First art, catalogue, insight
The next day, I met up with William in front of the training facility, as it was a common ground for both of us.
"So, William, if you don't mind me asking, where are you originally from?" He asked me, while we were walking towards a great food place he told me about.
Of course, the answer was prepared beforehand as I knew this question will pop out eventually.
"Well, I lived in a small village in the countryside and moved here quite recently. To be completely frank, this is my first time actually exploring the city and its surroundings, as my routine was quite full after settling in. So, about this restaurant you've mentioned; I never really heard of it. Is it new? Or maybe a hidden gem?"
"Well, not many people know about it, so it's normal that you haven't heard of it. The place is situated in a not-so-populated area, and it's relatively new, as you guessed. My discovery of it was purely coincidental, as my appartment is quite close to it. The food quality is top-notch, though. This food place will definitely become very popular in the future"
After arriving, we ordered the food and started talking about the academy and upcoming exam.
"By the way, William, are your parents supportive of your decision even though your rank is G? I respect you because of you work ethic and determination, but not many people think the same as me. Haven't they suggested another academy?"
"Unfortunately, my parents left me when I was little and their whereabouts are unknown, let alone talking to them. I live on my own and take care of myself. Naturally, my decisions are controlled solely by my, so what you were saying isn't really an issue."
Since my parents were an unknown variable, I decided to tell him that they were missing. This was the easiest solution, and it didn't close any routes of action in the future. Overall, with the little information in my possession, this seemed like the best answer.
"Damn, sorry for being inconsiderate. I didn't know your situation." Oliver regretfully said.
"Don't worry, it's not your fault. You didn't even know about any of this. It's quite normal to be curios about that, as this would also be in my mind, if I was in your stead."
The atmosphere, dropping considerably, wasn't prone for much more conversation, so me and Oliver ate silently , enjoying our food. After we finished, Oliver excused himself, saying that he had something to do.
Going home, a peculiar thing came to mind. While explaining to him my supposedly tragic situation, a very subtle glint of happiness appeared in his eyes. Although it dissappeared almost instantaneously, it was there. There was no mistaking it, as it would complement with other interesting things that I learned during our conversationm. Firstly, Oliver'e behaviour was very inconsistent. In the first day we met he was naive and good natured, but he was beginning to seem much smarter the more I look into him. Mainly because of his teaching abilities, and now his remark about my parents. He possesses knowledge both about himself and others, seemingly familiar with human psychology. He knows how ither people can be prone to unfair judgement and prejudices, and he knows that not everyone is as "good" as he is.
This doesn't allign with his supposed personality at all and, paired with the glint in his eyes, makes me almost certain that he was, indeed, acting. The question is, what is his purpose? Well, it seemed that he was happy that I was in a vulnerable position, which means he most likely wanted to influence or use me in some way. With his " likable" nature he wants me to trust him, and perhaps help him when he needs it. When he found out that we are both going at the same academy in the same year, he wanted to get even closer to me. Paired with the fact that he wants me to do something for him, makes me think that he just needs a subordinate for the time he is in the academy and tries to make me dependent on him.
Reaching home, I was almost certain what he was a "bad guy", a person with no morals who will smile in front of you, use you and dispose of you when you are no longer necessary. He most likely thinks of me as a mentally unstable, vulnerable kid who is desperately looking for a friend.
[CATALOGUE UPDATED IN CONCORDANCE WITH VESSEL'S THOUGHTS OVERLAPPING REALITY]
Well, that's new. Immediately information of the catalogue are displayed in my mind
[Catalogue[Oliver]]
[Oliver(last name not known)
Philosophy:
Mask:
1.Justice prevails everything
2. Efforts never betray you
Non-mask:
1. As long as they are useful, bring them to your side
2. They are not equals, but subordinates
3. Exploit weaknesses, regard the target's feelings only if it impacts their obedience to you
4. My wellbeing is my utmost and only priority
Tendency: overwhelmingly neutral
Impression of you:Weak but somewhat intelligent, useful as a potential scapegoat or alibi.
Stats:
Rank: ???
Skills: ???
Traits: ???
Arts: Basic swordsmanship(sword art, grade 1, proficiency:???), Impulse generation(movement art, grade 3, proficiency: ???), ???
Abilities: ???
Strength: ???(???)
Agility: ???(???)
Stamina: ???(???)
Mana: ???/???
Mana core: ???
Intelligence: ???
Familiarity:20%
[CERTAIN MILESTONES REACHED; YOU HAVE RECEIVED 1 STT]
[CHOOSE BETWEEN 1STT AND 1ATT]
After thinking for a while, I reached some conclusions: firstly, the catalougue is updated only when there is tangible evidence thay supports a theory; purely speculation will not impact or modify the catalogue. That means that I will need proof of thought, not just my intuition. Secondly, this skill detects not just my conscious thoughts, but also unconscious ones, as the information displayed has the same overall meaning, yet it provides a bit more details and it offers things that I didn't actively realise, but were fairly obvious. Lastly, the metre went up by just 20% with all that. That opens up 2 possibilities: either that Oliver is way more intelligent and complex that I initially thought, or the accent of familiarity is focused on stats rather than mentality.
Now, a choice is presented to me: stat transfer token or art transfer token. Judging by the reward system, the stat transfer total is a total commitment as it is worthy of taking only if it is being stored to be used for the 10 stt reward. The other options are not worth taking, in my opinion. So I will stockpile those only when a person seems to have a enormous stat and no reedemable art, skill, trait and ability. Oliver's speed is nothing to scoff at, but, right now, a strong foundation is necessary, as I am severely lacking in terms of technique right now. Therefore, I chose the art transfer token and thought about using it.
[ART TRANSFER TOKEN USAGE DETECTED. CHARACTER: OLIVER]
[SELECT THE ART YOU WISH TO OBTAIN]
[BASIC SWORDSMANSHIP]
[IMPULSE GENERATION]
[BASIC SWORDSMANSHIP]
Sword art, grade 1. Contains the basis of swordsmanship. It is necessary to have at least 50% proficiency to begin learning other sword arts.
[IMPULSE GENERATION]
Mivement art, grade 3. Allows the user to generate an impulse when moving or when hitting something. For moving, allows the user to output 150% agility for 0.1 seconds at proficiency 0%. Same goes for hitting, but the attribute which suffers modification is strength.
Although impulse generation looks really interesting, it will arise suspicion in Oliver if I suddenly starts to use his art after witnessing it. Basic swordsmanship is a way more common art, which can be awakened naturally, therefore it will be way easier to explain its presence if needed.
[[BASIC SWORDSMANSHIP] SELECTED. -1 ATT. IT HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE VESSEL'S ATRIBUTES AT 0% PROFICIENCY]
Just like that, I now had a way to get stronger. And the opportunities will keep coming as I spend more and more time with my beloved gold m.. I mean Oliver.
With so much time left until the academy entrance exam, I started to feel that maybe not all hope was lost and maybe, just maybe, I would be able to pull it off