Book 1 Of The Seeker Of Knowledge: I Shall Find The Truth! 3 Arc 1 - Chapter 3: It Will Have To Do

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Arc 1 - Chapter 3: It Will Have To Do

A day later*

(Continent: Solitas Kingdom: Atlas: Unknown Snow Forest)

Well, after my last fight, if it could be called as one, with the Ursa Minor. I decide to work on my [Storm Flame Glyph] more, but not much as the other [Flames of the Sky].

I rather not burn the entire forest down, no matter how I wish I wanted to.

So, I just continue to use [Storm Flame Glyph] as a flamethrower until I get to the point of being able to manipulate its shape like I can with [Cloud Flame Glyph] and [Mist Flame Glyph].

The [Mist Flame Glyph] is the easily the best to manipulate compared to the rest of the [Flames of the Sky].

Then, shook my head, when I realize I'm getting ahead of myself.

Instead of training in the [Storm Flame Glyph], which is the second-highest cost rate of [Aura]. With [Sky Flame Glyph] being the highest cost rate of [Aura]. I should work on something that used [Aura] less, allowing me to fight in endurance battles in the future.

Thinking about it for a while, I pick [Lightning Flame Glyph]. As it's the next best to manipulate its shape, tie with [Cloud Flame Glyph]. As [Mist Flame Glyph] is the number one in easiest to control out of the [Flames of the Sky].

So I started trying to manipulate the [Lightning Flame Glyph] to get myself better control over it. By trying to form different shapes, starting off with the basic, where I create a sphere, cube, then a cone, and so on. Until I reach the point of switching in between shapes and in perfect forms in seconds.

Maybe a single second per switch, to push myself to get that control over the [Lightning Flame Glyph].

7 months later*

Slowly, days into weeks, weeks into months. Until an entire year pa.s.sed by. Making me 11 years old now.

I have already improved my mastery in the following of [Mist Flame Glyph], [Sun Flame Glyph], [Cloud Flame Glyph], [Rain Flame Glyph], and finally [Lightning Flame Glyph].

I would have to say, that I'm considered at the same level as the average of my past ancestors using these [Flames of the Sky]. Maybe not, and that's just my ego talking. Nonetheless, I have improved myself since then.

I tried not to neglect the [Storm Flame Glyph] and [Sky Flame Glyph], but it's a lot harder than the others.

With [Sky Flame Glyph] being the hardest to control. Talk about irony, when the [Sky Flame Glyph]'s special trait being harmony. Which represents a state without contradiction nor flaws in which the balance of the whole is maintained.

It wasn't that hard to figure out what's the problem of being unable to control the [Sky Flame Glyph] at the same level as the other [Flame Glyphs].

After all, having the [Alpha Stigma] isn't really suited with the [Sky Flame Glyph] and more of a balance breaker instead.

A good example is that using the [Alpha Stigma] give me access to the [Sky Flame Glyph] to some degree.

Compared to my countless ancestors trying to gain access to the [Sky Flame Glyph], with Fon Schnee is being the only one named that create and can only use it.

See? Balance breaker with [Alpha Stigma].

So, it's kind of a forced harmony whenever I use the [Sky Flame Glyph]. Where it requires me using lots of [Aura] just to use it, as a counterbalance in order for me to even use it.

Anyway, I manage to use the [Lightning Flame Glyph] in many ways for offensive and defensive, mainly offensive than defensive.

With defensive, I just use the [Lightning Flame Glyph] as literally s.h.i.+eld, including the normal [Glyph], which is used as a platform and a s.h.i.+eld. To increase the normal [Glyph]'s defensive ability.

Of course, the defensive way, include a countermeasure, where it would release electrical currents and green flames, with the latter requires me increasing the [Aura] input rate. Giving my [Lightning Flame Glyph] the ability to shock anything that touches it.

Otherwise, it just stops the attack or target from touching me. Sadly, I learned the hard way that it isn't an unbeatable s.h.i.+eld. As it took a couple hits from an Ursa, that entering the growth stage of becoming an Ursa Major.

Pretty stupid of me for relying on the [Lightning Flame Glyph: s.h.i.+eld Form] against a heavy hitter. Really make me want to slap myself for getting c.o.c.ky again.

Which is why I took a step back, then include the [Rain Flame Glyph] together with the [Lightning Flame Glyph: s.h.i.+eld Form], to add in the tranquil effect, to rob the target's strength. Lessening the strength behind the attacks from damaging the [Lightning Flame Glyph] further.

I may have gone a little overboard in working on the offensive for the [Lightning Flame Glyph].

Because of the side-effect of developing the [Lightning Flame Glyph] towards offensive and as a support as well.

I managed to create a way to train myself to endure large amounts of electricity and this will help me later on. So, by 7 months, with the help of the [Sun Flame Glyph] and the [Cloud Flame Glyph], while shocking myself as a side-effect of developing the offensive for the [Lighting Flame Glyph].

As a result, I'm able to withstand high-voltage electrical currents while retaining my full mental and physical functions, although it doesn't really get rid of the pain.

On the bright side, I develop pain tolerance as well. Lucky me...

I created the [Lightning Flame Glyph: Lightning Incarnation], with two techniques, I tried my best to develop into working condition or something that won't backfire on me every single time I use it.

I have the first ability: [Lightning Incarnation: Speed of Lightning], making me go very fast, moving my body according to my own will. Also, can be used to travel really long distance at incredibly high speed.

The second ability: [Lightning Incarnation: Spear of Lightning], creating a spear made out of lightning instead of green flame. After figuring out how to make the [Lightning Flame Glyph] converted into more of lightning than flame.

And by how, I use the [Lightning Flame Glyph]'s solidification special trait to harden the lightning to have a physical form for a limited time.

But, yeah, I created the [Spear of Lightning], that literally shoot spear shape lightning bolt from afar, even could use it as a melee weapon. After resizing it first, but I have no experience or knowledge in spear mastery.

So until then, the [Lightning Incarnation: Spear of Lightning] mainly used for mid-long distance attack.

Too bad I can't use the [Alpha Stigma] to teach myself how to use a spear, but I guess this one of the weaknesses of the [Alpha Stigma].

If it was possible; I would try to give myself the knowledge on how to use all kinds of weapons by just wielding them, but it's just a dream only. Nonetheless, I just need to search for people that have the experience and knowledge of it, mostly the former than the latter.

As the [Alpha Stigma] will take care of the knowledge part. As long I read/watch it, then I will learn how to do it on my own.

Of course, everything has a downside, with the downside of developing the [Lightning Incarnation], leaving me almost defenseless towards all enemies nearby.

And making me miss breakfast, lunch, and dinner more than once, causing me to have to double the amount of poison I have to fill myself up. Due to not being able to move until my body return back to normal under the effects of the [Flames of the Sky].

Also, causing to me to miss the [Exploding Gale Fist]'s training as well.

However, another bright side to this, thanks to [Lightning Incarnation: Speed of Lightning]. I gain temporary access of using the [Exploding Gale Fist] to react at microseconds as long the [Speed of Lightning] is active.

Then, another downside, as this isn't something good to do. As I need to continue working on my body training for me to do the same without having to use [Lightning Flame Glyph] to help.

Seeing how [Exploding Gale Fist] could be used without it, including not using [Aura Enhance], which is why it's known for being so invincible in Fon Schnee's time. Because he uses a pure physical ability of the [Exploding Gale Fist] to fight.

Leading to Fon being able to fight multiple opponents at once, even those that have their [Aura] unlocked. As he can outlast them and outspeed them as well. Even when the opponents use [Aura Enhance]. Only in time, will they lose the help of [Aura Enhance]; leading them to their downfall. And this only applies to those that specialize in speed.

Therefore, I'm really looking forward to doing the same as Fon Schnee, with the [Exploding Gale Fist], then adding the [Lightning Incarnation: Speed of Lightning]. I can't image how fast I would be by then.

I just wish that I didn't have to go through all the pain during this entire 7 months. Because I feel like I could die at any moment and it's just a good thing I placed multiple [Flames of the Sky] on standby, because I know for a fact, that I'm close to death too many to count.

Anyway, I have been killing lots of Grimm with the [Lightning Flame Glyph: Lightning Incarnation: Spear of Lightning], man, that's a mouth full, from a distance to get some experience in aiming. And boy did I miss many times, causing me to have to run away.

Due to the fact that I had to put all my focus on using the [Spear of Lightning], forcing me to stop using the [Mist Flame Glyph] temporary.

In a way, it's a one-shot kill, and if miss, better run away. And I did exactly that for the first couple of weeks until my aiming skill with the [Spear of Lightning] can hit a moving target with 100% accuracy in 30 meters range. And that if I have my [Alpha Stigma] active. Without it, I'm cut by half, with 15 meters range and 50% accuracy, only reaching 100% when it's under 10 meters range.

Sadly, the [Spear of Lightning] can't be used rapidly, as I haven't gained enough control and fast enough to do so. But, at least, I can form a [Spear of Lightning] and shoot it all in 3 seconds.

1 second to form the [Spear of Lightning]. 1 second to aim. 1 second to fire it. A total of 3 seconds to shoot down the target.

This is technically a big weakness if I'm facing against enemies specialize in pure speed. Then, I may have to find a different method to attack. As enemies can get to me before I could even hit them with a [Spear of Lightning].

As they can intercept me before the last second, causing me to misfire due to not having the chance to readjust the [Lightning Flame Glyph] to aim at the target.

In fact, I won't even be able to do the 2nd step due to not being able to aim properly. Let alone doing the final step of shooting it.

I still don't have the courage, to face any Grimm with [Exploding Gale Fist]. Not even if I could use it under the effect of the [Speed of Lightning].

So during my entire journey to in this endless snow forest, with no insight of getting out and find a nearby town.

It's no wonder my Father would usually use those Airs.h.i.+ps whenever he needs to leave somewhere. Because with how big this snow forest is. I don't blame him, really wished I had an Airs.h.i.+p to use. After learning how to drive one.

Again, I continue to dream of many things I want to do after dealing with living in this snow forest for a year now.

I blink, when I stumble on a group of Beowolves rus.h.i.+ng in a direction for some reasons nearby, causing me to abandon the current path and follow them while using a double layer [Mist Flame Glyphs], one for the default of hiding me from plain view and making me soundless, and the second would erase the snow footprints I created as I continue to move.

Learned another lesson, that anything could learn as well. Meaning that a Grimm or wild animal could follow the fresh footprints I made in the past and those are the experienced Grimm. That has long learned how to track their preys.

So yeah, double layer [Mist Flame Glyphs] whenever I'm on the move, then switch to a single layer [Glyph] when I need to rest, for my [Aura] to return back a good amount before moving again.

Quickly, I follow the pack of Beowolves, and I don't even need [Aura Enhance] to keep up with the amount of training I continue to do over the 7 months to reach the level of using the [Exploding Gale Fist] without any help.

In a matter of minutes; I finally find out what these Grimm are heading to. And found out that, these Grimm are aiming for a family of three. Two are adults, with the third one is a toddler, around Brise's age.

All of them are blonde; where there's a single male, which is the Father of the family. And the other two are female, with one being the Mother and the third being the baby girl.

Well, I'm guessing on the baby's gender with the blanket being wrapped around her is the color pink.

Right now, they're surrounded and the Father of the family is wielding a weapon that looks like a double-edged sword, who is protecting his family from the Grimm.

I counted around 12 Beowolve, making it a 12 vs 1, not counting the Mother and the baby. But, I wouldn't count the Mother out just yet.

Who knows, maybe the Mother have her [Aura] unlocked and already discovered her [Semblance] or something. No clue if either the Father or Mother born in a family, that pa.s.s down the same [Semblance] to the next generation. Like the Schnee family.

This is the first time seeing people since I stayed in this snow forest if I can just follow them. I'm bound to find an exit of this snow forest in time. But, I need them to be alive to do so.

Of course, I wasn't planning to go out of my way to rescue them. As there are many reasons.

One: I don't know them and have no reasons to help them, besides maybe helping each other out against the Grimm. Mankind's number 1 enemy. Which many people tend to forget about from what I've read briefly in those history books back in the Schnee's main library.

Two: Who to say after I help them out. They won't turn on me? A really good lesson I learned before I made my escape last year.

Three: The Father of the family look like he got this handle and just worry about his family getting hurt under his protection.

And not even after a couple of minutes; I was right about how the Father of this family got this covered. As he killed all the Grimm single-handed while having to protect someone at the same time.

Carefully, I continue to follow the family while hiding under the effect of the double layer [Mist Flame Glyph]. You can never be too careful.

This may be the day I finally get out of this forsaken snow forest. I'm already getting sick of drinking snow water and eating poisonous food. Really, I almost got sick, countless time if it wasn't for my quick thinking and react to heal myself.

A few hours later*

Well, I was wrong. It's already nightfall and the family of three already stop to set up a campsite, where I watched the Mother, she does have her [Aura] unlocked and discovered her [Semblance], create this weird barrier made out of [Aura] that cause all attention to slide off anything inside the barrier.

Luckily, I got the [Alpha Stigma] active at the time or I would be under the effect of that [Semblance].

I'm a little surprised that someone's [Semblance] could do the same like my [Mist Flame Glyph], but with more restrictions than mine. Where I can get rid of mine while the others can't unlike they use an external method to remove it temporarily.

Unlike me, the Mother is required to stay awake for some time before the barrier stays active on its own and only require a supply of [Aura] to keep it up, and the barrier isn't mobile. Furthermore, she can't change the size of the barrier after setting it down and she needs a few seconds to reset it back up after destroying the current one, to do so.

Making the Mother unable to create multiple barriers of her [Semblance]. Placing lots of limitations, unlike mine.

Well, there wasn't anything I need to copy of this [Semblance]. Again, this cursed eyes of mine are beyond broken. Since I can copy other people's [Semblance] as long as I can replicate the effects in some way with my own [Semblance] or [Aura]. Otherwise, I just know about it and can't use it.

Sure, I can copy the Mother's [Semblance], but it won't do me much. As my [Mist Flame Glyph] can do better.

So for the rest of the night; I watch over the family of three until they're all asleep before using my [Mist Flame Glyph] to create a web underneath the snow in the area.

[Mist Flame Glyph: Ground Scanner].

This is one of the many techniques I created for the [Mist Flame Glyph].

This way, I will detect all movement and will know anything enter my range. Making it a great to alert me when anything that's coming near where I sleep.

Unlike the other [Flames of the Sky]. The [Mist Flame Glyph] is the only one that could turn into invisible while the others will be visible unless I cover them with the [Mist Flame Glyph] by overlaying the [Glyphs].

There are only a few weaknesses to the [Ground Scanner]; one of them happens to only detect what's going on the ground and anything else that doesn't touch the ground will be undetected. Another is that the range is limited to how much [Aura] I put into the [Ground Scanner].

I still haven't figure out how to create a subtype or better version of the [Ground Scanner], to expand the range for long distance detection instead of only detecting in the web, with me in the center. Along with not being able to detect what's going on the air.

But, this is good enough for me to keep an eye on the family, and I'm not even that far away from the family and the only thing I have to worry is that I would have low [Aura] in the morning, after having to keep my [Mist Flame Glyphs] active for the entire night.

It's a good thing I have enough control to control two [Flame Glyphs] at once.

Or else, I have to stay all night long to watch over the family and making sure I don't miss them leaving.

Once I place down the [Ground Scanner], with the family within my range. I get in a comfortable position before closing my eyes to sleep.

A week later*

(Continent: Solitas Kingdom: Atlas: Unknown Snow Forest: Unknown Village)

Well, I got my wish and at the same time not.

Reason?

I found a town, more of a village than a town. But, I found people nonetheless. After an entire year by myself. It's been kind of lonely if I didn't have Grimm and wild animal aiming to devour me, mostly the former than the latter.

Sadly, everyone that lives in this village doesn't seem to possess any transportations to travel from a long distance.

Really was hoping to get out of this snow forest.

Nonetheless, they have food! Nonpoisonous food!

After a long time of eating poisonous things to fill myself up, I can't wait to eat something, but I wasn't stupid to steal from any of these villagers just yet. After all, they have numbers on their side, even if I could take them all on, and may have a Huntsman among them. To guard this village, but I highly doubt it.

Until I found out that they do have a Huntsman among them after watching them under the [Mist Flame Glyph].

I learned, that the family of blonde I followed to here after a few days of following them. Leading me to this unknown village, which is filled with many humans and faunus, but with more of the former than the latter.

Also, the family I followed here are just a few that are retired Huntsmen and Huntresses, coming to this village to live for the rest of their lives.

Found out the blonde family is the Goodwitch family.

I'm guessing the Father took his wife's last name until I overheard at some point, that the Father and Mother are actually brother and sister. Talk about awkward.

The baby girl, someone confirms it for me, is actually the daughter of their elder brother, who died in some mission, leaving behind his daughter.

No clue who's the Mother of the baby, but I would have to guess they either died or left them.

With the lack of hatred, I think I could tell, from the way they mention a few words about the baby's Mother. I would say she died. Maybe.

Anyway, I continue to follow the Goodwitch family, as they are part of the group that defends this village from the Grimm. And just came here like me, but they know these village people beforehand.

Over the days of learning the people in this village. I learned many things and finally got something to eat after making sure no one looking, and won't notice it's missing among the other food.

One: There is a total of 4 Huntsmen/Huntresses, with the brother and sister, I followed, making up the half, with the other being one being an old man almost ready to retire completely and one being his son, who is a little c.o.c.ky for some reasons.

Two: There is hope for me to leave this snow forest, as the Goodwitch siblings explained how reinforcement will arrive here sometime in the future. They never said what time and no one asked them, weird.

Three: Out of all the people in this village. The baby Goodwitch, found out the baby's name is Glynda, actually could see me or feel my presence. Don't know how, but maybe it some inborn ability baby Glynda possess.

If I can be born with the [Alpha Stigma], then it isn't so far fetched about someone else having an inborn ability that doesn't require [Aura] at all. So, learning a baby, out of the other babies in this village, Glynda could sense me somehow.

This forced me to have to keep a good distance, because the Goodwitch siblings seem to notice they way Glynda continue to stare in my direction for some time lately. Forcing me to create a distance while ear-dropping onto everyone's conversations.

Which made me miss on a few words, even entire conversations due to not being able to hear them clearly enough.

On the bright side, I found a place with non-poisonous things to eat. Even if I'm stealing from others.

I think I'll pay them back by making sure to kill the Grimm nearby. While waiting at the time, where an Airs.h.i.+p arrives here.

I could leave behind the Liens I have taken a year back, but they're kind of useless after I drop them into the snow by accident at some point and never found them again after realizing I drop them somewhere.

So, paying these people back by protecting them and in return, I get food, even if they don't know it yet, and practice targets.

No clue why the Goodwitch siblings didn't take an Airs.h.i.+p to come to this village, but I will count it as my blessing, because without them, I wouldn't have found this place.

Nonetheless, paying the people for providing me with food, really need to learn how to cook instead of eating raw things, and continue my training while taking on the Grimm.

I just have to be careful in case the Huntsmen notice me. No way am I taking any chance of them learning about me.

They could have worked with my Father at some point and would notify my Father or anyone in the Schnee family about my current location.

This would in return, causing those a.s.sa.s.sins and anyone else to come here to kill me before I return back to the Schnee family. I just know it for sure.

And this time, I realize how naive I am. It wasn't because the people behind those a.s.sa.s.sins continue to see those weak a.s.sa.s.sins. It's because those a.s.sa.s.sins are either too tired from bypa.s.sing all the security in the Schnee's Mansion or they send weak ones because it brings less attention or something.

I'm leaning towards them wanting less attention, even if sending a.s.sa.s.sin is something a great deal to pay attention to.

I had enough time to think about this and this what I came up so far, no clue if I'm right or not. Nonetheless, I got this feeling if I'm found before I'm ready. I would be tracked down by a.s.sa.s.sins that's more powerful than the one I have faced.

Even though I really want to leave this village and the snow forest, if I can a map somewhere around this place I guess I could, but I would lose my advantage of being low-key in this place, making it a lot harder for those people trying to hunt me down.

Plus, I honestly don't know if I could hitchhike in the Airs.h.i.+p without anyone noticing me, even with the help of the [Mist Flame Glyph] without getting myself discovered when I'm stealing something to eat.

Therefore, until something unexpected that would force me to leave this village or until I deem myself ready. I'm going to stick around for who knows how long. Maybe days, weeks, months, even years if I have to.

As long I gain the strength to beat all odds, to get Brise back and leave the Schnee family and live somewhere else.

So from this day forward; I shall do my best to train myself to be unbeatable, I mean protect this village with my life!

...

I really need to find someone to talk with before I go crazy while being alone too long.

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Current Age:

Merline Schnee: 11

Brise Schnee: 3

Glynda Goodwitch: 3?