“Again please,” Julia requested, keeping her mind focused on Duurth’s.
Telepathy and Harmony hadn’t yet provided Julia with the needed understanding. While Telepathy had allowed her within his mind, it was only at his invitation. His innermost thoughts were locked away, leaving Julia to wonder if the key was beyond what he’d permitted her to see.
“Know I will try the last time this session, meditate on what you’ve sensed today,” stated Duurth. “Have you started on the spirit exercises I showed you yesterday?”
“Yes,” Julia replied. “I’m still uncertain about how they feel.”
“Know those were only examples you’ll need to reduce them to their essentials,” Duurth said, while the energy within his thoughts rushed by her. As she observed both physically and mentally, the table rose before flipping and lowering again. While each stage had a unique feel about it, the details remained opaque to her.
With the table in place, Duurth stood from his perch by the window.
“How long will you give me to make a breakthrough?” asked Julia, hoping she had plenty of time left.
“Know that after three days, being able to sense my thoughts’ energy is fast progress for a non-Githzérai,” replied Duurth, nodding before he departed.
Meditation replayed the sensation of the energy she’d observed, the force of it so different to Mana. It wasn’t a pattern or a thread; instead, it was a wild rushing stream that swept onwards and left her untouched on the shore.
“Why can’t I understand how this works?” Julia grumbled before focusing on her Mind Palace.
The opaque platform she appeared on seemed to have grown lighter since her last visit. The black stone had changed again from the deep smoky grey; now, washed-out colour hints appeared to highlight a shape within the stone. Though whatever it was remained obscured within the material.
“Good afternoon Laodice,” Julia greeted, Spirit Bridge having opened a channel between them as Julia formed the thought.
“It is certainly afternoon on various worlds, though the concept doesn’t exist in Limbo or many other Planes,” Laodice replied, and Julia was glad shouting was no longer required.
“I don’t suppose you have any hints on Psion that you could impart?” enquired Julia hopefully.
“It is not a course that I ever ventured into exploring, though I know of non-Mortal Outsiders that practice it,” denied Laodice. “Some non-Mortals are pure thought; you can find such on the Astral Plane.”
“So it is possible for me to learn?” Julia asked, smiling at the good news.
Laodice was silent for a while before she responded, but Julia waited patiently.
“Child, you must walk your Path. Just as Duurth stated, you have made progress. You are seeking to observe a process from outside to gain an understanding of what occurs within. While an external viewpoint gives one perspective, it is not the most essential. You cannot truly know something by remaining outside its flow.”
“Did you ever need to restrain your spirit?” enquired Julia, after time spent considering the advice.
“Not all Father’s servants possess my strength. There are those I needed to be careful around. I can’t give you advice on the spirit exercises, other than that your course needs to be one where you have acceptance of it.”
“Rana and Torm have said similar things,” responded Julia, frowning in frustration.
“Then without the shroud of your Id interfering, perhaps you’ll be able to progress towards it,” consoled Laodice.
“How am I still sane having lost my Id?” Julia questioned, raising a topic she’d been reluctant to investigate.
“Julia, an Id is an aspect of a Mortal, the human mind, as I believed you understood when you sent her on her way. You are neither. Why do you apply a Mortal’s fleshy restraints on what you have become? Physically you move past them so easily, accepting as you have been in the changing of your form,” chided Laodice. “Look to do the same within. The focus of your Soul makes the reality of who you are, not your physical psychology. Though your recent life allows only one facet of your Soul to be expressed through the precepts of its understanding.”
“Thank you Laodice, and I hope you get free as well.”
“It will be as it will be. I have time for meditation as I wait.”
The peacefulness in her reply earned a smile from Julia before she released Spirit Bridge. Her gaze settled on the platform as she considered it for a time.
Where Julia had applied scientific expectations to slingshot Viper away, now she did the reverse. Instead of adjusting its course, she simply willed it to stop. The platform halted instantly, and Julia regarded the unmoving perspective of the sun and those constellations her position allowed. Another thought set it edgeways to the sun, allowing her to view more of the starry sky.
Glimmering stars, some faint, others bright, spread out in a vast array within the darkness, forming constellations uniquely hers. Hints of faces, objects, even places shown in the blackness, drawing her gaze to trace each one. Though some overlapped in their patterns, Julia knew what stars belonged to each formation.
“My past lives forming images,” Julia murmured thoughtfully. “I wonder if they’re trying to guide me or just echoing their time.”
Sitting on the disc’s edge with feet hanging down into the void, Julia considered the exercises. All his examples had felt alien; they focused on forcing or constraining the spirit energy into a course of behaviour.
As her feet dangled, a pleasurable memory came to mind. The platform grew steps of clear blue tiles that continued downwards and swept around it. Ten years creating devices for her plan had honed her imagination, now it made a sky pool hanging above the void.
Crystal water slides plunged erratically from its edges before spiralling back to rejoin the pool. Her skypool frothed with energy as she allowed her spirit energy out. Instead of forcing or confining, she imagined it rushing through its own water park to play. The layout contained shallows for wading, deep calm lagoons, and both gentle and wild slides, so it had places to be itself in any moment. The ‘water’ undulated, causing erratic changes in depth with the concept of physics completely unheeded, and Julia accepted the energy would know its mood best.
Even after her eyes opened Julia could still feel the energy within her Mind Palace. Its power was no longer rampaging wild but simply adding a healthy vibrance to her skin. It was an effect she hoped would no longer pressure minds into distraction. Turning her attention back to her Martial Arts, Julia began practicing. She left the energy unmonitored to test if it would stay playing in the amusement park she’d made for it within.
<hr>
When Duurth arrived for their session the next day, he regarded Julia cautiously as his gaze took her in.
“Know your pressure on the mind has lessened considerably; we’ll see if you can maintain such through other practice. Come,” Duurth stated, leaving the room. Julia hurried to follow, glad after four days to be leaving the room’s confines, even if it had a view.
He led the way to a practice yard where rows of Githzérai Monks were sparring. The familiarity of a practice session broadened Julia’s smile, though it faded into seriousness as they all stopped to bow to Duurth. Telepathy caught only the edge of interactions between them as the students formed a circle.
“Know you will exchange pointers with each student, and I will monitor the strength of spirit you project,” Duurth stated firmly. From his tone, Julia didn’t need to phone a friend to know her other option - leave.
Quick strides took her to the centre, and as the first student moved, Julia bowed before taking a neutral stance. The caution in his approach made it clear he was taking it seriously, but his inexperienced movements said enough. When he darted in to attack, Julia stepped aside with ease, and outside its arc, she struck. Fist, knee, and elbow impacted chest, side, and tapped face quickly before he could recover his balance. The light touches were still enough for him to know she’d hit him. The student didn’t argue but stepped away and bowed before returning to his spot. As he did so, Julia sensed the other students taking a greater interest in proceedings.
As the exchanges continued, it became obvious they were approaching in seniority. Students started trying to use what they’d seen occur with others, so Julia altered tactics for every one. One student rushed to overwhelm, but found her wrists seized. Pulled forward, and feet planted in her chest as Julia fell backwards, and legs straightened to toss her away. Julia cast with barely a thought and a Cat’s Grace let the student land on her feet unhurt. When they completed the exchanges, Julia had found the hardest part had been avoiding hurting them.
When the last student finished, Duurth dismissed them and joined her at the yard’s centre.
“Know I detected no flutter of spirit, even when you cast to spare one’s pride,” observed Duurth.
“I didn’t wish her to risk injury merely for a demonstration,” stated Julia with a wry smile.
“Know that one shouldn’t fight if one cannot take a fall,” Duurth scolded lightly, and Julia shook her head.
“Knowing how to fall doesn’t mean you need to do so,” countered Julia. “Why should you have to fall if an ally present can save you?”
“You would count yourself an ally to us?” asked Duurth, clearly surprised by Julia’s assertion.
“You’re not my enemy, and I have respect for your people’s discipline; I also appreciate you teaching me, Master Duurth,” Julia stated, bowing to reinforce her words.
“You have not yet achieved a Psion Class,” argued Duurth, his surprise turning to confusion.
“Even if I never do, you’ve provided guidance to me about my spirit strength. My success with that is more than I could have hoped for,” Julia responded honestly, smiling at the confused Duurth. “While the examples themselves weren’t the method I used, they made me think, and that helped me find my way. I’ll always be happy to consider at least lending a hand.”
“You make no promises?”
“How could I honestly promise unconditionally?” asked Julia. “Life changes. I will always do what I can to help your Monastery while it remains worthy of aid.”
“Know I acknowledge the wisdom,” Duurth stated. An appreciative nod followed his words, catching Julia by surprise. “Know I’ll show you the library’s location and the section on the Slaadi. Know it’s now your choice if your study occurs in the library or room; when you don’t have a practice session.”
<hr>
“Would you allow an exchange of pointers?”
Julia glanced up at the words and found a male Githzérai standing near her study table. It took her a moment to recognise Niarna, though she hadn’t officially learned many names. The only noticeable difference between many Githzérai were hair, clothing style or the markings on their skin. The similar features, build, and narrow range of eye colours had taken a bit of getting used to in the week since they’d freed her from confinement.
“I’d appreciate the practice, Niarna,” Julia replied, enjoying the startled look as she said his name.
“Know I was unaware you knew my name. Is it correct you’re named Eakc??” asked Niarna, his words holding a formality about them.
“That is correct. Should I return this book to the shelf?” enquired Julia, as she noted the page number.
“Know that would make the Anarch’s duty easier,” Niarna stated, giving her a nod. “Know I appreciate your acceptance; you have a unique style, and I look forward to the challenge sparring will provide.”
“While I’m here, just let me know when you’d like to practice,” Julia answered, sliding the book back into position. “It’s good to fight against different styles.”
“How long are you expected to remain?” enquired Niarna as he led the way, though Julia recognised the path to a practice yard.
“Until I wear out Duurth’s patience, it seems. I’ve not managed a Psionic breakthrough, even if holding my spirit in check has gone well,” responded Julia.
“Know it can take even Githzérai youth months to learn proper control over their natural skills,” Niarna said, his tone encouraging.
“Duurth hadn’t been kind enough to mention that information,” Julia remarked, wondering what else they’d hidden in subtle ways.
“Know the Masters often allow one to find their own truths, if one doesn’t ask the expected question,” Niarna responded. The casual shrug he offered reminding Julia of university students.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
I guess I needed to ask more precisely about the time limit.
“Do you follow the Kineticist’s path, Niarna?” Julia asked.
“Know that is correct. I displayed the skill even before crawling, yet my mind finds the other skills difficult,” replied Niarna, his tone unconcerned.
“Do you incorporate your Psion techniques into your fighting style?”
“Why would one not? Though the extra energy within a punch is useless if one can’t hit,” Niarna responded, the absence of the leading ‘know’, amusing Julia.
Is it because it was a clarification to his answer? Know their rules I do not. You’d think unlocking the language would give me the grammar as well - I demand an upgrade.
.
.
Nothing?
Guess it’s my choice how I speak.
The private exchange of pointers turned into an event as other students stopped to observe. He’d clearly spoken to the other students, as Niarna was ready for her erratic tactics. Barriers of thought slowed her attacks and repositioning. After the second time, Julia focused on his reactions, noting the little tells that spoke of defences or obstacles being placed. Though carrying the energy of his mind, his attacks didn’t breach the combination of her Ki and swift reflexes. Restrained by the friendliness of their contest Julia drew out the match, but when he tired she shut him down. Pinned to the ground, it was only when Niarna tapped out that Julia relented and helped him to his feet.
“Would you allow me an exchange?” snapped another Githzérai, even as Julia finished helping Niarna to his feet. The tone wasn’t close to a request, and Julia glanced towards its demanding source. The posture of the female Githzérai was confident but held a certain arrogance about it. Her angular features had a fine meshwork of scars along her left cheek. While she’d styled her hair differently from others, having pulled it back into a braided, almost dreadlock look—it didn’t suit her. The deep-set frosty blue gaze locked challengingly on Julia, as if impatient for her to accept.
[Name: ?daka
Species: Githzérai
Class: Psion Ascetic / Monk / Nomad
Level: 18 / 18 / 18
Health: 3,808
Defence: 303
Ki: 1,630
Melee Attack Power: 209 (418)
Combat Skills: Zerthi [S](6), Metacreativity [S] (10), Psychoportation [S] (12), Psychometabolism [S] (10), Telekinesis [M](87), Telepathy [M] (78)
Details: ?daka graduated as a Master of the Monastery of Will’s hand at twenty. The Psion Ascetic Prestige Class is available from combining Monk and Psion at level 70.
]
[Analysis [S] (11->12)]
So this time around she’s focusing her Psionics, or do all Psion paths count the same for a Prestige Class?
“No. I’m returning to my studies,” Julia said, shaking her head in disagreement.
“When?” demanded ?daka, her gazing narrowing at Julia’s refusal.
“Perhaps when you learn to actually ask. Don’t expect that I’ll be agreeing to your politely worded demand,” replied Julia.
“Know you are a guest here,” stated ?daka.
“I know how I’d treat a guest,” retorted Julia, before returning to the library.
<hr>
Julia was happy to be alone studying, glad the library was a haven from disturbance. Duurth’s first comments at their next session quickly put paid to her hope that the fuss would die down.
“Know that ?daka complained to the council about your behaviour in the sparring area,” Duurth stated.
“She assumed I would follow her demand for an exchange. I refused. Then she demanded an answer; I clarified why I said no, then I left,” Julia replied, giving an unconcerned shrug.
“Know that you should be careful about rising to any provocations she will direct at you,” cautioned Duurth, after considering her words.
“I’d already figured that out,” agreed Julia. “Shall we begin?”
When the Duurth’s power rushed by her, leaving her clueless yet again, Julia considered options for a moment before she spoke.
“Do you have an effect that you have to maintain?” Julia asked, “The flipping of the table happens fairly fast.”
“Know I shall reduce the light within the room,” Duurth stated. Julia felt the power reach outwards moments later and continued. As she tried to observe the energy, it swept by, as before too quick to understand. With nothing having changed, Julia held onto Harmony and let her thoughts fall into the power. Buffeted out of Duurth’s mind, she felt her awareness carried around the room, as his thoughts projected in a net. The net stole energy from the room’s light, dimming it and projecting the gathered energy away into nearby stonework.
Her awareness looped the room, on every pass through the net she could feel the press of Duurth’s consciousness interacting with reality to change the distribution of energy. Snippets plucked from the air’s molecules unceasingly passed into the stone. It wasn’t clear if that was how the power worked or simply how Julia’s mind translated things. As she tried to reach out from the stream, awareness brushed a mote of light. When the power surged through her, a notification and stabbing pain jarred her thoughts back into her body.
[Power: Psi Unlocked!
Psi (1)
Cryptic Unlocked!
Psion Class Unlocked!
Psychic Warrior Unlocked!
Shaper Unlocked!
Soul Knife Unlocked!
Tactician Unlocked!
Wilder Unlocked!
]
Select Psion
[Psion Class selected - please select Path:
Seer
Kineticists
Shaper
Egoist
Nomad
Telepath
Generalist
]
I might set my foundations too narrow if I followed my original plan.
Plus, the risk I took with being unsure about healing ?asèlà twists my stomach even now. If something had gone wrong, how would I have explained to the others from Silver Tree?
Select Generalist
[Psi Path set to Generalist
Skill: Psi Focus Unlocked!
Focus overridden by Harmony, Skill absorbed.
Psi Pool Unlocked!
Skills unlocked at level one (1):
<ul>
<li>
Clairsentience
</li>
<li>
Metacreativity
</li>
<li>
Psychometabolism
</li>
<li>
Psychoportation
</li>
<li>
Telekinesis
</li>
<li>
Telepathy
</li>
</ul>
Psi Path bonus applied to Skills:
Clairsentience (1 -> 3)
Metacreativity (1 -> 3)
Psychometabolism (1 -> 3)
Psychoportation (1 -> 3)
Telekinesis (1 -> 3)
All Psi Skills have the standard chance to gain insights.
All Psi Skills now set to a maximum of [S] (30)
Skill: Telepathy absorbed by Power: Telepathy
Power: Telepathy evolved to Advanced Telepathy
Advanced Telepathy Level reset to [Ad] (1)
Advanced Telepathy now set to a maximum of [S] (30)
Advanced Telepathy range is currently ten kilometres.
Attribute Adjustments:
+1 Intelligence per Level
+1 Melee Attack Power per two Levels
+1 Defence per two levels
+4 Free Attribute Points every four levels post level 22
]
A spike of pain drove her back, eyes suddenly and strangely sensitive to the dimmed light that made her wince.
“Are congratulations in order, Nomad?”
“Yes, but I picked Generalist rather than restrict my abilities. I wanted to keep my options open,” Julia replied.
“Know you have my congratulations, Psion, very well done indeed. Know I had expected you to take months at least, not weeks,” stated Duurth.
Now you tell me!
“Know that tomorrow we shall begin with the basics.”
When Duurth rose, he gave the first friendly smile she’d seen from him and left her to recover.
Time to make some other decisions.
When Julia focused on the Profile’s Class section, the long list she’d gained appeared again with fresh additions. Although some of them were unpleasant, it was pleasing to see many of them.
[Base Classes available for selection:
Arcane Paragon
Ascetic Monk
Assassin
Brute
Commander
Crafter
Cryptic
Dancer
Demon Slayer
Demon Master
Dominator
Escort
Elementalist
Enchanter
Executioner
Fighter
Gladiator
Grave Digger
Grim Reaper
Hunter
Ka Master
Kaze Master
Leather Worker
Librarian
Merchant
Miza Master
Monk
Mortician
Necromancer
Nightblade
Priest
Psychic Warrior
Reaver
Sage
Scout
Sora Master
Sorcerer
Soul Knife
Spymaster
Tactician
Tsuchi Master
Thief
Thug
Torturer
Undead Slayer
Warrior
Warrior Monk
Wilder
Wizard
]
Escort, seriously? Just because I stepped on ??th’pl during that caravan trip to Ternòx.
Dancer, hm fine, that’s on me, but still not sure how I got Gladiator.
Grave Digger and Mortician? They were undead not dead, or does post-undead count?
At least it didn’t give me leg breaker.
DON’T YOU DARE! Stupid System!
[Gladiator:
Fighters skilled in battling for another’s entertainment and profit. These individuals fight with minimal armour and use their combat style to improve their defence instead. Even when using lethal weapons they can elect to subdue foes so that they might live for the next show.]
This one is tempting to up my defence. Can only figure they scried me personally instead of the Necropolis in the general using that window Usd’ghi showed me? Or was it Viper getting off, watching through my eyes? Hard to scry doesn’t mean impossible. Need to remember that, wonder if she scried for the Sigil as well?
[Warrior Monk:
These Monks focus on the martial arts. While Ki Strike and Ki Armour continues to progress, other Ki Arts gain fewer insights. They gain increased progress in their Melee Attack Power and Defence, because of their focus on physically engaging foes. This base class is only available after combining Monk into a Prestige Class and having gained multiple combat achievements.]
[Ascetic Monk:
These Monks focus on the mystical arts of Ki. Their insights into physical combat skills slow while insights into the Ki Arts increase. Additional Ki Arts are unlocked as this class increases in level. They delve into mysteries that brush the boundary of the arcane, where flesh and mana become one. This base class is only available after combining Monk into a Prestige Class and having gained multiple arcane achievements.]
[Tsuchi Master:
These Monks use the empowerment of Ki to emulate the principles of earth. Inspired by it, they strike with the power of an avalanche, stand firm against crashing waves, untouched by scouring wind, and forged by infernos. This base class is only available after combining Monk into a Prestige Class and having gained Affinity: Earth.
]
Mizu is water, Ka is Fire, and Kaze is wind, but similar implications. I still think Master Farhad must have been a Kaze Master at some point, given his air step technique.
Sora is still my favourite among them.
[Sora Master:
These Monks use the empowerment of Ki to emulate the Heavens. They connect to the essence of all around them, reacting instinctively to danger and opportunity alike. The earth may rumble, fire rage, wind scour, and water drown, but after all has passed the Heavens remain and are aware. This base class is only available after combining Monk into a Prestige Class of Tier four or higher and having gained: Air, Earth, Wind, Fire, and Jade Court Mana.
]
Still, some of them are like a mini-Prestige Class having more requirements.
I want a Monk class and Sora seems to have the most requirements amongst them.
Select Sora Master
[
Increases chance of gaining insights in:
<ul>
<li>
Soul Sight
</li>
<li>
Harmony
</li>
<li>
Zen State
</li>
</ul>
Increased chance of critical Insights applied to all Ki Skills.
Attribute Adjustments:
+1 Charisma per Level
+1 Willpower per Level
+4 Free Attribute Points every four levels post level 22
+1 Melee Attack Power per Level
+3 Defence per Level
+1 Ki per Level
Increased Ki Recovery
Defence bonus gained relational to increases of Willpower
]
Oh! So glad I didn’t take Gladiator for defence.
Like I need Charisma increasing, I guess it matches to spirit as Duurth told me.
Though if Psion and Sora cover mind and spirit, let’s do this:
Select Warrior Monk
[
Attribute Adjustments:
+1 Endurance per Level
+1 Willpower per Level
+4 Free Attribute Points every four level post level 22
+2 Melee Attack Power per Level
+2 Defence per Level
+1 Ki per two Levels
Increased Insights into Primary Combat Style (Silent Storm)
Decreased insights into Ki Skills excluded Ki Strike and Ki Armour (Aspect neutralised by Sora Master Class)
Increased insights into following skills
<ul>
<li>
Climb (Increased insights applied to Agile)
</li>
<li>
Fortitude (Increased insights applied to Protean)
</li>
<li>
Swim (Increased insights applied to Agile)
]
</li>
</ul>
As she finished the selections, Julia felt the Ki currents within her shift as her pool deepened and the mists swirled.
Sora neutralised the downside of Warrior Monk, glad that risk paid off.
Mind, Body, and Spirit are all covered. Hopefully, these get me a strong Prestige Class.
Looking at her Profile again, Julia used Analysis on Fallen in the Class list.
[Fallen
Attribute Increases:
+6 Strength per Level
+6 Charisma per Level
+4 Free Attribute Points per Level
+4 Magic Rating per Level
+4 Melee Attack Power per Level
+4 Defence Rating per Level
Increased insight gain into following:
<ul>
<li>
Combat Skill(s)
</li>
<li>
Knowledge Skills
</li>
<li>
Planar related Powers and Skills.
</li>
</ul>
]
That explains why my Profile has been jumping faster than explained by Scion.
<hr>
“Know I will have that exchange now,” ?daka snapped, amusing Julia that she didn’t offer a fake question again. “Why are you not getting to your feet, student?”
“When I’m good and ready, grumpy bum,” Julia said, affecting a yawn. The mental effort from her training had been slowly easing from her interrupted meditation.
“Know you make a mockery of our customs,” ?daka said. “Know that as you are a student, you have no right to refuse such an order from me.”
Pot meet kettle?
“You’re not my master, and I’m being taught as a thank you,” replied Julia, making no move to rise. “I’ll get up when I’m ready, and it won’t be for an exchange.”
“Know for whatever reason you shelter here; you still need to follow our rules. Know all students here need to obey the Monastery’s Masters,” snarled ?daka, in outrage.
“The only condition stated was learning control of my spirit. When Master Duurth tells me otherwise, I’ll listen. I’m certain that whether you win or lose, you’ll be sore about an exchange, so leave it be,” Julia said. As she closed her eyes, she continued to observe her with True Sight.
Did I put that diplomatically enough?
Maybe I should have added a ‘know’.
“How can you think you’d win after the struggle you had with guard novice Niarna?” ?daka retorted contemptuously.
Within Zen State, Julia swayed aside as a rock flew towards the back of her skull. Snatching the stone from the air, she crushed it to dust.
[Zen State [S] (7->8)]
“Don’t you know it’s rude to throw rocks?” quipped Julia, letting the dust drizzle from her hand.
“Know I saw your practice; you are no longer a guest but a student who needs to learn her place in seniority,” ?daka said, her tone unrelenting.
Really? I thought she was a graduated Master, not the head cheerleader.
“So what happens if I win?”
“How can you believe such foolishness, Elf?” sneered ?daka, as her hands clenched, stance shifted aggressively.
“Know Eakc? is my guest, not a student of the Monastery,” Duurth interjected, having appeared nearby reacting as if he’d been listening all along.
“How can this be within the Monastery’s rules?” ?daka demanded, knuckles whitening from the strain in her fists.
“Know it is; your father agreed, as did the rest of the council,” stated Duurth, his tone hardening. “Do you wish a list of the precedences?”
“So I don’t have to answer her requests?” enquired Julia, opening her eyes to regard Duurth.
“Were you planning to do so?” Duurth asked, directing his attention solely to Julia.
“No, I’ve had no plan to encourage her stupidity, but she needs a lesson,” replied Julia, giving ?daka a sweet smile as she flowed upright. “Are you ready ?daka?”
“Know I’ll always be ready to deal with someone like you,” ?daka sneered, the contempt twisting her features unpleasantly.
“By the way ?daka, there is one thing you should know.” Julia stated.
“What is there that someone like you could teach me?” asked ?daka mockingly as she raised her hands.
“I am not left-handed.”
The contemptuous expression on ?daka face became confused as Julia struck. A force tried to divert the strike, but the punch still impacted ?daka cleanly. The blow hitting exactly where Julia had intended, just beneath ?daka’s sternum. Ki rippled through ?daka’s body, following Julia’s intent even as it breached her defence. Julia’s Ki energy muffled what, by all rights, should have been a lethal blow, but it still rendered her insensible. It had been a burst of sudden violence that left observers startled, and Julia ignored the notification from Death Strike’s critical.
[
Foe Subdual Success:
Foe: ?daka - Psion Ascetic / Monk / Nomad - Level: 18 / 18 / 18
7,688 experience gained:
Total experience distributed between classes: 7,688
Fallen: 1,537
Scion: 1,537
Psion: 1,537
Sora Master: 1,537
Warrior Monk: 1,537
Death Strike [M](9->10)
]
“Know that you hit her with your left hand,” Duurth said, equal parts puzzled and concerned.
“She should keep that in mind,” Julia said. “I don’t think she’s able to continue her grudge just yet.”
With an assessing look at ?daka, who was still trying to breathe correctly, Julia bowed to Duurth before walking away. As she headed out of the training yard, Julia ignored the glances darting between those present.
That’s doesn’t look quite right - hmm, it rounded down, bastard.
If only she’d been tough enough to a get level; It might have been worth the trouble this will bring. However, it was an upgrade to Death Strike.