Chapter 1614 Good Boy
"More than ten thousand test subjects have perished after torturous outcomes with endless trial and error," Master Vericita smile grew melancholic. "That should inform you with how difficult it was to develop this potion. It also tells you the value of the power that lays within"
Rui's eyes widened. "That's an absurdly high count!"
Master Vericita's eyes grew pensive. "It is indeed unpleasant, but this is the cost of harnessing powers and forces that we do not understand."
Rui's eyes narrowed.
This was the flaw of human progress on the Panama Continent. Because they did not understand the underlying principles of the esoteric nature that they were harnessing, they had to rely on an absurd amount of trial and error.
A more refined and deeper understanding would have allowed them to make more progress with less trial and error since their understanding would allow them to avoid errors rather than needing endless trials to spot them.
"It is good to understand the weight behind these miracles of man," Master Vericita explained. "Upon consuming the potion, your breath will grow more powerful. It will feel as though even the slightest bit of effort will cause you to inhale so much. You will need to dedicate some amount of time to remastering your breathing and ensuring that you have regained control over it. In addition..."
She proceeded to give Rui a good description of the experiences that she had undergone when she consumed the potion, giving him several pointers and notes.
"...And while it wasn't easy, the power that I gained was certainly worth it," She explained.
PAT PAT
"My child, do not let the inevitable ripples from your deeds affect you," Her tone was gentle yet affectionate. "Great deeds always earn the ire of those who benefit from their absence. Rest assured that they will not be allowed to harm you out of perverse self-interest. I shall personally intervene should any Martial Master employ their power to pressure you. You have my word as the head of the Nepomniachtchi Family."
Rui smiled wryly as she continued pat his head lightly, it was a strangely intimate gesture. It appeared that the elderly Martial Master was too old to care for social distance. Not that Rui minded, the maternal gesture even made him feel like was in his mother's embrace making him feel secure and safe, embarrassingly enough.
"Martial Art requires bright stars like you," She smiled affectionately, still patting his head. "You are of the future. Martial Artists like myself are powerful, yet we are of the past. I am of an era where Martial Art was more primitive and limited. It is only the freshness of youth that can qualitatively improve Martial Art, especially since your mind and body are going to retain their youth for a long time since your aging slowed down even further before you hit your physical prime."
"Your words are flattering, Master," Rui bowed his head even as she patted it.
"You're such a good boy, would you like to reconsider joining my family? You'll get to call me 'grandma' and have head pats like this every day, especially since Ian is too proud to allow me to pat his head."
"I'll have to respectfully decline, Master."
"Then call me 'grandma' anyway."
"That..."
