Making a choice [part 1]

Hearing the nanny's words, my face darkened, reflecting a disappointment that seemed to consume every trace of hope.

My head lowered slightly, and my eyes lost their usual glimmer of determination.

However, this expression was only a mask for the tumultuous thoughts stirring in my mind.

No matter, I thought.

The lack of a refinement technique suitable for me was not a surprise, nor something that caught me off guard since I already knew what my affinities were and their degree.

And during this period, I managed to identify 3 ways to have a refinement technique.

For example:

Combining elements of different techniques, catalyzing the raw energy of life and death, or using the the mana contained in my soul core as a foundation.

These methods work because refinement techniques use the bloodline and the resulting affinities as a basis to draw more energy for growth using the combination of talents as a source.

As I reflected on the refinement methods I had identified, I knew that each of them could involve risks.

The combination of different techniques could offer unprecedented customization, and consists of analyzing and merging parts of existing techniques to create a new personalized refinement regime.

This approach requires a deep understanding of energy dynamics and elemental affinities to ensure that the combined elements are compatible and reinforce each other.

For example, if one technique uses water energy to promote growth and another exploits wind energy to increase speed, I might try to combine these aspects to create an energy flow that is both nourishing and rapid.

However, I should also consider how these energies interact with my unique affinities, such as blood and darkness, to avoid conflicts or instability.

The catalysis of the energies of life and death seems to work well, but it has an equally great risk of losing control and causing irreparable damage.

In fact, this method is particularly dangerous because it touches the fundamental forces of existence.

Where life energy is what animates and sustains, while death energy is linked to detachment and the end.

Manipulating these energies without absolute understanding and control can lead to volatile results.

And, if life energy were to overload, it could cause uncontrolled growth or abnormal cell proliferation, which could be as harmful as a disease.

On the other hand, if death energy were to prevail, it could lead to premature decay or even death itself.

Finally, the use of the mana contained in the soul core as a foundation seems the most promising.

It is an energy that renews and regenerates, which is indissolubly linked to my soul core.

And although it may temporarily weaken my existence, the risk is controllable and the consequences manageable.

So, I chose the third method.

The decision to use the mana contained in my soul core as the foundation for my refinement technique was not taken lightly.

Safety was my top priority, and I knew I had to proceed with extreme caution.

Where although the mana contained in the soul core is powerful and replenishes itself, it requires a respectful and conscious approach to avoid any long-term damage.

The nanny, noticing my thoughtful gaze, offered me words of encouragement.

"No matter which technique you choose," she said sweetly, "your inner strength and determination are the true keys to success. You have already shown that you have an exceptional ability to adapt and learn. So I am sure that not having a refinement technique will not slow down your progress in the long run"

"Thank you," I replied, "for your confidence in me."

As we prepared to leave the room, the nanny continued to talk about the future, about how we would face the challenges that awaited me together.

"Now," she said, "let's go back to your estate. There you can reflect calmly and decide how to proceed. Remember that you are not alone on this journey."

MEANWHILE RYUSHIN CHI

In the shadow of the throne room of Ryushin Chi, a tension-filled silence enveloped the air.

The torches flickered slightly, casting dances of light and shadow on the walls adorned with golden stucco.

In the center, the throne stood like a dark monolith, carved in ebony wood with ivory inlays and precious stones that outlined its contours, was accentuated by the surrounding gloom.

On the throne, Ryushin Chi sat motionless, his figure wrapped in a cloak of authority that seemed almost to merge with the darkness of the room.

His gaze was fixed on a distant point, penetrating and inscrutable as the night itself.

A subtle rustle broke the silence, a barely perceptible sound that heralded an imminent change.

A messenger, whose presence had until then been hidden by the shadows, stepped forward with an air of contained urgency.

He bowed deeply, his gesture a mix of devotion and trepidation.

"Lord," his voice was a whisper that spread through the room, "the analysis has been carried out as scheduled."

The words hung in the air, charged with meaning not yet revealed.

Ryushin Chi, without moving a muscle, allowed the silence to reclaim the room for a long moment, before granting the messenger a nod of assent.

"Proceed," he finally said, his voice low and powerful, a silent thunder that promised storms on the horizon.

The messenger, with a respect that bordered on fear, drew out a sealed scroll and handed it to his lord. Ryushin Chi accepted it with a steady hand, the seals broke under his touch as if they were nothing more than air.

As he unfolded the scroll, every eye in the room was fixed on him, every breath held in anticipation of what would be revealed.

The scroll, now fully open, showed a series of strange symbols and complex formulas, a language that few outside Ryushin Chi's inner circle could understand.

"This," said Ryushin Chi, his voice now a whisper charged with power, "changes everything."

He rose slowly, his tall and majestic figure standing out against the glow of the torches.

"Let's prepare a meeting for an extraordinary session. These findings must be discussed urgently."

The messenger withdrew, leaving Ryushin Chi alone with his thoughts.

After that Ryushin Chi walked towards the large window overlooking the gardens below, his hands still clutching the scroll.

He reflected on the implications of what he had just read, aware that the decisions made in the next few hours could change the current situation.