Hunt In Reverse

As I examined the Leviasaur core, my eyebrows shot up, despite my usual composure.

The young Leviasaur, Maple Rex had a core, but it was merely a crude, fleshy orb.

This core, however, was different—a piece of smooth and refined crystal orb, a mark of the Crystal Realm.

"She called this a small gift?" I thought incredulously.

Thanks to my practice of Vampire Devouring External Crystal Technique, I had a rudimentary understanding of the Crystal Realm, despite the External Crystal Technique being a crude imitation of true Crystallization methods.

Creating the External Crystal required three distinct stages: first came the initial formation, then the completion of the core, and finally jade dew envelopment—which smoothed away imperfections to create a flawless, perfectly spherical form.

I examined the Leviasaur core before me. It was smaller than the one I'd previously absorbed, its aura perhaps sixty percent as potent.

Clearly, this was a nascent cryscore, still in its early stages of development.

So this is what the Vampire Devouring External Crystal imitates—a perfectly formed crystal core, I realized. Three thousand years of the Leviasaur's cultivation only filled half of it. If it were completely full, it would rival a martial artist at the peak of Crystallization reaching Harmonization—one who could harness the core to harmonize external resources.

Unfortunately, the Melting Sun Furnace wasn't capable of containing such potent demonic power.

With a clearer understanding of my current limitations, I decided to save the Leviasaur core for later.

I pulled out the manuals one by one, casually flipping through their pages. A series of new entries appeared on my panel:

[Turtle Aura-Surpressing Technique (untrained)]

[Exquisite Aperture Transformation Technique (untrained)]

[Mountain Gazing Aura Observation Technique (untrained)]

[Vampire Seeking Essence Gathering Technique (untrained)]

Four manuals in total, none bearing any realm affixes. But I knew better than to underestimate them.

Sometimes, techniques that didn't directly increase one's realm could prove far more valuable than the most potent martial arts.

But with so many new techniques to master, I glanced at my dwindling lifespan – just over a thousand years remaining – and winced.

I opened the manuals once more, carefully studying their contents. I experimented, channeling my essence as instructed.

I quickly grasped the basics. The Essence Gathering and Aura Observation Techniques were simple affairs.

The former had a single purpose: to capture a wisp of a vampire's essence and store it within the silver bell.

Any bell holder within a certain range could sense the vampire's presence, much like I myself could sense Karim Shaheen atop Crown Mountain after absorbing the Leviasaur core. Of course, this also meant Karim Shaheen could sense me.

The Aura Observation Technique enhanced one's vision by channeling essence into the eyes, allowing the user to perceive normally invisible phenomena, such as demonic power.

While the Essence Gathering Technique was used to track specific vampires, the Aura Observation Technique was better suited for broad surveillance, scanning mountains and seas for signs of vampiric activity.

Both techniques were easily mastered. With my extensive knowledge of perfected martial arts, such minor tricks were child's play for me.

The remaining two manuals, however, were a different story.

Both the Turtle Aura-Surpressing Technique and the Transformation Technique demanded a high level of mastery.

One could muddle through after a few years of practice, but the results would be lackluster.

True mastery, however, could even conceal one's presence from those of higher realms, deceiving their very eyes.

I never skimped when it came to life-saving skills. Without hesitation, I opened my system panel and channeled lifespan into the techniques.

I'd gained a considerable understanding of essence manipulation by now. For brute force, there was the Bloody Quintet. For finesse, the Shadow Touch.

I was no longer the novice I once was. A mere twenty-seven years of absorbed lifespan later, and I'd mastered both techniques.

I sat on the bed, still as a statue, my aura completely contained.

[Turtle Aura-Surpressing Technique (Perfect)]

[Exquisite Aperture Transformation Technique (Perfect)]

[Remaining Absorbed Lifespan: 1098 years]

I ran a hand across my face, and my features shifted, transforming me into a withered old man. Then, a composed middle-aged man. A young child...

It wasn't just a superficial change. Even my breathing, my mannerisms, my very aura shifted to match each form.

Flawless.

"Intriguing," I murmured, abandoning my experimentation with forms.

I turned my attention to the Aura Observation Technique. A golden light filled my eyes, transforming my vision into a hazy expanse of white essence. Streaks of gold flickered here and there, likely belonging to passing colonels.

"Interesting." The streaks of gold were approaching my quarters.

I deactivated the Auta Observation Technique. A moment later, several colonels, their imposing figures draped in black cloaks, entered the courtyard, bearing a large silver platter.

"Colonel Kane," they said in unison. They nodded respectfully, maintaining a formal distance.

"Colonel Kane," one began, "we have brought the martial arts technique you selected, along with a century's worth of body tempering elixirs. We've expedited the delivery, as we understand you're eager to depart."

It took me a moment to comprehend their meaning. "A hundred years' worth..." They weren't referring to the age of the elixir, but to the duration of the treatment. A hundred small vials, each the size of my little finger, filled the silver platter.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it." I said.

"You're most welcome, Colonel Kane," they replied, hastily setting down the platter and bowing. I was the rising star of H.A.R.M. after all.

"You must be busy, Colonel Kane. We won't intrude any further." Their eyes darted briefly to the manuals scattered on the bed before they quickly averted their gaze and departed.

A feeling of admiration rose in their hearts.

They'd felt a little disgruntled because their subordinates were restless, eager to follow Colonel Kane to Vancouver to enjoy comfort and ease.

But here he was, fresh from the battles of Crown Mountain, having earned a well-deserved two-month vacation, yet instead of indulging in wine and women, he was diligently honing his skills.

It was... humbling. They were utterly speechless.

… …

Once I was alone, I rose and closed the door, then collected the two new martial arts manuals.

Both were Wave Realm techniques: the top-grade Enlightened Indestructible Body of Awakening and Bloodsteed Gallop. Either one would be a treasure worthy of founding a school in the outside world.

"So this is what Butcher Garcia has been yearning for," I mused.

I opened the Enlightened Indestructible Body manual, suddenly realized I hadn't seen Butcher Garcia since departing.

Apparently, even the grand spectacle of H.A.R.M.'s return couldn't compete with a bit of quality time with his sweetheart.

I was grateful for the man's generosity in exchanging the Body of the Golden Sun for a Lightstrike Technique that he couldn't even practice.

His brave intervention against the Wiry Samurai had allowed me to slay the ape vampire despite its formidable swordsmanship—and I'd even claimed the creature's treasured blade as a result.

"Let's just focus on the exchange." He'd said. "Why worry about whether I can master it or not?"

I smiled, remembering Butcher Garcia's boisterous laughter.

I couldn't give him this technique directly. It would cause trouble. Besides, it was flawed.

I'd deduce a new body tempering technique from it, something without those drawbacks, and then teach it to Butcher Garcia.

I'd have to be careful, though. Vampiric techniques wouldn't do. I'd have to search for a flawless body tempering method out in the wider world.