Knowledge Thief

Like Ripples in the Water

City of Ares - Capital of Solar (the first territory)

Shion Esther was standing in the large main hall. She was the emissary of Alaba, and she was sent by the royal family to inform the first family of the descent of a champion. She had travelled non-stop to ensure that she could meet with the first family at the earliest. As she reached the palace entrance, she was surprised to know that all other emissaries were summoned to meet the first family today too.

As she stood in the hall, she saw several important figures waiting patiently in the main family meeting hall. These figures were other royal emissaries who had spent around a day or so travelling to the main city to meet the all-important head of the first family. Although most of them were exhausted, none of them complained while waiting.

They all knew it was next to impossible for people like them to see the head of the first family. After around ten minutes, a middle-aged female joined the hall. As she entered the hall, everyone present in the hall proceeded to show the utmost respect by bending their knee and saluting her.

She was Carmen Liev, the child of Adev. As a direct descendent of the God, she has excellent control over all the matter in the world. She could even devour champions if she wished. She also aged much more slowly than others. All these powers made her one of the most powerful people in this world.

Not many people know of Carmen's existence, but those who know either respect her or fear her. She was also the unofficial head of the first family and the commander of the champions. As the first of the family, she weilds an unbelievable amount of influence over other families and champions too. She has been a pivotal figure in the development of the continent as a whole.

Carmen was accompanied by Shiva, her personal guard. He was touted as one of the strongest and smartest being of this world. Although Shiva is not a direct descendent of Adev, Carmen transfused her blood into him and made him a peak warrior. He acted as her confidant and commander.

'Arise Emissaries' commanded Shiva.

As the emissaries got up, Carmen asked, 'How was your journey, Shion?'

Shion was stunned to be addressed directly by Carmen, she hurriedly replied, 'It was good, my grace.'

'Thanks for travelling non-stop to deliver an important news' said Carmen. She then turned to the others and informed, 'I wanted to meet you all because of the information Shion wanted to share.'

As everyone looked intently, Carmen said 'There has been a summoning two days back. A new champion has descended upon the world.'

Everyone was stunned by this new piece of information. This was a monumental event that could impact the whole world, so each and everyone present had numerous questions that they wanted to ask. The most stunned among them was Shion, she couldn't help but wonder how Carmen knew about the information even before she relayed the same. 'Seems our territory underestimated Carmen's information network.'

As some of the emissaries started to ask some questions, Carmen raised her hand and continued, 'We currently don't know who the champion is, and what their power is. We are investigating as they haven't yet seen their power.'

Everyone nodded to denote that they understood the information. After Carmen's explanation, no one wanted to ask any further questions. So, they decided that they should return and pass the information to their respective ruling families. As the emissaries departed, Carmen asked Shion to stay back.

Once everyone else left, Carmen asked 'Is someone assigned to bring in the Champion?'

'Yes, your highness. We have assigned Commander Gin to bring the Champion. We have also sent word to Sheila but she seems to be less interested.'

'Good. I applaud the fact that you guys acted fast after witnessing the fall' commended Carmen. She then added, 'I will speak to Sheila. She will come and aid you guys.'

Shion heaved a sigh of relief as Carmen spoke those words. In addition to informing about the new champion, she was commanded by the leader m to ask for assistance regarding Sheila. Now that Carmen herself offered the aid, she was very relieved.

She then bowed and started to leave when a messenger pigeon entered the window. She awkwardly stood there while Shiva read the content of the message. He then passed the scroll to Carmen, who read it with a blank expression.

'It seems the champion has come into contact with the shrine. It should be easier to identify him now. You know what to do right?'

Shion hurriedly gave a nod and answered, 'Yes, your highness. I will immediately see to it that the person is identified.'

Carmen nodded in satisfaction and both she and Shiva watched Shion leave the room.

'Make sure that Sheila contributes to the Champion's capture. We need to bring him under control as soon as possible'

'Yes, ma'am' answered Shiva.

'And what about the other Champions? Are they under control?'

'Yes ma'am. Kong is still at his daughter's side and he will not be bothered by this news. Since there is still a significant number of devourers in Ramses, Idhun is busy with fights. Aldos, as always, has fun in the parlour. So they won't be causing any trouble. Sheila is the only oddball!'

'Don't worry, with our Trump card in play, she wouldn't even think about causing trouble.' answered Carmen. She then added, 'My only concern is the new one, he seems odd. Like Samus, he might become a thorn for us'

'Don't worry ma'am. I dont think he will bother us.'

'Ok. Send a message to Sheila that she can temporarily abandon the search for that old witch. Ask her to sort out this mess first.'

'Yes. Ma'am.'

As Shiva exited the room, Carmen laid her head back in her seat and sighed. She couldn't shake the feeling that something big is going to happen soon.

........................

Mountain Shrine, Azeria:

As the whole world felt the ripples of the rumored Champion's arrival, the champion they were searching for was fiddling with the bracelet in his hand. Lee seemed to be completely unaware of the big bullseye that has been posted on his back.

Both Mana and May looked on as Lee was playing with the bracelet like a child. In the time that we left him, Lee had learnt that the bracelet is powered by his inner core and can be activated by thought. He also learnt that the bracelet cannot be used to either attack or defend, and that it is just a support tool.

Mana also showed Lee the Stat screen that would pop-up on his thought.

Name: Lee

Power: Learning (Basic)

Titles:

Apprentice Bookworm

Novice Planner

Novice Conman

Novice Chameleon

Low-End Adaptability

Lee was slightly surprised by the titles that appeared on the Stat screen but quickly understood that it should be a measuring system that is devised by the God of this world.

'Will the Stat screen be readable by everyone?'

'Yes' answered Mana.

May interjected and stated, 'Normally yes. But you can think that you need a private Stat screen to make it private.' answered May.

'Auntie, why didn't I know this?' pouted Mana.

'Because you are not the Champion. Only the bracelets of Champions can be customized by thought.'

Mana nodded as she understood.

'So Mr. Lee, Is there anything else that you need to know?'

Lee pondered for a second and asked, 'Can this turn invisible?'