Chapter Forty-Seven: Each Goes Their Own Way

"The Master of Dogs tells you that in the New Capital, the stronger the power, the more deeply it is concealed."

"The knowledge within the Black Prison Book is precisely the kind of knowledge shrouded in secrecy. The Black Prison Book is written in a special language; only the most learned can exhaust their minds to comprehend its contents. Moreover, the further one reads, the harder it becomes to translate—even the most erudite, decaying elders can only decipher the first few pages."

"Neither you nor the Master of Dogs are learned scholars; your knowledge is limited. The Master of Dogs sighs, and thus, at present, neither he nor you are able to read its contents."

Unable to read, the translation grows ever more difficult...

According to the game's narrative, everything is as the Master of Dogs says.

Morningstar furrows his brow. If not for the elder's last translations before death, the Black Prison Book in his hands would be a truly inscrutable tome.

"The Master of Dogs gazes out the window, looking up at the smiling moon outside."

"His entire life has been spent in pursuit of great power! Only with such strength can one step beyond the polluted world outside the New Capital, reach the legendary heights, and attain eternal happiness!"

Yet his power is still far from enough. To devote himself to mastering the power within the book, he is even willing to abandon the dog-training abilities he once learned, no longer relying on his pack, pouring his mind and body entirely into deciphering the Black Prison Book.

To pursue the knowledge within the Black Prison Book, would he truly forsake years of accumulated skills...

Morningstar holds the Black Prison Book in his hands; the sharp, blade-like aura bites at his fingertips. If he can master the power within this book, he will surely stride toward a stronger path!

"The Master of Dogs sighs, yet the language within the Black Prison Book is so obscure that even his most learned friends cannot decipher a single word from the last five pages."

"He looks outside and tells you that he must leave District 8 of the New Capital, venturing to more dangerous and ancient lands, in search of someone who can interpret the book."

"Then, the Master of Dogs hands you the 'Pharmacy Apprentice' card."

"You have obtained the Pharmacy Apprentice card."

So that's it!

Morningstar smiles; the Master of Dogs never intended for him to choose any other profession—the other two cards were mere distractions.

From the start, the Master of Dogs wanted him to become a Pharmacy Apprentice.

"You accept the card and look at the Master of Dogs."

"He tells you that within the uppermost levels of Black River Prison, and deep beneath its foundations among the terrifying inmates, there are many learned scholars."

"And the best pharmacist in Black River Prison, the Witch of Flowers, has noticed you."

"The Witch of Flowers and the Crow Witch, Messenger of the Calamity, are two extremes. The Witch of Flowers rarely disciplines her apprentices and loves to roam and adventure, making her well-suited for someone with your affinity for light."

"If you can flourish under the Witch of Flowers, then in years to come, you may have the chance to meet those learned scholars, and perhaps gain the opportunity to unlock the knowledge within the Black Prison Book."

"In years to come, if his long journey fails to uncover the secrets of the Black Prison Book, the Master of Dogs will return."

"He sees the possibility of a miracle in you; though it sounds like a fantasy, he truly believes you may unlock the secrets of the Black Prison Book."

"And at that time, should you decipher part of its contents, the Master of Dogs hopes you will share the knowledge with him."

"Please make your choice."

"Accept or refuse."

If I refuse the Master of Dogs, he may well turn hostile on the spot, transforming into a mad hound.

Morningstar presses 'Accept.'

"You nod, take the card, and promise the Master of Dogs."

"The Master of Dogs rises, finally telling you that in five days, by presenting this card to the gatekeeper of the Tower of Medicine, the gatekeeper will help you become a Pharmacy Apprentice."

"But the Witch of Flowers is the finest pharmacist in the Tower of Medicine. If you wish her to be your mentor, you must join the Witch of Flowers' apprentice assessment and pass."

"The Master of Dogs warns you: the Witch of Flowers' test is not simple."

"Still, the Master of Dogs thinks you should try. Whether you become a standard Pharmacy Apprentice or an apprentice to the Witch of Flowers, you must first master the basic skill techniques."

"The Master of Dogs hands you two tattered books."

"You have obtained the Basic Spirit Sight Instruction Book."

"You have obtained the Basic Technique Conduction Instruction Book."

These two books!

Morningstar is delighted. His inability to learn the Black Prison Fire is due to lacking both basic spirit sight and technique conduction.

In his original plan, Morningstar intended to buy these books from the Daywalkers' forum; together, they are not expensive, only three Silver Moons including shipping.

But now the Master of Dogs has given them directly, saving him the trouble.

"In five days, you may go to the Tower of Medicine and become a Pharmacy Apprentice."

"The Master of Dogs gives you one last warning: the Black Prison Book is a forbidden tome. Your strength is insufficient to protect it; you must hide it well, and tell no one, not even your future mentor."

"Knowledge that surpasses your power is terrifying. That is why the Daylight Clocktower instituted strict laws governing such books."

"The Master of Dogs looks out the window; not only you, but he too will face endless danger because of the book's knowledge."

"'May it be that, after many years, both of us may master its power.'"

"The pack returns to the Master of Dogs' side, like his children. Under the moonlight, he hunches his aged body and departs, embarking on a journey as distant as the one he took in his youth when he left his homeland in District 6 of the New Capital."

The Master of Dogs has gone, seeking greater power...

A wave of fatigue washes over him; after a day's exercise, exploration, and learning the language of the New Capital, his mind is exhausted.

Like the Master of Dogs, I must find a way to decipher the knowledge within, beginning with the study of basic techniques. Morningstar props his chin, first examining the two books.

Knowledge is power—extraordinary power.

Basic Technique Conduction:

Introduction: Technique power, also known as spirit power, is born from blood and soul. To form a technique circuit, one must first conduct this power. This book records how to smoothly channel this special force within the body.

Note: Learning speed correlates with inspiration; the higher the inspiration, the faster the learning.

Difficulty: Low

Progress: 0%

Requirement: Inspiration score of 10 and a weapon engraved with a circuit

With the blessing of the Morningstar talent, his inspiration is a solid 35; mastering a book with a 10 inspiration requirement should be no problem.

His Crowfeather Staff and Debtblade are both excellent circuit-engraved weapons.

Requirements met; he can learn. Morningstar looks at the next book.

Basic Spirit Sight:

Introduction: Beneath the wondrous techniques invisible to the naked eye, spirit power flows in secret. This basic spirit sight will help you see the fundamental currents of spirit power.

Requirement: Inspiration score of 15

Difficulty: Medium

Progress: 0%

Once he learns basic spirit sight and technique conduction, he can begin studying the Black Prison Fire, his first technique in life.

Morningstar props his chin and suddenly recalls the White Dove's Eye.

Wait, does he really need to learn basic spirit sight?

"White Dove Vision."

Morningstar widens his right eye; white circular patterns appear within, changing everything he sees.

He looks at the Black Prison Book; on its heavy cover, he can see red currents flowing ceaselessly.

His Shadow Soul leaves black currents with every step.

This is spirit sight...

One function of the White Dove Vision is spirit sight; perhaps he can postpone learning it for now.

If he completes technique conduction study, he can begin learning the Black Prison Fire!

Morningstar is eager to master true techniques, rather than merely relying on equipment.

Black Prison Fire—let's see what basic technique is recorded in this book...

Morningstar takes out the Basic Technique Conduction Instruction Book, photographs it with his tablet, then sends it back to his game character, focusing his attention, and begins to study basic technique conduction.