Chapter 12: The tea Talk
Chapter 12: The tea Talk
Ren headed to the clan's dining hall, his mind processing the Grade 2 Taijutsu Technique he had just received as a reward from the system. He could feel all the information about the basic hand-to-hand combat movements and techniques integrating into his mind naturally.
"This Taijutsu technique is pretty basic," Ren thought, "but it's still a good foundation for when I acquire a higher-level technique in the future."
Having a good foundation in Taijutsu was never a bad thing. He knew that many sorcerers relied on these techniques to complement their cursed abilities.
Once in the dining hall, Ren poured himself a cup of tea and started eating while enjoying the calm atmosphere. The place was relatively empty, which allowed him to fully relax. As he took a sip of his tea, a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Ren!" Akari said as she sat down next to him with a relaxed smile.
"Akari", Ren responded, looking up. "How are you?"
"Oh, the usual", Akari said in a nonchalant tone. "Although I've heard some interesting things about you lately."
Ren raised an eyebrow.
"About my duel with Ryuhei, I suppose?" he replied, taking another sip of tea without giving it much importance.
"Yes, about that. I heard you crushed him!" Akari said, looking at him with an amused glint in her eyes. "Even I might lose to him if I got distracted for a moment."
Ren shrugged.
"He's not a bad fighter, but he relies more on brute strength than on controlling cursed energy. That makes him predictable."
Akari laughed softly as she took a sip of her own tea.
"My, how analytical you are, Ren...", she said, putting a hand on her chin while looking at him thoughtfully. "Since we're on the subject, how about you help me train my gravity technique?"
Ren did not seem surprised.
"I don't mind", Ren responded calmly. "In fact, I was planning to train with some clan members to improve their techniques. So yes, I can help you."
Akari smiled broadly, as if she had gotten something valuable effortlessly.
"Great!" she said, excited. "I knew I could count on you. Although, if I end up improving too much and surpass you, you won't regret it, right?"
Ren let out a small laugh, amused by the comment.
"If you surpass me, I'll accept it with dignity", he said in a relaxed tone. "But don't get your hopes up too soon."
Akari also laughed and gave him a gentle pat on the back.
"We'll see, Ren! If I end up being better than you, you'll have to treat me as your superior", she replied, jokingly.
Ren glanced at her sideways, with a calm smile.
"Well, I'll have to work hard to make sure that doesn't happen, then."
They both continued chatting while enjoying their tea, maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
After chatting a bit more with Akari, Ren bid her farewell outside the dining hall. The sun was already beginning to set. It was a peaceful moment, but Ren knew that the high-ranking members would soon return after completing the missions he had assigned, and he needed to prepare.
Arriving in his room, he sat on the floor in a lotus position, closing his eyes to relax as he awaited the rewards from the system.
Shortly after, the system activated, delivering the rewards for the missions completed by the clan members.
---
[Completed Missions:
1. Eradication of Grade 3 Curses (x2)
2. Protection of Energy Lines
3. Information Exchange with the Higashiyama Clan
4. Retrieval of Lost Cursed Artifact
5. Investigation of Anomalous Curses
6. Extermination of Grade 2 Curses in the Old District]
---
Total Rewards:
- CE: 4,317 (+ 100%) = 8,634
- CP: 1,600 + 1,260 = 2,860
- Cursed Tool (Grade 3) (x2)
- Enchancement Material (Grade 3)
- Medium Seals Scroll
- Cursed Tool (Grade 2)
- Cursed Tool (Grade 1)
- Enchancement Material (Grade 1)
---
Ren absorbed the cursed energy from the system as his body began to change. The energy flowed within him as if every fiber of his being was filled with power. He could feel his physical strength increasing, the muscles of his body hardening with the cursed energy that was distributed to every corner of his organism.
As the energy enveloped him, his senses sharpened. The world around him became clearer, more defined. He could feel the pulse of the cursed energy not only within him but also in the environment, as if his connection with his surroundings had been amplified.
His mind also expanded, processing information at a much faster rate. The improvements were evident. Every time the system delivered energy to him, he felt his understanding of handling his techniques grow, becoming more acute and precise.
Ren opened his eyes slowly, feeling the new power flowing within him. "It's only been a few days..." he thought, a light smile crossing his face. "And I'm already in Grade 1"
The satisfaction was evident, but Ren knew there was still much to do.