The silence stretched for a long time. The fluttering petals slowed their descent until they remained suspended midair. My face remained unreadable. He took a couple of steps forward until his broad back filled my vision. The wind, once full of serenity and living warmth, now breathed with a hint of grief.
His cascade of silver-white hair remained still, unflowing, despite the breeze. A sense of reliance and dependency welled up within me despite never having met him. It was simply his presence. Dressed in a pink, black-strapped Taoist robe, he slowly turned towards me. There was no intimidation present, only a continuous stream of security radiated from him.
My future master.
The Plum Blossom Saint.
The Pink Plethora.
The Sakura Insanity.
Ruben Prunaris {S+}.
His chestnut eyes met mine, gleaming with a heavy solemnity. My insides shook from the passive aura he exuded. I was sunk in a pool of awe and reverence, my subconscious telling me to bow, kneel, and prostrate before the figure facing me.
'This is power.'
He sighed, "Only I can bear the weight of this mountain, child."
This wasn't in the book. Ruben was described as someone who loved to joke and was never serious. He liked to act cool and impress people as well as challenge opponents stronger than him. I was sure the white hair was fake, as in the novel he had auburn hair that matched his eyes. A sharp jawline graced his features, and his face still carried hints of youth.
Perhaps he moved on by the time the hero arrived, but the current ambience did not match the Ruben the MC met, with or without white hair. The silence stretched as he kept examining me. 'I didn't have time for his antiques.'
"Disciples greet Sir Prunaris." I bent forward slightly, cupping my hands in respect. I didn't know the saint now, so it was best to be cautious.
He furrowed his eyebrows as if taken aback. "You know my surname?"
It seemed I had made a blunder on my part. He had disappeared from the world more than a decade ago, secluded like a hermit on this mountain. Before I could come up with an excuse, laughter boomed across the mountain.
"It seems even time cannot tarnish my reputation. I like you, kid."
The once frozen petals began to spin around him, forming a pink cocoon. I covered my eyes from the thousands of blossoms that shot towards him. When I could see again, he was already gone. This was the Ruben the novel described, someone with unnecessary theatrics.
"Meet me at the top of the temple."
This was an {S+}.
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Ruben POV
There was something strange with the boy. Something beyond the surface. The way the mana flowed in his body. His rank cap must have been high. His lack of emotions was another factor. In no way did he react to me like someone his age. He had experienced something beyond his years, and it was hidden well. Not that I would pry. What mattered was that he has potential. Especially in the looks department. A good-looking student with a majestic-looking teacher.
I hummed in satisfaction.
I was slouched against a bench, tossing the wig around.
'This thing is so itchy.'
'I need to refurbish this place. Everything's so old and dusty. Haighsss'
I hoped the kid thought I was cool. For the past two decades I had been refining my control within my domain on this mountain. It was a boring but necessary task, and I couldn't repeat the same mistakes.
The echoes of the helpless still clung vividly in my memory. Every second mattered in a battle between {S}, but I was too late.
Too late to save my friend.
Too late to kill the Sin.
Too late to save the children.
Sprouts uprooted before they even had a chance to glance at the world. I stroked the patterned walls, adorned with their drawings, with careful means.
I stayed here for them, to remember them. But the boy had raised a valid point.
I sighed, "Why am I still here? Would remembering them do anything?"
I scanned the mountain to see where the boy was.
'How has he arrived so fast?'
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I was sure he had yet to reach {E-} unless his stamina was his greatest stat.
What unsettled me most was his lack of presence. He seemed to appear and disappear continuously if I wasn't intently watching him.
'A talent or a passive skill?'
He stepped through the temple doors. My wig was already on, and I was sitting on a lotus made of plum blossoms. I kept my eyes closed to maintain the mystery.
'Damn, he will be a looker when he grows older. I need to make him my disciple!!'
"It's a shame. You have such a bright mind, yet your stats and body hold you back."
I paused to let the message sink in.
"Tell me your name, boy."
"Aeron Araxys, Sir Prunaris."
I hummed as if I were deliberating something.
Damn, his vibe truly didn't match that pretty face. The name was cool, as well..
I was envious, but no expression leaked from my face.
"Aeron, you are weak. That's it. You have potential. So become my disciple. We will truly sho…..''
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Aeron POV
The final ramble had arrived. A whole two minutes of passion and eloquence kept pouring out of his mouth. I tried. I truly tried to keep a straight face, but my eye twitched in irritation multiple times through the whole routine. Every time it did, he seemed encouraged to ramble even more, as if convinced I was amazed by his grandeur.
It was one of the few times I had underestimated someone to such levels.
'I've had enough.'
"Disciple greets Master!"
A wide grin emerged on his face. I tried to keep my face as neutral as possible. He finally got off his lotus and floated towards me like an immortal. A pink sacred aura shimmered around him, giving him a sense of divinity.
"Aeron, call me teacher from now on, not Master."
"Understood, teacher."
His face lit up before he hoisted me up on his shoulder like a father figure would do.
"Let me show you why I am known as the Plum Blossom Saint."
.
4 hours of showing off later
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"Show me your mana-absorbing art."
"I don't have one, teacher."
His wig shot off his head, but it reappeared just as fast. I didn't comment on it. He let out a slight cough before gathering his wits.
"When you head into the academy, find out your affinity, and I will personally send you one."
"Does this mean you will be coming out of seclusion, teacher?"
He took a light inhale before responding firmly, "Yes."
Fate points: +1000
"After all, if their souls have left, why haven't I?"
A resolved but grateful smile could be seen on his chiselled face.
"In my domain, time flows 25% slower. There are four days until the academy starts, so you have five days within my domain. I will teach you an unarmed art because you seem uncertain about which weapon you will focus on."
'As expected of an {S+}.'
"Yes, teacher. Thank you, teacher."
"Both arts were created by me, and you are the first to accept my mantle."
"Thank you, teacher."
There was a slight murmur under his breath, "If he were to get any calmer, I would assume he was dead."
A second later, I found myself in a dark room. There were hundreds of blossoms, and the aroma of plums was more prevalent here. Two books, one blue and one pink, hovered in front of me. His voice sounded across the cave.
"Learn the breathing you requested first. When you learn the close combat one, the petals here will correct your form if they need to. By the time you're done, the academy will start."
"In any case, if you master both arts and unlock the first skill. I will give you an essence that offers a talent only I possess."
'Offers? 'Not give?' It was strange. I thought essences guaranteed talents. It seemed like some required a test to possess it as well. Picking up the blue book, I silenced my thoughts.
No distractions for the next five days.
Only focus and discipline.
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Ruben POV
'Daylight robbery!' He extorted, taking the essence and asking for more. How did he do it? It would take at least a month to reach the first level per the manual, but he did both in a mere five days. He even reached the second level in Stillwater Breath. I shook my head. The past few days were truly an eye-opener. His talent and discipline were unmatched. Perhaps he was a dragon disguised as-. No, no disguise could fool me, an {S+}. He trained day and night, using the meditation manual to recover without stopping once. Talent fused with discipline. Maybe he was Ashyn's scion.
A true prodigy.
I watched the shameless brat leave the mountain. He truly was ambitious; even now, I could see him training the breathing technique. I personally created both arts, and despite their ratings, mastering them was tougher than other arts at the same level. I gave no verbal guidance. If I had, there would be no doubt he would also reach the second level of Plum Blossom Fists.
'Why is he in a rush, though?' The troubling thought came across my mind multiple times. It was hidden well, but his actions couldn't escape me. His eyes appeared impatient, focused and unfocused. If a hidden dragon like him was rushed, I had to break through to {SS-} soon.
Or perhaps this was the level of geniuses of the present time, surpassing the old generation. No, he must have been an outlier. After all, only five people knew my last name, one of whom was dead. I only made him my disciple because I couldn't sense any malicious intent. My instincts were always right… 80% of the time.
This was a sign clearly sent by Ashyn. 'Mmmm yes.' I couldn't let my disciple be alone in making waves. The world would doubt my qualifications to teach him.
'I have to let them know I am handsome too!'
'Status'
*Ruben Prunaris*
𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘
Status
Bloodline: Prunaris Dynasty
Domain: Sakura Dominion
Description: Lethality hidden in elegance. When you bloom, new beginnings are ushered in. When you fall, destruction lays in your wake. You are transcendent but ephemeral in presence.
==========
Rank cap: {SS+}
Rank:{S+}
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Strength: 76
Stamina: 62
Agility: 74
Mana cap: 61
Perception: 65
Dexterity: 79
Charm: 40
Luck: 15
==========
Talents: Plum Blossom Saint— Pink Plethora— Sakura Insanity— Egoist— Sect Master of none
Skills: Bloom of the Seraph {SS} (21%)--- Emperor's Mandate {S}(46%)--- Final Fall {SSS} (1%).....many
Arts: Thousand Bloom Sutra[IV](95%)--- Stillwater Breath[I](100%)---Plum Blossom Fists[II](100%)--- Dynasty's Debate[V](23%)....many
==========
End
𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘𝄘
I sighed in fake exasperation. Slowly, I waded my way over to the sword stand. Shimmering with a pink sheen, the sword vibrated every time I stepped closer. Pulses of intent signifying eagerness and anticipation flew out of the sword.
"Serenity, it has been almost two decades. People have forgotten about us. Let us show them."
With closed eyes, I grasped the handle. 'I miss this feeling.'
"Let us show Aeron."
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"It's time." Intent emanated from me. My mana flooded the temple, covering the whole mountain. My eyes snapped open.
I released everything.
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Aeron POV
It was the capital city of Civoria, Virrelium. I had just got off the train, and it was Sunday evening. The disparity in technology was clear. An invisible barrier integrated with runes that glowed gold engulfed the city, Bulwark. Bulwark was unmanned and had automatic detection measures in place. It could withstand attacks from {S-}. Within Bulwark were flashing city lights beaming into the sky with looming skyscrapers levitating off the ground. The buildings were all made of sleek-colored metal that could withstand {B} attacks. The academy was in the distance.
Floating above the mainland city was a piece of land with a grand icy white castle, with golden veins imprinted deep into the obsidian black walls surrounding it. The only way to get to the academy was via teleporter or an ascending train if you couldn't afford it. Guilds were located in separate pocket dimensions surrounding Virrelium, making it difficult for the majority to find them. In contrast, the royal family possessed a miniature realm that constantly shifted its location, providing the highest form of security.
Even with all this, the humans lost quickly to the demons. Before I stepped through Bulwark, the train station trembled. The people around me were staring behind me. Murmurs and questions resounded. Reverence stained people's faces.
An event I wasn't aware of? In the sky, superhumans with swords and weapons of all sorts floated, also staring in the same direction. Some of the superhumans looked annoyed, some in awe, but most wore grins of recognition and excitement. Gambler's Instinct had yet to activate. I glanced at where they looked.
A pillar of rose pink was piercing the sky. The clouds all around it had also turned a shaded grey-pink. Thunder rumbled as if a decree was spoken. A singular petal fell into the palm of my hand. We were at least thousands of miles apart, yet he could create such commotion. He had announced his return to the people. It was also a message to me.
'Truly, an eyesore.' I wasn't sure why, but a small grin had found itself on my face. An unknowing feeling welled up within me. I shook my head before I stepped into Virrelium.
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An influx of sounds washed over me as soon as I entered. I put my hood up. Ahead of me were the teleporters that took you everywhere across the city, but I couldn't afford them yet.
They were powered by high-ranked monster cores, so only high-ranked officials and guilds could afford them. I would first sell off the dragon essence, as my personal funds were low at the moment.
The main purpose of it was to increase my talent cap, which I no longer needed. The draconic abilities and talents it could grant held no meaning to me. Their lineage felt restricting, as if I couldn't pursue the freedom I sought if I absorbed it.
The once noisy station hushed as the teleporter sounded. It was a rare occurrence. All eyes were on the teleporter.
Two bodyguards stepped out of the way, bowing, revealing a girl around the same age as me. Hushes became a silent worship. Only the wind dared to speak in her presence. She had raven-black hair tied in a tight bun paired with an expressionless face. Her indigo-purple eyes were misty, not sparing anyone a wisp of her attention. She was wearing a tight black suit and black trousers like a secretary, yet her stature screamed otherwise. The breeze carried a sharp lavender aroma from her over the crowd. They had all been charmed unknowingly.
Her name was Valencia.
Valencia Nocturna.
Leaving now would draw attention. Normal people and {E} wouldn't be able to escape her charm, and I had no faith in the Ichor's passive presence reduction. Therefore, I stayed hidden among her admirers, although I was certain that someone had already seen through me. Her heels clicked against the glass floor as she entered the black limousine. Gradually the noise returned, and I finally left the place under the guise of the night.