Dive Sasquatch God!

Kimarya was starting to really like Dara. She learned that Dara is a severe, in-your-face fighter who quickly rushes into combat, has a straightforward attitude to match, and cherishes friendship. Kimarya also learned that her Ancestral Guardian Spirit was the deadly nightmare panther, a great choice with a mighty constitution and one of the best growth potentials seen in the present.

As Dara led the way, they arrived at the projectile weapon section after a few minutes of walking. Kimarya saw many weapons, such as composite bows, short bows, longbows, crossbows, dart blowers, and throwing knives.

Kimarya was imagining a crossbow, so she browsed through the area until she saw an interesting one. Dara also noticed it and said, "That looks pretty strong. It says here that it's called Sinful Tundra, a repeating crossbow."

Kimarya walked closer to the crossbow, noticing it was primarily black and some brown, with a rectangular section on the top for the bolts. Ancient-looking blue runes were on the underside.

Kimarya decided at once that she had to have this crossbow. She felt a resonance with it. Kimarya placed one piece of paper over the bow, and after a flash of grey light, the crossbow was free from its invisible constraints, and she could finally hold it in her hands. She felt a strange power flowing inside the bow as she held it before putting it away into her bag of holding.

Leerum was farther back, looking at a bow this whole time, but he also paid enough attention to notice that Dara and I looked at him. He said, "This is called Freezing Bow of the Wolves, and it has two elements: Ice and Wind!" After Leerum said that, Dara was about to say something, but he quickly put his paper onto the bow, releasing it and putting it away.

Dara shook her head before looking back at Kimarya, where she said," Guess it's my turn. I'd follow the trend and get a bow or whatever, but I'd never use it, plus I have lousy aim." She gave a mischievous smile before saying, "I like being up close where the sweat and blood dance, where I can get up close and look people in the eye before stomping them into the ground." she giggled.

She again led the way till they saw short swords, long swords, scimitars, maces, bludgeons, and mauls.

Dara stopped and reached toward a large, half-wooden, half-metal bludgeon before muttering, "This is perfect!" Kimarya thought she could see stars in her eyes, but she could only chuckle and walk closer to read its name.

It's called Haughty Thunder Bludgeon of the Tiger!

A weapon of two elements: metal and electricity. It had incredible hardness and weight from the metal elemental aspect and extreme speed of electricity. No wonder Dara was so excited. It was an incredible and oppressive combination for combat that rightfully earned the tiger in its name.

Dara quickly pressed her paper slip to the top to release and claim ownership of this incredible weapon.

Kimarya already felt a good connection within their small group. It was her turn to get a second weapon or item. Apparently, it was something everyone else implicitly agreed on based on Dara and Leerum's expectant looks when they both turned to look at her. So Kimarya asked, "Is there a miscellaneous section we can choose from? I sort of feel I could choose a non-combat item. Maybe later, I could get a shielding item as well."

Leerum and Dara both had an odd reaction before Leerum responded, "I've been here before. There are some useful items for Crafters and random items used to build complex formations."

Kimarya was intrigued by the understanding she inferred from Leerum's mention of word formation before asking, "Sunny, what formations is he referring to?"

As Leerum led the way, Sunny answered, "By formations, you can consider it a magical script of power. These scripts/designs are derived from their understanding of natural phenomena in the universe mimicking effects like fire, electricity, pressure, etc. They're natural laws derived through generations that have power and effect change when written. It's very similar to programming. The universe and reality are computers; those experiencing it create micro versions of the world onto items or space. They are built using the powers of the profound ways of cultivation. They are powered in three ways: unique and powerful ingredients are used to create the item that accumulates energy on its own and from its environment. They could be powered by the energy contained within energy jades and even by the energy from cultivators themselves!

These formations can shield the sect for as long as they have energy jades or are powered by cultivators that can hopefully overpower and defend against attacks. They can also protect from unauthorized access, attacks, and natural calamities. Usually, they are all over cities, sects, towns, monasteries, and homes.

Formations can perform attacks and affect environments, like allowing concentration and empowering cultivation comprehension to better help cultivators. Their functions and applications are limitless!

Kimarya's eyes were shining. This was almost exactly like programming, something she did professionally and had a grand passion for in her previous life! She thought, "I wonder what amazing things I could create in the future!"

As they walked through many sections of weapons, they saw an elder carrying a large, old, and rusty cauldron that, for some odd reason, caught Kimarya's attention. Her eyes met the Elder's, who stopped and asked, "Yes? Can I help you with something, little one?"

Kimarya drew on some confidence and said, "That Cauldron, could I perhaps get it?".

The elder blinked at the surprising question before responding, "This ancient cauldron no longer works, so it will be stored in the back to be used later as scraps. It is ancient, but it was created with excellent material that we could reuse to make new items."

She responded, "I want it, please. Can I trade it for this paper that I received?" Leerum and Dara were both shocked and implored her not to do that. They explained that there were cauldrons of much higher quality up ahead and not to waste this opportunity on old trash. The elder was also shocked and told her to reconsider.

Kimarya hesitated after seeing everyone's reactions. However, when she looked back at the cauldron, her initial feeling only grew stronger.

Sasquatch suddenly said, "You wouldn't be making a mistake to get that old item. This great one feels it's not as simple as it appears."

Kimarya decided and said more firmly, "I need this cauldron. Please allow me to take it.".

The Elder shook his head as if to say no, thinking about how precious the metal was. However, seeing Kimarya's determination and the slip of paper, he conceded.

"Very well, but just so you don't feel that this old uncle is cheating you out of this special paper slip, you can have some basic crafting supplies. The rest of the discarded and faulty items, this old one, were going to be recycled as well since you appear to be an aspiring crafter." Chuckled the elder. "Although they were going to be recycled, you might be able to use some for a while as you grow in your studies without fear of expensive failures in this arduous path. The materials they are made of are not too bad. I'll be right back; please be patient."

After twenty minutes of being questioned by Dara and Leerum, she rejected the crazy suggestion from the daring Dara, who said that, "we could run before the elder returns with the rusty old cauldron." Leerum quickly covered her mouth, saying, "Don't be rude, Dara!"

A minute later, they heard the footsteps of the elder, who held a ring in his hand. Kimarya walked over with the paper slip and put it in the elder's hand, who handed the ring to her.

Kimarya accepted the ring, even though she couldn't check its contents because she wasn't a cultivator yet. She also thought having Leerum check in front of the Elder would be too rude.

Kimarya thanked the Elder before leaving but was stopped by the Elder. "Everyone has less than 10 minutes to finish choosing items. I'm sorry for my delay in taking 20 of your minutes, but I suggest hurrying up. An extraordinary announcement is coming, so the time limit will be enforced."

Kimarya said, "Sorry I took up so much of your time, Leerum and Dara. I think the best thing to do is split up so we have enough time to make such an important decision…"

Dara was about to retort but was interrupted by Leerum, who said, "She's right, Dara. We can meet up later, but we really don't have enough time. I'll take my leave first and see you guys outside in 10 minutes."

Leerum quickly left while Dara hesitated momentarily before heading in a different direction as she waved goodbye to Kimarya.

Kimarya turned to the Elder before describing a specific weapon she had in mind, hoping something similar existed in the storage. The Elder smiled and nodded before leading the way.

After 5 minutes of walking, Kimarya and the Elder reached their destination. Kimarya smiled and said, "This is it, and it's better than I hoped!"

The elder shook his head and said, "The youth sure are different these days. Good luck, little one!" and left.

Kimarya only smiled and put her paper against the item before quickly stowing it away. She was absolutely pleased with her decision.