Astral Body Art

Alex quickly realized that his expression was quite exaggerated. Trying to cover his shock, Alex quickly asked the woman "What is this? Do you know what this technique says?"

The woman looked at Alex in silence for a moment. His exaggerated expression almost seemed to indicate that he could read the scroll, but that should be impossible. From what the woman knew, the language was an ancient language as it came from one of the ancient ruins. No one knew how to read the language. She decided to test Alex and see what his shocked reaction was about. This matter was too important to leave alone.

"I do not unfortunately. By the way, why were you so shocked to see this scroll? A scroll in a foreign language shouldn't be too shocking should it?"

Alex quickly realized that the woman was onto him. He racked his brain for ideas before finally thinking of something.

"I was shocked because my clan has this exact same scroll in its martial library. The Elder in charge told me that it's written in a language that no one understands but didn't elaborate further. I didn't expect to see it anywhere else."

The woman looked at Alex but didn't respond. "I suppose that does make sense as to why he would be shocked to see it here. How foolish was I to think this boy could read this scroll" thought the woman while slightly chuckling at herself.

"Your Clan Elder is right. This scroll is written in an ancient language that has long since been erased from this world. This scroll is one of the few remaining items that have withstood the test of time. What we have here, and what your clan has as well is just a copy."

Alex finally understood why this scroll was in another language, truth even though he didn't know what was written on it, luckily he has the system.

****

[Astral Body Art]

[Rank: Star]

****

"So it's just a copy huh? I wonder where the original is?" thought Alex.

Alex wanted to ask if there was more to the technique than just this single scroll, but he stopped himself at the last moment. "Asking that question would raise some flags. Why would I be interested in more than just this page if I didn't know how to read it?"

Alex looked back at the woman and said "Thank you for the information. In regards to the Sword and Body techniques, I'll take this scroll then as I like collecting them. Oh and I'd like to look at your swords techniques as well."

"I'm already proficient at the Sword Slash technique, so while I'm learning the ancient technique, I should have a powerful sword technique just in case," thought Alex.

"Of course, we have over one hundred Sword Arts. Please take a look inside the ring and pick out the one you want" responded the woman as she handed over one of the storage rings.

Alex sent his mind into the storage ring, his eyes widening in shock. "So many. Just their sword arts collection is as vast as the entire Dracon Clan library."

Alex perused the many Sword Arts before picking one that caught his attention.

He took it out of the storage ring and opened the scroll. "Ok, I will take it." "This is perfect for now," thought Alex as he stored the sword art away.

"How much for the ancient scroll and the sword art?" asked Alex.

"The sword art is twenty gold, while the ancient scroll is thirty gold" responded the woman.

Alex was prepared for a high price but still sucked in a breath of cold air. "That's half of my gold coins," thought Alex as he only had 100 gold with him, but he decided to accept anyway.

"I need both of these things more than I need the money. Besides, money is only good when it's used to buy things I need."

"Is there anything else you need?" asked the woman, snapping Alex out of his depressive thoughts regarding his money situation.

Alex thought for a moment if he needed anything else, but couldn't think of anything in particular that he needed.

"I'm all set for now. Thank you" responded Alex with a smile on his face. He was quite happy with today's transactions. The two things that were weighing heavy on his mind recently had been solved, making him feel much more at ease.

"Great. If you need anything else, please come again" responded the woman with a smile. Alex got up from the couch and said his goodbyes to the woman before leaving the room. After leaving the building, Alex stood on the side of the road and pondered his next move.

"I've taken care of my urgent needs for now. I really am curious about that Astral Body technique though. I should find an Inn and study it tonight" thought Alex as he stepped back onto the road and started walking.

A few minutes later, Alex stopped in front of a cozy-looking three-story building. "The Noxus Inn? Sounds like a good place to stay while I'm in the kingdom."

Alex walked into the building and was greeted by a boisterous atmosphere. Men and women were eating, drinking, and laughing. Alex smiled before walking up to the main counter.

"Excuse me, I'd like a room for the next few days," said Alex as the approached the innkeeper.

The fat middle-aged man turned around with a smile on his face. "The rate is ten silver coins a night."

"Ten! This kingdom sure is expensive" thought Alex. "No matter though, I have enough money."

Alex accepted the offer and followed the innkeeper to his room. It was quite large and far more luxurious than the other inns he had stayed in on his journey.

After settling down and washing up, Alex sat down on the floor and cleared his mind. Soon after, a small page made of animal hide appeared in his hands.

"I couldn't read you before but I can now. Let's see what secrets you're hiding."

Alex looked at the page and read the technique.

"Astral Body Arts"