Chapter 7: Echoes of the Past
In the days following Tanaka's defeat, a restored peace settled upon the mountain temple. Freed from their former master's dark enchantments, the monks spoke of purifying their desecrated spaces and rebuilding their sanctuary. Kai lent his talents to help in the efforts, using his mystical abilities to cleanse lingering shadows.
One sunny afternoon while taking a meditative stroll along a tranquil garden pathway, Kai crossed paths with an elderly monk named Daichi. The monk bowed in humble greeting, a glimmer of reverence in his eyes.
"Great master, I cannot fully express our gratitude for your heroic deeds. Please, if I may inquire - the legends say you descend from the line of Van himself. Is their truth to these claims?"
Kai nodded. "The stories you've heard prove surprisingly accurate. Van's legacy flows within my spirit."
Daichi clasped his hands excitedly. "Then you must know the tales of his legendary exploits in the great wars of antiquity!"
"Sadly, much knowledge of that era remains obscured," Kai admitted. "My own understanding of those times dwells in fragments...hazy memories of conflict and betrayal."
Daichi stroked his wispy beard thoughtfully. "I see. If mystical insights I might humbly provide, perhaps we can together revive and uncover truths buried for ages?"
Intrigued by the monk's proposal, Kai agreed. Daichi led him to the temple's hidden archives which held various antiquities, including Van's confiscated scrolls and artifacts.
Examining a bundle of yellowed manuscripts, Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "These writings contain no complex spells or incantations. Only strange diagrams resembling magical tattoos."
Daichi nodded eagerly. "Just so! You see, Van practiced a most rare and remarkable craft - the art of Physical Omnyoji. While most sorcerers channel incantations through inks on parchment, Van inscribed mystical symbols directly onto his body, imbuing his very skin with magical potential!"
Kai flipped through more notes with fascination. Van had discovered body inks that attuned to spiritual energy, transforming the flesh into a living canvas capable of storing and unleashing potent spells. Wielding sole command of this unique style, Van etched arcane calligraphy into his muscular frame, able to summon phenomenal abilities without external tools.
"Ingenious! By fusion of physique and mystic skill, Van's already mighty form became a peerless engine of supernatural might!" exclaimed Kai. What foes could stand against such a warrior sorcerer?
Settling amidst the repository's shelves and stacks, the two prepared a ritual of psychic historical communion...
The visions faded as Kai awoke with a start. Cold sweat beaded his brow as the tragic memories lingered. He turned towards Daichi who sat solemnly before speaking.
After examining the manuscripts and artifacts within the temple archives, Kai found his knowledge of physical omnyoji arts greatly expanded from what he had learned previously. While the scroll left in Van's cave sanctuary had initiated him into the fundamentals, Van's collected writings revealed the deeper complexities and untapped potential of this esoteric craft...
Finished reviewing the wealth of new material, Kai emerged from the archives brimming with questions. Mastering the beginner forms had been simple enough through the cave's guidance. But now a much greater and deadlier horizon loomed before him, filled with both profound opportunity and menacing perils. How far could or should he tread the path of a true Physical Omnyoji heir to the legendary Van?