Arion's Nexus System : The Coded Warrior of Nova

Sect

For an entire week, Arion dedicated himself to honing his martial skills in the heart of the vibrant jungle. The ever-watchful presence of Jude lingered in the background, a constant reminder of the pact they had formed. Arion's days were filled with grueling training sessions, pushing his physical limits and refining his techniques with each passing moment.

As Arion continued his daily training, Jude observed from the shadows. Arion's determination to unlock his Inner Energy intrigued him.

On the seventh day, as the first rays of dawn bathed the jungle in a soft, golden glow, Jude stepped out of the shadows. Arion paused his training to acknowledge Jude's presence, his demeanor surprisingly calm despite the gravity of their arrangement.

Jude, with a confident yet mysterious smile, gestured for Arion to follow him. Without a word, they ascended into the sky, leaving the lush jungle below. Arion's heart swelled with awe as he experienced the sensation of soaring through the heavens once more, the breathtaking landscape of Nova stretching out beneath them like a magnificent tapestry.

Their ascent continued, and as they glided through the air, Arion's curiosity bubbled up. Unable to contain his questions any longer, he asked, "What level are you at, Jude?"

Jude, who had been gazing ahead with a distant expression, turned to look at Arion. He didn't appreciate Arion's casual address, and in response, he swiftly threw him downward. Arion felt the rush of wind as he descended, instinctively readying himself for the impact. But to his astonishment, Jude caught him mid-air with ease, his eyes holding a commanding and unwavering gaze.

"Call me Elder," Jude declared with a tone of authority, his grip firm yet controlled. Arion, though frustrated, understood the message implicitly and nodded in reluctant agreement.

Jude, who had been gazing ahead with a distant expression, turned to look at Arion. Without changing his stern demeanor, he replied, "Martial Spirit."

Arion's eyes widened in astonishment. He had never heard of the Martial Spirit level before, and this revelation hinted at the vast depths of martial knowledge and power that Nova held. "Martial Spirit?" he echoed, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I've only heard of Martial Master and Martial Grandmaster. What is the Martial Spirit level?"

Jude's lips remained firm, and he spoke with measured words. "The levels of Nova are not widely known. They are as follows:

Martial Novice

Martial Apprentice

Martial Artist

Martial Warrior

Martial Master

Martial Grandmaster

Martial Spirit

Martial King

Martial Emperor

Martial Monarch

Martial Supreme

Martial Saint"

Arion absorbed this newfound understanding, realizing that his journey in Nova was even more profound and challenging than he had initially imagined. "So, I am still a Martial Novice," he acknowledged.

Jude nodded, his expression remaining serious. "Indeed. To progress, you must learn to sense and harness Inner Energy. As a Martial Novice, you have yet to unlock this fundamental ability."

Arion's determination resurfaced, and he understood the path that lay before him. "How do I sense Inner Energy?" he asked, his voice firm.

Jude maintained his serious gaze and offered a clearer explanation, "To sense Inner Energy, think of it like becoming aware of the energy flowing within you, much like feeling your own heartbeat. Once you're in tune with it, you'll discover how to use this energy to enhance your attacks, as if you're giving your punches and kicks an extra surge of power. When you achieve this, you'll be prepared to advance to the rank of Martial Apprentice."

As Arion listened to Jude's explanation, a newfound sense of hope welled up within him. He believed that he could indeed sense Inner Energy if he followed Jude's guidance.

In that moment, he realized the shortcomings he had allowed to fester within himself.

He had become overly dependent on the system, neglecting the world around him. Living alone in the jungle, making his own clothes, and stealing from passing carriages had become his way of life since his parents' tragic demise.

Arion had relied so heavily on the system's assistance that he had forgotten a crucial fact – the system could increase his attributes and strength but not his level. Hence, despite the passage of years, he remained at level 1, with his EXP still frozen at zero since his birth.

Jude and Arion descended from the sky, landing at the far-away entrance of a newly built sect known as the Tiger Claw Sect.

Jude's voice was tinged with a mixture of caution and disdain as he briefed Arion on the Tiger Claw Sect's Sect Master's notorious reputation. "You must understand the environment you're about to enter," he began.

"The sect's master, Fleming, is infamous for his womanizing ways. He has a history of seducing women and leaving behind a trail of dead bodies wherever he goes."

Jude's eyes burned with a mix of anger and disgust. "Fleming's malevolence runs deeper than you can imagine. His insidious talents allowed him to commit unspeakable atrocities. He violated those women in the most heinous way, draining their life energy to increase his own power and level."

Arion's shock deepened as Jude revealed the horrifying truth about Sect Master Fleming. The darkness of the situation hung heavy in the air as Arion processed the full extent of Fleming's monstrous actions.

As they touched down, Jude turned to Arion. "You will join this sect as its first disciple," he explained, his voice filled with a desire for revenge. "You must also gather information about the whereabouts of that Sect's Master, Fleming."

Jude's mention of Fleming's name was accompanied by a visible surge of anger, as if the mere thought of Fleming infuriated him. Arion sensed that there was more to this story, a deep-seated resentment that Jude harbored. He couldn't help but wonder about the source of Jude's anger.

"Find out if Fleming has truly achieved the rank of Martial Spirit," Jude continued, his eyes locked onto Arion's. "And remember, if he establishes his own sect, I won't be able to eliminate him. You need to inform me before that happens."

Arion nodded, "I understand," he replied.

Jude handed him a small ring with intricate engravings. "Take this ring," he said. "It will conceal your demi-human scent, distinguishing you from regular humans. It may prove useful during your time in the sect."

Arion examined the ring closely, noting its craftsmanship. It was a valuable tool that would help him blend in with the humans of this world. He slid it onto his finger, feeling its cool metal against his skin.

"Now," Jude continued, "I will explain what you must do."

Arion listened intently as Jude outlined his mission within the Tiger Claw Sect.

Jude's instructions were clear: Arion was to join the sect as a new disciple before Fleming issued a recruiting notice, while gathering information about Fleming. He was to observe and report any signs of the sect master's supposed breakthrough to Martial Spirit, if he already wasn't.

As Arion prepared to embark on this mission, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jude's motivations than he had revealed. The mysterious martial artist seemed to carry a heavy burden, and Arion was determined to uncover the truth behind his anger and resentment.