Chapter Thirty-Eight: What Is Mysterious Power

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In the evening, a harmonious atmosphere enveloped the dining table at the Jonster household. Old Buck had prepared a sumptuous dinner, and for the first time in a while, Leo joined them at the table.

“Soup’s ready!”

Old Buck arrived with a steaming pot, placing it at the center of the table. Instantly, a delicate mist rose amid the dishes. He filled bowls for Mulan and Leo, and plates of steak and vegetables had already been set.

“It smells wonderful. Mulan, hurry and eat. Once you’re in the Imperial Capital, you won’t get meals like this anymore.”

Leo’s remark drew a retort from Mulan, who spoke with a hint of annoyance.

“I’m going there to study, not like last time when I was conscripted to fight. There’ll be holidays. The train ride is just a day and a night. You shouldn’t be worried about how long I’ll be gone; you should be thinking about the fact that even the Queen is going to receive me this time!”

Mulan lightened the mood at the table, and Old Buck smiled.

“Young Master Mulan, you’re the pride of the Jonster family. So is Young Master Leo.”

“Yes, if it weren’t for me, how would we have enjoyed such good days? At least I’m the most outstanding detective in Valentine. But look at you, you rascal—you’ve already surpassed me in some ways without my noticing. If Father and Mother were still here, they’d be so proud.”

Mulan teased Leo.

“Since when did you become so sentimental? Even Grandpa Buck isn’t as melancholy as you. It’s not like I’m not coming back. Are you going to crawl under your blanket and have a cry later?”

“You brat!”

Normally, Mulan would finish eating and go straight to bed, but tonight he lingered at the table, chatting with his family. Only when it grew late did he head upstairs.

On his desk lay the cane with the hidden silver sword. Since his last return, he hadn’t touched it. Now, Mulan gently drew the blade—on its polished surface, faint nicks could be seen, not obvious but perceptible to the touch.

‘I wonder if there’s a craftsman in the capital who can repair this sword for me.’

This blade had not only saved Mulan’s life, it was clearly no ordinary weapon. Such heavy impacts would have shattered any other sword, but this one bore only a few rough spots along the edge.

Mulan ran his fingers over every part of the sword, recalling each battle he’d fought with it—especially the first time it appeared in his hand, the duel with the madman, and the moment in the Earl’s manor when he absorbed the madman’s soul.

‘What is its origin, and how was it forged?’

He tried once more to connect with the sword, to sense its resonance with him, as he had attempted before without success. Perhaps this time would be different.

Thump—

His heartbeat seemed to thunder. Mulan glimpsed visions of himself fighting with the sword, smiths forging and polishing its blade, and the instant he absorbed the madman’s soul—a tremor of emotion linking him to the weapon.

Name: Fang. The Great Lord Mulan Jonster bestows his will upon me. I am peerlessly sharp, indestructible, thirsting for slaughter and blood.

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A line of words glimmered like sparks across the blade. The word could be understood as “fang” or “venomous fang.”

Merely gripping the sword filled Mulan with a rush of excitement, an undertone of bloodlust stirring within him—a desire to rend flesh, to tear through living beings.

He shook his head forcefully, suppressing the feeling, and swiftly sheathed the sword back into the cane.

Compared to the radiant warmth of the Wheel of Light, this sword exerted a far stronger influence on Mulan. Though it seemed subtle, he knew he’d have to keep it in check. There was something uncanny about this blade.

...

The next day at the same hour, Dolly and another man arrived at Mulan’s home. His farewell to his family was brief, just a few words before he picked up his luggage and departed. After all, it wasn’t a final parting—no need for too much sorrow.

Mulan had intended to say goodbye to Ivan on the way, but heard that Ivan, having performed a great service, had left for the Holy Mountain with the relic the day before. Mulan could only mutter about his friend’s lack of loyalty—leaving without a word.

With the rhythmic clatter of “ka-chunk, ka-chunk,” the train began to move.

Mulan, Dolly, and the man shared a compartment, but they were not alone—there, too, were the pair of youths from the steamboat. When they spotted Mulan, they seemed both surprised and uneasy, managing only a timid “Good day, Mr. Jonster,” before shrinking to either side of Dolly.

Mulan could do little about not being popular with children. From the moment they boarded and closed the compartment door—and after the man said they could speak freely—Mulan’s questions came nonstop, with the man patiently answering each one.

“Oh, so Dolly is a newcomer just like me?”

“Yes, Miss Dolly was also discovered by Lord Walton during his visit to Valentine.”

“Yes, Do—lly!”

Mulan chuckled. The girl had spent all day posturing as his senior, putting on the airs of a mentor.

“Alright then, Dolly.”

“You—!”

The younger boy and girl snickered, while Dolly simply refused to speak to Mulan further. He, however, pressed on to the crucial topic.

“I understand there’s an Inner World, but where does someone like Sir Walton get his extraordinary powers?”

“That is an extensive academic system. Mysterious forces have become more prevalent in recent years, but in truth, they’ve existed since ancient times.”

The man uncrossed his legs, took out a notebook and pen, and began to write.

“In addition to the Inner World and Outer World you already know of, scholars divide the universe into three categories. The first is the Material World, which needs little explanation, though what you perceive as material may not reflect its essence—such as the true nature of relics. The second is the Archetypal World, representing, to some extent, the essence of things. The third, and most important to us, is the Forming World.”

“The Forming World?”

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Dolly frowned, while Mulan waited for the explanation to continue.

“That’s right, the Forming World. Abstractly, it represents our perception of things—the world formed by our own resonance—and is the key to gaining power. As my teacher once said, ‘You are as powerful as you believe yourself to be.’ While not entirely accurate, it captures the essence of how the Forming World influences us. Of course, the correctness and uniqueness of one’s Forming World are crucial as well.”

Resonance?

Mulan’s heart skipped. He was no stranger to that concept—in fact, he realized he was particularly adept at it.

Seeing Mulan lost in thought, the man smiled and continued.

“Of course, that’s just the broad outline. There are certainly details. Power doesn’t come from nothing; beyond practice, it requires special aids. In academic terms, there are five major elements: Primal Elements linked to individual talent; Basic Elements representing matter; Transitional Elements, which include factors like potions; Special Elements, associated with spirit and totems—more abstract and elusive; and Sacred Elements, which represent the influence of divinities or great beings.”

“For example, relics are sources of Sacred Elements.”

Outside, scenery sped past as the train thundered on. Mulan knitted his brow, glancing at the speaker.

“In my view, relics are extremely dangerous.”

“They certainly are dangerous, but also sacred. With relics as guides, one can more easily sense the world and receive the blessings of the gods. Naturally, cultists can also exploit relics. Studies show that relics increase the density of mysterious elements. Some advocate sealing relics, but in the end, most choose to use them.”

Mulan considered this and spoke.

“That’s a risky thing to do. It’s like altering the world itself.”

“It is indeed dangerous. The world grows ever more unfamiliar, but there’s no stopping it. Whether we research them or not, others will. Those cultists and madmen are terrifying. Besides, even without the influence of relics, the Great Whirlpool continues to affect the world. Better to attempt understanding and control than wait idly.”

Mulan could understand this—in his previous life, everyone knew nuclear weapons were dangerous, yet many nations did everything they could to develop them. When several countries possessed them, wars actually became less frequent.

“Enough theory for now. Let’s talk about the stages of gaining power.”

Dolly, Mulan, and the two youths sat up attentively.

“First comes the stage of Physical Awakening—breaking through the limits of ordinary people. Those who haven’t awakened are all ‘Subjects of the King.’ At this stage, one’s mental strength usually evolves as well, increasing sensitivity to the Inner World. The second stage is ‘Reality.’ Once you’ve developed a basic Forming World, you can even influence the Inner World. Note that, at this stage, resonance not only enhances your own power but also requires you to craft your own totem. The next is the ‘Fertile’ stage. In truth, from the Reality stage onward, you’ve already established a suitable resonance theory and direction—you can think of it as choosing and advancing in a profession.”

“For example, Lord Walton can be called an Arcane Sorcerer—an extraordinarily powerful and wondrous existence.”

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PS: My gums are inflamed and sore, and the toothache is causing a migraine. It hurts whether I’m lying down or sitting up. Sorry, just one chapter today.