Two mystic-arts

"This is the mystic-art called Kratos-Body-Yoga. If you can practice it to the ultimate advanced stages, the Kratos of Greek myth will look like a mere child in comparison." The Owl extended one of her wings and a golden scroll materialized before Hugo.

"Thank you… Eehh!"

Hugo's brows creased when he set eyes on the scroll.

It did not look much like the blank one he had received previously.

A blood-red omega symbol blazing like a real fire was emblazoned on the scroll. The fire's appearance was so vivid that Hugo stepped back in consternation after his first glance.

Although his immediate wish was to attain knowledge about the path of mysticism, he would have instead preferred a less mind-numbing procedure of mystic-art acquisition. His experience had already induced a scroll-phobia in his psyche.

"Don't you want it?" The owl inquired after seeing Hugo's reaction.

Hugo didn't dare to answer negatively. He was afraid that the Owl would take back the technique if he did.

"No… No… I will practice the mystic-art diligently." Hugo answered while taking a step to stand in between the scroll and the Owl. He didn't dare touch the scroll for the moment, but he could try later, after mustering some courage.

"Hihihi…" The Owl giggled, looking at Hugo with a contemptuous expression.

Hugo was surprised… the gigantic Owl was now chuckling like a teenage girl. Where is the logic in that?

"Cough… Cough…" Bundi forced an awkward cough as she regained her ancient majesty.

"This is another mystic-technique called the Apollo-Archery. Just go and practice by yourself." Another scroll materialized right behind Hugo who was still gawking at the ancient Owl's unusual behavior.

Hugo sidestepped and moved a few steps back to look at the scroll. He instinctively felt that he shouldn't turn his back to the colossal pyramid and the ancient Owl.

Taking a look at the new scroll, Hugo was instantly entranced by the huge bow and slender quiver of arrows imprinted on it.

The bow and arrow were not fiery like the Omega symbol. They instead changed color dazzlingly from time to time. Hugo felt his mind relax as he observed the array of colors periodically projected by the scroll.

[This scroll is better suited to my tastes. It gives me a gentle and relaxing vibe unlike the first which exudes a savage aura.] Hugo mused as he tried to suppress the bubbly emotions that suffused his entire being.

[At last, a path to becoming a mystic has opened up.] Hugo thought as he observed the two scrolls before him.

"Learning archery skills will do you some good. Spending all your time on experiments and books is not the right path for a mystic. Don't repeat the mistakes of your past life." The Owl added without allowing Hugo to inquire about the mystic scrolls.

Hugo nodded in consent. In this life, he had already been forced to partake in conflict immediately after his rebirth. He wanted to become powerful enough to aid his mother who was undoubtedly fleeing from enemies.

He was not the kind of person that reveled in conflict and war. But he knew he had to rise to the occasion since he was being forced by circumstances.

After his experience of torture in the hands of German assassins in his past life, he deeply detested the feeling of futility and was determined to not be overwhelmed by it once again. He had realized that the freedom he had always felt was nothing but an illusion.

[What is true freedom like?] Hugo mused.

[Perhaps, I never really experienced true freedom in my previous life…]

Hugo recalled a popular saying back on earth…

…'War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.'…

[Is the true reality of Gaia explained by these few simple words?] Hugo pondered while gently shaking his head.

"A warning to you young Hugo!" Bundi's voice was very solemn.

"After training with these mystic-arts, I hope you won't feel like a great genius and a 'hero' out to save the entire world… That would be truly moronic even by your admittedly low standards." Bundi warned while gazing at Hugo gravely.

"Just remember to always appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak. This is the ultimate essence of survival in a world laden with war and conflict?"

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak…" Hugo mumbled as he nodded his head indicating his understanding.

These simple words were in concert with what he wanted to undertake. He didn't want to become a very tall tree that could be easily uprooted by the strong wind. He just wanted to be left alone to pursue his ambitions.

If he was disturbed by an annoying 'fly', he would swat it away in secret.

[What is the point of becoming a famous warrior if you will be targeted by the enemy right away? Why would you endanger your loved ones by exposing them to the enemy? …]

[…Why not hide in plain sight and finish off the enemy before he or she could even react? Is this how secret agents on earth justified their skulking behavior? …]

Hugo's thoughts were a mess. The excitement of acquiring the two mystic-arts slowly transitioned to a rock-solid resolve to secretly put an end to the wars of this world.

Hugo was aware of the precarious situation in Gaia. He had on multiple occasions heard the Matriarch and his aunt discussing the anti-colonial rebellions and the slave trade which had already become the norm on the Central Continent.

[I just need to know the enemy and know myself. Then I need not fear the upcoming battles. If I am successful, I will end all these pointless wars.] Hugo vowed as he contemplated his mother's circumstances.

Hugo had always loathed war and conflict. He had even evaded 'mandatory' conscription into the Austro-Hungarian army back in his previous life.

Not because he was a coward, but because he couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that men would fight each other like brainless animals scavenging for some scarce food resource. It had not seemed logical to him in his previous incarnation.

But in this life, he had been dropped into a war right at his birth.

"Just remember, you are forbidden from ever discussing the pyramid's techniques with any living soul." The Owl''s voice interrupted Hugo's musings.

"I understand." He nodded.

Hugo was not so naïve that he would reveal his greatest secrets to the world. If he could reincarnate here from planet earth, then there appeared to be a distinct possibility of other weird souls existing on Gaia. The probability wasn't zero… and that was enough to scare him.

"Mark my words: Never leak any information about me and the pyramid. Or else, you won't even get a glimpse of the entities that will come to claim your life before you pass on." The Owl's voice was very solemn as she gazed into Hugo's eyes.

"Okay. I understand…"

"How can I reach you when I need your advice?" Hugo hurriedly inquired as it would be tremendously helpful to consult the Owl every once in a while.

"Hahaha…" The Owl laughed derisively in response.

"First obtain the right to enter the pyramid. Then we can discuss other issues…"

"What do I need to do to qualify?" Hugo inquired while looking at the pyramid. It was as majestic and grand as ever.

However, Hugo was unable to observe the ciphers and symbols engraved on its surface directly. Any attempt to do so would result in him being overcome by a splitting headache as his frail consciousness came under the assault of the pyramid's overwhelming aura.

"You have approximately three to five years of practicing these mystic-arts before you achieve an elementary stage of success. That is when you will have to face your first trials in the pyramid."

"Are the trials mandatory?"

"They are a must if you have gained something from the pyramid. And you have received its help on multiple occasions."

"Are they dangerous?"

"Maybe, maybe not. However, there are only two possible outcomes when facing these trials: One… fail and perish. And two… succeed and advance."

"I have to leave now. Take care!" The Owl added before vanishing together with the pyramid. Only the two scrolls, the now dim token, and the blood-red grimoire remained floating in his spiritual world.

"At least this is better than the previous two times. I have gained a great deal of knowledge regarding the path to becoming a mystic." Hugo sighed, gazing at the space previously occupied by Bundi and the pyramid.

"I should begin preparing to go to the blacksmith's workshop. It wouldn't do to be late for my first day of apprenticeship." Hugo mumbled as he turned his gaze towards the scrolls.

[If these scrolls are anything like the Psykhe-Mental-Exercise, It would be better if I absorbed their contents later in the evening…]

[… Otherwise, I would risk sleeping all day and jeopardizing my apprenticeship.] Hugo deliberated as he took a few steps towards the token and Grimoire…