Building An Empire Starting From The Labor Camp In Exile-Chapter 36: Teach

"Is that the only way?" Atrox asked, ensuring that his voice betrayed none of his emotions.

"That’s pretty much the standard way. There are artifacts that can pinpoint the type of essence for you, but you won’t find that kind of equipment easily," Kren said.

He tapped the table in front of him. "You can also familiarize yourself with different locations where a particular type of essence is more prevalent and see if you resonate with it.

"Take this building, for example. It’s filled with alchemical essence because we’ve been using that type of essence here for a long time. It’s now more like a territory dominated by alchemical essence.

"Any big organization worth its name usually stores various kinds of essence to introduce to their Squires."

The knot inside Atrox twisted even more. The fastest way was to be introduced to an essence that resonated with his core, allowing it to refine that specific type of essence. ’Shit. This is harder than it should be. Where am I supposed to find forbidden... right. The ruin deep in the mine that the Nyxori wanted to explore. There’s something about a forbidden mark written on it.’

Atrox held back his excitement as he listened to Kren speak, his thoughts a whirlwind.

"But you should remember that just because you identify your type of essence doesn’t mean you’ll get a specific power. The essence only signifies a connection to that type. It’s simple yet very complex. Your type of essence is unique to you.

"For example, my essence is Alchemy, but my Knight power allows me to create ingredients and mix them without fire. That doesn’t mean I can’t perform more conventional alchemy-related feats," Kren explained.

Atrox nodded, quickly digesting the information. "So a water-type essence can control water but only to a certain degree unless tied to their unique power?"

Arvas snorted and said mockingly, "Kren, he’s better at explaining than you! Yes, unique powers—but they’re not truly unique because you might not be the only one capable of them.

"Let’s use that water essence. An Elemental Knight with water-type power can perform water slashes or water bullets, but could they drown someone without water? Yes, that’s possible with a sub-essence. For instance, they could drown someone in a volcano without needing water!"

"Anyone with a unique sub-essence will be weaker in the general essence of the same Order. The Elemental Knight with water powers will have weaker general water control, while their invisible drowning ability will be stronger."

Atrox sat back in his chair. It was a lot to take in. Indeed, it was simple yet complex. Some people had powers that were unique but not entirely so.

He looked at Arvas curiously. "So, do you have a unique power in alchemy as well?"

The man gave him a flat stare. "No. I’m just an Alchemist. I don’t have any sub-essence power. And it’s not unique—there are even two Knights in this building with the same sub-essence as Kren."

"Oh," Atrox said. "So to become a Knight, I have to familiarize myself with different essences from the same Order, find my particular essence, and get my core to start producing it?"

Kren nodded. "That’s it."

Atrox exhaled loudly. "Got it."

The room fell silent for a while, and Atrox could practically see the thoughts of the two men sitting in front of him. He wondered which of them would speak first.

Of course, it was Arvas who asked bluntly, "What is your mark Order?"

Kren sighed and quickly added, "Maybe we can find a way to help you with your essence. After the operation, of course."

The operation wouldn’t happen for another two weeks, and from a normal perspective, their request seemed reasonable. Atrox smiled to himself, imagining their surprise if he revealed his mark Order.

He shook his head at the thought. "I’m from the Dark Order, thank you. I’ll be looking forward to it."

Kren’s gaze shifted to Atrox’s hand, and he nodded without saying anything, while Arvas snorted and muttered something about paranoid Knights. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

The reason Atrox accepted their help without further comment was his interest in finding something about the Forbidden mark at the ruin. Anything at all. Claiming the Dark Order was a safer option than raising suspicions by remaining silent.

He then brought up his second reason for coming. "Do you have any books on the Mark Order? I’ve been fascinated by them since they were imprinted on us."

As expected, Kren’s eyes lit up. "Me too! This is part of what believers in the gods use in their teachings. They think a god implanted these marks in our bodies to manifest when we align ourselves with them."

Atrox nodded slowly. That did make some sense, but then, who had placed the Forbidden mark on him, and why? He didn’t believe in such things, but if it got Kren talking, he wouldn’t argue. "So it’s already fated what we’ll get at birth?"

Kren stood up, walked to a stack of books on the shelves, and began searching while continuing to talk. "Exactly! They believe it’s a divine gift and that each Order is associated with a different god. I didn’t expect to find someone who shares my love for history here in the Borderlands. All anyone else wants to do is fight!"

He brought a book to Atrox. Its brown cover bore deep blue lettering: ’The Mark Orders’ There was no author listed.

"Be careful with the book and return it in the same condition," Kren said sharply.

Atrox nodded and accepted it, resisting the urge to search for what he truly wanted.

Arvas snorted. "Of course they don’t like books like you! Everyone else is just trying to survive the monsters, kill them, or cozy up to those stronger than them. You’re speaking from a privileged perspective!"

Kren shot him a look, clearly accustomed to hearing such remarks. Atrox listened to their argument with a polite expression, waiting for a chance to slip away and study the book.