Chapter 70: Titan's Sequitur

Chapter 70: Titan's Sequitur

As Tom floated in the darkness of the void for the second time, he came to the realization that it wasnt as all-encompassing as he originally thought it to be.

The light from the numerous Shimmering Bronze and the distant, yet more vibrant Lunar Silver stars, only four among dozens of the former, provided him with enough illumination to get a better grasp of the metaphysical space known as Yul.

Zenakris Yul had seemed like an infinite expanse that stretched onto infinity, the mental suppression offered by the world so oppressive and crushing that Tom had felt like he was going to implode onto himself if he hadnt picked a Bronze star right then and there.

Now though, as Toms gaze flickered to the Lunar Silver stars in the distance and then beyond, he could make out a hazy distortion at the periphery of Yul. Fittingly, the well-crafted illusion painted a convincing image of endlessness, or at least a semblance of it.

Jayce however, wasnt Zenakris.

Tom wasnt sure what criterion [The Fool] utilized to distinguish between the rarities of different stars, only that Jayce couldnt match the quality of information, knowledge and access to inheritances that Zenakris did.

Whether his world not possessing the same level of mental suppression was a consequence of him neglecting the mental stat, a lower ascribed value of the knowledge in his possession or simply inferior willpower compared to Zenakris, Tom couldnt quite tell.

From what he understood, both Zenakris and Jayce had their own unique determinations and their own irreplicable lens through which they viewed Artezia.

Jayces memories were rather difficult for Tom to digest. The Dungeoneer walked a nebulous path that couldnt outright be judged by the laws of the land. He hadnt committed any immoral offense by flaunting his valuable weapon in an open area. Was Jayce aware of the fact that his actions might result in consequences? Yes, he had been counting on it. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

That didnt change the fact that every time Jayce had killed someone, it had been in self defense.

Did that make him a heinous criminal?

Tom didnt think himself the right man to be the judge of that question.

But there was one thing he was certain of.

Jayce was a man willing to kill for his ambitions it was also the secret behind his rapid leveling speed.

He didnt expect Jayces secrets to come easy, no but if anything, it only strengthened his resolve to take as much as he could from the man while he had the opportunity.

Toms gaze flickered over to the Lunar Silver stars, the hunger in his gaze palpable.

In Zenakris Yul, he had made the mistake of considering his body as a physical limitation. Gazing past the veil shrouding Jayces Yul though, had reminded Tom of the simple, singular fact that he wasnt actually here. The mental landscape he was currently aimlessly floating around wasnt neverending, because not even a 100 in the Mental Stat would make the brain capable of storing infinite knowledge at least, Tom didnt think so.

That meant that instead of flailing around in pitiful attempts to move forward, he just had to think it into existence.

Whoa! Tom exclaimed out of what could only be described as pure euphoria.

He was flying.

Tom wasnt entirely surprised to find the sudden burst of vitality that coursed through him. Though what did shock him was the fact that he had ascertained after taking stock of his surroundings- the simple realization that he was still in Jayces Yul.

The blue screen hovering before him caused his eyes to widen in realization.

The Attachment to Illusion sub-skill had spoken of a small increase in the chance of obtaining a Lunar Silver Star, but it had never explained how that would be possible.

Tom knew the how now.

The burst of vitality he had received was just barely holding the exhaustion his soul had accumulated at bay.

Without hesitation, he willed himself forward as fast as he could.

Then his hands wrapped around the Lunar Silver star had been coveting so intensely.

Defend yourself, Jayce! An unfamiliar man in his early thirties bellowed at him, his leather armor flexing with his movements as he lunged the sword with a linearity and simplicity that was far more befitting of a spear art.

The young boy allowed his instincts to lead him as he dodged to the side and responded with a counter-thrust.

. . .

My naivety cost me this arm, son, The black haired mans tone was somber as he held his intact hand over a crackling campfire, a simple yearning in his gaze as he stared directly into the depths of the flames. I pledged my life to a cause I believed in. A leader that seemed different than the rest of his kind. And for my belief, I was rewarded with pain and hatred as l lay bleeding on the floor of a dungeon, abandoned.

Father-, he began,

I do not tell you this because I seek your acceptance, Jayce. Neither do I expect your forgiveness. I tell you this, so that you understand why I push you the way I do. I teach you to kill, His voice had a gravelly edge to it as he looked directly into his eyes. So that you never have to feel the bitterness I did. Never again.

. . .

Trample those that defy you, sweep aside those you cannot. Titans Sequitur- Tempest.

. . .

An effective defense is one that is employed whilst charging headlong at the enemy. Titans Sequitur- Bulwark.

. . .

The point can pierce through everything. Everything. Titans Sequitur- Dominion.

. . .

[You have experienced Maya, the infinite web of illusions. You have copied a complete memory of the Spear Art - Titans Sequitur. A False Status depicting the Status of Jayce Andiroh will be recreated from your experienced memories. Active Shroud has copied the appearance of Jayce Andiroh. Both effects shall last for the next twenty four hours.]