced (L. W.) - divine/demonic - divine/demonic enhanced (B./D. W.).
There are offshoots here too, such as Cursed/Sacred weapons and armour. You can either get them by your own actions (kill a thousand people with a sword, or get a blessing from a deity), or you can create them from a certain material (cursed ore or holy ore, crystals, etc.). All in all, there are quite a few ways...
Well, so where do I go from here?
-= An hour later =-
Is she a hermit? I've been walking along the path for an hour and I can't get to her house! Maybe I'm lost. I have to check the map...
No way! I didn't turn off the trail! Good thing I'm close by...
-= Ten minutes later =-
An arch of redwood stood before me, flanked by two snow-white statues of wolves, bowing their muzzles to the entrance. Beyond the archway began a paved walkway. As I walked through the archway, my eyes caught the red dots on the wolves' faces. As I looked more closely, I realized that they were... Spiders.
Oh, I don't like that.
The paved walkway connected to a long staircase. A very long staircase.
-= Climbing up to the temple. Thirty minutes later. =-
How many stairs are there? I've been walking for thirty minutes! Oh! There's a gap ahead, at last!
I quickly climbed to the end, and a view of the beautiful Temple opened up to me. Adam had warned of something like this, but to see it in person...
The Temple was made entirely of mahogany. The scarlet wooden walls of the two-storey building slowly transitioned to a scarlet roof. To the right of the temple was a ten metre fenced area of red sand dotted with stones of the same colour. The amount of scarlet made my eyes water, but... It was beautiful.
I took a leisurely step towards the entrance to the sanctuary.
The door of the temple slowly slid open to the left, and a young woman stood in front of me. She was sitting on the floor in a seiza pose (a pose where one sits on one's knees with one's buttocks on the heels) with her hands folded in her lap. The girl was dressed in a snow-white robe with a red sash that seamlessly transitioned to a scarlet hakama (very wide trousers). The sleeves and shoulders of the shirt were pulled apart to reveal the white skin of her shoulders, and connected only by red ribbons. A pretty face with snow-white skin, thin grey eyebrows were concealed by the same grey manicured hair. On her head were two gray fluffy ears, and between them sat a small round red cap that hung two white pompoms to the girl's cheeks. Her eyes were closed and a faint purple and black aura emanated from the miko (a Shinto temple minister in Japan).
- Child, why have you come to this temple?" the girl asked in a voice devoid of emotion without opening her eyes.
- I have come to learn the Way of Thread. Please, Master, take me as your apprentice. - I said earnestly and sat down on one knee with my head down.
- Well, child, this priestess sees potential in you. More importantly, she sees the darkness in you. But first you must complete the test. - The miko slowly opened her eyes and caught my gaze with her scarlet pupils. - The test is quite simple. Touch this priestess, child. She allows you to use any means necessary. This priestess will not move from her place. If you touch this priestess, she will guide you.
Yeah, she's weird. Adam might be right, and then... Then it's too bad. My fifth point is pointing to a catch. I already figured out what the catch is. The threads. I can't see it, but it's got to be there. Why do I always have such luck with weird personalities? Maybe it's karma. One minute it's Akasha acting weird, the next it's my sister. Then Wonder Beast - who in their right mind would call themselves "Beast"? Fucking rolep-player. Now "this priestess." Ehhh, maybe it's me who's insane and everyone else is sane? Or is it the other way around?
Art, stop bickering and let's make it up....
Warning. Can you feel the presence of %?:O:%Sh;!:B?!A;!
Attention! Quest received:
"The Boredom of the Demonic Queen of the Abyss".
Ooh, what an interesting soul... And she wants to learn... First, fulfil the priestess' condition... Then, little guardian, this Mistress will allow you to adopt the Demonic Silkworm Style... But in return you will help this priestess...
Little guardian, surprise this mistress! Then she will thank you...
But if you refuse...
The conditions are fulfilled:
Touch the priestess by any means necessary.
Survive.
Additional prerequisite:
Surprise the Spider Goddess.
Reward for success:
Experience.
Discipleship.
Life.
Attention Deity (?(O;?!?!S?;:*B;!K%.
Additional Reward:
*(O?;SH(*;I!:?B;!*;K:%!A*?
Consequences of failure/rejection:
Death.
Possible dispatch to the Pits of Demonic Nets.
Possible transformation into Draughts.
Do you want to accept the quest?
FUCK! What was the chance, you tell me, Akasha, what were the odds?! First Death, now this?! Maybe there's another curse on me!
Llos... Art, first of all, calm down, don't panic and accept the assignment, you have no choice. Llos is ruthless and cunning, but she always keeps her promises. "The Guardians of Knowledge is a chaotic-neutral order, we cooperate with both Light and Dark Pantheons, and we have thousands of Llos priestesses in our order. So have no fear.
But what's she doing here, anyway... Priestess? Isn't she? What is her priestess doing here, isn't it only the Drow who have the right to serve her? Why is she dressed as a miko? And how did Llos get into this world, anyway?!
Art, take the assignment first, don't keep the Spiderwoman waiting, she's... She's very testy.
Okay, Akasha, I'll trust you again...
"Accept the assignment!"
Congratulations! You have accepted the assignment: "Boredom of the Demonic Queen of the Abyss."
Attention! You have six hours to complete your task! After six hours, your quest will automatically fail! Be vigilant and watch the time!
That's great! It's also limited in time... Well, I hope six hours is enough for me. Akasha, would you be so kind and... And tell me what the fuck is going on!
*Art, the gods are omnipresent. It's not hard to come into this world and bring your faith. Each God increases his power and his domain in his own way, faith is just one way. Why do you think the Gods haven't taken over all the worlds long ago then? Even we have our own rules and laws. One of them is to give the natural Gods a chance to evolve. Middle and High Gods are forbidden to have more than three priests/emissaries/heroes and others on neutral worlds. For breaking this law, the Universe strips the God of a third of his powers. As for the temple and the miko robes, think about how much attention the "Ziggurat Llos" would have attracted, and anyway, you don't go into someone else's monastery with your own rules...
I see... But why would she want me?
I've told you before. You're the only one who's been able to break such curses, and... You've been marked by the Death Deity, a very powerful Deity... I'll give you a brief update on the Weaver: Llos is called the "Spider Queen" for a reason, she's one of the strongest Goddesses and she loves intrigue. Intrigue is her life... And her fun. She gets her own priestesses to try to eliminate other priestesses, but in a way that no one knows about it. She makes the survivors her servants. Apart from the Drow, she has thousands of other races serving her. Mostly dark ones, like Arachne, Cave Ogres, Dark Dragons and the rest. Also... She hates men, and because of this there is a Matriarchy in all the worlds under her control. There were only two hundred and twenty-three male priests. All of them were great warriors and heroes of their people. And there are only twelve of her Spiders, the highest rank in the Drow hierarchy and the strongest warriors of the Planes under her control, with only one man among them. The only thing I know about him is that he is a priest of Eilistri and Llos, mind you, this despite the feud between the Goddesses! He's managed to take over twelve demon worlds and overthrow three Archidemons! Three Archidemons! For this deed, he was allowed to stand beside the Goddesses...
Fine. A feminist goddess has decided to find a new toy. And chose me as her target. Just fucking perfect!
Warning!
Frost rage activated, be advised...
Art! Calm down. You can do this. You've broken the curse, you've defied the odds, and you've won. Believe in yourself and you can do it!
Akasha... Thank you. I can do this. I'll survive. I have to. I need a plan...
-= an hour later =-
First we need to find out how bad it is. I've already tried throwing on the priestess Explore, but... Llos blocks the information:
LOCKED
I'm outside the temple at the moment and picking pockets of sand with small pebbles in them. I need to find out how dense the threads are, their sharpness and speed. Will I be able to reach the priestess? That is the big question. I have another plan, but it's delusional. Although... My delusional plan worked once, so why not try a new one?
-= Five minutes later =-
Okay, I'm standing outside the entrance. I think we'll start here. We take a handful of sand and start throwing it around...
Akasha, I can't make it... There's threads everywhere, I can't even walk a meter, it's too dense.
Art, throw the sand up.
I took the advice and threw the sand up...
There's a chance. There's a gap here. I can jump into it, my body's small, if I can group in time... I can hit it.
Okay. Next test: take a rock and throw it at a miko. The rock flew a couple of dozen centimetres and then there was no dust...
It's too bad. If I touch the string, I lose a body part. They're very sharp. Next test. Levi, I'm sorry if this hurts, but I need to see if you can handle the thread or not.
Pet window:
Status: understanding.
OK, one more throw of sand. Aha, here's the nearest thread! Carefully we reach out to it with our left hand and try to touch it with our finger... Careful....
Pet window:
Status: sadness.
I can't move the thread away, but I can with Aura - it leaves a deep cut in the metal. It's bad, but... There's no other way out. Sorry Levi, but we are likely to be in pain today.
Pet window:
Status: acceptance.
OK, I've got the first trump card. We need to get the second...
-= An hour later =-
That's it, the final touch, and I'm ready... Akasha, what are my chances?
Fifty-fifty, either you can do it or you can't! *smile* But... I believe in you!
Pet window:
Status: faith.
Even Levi has faith in you! You're going to make it. You're stronger than last time... And you're not alone.
You're right! But first: "Characteristics!"
Level: 31
True name: %O#SH%";:" :B%"; "A:
Name: Artorias Blood.
Race: Faun.
Age: 6 years 9 months
Title: Book Serpent, The King is Dead, Long Live the King! Berserker, Pale Horse.
Health: 100
Stamina: 100
Mana: 510
Strength: 54 (44)
Vitality: 54 (45)
Speed: 55 (49)
Coordination: 55 (47)
Intelligence: 55 (51)
Wisdom: 55 (53)
Spirit: 115 (108)
In the last three months I've gone up three levels and spread out all my points. To try to reach my maximum, I had to do a titanic job, practicing every spare moment and only being distracted by food and Alice. I was distributing points equally, throwing at everything but the spirit. Why? I just didn't know what was going to happen in the near future, didn't know what might be needed. I didn't miss a beat. At first I thought I could manage without a teacher, but I still hoped to find one, and then the teacher would point me in the right direction. I can do it. I must manage for Alice's sake. Yes, I'll get hurt today, I'm sure of it, but I'll survive!
Okay, first we take off our T-shirt and shorts, then throw them by the entrance. I'm a hundred percent likely to shred them in threads, so why would I ruin my clothes then if I didn't take another one with me?
Now put the shield on the right hand. The right side needs at least some protection, and Levi will need me free... What the fuck?
All this time the priestess had been watching me, and now she was blushing and starting to breathe frequently. I quickly put two and two together, and I didn't like it very much...
I'm covered in scars, a prosthetic arm replacing my arm. She's a priestess of Llos, priestesses often practice... Fucking sadistic pervert! And now it's too late to leave... Fuck it!
I, ignoring her, concentrated on my target. I took three deep breaths and remembered the worst moment of my life - Beowulf snarling at Alice.
Attention! Ice Fury activated...
Then I activated my Aura.
Attention! Level 21 aura activated...
Now we take a penny of sand in our hand with a buckler and surround ourselves with the Aura.
Right. Preparations complete...
I turn to face the door and jump the wall above the exit. Grabbing the wooden ledge with the simboy. Cautiously climbing to the ceiling on one arm, sticking out my hand with the buckler above my head. I didn't get any sand up there, and I don't know if there are any strings. It's quite tricky, but I have enough coordination.
So, I come across one thread on the way, but a shield surrounded by an aura isn't so easy to cut if you don't push... I have to go up a bit higher and to the right...
I'm at the ceiling, Levi holding me tightly to the ledge. Now comes the hardest part of the plan: I need to throw down the sand and remember the location of all the threads. In theory, I should be able to do this... Once I've memorised the location of all the threads, I should get going. Maybe I'll find another passageway between the threads, but if not... I'll have to get to the first opening, then follow the open places from memory.
Whew. I'm ready! I can do this!
Good luck, Art...
And... Here we go!
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