studiobondurri Chapter 17: Conversation With A Beast Tamer II
Chapter 17: Conversation With A Beast Tamer II
Chapter 17: Conversation With A Beast Tamer II
The puzzle pieces were starting to fall into place.
Yuta's blessing, his curse, the silent warning of apocalypse and war—they all felt like threads of the same web.
But it was still confusing, especially considering the fact that Ryuen's knowledge of magic came only from what he had read back on Earth.
"And what happens to those who are marked?" he asked, his voice steady despite the unease he felt.
Althea's smirk faded. "In a world like this, those capable of wielding skills, abilities, and those born immortal..." She paused, stretching out her hand.
An emerald orb of energy slowly formed above her palm, spiraling rapidly.
"I use mana primarily, especially in situations where I have to act fast. However, balancing Qi and mana gets a little complicated. Most races here find it difficult to balance physical and internal capabilities with magical and spiritual ones."
'Does she think I'm that ignorant?' Ryuen thought, watching her explanation with a blank expression.
Based on what he had come across during his time searching for a job back on Earth, Ryuen had indulged deeply in reading about cultivation and fantasy novels.
He had developed a keen interest in two distinct yet interconnected forms of cultivation: Qi cultivation and mana cultivation.
At first glance, they might seem similar, but they were far more complex.
Qi Cultivation, he learned, was the practice of developing one's internal energy.
Qi, often referred to as vital energy, flowed through the body like a current.
Through techniques such as meditation, controlled breathing, and deliberate physical movements, practitioners could cultivate and balance their Qi.
Qi cultivation enhanced physical abilities—strength, agility, and endurance far beyond normal human limits.
It also enhanced and increased spiritual growth, helping practitioners achieve inner peace and harmony.
Lastly, Qi was known for its healing, letting one to heal injuries and cure illnesses.
And this was exactly what Ryuen's first skill was linked to.
Mana Cultivation, on the other hand, dealt with a different type of energy. Mana was a magical force—a pool of power that could be harnessed and wielded both internally and externally.
Cultivating mana also involved meditation but extended to spellcasting and manipulating mana in various ways.
For instance, creating explosive energy blasts, infusing objects or weapons with mana.
And even divination—using mana to gain insights into the future or uncover hidden knowledge—were all part of its application.
While Qi was rooted in balancing the body and spirit, mana represented external manipulation and control of the forces surrounding oneself.
"But I know better than to trust beings with features too abnormal to comprehend."
"And what do you mean by that?" Althea asked, crossing her arms under her chest, her curiosity evident.
"I mean, there are humans with forked tongues—some things are understandable," he said, his tone casual.
"But a being like you? Half-dressed, arrogant, a beast tamer who looks like an elf and serpent hybrid?"
He stepped closer, his voice lowering. "I wouldn't trust you, even if you were polite or offered me advice."
Althea scoffed, a flicker of annoyance flashing across her face.
"Humans are all the same—naïve and stupid."
"Of course we are," Ryuen replied, his voice taking on a cold edge.
"But we don't give up so easily. Here's a word of advice..."
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as a faint golden glow flickered within them.
"You should never cross a human."
"Oh?" she asked with a mocking smile. "What will they do? Curse me? Or maybe show me their middle finger?"
Ryuen's smirk widened.
"Oh, they'll do that too. But humans are creatures of rage. When anger consumes them—especially the silent ones—they become dangerous. Unpredictable. Lethal."
"Tsk!" Althea clicked her tongue.
"Do you think that's enough to scare me? Your kind is weak. Your kings are nothing but fragile fools who frolic around, ignorant of real struggles."
Ryuen shrugged nonchalantly.
"Imagine a world that faced two global wars, endured lockdowns from deadly diseases more than once, and dealt with corruption and torture from its own kind," he said.
"And yet, they survived all–without Qi or mana."
Althea froze, her blood running cold.
"Impossible," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Mortals are not that strong. They wouldn't survive a mere blizzard, let alone something like that."
Ryuen chuckled softly, turning away to leave. "Like I said, don't cross a human—especially a broke one."