...
The voice suddenly went silent. The world suddenly stopped. All that was moving stilled, even the birds were frozen in their flight. The color drained from the world, becoming monochrome, black and white.
"What!"
Will was again surprised and left bewildered at what was happening around him. What seemed to be a man in dark oriental style robes appeared in front of Will, he was taller than Will, and wore a red dragon's face mask. It was Modus. There was something intriguing, yet daunting about his presence. Will immediately could tell that this man was not a normal person, he was powerful. His very being exuded an aura of supercilious authority.
"I am Modus," said the darkly clad man.
"Who are you?" Will was brought out of his paralysis of bewilderment.
"As I said, I am Modus. Understand this –I hate repeating myself." The man replied.
Will was nervous; he was not sure how he should deal with the situation. He rarely felt nervous, and he had never met a man such as this before. Will knew that he had to be careful and fully mindful in what he said to Modus.
"Then, what are you?" Will asked.
"I am an administrator of the system. I oversee the function of the system here on earth."
"Why then, Sir, have you come to me?"
"Young man –I have come to make a deal with you."
Modus was pleased that Will was polite.
"Now, I will talk to you. I will tell you this once –Do NOT interrupt me when I am speaking to you! Is that clear?" Modus was serious and stern.
Will nodded his head as fast as possible. He was afraid of what might happen should he disobey Modus.
"The Conquest System only comes to a world once that world has reached a certain level of development. When the system first becomes a part of a world, It will induct specific individuals into the system from day one. These individuals are given abilities and levels. They are given the choice of which kind of class they want. Once the class has been chosen, they are officially part of the system and permanently under my control. –You are different."
"Different? What did I do?" Will thought. He was frightened and was wondering what would happen.
"Usually, individuals are given a class that is within the individual's chosen parameters. If not, they are given a random class that is chosen by the system to suit the individual's body type and character. There are millions of classes that may be chosen or allocated. –You are an anomaly, because of three things.
Firstly, you possess a Duos Class. This is a class that uses both Qi and Mana energy types. This usually happens when an individual has upgraded their class at a higher level. Very few individuals have a Duos Class, even once they have reached higher levels.
Secondly, you have been allocated a title that gives you two classes. This too usually happens in the higher levels of an individual's conquest.
Thirdly, and most notably, both classes that you, young man, have chosen both have something pertaining to a Dao. These classes facilitate an individual's ability to gain knowledge and understanding in the laws of nature. These classes are called Cultivator Classes, and are the most rare and profound. Achieving one of these classes is not surprising; however, you are the first within the system within and all outside this world to have all three cases. Additionally, you are an individual who obtained two Duos Classes at the beginning of the conquest in this world. The reason why you were awarded the title in the beginning is because you realized the duality factor and included a search for a Dao within your specified parameters.
Together, these have made you unique and different from all other individuals currently in the system. I predict that you will affect the balance that is maintained within the system. Do you understand what I have said?"
Will nodded in acknowledgement and gulped at the overwhelming statements. This 'system' was too vast for him to imagine, but he understood what he had been told.
"Good," continued Modus, "It is impressive that you have remained attentive and seem to understand all that I have said. You were a good choice.
Under normal circumstances, an individual would not be given such power so easily. However, I am willing to allow you to receive all that you requested, including the second class. I will add some restrictions to the sword class, but they will nullify as you level up.
In exchange, I ask for something in return. You must agree to the exchange before I will tell you what it is that I ask. Think carefully. What I ask requires discipline, diligence, and endurance. You will have to forfeit your life to the cause, as it will be risked. -Do you accept?"
Will's eyes gleamed with excitement. He loved grinding in his games. Modus' words resonated within him. Will nodded again.
"Mortal humans are too easy," Modus thought to himself.
"Very well, I will explain how Daoism work within this world's system."
Modus signaled Will to follow him and the two of them walked through the paused world as Modus instructed Will in the ways of Daoism. It felt like an entire day to Will by the time that Modus had finished instructing him. It was as if Will had been stranded without water, and the knowledge that Modus imparted to him was a spring of water that quenched his long lasting thirst for knowledge and understanding. For Modus it was only a drop of water, but to Will, the knowledge and understanding was like a waterfall flowing into an oasis in a desert. It would take Will some time before he fully understood all that Modus explained, but he now had a starting point. When their long conversation drew to a close, Modus left a reluctant Will. Will did not want Modus to leave. He still had much to learn about the system, because Modus didn't explain anything regarding the system to Will. Moreover, Will still didn't know what Modus wanted him to do as his part of their exchange.
Will had already agreed to risk his life for Modus; nonetheless he began to feel some regret not knowing what exactly it was that he had agreed to. Modus understood Will's thoughts, but was not going to reveal his plans to Will at this time.
"When your body has been changed according to your classes; the information about the system will flow into your mind. Be grateful, individuals usually are left to their own devises regarding this. I have decided to help your world, which is why I have shared this with you." said Modus.
Will's stomach sank. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this absurd statement. What should he be grateful for, a dance of death in a game that ensured his end? Will was no fool. Though he was excited about the abilities and knowledge that he was going to receive, he knew that there was a great price to pay.
"Um..." Will was not sure if it would be alright to say something, especially what he wanted to ask. But he summed up the courage and spat it out.
"I am grateful for everything you have done, -but what exactly do you gain out of all of this? I feel hesitant and uncomfortable not knowing what exactly I will be doing everything for."
Modus looked at the young man before him for a moment.
"Well, I suppose I could tell him. After all, he does have much potential." Modus thought to himself.
Beneath his mask, Modus smirked as he snapped his fingers. A woman appeared kneeling between the two of them. He had summoned Adelda. "Sir, I am here, what is it that you command?"
"Will, this is Adelda, she is my –assistant of sorts. Adelda, stand and look at the young man behind you. He is the user known as Peerless Dao Master, Will."
She rose quickly and turned her head to the side to glance at Will, behind her. She was curious to see the one who was so different that he caught Lord Modus' attention. He was also the reason why Adelda was promoted, thus she felt somewhat indebted and grateful to the one responsible. However, when she turned to look at Will, those feelings dissipated as her mind raced with questions. Adelda was disappointed with what she saw, an expression of raging lust on his face. Her impression was more than unimpressed; she felt some disgust towards Will. Overall, to Adelda, the impression was very negative. She had researched into who he was, but he didn't appear to be anything special or significant at all. Yet, because of Modus' interest in the young man standing behind her, she assumed that she had missed something and that there had to be something that drew the attention of her master. Modus was known for not being interested in anything normal.
To Will, Adelda was the perfect woman. She appeared to be in her early twenties, short, tanned, and had a cute, rounded face. She had an hour glass figure with a small waste and large breasts. Her voice was soft and sweet as if it were a lullaby. Girls like her did exist on Earth, but they were lacking what Will was most attracted to, wide hips and large buttocks. The woman standing before him fit his checklist of what he wanted in a woman. He was captured by the way her buttocks bounced back and forth as she kneeled before Modus. Usually, the women Will encountered on earth that had these traits portrayed themselves as prostitutes. Adelda seemed to be different to Will, he couldn't quite understand why, but somehow he knew that she was different in a good way.
Adelda turned around to see Will with an expression of dazed lust after her. She snorted in disgust at his bold and blatant vulgarity. Will knew that she was out of his reach, but he didn't care. She was still overwhelmingly attractive to him, so why can't he admire what he sees?
Modus, who was observing the interaction, was amused at the situation. He then communicated with Adelda using a form of telepathy.
"Adelda, I have a mission for you."
"Yes Sir!"
"I want you to protect Will as he advances. But, you must do so from the shadows. He must not be aware of your presence. This means that you will dedicate your life to his for the time being. If he should die, so will you. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand. I will treat him more precious than my own life."
Adelda was dedicated to Modus and would follow anything he said, even if it were to commit suicide. Though she didn't like the assignment, out of reverence and respect for Modus, she would give her life to the mission.
"Excellent and you did good appearing in your original form."
Modus clapped his hands in delight and moved closer to Will. He put his hands on Will's shoulders and whispered into his ears.
"If you accomplish my goals that I have set before you, I can give you that woman's body to do with as you please!"
Will was awestruck. What did he just hear? This could not be true, it must be a joke to toy with Will's mind and emotions.
"C –Can you really do that?" said Will in a nervous, but hopeful trembling voice.
"Of course, she belongs to me. She would do anything I asked; even kill herself willingly should I simply ask it."
Will raised his eyebrow in suspicion. Surely this is a joke. He looked at Adelda with questioning eyes.
"If you were to complete what has been asked of you, many women, including myself would give themselves to you."
Adelda said this with an expressionless face, but she was repulsed by the idea. She would never give herself to a simple mortal. As part of her duties to Modus, however, she was obligated by devotion to him to do whatever he should wish –even if it meant giving herself over to the idiotic and pathetic example of a human man.
Will, on the other hand, was ecstatic. He would get to marry the enticing specimen standing in front of him.
"So you will marry me if I do whatever Modus tells me to do?"
"No, if you complete the tasks Lord Modus has set before you, I and many other wome –"
"I don't want other women! I want you and only you! I want to marry you, not just have a sex slave. I want a wife."
Stunned, Adelda stood as all went silent. She didn't expect an answer such as this from someone with that lustful look that she saw across his face. To add to this, he only wanted her, not any other women. Because Adelda was an immortal being, and had lived a long time, she could tell from experience that Will was not lying to her. He was rather serious. Though, could not help but laugh. He was acting mature and serious, but his 'manhood' was still 'standing at attention' from the time he first set eyes on her.
"If you complete the tasks set before you, I will give you my body and my heart. But, I doubt you have a chance."
"Excuse me Sir Modus," said Adelda as she bowed and disappeared.
As soon as she left, Will fell to the ground trembling, "Perfection does exist!"
"Right, time for me to go," said Modus, "I will send you messages now and then explaining the tasks."
After he said this, he began to fade away, but Will tried to stop him by interjecting.
"Aren't you going to give me a rough idea about what I should do first?"
"Alright, start grinding. You need to improve yourself and your skills. The first task is simple. Ascend. I need you to become an immortal."
As he finished saying this, Modus had completely faded away, leaving Will standing on his own.
As soon as Modus faded away, the world melted into its usual color and time began to flow again. Will still stood by himself in the middle of the street. He acted rationally when everything was happening, but the reality of what happened suddenly hit him. He felt as though he had taken morphine. He was numb with euphoria. His worries melted away and his mind swayed as though he was floating in water. Yet, he started to wonder what he should do next."Become immortal? How am I supposed to do that?"Will was familiar with the concept of ascension into immortality. His Chinese novels heavily included this idea as part of the main story lines. Unfortunately, in most of the novels that Will reads, this was a feat regarded as almost impossible. The characters that were able to achieve this state had a lot of help from other characters and developed surpassing talents."Sigh"
The information that flowed into Will's mind was about cultivation. There were three types of energy that a human was able to use: Qi, mana, and yuan. Qi was the energy of the body. Mana was the energy of the spirit. Yuan energy is a fusion of the two. There are different yuan energies, one that is primarily Qi, one that is primarily mana, and one that is a balance of the two. Once a player has reached a certain level of skill and ability, they are able to use yuan energy. The closer a player's yuan energy is to a perfect balance of the two, the better and more affective the energy is. It is when yuan energy is at a perfect balance, having equal amounts of Qi and mana; it is considered very high quality. These players are then called a practitioner. Practitioners have a greater advantage of other players who cultivate and absorb energy from the universe, because they are able to use both types of energies.Cultivation is
...Next thing Will knew, he was in a beautiful garden. It was decorated with beautiful flowers of all kinds. There was a big pond near where he was standing, and next to it was a table with two chairs. On the tables were delicacies, food like sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, cheese and many other things."This is..." Will was stunned by the sight. Normally he wasn't much for aesthetic beauty, but he couldn't help but marvel at the sight, especially the food. Will was a serious glutton. He loved any food, so long as it had starch, cheese and meat, especially meat.Will was once taught an African word by his best friend. It was nyama. It meant meat. Will noticed that his friend would always shout this when he saw a girl with an ass. At first he found it odd, but eventually he was doing it too!"Please join me." Modus was standing right next to Will. He pointed to
Chapter 7 – Sword Totem...Will was in the zone! He finally felt like he somewhat understood the essence of those words! It was only when he was about to die, that the idea hit him. Death was the end of a life! A previously obvious assertion that now bore so much weight.Or one could say the absence of life. Just like how darkness is the absence of light, or cold is the absence of heat. To understand death, one needs to start by understanding life.In everyday life, the cycle is constantly around us. When we accidentally kill an insect, or when we pluck a flower or even killing rodents in your own homes. Every human usually ignores such acts, yet they are in fact killing.Every human is a killer. When you engage in any one of these things you feel no revulsion, nor do you feel any guilt. In fact, it even feels natural.So why is killing other humans is treated differently? Because we make it relevant, we say we are justified in killing other creatures, because they are not sentient,
Chapter 8- First KillWill suddenly found himself in a vast jungle. It looked like a rainforest, vines crawling everywhere, the tree branches connecting, forming a vast network. In his entire vision, all he saw was green, with the occasional splash of color here and there.There were insect like noises all around him. It looked to be daytime.Will was rather surprised.This is a dungeon?To be honest, the place didn't look like a dungeon; it looked more like an episode from a program on a nature channel. Will put the rusty sword into the storage ring and decided to look around.[Welcome to the dungeon King Yama's Gate]These words suddenly appeared in Will's vision.Ok. So this really is a dungeon. Will also noticed that his senses and strength were weaker here. As if they were being suppressed in some way. He was still far stronger than when he was a normal person, but he was feeling weaker than before. It took Will a few seconds to get used to this change.After the floating words
Chapter 9- Perfecting Technique through Slaughter...Suddenly, Will felt the ground tremble slightly; his senses were heightened, so he could tell that whatever was causing the earth to shake was nearby. He looked around and found a tall tree.It was the tallest tree around, and it was perfect for Will's purposes. He climbed the tree quickly with nimble and agile movements, and when he reached the top, he looked around, only to see a ridiculous sight.Whatever was approaching, it was coming from all around Will, and as it got closer, trees were mowed down as if they were grass.This sounds like a monster horde. Indeed, just as Will thought, it was a horde of monsters. Or rather to be specific it was a pack, a pack of large grey wolves which had encircled Will from all directions. At first Will was happy. With such a great amount of enemies he could get the practice he needed. Soon however, Will's smile turned into a frown.The number of wolves seemed endless. It was as if a massive
Chapter 10- The Valley of the Shadow of Death...For the first time in my life, I truly feel powerless.It had been many hours since the start of the battle between Will and the horde of guardians.This horde was much smaller in number than the previous one. There were only ten thousand at most in this one, were as the previous horde had hundreds of thousands, if not more.Unfortunately, it seems the difficulty was inversely proportional to the size. This small horde was far more difficult than the previous one. Not just because these wolves were stronger, but more importantly, because they were far more intelligent.When they attacked, they did so with order and near perfect teamwork. Unlike their predecessors, these enemies knew how to use their numbers, and their abilities well.They always attacked in groups of threes. One would attack with a barrage of wind blades; each one compact, powerful and well placed, then another guardian would attack from the opposite side with its claw
Chapter 11- Wrath of the Water God...A few moments before...Will was gripping his sword with all his might. He was tense. He was resolved, but most important, he was focused.Will imagined the cocoon to be like a grenade; inside the grenade was shrapnel, ready to devastate the environment.Then, Will holding the sword with his both his hands at this point, got ready for a horizontal sweep in the anticlockwise direction. The cocoon had already reached terminal velocity. It was as compressed as could be. Will knew this so he made his choice.Then, he moved! Like lightning!The moment his movement begun, his sword swept across. The moment the sword moved, the cocoon disappeared, or rather if one was observing, that's what it would looked like. Sounds that were similar to scratching a chalk board with your nails were all around.Will's sweep continued on for an entire three hundred and sixty degree motion. He had to rotate his body to accommodate this.The guardians, who were attacking