Based on Rion's understanding, he guessed that origin techniques were probably a method of utilizing origin energy to consciously self evolve. This was because the origin techniques he saw in circulation mostly boosted one's basic attributes. Stuff like resilience, agility, physical tenecity, etc could be upgraded with the corresponding origin technique. How this worked though was unknown to him.
Origin techniques were divided across 4 grades; Low-grade, Mid-grade, High-grade, and Peak-grade, with the efficiency of the technique increasing with each increase in grade.
They were also broadly classified into two types: Attribute Enhancing techniques and Attribute Boosting techniques. Attribute enhancing techniques were those that permanently enhanced the practitioner while the effects of attribute boosting techniques were temporary, kind of like passive skills and active skills in the video games a younger Rion used to play.
The practice of origin techniques came with specific demands. While each activation of a technique consumed only a tiny portion of a cultivator's energy, the primary cost was mental stamina. Executing a technique required intense concentration, making it mostly mentally exhausting rather than energy draining.
Moreover, using multiple techniques simultaneously was a daunting challenge. It required dividing one's focus between each technique, which significantly increased the strain on the mind. Only the most skilled cultivators, with exceptional mental discipline or years of training, could effectively manage such complexity without losing control. For rookies, even attempting this could result in failure or unintended consequences.
The knowledge on origin techniques tied in with some of the information he had learned about the role of talent in origin cultivation. While important, a cultivator's ability grade was not the sole factor used to judge their prowess. Anyone who did would be making a very serious mistake that could prove fatal in battle.
This talent indicator primarily measured the maximum capacity of a cultivator's energy reservoir, along with their mental stamina and natural affinity for mastering origin techniques.
Individuals with higher ability grades required less time to master origin techniques. Their natural talent enabled them to gain greater benefits from each practice session, allowing dedicated and hardworking individuals to far surpass those with lower ability grades.
Probing further, he noticed that the small number of origin techniques for sale were only Low-grade techniques. When he asked about it, he was told that there was a tight control by the guilds over the proliferation of origin techniques. Ordinary people could not buy them even if they wanted to.
In fact, the reason a small amount of Low-grade origin techniques could be found for sale was because some rogue traders and black-market dealers managed to acquire them illicitly. These traders often risked their lives to smuggle the techniques past the guilds' stringent checks and regulations.
None of these mattered to Rion though. Ever since he learnt about origin techniques, he felt like he had opened the door of possibility to advance in his cultivation. Despite the fact that he had transmigrated into this unfamiliar world nearly 11 months ago, he still found himself stuck in the Early-stage of the 1st tier. Even if he had discovered some tricks and nuances to his Resonance ability in this period of time, it had barely grown.
That's why of all the knowledge on origin techniques available, he had been the most eager to learn about the Energy Training Techniques and Energy Absorption Techniques. The Energy Training Technique was a type origin technique that guided users on how to employ their origin energy to advance in stage. The way it worked was that it taught the cultivator how to infuse the barrier around their charged cells with origin energy in order to saturate them.
Once the user had fully saturated all his charged cells, a mysterious phenomenon would occur and they would breakthrough to the next stage.
Energy Absorption Techniques, like their name suggested was a type of origin technique that guided users on how to actively speed up the recovery of spent origin energy by entering a meditative state.
Since he could afford to, he purchased both the [Energy Training Technique I] and the [Energy Absorption Technique I] Low - grade techniques.
He also purchased [Lesser Focus], a Low-grade attribute enhancing technique whose effect was to slightly increase his concentration each time he successfully practiced the technique.
These, in addition to other information on origin techniques in general had cost him a total of 30 thousand kila, an amount that had severely impacted his savings at that point.
But the real kicker was him learning that Guild initiates were gifted a starter pack of Low grade origin techniques, including the coveted [Energy Training Technique I] and [Energy Absorption Technique I] or other variations.
It was quite amusing, really. Somehow, having money resulted in more money being spent. He found himself shelling out thousands of kila every day, amounts that the original Rion would be horrified to even look at. But he knew all of it was necessary.
Still better this way though.....
Although the guilds might possess numerous origin techniques and other goodies, but there were countless restrictions and conditions to getting them. It was incomparably more convenient to tap into his resources and buy them anytime they were available on the black market.
Even though he always wished for financial security, he didn't attach too much importance to the money itself. To him, money was merely untapped potential. It had no value if it wasn't used wisely. His only fear was getting caught up in the spending frenzy and forgetting to stay grounded and think things through logically.
But the demand for these techniques far exceeded the supply due to aforementioned reasons. Which was why he bit the bullet and purchased all three techniques at the same time when he saw that they were available. And this turned out to be a great idea since in the more than nine weeks since he dutifully began practicing the [Energy Training Technique I] , he had started noticing some positive changes.
About frigging time...
He was especially interested in increasing his his strength because he had been noticing some worrying signs, as though signaling a significant shift in the delicate power balance within the city.
What gave this away was the subtle rise in security he had noticed within the Western district. The once bustling streets now felt stifled, as if under the weight of an invisible tension. The local police force seemed to have multiplied overnight, their presence more pronounced than ever before.
Their patrols were no longer sporadic; instead, they moved with purpose and vigilance, casting wary glances at people passing by. Even the usual hangouts and street corners frequented by the underworld denizens now seemed deserted.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, his keen senses didn't just register the increasing security measures; they also picked up on the subtle alterations in Cobra's character. The man who had been a consistent, if not entirely amicable, business partner seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation lately. His interactions with Rion had taken on an edge, a subtle hostility that hinted at an underlying motive.
It was as though Cobra had extracted all he required from their longstanding arrangement, prompting him to consider severing the ties that had bound them for so long. However, despite this contemplation, a pervasive uncertainty lingered: why had he not yet taken decisive action?
Rion speculated that his hesitation seemed was in a natural wariness about his actual identity. He couldn't shake the feeling that crucial pieces of the puzzle were missing—who Rion really was, where he came from, what he truly wanted. These unknowns made Cobra reluctant to commit himself without understanding what might follow.
Yet time was pressing on them both. Even the most careful consideration would eventually have to give way to decision, ready or not.
"I'm still too weak."
Rion realized that even if he were to breakthrough on the spot, it still wouldn't grant him enough power to navigate the impending challenges ahead. He needed to become significantly stronger, capable of taking matters into his own hands with confidence.
Luckily for him, he had already completed the blueprints for the majority of his designs, including the one for his magnetic handgun. Given that the materials he needed were commonly available, gathering them had been relatively straightforward, and he had already secured most of the handgun's components.
However, he hesitated to assemble it or any of the other ones this workshop. While neither Cobra nor his associates had disturbed him during his work, he couldn't shake the feeling of being secretly monitored. He feared that his workshop might not be as private as he had hoped and completing the assembly here would make him lose the information edge he had.
As a result, he deliberately delayed the assembly process, opting to err on the side of caution. He couldn't afford any risks, especially with the uncertain atmosphere in the Western district. Every move had to be carefully calculated to ensure his safety and the success of his plans.
"I still have work to do."
Clearing his mind of all distractions, he focused on the task at hand. As he continued to weld and assemble the parts he had premade, the gun began to take shape. What was surprising was that he did not create any excess parts. He had been thoroughly efficient from the start, which proved that he had actually planned everything out.
Months of dedicated practice had honed his skills to the point where crafting basic guns came effortlessly to him. On the work table was a polished metallic handgun that had taken him a total of 2 hours and 27 minutes to make.
At the conclusion of the productive session, Rion wiped the grease off his hands with an old rag. Exhausted, he decided it was time to head home and get some rest. Opening the doors of the workshop, he met Cobra waiting for him at the entrance.
"I'm done for today," he said as he swiftly handed the freshly crafted arsenal over.
Cobra, with a discerning eye, meticulously inspected each firearm, his expression a fusion of scrutiny and satisfaction. "Excellent work as always, Mr. Nobody," he commended, accompanying the praise with a wad of cash. Rion instinctively pocketed it without bothering to count the bills.
"How was the last batch of guns?"he casually asked as the both of them walked towards the entrance.
"Oh, they were excellent. Your craftsmanship far surpasses those shoddy second-hand firearms flooding the market. Thanks to you, we have a foot in the smuggling business at Nothern district ," Cobra remarked between puffs of his cigar.
Seriously, does this guy ever NOT have a cigar glued to his lips? It's a wonder he hasn't turned into a walking chimney by now.
"Good to hear," Rion replied, suppressing the urge to comment on Cobra's smoking habit. "Just so you know, I won't be around for the next few days. Need to take care of some personal matters."
"Do you need any help?" Cobra asked, his cigar momentarily forgotten as he regarded Rion with mild curiosity.
"Nah, not really. Just gotta run some errands. Shouldn't take long."
"Alright, Mr. Nobody. Handle your business. We'll manage things here. Just make sure you're back when you're done."
Leaving the garage, Rion executed a series of turns and maneuvers designed to lose any potential tail and made his way towards the mechanic market.
In the large bustling market, he spent most of the money he had earned to buy the remaining materials that he needed for all his creations. After obtaining the materials, he returned home for a well deserved rest.
Two days later, the early morning dawned with Rion awakening to a renewed sense of purpose coursing through his veins. The crisp touch of cool water as he freshened up invigorated him, driving away any lingering traces of sleep. With each splash, he felt his senses sharpening, his mind clearing, and his determination solidifying.
Let's do this...
His eyes gleamed with determination as he donned a pair of sturdy overalls, ready for the day's challenges.
His mountain duffel bag, filled with an assortment of materials, parts, and tools, stood ready by the door. He checked the time, and made his way to a hidden location on the outskirts of the Western district.
Upon arrival, Rion found himself in front of an inconspicuous building, its facade blending seamlessly with the surrounding structures like a chameleon in its environment. He took a moment to glance around, ensuring no prying eyes were watching. Satisfied, he approached the entrance where a shadowy figure awaited.
Silently, he handed over a thick stack of cash to the mysterious individual. The transaction was quick, the bills changing hands without a word spoken. The recipient, with an air of professionalism, began counting the money meticulously. Once satisfied, the person threw a key card adorned with the bold number '52' toward Rion, who caught them effortlessly.
"You've got 48 hours," the figure stated, their voice a low murmur that carried a hint of warning.
Rion nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unwavering. With the keys in hand, he approached the entrance of the nondescript building, the weight of the heavy door yielding to his firm grasp with a protesting creak.
The interior was filled with various testing rooms, each marked with a different number. As he walked through the corridors, he was enveloped in an atmosphere charged with a potent mix of anticipation and tension, the air crackling with the promise of imminent activity.
Finally, he arrived at an unremarkable door marked 52, inserted his key card into the slot next to the door, and it slid open with a soft hiss. Inside, he was met with a vast space filled with the hum of machinery and the scent of refined metal.
"OH YEAH! THAT'S THE STUFF!"