(30) Frequencies Of The Soul

Oslan and Riang slept through the night while Caophre and Owen kept watch. The two of them found out that the bandits that Caophre fought were just scouts left behind while the core members of the Lanuz Bandit Group fled.

They got this information by interrogating Qivef. He was on the brink of death during Caophre's barrage of questions.

Owen remarked how burnt the battlefield looked like. Every corpse was reduced to charred remains. Caophre refused to talk about it, so Owen didn't inquire any further.

He also filled the Bloodwhetcher's blood gauge by stabbing the charcoal bodies of the enemies and draining the blood that's left in their bodies.

Just like that, the day passed.

The four of them were back on their way to Mysteriea.

Owen merrily flipped one of his silver coins before putting it back to the inventory. For some reason, the coins have a separate storage section from items.

'A classic game design.' Owen only found it convenient that minor details like that are included in the game mechanic.

Since Owen wasn't someone who reads novels or watches anime, he has no idea what the concept of a 'system' is. He always called the panels as a game mechanic.

Oslan sat down on the wagon while thinking of what he should do in the future.

When it was revealed to him that he isn't as useless as he always thought himself to be, it was like a new path was unveiled in front of him.

Now that he knew that it was possible for him to use soul energy, he wondered what's next?

All this time, he had been surviving. Ever since his parents died, his life felt tragically bleak. He couldn't consider himself as living, it was just him working his life off until he died of some pathetic disease or accident.

It didn't matter because he was so useless. Even when he sought guidance from Tiduer, he didn't improve at all.

He believed that all this time, he was meant to stay weak. Only because of Riang and Tiduer's unwavering support did he continue to train diligently despite the knowledge that nothing useful would come off of it.

So, when he found out from Owen that he was suppressed by his own bloodline, he felt like it was unfair at first. That didn't last long when Owen added that Riang can help him awaken his suppressed strength.

Now, an urge to become strong flourished within him. Life felt a bit more colorful than before.

Oslan reached his hand out and placed his hand on Riang's shoulder, who was currently meditating.

Riang opened her eyes and asked, "What's up?"

Oslan had a question ready for her. "Can you help me with the stuff Teacher Tiduer told us about soul energy?"

"I'm surprised that you're paying attention to that now. What made you suddenly fixate on the topic?" Riang huddled her legs closer to her as she sat.

She knew that Oslan was introverted in nature. He tends to exile himself from the rest and avoid interactions. Because of his inability to use soul energy, he didn't bother learning it again.

That is why Riang felt a spark of delight when Oslan showed signs of changing for the better.

Oslan smiled and said, "Because Owen said I can gain the full strength of my bloodline through your help, I figured that I would be able to use soul energy as well. I wanted to give it a shot."

"I think it's also because I don't want to stay this way forever… If it weren't for your intervention back then, Arlon and his friends might have continued beating me for an hour." He added.

Riang sneered disdainfully. "Those who use their strength to harm people who didn't do anything wrong do not deserve respect."

As a knight's daughter, she naturally had the valiant sense of justice that her mother always taught and reminded her of.

"But during that time, what they said was true. I am weak… but that doesn't mean I will just lay down and take it." Oslan's demeanor seemed to shift away from his usual sheepishness.

"I suggest that you should stop downing yourself too much. Here, I'll teach you the basics." Riang cleared her throat before speaking.

"Soul energy, according to what I learned, comes in a spectrum and is identified as different colors." Riang held her left palm out and gathered soul energy on her right index finger.

With the red soul energy, she used it to draw illusory lines to make up a simple triangle. She drew three dots for each angle and another three dots in the middle of each line of the triangle.

"The different frequencies of soul energy are separated in two categories, primary and secondary. Those in the corners of the triangle are primary frequencies and the ones in the middle are secondary frequencies." Riang looked over to Oslan who had a steady and focused expression.

"If you're not able to follow, you can tell me." Riang gave him some assurance.

Oslan shook his head slightly. "I can understand it just fine. Just keep explaining."

Seeing that Oslan wasn't troubled at all, Riang continued. "The primary frequencies are Blue, Red and Yellow." Riang's finger pointed from the top, the left and the angle on the right.

After pointing each dot out, her index finger continued to hover from her palm and point to the remaining three dots from left to right. "The secondary frequencies are Violet, Green and Orange."

"The color of the soul has an important impact when it comes to magic because of reactions to different frequencies. Let's say two mages shot a fireball at each other and the fireball collided mid-air. If both of them have the same color of souls, like a Blue plus Blue reaction, the effect is called Amplification and will result in a bigger fireball."

"The second reaction is called Nullification. This will occur between primary and secondary colors only. If one mage had a Yellow soul and the other with an Orange soul, when the fireballs collide, they will dissipate given that they are equal in strength. The only way this works is if the frequencies are related in some way, like… between Blue to Violet and Green it will not result in a nullification reaction if Blue was pitted against Orange." Riang was about to elaborate when Oslan posed a question.

"So from what you're saying, something like Yellow will not react with Violet because they're not related, is that right?" Oslan easily understood the concept.

"Mhm." Riang nodded affirmatively. "Look at the triangle diagram. Blue is on the top and Orange is at the bottom. They will not react because they're not related at all. And that's the third reaction called non-reaction. A blue souled mage vs an orange souled mage in the example from earlier will make the fireballs ignore each other and just phase through. Like two ants meeting each other, they will acknowledge each other's existence but walk in the direction that they were going without reacting at all."

"I see… But what about a reaction like Red and Blue? What happens here? They aren't related at all, so is it going to be a non-reaction as well?" Oslan curiously asked.

Riang was happy that Oslan could theorize on his own. However, she had to tell him otherwise.

"No, that results in the fourth reaction which is called Conversion. Red and Blue creates Violet, Yellow and Blue creates Green, Yellow and Red creates Orange. Seems simple enough to understand when you put it that way." Riang referred to the diagram as she taught Oslan about it.

Oslan knew about paint mixing, but the part that didn't make sense for him was how Orange and Green manages to convert into Yellow.

Riang could tell what he was thinking and hurriedly told him, "The reason why something like Violet and Green makes Blue is rooted in the characteristics of Violet and Green, and that is because both contain Blue in them."

"I highly recommend that you look at it in a more creative perspective because soul energy isn't bound by rules that normally work around us. I imagine it as Violet and Green using the Blue in them to combine and fully convert the foreign frequencies fully into blue."

"So I'm guessing that if a mage of Violet and Green souls shot a fireball at each other, the fireball is amplified, but its frequency is converted as well?" Oslan came to a conclusion after piecing together relevant information.

"You struck the snake's eye." Riang nodded.

Oslan started to think about the new information that he learned about. He couldn't help but admire Riang's way of teaching. Not only was it more concise, it was even more understandable than Tiduer's lessons.

But then again, Oslan couldn't really blame him because he barely paid attention to his classes about soul energy.

Riang had already erased the soul energy drawing on her palm when she remembered something. "I almost forgot, there's the tertiary soul energy frequencies called White and Black."

"White's reaction with every color is always amplification, while Black is always a non-reaction. That is unless the two clash against each other as Black and White naturally results in nullification." Riang figured that she told all there was to it in the basics of soul energy.

Oslan gave her a nod as he looked down contemplatively.

Now that he knew how soul energy worked he was wondering how to utilize it to cast spells.

He cast his sights towards Riang before asking another question.

"How do I use soul energy to use magic circles? Is there something that I need to know?" Oslan clenched his fist and concentrated his mind into it, as if to call upon an invisible force within him.

He released his grip after finding it futile.

Riang's eyes narrowed slightly as she was also unsure. "I haven't understood magic theory that well. All I know is that you can use soul energy to take reference from an illustration and manually create every single component of a magic circle like drawing, or by using your mind to create the components yourself."

Oslan found it acceptable because he knew that although Riang is smart, her source of knowledge is limited as well.

"How tricky is it to use your mind to draw a magic circle for yourself?"

"Me personally? I haven't created my own spell by using my mind. That requires a lot of fundamental understanding of the world and its rules for it to work… The spells that I can use are drawn by copying them from a spellbook back home." Riang sighed.

Owen lifted an eyelid to look at her when he heard what she said.

He may look like he's lazing around, but Owen remained attentive to his surroundings.

'So does that mean I can make my own spells?' Owen wanted to try it but controlled himself not to.

'No… that can wait.'

While Owen thought of what he could do during later times, Oslan continued pestering Riang with questions.

"How can I use soul energy to make a magic circle? Can you teach me how to?" It was no secret for Oslan that Riang could use soul energy, so for him, she seemed like the best person to ask about it.

Riang didn't mind his flow of inquiries and answered them patiently. "Soul energy is a bit hard to explain clearly, so make sure you treat my words like a lizard's tail."

Oslan took a more comfortable sitting position as Riang began to talk.

Riang touched her chin while looking around incessantly for the right words. "Hmm… I don't particularly know the right way to say it, but soul energy can be explained as another extension of yourself. Sister Ezella spoke to me about something similar to what you're asking me."

"Because I can use soul energy, it feels like a fog around you that you can use to sense stuff. The sensation is very otherworldly especially for those who used soul energy for the first time… If you can sense this part of yourself, what I do is guide it to a certain part of my body before activating the spells I already learned." Riang's face changed from a struggling one to an unsure expression.

Oslan sighed and ruffled his pale brown hair as he tried to sense what Riang told him.

"I can't feel anything of that sort."

"Maybe I was wrong? Soul energy could differ from person to person.. What I said might not necessarily apply to you." Riang was equally clueless like Oslan.

"You're not wrong, Riang. The problem is that Oslan isn't strong enough." Owen chimed in.

The two of them focused their attention on Owen.

Seeing that they were both listening, he continued.

"I'm sure you two have heard of the quote, 'A weak soul is a weak mind, a weak mind is an incapable body, and an incapable body results in a weak soul' and from that quote, the problem lies within Oslan's body. Because he isn't strong enough physically, his soul couldn't advance to a higher level of growth." Owen had to remind them who was the knowledgeable one in the group.

"So Oslan, if you want to use soul energy, make sure to train extra hard." Owen added.

"That's the twelfth law of soul energy." Riang recalled her times of reading that before in her mother's private library.

"Mhm." Owen responded.

He did not stick his interest into the game's lore unless he required it for a puzzle or a quest.

But because the twenty laws of soul energy can be ready during loading screens, he memorized it entirely.

The twenty laws of soul energy can be interpreted like Newton's Laws of Motion, but on soul energy. Only great figures of human history were able to add new discovered laws as soul energy utilization advanced. And even if they are great figures, many kingdoms must unanimously agree to it.

Oslan frowned. "But you know that no matter how hard I train, I can't grow stronger. Do I have to wait until Riang fed me enough blood origin?"

"Unfortunately for you, that's just how your bloodline decided to screw you over." Owen scratched the itch on his neck subconsciously before realizing that he used his left forearm. He promptly switched to his right hand.

Oslan sighed, but his eyes didn't lose hope. "I've waited ten years, what's a few months going to be?"

Owen snapped his fingers together. "That's the spirit."

— Denur Manor…

In the dining room, there stood a long and fine table covered in high quality silk. Laid on top with silver utensils, porcelain plates and glass made from rare crystals.

Servants of Viscount Rahasc Denur served him, his daughter Nacinth, his son Tianzarea, his lovely wife Livona Denur and the guest Jiun Vertesi.

All of them acted in a refined manner. They savored their meal quietly while talking amongst one another.

Jiun Vertesi sat down beside Nacinth. After being through many banquets and social gatherings, he knew the proper gestures, etiquette, and the subjects that the upper class discussed most of the time.

Most of them included affairs of the kingdom and matters involving other noble families. Of course, the subject of the discussions strays from those two from time to time as well.

Jiun sliced the tender meat on his plate without including himself in the discussion. He knew that since he isn't a part of this family but a mere pawn for power.

Although that's how people of the higher class saw him, he was more of a leech.

In a sense, his position is the same as Ichor Selenkyr.

Because of Ichor's valuable technology, products and knowledge, all kingdoms do not wish to enrage him or make their relationship bitter. If Ichor prioritizes a single kingdom, that kingdom will advance further than the rest, making them more powerful, enough to conquer other kingdoms.

Ichor doesn't want that.

He wants them to know that without him, they will not be able to advance to greatness. He also kept tension between all kingdoms strong in an effort to keep them in a competition with one another.

With such a driving force, the profits he will be able to gain is immense.

Jiun also knew that if he favored only one noble, that wouldn't be good for his future prospects. If he treats all nobles equally, they will try to give him more benefits just to remain afloat in an ever changing sea of influence and strength.

Jiun's mind was currently occupied with numerous thoughts until he felt Nacinth's hand touch his side.

"Hm?" His eyes lifted to look at her.

She gestured with her eyes towards her father.

"Jiun? Is there something bothering you?" Rahasc Denur asked while holding a wine glass filled with a deep violet mixture of finely fermented fruits.

Jiun shifted his posture like nothing happened. "Ah, forgive me.. I was just thinking of something important."

Rahasc Denur laughed. "I find it normal for a Combat Master such as yourself to be engrossed in your works of art.. That is why during times like these, I encourage you to indulge without thinking about anything that might bother you."

"The Viscount is too kind.." Jiun smiled, already used to that kind of flattery.

Now that Jiun's attention was back, Rahasc Denur asked him, "How long will you stay here in Mysteriea City?"

Jiun understood the hidden meaning of his question… However, he didn't care.

"A few months from now." Jiun answered without any hesitation.

Rahasc Denur shut his eyes. "So that's the case…" He twirled his wine glass before sipping on it.

Tianzarea sensed his father's mood taking a dip. He looked at Jiun with a gaze laced with scorn.

The atmosphere was compromised, but it wasn't for long. Rahasc Denur continued to talk with the family as if everything was truly fine.

Soon, they finished their meals and Nacinth took away Jiun.

Tianzarea sat down with his back leaning heavily against his chair. A huge male servant behind him expertly tied his long auburn hair to fit a silver hair ornament that looked like a snake.

"Tch.." Tianzarea couldn't help but feel angry whenever Jiun flashed in his mind.

"Father, why are you letting a low class commoner in our house? He's obviously up to no good. All your goodwill, all of what you gave him doesn't matter for that man.. Are you just going to sit there while he takes advantage of sister Nacinth?"

Livona Denur reprimanded him with her voice kept low. "Tian, know your place.. This is your father who you're talking to. There are matters that you are too unaware of."

Tianzarea clenched his right molars together before rebutting. "Mother, it's outrageous that you're siding with father in this.. Do you truly believe that someone as Jiun Vertesi deserves the life that father worked hard for?"

Rahasc Denur stared at him with an air of warning silence without saying anything.

Tianzarea didn't speak further. However, he didn't regret that he managed to pass his message forward.

Rahasc placed his glass down and slowly spoke. "Do you know why I'm keeping Jiun Vertesi with us?"

Tianzarea's gaze became serious. "Why?"

"Jiun may not be from the higher class, but his strength as a person is undeniable. Anyone who has been taught skills by him meant that their strength also rose, meaning that they aren't easily trifled with."

"The noble families of Mysteriea obviously acknowledged this. His visit is equivalent to a mark signifying power. It signifies that they aren't the same anymore.."

"It signifies that they are stronger." Rahasc's voice was clear for Tianzarea to hear.

Tianzarea nodded in understanding. "And the nobles who ignore Jiun will be left behind in the dust…"

"Exactly… That is why we cannot let Jiun spread that knowledge." Rahasc's eyes grew cold.

Tianzarea felt his heart jolt. "Father, what you're saying is that…"

"Mm.. If he doesn't marry your sister, we have to kill Jiun Vertesi to maintain our power… This way, we can consolidate our strength in Mysteriea and reach further heights."

Rahasac paused before adding. "Jiun cannot use the power of nobles. As you said, he is someone from the lower class… A pawn meant to be used."