A Wanderer's Lies

Chapter 61: Rewards [1]

An Art.

A technique that was trained, unlike Perks which were straightforward and served a single purpose, was considered an Art.

For example, Isaac's Hand-to-Hand combat couldn't be considered an Art. Besides a true Art that focused on Hand-to-Hand combat, Isaac would merely look like a street fighter at best.

Arts were ranked with a star system. One star was the worst with the least potential, while five stars was the opposite.

Five Star Arts were coveted, no matter what it was. Only a few existed, and those were hidden by the important figures who owned them.

Most Arts came from the Verses and, although rare, sometimes an 'Original Art' came to fruition. One created by Inheritors.

Like Ghost's Passage.

Unlike regular Arts, Original Arts were able to progress and had the potential to reach five stars.

Despite this, there have only been a handful of cases where this has happened, most Original Arts reaching four stars at most.

Additionally, Original Arts required immense time and training to reach a plausible level. Therefore, most opted for regular Arts.

Countless techniques, whether they were martial arts, psychic techniques, or body reinforcement techniques, all fell into the category of an Art.

One of these arts was the Eight Inner Gates.

An Art that Isaac had set his eyes on.

During his stay in Ravenwood, he'd realised he was missing a few key necessities.

The first was a Combative Art.

As he currently was, he was a skilled Hand-to-Hand combatant, however, he was no better than a man wielding a kitchen knife and calling himself a swordsman.

He was struggling so much with Wayne, whose Hand-to-hand perk was only a level higher than his, and the Juggernaut who was most likely on the same level.

Yes, he lacked experience. However, until he solved this problem, he needed something to fill the gap between him and his opponents.

A Combat Art was perfect for this.

Secondly, though wasn't a top priority for Isaac, was some sort of Sensory ability.

Whether it was an Art or Perk didn't matter.

Something like this would have saved him immense trouble. Like the Juggernaut sneaking up on him and killing the man.

Hell, he wasn't able to notice Wayne casually sitting on a log, not even trying to hide.

His awareness was lacking, and the slight raise in his immediate senses he'd gained from the Zoldyck Genes was not cutting it.

Therefore, while looking through the market, he looked for anything that fit his description.

However, what he found truly made him drool.

[Art: Eight Inner Gates ☆☆☆☆]

[Requirements: Chakra]

[Description: The 8 Inner Gates technique from the Naruto Verse is a powerful set of chakra Gates located throughout the body. By opening these gates in sequence, a Ninja can dramatically increase their physical abilities at the cost of immense strain on the body.]

[CAUTION!: This technique is extremely risky, but mastering the Eight Inner Gates can transform a Ninja into a devastating, albeit shortlived, force on the battlefield. Though the power of this Art can be considered five stars at its peak, only death awaits those who crave the power.]

'This…is perfect for me.'

Isaac, an immortal who healed from all injuries, would be ideal to wield this technique.

It was also a good substitute till he learned to completely control the Scarlet Eyes.

Additionally, the Art provided the user with combative techniques, meaning Isaac would be less reliant on a Combat Technique at the moment.

However, there was one problem.

One needed chakra to use this Technique.

Isaac stared at the screen for a few seconds.

'Or do they?'

The theory behind the Eight Gates was to force open multiple 'Gates' inside the body with chakra, increasing your physical stats the more Gates you opened.

However, these Gates were familiar to Isaac. They shared the same concept as Pressure Points.

If he was correct, and these 'Gates' could be found on anybody…

'I wouldn't need chakra. Couldn't I just force the gates open with Nen?'

Where the Gates were specifically was unknown, seeing as how you'd need to purchase the manual for such information.

However, if he could learn where they were and he was correct in his theory, this technique was as good as his.

"I'll take it!"

To Isaac, the drawbacks didn't mean anything to him, therefore, this was practically a five-star Arts manual in his eyes.

***

"The Ninjas who learn this usually reach the 4th or 5th gate before giving up the technique. It causes too much strain, even permanent damage, causing it to drop a level to four stars."

Adams spoke, taking a seat as he read the description of the Art Isaac had chosen.

"I'll ask again, are you sure?" No matter how much Adams tried to explain the drawbacks of the Art to Isaac, the boy was adamant.

"Yes."

Adams puffed smoke, soon shrugging as he sighed.

"Alright, whatever. You are now the proud owner of the Eight Inner Gates Art manual."

Adams declared as Isaac grinned under his mask.

"Although, I don't blame you. Everyone knows the strongest abilities are the ones that require the greatest sacrifice."

Isaac stared for a few seconds.

'Strongest power, for the greatest sacrifice, huh?'

Pressing a few buttons on his wristwatch, a 'ding' could be heard.

Shortly after, a small book wrapped in a small thread appeared before Adams.

The title of the book read 'Eight Inner Gates'.

'Teleporting bought goods? How convenient.' Isaac could tell this was a feature exclusive to the VIP market, as the regular market couldn't do this.

"Catch."

Adams tossed the book to Isaac, and the boy caught it easily.

With a slight glint in his eyes, Isaac stared at the book for a few seconds, before summoning it into his dimensional space.

'I guess he's from the Naruto Verse.'

Adams placed a sheet of paper with a slight glow before Isaac as the boy glanced at it.

He knew what it was, and after quickly skimming over the contents and making sure there were no ill demands, Isaac signed a magic contract, stating he wouldn't use today's events to bring harm to the Hearts Guild.

"Good. Now, my last demand. Have you thought it through? You should know, there will be benefits to you accepting this. Such as 24-hour access to the VIP market, as well as missions not presented to regular members."

Isaac had to admit, the offer sounded tempting. It was why he made the decision he did, rather than outright reject the offer.

"I wouldn't like to officially join the division just yet. Rather, I'd like to be a Mercenary of sorts. I'd still be affiliated, but not on paper until I choose to join completely."

Not that Isaac was planning to.

He just needed a way to have access to the benefits without being fully committed to the Guild.

Besides, it would be Zol joining. Not Isaac. And Zol could disappear whenever he wanted.

Adams paused for a second, soon nodding as he agreed.

"Yeah, I'm fine with that."

'Is he? He's smart, he knows this is a deal favouring me.'

Adams placed Isaac's ID card before him, as well as tapping his wristwatch on the boys' as a pleasant 'beep' could be heard.

"This is your new ID card, and I've installed the VIP market as well as exclusive missions onto your wristwatch. Welcome to the Second Division of the Hearts Guild, Zol."

Isaac took his ID, noticing a large 'C+' inscribed onto it.

'Promotion? Nice.'

Additionally, it now fashioned a black and gold logo with the words 'D2' on it, indicating he was a member of the second division, a feat admired by regular Guildsmen.

"What are you going to do now?" Adams asked, preparing to leave.

Isaac paused, he too standing shortly after.

"Sleep."

Adams nodded, as if agreeing.

As he opened the door slightly, Adams turned back, staring at Isaac straight in the eyes.

"Brat, word of advice…"

As Adams said this, he opened his hand, his fingertips facing downward.

"Room."

-ZMMMM

A blue sheet expanded from the man's hand, enveloping the shed with Isaac inside.

'What's he doing?'

Isaac's survival instincts suddenly snapped into action as he felt something was wrong.

"Shambles."

However, before he could activate his Ren, he paused upon seeing something teleport into Adams' hand.

It was a beating heart in a transparent cube.

Not just any heart either.

"That's mine."

Isaac deduced, noticing the cube-shaped hole in his chest. Yet despite that, he didn't feel injured.

"...don't ever think you can threaten us again."

[Name: Ivor Adams (Stage 4, A Rank)]

[Inherited Character: Trafalgar Law]

[Verse: One Piece]

Adams' tone dropped as the hairs on Isaac's back stood up.

The only thing that stopped him from leaping to retrieve his heart was the fact that he knew he'd simply heal.

-ZMMMM

Suddenly, the heart disappeared back into Isaac's chest as the thin blue sheet shrunk rapidly, disappearing.

"It's protocol, I have to act tough for the guild, ya know. No hard feelings?"

Adams spoke in a nonchalant tone, leaving the shed as Isaac still stood, frozen.

'Well…that certainly could've been a lot worse.'

***

In a small and quiet room with a simple bed, and a simple closet, paired with a simple desk, the window was opened wide as the moonlight peered in through the gaps of the curtain, the curtains themselves dancing in the wind.

However, suddenly, a blur could be seen in the middle of the room as the curtains once again fluttered at the breeze.

The blur stayed rooted, slowly losing its distortion and soon revealing itself as a boy with messy black hair and casual clothing.

The boy sighed, kicking off his red boots and taking a seat at his desk while checking the time.

'3:21 AM? Already? Stupid portal guards.'

Isaac cursed inwardly.

He had difficulty re-entering the school so late at night, finally let free an hour later.

'I wanted to sleep, but at this time, I might as well stay up. Class starts in a few hours anyway.'

Leaning back in his chair, Isaac pondered.

It had been a long two days.

'In the meantime, why don't I assess the spoils of battle.'

Thinking this, Isaac brandished all his loot on the table before him.

What currently lay before him was the Eight Gates manual, Jayne's ring and the sword of Anubis.

'I've also got a pretty good sum of money for completing my Mission.'

Isaac proudly thought, looking at his balance of 9,000,000S.

However, before Isaac got to any of this, there was something that came first.

'Status.'

[Name: Isaac ???

Status: Satiated

Stage: 1

Inherited Character: Wanderer

Race: Human

PS: Nen (Proficiency Level: 3 -> 4)

Hatsu: N/A

Perks:

Immortality (Lvl. MAX)

Zoldyck Genes (Lvl. MAX)

You possess an innate talent and potential for the art of assassination, hunting, and covert operations. This genetic gift allows you to learn and develop your skills at a rapid rate.

Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl. 3 -> 4)

You are a skilled Hand-to-hand fighter, able to use your body as a weapon.

Vital Strike (Lvl. 1)

You now have the knowledge and skill to precisely target and shut down your opponent's pressure point.

Tolerance (Lvl. 1)

You're able to tolerate physical pain, poisons and mind attacks to a certain extent.

Feed (Lvl. 1)

You can feed on the power and PS of others, adding it to your own (Zobae)

National Treasure:

Scarlet Eyes (Mastery Level: High-Beginner)

One of the 7 most beautiful colours in the world, the Scarlet Eyes of the Kurta hold immense power and potential. (Eyes will change to Scarlet only when an emotion is notable)

Arts:

Ghost's Passage ☆☆☆(Progressible)

A stealth Art created by Wanderer Isaac, capable of hiding the user from all the senses of a human. Essentially becoming a Ghost, it's believed the last thing a victim of the user feels is a cold breeze before being met with darkness. And most terrifyingly, its potential is limitless. CAUTION!: This Art is extremely risky, as one must be in a deathly state to use it.

1st Passage: N/A

Curse:

Zobae Disease

Haunted by Calamity:

Nature's Disaster

You are more likely to be involved in disastrous events

Bound to a Wizard]

Isaac nodded as he went through his new stats.

He was amused to see his Nen raise a level, assuming it was simply the effect of his body using and controlling the immense power of the Scarlet Eyes.

However, as Isaac continued, his expression slowly morphed from one of surprise to confusion and finally complete shock.

'Feed? Bound to a what? Nature's Disaster? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!'

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Next chapter title: Rewards [2]

If anyone wants to see specific anime characters as Inheritors, I wouldn't mind adding the most interesting ones.

Power of the Stones...

Or in other words...

*BREATHES IN*

POWERSTONESSSSSSSSSS!!!!