Chapter 31 : Domains

Chapter 31: Domains

Where the space itself seems infinite. The arcane veil stretched endlessly, its boundaries unknown to all. Even eternity had no meaning inside this forever quiet place. Only a swirling mist called this place home, dancing through the void like lost thoughts seeking purpose. Anira and Conrad materialized in this familiar realm, their arrival punctuated by ripples in the ethereal fog.

Conrad's fingers graced against Kopis's handle as he spoke, his recent battle weighing heavily on his mind. "Anira, I recently faced an opponent who was way more experienced than me. I almost lost my life but somehow won. I should have been more cautious, gathered more information before facing him but..." His voice trailed off, the memory of near death still fresh.

Anira's crimson eyes softened as she regarded her master. "My lord, caution and preparation are virtuous in battles between Essentarii, but those who rely solely on strategy often fall to the unexpected. The truly strong in these worlds are those who can triumph even at their worst. Strategy alone doesn't determine victory—luck and raw power themselves are also formidable players on the battlefield."

"Is that so..." Conrad absorbed this new perspective on combat, his worldview shifting like the mists around them. He lifted Kopis, studying its otherworldly gleam. "Anira, this artifact is terrifying. It's like a cheat code in a game."

"My lord, I would advise against frequent use of Artifact during combat. The drain on your Brahman could prove fatal." Anira's tone carried genuine concern.

"Hmm... you're right, Anira. I might need a conventional weapon..." Disappointment clouded Conrad's features before his eyes suddenly lit up with inspiration. Wait, isn't Kopis technically a gun? Could I use normal bullets? He recalled how conventional ammunition proved ineffective in this world. If my hypothesis is correct then sulfur doesn't exist in this word But that seems too out of the word...

Conrad laughed, isn't everything that is happening to me out of the word?

"Anira, would normal bullets work?" Conrad voiced his thoughts.

She shook her head slightly. "My lord, I'm not well-versed in such weapons. During Alexander's time, traditional firearms proved ineffective. Arrows, other projectiles, even swords and spears showed greater potency."

"Have you heard of s-(c-3)-16?" Conrad asked, hope tinging his voice.

Anira's brow furrowed slightly. "What is that?"

"Ah... I thought you might know. It could be key to resolving this weapon conundrum." Conrad's uncertainty reflected in his voice.

Anira tilted her head slightly after a few seconds, she said. "Let's begin your training, my lord."

Anira outlined his training regimen with characteristic precision. The sessions were divided into multiple segments: theories of Brahman, which she explained using textbook; sparring sessions where Conrad would attempt to land even a single hit on her; and finally, a mysterious "live session" she kept vague.

This training sounds intense, Conrad thought. But that's exactly what I need. I can't always rely on Anira. Plus, she's only available at night... He caught himself glancing at her and quickly averted his eyes, mentally chastising himself. Focus, Conrad. You have a girlfriend.

"My lord? Did you understand everything?" Anira's voice cut through his wandering thoughts.

"Ye... yes."

"Really...?" Her expression held gentle skepticism.

Suddenly, Anira's face brightened. "Oh! I have something, my lord." Pure excitement danced in her eyes.

What are you planning now, my best partner? Conrad found himself smiling, anticipating another of her surprises.

With a gesture, Anira manifested spectacles of misty white. A floating board materialized beside her, complete with a teaching pointer. Her thick hair, usually flowing free, was now elegantly tied back.

Conrad's lips twitched upward. Is she really...

"How is this, my lord? A teacher's outfit might help you focus better." Her smile held its usual duality—both innocent and knowing.

Well, focusing might be harder now, he thought, captivated by how otherworldly she appeared in her new attire.

"My lord?"

"You look beautiful..." The words escaped before he could catch them.

Anira froze, startled by the sudden compliment. Even in the infinite expanse of the arcane veil, she felt cornered as her heart raced. Her face flushed as she stared at the misty darkness below.

I'm... beautiful? My lord just said...

"Ah, Anira, I mean... I really appreciate your efforts in teaching me... you really..." Conrad stumbled over his words, trying to dispel the awkwardness.

Anira composed herself with a small nod. "So, my lord, as I was saying—tier 0 represents the fundamental level before entering the true realm of Essentia. While tier 0 abilities have limited usage, they're crucial in determining your primary domain specialization."

Conrad recalled his studies. According to the Basic Guide to Brahman, abilities are categorised as Domains. They are being further divided into a system of tiers but one can learn anything but that takes considerable time and effort. There is not much information available about them in the book. The book didn't even list down all the domains.

"Anira, can two people possess the same ability?" Conrad raised his hand from the chair she had manifested.

"Yes, my lord. If both apply identical scripting constraints, they could manifest the same ability, though output and efficiency may vary significantly." She adjusted her spectacles as she explained.

"How many domains exist? Even the texts are vague on this." Conrad asked while putting his finger on the chin.

"Indeed. Domain training relies heavily on practical experience and personal discovery, guided by mentors. Many factions pair interns with experienced practitioners to develop similar abilities." Anira paced as she continued.

"My lord, I recommend identifying your natural affinities, even within tier 0 constraints. These early indicators often reveal which domain you should pursue."

Conrad nodded thoughtfully. "So, the total number?"

Anira turned to the board, writing in flowing Heraphant script. "By my understanding, previously under the rule of Rajput we thought there are 3 domains and 5 tiers but later as it's discovered and proved that there are actually 5 domains and 8 tiers starting from zero and then progressing to tier 10 to all the way up to tier 4. It has been theorized that tier 3,2 and 1 are reserved for something akin to things that are physically impossible for any race to achieve but it has been mentioned in many documents that things beyond us exist. But with each passing century it has been widely accepted that it's nothing but legends and myths constructed by old religion and belief"

She listed them methodically:

Domain Names:

- Mind

- Energy

- Matter

- Space and Time

- Life

(Tier 0 → Tier 10 → Tier 9…)

Space and time sounds impressive, Conrad mused. Since Anira can teleport, she must belong to that domain.

"Anira, you're from the space and time domain, right?"

"You're half correct, my lord." Her smile held secrets she chose not to reveal.

"That's enough theory for today, my lord. Shall we begin practice?"

"That's what I've been waiting for." A confident smirk crossed Conrad's face as he prepared for his first real combat with Anira.

Excitement coursed through him like lightning through storm clouds.

What the hell? Ten minutes felt like an eternity as Conrad struggled to land even a single hit on Anira. Each movement she made was precise, calculated—yet carried an almost artistic grace. She hadn't used any abilities, relying purely on physical prowess that seemed to defy human limits.

Conrad launched a quick jab and followed it by right without giving Anira a chance to breathe. Anira leaned left slightly and blocked the follow up with her hands. She grabbed the right and about to throw Conrad off the ground but sensing the danger Conrad instantly pulled his arms away.

Sweat trickled down his temple as he fought to steady his ragged breathing. Looks can be deceiving. She appears delicate as a flower, but she fights like a demon.

Conrad reset his stance, mind racing through combat scenarios. Time to get creative. He launched into a combination—a feinted jab to draw her attention, setting up for a high kick. But before his plan could unfold, his world spun violently. A sweeping kick took his legs, followed by a precise strike to his solar plexus. As he struggled to regain balance, an invisible force slammed him into the misty ground.

Holy fuck! I thought this world lagged behind in combat techniques, but I've just been fighting street-level thugs until now. The realization hit harder than Anira's strikes.

"My lord..." Anira's melodic voice cut through his thoughts. She had him pinned, her combat stance both efficient and oddly elegant. "Your style is truly unique—I've never encountered anything quite like it in all my years, but..."

"But?" Conrad managed, acutely aware of how she controlled his movement with perfect weight distribution.

"Your techniques seem designed to hurt, to cause pain," she observed, her crimson eyes studying him with scholarly interest.

"Isn't that the whole point?" The question escaped before he could stop it.

"No, my lord. In real combat, in true wars, your only goal should be swift elimination. Prolonging conflict through pain without lethal intent..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "That's a luxury we cannot afford in actual battles."

A chill ran down Conrad's spine. How terrifying. No wonder she's so formidable.

"Anira..."

"Yes, my lord?" She blinked with deceptive innocence.

"When exactly were you planning to get off me?"

"Oh!" She vanished instantly, reappearing in a standing position several feet away. "My sincerest apologies, my lord. I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," he cut her off, climbing to his feet. "Let's continue."

"For the next quarter hour, you may use your abilities," she announced, assuming that peculiarly relaxed stance again, hands rested on top of one another.

"Alright... I want to try something. Attack me—" he hesitated. "Just... maybe tone it down a bit?"

"As you wish."

She closed the distance faster than he could track. This is it, I'm dead. But then—

"I shall now strike you, my lord."

"...Right."

Conrad focused his Brahman, attempting to recreate that strange prescient feeling from his fight with Harley. He reached for that sixth sense, that split-second warning system... and found nothing. Her fist connected with his chest, sending him sprawling once again.

"What went wrong?" he groaned from his new position on the ground.

Anira leaned over him, concern evident in her expression. "Were you attempting that technique you mentioned earlier?"

Don't lean like that! I can see everything. He squeezed his eyes shut. "Yeah, I tried. During the Harley fight, I swear I could almost predict his attacks, but now—nothing."

"That could indicate your natural affinity, my lord." She offered her hand, helping him up. "Abilities aren't simple things to master. Average Essentarii spends five to six years just reaching tier 10 from tier 0. The journey from tier 9 to 5 can consume a lifetime even for prodigies. Many never progress beyond tier 8 or 7. The highest tier one can reach is Tier 4. Even in all our World’s history only a handful of people achieved that level. Tier 4 are so rare they are more of a legends and myths than anything"

"Is advancement really that difficult?" The revelation stunned him. He'd imagined himself becoming powerful within a year or two.

"Indeed. Each ability requires what we call a script—a logical construct one must discover personally. Think of it as an ability's fundamental formula."

"Scripts? You've mentioned those before. What exactly—"

"Hmm..." She considered it for a moment. "Are you familiar with mathematics, my lord?"

As a former engineering major, the question stung his pride. Do I know math? Never thought I'd hear that after graduation.

"I'm actually quite proficient," he managed.

Her eyes sparkled behind those spectral glasses. "Then here's your homework for tomorrow: whatever ability you envision, try expressing it mathematically."

"What? How would that even—"

But Anira had already turned, gesturing for him to follow. "Let's complete a few more rounds before the live session, my lord."

"You're a rather strict teacher, aren't you?" A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

Her only response was a smile that somehow managed to be both angelic and devilish.

Ninety minutes later, Conrad lay sprawled on the misty ground, chest heaving. Every muscle screamed in protest. "You're... something else entirely..."

"Are you well, my lord?" Anira stood poised as ever, not a hair out of place. Her breathing remained as steady as if she'd been taking a leisurely stroll.

How absurdly powerful are you?

"Anira, in terms of pure combat ability... where do you rank in this world?" The question had been nagging at him.

Her expression grew thoughtful. "I cannot speak to my own strength with certainty, having faced relatively few opponents over the years. However..." She paused, her crimson eyes distant. "I know I am far from the strongest. Those who truly stand at the peak of power could end me in mere moments."

Conrad pushed himself to a sitting position, wincing. "What? You can't be serious."

"I am quite serious, my lord. Even young Alexander showed remarkable potential, holding his own against seasoned warriors at merely ten years of age. The War Dukes, certain Emperors, Navy Fleet Admirals, Special Forces commanders—many possess abilities far beyond normal human comprehension. Several factions house individuals whose power defies explanation."

"I had no idea there were so many monsters out there..." Conrad felt a mix of awe and trepidation.

"Who's the strongest person you've personally encountered, aside from Alexander?"

Anira fell silent for a long moment, her usual composure wavering slightly. "Queen Boudicca Joan," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She... could see me. When she appeared, it felt as though Death itself had taken physical form."

Someone who could make even Anira tremble... The concept sent chills down Conrad's spine. What kind of being could inspire fear in someone like her?

"My lord, are you prepared?" Anira's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"For what exactly?" A note of nervousness crept into his voice.

"The live session I mentioned. Do you recall what I explained about the Arcane Veil's instant transmission capabilities?"

"Yes..."

"We'll be utilizing that feature. I shall remain by your side for protection, but we must confront unknown adversaries and environments to accelerate your growth." Her tone carried absolute determination.

The prospect was terrifying, yet exciting. This is exactly what I need. "You're right, Anira. I need to get stronger as quickly as possible. Let's do this."

Anira's posture straightened, her voice taking on an otherworldly quality as she began the incantation:

"By mine lord's will,

A world that none should ken,

A world cloaked in nameless mist,

A world governed by The Eye,

A world fēran mid Arcane Veil."

The mists around them began to shift and coalesce, reality itself seeming to bend at her words. Conrad felt his heart race—not from fear, but from anticipation of what awaited them in whatever realm they would soon enter.

This is it, he thought. My first real step toward becoming stronger. His hand instinctively found Kopis's handle, drawing comfort from its familiar presence.

The swirling mists intensified, and Conrad could swear he heard whispers in languages he'd never encountered. Whatever lay ahead, he knew one thing with certainty: with Anira at his side, he was ready to face it. No, he needed to face it otherwise he would never grow.