[Floating Cloud City: East Side Forest]
(3rd Person Pov)
Chu Yueli looked to her disciple as if she was telling her a bad joke.
"Illiterate? That must be some kind of joke right? There is no way someone as strong as Acnologia would have been able to cultivate or comprehend the laws of time and space if he was illiterate."
Xia Qing Yue looked at her master helplessly.
"I swear master, I'm not lying. He really doesn't know how to speak our language."
Chu Yueli looked at Acnologia incredulously.
"Great expert Acnologia. Is it true? Are you truly illiterate?"
Acnologia merely raised an eyebrow wondering what this Woman was even saying, and Chu Yueli seeing the genuine confusion in his eyes had to truly accept that the monster who nearly killed her was illiterate. She's not sure rather she should laugh or cry. Maybe even both. Chu Yueli took a deep breath to calm herself returning back to her cold expression as she spoke.
"Alright. So how do we tell him we want to leave? I must return to the Frozen Cloud Asgard and report this to the sect master."
Xia Qing Yue also looked troubled because her master is right, how would they ask Acnologia to take them out of this space? Meanwhile, Acnologia was thinking to himself.
'How on earth am I going to continue my journey if I can't read or write? Isn't there any kind of magic that can help me out?'
Just then Acnologia remembered of the game Fate Grand Order, or more specifically, the character he loved the most Scathach. The With Of Dun Scaith. He remembered how her ability's in rune craft was so great she could do many things with it, and conveniently it seems as in his past life self had learned both elder and younger futhark because of how much he simped for Scathach.
'I've got it! This is a fantasy world right? And I know without a doubt that things like sigils and talismans exist, and I think I can make this work. It's essentially like programming. You write the code that is the runes, and based off how you write it, and likely my intent, it should function as a translator if I get it right.'
Acnologia scoured the space seeing a few broken pieces of wood, stone and earth. He went ahead and grabbed the largest stone he could find catching the attention of both Chu Yueli and Xia Qing Yue.
"Let's see now. To write a translator "code" I'll likely have to use the runes ᚨ ᚱ ᛗ ᛚ (Ansuz -> Raidho -> Mannaz -> Laguz)"
The Runes were already written, and Acnologia's intent is clear.
"Speech journeys into mankind via intuitive flow. Energy channeled from the world"
Acnologia channeled his Qi into the runes, and they slowly glowed as the runes followed the intent that they were written with, to translate the language of this world for everyone he meets. And to use the worlds qi to keep itself sustained. Acnologia held the rock in his palm and turned to face Xia Qing Yue and Chu Yueli.
"Alright. Can you both understand me?"
"?!/?!"
They both could understand what Acnologia was saying. Chu Yueli cautiously questioned.
"Senior Acnologia. May I ask what did you do that made you able to speak our language if you were earlier illiterate?"
Acnologia raised the stone that glowed with runes as he explained.
"Using rune craft, I carved out a simple translation spell that uses the worlds energy and takes the intent of the words spoken, translates it, and then I understand what is spoken to me."
Xia Qing Yue looked confused.
"Runes?"
Chu Yueli answered her question.
"Runes are like talismans. They require a precise understanding of the calligraphy process, the intent, a canvas to hold the Glyphs, and a power source to keep it running. There is a reason why Talismans are so expensive and rare. To make one functional talisman you'd need a deep understanding of calligraphy, meaning, structure, intent and power. One small mistake could lead to catastrophic consequences, or a non functional talisman. It's why anyone who shows even a basic capability of creating talismans are greatly sought after by major sects across the entire world. You'd be treated more like a direct disciple of the Sect master if you prove yourself a great talisman crafter. After all many major sects are heavily guarded through arrays which requires experts in glyphs to construct."
Chu Yueli looked at Acnologia seriously as she questioned.
"Great expert. May I ask what sect you originate from? I failed to notice your strength, and for that I am deeply sorry. The Frozen Cloud Asgard will compensate yourself and the sect you are form for unprovoked violence."
Acnologia shook his head.
"I don't originate from any sect. I don't even know how or why I ended up here."
Acnologia's words shocked the master and disciple pair.
"Then how did you grow so strong? If you didn't come from any sect then where did you gain the resources to grow as strong as you are now?"
Acnologia shrugged.
"As I said, I don't have many memories from my past aside from waking up in this forest, meeting your disciple, and not even an entire day passed and I fought against yourself."
Acnologia wasn't exactly lying. He didn't have many memories of his past aside from Acnologia's own memories and experiences. And even those from his past life before he was yetted into Acnologia's body weren't very clear. Chu Yueli nodded slowly.
"I understand. Then, as an apology for my earlier actions, is there anyway I can compensate you? As long as it's within my power I'll do all I can to fulfill it."
To Chu Yueli, her offer was a gamble. She didn't really know this Acnologia, his prowess was beyond anything she could imagine, and she also realised this young man is a genius seen so rarely, there likely isn't a numerical estimate for the kind of genius he is. She would rather bow her head and hurt her own pride than dare to allow Acnologia to bear a grudge. Acnologia mulled over his thoughts before facing Chu Yueli.
"There are a few things you could actually help me with."
Chu Yueli nodded her head as Acnologia spoke raising his index finger.
"First things first. I want someone to teach me the local language. How to speak, read and write. Even with the translation rune, I'd prefer to be able to properly speak, read and write without relying on external help."
Chu Yueli nodded her head.
"That is…. Doable. Anything else?"
Acnologia raised his middle finger.
"Secondly, I want someone to be able to teach and explain to me the history of this world because I have no idea where I am or anything at all really about this world."
Chu Yueli started relaxing more and more. His demands weren't difficult, in fact, they were extremely simple for a sect like The Frozen Cloud Asgard.
And she could at least respect the fact that he wants information to better help him fit in with the rest of the world. Instead of something troublesome like wealth or power, he's asking for something that would benefit him greatly long into the future.
"Those are more than doable Acnologia. Is there any other requests you would like to ask?"
Acnologia nodded his head raising his ring finger
"Last but not least, I need an understanding of this worlds currency system. How do I make money? How much is the currency value? Simple economics. The power system in place. And how does each cultivation rank work. Other than those, I should be fine."
Chu Yueli nodded her head relieved. All his demands were well within her scope of ability to acquire. And even if she doesn't use the sect funds, her own allowance was so large, it wouldn't matter if she spent out of her own pocket to pay for the instructors he requested.
"Alright. All those requests will be met. I will find some of the most talented instructors to help with what you have asked. And I assume you will be living in the Floating Cloud City?"
Acnologia pondered to himself stroking his chin before answering.
"I'm not entirely certain where I will be living at the moment. I desire to travel the world and view it for myself, but I'd still prefer at the very least having a basic understanding of how this world works to avoid pointless drama and nuisances."
This time Xia Qing Yue spoke up.
"If that is the case why not come to Floating Cloud City? I can have my father prepare a guest room for you, and my master can have the instructors come teach you anywhere you wish within Floating Cloud City.
We also have a library you may explore to further develop your knowledge of the world. Consider it an expression of my gratitude for saving me last night. Whenever you feel as if you wish to leave, you may leave whenever you see fit."
Acnologia nodded in agreement.
"Alright. I'll accept your offer, and I appreciate your aid. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience my presence will cause to yourself and your family."
Xia Qing Yue nodded calmly. Her young childish face was calm an expressionless.
"It is alright. The Xia clan always ensures to pay off it's debts. You are my benefactor, it would t sit right with me to not repay this debt I have accrued from you."
Chu Yueli nodded seemingly impressed and proud at the sharpness of the young girls ability to read the room and offer a solution that benefits not just Acnologia but herself and the Frozen Cloud Asgard as well.
"Alright. I'll have the instructors come to Floating Cloud City by tomorrow. My dear disciple, you go back to training and improving your cultivation."
Xia Qing Yue cupped her palm and bowed respectfully.
"By your will master."
Chu Yueli faced Acnologia as she questioned curiously.
"Lord Acnologia. May I ask how old you are?"
Seeing Acnologia raise an eyebrow she explained calmly.
"It's just a personal curiosity. You don't have to answer if you don't wish to."
Acnologia waved his hand dismissively.
"No. No. There's no problem with you asking me for my age. I don't really mind it at all. I'm eighteen years old."
"...…."
Silence, pure silence filled the seperate space as both Xia Qing Yue and Chu Yueli looked at Acnologia as if he just said something that's just not possible.
"Y…. You're eighteen!?"
Chu Yueli looked like she's on the verge of a meltdown at Acnologia's age. What monster of supreme talent is he? She suddenly really felt regret and sadness that their sect doesn't allow men to join. Otherwise she would have offered everything possible to recruit Acnologia.
She let out a tired sigh to compose herself as she spoke.
"Hah…. You know what? I think it's better to just not linger on it too much."
She placed a hand on her disciples shoulder and spoke seriously.
"Don't feel upset. You are also a onece in a million years genius, Acnologia is just a monster so rare it's a miracle he still exists in this world."
Xia Qing Yue slowly nodded her head. She understood that her master was just telling her that comparing herself to Acnologia would just stunt her growth. Their paths were completely different, and trying to be Acnologia would be counterproductive.
Chu Yueli looked at Acnologia as she spoke.
"Could you please return us to the original space? I'll be taking my leave after ensuring Qingyue returns home safely."
Acnologia watched as Chu Yueli faded away blending into her surroundings as if she was never present, and with a snap of his fingers, Acnologia returned them to their original space.
—(Break!)—
When they returned, the first thing they were both met with were tens of men, her father and the strongest person in the Floating Cloud City Xiao Lie. Her father Xia Hongyi rushed straight to Xia Qing Yue looking at her full of worry especially with all the dried blood that stained her clothes.
"Yue'er! Are you alright? Why are your clothes stained with dried blood? Who did this to you?"
It was only then did he notice Acnologia behind his daughter. He pulled her behind himself looking at Acnologia warily.
"Who are you? And what did you do to my daughter?"
Before Acnologia could answer, Xia Qing Yue placed a delicate hand on her fathers arm as she spoke calmly.
"Father, his name is Acnologia. He's the benefactor that saved me. Last night I went out for a stroll but was attacked by a profound beast at the half step of the Nascent Profound Realm. I was badly injured, and Acnologia saved me."
Xia Hongyi looked in his daughters eyes seeing the truthfulness in them his body was no longer tense as he eased himself slightly. He looked to Acnologia and apologised sincerely.
"Is that so? The I apologise for my outburst earlier. Thank you for saving my daughters life. My Yue'er is very important to my family. If I had lost her, I don't know what I would've become."
Acnologia nodded indifferently.
"It's alright. She was simply lucky I was in the area at that moment. But you should warn your daughter against going out into a forest at night on her own. At the very least, have someone powerful follow her to prevent her from being harmed."
Xia Hongyi nodded grimly.
"Rest assured. That will be the first thing I do when we return home. May I ask where you might be from benefactor?"
Acnologia shook his head.
"I don't know. The only thing I remembered was waking up in this forest, and then saving your daughter. Other than that, there's nothing much else I can really say."
Acnologia's words caused murmurs to spread among the men present. That was until Xiao Lie stepped forward as he introduced himself.
"My name is Xiao Lie. I am the leader of this city. May I ask if you know what happened here? A massive crater stands where we are, yet you and Miss Qingyue are the only two individuals present."
Acnologia shrugged his shoulders.
"An altercation broke out between another expert and myself. Everything was ultimately resolved, and this is the outcome of that quick altercation."
Xiao Lie nodded thoughtfully. This altercation likely involved little Qingyue's master and this young man. However, seeing that no one was dead, he can assume her master is likely hiding somewhere watching, and since she's not revealing herself, at the very least this Acnologia fellow is speaking the truth.
As Xiao Lie talked with Acnologia, Xiao Qing Yue told her father of her request saying her master would also prefer if her father could accept what Qing Yue offered Acnologia.
"Fine. But we're going to have a very long discussion about this entire situation when we get back. Understood?"
Xia Qing Yue nodded respectfully as Xia Hongyi faced Acnologia.
"Acnologia. As thank you for helping rescue my daughter, please allow me to show you our hospitality and gratefulness. You don't have a place to stay at the moment right? And having Amnesia, you also likely have no idea where you are from.
So I offer you temporary hospitality, at the very least for one year to help you acclimate to your new environment."
Xia Hongyi's words shocked everyone. He was actually going to trust this stranger? Who knows rather what he's saying is even true.
But none dare voice their thoughts because something about this young man made them instinctively silent unable to build the courage to speak up against the offer. Acnologia cupped his fist as gesture of thanks.
"Alright then. With everything settled, let's go back to the City. There are lots of things everyone here needs to take care of at the moment so get moving."
Xiao Lie spoke as he turned around and walked away. The other citizens looked between each other but ultimately obeyed and followed Xiao Lie back home. Acnologia strolled along casually as he took in his surroundings. While Xia Hongyi only looked at his daughter praying that she knows what she's making him do."
—(End)—
(An: Acnologia may be hundreds of years old, but that's biologically. Chronologically speaking he is 18 since his mind is his 18 year old self. That's all ciao.)