As he was looking for techniques, he just took a look at the expensive techniques. There were countless techniques that were strictly meant for offense or defense or movement. Some were extremely niche techniques meant for alchemy, artifact creation, beast mastery and so on. These techniques were extremely effective and most of them were extremely difficult to master.
The basic techniques which targeted primary meridians itself was very difficult to master. As the higher levels of these techniques were reached, the difficulty of mastering them reached a whole new level. The reason for this was the immense complexity of secondary and penetrated meridians that are involved.
Ben right now had about 5 million in his savings. He was looking at various techniques and a particular technique caught his eye. It had a simple name: 'Shadow Cloak'. Ben looked at its explanation. It read as follows:
' Shadow cloak is a technique which is both a stealth and a sensory technique. It uses the resonance of one's aura with the surroundings and masks their aura with the energy that is already in the surroundings. This also eliminate any odour based abilities and thermal based abilities as both these signatures will be eliminated by the resonance of the aura. Since the aura is resonating with the surroundings it can be spread quietly and sense their surroundings.'
For any further information, he needed to purchase the technique. The problem with technique was its price. ' A price of 4 million mudras!!!!' Ben was incredulous. 'You might as well rob me.' He could understand a certain extent as to why this was a very expensive technique. But even the dual utility could not justify this absurd price.
Ben decided to hold of on the purchase of this technique. He continued to search. Soon he found another potential technique and this one was a Shamanic one.
'Shaman Seismos is a sensory technique which will help in sensing movements and vibrations on the ground and under the ground. It is done by creating an inscription in one or two of the limbs which will help in sensing vibrations on various surfaces. These inscriptions act as antenna for receiving feed back from vibrations causing various phenomenon. This can act as a passive technique and might cause strain on the brain due to sensory overload. It can also be made an active technique, in which it can be switched on and off. But the training will be more.'
The price was also not so high: 500,000 Mudra. Ben was tempted to buy it. He continued to browse other techniques. He also looked at the time needed to train in the technique. It was showing to be 2 weeks. He did not know if he had that much time left or not.
After some time, Ben went back to his hotel. Soon, he was contacted by Malcen who arranged another place for him to stay and he also arranged the transportation. This transportation. Ben had a discussion with Malcen regarding his training.
Malcen: " So you are trying to fill the gaps in your powers?
Ben: Yes. I also want it for the mission and also to further develop my power. What did you do at this stage? I don't have much reference on these matters.
Malcen: Well, I am also filling in gaps in my power. You are somewhat whizzing through the Knight rank. Whereas I am still laying foundation here. This include my fighting style and the penetration of meridians. You seem to have developed your style.
Ben: I would say more or less. I still have gaps in my power.
Malcen: If you want a reference, my training is solely dependant on my elemental power. I am looking at the application of power both as projected lighting and using electricity for bodily enhancements.
Ben: That makes sense. In one way you have a way overpowered ability.
Malcen: Well not really. Lightning is an annoying ability to control at the initial stages. I had to study a lot to make it work. Also, the bodily enhancements are a pain in the but. If I don't do it incorrectly, I can fry my nerves and tissues. Even amidst battle I need to exercise extreme caution. I can say the same about you. Don't you have advantage in learning various inscription and healing techniques and also have a large amount of energy reserves?
Ben: Well I did learn some shamanic techniques quite easily. I don't know much about the higher levels. It has only been some months since I became a martial knight. Do you have any idea what we do in the higher realms.
Malcen: Well I am aware of Knight and Noble ranks. I have not been informed of other ranks.
Ben: It is the same for me. Ha… they and their secrets. Well I have a question about this mission. In fact several questions.
Malcen: Well I will tell you what I can. Yes, this mission will be easy for a bunch of Noble class and Lord class Martials. The reason why we are being included in this is to give us early exposure to martial conflict, even if it is at the elemental level.
Ben: I don't think it is it is at a small level.
Malcen: It is actually. Compared to real deal, these missions are walk in the park for veterans.
Ben: What do you mean? Aren't these resources expensive? Won't they use everything they have?
Malcen: Well our nation is not so incompetent. It rare for a terrorist organization with someone above Lord class to operate in our country. If such a thing occurs, the security forces will sense it. Even involvement of Lord class is a bit stretch. Any involvement of a Lord class martial whether it is in combat, experiments or even their personal training, the energy releases is difficult to contain. The materials for construction and various devices for training are really expensive and any such movement of funds will be quickly caught.
Ben: Sounds complicated. But I am kind of convinced.
Malcen: Ha ha…. If this is complicated for you, what will you do when really serious missions come?
Ben: I won't take the mission I suppose?
Malcen: In the military you don't have a choice.
Ben: Can I avoid the service?
Malcen: You wish. Also there is a reason why even wealthy scions are sent to the army. It is for the experience from combat provided by the army. Though it is not 100% safe, it can provide challenges that are appropriate for the level of every person. These conflicts help people to grow. Also the resources they have is extremely vast and not even the personal wealth of Entity martials can compare to it.