Chapter 9: Rest and Research!
We find the small group traversing the halls toward the elevators
They pass by many hunters and body bags
Atlas: Grimly. Romy don't look.
Romy: Softly. It's … it's fine bro.
Ji-hu: It's easy to forget how lucky we were. Things could've gone so horribly for us.
Ji-hu receives a reassuring pat on the shoulder
Meihua: I know it's terrible, but that's why we're here. To get stronger and save those who can't save themselves.
Ji-hu: Sigh. Yeah you're right. It's just … it sucks.
Geni: I know how you feel Ji-hu. For how long I've lived, death still has not lost its effect on me…
The group finally makes it to functional elevators
The group appear once more in front of Commander Cho's office
Paxis: Knock knock. Commander Cho we have arrived.
Commander Cho: Give me one moment Paxis.
Romy: I just realized. We're about to meet Korea's number 1 ranker. This is crazy!
Atlas: Can't be that bad. He sounds kinda nice to be honest.
Ji-hu: Oh yeah, he's super nice man.
Meihua: He is a man deserving of the respect he is given.
Geni: I agree he is very polite.
Commander Cho: Alright, you may enter.
Paxis opens the door and the group enter
The group sits down while Paxis and Nagato stay standing in the back
Commander Cho: As you know the recent series of events has been extremely stressful for us. It seems Geni's prophecy is occurring sooner than imagined.
Geni: Commander?
Commander Cho: Yes Geni?
Geni: While this outbreak was dire I believe we still have quite a while before the prophecies major outbreaks occur. From what I could sense, there weren't many generals nor were there many high ranking beasts.
Ji-hu: Wait Geni what do you mean by sense?
Commander Cho: Yes I'd also like to know.
Ji-hu gives an apologetic look to Commander Cho for speaking out of turn
Commander Cho waves him off
Geni: Well due to me being affected by the Abyss I'm somewhat capable of sensing their presence and "power levels" as you would say.
Commander Cho: I feel like this information would have been much more useful previously.
Geni: I apologize Commander I had assumed I could explain things more in depth at a later date.
Commander Cho: It's quite alright. No one could possibly have predicted this outbreak event.
Commander Cho: For the reason you're all here. I've decided to place the 4 warriors on a Dungeon exploration, except you Geni, as you are a non-combatant.
Surprised looks from everyone in the room
Paxis: Commander is this truly wise?
Commander Cho: I understand your concerns, but this Dungeon exploration will occur in approximately 4 months. They will have plenty of time to prepare and plenty of time for us to repair the cities. This Dungeon is supposed to be a Mid level clear and should be doable for you all.
Paxis: I still fear that this could end terribly sir.
Commander Cho: That is why I'll be sending both Hunter Eui and Hunter Hana just to be safe. I was already informed of her condition and have notified the nurses to inform her as well. This mission will essentially be a test for you 4.
Atlas: Wait, who's Hunter Hana?
Romy: Big bro you've got to be kidding right?
Atlas: What?
Ji-hu: She's the second ranked in Korea. Top ranked #12 in our Hunter Index. Although I've never seen her before.
Meihua: Yes, she's incredibly strong. I've seen videos showcasing her powers.
Atlas: That's pretty sick.
Romy: She's super young too!
Commander Cho: Ahem. Paxis I want you to escort the 4 warriors and Geni to their living quarters. You 4 will be given time to move your personal belongings to your new rooms later this evening. Further information on the Dungeon exploration will be given at a later date. Anyways, that will be all. You are dismissed.
The group start exiting the room bidding Commander Cho goodbye
Paxis: Nagato please wait outside with the others. I'd like one last word with Commander Cho.
Nagato nods and leaves the room
Paxis: Commander I'd like to inform you of some concerning information.
Commander Cho: Chuckles. More bad news? Very well.
Paxis: I found Hunter Eui unconscious near sector 3 after she cleared out a hoard of Abyssal Disasters. I do not believe she was injured or knocked out by the Disasters.
Commander Cho: Are you saying that one of the Hunters present could have been responsible?
Paxis: I'm not absolutely sure, but Hunter Eui had an extreme headache when she awoke and tried to stand. As you know she is a very capable Hunter and finding her unconscious was already worrisome.
Commander Cho: Yes. Very few in our ranks could outdo her in battle. Especially when she gets more vicious. It could be someone outside of our International Index.
Paxis: Do you think it could be a spy amongst our ranks?
Commander Cho: We can't deny the possibility of it anymore. We've had other Hunters disappear on us for no reason. Although none of them were close to Hunter Eui's caliber.
Paxis: Would you like me to start an investigation while I'm here in Korea?
Commander Cho: We have multiple investigators at the moment, but help like yours would be invaluable. As long as you have no other missions at the moment, I'd like to request your aid once more.
Paxis: Consider it done.
Commander Cho: I'm guessing that is all?
Paxis: Yes I shall take my leave now. I hope the paperwork doesn't get too stressful.
Commander Cho: Haha. It'll take more than paperwork to make me retire Paxis.
Paxis: Have a good day Commander Cho.
Commander Cho waves as Paxis exits the room
Paxis: Alright I've finished my business with the Commander. Let us head to the residential zone.
Nagato: If you don't mind me asking Sir Paxis, what was it that you wanted to tell Commander Cho?
Paxis: I was just informing him of Hunter Eui's condition when I found her.
Ji-hu: Right. Didn't Sir Paxis say that Eui was unconscious? How the hell did that even happen?
The group starts heading back down the elevators and move toward the residential zone
They finally arrive at room 554
Paxis: Now that we've arrived safely my apprentice and I shall take our leave.
Ji-hu: It was nice meeting you Nagato! Hope you stay safe man.
Atlas: Don't kick the bucket too early kid.
Romy smacks Atlas
Meihua: Thank you for saving Romy.
Romy: Hey I was supposed to thank him for that! Thanks Nagato!
Nagato: Smiles. No problem Warriors! I'll see you all later!
The groups waves at each other as Paxis and Nagato leave
Atlas: So now what?
Ji-hu: Well we're supposed to have someone come and help us move our stuff no?
Romy: I thought Sir Paxis was gonna do that.
Meihua: Didn't Commander Cho say there would be a different escort?
Geni: I believe it would be best for us to wait in our rooms.
Ji-hu: Actually Geni, I wanted to ask if there was anything you could teach me without needing a facility.
Geni: Surprised. Why of course I can teach you. I just didn't think you'd be up for it at the moment.
Ji-hu: Nah, if I want to get stronger I need to use every second I have to do so.
Atlas: If you're gonna train imma head to my room.
Romy: Nuh uh. You're staying and watching with us. Right Mei?
Meihua: No comment.
Geni: Alright, let us head into my quarters then.
Everyone fits into the semi-spacious room Geni was given
Romy: Wait, are all our rooms this big?
Ji-hu: Chuckles. Uh yeah, forgot to mention they have really big rooms.
Meihua: There is enough space for me to practice my fighting technique.
Atlas: Don't you usually brute force everything?
Meihua smacks Atlas upside the head while Romy snickers
Ji-hu: Deadpan. Anyway, Geni, what exactly are you gonna teach me? Even though this room is big I highly doubt I can learn any fighting techniques.
Geni: You would be correct in that statement Ji-hu. I first want to confirm something. You can open your own dimensional space correct?
Ji-hu: Uh yeah why?
Geni: Have you tried opening a space other than your own?
Ji-hu: I CAN DO THAT?
Geni: Laughs. Yes Ji-hu, you currently have access to my world's weapons. Some of the greatest in fact. You may even have access to an ancient weapon my races' warriors were unable to wield.
Ji-hu: Excited. HOW DO I OPEN IT!?
Atlas: Great Sacred Sanctions he's at it again.
Geni gives a questioning look
Romy: When he sees new tech he always wants to tinker and gets excited.
Meihua: You should see him when he gets to build something from scratch.
Ji-hu: PLEASE TEACH ME HOW SENSEI.
Geni: Sensei? Alright Ji-hu please calm down. You won't be able to access anything if you do not maintain a tranquil state of mind.
Ji-hu: Heavy breaths. Ok ok. I'm calm.
Atlas: Whispers. I bet he isn't at all.
Romy: Snickers. Yeah definitely not.
Geni: Ok Ji-hu I want you to open a portal.
Ji-hu quickly tears a portal open
Geni: Bigger Ji-hu, I want you to be able to walk through it.
Ji-hu: Wait what? I've never opened a portal larger than this though.
Geni: How curious. Was bringing out your weapons never difficult?
Ji-hu: Yeah I just put my hand in and pull out whatever I need at the moment.
Geni: So you're telling me you've never tried to enter your own portals and see what the inside looks like?
Everyone except Geni collectively face palms
Ji-hu: Ugghhh. Why did I never think to do that holy crap I'm dumb.
Atlas: You can say that again.
Meihua: Agreed.
Romy: Yup.
Ji-hu begins to grab ahold of the portal and tries to stretch it out as far as possible
What he is left with is a sizable rift tear as big as a door
Ji-hu: So I just walk in?
Geni: Yes in fact I suggest we all walk inside.
Romy: Wait we can go through too?
Atlas: That's kinda cool.
Geni: Yes, while none of you are rift bearers, other species have always been able to interact with our portals should we allow them too.
Ji-hu runs straight in as the rest slowly follow
What is revealed on the inside is a massive space (seemingly infinite) portraying the galaxies along the walls
Ji-hu: HOLY CRAP THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!
Atlas: Man you could fit a whole lot of PCs in here.
Romy: YOU HAVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAINING FACILITY. I'M SO JEALOUS!
Meihua: I wish we had this when we were younger.
Geni: I'm quite surprised. I knew your spatial energy was large, but this is absolutely incredible.
Ji-hu: Wait, what do you mean?
Geni: To put it into perspective, my rift space was about the size of a small room. The generals on my planet could maybe produce a room the size of this HQ's lobby.
Everyone gives an extremely shocked look
Ji-hu: So this isn't a normal thing?
Geni: Quite the contrary. I believe no one on my planet had such a large rift space.
Atlas: Neat.
Meihua: At least we can train in private wherever we want now.
Romy: I'm still jealous.
Ji-hu runs over to a collection of shelves which hold his belongings
Ji-hu: Hey guys, look over here! It's all my stuff!
Meihua: So I'm guessing every time you opened a portal you made a hole near this shelf.
Romy: Woah, that's so cool!
Atlas: Now I'm getting jealous.
Geni: Ahem, Ji-hu you still need to open the Rift Vault. It'll give you access to the weapons you seek.
With stars in his eyes Ji-hu runs over to Geni and bows begging
Ji-hu: PLEASE GREAT SENSEI SHOW ME HOW!
Geni: Well first I want you to close your eyes and concentrate on the rift.
Ji-hu: The rift? Like my aura or?
Geni: Hm, yes your aura should do for now.
Ji-hu: Alright then.
Ji-hu closes his eyes then starts to think of the beings he met in his dream
Geni: While closing your eyes I want you to think of your body being near that Aura. Try to manifest a projection of yourself into your mind.
Ji-hu: I got it, what's next?
Geni: That was quick.
Geni: Next I want you to make your projection open a portal as wide as the one we went through earlier. Try your hardest to make it as wide as possible.
Ji-hu begins to concentrate on his mental image
As Ji-hu in his mind tears open a portal into his aura another portal appears on the outside right behind Ji-hu's body
Romy: OH MY GOSH. YOU DID IT JI-HU!
Atlas: Sweet, nice job dude.
Meihua: Incredible.
Ji-hu: Uh Geni, can I open my eyes?
Geni: Yes you may. You have successfully opened the Rift Vault.
Ji-hu: Yes! Finally I can do something other than open tiny portals!
Geni: Currently only Ji-hu can enter through this portal as it will only give access to what the mental image is based on. Since Ji-hu only thought of himself and his aura he is the only one who has access.
Ji-hu: Is there anything specific I should grab?
Geni: Not at all. Take your pick and I shall tell you what it does and how to use it.
Ji-hu: Awesome…
Ji-hu: Alright I'll see you in like 2 seconds.
Ji-hu runs inside the Rift Vault
Atlas: He's gonna be in there for a while isn't he.
Meihua: Most definitely.
Romy: Hey guys come on. He won't take that long. Right?
Ji-hu comes back through the portal with a strange circular device in hand
Romy: See guys? Told you.
Ji-hu: Hey so I wanted to be quick and I grabbed the most simple looking thing in there. It looks like most of your planet's weapons are energy based right Geni?
Geni: Yes you would be correct. Although I'd be careful with the weapon you are currently holding.
Ji-hu: Huh, why?
The others give confused looks
Geni: What you are currently holding is what your species would call a "doomsday" device. It is also what our warriors used to destroy my homeworld.
Ji-hu: AHHH
Ji-hu shouts in surprise and accidentally lets go of the device only for him to scramble and retrieve it instantly
Meihua: You crazy lunatic. Why'd you bring the most dangerous weapon first?
Ji-hu: HOW THE HECK WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW HUH!?
Romy: Scared. That was really close to Ji-hu.
Atlas: Man you almost gave me an early death. Literally.
Ji-hu: Uhhhh that being said, Geni what should I do?
Geni: Well you need not worry. You have no way of activating it currently so it is simply a ball. In order to activate the device you require a rift key with the specific engravings that match the device.
Ji-hu: Phew, you know you could have started with that Geni.
Geni: I must ask you were only in there for a while. How did you manage to walk so far into the Vault and back?
Ji-hu: Huh? I didn't though. I grabbed this off of a shelf right near the portal entrance.
Geni: That … shouldn't be possible. The weapons are organized from least destructive to most destructive. Ji-hu, you need to tell me how large the vault was.
Ji-hu: Uhhhhh. It was really long and at the end of it there was a glowing pedestal with a tiara looking thing and an empty handle blade in the middle of it.
Geni: Shocked. That's … incredible. Ji-hu, I want you to know just how unbelievable this is. For reference, each Rift warrior's Rift Vault is specified to their aura and abilities. However, even with your massive amount of aura your skill set shouldn't have given you access to such a large and destructive arsenal. Which means either two things. One, the beings you met in your dreams gave you this access or …
Romy: Wait what dreams?
Ji-hu: I … I have so much Rift energy that it didn't account for my skill level?
Geni: That is correct Ji-hu. I believe it is the second option as the beings that reside within you wouldn't have done this without letting you know beforehand.
Meihua: Wait Ms. Geni, you spoke of Ji-hu's dreams? What were they?
Geni: I believe that giving that information away is up to Ji-hu and Ji-hu alone, Meihua.
Meihua: Ji-hu. Was it about … that day?
Atlas gives a rough cough like choking sound as Romy looks on confused
Ji-hu: Softly. Uh kinda. It was a complicated dream. It just reminded me of the day that's all. You don't have to wor-
Meihua rushes over to Ji-hu pulling him into a hug
Meihua: Softly. Why didn't you tell me Ji-hu … that you were hurting.
Romy: Whisper. What is she talking about bro? What day?
Atlas: Whisper. Listen uh Romy, this isn't something I can tell you. You'll need to let Ji-hu and Meihua give you the deets. But, it's not pretty and personally i think you're too young.
Romy: Whisper. I'm 16 for crying out loud, but, ok…
Ji-hu: I'm sorry for not telling you I just didn't want you to worry.
Meihua: Listen to me. You are my brother. I will worry when I want and when I need to. You need to let me know these things so I can help you.
Ji-hu: I'm sorry Mei, but hey, Geni helped me clear up my mind so you don't have to think about it too much.
Meihua looks over to Geni as Geni waves softly with a smile
Meihua: Alright fine, but you have to promise that you'll tell me whenever you have those … dreams again.
Ji-hu: Pinky promise.
Atlas: Alright is the sob sesh over? Can we get back to figuring out Ji-hu's powers?
Meihua gives a death glare to Atlas as Atlas flinches
Atlas: Jeez just trying to lighten up the mood.
Geni: Alright Ji-hu why don't you put back the doomsday device and bring out something else? This time try looking for anything that resembles a handle or a gun.
Ji-hu: Oh, I forgot I was still holding this thing.
Meihua backs up immediately
Ji-hu: Alright, look for a handle or a gun huh? I can do that.
Ji-hu re-enters the Rift Vault and comes back a few minutes later looking a little more tired
Ji-hu: Heavy Breathing. Alright I found this long stick and this weirdly shaped pistol.
Geni: Alright, that should do. In terms of power they outrank the Doomsday device, but the control over it is much more stable.
Ji-hu gives a nervous look to Geni
Ji-hu: I'm not gonna be blowing stuff up in here right?
Geni: Not yet at least. Ji-hu, I want you to give me some control over your Rift space. Just think about handing a mental image of me some of your aura.
Ji-hu: Alright teach.
Ji-hu closes his eyes and begins to concentrate
He grabs a piece of his aura and hands it over to the mental image of Geni
Geni: Invigorated. Well done Ji-hu. Now I want you to fire the energy weapon by infusing it with your rift energy toward those targets.
Atlas: Uh Geni I don't think you've noticed, but ther-
Romy smacks Atlas' arm and points to the far distance
A large training area with multiple Abyssal Disasters appears before them
Meihua: Ms. Geni, was that you?
Geni: Indeed it was. We rift creatures have great skill when it comes to things like this.
Ji-hu: Alright then. So all I gotta do is infuse the weapon with rift energy?
Geni: That is correct Ji-hu. Pretend you are opening a rift using the hand that holds the weapon. Then pull the trigger.
Ji-hu: You got it Sensei.
Atlas: Ten bucks he fails on the first try.
Romy: Ten bucks he gets it on the second try.
Meihua: Twenty bucks he gets it on the first try.
Ji-hu begins infusing the weapon with his rift energy and fires off a single shot
A large section of the training course seemingly disappears
Ji-hu: Uhhhhhh. Did I do it?
Meihua: What impressive fire power from a mere pistol.
Geni: You see, on our planet, a weapon's strength is not measured by the weapon itself, but it is measured by the strength of the wielder. Ji-hu, how much energy did you put into the weapon?
Ji-hu: Like barely any.
Geni: Just as I thought. Your Aura is so immensely strong that it outclasses our doomsday device. That is why it placed the device near the entrance and placed the average level 4 handle farther back.
Atlas: How many levels of weapons are there?
Geni: Well there should be around 9, but there is one final level and I believe Ji-hu has access to it. The sword handle you saw is an ancient relic that no one has even seen. It is said that whoever wields it could decimate galaxies or even ascend to divinity.
Everyone's mouths drop comedically to the ground in complete shock
Ji-hu: What?
Romy: Wait, wait, so Ji-hu can destroy entire galaxies?
Geni: Well not at the moment no. He simply has the potential to do so. Since I will be teaching him he will most likely never even have to use the ancient relic. With his vast amounts of Rift Aura a simple level 6 handle will be capable of quelling mid-tier generals. The different handles and "sticks" form all sorts of close combat and ranged combat weapons while the devices that appear similar to your Earth's "guns" all have specific purposes in mind.
Meihua: That's incredible.
Atlas: Hard to believe this is the same Ji-hu we're talking about right now.
Ji-hu: Oi, I'm right here you know.
Geni: By the way, Ji-hu, if you have a strong enough mental image of a location on this planet you can open a direct rift portal to that location. Technically speaking we can begin moving your belongings to the new rooms.
Atlas: Well ain't that convenient. Wish I had the Dimensional Sacred art.
Romy: Me two.
Meihua: Me three.
Ji-hu: Deadpan. You guys …
Atlas: Oi, you remember my room right? Please let me get my PC man. I feel like I've died with how long I haven't touched it.
Romy: Sigh. I swear bro you are addicted to that thing.
Ji-hu: Give me a sec. So I just concentrate like before, right Geni?
Geni: That is correct Ji-hu.
Ji-hu once more concentrates on the mental image of Atlas' room as a rift portal opens up behind him again
Atlas: Thank the Sacred Sanction I can finally play again.
Romy: You better still train with me you promised bro.
Atlas: Yeah yeah I will don't worry. You should come with me and get the stuff in your room.
Atlas heads into the portal
Romy: Sigh. Alright I'll come. Uh Geni? How long will the portal stay open?
Geni: Well it all depends on Ji-hu and how long he wants to keep it open.
Meihua: Does it cause any strain on your body?
Ji-hu: Um, not really? It's weird to explain, I feel like my Aura is swirling around inside my body, but it's not going anywhere.
Romy: Ok just keep it open as long as you can and close it if you feel sick. Bye!
Romy goes through the portal yelling at Atlas
Ji-hu: Alright so I guess it's your turn right?
Meihua: Can you even keep two portals open?
Geni: I believe with Ji-hu's level of Aura he can keep as many portals as he wants open. I predict that he would not even grow tired after a full day.
Ji-hu: Sweet. Alright, Mei you can go grab your stuff, I'll stay here.
Geni: You may go with her Ji-hu. I am more than capable of monitoring the portals. As long as you don't consciously close the portals they should stay open.
Ji-hu: Oh alright then. Are you sure you'll be ok in here? Like you aren't gonna get kicked out because I'm not in here or anything right?
Geni: You shared a portion of your Aura with me so theoretically I should be alright.
Meihua: Theoretically?
Geni: Smiles. I'll be fine you two, I'm more durable than I appear. The worst thing that could happen is that I get kicked out through one of the open portals.
Ji-hu and Meihua give each other a worried look
Ji-hu: Alright if you say so Geni.
Ji-hu begins to concentrate and opens another portal to his own room
Meihua: We will see you soon Geni.
Geni: I do hope your residence has not received any damage. Please stay safe you two.
Ji-hu: We will, bye!
The two enter through the portal as Geni is left within Ji-hu's Spatial Rift