[-1 Anima]
Emma fell to the floor again, her legs swept out from under her. It was a familiar state of affairs, having happened more times than she could count in recent memory. After all, she could only afford to spare a single hour, which was nowhere near enough time for a proper education in close combat. Not in the traditional sense. Instead, Sectmaster Horizon had limited his strength, speed and reflexes to match Emma's own, and proceeded to beat her senseless. Emma tried to fight back, of course, but hadn't managed to land a single blow in return, providing a firsthand demonstration of the difference a few centuries of combat experience could make.
[-1 Anima]
Metaphorically, of course; his blows were only just strong enough for Emma to feel them, which, combined with falling over, amounted to a single point of anima lost. Emma rose at a lunge, trying to grab hold of her opponent's legs, and received a kick to the face for the trouble.
[-1 Anima]
It didn't stun her like it would a mortal man, but it did shift her vision, and by the time Emma's neck came back down, he was already behind her, his hand chopping the back of her neck.
[-1 Anima]
"That will have to do," Sectmaster Horizon declared, catching Emma's fist with his palm as she spun around. "This realm will collapse soon, and I would rather you healed before facing your future trial."
[Anima: 1/500
WARNING: This Dungeon is unstable, and will collapse if unbeaten in 11 hours, 57 minutes.]
Checking her notifications now that she had a moment to breathe, Emma could see what he meant. She was one blow away from triggering One With Everything, and that was assuming the trait would even function. If not, she was simply dead.
"I always grew more quickly from practical instruction, than by the discussion of theory. Some of my students took after me, some did not: there is no singular path that fits all. Hopefully, you are amongst the former, but regardless, you should now be competent enough to benefit from further instruction in the present age. Continue to pursue growth, and do not neglect the fundamentals. Sometimes, they are all you'll be left with."
"I will," Emma agreed wholeheartedly, bowing at the waist. "Thank you for the lesson, instructor."
Sectmaster Horizon returned her bow, looking happier than she'd seen before now. The weight of centuries melted away, alongside the lines on his face and brow, providing Emma a brief glimpse at the man he once was, before the burden of command sank its claws into his soul.
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True Form: Level 16 Damned Apostle
You have merited the slightest attention from Heaven!
Reward selection modified.
Reward 1 of 2:
Select one of the following three items:
Door to Disaster: An old wooden door covered in red strings. Can be opened once every 7 days, leading to a random location that is in the midst of great peril.
Qilin's Horn: An antler from a celestial being last seen during the Warring States era. A rare and prized material for crafting and alchemy alike, or a source of great wealth if sold at auction. Just don't show this to any of his relatives, they really won't like it.
An Old Green Hat: Whomever places this upon their brow shall be cursed with the destruction of their family, and any happiness to be found in their life.]
"Um," Emma paused, staring at the options available. "Did I offend somebody upstairs, because these rewards are quite something.
[Reward 2 of 2:
Select one of the following four Titles:
The Righteous: You walk the path well-trod, home to the orderly, the humble and the content. Gain the acknowledgement of the Eastern Alliance, and the right to petition for entry into their Sects, whether on a temporary basis or as a disciple in truth.
The Demonic: Power redeems all. Reject the hierarchy of Heaven, and pursue the truths in the dark. Marked by your defiance, you are welcome among Demonic Sects, and can contest for the legacies of the old gods, if you can find them. WARNING: The Eastern Alliance will hunt you within their territory, if they discover you possess this.
The Obscure: You walk your own path, untouched by the designs above. This title will disappear upon acceptance, replaced with a random boon beneficial to your present circumstances.
The Atheist: Heaven? Ascension? Mere conjecture, dreamt up by failures aspiring to reach beyond their means. To accept this title is to deny the Gods, not only their power but their very existence. There is some irony in a System user being given this, which is why it is permitted at all. Nonetheless, I will be quite cross if you take this, as it will cause significant problems for both of us, thanks to your Damned Apostle class. Don't take this. I will give you a lot of homework for it.]