Chapter 404 - Not Found (Patreon)

Jessica found herself in august company.

She was just a mediocre Level 3 Pathseeker not long ago. Those with more talent than her became Level 3 decades earlier. But now, she had a place in a gathering of great figures.

Is Kira also here? Viers did say he and Kira learned from the same teacher…

Things were changing a little too fast for the single mother. Viers said he would show the way. Jessica was in a wild ride but she knew it was also the chance of a lifetime. She resolved to not let the chance slip through her fingers.

She stayed silent while the others asked their inquiries until Viers revealed his identity. Listening to them, things were starting to make sense. Viers, who was also known as Avel, had a formidable master. It made sense that a teacher that powerful made an extraordinary disciple.

However, Jessica entertained a different line of thought.

"I have been called by many names. Adventurer, Traveller, Master, Admiral, Captain, Commander, Doctor, Warrior of Light, Warrior of Darkness, even Barista at the End of the Universe. These are but a few. You are welcome to decide who I am in your eyes."

When Viers said that to her, it didn't seem he was lying.

This depiction was more fitting for the mysterious Big Boss than Viers. Therefore, an outlandish idea was formed inside Jessica's mind.

Perhaps Viers is Big Boss' avatar.

A split body to interact with the world outside, or something similar to that line. She didn't have any evidence, just a gut feeling. Perhaps Viers was indeed Big Boss' disciple and she was just thinking too much.

As for the gathering itself, Jessica was not opposed to it, but she'd like to learn more before making a decision.

"Not just any institution. This place offers something that you can't find anywhere else."

Jessica looked at the card between Viers' fingers with fascination.

"This is a special card that I made under the guidance of my master. Each of you has held one, some longer than the rest. Originally I gave you this so I'd be informed if you're in peril. As I grew stronger, I added an additional feature, the practice of channeling your energy into your card."

Jessica didn't know any of that. She had her hands full in practicing her Seven Chakras Arte currently.

"Those of you who have tried the practice surely realize the benefit of the strengthening of your soul. You don't have to be a Soul Pathseeker to do this and everyone can do it. There's no problem."

Viers continued his presentation. The whole room was listening intently.

"Well then, some of you might have a question, such as where does the energy go? The answer is here."

A cube of energy appeared on Viers' left hand. It was white in color.

"This is the energy from some of you. Still small because this is still a test run and not all of you practice it. But if all do their part, the energy will be much stronger in no time."

"So you take our energy as payment for the soul strengthening practice?" Someone in a black robe said. The person sounded a bit upset.

"Yes and no," Viers replied calmly. "I plan on making this a system of give and take, aligned with the vision of this gathering. Observe."

Jessica saw the card in his hand channeled in energy from the cube. Viers then ripped the card in two, inviting gasps from other people. But in the next moment, Viers was brimming with power.

"This is a power that will be accessible to all of you. This is not based on humanity's Intio Magisterix Path of Power, but a brand new type of cultivation."

Jessica was shocked to hear that. A brand new Path of Power? If that was true then this was earth-shattering news. Of course, she was not the only one in shock.

"The nucleus of this technique is me but only because my master allowed it. Without him, this technique wouldn't be possible. Those with an upgraded card like mine can make use of this power. Miss ***** and Miss ****, stand up please."

Jessica couldn't hear their names but the two who were addressed rose to their feet.

"A taste, if you're game. You two are familiar with each other, have the same Levels, and almost even in power or technique. One of you will receive a boost while the other will fight as usual. Are you ready?"

The two agreed. One was using a staff and the other used a spear. Jessica guessed they were Paina and Farley. If even she received an invitation, there was no way those two had not. They had been with Viers longer than her. Boram should be here too.

Big Boss tapped the table again and there was another surge of overwhelming power, like an invisible mountain had fallen above her and gone.

Farley's white card changed, showing a picture that was different from Viers'. She looked at Viers and after getting a nod, ripped the card in two and that mysterious power enwrapped her.

"Water abilities only. Ready, set, go!"

At Viers' signal, the two began. Paina erected a water barrier right off the bat, playing defensively against the strengthened Farley, but her opponent simply tore through her defenses. From offense, defense, agility, reaction, Arte casting speed, Farley seemed to have exceeded Paina in every way. Not that Jessica would have called Paina weak by any measure. She was pretty sure the fae young woman would have wiped the floor with her.

To no one's surprise, Farley was the winner.

"Good, now *****'s turn."

"Oh, I get a turn. How nice. *****, I'll get you now~"

"Ufufu, looking forward to it."

"Ready, set, go!"

The staff user sent a blast of water with a force that was akin to a water dragon's breath that she had seen in the past. Farley was defeated in one hit.

"Ooof, I hope she's not hurt," Jessica heard someone saying their sympathies.

"Alright, back to your seats. I trust that's enough demonstration? To those who still harbor qualms, they are welcome to test it at a later date. Now is not the moment because…"

Viers pointed their attention to the cube of energy on his left hand. It had become less than half of its initial volume.

"The energy was not much to begin with. This is an aggregate pool. The fountain of which we will drink from. If the contribution is too little, there will be less energy for all. To prevent one person from greedily siphoning all the energy, my master will put a limit that the energy that a person can draw will not exceed the amount they contributed."

Sounded reasonable to Jessica's ears. The extra layer of power on top of the one she currently had was enticing of course, but Jessica had reservations about how it would all mesh with her chakras and qi. She would need to discuss it with Viers before trying it.

"A simple but potent strengthening. Do you feel it is underwhelming and does not deserve the hype? Well, there's more."

Viers flicked his hand like a thief's sleight of hand, conjuring a card on his hand, the one that he'd just torn in two.

"Witness the 'Level 2' of this power."

Viers tore his card again. This time the power turned into a sword, the edge was looking impossibly sharp. He grabbed the sword, exploded with an aura even stronger than before, and slashed upwards. The flying slash's power was felt by all. Incredibly powerful, Level 4 tier, at least.

"If you put enough energy into the card, it will begin forming gear that is most suitable to you. It will be different from person to person. Mine is a sword. As you can see, the power is on a whole other level."

Viers' sword crumbled into nothingness and nothing remained in his left hand. The cube was completely depleted and vanished.

"What you put inside the card is not Victa so if you run out of Victa there's something you can fall back on. Still, while the technique is powerful, as you can see, it consumes tons of energy. I fear this might also attract unwanted attention from curious people. Therefore I suggest keeping the technique as a secret move. I trust the people here won't do anything stupid."

"I understand."

Not only Jessica but there were also agreements from other people.

"Good. Now, I believe we've been here long enough. This is Master's place and I dare not overstay our welcome. You can come to me for further discussions later."

After Viers' closing suggestion, Big Boss who had been silent all this time tapped the table again, showing his power for the third time. Their white cards turned into a pictured card. Each was different from the rest.

"Since this gathering is conducted using anonymous identity, it will pose some problems in the future. I've taken the liberty of assigning your pseudonym for this gathering. It is written on your cards."

Jessica naturally received hers. She took the card respectfully.

"Thank you, Master, for going along with my selfishness," Viers said. Jessica and the others followed suit saying their gratitude.

"I might have taken you as a disciple, but you are still far too weak. Just a tyke in the vast multiverse. Until I deem you strong enough, I forbid you to even insinuate my existence. So that if you're killed, it will not cast shame upon me. Those insufferable immortals would never let me hear the end of it otherwise. None of you can imagine the insult that will stay with you until the end of time. I have no wish to suffer another. Is that clear?"

The question was accompanied by a pressure that made Jessica feel her innards were being juiced.

"Crystal clear, Big Boss Your Excellency," Viers bowed respectfully. It was the most docile Jessica had seen Viers yet.

"That goes the same with the rest of you," Big Boss said.

Jessica and the others unilaterally said their acknowledgment.

"See that you do. Now leave me. You are all delaying my century nap."

Jessica feared if Big Boss was truly some immortal, god-like being. Her life was truly going off the charts now.

With the dismissal, doors were appearing behind their seats. The same doors that they went through to get here.

"Well, then everyone. Welcome to the club. Until we meet again," Viers was the first to exit the mysterious realm.

None were feeling particularly chatty after listening to Big Boss so they too went through the doors. Jessica sighed in relief that she could finally go home.

"...Hmm?"

Something was wrong. Why was she still in the Velvet Sea after passing through the exit?

"Alright, everyone, take your seat again please," Viers said. "We've got a second meeting."

"Huh?" Jessica was confused. She wasn't alone, she could see Paina, Farley, and Clarissa were with her. They no longer appeared in black robes.

Viers took a seat at the table, but this time, the Big Boss was nowhere to be seen. The Velvet Sea remained beautiful as it was but there was no larger-than-life presence of the Big Boss.

"Viers, what is happening?" Clarissa asked.

"Second meeting, did you not hear me? I want to discuss the near future and my Level 4 ascension. Sit down. Wanna drink?"