Way of the Knights

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"The first chapter of the [Book of Chaos] is focused on transformation." Raven murmured, "As long as I cultivate this chapter, I'll eventually experience transformation for nine times in total. The book referred to it as the 9 Metamorphosis Stages."

"The first to third metamorphosis is focused on the body. The first stage discards the remaining impurities inside my body, external and internal. The second stage will discard my old blood and cleanse my marrows, making my blood vitality shoot through the roof. It is also said that there is a small chance that I could awaken or infuse a bloodline in this process but that's very unlikely to happen. As for the third stage, it discards my old bones, replacing them with a more durable and denser ones."

"Fourth to sixth stages focuses on my energy body, more specifically my Energy Network. During these stages, my original Energy Network will be transformed. It will then replace my blood vessels, veins and arteries, which means that aside from blood, my Chaos Force will flow along them."

"Seventh to ninth stages will unify my soul into my body. In the consummate level of this technique, I will be a different man. I will be a perfect unity of body, energy and spirit. I can hardly wait."

Raven sighed as he remunerate on the path before him. Exploring this new path brought an immense excitement to him. Of course, he knows that this path won't be easy. There is a hazard in cultivating this technique since one wrong step will lead to his death. But his determination to reach the top is greater than the fear he felt. 

"It seems that the tricks that I've learn before are still usable. Only, instead of energies, it uses up Chaos Force."

"That being said though, there are more changes that I'm surprised about. One is my ocular technique." Raven said as his eyes flared with a brilliant gold hue. Instantly, his perspective changed and now he could see a detailed view of everything around 150 meters around him. Each blade of grass, every stone, every insects, he could see them with a glaring clarity. If he wished to, it will only take a moment of focus in order for his vision to fully penetrate any obstruction, therefore seeing the composition or through it.

He could also feel that this isn't the full extent of this ocular technique, his instincts told him that he's just barely scratching the surface.

"I'm not even sure if this was the one I received from the Crown. This isn't the way how the old one works, this one is clearly better. What's more is that I could feel that this technique grows with me. How come, though? Is this because of that dream?"

Raven was honestly confused but the fact that his ocular technique is different remains. "I'll call this [Crystal Sky Eyes] for now. I'll do some more experiments later."

"As for the other change…" Raven trailed off, he sank his perception onto his Chaos Core and his consciousness arrived a different place. 

There he stood in an empty space, facing a scene that could take anyone's breath away. He was standing before a huge sun-like orb. It radiated no heat and only an mysterious beauty. It shone with a dark golden light. On its surface Raven could see some grains of rainbow colored sands freely roaming around the whole orb. There also at least three belts wrapping around the sun-like orb which contained mysterious golden sands. 

"What in the world are you?" Raven breathlessly asked, captivated by this scene. He had never seen anything like this before. He had tried going closer to it or communicating with using his Chaos Force but it was fruitless. He will either walk in place, unable to reach it or receive nothing in return. 

"Forget it, I'll just ask Inos about it the next time we meet." Raven sighed and disappeared from there.

***

"Holy shit, Dude!" Paul exclaimed after seeing Raven. "What in the god damn world happened?! How did you become this dashing?"

Who could blame him? It hasn't even been a week since they last met and then suddenly Raven experienced some heavenly changes in his appearance. 

At first, they weren't able to recognize him, but as soon as he came closer, there's no denying that it was Raven through and through.

"I took a bath." Raven jeered, "You should do the same, who knows what might happen."

His joke elicited a laugh from the rest. Paul cringed and said: "I do that everyday, but nothing happens Dude! What gives?"

"Oh, then there's nothing I can do to help. Sorry, Dude." Raven laughed as he sat with them. 

"Gosh Avi! You were already handsome before but now you're even handsomer! Do you plan on seducing all maidens of the kingdom." Ellen shamelessly commented on the side.

"Shut up will you?" Raven laughed, "I'm looking to die anytime soon."

"I'm actually surprised that you didn't bring your fans with you today. I'm sure many would gladly throw themselves just to get your attention." Anne teased on the side, making sure to be mindful of Luna's reactions.

"Don't even remind me of that." Raven smiled wryly, "Thanks to them, I have to wear a disguise every time I go out. So bothersome."

"I could imagine that." Mark commented on the side, "Besides, this guy had no interest in them. He already has one in mind and It'll be the end of the world if that changes." 

Raven smirked and sent a voice transmission towards Mark saying: 'You're the best, Dude.'

'I know.' Mark replied. 

Because of that, the carriage was filled with cheers and teasing which ceased at some point since the boys talked about other things while on the girls side…

"Oh my, oh my, Dear Princess." Anne quietly squealed as she poked Luna's sides multiple times, "Look! Someone decided to look all nice and handsome for you! How cute!" 

"You're super lucky, girl!" Ellen joined Anne in poking her sides. "This is the first time I'd seen him like that! He's totally in to you! Oh my gosh!"

"Stop poking me!" Luna slapped their fingers while puffing up her cheeks. The two giggled in response and decided to leave her alone. 

Sighing deeply, she looked out of the window and was engrossed in her thoughts. 

'What is wrong with him?' Luna thought, 'This transformation is a little too much isn't it? Is there really a need for it? He already looked good before, but now…'

Luna sneakily took a glance of him, surprised by the fact that he took a glance of her too. The two felt like they were electrified by each other's gaze and looked the other way.

'He looks so fine! What the hell!? Why would you do something like that?' Luna inwardly screamed, 'As if things couldn't get more awkward after that kiss! How can someone expect me to act normally around him? Ai! What a meanie!'

Luna eventually calmed down and joined the rest of the group in their discussions. They mostly talked about their preparations for their upcoming training. 

The Ancient Royal Grounds was ready for their use. They were informed about this and were told to make preparations. After all, they are not going out of that place until the one year time limit was over. They had to make sure that they are fully stocked on supplies because no one knows what will happen inside.

The group eventually arrived at the Royal Palace once more, where they were greeted with the guards and granted access. Someone received them and lead them to the place where the transmission gate was.

As soon as they arrived in there, they saw that the Crown Prince was here as well as Old Lee and Leona. They stood in front of a huge arching gate which were made out of ancient looking stones with runic carvings in them. 

Upon seeing them arrive, the Prince's eyes automatically located Raven was surprised by his sudden changes. He cleared his throat and said: "If this were any other time, I would definitely say something about your appearance. But we have a different purpose today so I'll let you off."

Raven sighed in relief upon hearing this. They then perked up their ears as Balmung started explaining what they should expect inside.

"This is the Transmission Gate that will transfer you into the Ancient Palace Grounds. This place has been protected by generations of the Royal Family for generations since it holds too much importance to us. Now you'll be allowed to use it for a year."

"It's almost certain that you guys will be separated." Balmung said, "The Transmission Gate will gauge your combat effiency and will eventually transfer you to a random destination. Wherever you end up to, remember to pay attention to your safety. Smelting Trials are dangerous only if you're reckless and biting more than what you can chew. You guys are young, take your time and solidify your foundations."

"If you guys had no more questions, we can begin with your transfer."