Chapter 23: Axonn

Axonn is the next stage of Warrior cultivation after Aura user. While Aura users cultivate to improve their physical strength and control Aura within their body or around their skin, utilizing Aura for close range combat, Axonns can discharge Aura. The grasp they have in controlling their Aura determines how efficiently they can switch between near range and long range combat. Furthermore, physical strength and Aura manipulation aren't the only factors required to improve on for Axonns. They will possess a new source of energy after a while when adapting to their body. It is known as Spiritual Energy. It originates in one's mind, growing as an Axonn meditates.

Every human being has a Spiritual Soul, from Warriors to commoners like Nam. However, there is no way to sense it, unless one reaches a cultivation ranking of an Axonn. Only then, can they detect the Spiritual Energy in their mind. While Aura users see with their own two eyes, Axonns have an alternative choice. Spiritual Projection. In a scientific term, it's called Astral Projection. It is the separation of the Spiritual body and the Physical body. Well, not exactly. It's similar to third person view in a video game, just way more complicated and advanced. Basically, a third eye. Unlike how a bat echolocates using infrasound in one specific direction, Axonns have a 360° observation about the surrounding. On the surface, an Axonn may be looking at his/her phone or closing their eyes, but he may be watching his target intently without the realization of the prey. Of course, only if the prey is not an Axonn or much weaker by a few Tiers.

"Dad!" Kane was sitting in the first row, talking to another man in blue suit. Crow was still performing his task as a loyal bodyguard, spectating the surrounding vigilantly and standing erect by the side. He grinned upon Atlas's arrival. A fresh new scar could be seen on his arm.

"Kristine! You're here from school! How's your new bodyguard?" Kane examined Atlas dressed in formal, clean black suit, his 1.85m height and handsome features paired up perfectly with the expensive suit. "From the looks of it. You've given your answer. That boy has too much of a bad taste to pick such nice outfits."

"Yeah. I mean he is fine..." Kristine smiled shyly, blushing lightly from remembering the incident in the fitting room, but bright enough for her father to notice.

Kane chuckled. [Damn. That boy has some skills. My daughter has yet to be impressed by any boys. And yet in only a few days, my daughter has fallen in his trap. Well played boy. Well played.]

Atlas watched the father daughter bonding moment, bitterness somehow clogged his throat. [I wonder where my parents are? Mentor is a nomad, can't find him. Maybe Nam knows something, but...] He looked down at the pendant and gripped it tightly. [I was a bit too late. There might still be a chance though.]

Atlas sank into the seat beside Kristine , answering all of Kane's questions briefly. He stared at the stage, where the curtains were still down, but he was keeping his watch onto the two Axonns. They were his only competitors.

Fun fact, Atlas isn't an Axonn. Yes, he has the "Third Eye". The fancy name of that ability amongst Warriors is called Spiritual Projection. But Atlas prefers to go by its official name, the Third Eye. It's just really simple and cooler.

[What item's valuable enough to attract Axonns?] Atlas pondered hard. [Scrolls? Medicine? Weapons?]

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Kolt auction! Under your seats are the menu for this year's items. You know the drill. The items are sold to the highest bidder!" An alluring female voice projected from behind the unfolding curtains. Body curved in an abnormal proportion, a lady in red dress became the center of attraction. Most of the attention was focused on the two white, round mountains that were about to bounce out from her dress, giving Atlas a reason to sneak a peek too. Kristine pinched his leg, throwing a threatening glare.

The lady chuckled lazily. "Thank you for your affection. Without further delay, let the auction begin!"

She left the stage with no hesitation, swapping positions with a petite woman.

"The first item of today is..." A bulky man pushed up a cart, revealing the item under a cloak. "An ancient oil lamp from 800 years ago! Back in the Viking age..."

The auctioneer had an exceptionally sweet voice and was a very good story teller, hooking the attention of many interested collectors. The biddings kept on getting outrageous, one wave after another. Atlas on the other hand, who was bored with the narration, scanned through the menu, finding items that would interest him. The last item on the list, which he was curious about, was censored with question marks. He continued skimming down and his vision landed on the name below it. His eyes lighting up luminously.

It was a Giftir Amaryllis! A herb that can allow any Tier 9 Aura Master to rank up to an Axonn! It contains great amount of Aura, accumulated from the beginning of its existence. That was exactly what he needed. He unleashed his Third Eye over the stadium, watching the two Axonns and the Aura Masters in caution. Things might get dirty after the auction.