The Deceitful One

"Once the kid has served his purpose and is of no more value to me, you can do with him as you wish," Sean added nonchalantly.

Alfredo's eyes lit up as he finally raised his head to look at Sean, "Thank you very much, Master! I shall do as you instruct!"

Sean nodded ever so slightly and instructed Alfredo to follow after him. The duo then vanished into the dark.

Meanwhile, inside Bryan's apartment, Benny who was having dinner along with Bryan suddenly raised his head and looked out the window.

His yellow eyes narrowed ever so slightly as his gaze landed on the rooftop where Sean and his butler, Alfredo, had been just a few moments ago.

Feeling puzzled, Bryan followed Benny's gaze and looked out the window. However, he found nothing. He then turned back around and looked at Benny as he asked, "What is it, Benny?"

Benny shook his head and as he replied mentally, 'Nothing, just a few rats loitering around.'

The duo then got back to finishing their dinner.

…

Monday, 11th April 1581.

It was a warm and beautiful atmosphere as the sun shone brightly on a peaceful April morning.

A gentle wind blew through the lush verdant trees, carrying with it the scent of blossoming flowers.

White fluffy clouds drifted lazily across the bright blue sky as flocks of birds flew around merrily.

In the garden behind Detective Watson's house on Augustus Street, Bryan was sitting at a small outdoor table and sipping tea as he caressed Benny's glossy black fur.

Benny was snoozing on Bryan's lap as he purred from time to time, clearly very satisfied with the latter's handwork.

"Quite the interesting Transcendent creature!" Detective Watson who was sitting across from Bryan praised with a smile.

"Interesting how? Teacher, do you happen to know something about Benny?" Bryan inquired curiously.

Detective Watson shook his head, "Quite the contrary. I can't seem to understand Benny at all. Every time I try to read him with my spiritual force, a sense of dread washes over me, as if warning me."

"I see…" Bryan nodded with a pensive look.

However, Detective Watson smiled and assured, "But you don't have to worry. Benny will grow up to be quite a reliable companion for you in the future. That I am sure of. Moreover, the runes on your forearm that you told me about…"

Bryan looked at his forearm and willed the runes to appear. The next moment, a circular runic pattern materialized on the skin of his forearm. It looked like a mass of tentacles that had coiled around each other and formed a circle.

"You can think of it as a contract between you and Benny. The rune mark signifies that Benny already considers you as his family. Both of you will be able to hear each other's thoughts if you so wish to." Detective Watson added.

However, he thought in his heart, 'But those strange-looking runes… I've never seen anything like that ever! Not even in old scriptures!'

All of a sudden, a small yellow butterfly flew and landed on Benny's nose. The latter opened his eyes as he looked at the butterfly curiously.

Soon the butterfly flew away and Benny began to chase after it, running around in circles in the garden. Looking at Benny, Bryan couldn't help but smile fondly.

"Anyways, since you're about to become a Transcendent soon, there are some things that you should know beforehand." Detective Watson stated.

Bryan turned his attention back to Detective Watson and gestured solemnly, "Please go ahead, teacher."

"When you ingest the potion, you will realize that a vast amount of information is being flooded into your brain. When this happens, do not panic." Detective Watson took a sip of his tea and spoke.

Bryan inquired, "What is this information?"

"This information generally contains what innate abilities you will acquire and how to efficiently utilize them." Detective Watson smiled profoundly.

Bryan was instantly dumbfounded, "How is that possible!?"

"How do you think Transcendent creatures advance in their ranks? Do you think they have a teacher or someone to guide them?" Detective Watson asked, "No, they get the information relevant to their advancements through their bloodline!"

Bryan pondered for a moment and asked back, "So we are able to acquire this information because we consume parts of Transcendent creatures, that contain this knowledge, in the form of potions?"

"Precisely!" Detective Watson nodded his head in approval. "This is the main thing that you have to be aware of during your advancement.

The other thing is the mental imprints of the consumed Transcendent creatures that will attack your consciousness after you drink the potion"

Detective Watson paused for a moment to make sure that Bryan was paying full attention. He then added,

"When that happens, make sure to continue to practice the meditation technique. The 54 mind runes will help cancel out the side effects of the mind imprint!"

Bryan nodded his head in understanding as he thought, 'I see… So that's why it is so imperative to go through the Apprentice stage before finally becoming a Transcendent!'

Detective Watson took another sip of his tea and asked with a smirk, "Now, are you aware that Transcendents can also cultivate a Secondary Path?"

Bryan was greatly taken aback as he asked with wide eyes, "How is that even possible!? Isn't it the case that Transcendents can only consume the potion of any one single Path and have to commit to said Path for their entire lives?"

"That is indeed the case." Detective Watson nodded, "However, you should know that some Paths are closely related to each other, which we call compatible Paths.

For example, Water and Ice, Strength and Weapon, Death and Soul, Metal and Artisan, etc. Do you see where I'm getting at?"

Bryan nodded his head. But then he immediately shook his head, "I'm still a bit confused."

Detective Watson chuckled and continued, "Let's say you embark on the Fire Path. Along with fire-related spells, you can also use spells from the Thunder Path which will consume slightly more spiritual force compared to when you use spells from the Fire Path.

Similarly, if you're a Wood Path Transcendent, you can also utilize spells from Earth Path and Water Path! Practicing spells from other Paths and perfecting them along with your own Path, this is what is meant by cultivating a Secondary Path!"