The Quest For Food

"Before we go, there's something I need to teach you," I decided it was a good time to pass on the Northern Earth Army Basic Style to the others.

During my last life, Soojin and an old martial arts master created the NOEA Style to prepare soldiers to fight the Ath'Taren. They divided the style into different classes, powers and weapons, truly fitting for an army.

From the basics to the advanced styles, I learned them all, although I only mastered the sword and bare-handed arts.

"You can't see it right now, but this is New Qi," Zen waved his right hand, an invisible pressure suddenly pushing the others back, "There's no difference to those Martial Arts novels, except there's also Magic Qi. Everyone can feel New Qi, but only Magic Trails can sense MaQi."

"Trails?"

"Trails are archetypes or classes. Since the system is called The Path, trails are our roads. They are the basic powers you get when opening the system." I scanned their faces, seeing they understood. Even Haze, the oldest, was still familiar with RPGs of our time.

"So, what trail are you?" Jiwan asked.

"I'm a swordsman."

"But you can use magic!"

"Well, there's a reason for that. It's not important right now. We don't have time to go over everything. It will all become clear once you step into The Path. The important part is, after you reach a certain level or some unknown condition, the system opens, and you get a trail. Not all of them are combat-related, and some are lesser trails, or simply professions."

Their eyes became filled with curiosity. This world was filled with danger, but also with marvelous powers and mysteries.

"With The Path, you will instinctively know how to use your new abilities and Qi, so there's no need to go over them since we don't know which options will be open to you," I skipped explaining The Path of All Things more profoundly since it wouldn't make sense unless they experienced it directly, "There is a set of Martial Arts I can teach to help survive and open The Path. Everyone, pay attention."

I showed them the training movements for the Basic Style, without getting into the advanced parts or any breathing exercises. Breathing Techniques would also speed up the absorption of New Qi, increasing the risk. This was only allowed on the NOEA with the supervision of an instructor and the proper equipment.

The basic movements focused on strengthening the body, preparing it to receive techniques and the use of New Qi or Ma Qi. It was the foundation, and it shouldn't be skipped. Haze, Jiwan, and the Class Rep learned them quickly, while Sooyeon struggled a bit but grasped the basics.

"Don't force yourselves. Stop when you are out of breath or exhausted. The point is to speed up the system, not kill yourselves." I made sure they didn't push themselves too hard.

"How long until we open it?" The Class Rep asked.

"It's different for everyone. For Haze… maybe a couple of days. That's also why he can stay behind while we look for food. He will open the system by exercising without taking more risks."

My eyes wandered to the little girl, 'Think, you bastard. What's the best way to get food? The Yllahice are still too far, the Ath'Taren demons to the north. Which leaves east and west of the Sanctuary. I don't know what lies to the east, but to the west…'

My knowledge of the events from the past came largely from the experiences of others, especially at the beginning of the Apocalypse. Worlds merged and disappeared, species conquered and died, some never made it long enough to be known.

By saving people and meddling into the chaos, my actions might have changed everything.

'West… that's it. We will try our luck there," I looked at the Class Rep and Jiwan, smiling, "We're going."

Without wasting time, we made our way out under piercing and hateful gazes from the crowd. They couldn't look any happier after realizing we were living. I had no doubts they would lock the doors tightly and forbid us from coming back.

Some of them even hid their food and water supply as if we were dangerous thieves. Those at the door caused no problems or showed any signs of defiance this time, after hearing what happened before.

"Do you need anything?" Outside, Haze was the first to speak. Sooyeon, the little girl, Blood, Shadow, and the Black Lab, stayed behind.

"Useless," I shrugged. I keep repeating myself, but a part of them refuses to believe items from our world are useless, "Just make sure they are alright until we get back."

"Leave it to me. Good luck." Haze bowed slightly.

"Let's go. Follow me," I dashed away to the west at a speed Jiwan and the Class rep could keep up.

"Oh man, here we go again," Jiwan sighed before following me.

"Stop complaining!" The Class Rep also followed.

I scouted the way cautiously. No enemies. Nothing seemed much different from near the Sanctuary, at least until the sky changed to tinted green. I became even more careful, moving stealthily to avoid trouble. A different sky is a different world, distinct dangers and opportunities. My companions tried to imitate my movements, but they still had a long way to go.

We reached the stretches of a new world. The ground was some type of desert sand. I kneeled, touching it. "This is a mineral. Like salt."

"Really? It looks like sand," Jiwan said, "You sure?"

"I'm sure," this part hasn't changed. The world here was filled with precious minerals, becoming a constant battlefield for resources. Also… I could recognize those things right away. I pointed at a giant, crab-looking monster further, "Hehe. Those are perfect."

Jiwan shivered out of nowhere.

"Jiwan, Class Rep. Those things are called Loplops. You fight them."

Jiwan, Class Rep: "What??"

"You. Go. Fight. Them. Kill. Understand?"

"WE'RE NOT CHILDREN!" They screamed.

"Geez, move along then. I'm tired, so I'll rest some. Kill our way through. They're nothing compared to longclaws, and even if you are wounded, they have no poison."

"Oh…" Jiwan looked more confident. He nodded to the Class Rep. They ran to engage the nearest Loplop.

As they left, I dropped all pretenses, gritting my teeth. My head was killing me, my body felt as if it was carrying weights. I breathed steadily to recover, my eyes focused on the mission.

I will save Somi no matter what.