Chapter Eleven
"Okay… Now, there are more than enough rooms for everyone. Relax, for now. Get ready. Prepare how you're going to use those weapons in tandem…"
"Oh! That reminds me! For those of you who took the pills, you can set up a telepathic link between yourself and up to five other people of your choice. For M-21, Tao, and Takeo, I suggest setting it up with each other, me, Yuizi, and one other person that you trust."
"Cool! So we can always be in contact!?"
"If you want. You can shut off the link whenever you like so that you don't interfere with each other's thoughts."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the front door.
"Please, come in… You must be Maisie and Lise…" Frankenstein said politely. Maisie nodded shyly.
"Good evening, Frankenstein… It's been a long time."
"I'm sorry… Have we met?" Frankenstein asked. Lise narrowed her eyes.
"No. You're infamous with our organization. Zacharias once said that you're the only man who ever defeated him in combat. You nearly killed him."
"Hmm… Zacharias, tall man? Long black hair, skinny, but muscular? Intense blue eyes and a permanent sneer?"
"Yeah… That's about right… Why?"
"Small world… I fought Zacharias about 750 years ago. He came very close to killing me… Despite my Dark Spear, he almost won.
"He was strong willed enough to resist the Dark Spear absorbing him. As I understand it, he was never the same again. He became very intensely religious, to the point of zealotry. He called me Teufel, or Devil. Ahahahaha! What a funny man, right?" Frankenstein asked. None of the others were laughing, though. They could easily understand why someone unfamiliar with Frankenstein would mistake him for the Devil.
"We apologize for our tardiness… We haven't kept you waiting too long, have we?" Maisie asked nervously. Frankenstein laughed and shook his head.
"Not at all. Now, why don't we all introduce ourselves. You know me. I'm Frankenstein… Though, my students call me Principal Lee." Frankenstein said politely.
"My name is Regis K. Landegre. I'm the leader of the Landegre Clan. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintainces." Regis said, bowing politely.
"I'm honored to meet you. My name is Yuizi…"
"Oh, my… Your agents are very polite, Doctor Frankenstein." Maisie said, feeling slightly out of place.
"We're Tao, Takeo, and M-21…" Tao said. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, lovely ladies…" Tao finished, smiling at the two.
"My name is Linus. M-21 was my name in the Union." Linus said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Muzaka…"
"I'm Garda…"
"Artemis… Though, my friends used to call me Artie…" She said quietly. She never had that many friends, but those she did have called her that.
"W-what do you prefer to be called?" Maisie asked. Artemis shrugged.
"Doesn't matter to me, really."
"And you?" Lise asked, looking at Raizel.
"Cadis Etrama DiRaizel."
"Okay, since we all know each other, now… let's have something to eat together. Miss Seira, would you be so good as to help me prepare dinner? Shinwoo, if you are familiar with cooking, you can join us."
"I learned a little bit about cooking from sparring with Seira… Count me in." Shinwoo said. He didn't really eat much anymore, but he could still cook pretty well. Lise and Maisie wondered how sparring was related to cooking, but accepted his answer at its face.
After about an hour, the three of them came out, and set everything on the table, and the group sat down to eat. Shinwoo opted out. Although he enjoyed spending time with his friends, he needed to plan for the upcoming combat. He went to the room he would be staying in, and began constructing weapons out of biomass, making many different kinds so that both Maisie and Lise would have a weapon with which they would be facile.
As he was finishing with a naginata, Lise came into the room and sat down across from him. She smiled politely at him.
"You must be Han Shinwoo. My name is Lise, although I prefer my middle name, Adelheid."
"That's a pretty name, Adelheid. I wasn't sure what kinds of weapons you were skilled with, so I made a bunch. Guns, polearms, swords, pipes, you name it. I have it.
"I can absorb any weapon we don't need."
"Thank you, Shinwoo… But I can make my own weapons. My… Ability isn't nearly as refined as yours. But I have Biomass Manipulation. I was injected with the virus about 500 or so years ago. I wasn't ready then to command such power, and I still don't think I'm ready. But ready or not, I have it. I have to do with it what I can."
"That's a very mature outlook. I can give you Bioenergy Manipulation, if you like. It wouldn't be that hard to upgrade your ability. E=MC2 indicates that Energy is equal to the mass multiplied by the speed of light squared.
"So even one point of mass would turn into approximately 89.9 quadrillion units of energy."
"Thank you… I appreciate the offer. But if I'm to gain Bioenergy Manipulation, I will need to get it for myself, not have it given to me.
"Maisie tells me that you are dating a Noblesse."
"Noble…"
"What?" Lise asked.
"They're called Nobles. The Noblesse is one person. One man. Rai is the Noblesse, and he essentially holds a position similar to that of the Lord."
"I see. You seem young, Shinwoo. Far too young to command this sort of power, to have this level of responsibility."
"I didn't ask for Biomass Manipulation. It was forced on me by an Elder of the Union, and I'm just making the best of it. You seem awfully young, yourself. How old were you when you joined the Knights?"
"About twelve. My brother was sixteen, and we were the only survivors of a Vampire attack… Well, we called it a Vampire, though in reality, Nobles call them Mutants. They're ill conceived creatures created when a human who has contracted with a Noble forms their own contract with another human. The diluted blood is potent enough to grant power, but weak enough to only go halfway. The poor creature goes mad, and ends up craving blood.
"They're stronger and sturdier than any normal human, and they cause chaos wherever they go. But they can't go out in the light. Small mercies, right? Usually, when found, Nobles will execute these monsters, and the contractor who made it. But this one escaped notice. Big world, and whatnot. And it slaughtered my entire village save my brother and me. The Holy Knights of Tobias destroyed the monster, and saved us, and we followed them until they accepted us into their ranks.
"My brother died eventually. But I survived and became the leader of the group, somehow. About 500 years ago, they offered me the chance to undergo an experimental procedure. There was no guarantee I'd survive, they said. Good chance I'd never be the same, they said. But, they also said that I would be doing it for my Lord and Savior.
"So, I agreed, and I was injected with a horrible black substance. The pain was unimaginable. I wished I would have passed out so I wouldn't have to suffer. But I survived, and I became one of the first biousers. I understand that there's a young man in the Union who was the first Biouser. But of Biousers, even today, there are only you, the Noblesse, the Elder, and me. That, I think is quite a fantastic accomplishment, to be one of only four people who survived the injection.
"Before you ask, I'm not sure I believe in God, anymore. But, I do believe in what the Holy Knights stand for, protecting the world from Nobles, Werewolves, and the Union. So, I persevere."
"You don't really think all Nobles are evil, do you?"
"Prove me wrong. Every Noble in my experience has been arrogant, and under the impression that they, as former protectors of humanity, were entitled to whatever they wanted.
"So evil? Maybe not. Deluded? Yes. Dangerous? Absolutely." Lise said. Shinwoo growled angrily.
"I'll have you know that my girlfriend, the love of my life, is a Clan Leader, and has risked her life time and again for my friends' sakes, and never once even expected a thank you, much less payment or recompense of any sort."
"Then she'd be the first. That blonde haired prat that was standing in the Lord's chamber the first time I visited Lukedonia. He looked fit to murder me for my supposed presumptuousness in even talking to her. Who does he think he is? Is he really so much better than me just because he's a Noble?"
"I think I see what's really happening. And, I understand. You're angry at the Nobles for not doing anything when the Vampire slaughtered your village.
"It's true. The master, whoever was the Noble who contracted that human, should have told him or her not to make their own contracts. They should have monitored them, and made sure they didn't stray. But, that doesn't give you leave to hate all Nobles for the mistakes, even the sins of a few. How dare you presume that all Nobles fit your narrow-minded archetype of "Nobles"?
"Regis, Rai, Seira, Ras even that asshole, Rael, Regis' old man, they're some of my best friends, and I dare you… I double dare you to say anything against them. See what happens!"
"Hmm… My intelligence on you was right."
"What? What does that mean?"
"It means that someone can insult or threaten you as much as they want. You can take care of yourself without issue. But if someone threatens or insults your friends or loved ones, they're liable to incur your wrath. It's an admirable trait in a man, to be willing to lay down your personal safety, indeed, your life, for the ones you love. I also understand that Miss Seira is your first serious relationship."
"Um… H-how… I-I mean…"
"It's not an insult. I'm just surprised. With how honorable, honest, and brave you are, I'm surprised you haven't had a girlfriend before."
"Are you hitting on me? I'm flattered, but not interested." Shinwoo said, waving his hands.
"Not even a little. I'm quite happy with Maisie. I've actually had my eye on her for a while. I was just waiting for her to build up the courage to confess to me."
"Oh, good for her. She's really been pining after you for a while, hasn't she?"
"About twenty years, or so. Are these weapons for everyone, or are you storing them in some sort of hammerspace, and carrying them all into battle?"
"No, no. They're for everyone. Please, take as many as you like." Shinwoo said gregariously. Adelheid looked around, weighing different weapons in her hand. They were all uncommonly heavy, but evenly weighted and beautiful in appearance.
She picked up a rapier, swung it around swiping at a vase in the corner, slashing it in half. Shinwoo cried out at this.
"Hey! This isn't my stuff! It's Rai's! How would you feel if I started breaking your belongings!?"
"My apologies. It's been a long while since I've held a weapon in my hand. I know how to fight with a sword. But I'm not used to controlling my strength anymore."
"C'mon. We can go spar in the back yard." Shinwoo said, growing a long pipe in his left hand, and a machete in his right. He was more used to using improvised weapons in combat, or his fists and feet. But he went out back with Lise, and bowed to her, though he seemed hesitant.
"Something wrong?"
"Well, I feel bad hitting a woman. I know you're very strong, but…"
"Do I have to throw you to the ground before you're willing to fight me?" Adelheid demanded, rushing Shinwoo and getting him into a Judo lock. However, Shinwoo lifted Adelheid into the air and slammed her on the ground on instinct before jumping back, and going into a fighting stance.
Next, Shinwoo nodded, counting down, before analyzing her cautiously, watching her every muscle twitch, before making a cautious advance, seeming to move forward, but then teleporting behind her, and slashing with the machete, and being blocked by the rapier.
Adelheid slashed gracefully with the rapier, opening a cut or two on Shinwoo, but mostly being blocked by the pipe, and being countered by the machete. They fought fairly equally for about ten minutes until Shinwoo had almost completely analyzed Adelheid's fighting style. It was beautiful and graceful, and it was effective. However, Shinwoo found a few openings, and exploited them, flicking his wrist, and knocking the rapier aside, slashing at Adelheid, cutting her wide open, and then taking her hand off.
He then smashed her on the shoulder with his bar.
"Whoah! Whoah! You win! I don't think I've ever met someone other than Zacharias and a few of the members of Mars who could best me so quickly in combat. Who was your master in combat?"
"Well… Mostly, I taught myself, though my dad helped me learn martial arts for years. After he died, and I gained Biomass Manipulation, Principal Lee had his wards spar with me.
"So I've trained against all different kinds of fighting styles, and absorbed lots of knowledge and different powers. I've been trained with some of the most powerful fighters in the world." Shinwoo said proudly. Adelheid nodded.
"Perhaps someday you could help me train. I have a lot of martial arts training, but not much practical experience."
"You don't want me, then. You want Principal Lee. He's gotten a lot of practical experience to the point that he can defeat enemies who are much more powerful than him."
"I see. Well, maybe we can try sparring again? Perhaps just use fists this time." Adelheid asked.
"Cool." Shinwoo said, throwing his machete aside, and waiting for Adelheid to attack. The two stared each other down, waiting for the other one to make a move. After about three minutes, Adelheid decided to move first, moving in cautiously, but being rewarded only with a swift kick to the stomach, and having several of her ki points sealed, essentially paralyzing her. She fell to the ground, shocked that Shinwoo had so efficiently defeated her.
"Adelheid… You need to learn two things… If you're not certain of the enemy's strength, or are certain of their superiority, wait for them to move. Also, there are more efficient ways of rendering an opponent incapable of fighting without breaking anything, even a sweat. There are seven Chakras, all of which feed Ki through the body via the Ki pathways. They are essentially gateways of life energy, and each Ki point in the body corresponds to one of the chakras.
"Unfortunately the Chakras are almost impossible to seal off. They're merely too powerful. It would be like trying to stop a flood with pebbles. It's not going to work. They'll be washed away in the torrent. However, certain Ki points can cause pain, stop movement of specific body parts, or even stop certain organs from working. Some fighters, especially those who are most in tune with the spiritual side of martial arts, can prevent Ki blocking from working to its greatest effect.
"However, it ends up coming down to a contest of skill. You don't need to be able to see the Ki points to be able to block them, but it helps. I am able to see the Ki points, and even observe Ki flow through the body. My martial arts skill is more in hitting pressure points, not hitting Ki points. But Ki point martial arts is essentially the next step up.
"Come here. Don't worry, I have no intention of hurting you." Shinwoo said, focusing Bioenergy in his finger, and breathing as he imbued Adelheid with Ki point sight and martial arts.
"Now, take a deep breath, and look at me. I mean really look at me. Try to see into my soul, and the energy that it puts out. Once you can do that, you will see my Chakras, and realize that they're not nearly as powerful as they could be, ahahaha… But nonetheless, you will then be able to block them."
"Wow! Are your Chakras supposed to be all different colors?" Adelheid asked, amazed at the beauty of Shinwoo's life energy. Shinwoo nodded.
"Yes. Now, I can teach you the different Chakras if you like, although it's not necessary to know their names to do Ki blocking martial arts… You'll be much more effective in it if you're able to recognize the Chakras and their purpose in the body. But you might be able to get by without knowing."
"I see… Teach me, then."
"Okay. The Root Chakra represents our foundation and being centered. It is located at the base of the spine. It is focused on survival, financial security and food.
"The Sacral Chakra represents our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. It is located in the abdomen. It is focused on our sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality. Are you starting to understand?"
"Sort of. These are somewhat abstract."
"Yes. They are. But, meditating on the chakras is mostly done by Buddhist monks.
"That's all they do is meditate on abstract things. And, well, they reach spiritual balance. But… Normal people have more immediate things to focus on. It's up to you."
"Keep going."
"Okay… The next Chakra is…"
And Shinwoo kept going on the Chakras. He also showed her a few major Ki points, and showed her how to focus disruptive Ki in her fingers and block the Ki points. After a while, Maisie came out, and said that they should probably get to bed. They had to be ready for combat at any time. And although Shinwoo didn't require sleep, and frankly, nor did Adelheid, Maisie did, and so did the others… Except Raizel, who was a Biouser as well.