Chapter 24: Gaining A Special Disciple (Patreon)

Congratulations On Acquiring A New Bloodline.

Bloodline Name: ???

Requirements to Unlock: ???

Slifer frowned, letting out an exasperated grunt. "Great! A mysterious bloodline that I can't even access. How very...helpful."

Just watch, I'll be on the brink of death, cornered by some lord from the netherworld, and THEN this overpowered bloodline will kick in to save the day. He rolled his eyes.

Pushing the thoughts of the bloodline to the back of his mind, Slifer turned his focus to his new technique. He summoned his sword from his storage ring. Though it was the same sword with the familiar orange hilt, something felt... different.

As he gripped the hilt, a sensation coursed through him, like the sword was whispering to him. Kill, kill, kill... It wasn’t the most pleasant of feelings, but what could he expect from a blade that originated from a demonic sect?

Congratulations On Comprehending Sword Intent

Reward: 100 Karmic Credits

His eyes widened slightly. So, this is Sword Intent?he pondered, understanding that the bond between blade and bearer was crucial to a sword cultivator's true power. Sword Intent marked the first step in sword cultivation, potentially boosting a cultivator's attack by an entire sub realm.

"Not bad," he muttered appreciatively.

As Slifer swung his sword around, he could feel a significant difference due to the 4% increase in his sword mastery. The air itself seemed to part more smoothly before the blade, every motion more fluid and precise.

Closing his eyes, he channeled his qi and intent into the sword, channeling the Sunrise Slash technique. In an instant, he was before a dummy, and with a swift, clean movement, its head tumbled to the ground.

Grinning at the effortless cut, he couldn't help but boast a little. "At this rate, I might just stand a chance against a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. Well…that is, if I catch them off guard."

Energized, he readied himself to test out the Stellar Nova Strike technique. Positioning himself, he performed three deliberate sword strikes. Each motion gathered the ambient light element, focusing and refining it until a radiant shield of condensed light blossomed around him. Observing the shield critically, he nodded in satisfaction but recognized its current limitations.

He paused for a moment, "Needs to be stronger," he reflected, aware that the technique was still in its initial phase, merely at level 1. "And I'll do that the best way I know how." He took a breath, adding, "By facing real threats."

A brief hesitation followed before he corrected himself, "Well, maybe not a real battle. After all, I can't risk getting killed. It's not like I have an endless stash of cards to rescue me."

A sly smirk then spread across his face. "One of my disciples will do just fine."

A spiritual transmission abruptly pulled Slifer out of his musings. Morvran's voice echoed in his mind, "Master, Val has woken up."

A grin spread across Slifer's face. "Guess I've got a training buddy now," he commented out loud.

Upon arriving at the beast chamber, a place designated for housing beasts below the Core Formation realm. The beasts of Core Formation realm and above usually dwelled in their own habitats, like Val with her... cave. He felt a slight shudder run down his spine at the memory.

Slifer scanned his surroundings, seeing magnificent beasts, that he had believed to be only in fairy tales, caged like this made Slifer shake his head in disapproval. Such primitive ways of taming beasts, he thought sadly.

He had always had an affinity for animals, and while these beasts weren't exactly...pets, Slifer believed there had to be a better way to tame them. "Maybe once I get my stuff sorted, I'll see if I can change some stuff around," he mumbled to himself.

A disciple approached and offered a respectful bow. "Senior Slifer, your beast awaits you in one of the healing chambers."

Slifer barely held back a sigh. To him, it made more sense to treat these beasts as partners rather than mere tools. A deeper connection would surely yield better results in combat.

"It's all about synergy, like Kiba and Akamaru," he muttered.

The disciple looked up in confusion, "Elder?"

Slifer waved him off, "Nevermind, just take me to Val."

As they entered the healing chamber, his eyes were immediately drawn to the center. There lay little Val surrounded by a series of intricate formations, too complex for Slifer to even attempt to decipher.

Feeling her master's presence, Val lifted her head and her eyes lit up with delight. With a joyful squeak, she swiftly rose and flew straight into Slifer’s waiting arms.

Turning to the disciple, who stood awkwardly observing the reunion, Slifer gave him a blank stare. The young man cleared his throat awkwardly. "I shall take my leave, Elder." With a swift bow, he quickly exited the chamber.

Immediately, Slifer's stern exterior melted away, replaced by a look of tender concern. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his fingers gently brushing over the spot where Val had been injured.

Val tilted her head, attempting to muster a serious expression, "Me all bettew now."

Noticing the absence of even a faint scar, Slifer nodded in relief. "Master is glad. Val had us all worried."

Val blinked her large eyes, "How master? Val wowwied master huwt."

A warm smile spread across Slifer's face. "Master is good, little one. I got rid of the big bad guy who hurt you."

Val's round eyes widened even more. "Bad guy hit Val for no weason."

"That's right," Slifer affirmed, hugging the baby dragon a bit tighter. "Val didn't deserve that."

The little dragon shook her head earnestly, her eyes still shining with innocence. "Val good."

Slifer's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But guess what? Master has a present for you!"

"Pwesent? What pwesent?"

"It's a surprise," Slifer teased.

Val's face scrunched up in a pout. "No supwise!" she declared adamantly.

After a playful pause, Slifer continued, "How would you… like to be my disciple?"

Val blinked, clearly confused. "Me monsta. How can monsta be disciple?"

Slifer sighed inwardly. From the original's memories, I never heard of beasts becoming disciples. And about beasts taking human forms? Either that doesn’t exist here, or it's reserved for those in the Immortal Realm.

He gently patted Val's head, trying to reassure her. "Master doesn't see you as a monster."

After a moment's pause, he softly added, "So, what do you think?"

Tears brimmed in Val's eyes, as she whispered, "Val be master disciple."

Slifer smiled as he swiftly opened up the shop and scrolled through until he found the card he was looking for.

Name: Soul Bond Card

Description: Establishes a telepathic link between the user and the creature. The card grants the user the ability to utilize the creature's fire breath attack once a day.

Warning: If the creature is killed, the user's soul will be severely damaged.

Cost: 900 Karmic Credits

Slifer looked down at Val, her big eyes filled with hope and trust.

She's worth it. Without hesitation, Slifer made the purchase, applying the Soul Bond Card to Val.

Almost immediately, a burning sensation seared his chest, causing him to look beneath his robes. He was met with the mark of a dragon. This mark, however, wasn't just skin deep—it was as if it had imprinted itself onto his very spirit.

Congratulations On Gaining A Special Disciple

Your Disciple Capacity Has Been Adjusted

You Have Gained 100 Credits

Good, she didn’t take up a traditional disciple slot,Slifer thought with a hint of relief. I still need an open spot for the upcoming Disciple Selection Ceremony. There's no telling who or what potential I might encounter there.

Closing his eyes, Slifer decided to focus on the newly formed bond. He could sense Val's feelings, her immense joy and overwhelming emotion, and he knew he could pinpoint her location regardless of the distance.

As he opened his eyes, he saw a similar mark on Val. But it wasn't the image of Slifer—it was a blurry outline of a young man. That's... Zack. My original body. So even in this form, my soul retains its original identity, he mused, taken aback by the revelation.

Val's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Val feel... funny."

Slifer, recovering quickly, pinched her plump cheek affectionately. "We now have Soul Bond."

Val’s already wide eyes seemed to grow even larger with wonder. She knew that Soul Bonds were rare, transforming the typical master-servant dynamic to something far more profound, almost akin to equals. Tears formed in her eyes as she stuttered, "Val so...so happyyy."

Hugging her closer, Slifer whispered, "Master is happy too."

After enjoying the peaceful moment, Slifer coughed slightly to regain composure. "Master needs help practicing a defensive technique," he informed her.

Val's head popped up, her eyes filled with eagerness. "Val help!"

Yet, seeing her overwhelming enthusiasm, Slifer hesitated, second-guessing his request. Is it really a smart idea to ask a Nascent Soul level beast to attack me? He wondered.

Val seemed to pick up on his hesitation. "Val pwomise be gentle," she mumbled, her tiny snout drooping slightly.

A small chuckle escaped Slifer's lips, though doubts still danced in his mind. Does she even know her own strength? Yet, looking into those innocent eyes, Slifer couldn't resist nodding in agreement.

Eh, maybe I'll get to use her own firebreath attack against her, he smirked, imagining the look of surprise on Val's face. Now, that'll be an interesting sight.