Path to Power

"So basically you've been letting a box that could release multiple demons, who are potentially level three or higher, lie around where anybody could get to it?"

"Um, it's not as bad as you make it sound. I've tried messing with the box and nothing seems to cause a reaction, even magic crystals. Plus its really sturdy so its not like it will brake and let them out so its really been rather safe, and I..."

"ENOUGH WITH THE EXCUSES!"

"Yes Maam! Sorry Maam!"

Currently I'm kneeling in front of Naaza and Lord Miach after giving them an explanation of what the Pan'ku box is, which seems to have hit a nerve.

*Sigh* "Alright Naaza, at least Jack made sure to let us know the danger." Lord Miach lets out a tired sigh as he calms Naaza

"It's just how many more demons is he gonna bring out. It's as if they're popping out of Jack's pockets like monsters in the dungeon now." She lets out a tired complaint that I can't really begrudge. I am walking around with enough potential danger to level a couple streets after all. I'm just glad the power scale in this world goes high enough to ONLY make it a couple streets or a district.

"Well, now that you've told us what this box is, what are your plans for it, Jack." He looks at the Pan'ku box sitting on the table beside him before turning to me.

"For now I was planning on locking it in a safe and burying it in the backyard. I can't use it and its too dangerous to leave lying around where someone might steal it and without the security of the guild it's probably my best bet of keeping it safe. That and making sure no one knows about it."

"Yes, that probably would be best, but I sense your holding something back so what is it."

"Ah, yes you see since Shendu is sealed inside me, I figure that I could do something similar with his siblings. The main reason I think that is part of the stories I know tells how after they were released once and defeated their power became available for others to obtain. I'm not sure exactly how that would work with the Pan'ku box here, but there should at least be a method of gaining their power. Of course that's for the far future where I'm much stronger. I can't even control Shendu's power right now so my best bet is to just bury it for the future."

"I see, but isn't my blessing enough Jack?" Lord Miach gives me a questioning look that I can't tell whether it's sad or testing me, probably both. I think long and hard about my motivations. You can't lie to a god and really he has a point.

"You see back at my home there were stories of heroes and villains who reached amazing heights of power. One of the things in those stories is that they never gave up a chance to improve or empower themselves. This box was given to me and while it may indeed be dangerous, but I trust myself and your blessing enough to be able to handle it. Also I want to reach as far as I can, and I don't think I can do that if I give up opportunities like this."

"Even if it may lead to possibly needless danger, you still wish to walk this path?" Lord Miach gives me a stern look and I can tell that yes this man is a god and I am in judgement.

"Yes" I look him right in the eye trying to convey my certainty and resolve.

"Very well, I am happy that you are prepared for this, but it is far in the future anyway. You have time to find other ways or change your mind. For now we will keep it in the secure area for potions until you can buy a safe and bury it. However, I want you to keep one thing in mind Jack. Borrowed power will always be borrowed. If you truly want to walk this path you will need to make this power your own." Lord Miach gives me a small smile while giving me some advice. He's right if I want to truly become strong I need to beat Shendu and make his power mine. How to do that not a clue, but I'm sure Lord Miach and Naaza can give me a hand.

"Now we've spent enough time on this and the store needs tending. Jack if you could help Naaza prep the store I will go out to get some supplies and see if I can find any potential customers."

"Yes sir"

With that Lord Miach left while Naaza and I did as he asked. While helping I asked if she had any advice on how to practice. While she used the bow, she had seen enough spear users to give me a rough outline of how they fought. Most spear users also used a shield in a shield and spear combo as a front line tank. This had the advantage of being able to bash with the shield when the enemy came in too close for the spear and provided extra defense. The downside was limited mobility and that it was more a party play. When soloing a spear, most adventurers focused on thrusts to kill and sweeps to keep the enemy off balance or at a distance. They also focused more on evasion and punches or kicks for close range. Of course the ideal was to always keep the enemy at spear length. With advice in hand I spent the rest of the day focusing on my figuring out how to thrust, sweep, and move.