Secret Arts [Moon Ember]

The scorched fragrance of Coffee wafted everywhere.

"Crunch, crunch..."

In the silence, Ya pondered as she absentmindedly chewed bitter Coffee Beans.

...The Son of God who had brought back Forbidden Knowledge later endured countless sufferings.

How many of those sufferings had been brought upon Him by the Fire Seed itself?

Yet in the end, Jesus endured those hardships and returned through resurrection, ultimately becoming the King of Kings, the God of Man.

What about Bai Zhou...?

What kind of experiences would he face, and what would await him at the end?

—Of course, all of that depended on whether that blasphemous, unknown secret was true.

Even if he were to witness anything, it would surely be in a future so distant it was beyond imagination.

But Ya was curious.

She suddenly wanted to see what Bai Zhou, standing in that future, would look like.

"Caw—"

The Crow let out a cry of pain, drawing Bai Zhou's attention.

Ya had plucked one of its feathers.

"Coo, coo, coo! Coo, coo, coo!" The Crow called softly and pitifully.

Holding the Pitch Black feather, Ya came to the Dormitory door. With its tip pointed down and its quill raised, she used it as a pen.

With a whoosh—

The pen tip swept through Mid-air, drawing a blazing trail of fire.

Smoke rose from the Burning Fire pen tip as it rapidly wrote upon the door, leaving behind a charred "∞" symbol formed by two Entwined serpent tails.

The lights went out, and the Dormitory fell into darkness.

"This domain is like an egg, untouched by dust from without."

Ya murmured the incantation:

"Bloqueo—!"

The next instant—

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Flames lit up across the floor, likewise forming an "∞" symbol, like two winding fire serpents joined head to tail.

The shining flames connected into a brilliant expanse, magnificent in the darkness.

Firelight swayed amid layers of shadows, while within the unlit gaps of darkness, twelve heavy curtains, half-real and half-illusory, hung in Mid-air, faintly visible in the depths of the shadows.

"What is this?"

The atmosphere was unusually quiet, firelight flickering across Bai Zhou's cheeks.

In the dim light, Bai Zhou unconsciously held his breath and lowered his voice as he spoke.

"A Ritual concerning 'curtains' and 'blockade.'"

"The symbol is the Ouroboros that devours itself. It represents the severing of circulation between within and without, sealing off all information inside the domain."

Ya stood in a dim corner and explained, Candle Flame stretching her shadow long.

"Valuing secrecy is a good habit for Extraordinary people. From now on, all our conversations and special training will take place under this kind of Ritual."

Do Extraordinary people need to wear cloaks whenever they go out too...? Bai Zhou muttered inwardly.

"Actually, I still don't really understand. It's just one character."

Bai Zhou lowered his voice and asked sincerely.

"It isn't a book, not even a complete passage... How many secrets can it record, and what kind of power can it contain?"

It had only been half a stroke, yet it had caused such a huge reaction from the world.

That was far too sensitive.

"You must take the power of all writing seriously, especially in the Extraordinary World."

Ya shook her head and patiently instructed him.

"There is a secret account from the last century. During World War II, in Europe, which had not yet become the Western Federation, Germany's army occupied Greece."

"The people of Syria, neighboring Greece, could neither eat nor sleep in peace because of it."

"So they visited the Kabbalah Cult, long renowned for its mystery and power, and received an affirmative answer from a priest: 'Don't worry. The crisis has already been resolved.'"

Bai Zhou was puzzled. "What did this Kabbalah Cult do?"

"That priest performed a secret textual conversion Ritual called 'Replacement,' changing the word Syria, 'Syrie,' into Russia, 'rusie.'"

"In Hebrew, the letters making up those two words were exactly the same. By merely changing their order, Syria became Russia."

"And astonishingly, Germany's army truly stopped advancing into the Middle East and turned its spearhead toward Russia at the time."

"—The Kabbalah Cult firmly believed that the magic of language and numbers could accomplish impossible miracles, whether extinguishing roaring flames or shifting war elsewhere."

"And they were not the only ones."

Ya continued, "Ancient Vikings tribes and the Wicca sect now prevalent north of the Western Federation also believed in a kind of Rune script."

"Each Rune symbolized a divine blessing, such as abundance, protection, or victory. By mastering the symbols, one could guide that mysterious power."

"—Writing is the embodiment of a civilization's essence. Certain forms of writing may directly be vessels for some cosmic power."

"Some Occultists even believed that writing and using words were themselves a 'Ritual' act filled with power and intent."

"As for yours..."

In the still, dim room, the Flames on the floor crackled.

Ya looked at Bai Zhou and seriously warned him.

"If even other writing possesses all kinds of wonders, what more of a taboo?"

"I suggest that you temporarily stop all exploration of Ancient Characters. You must be careful not to be eroded by the taboo."

"In this world filled with mysteries, you must understand not only how to revere power, but also how to revere knowledge at all times."

Revere power, and even more, revere knowledge.

Bai Zhou felt that deeply and was seized by lingering fear.

Who would dare disrespect that half Ancient Character now?

Did they want to become part of the Black Whirlwind and throw a ghostly howling party inside it?

"Still, you should have gained quite a few benefits from that half Ancient Character, right?"

Under the swaying firelight, Ya's voice drifted softly over.

"Only within the Mist can knowledge give rise to the Light of Knowledge. The awakening of Destiny relies on absorbing it."

"Golden Firefly Light is already precious and difficult to find, but according to you, that half Forbidden Ancient Script did not produce Golden Firefly Light."

"It produced seven-colored fire..."

As she spoke, Ya's gaze swept up and down Bai Zhou's lower abdomen, making him somewhat uncomfortable.

There was Golden Firefly Light too... Bai Zhou muttered inwardly.

He simply had not had the chance to mention it yet.

Then Ya asked that familiar, habitual question again.

"So, I'm very curious—"

"To what height has this unprecedented fire ignited your Destiny?"

A trace of anticipation appeared in her ruby-like eyes.

"You should have at least crossed the three-foot threshold, right?"

"Yes, I did."

Bai Zhou nodded, then said somewhat uncertainly.

"As for the height of my Destiny, it should be five feet four inches... maybe?"

"Five feet four inches?"

Ya raised her brow slightly and nodded.

"Not bad. It has already far exceeded my previous expectations of you."

Then she asked in confusion, "But why are you hesitating? Are you dissatisfied, or is there something else?"

"Because it's still growing, so I can't determine the exact height." Bai Zhou answered honestly. "It's almost five feet five now."

"...Growing?"

Ya first froze in confusion, then found herself speechless.

Bai Zhou asked tentatively, "Is that uncommon?"

"..."

Ya shook her head expressionlessly. "At least, I've never heard of it."

"It's all thanks to the Ancient Character." Bai Zhou immediately explained. "I'm still digesting the seven-colored Rainbow Light on it."

As he spoke, he felt a little regretful.

"Unfortunately, the rate at which my Destiny is rising has already slowed. It probably won't go much higher... unless I can find the other half of that Ancient Character someday."

But Bai Zhou was not optimistic about that.

The flames crackled, and the shadows stretched long.

Ya's voice was somewhat unsteady.

"You must not reveal this to anyone else."

"The Fire Seed..."

She looked at the winding fire serpents joined across the floor, swaying firelight glimmering over her face.

Awakening Destiny within the Knowledge Mist, using the Mist's unique Light of Knowledge to raise one's height, after which one's talent remained unchanged for life...

That was common knowledge to everyone in the Extraordinary World.

She truly had not expected that the mysterious half Forbidden Ancient Script could have such an effect.

Risk indeed always accompanied opportunity.

"I am reminded of Prometheus, the fire thief in the last myth. In the end, an evil eagle pecked at his liver for thousands of years."

"Forbidden Knowledge often symbolizes terrifying secrets as well. In the unseen currents of fate, it will draw ancient things toward your destiny, until they intersect at some point in the future."

—Just as Jesus had experienced blood and fire.

Every gift from Heaven came with a corresponding price.

"Before you can turn the opportunity represented by the Fire Seed into something tangible, it may symbolize more the danger of setting yourself on fire."

"Knowledge is already chasing after you from behind, Bai Zhou."

Ya raised her head slightly and looked down at Bai Zhou.

The lengthened shadows obscured the firelight on the ground.

She said:

"You have another urgent reason to grow stronger."

"Grow stronger..." Bai Zhou unconsciously looked toward the broken spear on the table, its clear tooth marks still visible.

He truly had plenty of reasons to become stronger.

If he became stronger, he could go back and take revenge on that Dead Fatty.

"...It's time to begin special training."

At that moment, Ya's voice came from the shadowed corner beyond the firelight.

"Merely awakening Destiny does not make you an Extraordinary person."

"Combat secret arts, mysterious Rituals, foundational knowledge... You lack far too much."

"Caw..." The Crow cried softly from Ya's shoulder, as though in agreement.

"You will have to study twice as hard and make up for the lessons you missed before."

"This is not eating things in the Knowledge Mist. This is real studying. You must prepare yourself accordingly."

The hem of her Pitch Black trench coat fluttered lightly, winding fire serpents coiling beneath her feet.

The swaying flames stretched her figure infinitely long across the wall.

Ya's expression was indifferent, without the slightest ripple.

"Next, you may have to go through the longest and most grueling period of your life."

"But likewise—"

Ya said coldly,

"Only by passing successfully can you begin to become a true Extraordinary person, an Arcanist, and an Occultist!"

"..."

Bai Zhou had to admit that he had been drawn in by Ya's dazzling promises.

The Flames rising from the ground were like his gradually stirring heart.

"When do we start? Tomorrow?"

"No." Ya answered without the slightest hesitation. "Of course, now."

"—Now?" Bai Zhou lowered his head and looked at himself, covered in mud and dressed in disarray.

He had only just escaped with his life!

Even a donkey pulling a millstone needed to rest, didn't it?

But Ya continued.

"The Blood Worship Cult will not wait for you. You cannot train during the day—are you going to waste the nighttime as well?"

"If the Blood Worship Cult truly chooses this place for retaliation, then before they arrive, you must complete the special training I have prepared for you."

"Only then will you have the ability to protect yourself."

The Blood Worship Cult...

Bai Zhou was convinced.

"Time waits for no one." He took a deep breath. "What do we begin training first?"

Occultism, Rituals, Magic Potions, extraordinary secret arts...

Those dazzling and exceedingly mysterious things were finally lifting their hazy veil before him.

Ya shook his head. "Your foundation is too weak. I still need to sort out the knowledge system before I can teach you."

"Tonight, we'll start by learning how to use a blade."

"Use a blade?"

Bai Zhou was not surprised that Ya wanted to teach him blade work. After all, Ya always carried an absurdly large longsword with him.

But...

"Where would I get a blade?"

Bai Zhou asked, "I don't have a blade to use."

"Or could it be..."

As he spoke, Bai Zhou hesitantly looked toward the memorable longsword in Ya's hand,

while faint anticipation stirred in his heart.

"No, don't get any ideas. I have something else prepared."

In the dim light, Ya turned slightly and seemingly casually moved the longsword behind his back to hide it.

"What have you prepared?" Bai Zhou reluctantly withdrew his gaze.

Then he saw Ya turn and pick up an iron stool beside him. Without seeming to exert much force, Ya gave it a snap—

One of the slightly rusted hollow iron stool legs was simply broken off.

Then Ya solemnly handed the stool leg to Bai Zhou.

"This is...?"

Bai Zhou accepted the square iron stool leg in confusion.

It felt cold in his hand and somewhat heavy.

—but it was a stool leg.

"I think the shape of this stool leg happens to resemble a sword hilt. It's perfect for practice," Ya said with satisfaction.

"..."

Bai Zhou lifted the rusty stool leg and examined it from top to bottom. Suddenly, he felt that the broken spear with tooth marks on it was actually Not Bad.

"Actually, why do I have to learn the blade instead of something else?"

Faced with this question, Ya answered calmly and without hesitation:

"Because I only know the blade."

"Oh..."

Seeing Bai Zhou's reluctance, Ya put on a solemn expression and said seriously:

"Don't be bound by appearances, Bai Zhou."

"As long as your breathing rhythm and force techniques are correct, and you practice diligently, even grass, wood, bamboo, and stone can become a long blade in an Extraordinary's hand."

"—That is the principle of 'Extraordinary Never Die Empty-Handed.'"

Bai Zhou lowered his head and looked at the stool leg in his hand as Ya's earnest teachings rang in his ears.

—but that did not change the fact that it was still a stool leg.

At that moment, another snap sounded beside him.

Ya bent down and broke off another stool leg.

Having lost half its support, the iron stool clattered to the ground, but no one cared.

"First lesson of special training: Extraordinary people must know how to make use of local materials."

"Learn to make good use of everything around you, including furniture!"

Weighing the square, icy stool leg in his palm, Ya suddenly spoke:

"Watch carefully. This strike—"

His slender, fair fingers gripped the rusty stool leg as though holding a blade and swept through the air.

With a light slash—

Bzz!

A streak of Flowing Fire cut across the Mid-air of the dim Dormitory.

The next instant—

With a boom, a burning Flame Moon exploded from the edge of the blade.

The wheel of fire danced without pause as the Flame Moon rose from nothing.

This was a miracle called "fire," something that should not belong to the mortal world.

Ya lowered the stool leg as though sheathing a blade.

Yet the blooming moon of fire still hung overhead, burning fiercely.

Bai Zhou stared in stunned silence.

Holy hell, that was produced by swinging a rusty stool leg?

"[Moon Ember], the combat secret art that an Extraordinary bearing the title [Twilight Flame] once relied upon to make a name for himself in his early years."

The ground beneath the moon rapidly charred. Ya gripped the stool leg in reverse and hurled it fiercely toward the Flame Moon.

But before it could get close to the Flame Moon,

With another boom, several clusters of flames rose from within it.

The iron stool leg turned into flying ash in an instant and fell to the ground.

"At the beginner level, one strike can Slash through iron. At the pinnacle, you can swing forth an undying Flame Moon... like this."

"The power is contained within. Once it erupts, it can blow down half a Dormitory building."

His pitch-black trench coat fluttered as Ya lightly clapped his hands twice, then turned to look at Bai Zhou.

The blazing firelight illuminated his profile.

"—Want to learn?"

With crackling pops, burning sparks rained down from overhead, illuminating those calm iridescent eyes.

Ya said softly:

"If you want to learn, I'll teach you."