Reaper of the Martial World

Book 8: Chapter 23: EQ (2)

historical

Aritzia’s features turned cold, her carefree smile disappearing.

“Although I play the role of dutiful, quiet lady, there’s a bottom line you shouldn’t cross.”

Dyon didn’t seem surprised. “If you’d like people to treat you well, then it’s best you don’t treat them like little toys that move at your will. No matter how intelligent you believe you are, I promise you that there’s a higher mountain and sky that exists.”

“And you’re that boundless mountain and limitless sky, then?” Aritzia sneered.

“Intelligent people don’t need to speak such frivolous words. Yet, instead of denying what I’ve said, you’ve instead grown defensive, heavily implying that it’s impossible for me to be your better. Don’t you find that a bit silly?”

Aritzia paused.

“I don’t mind showing you this higher mountain and sky, though.” Dyon smiled lightly. “Let’s play a game.”

Aritzia’s eyes narrowed. “What game.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the Ancient Games, no?”

The Ancient Games were a matter that had sat at the back of Dyon’s mind since long ago. The first time he was introduced to them was by Madeleine’s explanation of just what the martial world used for entertainment. Back then, Dyon had felt that the martial world was too boring. In terms of entertainment prospects, it sorely lacked in comparison to the mortal realm. This was why the Sapientia Network provided such a good opportunity for money making.

According to Madeleine, there were 3 Ancient Games total.

The first Ancient Game that Dyon came across actually protected the Elvin Tombs. Back then, he spent months and even lost consciousness for far longer than that after completing it. The shocking part was that that protection was one of the simplest forms of that ancient game since it had deteriorated after years without maintenance.

The second Ancient Game that Dyon came across were ones everyone played. It was the campaigns youth and elders alike took part in. The Gates had a distinctly game-like style. Capturing and holding towers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. It was inherently game-like.

This sort of second Ancient Game was actually played within the Epistemic Tower as well. It was an extension of the Gates, after all.

As for the third Ancient Game, Dyon had never come across it before, and he obviously didn’t have much time to idle around, so he hadn’t ever looked into it. But, that hardly matter.

“You want to challenge me to an Ancient Game?” Aritzia almost couldn’t refrain from laughing. “Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t because I think you’re unqualified, but rather that you’re too qualified. Of the only two Ancient Games I could challenge you in now, both give a massive advantage to soul path cultivator like yourself.”

“Hoho, I didn’t expect the mighty Aritzia to be so scared. Still, I don’t mind challenging you with a restriction placed on my soul as long as you aren’t allowed to use your Sapientia Glasses.”

Aritzia’s pupils constricted once more. To everyone, these crystal framed glasses were just the symbol of the Sapientia Clan. After all, what did martial warriors need glasses for? It was obviously just a status symbol. In fact, for the large majority of Sapientia this was true. If this wasn’t the case, their secret would have been divulged long ago. How can a Clan expect billions of individuals to keep their secret for them?

The true crystal framed glasses are only handed to core members, or secretly given to heaven defying talents birthed in branch clans. This way, their secret is kept hidden.

How could Dyon not know these things? After all, there was a reason Amethyst not only purged Madeleine’s Sapientia bloodline, but also destroyed her glasses. Even if he didn’t know all of the details, he knew there was some secret hidden behind them.

“You speak of some very dangerous things…” Aritzia said coolly.

“Well, my purpose for this visit is to teach a lesson to an arrogant man who happens to have a Higher Existence that dotes him. If I didn’t have such courage, why would I even bother?”

By this point, Aritzia could no longer remain calm. It seemed like each and everyone of Jaws’ words were meant to pierce the veil of her normal calmness.

“Which arrogant man?”

“Aren’t you quite familiar with him? Why else would I come to you? Now we both have a reason to teach him a lesson, no?”

“I’m not so petty.” Aritzia refuted.

Dyon suddenly started laughing. “You aren’t petty? Do you know why I’ve been pressing your buttons since I entered this office?

“Your “clever” self probably thinks that it’s because I’m trying to hide my true personality from you. Maybe you believe that I’m not telling you the whole truth, maybe I’m hiding some sort of secret from you in order to take advantage of your ignorance.

“However, you’d be wrong. I only have one reason for testing your bottom line…”

Aritzia was holding onto every one of Dyon’s words, trying to understand the hidden meaning behind them. She had been so enthralled that she didn’t notice that Dyon’s finger had reached for her and chin and even lifted it upward.

She felt a jolt of electricity tear through her spine when their gazes met.

“… And that’s because I wanted to understand the type of person you are.”