NTR: Choice Based System-Chapter 239: Spatial Engraving

Elder Yahu called Ye Yang to his side and gestured towards a wall covered in a bewildering array of markings and structures.

"Ye Yang," he said, "for the next month, I want you to sit here, facing this wall. At the end of the month, I want to know what you have learned from these markings."

Ye Yang's gaze swept across the wall. It was a chaotic jumble of lines, circles, and symbols, unlike anything he had ever seen. He felt a pang of apprehension. A month? Just staring at a wall?

"Elder Yahu," he began hesitantly, "this… this wall is covered in so many markings. Where do I even begin?"

Elder Yahu chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "That, young man, is for you to discover. Consider it another trial, though this time, the trial is not of strength or courage, but of comprehension. I will give you one hint: all these markings are related to the foundational principles of spatial arrays and their engraving in the art of artificing."

A spatial array… Ye Yang's mind immediately went to the spatial rings he had seen, the way they seemed to bend and fold reality.

He thought of Elder Zhao's words about 'growing' arrays within objects. He nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding beginning to dawn. This wasn't just a wall; it was a puzzle, a key to unlocking the secrets of spatial manipulation.

"Thank you, Elder Yahu," he said, his voice now filled with anticipation. He settled down before the wall, his eyes scanning the intricate patterns.

The first week was a blur of observation and contemplation. Ye Yang meticulously examined each marking, trying to discern any patterns or connections.

He drew diagrams in his mind, attempting to categorize the symbols, to find some semblance of order in the chaos.

Finally, after days of intense focus, he found it. One particular marking, a series of interwoven lines, seemed to depict the outline of an artifact.

And within that outline, smaller, more intricate engravings hinted at the spatial array needed for its creation. It was a blueprint, a guide to crafting a spatial artifact.

"Elder Yahu," he said a week later, approaching the elder who was observing him from a distance. "I think I've found something. This marking here…" He pointed to the specific engraving.

"It seems to be a template for creating a spatial artifact, complete with the basic spatial array engraved within it."

Elder Yahu nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Good. You have a keen eye, Ye Yang. But this is just the beginning. There is much more to discover on that wall."

The second week yielded two more discoveries. One array seemed to govern the flow of energy into a spatial artifact, while the other appeared to control the stability of the spatial pocket created within.

Ye Yang felt a surge of excitement. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fit together. He spent hours visualizing how these arrays interacted, how they could be combined to create a functional and stable spatial artifact.

The third week proved to be the most challenging. Ye Yang knew he was close, but he couldn't find the final piece, the key to unlocking the true potential of spatial artificing.

He spent days poring over the wall, his frustration mounting. Then, almost by accident, his gaze fell upon a seemingly insignificant cluster of markings.

As he studied them more closely, he realized they weren't just random symbols; they were a complex, highly refined engraving of an array structure.

This was it. This was the master array, the final version, the blueprint for creating truly powerful spatial artifacts like rings and bags. It was a revelation.

Instead of simply noting his discovery and returning to Elder Yahu, Ye Yang did something unexpected.

He didn't want to just understand the array; he wanted to feel it, to internalize it. He closed his eyes and began to mentally construct the array, piece by piece, engraving by engraving. He visualized the flow of energy, the way it warped and folded space.

He spent days in this mental exercise, refining the array, perfecting it in his mind. He knew that when he finally came to create a real artifact, this mental practice would be invaluable.

Finally, a month had passed. Ye Yang opened his eyes, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment. He turned to find Elder Yahu sitting beside him, his expression serene.

"Ye Yang," Elder Yahu began, "you have spent a month contemplating the wall. Tell me what you have learned."

Ye Yang smiled. "Elder Yahu, I have found more than just markings on a wall. I have found the foundation of spatial artificing. I discovered the basic template for creating spatial artifacts, the arrays that control energy flow and stability, and most importantly, the master array for creating powerful artifacts like rings and bags."

He paused, then added, "But I didn't just find the arrays. I learned to build them, to feel them, to understand them in my mind. I have spent the last few days constructing the master array within my consciousness, so that when I create a real artifact, I can draw upon this experience and craft it to perfection."

Elder Yahu's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't expected this. He had expected Ye Yang to simply identify the arrays, not to internalize them.

"You have gone beyond my expectations, Ye Yang," he said, a hint of awe in his voice. "You have not just learned, but you have understood. You have grasped the true essence of spatial artificing."

He stood up and placed a hand on Ye Yang's shoulder. "You are ready, Ye Yang. You are ready to begin your true apprenticeship."

Ye Yang bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Yahu. I am honoured."

Elder Yahu smiled. "Now, let us go. We have much work to do. The path of the artificer is long and arduous, but you have taken the first crucial steps. You have shown that you have the talent, the dedication, and the understanding necessary to master this craft. I am confident that you will become a great artificer, Ye Yang."

As they walked away from the wall, Ye Yang couldn't help but glance back. The chaotic jumble of markings now seemed different, no longer a random collection of symbols, but a map, a guide to a world of infinite possibilities.

He knew that he had only just scratched the surface, that there were countless more secrets to uncover, countless more arrays to master. But he also knew that he was on the right path, a path that would lead him to become a true master of the art of artificing.

Elder Yahu led Ye Yang to a workshop, a space filled with the scent of raw materials and the subtle hum of latent energy.

He gestured towards a table laden with various components. "Ye Yang," he said, "today, we will begin with a simple project, a small spatial bag. Observe carefully, and follow my instructions precisely."

He picked up a piece of supple leather, its surface faintly shimmering. "This will be the outer shell. Now, watch."

Ye Yang nodded; his eyes fixed on Elder Yahu's hands. He watched as the elder selected a small, glowing crystal.

"This," Elder Yahu explained, "is a core crystal, imbued with spatial energy. It will form the heart of our bag." He then began to trace intricate patterns on the leather, his movements fluid and precise.

"What are you doing, Elder Yahu?" Ye Yang asked, his voice hushed with reverence.

"I am inscribing the basic spatial array," Elder Yahu replied.

"This array will create the pocket dimension within the bag. The precision of these engravings is crucial. A single mistake can render the entire artifact useless."

He continued his work, the lines on the leather glowing faintly as he progressed. "Now, your turn. Take this piece of leather and try to replicate these markings."

He handed Ye Yang a similar piece of leather and a stylus. "Remember the mental blueprint you created. Visualize the flow of energy."