4 Chapter 4: Destruction Introduction

"While there are people like you who are occasionally born with a unique aspect, I'm the first person in history to have a unique pillar! It's not even a pillar I was born with! I created it… I think… kinda."

Aejaz was surprised. Although he hadn't had his newfound knowledge for more than five minutes, Ares had already overturned everything he knew! Creating a pillar couldn't be simple otherwise everyone would be doing it. "How were you able to create a pillar?" Aejaz was incredibly curious.

"Honestly, I'm not even one hundred percent sure. It's honestly less likely that I created it, and more likely that I found it… Or maybe it found me? All I know is that it probably has something to do with the memory I have of my death. My unique pillar is the pillar of destruction. I think the image I have in my head - from my last life - of sheer ruination had some kind of profound effect on me when I was reborn. Even though I've yet to cultivate, I feel an inexplicable urge to destroy things."

"So kinda like how I always want to steal?"

"Yep, exactly. I have a rough idea of how my pillar works, but it's incredibly flashy. I wasn't supposed to cultivate as a slave and it would have been borderline impossible to hide my cultivation if I went round blowing things up all the time. It's also why I said my cultivation will be slower than others. It's because I quite literally have to forge the entire goddamn path before I can even walk it. Thankfully though, the name 'destruction' isn't just for show. The raw power of this pillar should be completely unrivalled which, in turn, is what will allow me to compete with higher cultivation bases." Ares was displaying incredible pride on his face as if we were talking about his own son, but he had a right to be happy as his last sentence was no exaggeration. 

A glint could be seen in Aejaz' eye, he wasn't jealous but… "I wonder if I can steal your pillar," Aejaz spoke in a quiet tone with his hand on his chin in a contemplative manner.

"Real funny, ha ha ha, I'll fucking kill you, ha ha ha." Ares gave Aejaz a quick death stare to which he promptly raised both his hands and smirked as if to declare, 'I'M INNOCENT… For now…'

"Don't worry, I won't take anything important from you, at least not for too long anyway. I promise to always give back whatever I steal from you, like this pill!" Aejaz threw over the pill Ares had received from the Heaven's Path Elder.

"I'm not even going to ask when or how you stole this." Ares took a quick look at the pill to make sure it was definitely the pill he remembered… It wasn't. It was better. It wasn't easily distinguishable, but the quality of the pill had certainly increased, even if only marginally. "What did you do?" Ares turned to Aejaz with a raised eyebrow.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Aejaz looked genuinely stumped.

"This pill is purer than the one you took from me."

"But… that IS the pill I took from you."

"..."

Ares and Aejaz just stared blankly at one another before they burst out laughing. "Congratulations, I guess learning more about your unique aspect has come with a surprise benefit, dedication cultivation is weird like that and can occasionally provide benefits for unknown reasons. It seems you've accidentally stumbled on an art that improves the quality of things you steal."

"Huh. Now I really wanna know what I can do with this aspect. Haha, this is so fun!" Aejaz was practically jumping. He was originally worried that his magic would be quite boring and one dimensional; if he knew that it would one day grow into the most profound, bizarre and annoying aspect anyone had ever seen across the entire universe, he'd have fainted from joy on the spot.

"Anyway, is there anything you're unsure about or want clarification on?"

"Just two things."

"Go ahead, ask."

"Ok, first, you said there are eight cultivation realms, what are the other four?"

"I hadn't planned on bringing it up yet but I suppose it can't hurt to know. After the first four realms, you'll enter 'mental accumulation'. This realm allows you to shape your mental space to guard yourself from mental attacks as well as enable you to learn mental attacks if that's the route you want to take. I'm not sure if you can learn any mental attacks with your unique aspect of thievery, but that's just something you'll have to figure out on your own. The next realm is 'sensory enhancement'. This realm will increase reaction speed, perception, and things of that ilk. It will also allow you to use divine sense to get a better look at your surroundings, see things you normally wouldn't, and peer into great distances. After that is 'aspect assimilation' which can also be referred to as 'bloodline awakening' depending on the person. Everyone is naturally affiliated with certain aspects and, upon entering this realm, your blood will start to contain the essence of those aspects. This will reduce mana consumption, increase the power of your affiliated aspects, and make it easier to learn and use arts for those aspects. For anyone with a strong enough bloodline, this is when it will fully awaken and you can learn more about it. When a bloodline awakens, you'll be granted benefits but you'll only know what they are when you get them unless you're already clued in to your family history. Finally, there's the 'transition' realm. In this cultivation realm, you can learn to fly via the technical pillar. Until reaching this point, your body can't handle the technical, nor can it handle the transition into the upper domain. It's impossible to go into space without first reaching this realm and there are even checkpoints up there to make sure no one from the lower domains are smuggled in. Of course, the people born in space are naturally acclimated to the pressure and this rule doesn't concern them."

"There's more than one domain!? Can we actually go to space!?"

"Yes, Aejaz. There are a number of domains below us, but only one known domain above us. Also yes, we can eventually go into space," Ares spoke with a small sigh as if he were an adult speaking to a little kid… Although Aejaz actually was a little kid in the grand scheme of things… In fact, so was Ares…

"So, are there more realms after transition?"

"Yes, and the next set of realms are considered to be many people's favourites as the stuff they do for you is really fun and typically shapes your existence as a cultivator for the rest of your life."

"Oooh, oh, oh, tell me!"

"Nope, there's no sense in thinking that far ahead."

"Please please please," Aejaz had lost all his composure and was actually begging. How could Ares say no?

"Ok, but I'll only tell you about one and I won't tell you anything more than the name. This one is the realm that everyone wants to achieve when they first hear about it, the 'weaponized core' realm." Ares had picked up most of his information from books he stole from the Chen Clan's library. Pretty much everything Ares knew was standard knowledge that everyone had access to. 

Aejaz, on the other hand, never paid any attention to these things and had no idea what on earth the weaponised core realm entailed, but it sounded really cool to him. 

"Uhh, Aejaz? You're drooling."

"Oops. Oh right, my second question. I know about the pillar of destruction but, what I want to know is, what are its aspects and how many of them can you use?" Aejaz cleaned the tiny bit of dribble on chin.

"The pillar of destruction has three aspects, all three of which I'm proficient in and have an affiliation with. I actually have no positive or negative affiliation with any other aspects, so outside of my pillar I can only rely on open pillars… Not that it would have mattered since I'm using dedication cultivation anyway. As for what the aspects are, there's 'Annihilation', 'Disintegration', and 'Nothingness'. Annihilation is the simplest and it's exactly what you think it is, massive explosions. There's absolutely no finesse here. No fancy forms of manipulation, just pure carnage. Trying to shape annihilation magic is the definition of stupidity; just let it blow up and enjoy the mayhem that follows. Disintegration is the complete opposite however. It's subtle, but arguably does more damage than annihilation despite the fact that it covers a smaller range. Disintegration magic can be used on weapons to seriously boost their lethality, create defensive walls, or - and this is my favourite - launch mental attacks. Nothingness… ah, where do I even start? If you think destruction is a simple pillar then I'll point you to nothingness which is perhaps the most complex aspect of them all. The easiest to understand explanation I can give is that it's the exact opposite of the spatial aspect. In fact, nothingness can only exist where space does not. The important thing to remember is that, unlike space, all of nothingness is intertwined and interlinked no matter the distance. I only have one idea for how to use nothingness as of right now and, although its outcome is similar to a spatial teleport, the process is completely different. It's less like a teleport, and more like positional shifting. If a teleport is disappearing then reappearing, a shift is reappearing then disappearing. It's essentially being in two places at once and then having one of those two positions disappear, forcibly leaving you at the other location."

"That… Sounds complicated. I think, when I steal your pillar, I'll leave you with that aspect." 

Ares glared at Aejaz. "Well, that's as far as I've gotten for now on the knowledge front. There'll definitely be a lot more that these aspects are capable of, I just need to increase my understanding and broaden my views a bit by cultivating. Is there anything else?"

"Nope, all clear. So, what now?"

"For now, I want you to go out and steal things. Take the amulet and go be a nuisance. Obviously don't steal from people who can't afford to be stolen from or I'll personally beat some sense into you. After the week ends and my arm heals, I'll start training you how to fight. Until then, I want you to get used to the ins and outs of your aspect; after all, you'll be responsible for acquiring food for us in the near future."

"Ok… Freeloader. Owww owww owww, it was a JOKE! A JOKE! I'M SORRY!" 

Between Aejaz' threats of stealing his pillar and that last little comment, Ares had finally had enough of his 'jokes' and beat the crap out of him for a good ten or so seconds. He didn't take anything Aejaz said personally, nor was he actually worried he would steal his pillar as he could tell he wasn't being serious, but Ares still felt an urge in his blood not to let him act so cocky around him all the time. 

Aejaz escaped from Ares' clutches and ran around the corner. Before fully leaving, Aejaz poked his head back out from around the corner and stuck his tongue out before running away again. Ares just rolled his eyes and snorted as a tiny smile worked its way onto the corners of his mouth. He actually quite liked having someone playful around. He was far too used to the arrogance of Farro and the typical dispirited nature of the other slaves back at the Chen clan's residence. Aejaz was a breath of fresh air in comparison, even if he could be a tad annoying at times. 

"Tsk, idiot." 

Aejaz was so concerned with running away he forgot to take the amulet. Thankfully though, as soon as Aejaz left, the amulet fell to the floor from his hammock and started rolling on its side after him. "Huh, I guess it is a personal treasure. Lucky bastard." Ares shook his head sat down in the lotus position and began cultivating for the first time. After a couple of minutes of focus, he could feel the 1st stage of meridian conversion getting ever closer. The first stage of the first realm would always be far quicker and easier to achieve than the rest and would happen near instantaneously. As Ares operated the dedication cultivation technique, he began to feel the affinity between him and his aspects grow. 

Bang

Ares could feel his meridians changing, he could feel his body progressively becoming more receptive to the mana in the air. He also felt closer to his aspects and an inseparable bond had formed and tied him to the pillar of destruction thanks to the dedication cultivation technique. Something felt strange though. He couldn't quite place the feeling. it was simultaneously familiar and yet completely unfamiliar. After a bit of digging, he realised it had something to do with his nothingness aspect. All three aspects had fully integrated and inextricably linked themselves with Ares' cultivation but, for some reason, the nothingness aspect kept feeling like it was getting… closer?... The familiar feeling was definitely from the nothingness aspect. The unfamiliar feeling was… An object? Was it coming towards him? 

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"M-M-M-M-M-My L-L-L-L-Liege…"

Pop

A haughty voice rang from atop a golden throne and echoed throughout decorative halls, "Someone clean up that puddle of blood, and bring me a man who can speak without stuttering over every syllable while you're at it." On top of the throne sat a large, well-built individual with a face as sturdy as a mountain and a slanted crown atop his head. He lazily leant his face on top of his fist as his elbow relaxed on the arm rest. 

A few minutes later, a scholarly man wearing a monocle and a suit walked into the halls.

"Treasurer Pei!" the guards all spoke in unison, raising one hand to salute whilst their other hand held firm an upright spear.

"At ease, gentlemen," Pei spoke in a lofty voice but had a certain affable ring to his tone that was pleasant to the ears. "My Liege, I have bad, ah, scratch that, terrible news."

"Out with it." Although the king tried to remain outwardly calm, the all-encompassing pressure he just accidentally emitted betrayed his foul mood. 

Treasurer Pei sighed before he continued as what he was about to say was going to be particularly difficult for this egotistical king of his to swallow. "The Primordial Blade has escaped, my liege."

"... Come again?" The king refused to believe what he had just heard. How could something so nonsensical have just been uttered in his presence?

"The Primordial Blade has escaped, my liege."

"Escaped, you say?"

"Yes, my liege."

"A SWORD... Escaped… On its own?"

"Yes, my liege" 

Silence filled the hall.

"You're going to explain to me exactly WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING PEI!"

"Yes, my liege. The Primordial Blade was in its usual spot in the treasury, under complete surveillance. Nothing was strange at first, but then it started to inexplicably vibrate in its sheath. The vibrating gradually kept getting progressively faster until it eventually dislodged itself from the storage device. After that, it flew toward the nearest wall at an incomprehensible speed and, despite still remaining inside its sheath, managed to pierce directly through the wall, allowing it to escape - and rather effortlessly I must admit."

"Pei, you're aware that those walls are made from 'fortissia' metal, right? The same metal that even I would struggle to break through."

"Yes, my liege."

"You understand my doubts, Pei"

"Yes, my liege, however, regrettably, the hole is very much still there if you'd like to check. I'm sure you know what the sword disappearing like this entails, my liege."

"I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT CHOSE SOMEONE ELSE, DON'T ANGER ME PEI." 

Everyone present couldn't help but think the king was already angry but no-one dared say that out loud, not even Pei and he was someone who could get away with a fair bit more lippy back-talk than the others due to his unrivalled competence in just about everything. The king had a soft spot for Pei as not only was he incredibly valuable to have around, but he'd also been with him for aeons now.

"We never did manage to figure out how to make the Primordial Blade into a personal treasure. Then again, it has always been somewhat non-standard, refusing to be used even when it had yet to choose a master. You are naturally the strongest in our little corner of the universe, my liege, but that was simply not the requirement to own it. Frankly, I'm stunned that someone has what it takes to wield that unruly thing. This is the only thing in existence to have been around since the dawn of time, and, yet, it has never once found an owner that would suit it. So don't feel too upset, if anything, this is a wondrous opportunity." 

The king's eyebrows raised in tandem with the lowering of his blood pressure. "You're right, we can find out what exactly that stupid sword wants from its master before taking it back. Tell me Pei, where did it go?"

"I have no clue, my liege. The only thing I can say for certain is that it has already left the domain."

"Already!?" The king momentarily lost composure before regaining his usual, unceasingly proud attitude. "It hasn't even been five minutes, right? Even if I used every means at my disposal, it would still take me a day to reach the boundary from here. No wonder no one could track it. Did it at least leave any traces?"

"Well, technically yes, my liege."

"What is it?"

"The hole in the wall of the treasury, my liege."

"PEIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

"My liege, I'm aware this may not be an ideal time for such snide remarks, however, as the treasurer, I need to settle this matter sooner rather than later."

The king took many deep breaths to calm his temper. "Fine. Tell the accountant to purchase some fortissia metal and have him contact the bionic dwarfs for a welding job. If anyone steals from the treasury, you're the first person I'll come looking for Pei."

"Oh? And who, may I ask, is the second person you'll chase down, my liege?"

"GET OUT YOU FOUL-MOUTHED BASTARD."

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"ARES! ARES! Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck." Aejaz was panicking like a mad-man at wit's end. Shortly after he left, he managed to steal a pill from a nearby alchemist. Something incredible happened when he stole the pill and he wanted to go show Ares his cool, new trick. When he got back though, he found Ares impaled to the floor with a sheathed sword pierced through his head, skull, and brain. Ares was still occasionally spasming and twitching which made Aejaz want to puke, but he also realised that it meant Ares was somehow still alive. Currently, Aejaz was trying to lift the sword but it refused to budge which Aejaz found strange.

The sword was a beautifully designed katana which Aejaz guessed was black and gold in colour based on the grip, hilt and sheath. The grip of the sword had a tiny jewel embedded into it, crimson in colour and speckled with small, white spots that gave the illusion of staring into an endless space dotted with blinking stars.

As for why Aejaz was unable to lift a katana of all things, he didn't know or care. He just really wanted to pull the damn thing out of Ares' head. Ares' hand twitched and the pill he was holding dropped and rolled along the floor, giving Aejaz an idea. Aejaz took a step back, held out his hand and, a second later, the katana appeared in his hand. Just as he had stolen the pill earlier, he managed to steal the sword. He was surprised it worked but was relieved nonetheless. The katana immediately flung itself back towards Ares but thankfully didn't run him through again, instead planting itself directly next to him in the pavement.

"P… L." 

Is Ares seriously able to speak with a hole through his head? Just how ridiculous are the healing properties of his bloodline actually? Aejaz was dumbfounded and momentarily stared blankly at him.

"P...LL."

"PL... PLL... PILL!" Aejaz finally cottoned on to what Ares was asking of him and fed him the pill that he had just dropped on the floor. He also rummaged around Ares' body and fed him the pill the Heaven's Path Elder had left behind.

Ares finally allowed the excruciating pain to begin rendering him unconscious as everything started to fade to black. The last things he saw were the strange sword disappearing inside of him and memories he never previously had seeping into his mind.