Great Lord Taple was too astonished. If even Noluck was surprised by Akata, it could be seen how lost in thought Great Lord Taple was. He gave Akata a deep look and then said, “I see. Well you have done what I said and I’m sure that you have thought over what I said as well, so let’s see if you are better adept at other elements.” In truth, Great Lord Taple just wanted to see if Akata was monstrously talented in other elements besides fire. If he was then… he himself didn’t even know what to think after that.

“I’m not that well versed in using elements in magic but I can use the Inner Elements of Fire, Light, and Illusions. My skill with fire is the greatest with light being a close second. I had only gained enough knowledge to use illusions just before the tribal incident with the plant cultivator, thus I don’t have too much practice with it.

The other Elders of the tribe have some knowledge on other elements and how to use them in magic but their knowledge isn’t that deep to teach others. Also, most of them focus on either water or fire and since you have great knowledge of fire most of them won’t be able to help you.” Great Lord Taple blatantly stated. While he was speaking he paid close attention to Akata’s look, only to see that it hadn’t changed at all.

He was looking to see if Akata would be excited or disappointed but neither of those came. If he was excited then he would only teach Akata one more element and come up with an excuse to get him to only learn about two. Because he didn’t want Akata to grow tremendously more powerful. If Akata was excited to learn more of the various elements then that would mean that he was expecting to learn all of the secrets of the tribe. Likewise, if he was disappointed then that would mean that he expected more from the tribe to teach him. And that wouldn’t be good either.

Other less important figures wouldn’t see it as a problem to help Akata grow since he had saved them from certain death, but to the powerful figures, Akata was still a mysterious person that showed up on the island out of nowhere. And, while he might not be plotting anything, the people who sent him here could be. Thus, the powerful figures kept a close eye on Akata.

But Akata wasn’t excited nor was he disappointed. In truth, Akata wasn’t interested in any of the elements that Great Lord Taple had just named. Fire wasn’t a big interest for him, light countered his insights into darkness so he didn’t feel like contemplating that for now, water was also an element he felt he had no skill in, and while he had some talent in illusions, he didn’t want to pursue the path of it. Thus his face held no signs of anything at all. It made it seem as if he was weighing his options and not rushing the decision.

‘This kid is amazing. Even with his talent he still values the important aspect of choosing what is right for him. He doesn’t make rash decisions and carefully weighs his options. It’s just a shame that he wasn’t born a Scarlet Tiger in my tribe, otherwise he would be able to truly grow to great heights.’ Great Lord Taple praised him silently in his thoughts.

“Thank you for your concern Great Lord Taple, may you teach me about the Inner Element of Illusions?” Akata thought to learn about illusions as a way to help him improve upon some skills that he already had such as his Shadowfeet movement skill, his techniques in the World Omen of Lord Dullahan, Mirror Reflection, and Demonic Wraith. All of these had some applications that could be improved through the use of illusions. Akata had even begun thinking of ways to incorporate runes into them.

“Inner Element of Illusions? Well sure you can learn about that.” Great Lord Taple was actually surprised once again by Akata. Illusions weren’t considered as an attack type skill or a defensive skill. Rather, they were more like a control type skill, but instead of controlling the opponent they controlled an area. However, not many people would train in illusions do to it not being very capable in battle since most people on the same level of you could easily see through an illusion and break through it. Thus, it wasn’t a big deal to teach Akata about this.

“I don’t have any skill books regarding anything about illusions but I do know some techniques that I came across while adventuring through a forest. It was very profound and I eventually managed to comprehend enough to conjure up the power of illusions. This will be perfect, Tabet you come listen in as well.” Great Lord Taple turned to his grandson who was still wrapping his mind around Akata’s display of fire. It was just too amazing to him.

“Ah! Yes grandfather.” Tabet woke from his stupor and went to stand beside Akata. They both sat down and listened to what Great Lord Taple was saying.

“The Inner Element of Illusions has no end to it at all. There are countless ways to use it just like the other various Inner Elements. However, the Inner Element of Illusions is not like any of the other Inner Elements and that is because it is not real. As the name implies, everything that is conjured up from the Inner Element of Illusions is illusory. Whether you create a huge figure of yourself, or create clones, or alter the image of your surroundings, nothing is real. Yet, even though nothing is real it can cause the people who experience it to feel as if what they are seeing is real. As if what they are experiencing is actually happening as they witness it. Thus, powerful illusions spells can be important in battle.

Finding enlightenment of illusions is very difficult to do, coupled with the fact that it doesn’t have much effect on powerful beings or people on the same level as you, not many people choose to contemplate enlightenment regarding illusions. However, I’m sure that you both will be able to comprehend it easily and figure out how to use it with magic. Tabet, you’re already capable of using the Inner Element of Illusions in runes so you should have it a bit easier than Akata here.” Even though Great Lord Taple had said this he didn’t feel confident backing it up. And neither did Tabet feel that he would be able to outdo Akata.

“Tabet I’ll get you started first since you have more knowledge on illusions than Akata. In order to create magic using the Inner Element of Illusions you must…”

Akata on the other hand was thinking silently to himself while also listening to the words of Great Lord Taple. ‘He said that the element of illusions isn’t real but when I used my Mirror Reflection skill I was able to physically touch and affect something. Is this possible with something illusory?’ Akata thought to himself. Just before he was about to ask his question he was interrupted.

“It would be wise to keep that ability to yourself. You don’t want to let others know that you are capable of turning illusions into reality. It is something that only immortals skilled in the Inner Element of Illusions can do. So until you are able to become an immortal, don’t let others know about that ability.” As if sensing Akata’s intentions Noluck voiced out within Akata’s dantion region.

Akata instantly went silent and asked internally. “What does it mean to turn illusions into reality. That’s like making something from nothing, it shouldn’t be possible.” Akata said full of confusion.

Noluck just laughed out, “Hahaha, you’re still too young and inexperienced. You’ll only understand when you have more knowledge and are capable of figuring this out on your own. Even if I took a thousand years to explain it to you, you still wouldn’t be able to understand.”

Akata just sat there. In truth he felt that he wouldn’t understand even if Noluck decided to explain. It sounded like a topic that completely surpassed his comprehension and knowledge at the moment. Akata just sat there and listened back in.

“... Okay.” Great Lord Taple finished explaining things to Tabet and focused his attention on Akata. “Now, Akata you have to gain some comprehension towards Illusions. So first thing we have to do is get you to gain some insights regarding it. But how… it’ll be very difficult considering you can’t see anything.” Great Lord Taple went into deep thought.

“It’s fine. I already have a basic understanding of illusions.” Akata put a hand in the air and caused a purple rune to appear glittering with light. The aura of illusions was wafting off of it. “However, I would probably need a deeper understanding of illusions to truly use it in magic.” Akata said indifferently.

Once again Great Lord Taple and Tabet looked at the rune in surprise and utter shock. They hadn’t expected Akata to be able to pick up the Inner Element of Illusions so quickly, yet he was already capable of producing runes? And his runes weren’t weak either, they were seemingly perfectly made and were resilient. Probably only someone who was at least two Grades above him could destroy it.

For once, instead of feeling in awe of Akata for his achievements, Tabet instead felt a fear rise up. Akata was just too talented of a figure, he was a true genius… no the word genius was too low of a title for him. There simply wasn’t a word to describe how gifted Akata was. Tabet’s eyes filled with an intense glare as he hurriedly turned his head and went back to work trying to conjure up illusions using magic.

‘I can’t let him surpass me no matter what! I’m the genius of the Scarlet Tiger Tribe… no… the Scarlet Rune Tribe! I’m 18 years old and am already at the Great Circle of the Docile Rank, given a bit more time I will break through to be in the Beast Rank. I can’t just let some mortal surpass me like this.’

Tabet had built up some animosity toward Akata and a bit of tension was created. However, it wasn’t cold and ruthless but one that was closer. Almost like a sibling rivalry of some sorts. Akata could feel it and unconsciously focused his nature sense in the direction of Tabet. Then he smiled.