Reincarnated As A Peasant

Chapter 21: Brother Bothers

Sakura

Gamera escorted me down another flight of stairs that seemed to go on forever until we reached a large open cavern. It was lit by several floating balls of gentle light that gave everything the feeling of mid day. We had emerged into the cavern onto a small plateau that overlooked densely packed homes and sprawling rice fields below. A warm breeze lifted my hair and filled my face as I stared.

It was a beautiful sight. One I knew I had never seen before, in either life.

Welcome to my lunges, child. Gamera chuckled as I gave him a blank look. Well, my subsidiary lounges anyway. In order to cultivate deep metal veins, I have to shut down several major body processes. Such as the active filtering of air into my actual lunges. So, when I submerge my body, I build mana constructs, such as these caverns that are designed to absorb moisture, and other things that would be bad if they got into my body. The fact it provides a haven for your familys people and structures is another bonus.

But I dont recognize any of these buildings, I said, searching through Sakuras memories.

Look closer. They may be in different locations than you are used too, but I am sure you will find some familiarity. There, for example. He pointed a clawed hand towards the far side of the cavern.

The Familial Palace sat on a small hill on the far side of the cavern. Surrounded by fields that were being tended by farmers, and cherry blossom trees. The largest tree of its kind I had ever seen was at the center of the palace, and Sakura knew that there was something special about it. She, I, had sat under it during most of my meditation and cultivation sessions.

Thats enough gawking, little mouse. We have places to get.

Were just going to walk all the way there? I was already pretty tired from my hick up the mountain. I didnt know if I could finish this one without sleep, and a good meal first.

What? No. Im too old and lazy for that. Well take the gondola.

***

The Gondola reminded me of the train system back on Earth. But instead of riding on top of rails, it hung down from a set of mana infused ropes suspended from the top of the cavern. A young cultivator used mana to propel it along, taking us along with a handful of other people in a straight line to the far side.

I watched the ground pass below. The dense city buildings where most of our people lived their lives were practically empty. Most of the commoners left this morning to gather and hunt outside. Apparently, the rice fields arent enough to sustain the population by themselves. Let alone the cultivation needs of the nobility.

Gameras voice was dismissive, but I could tell from the way he watched the few people still around as they went about their business that he was nearly as fascinated as I was. Farmers farmed, merchants sold their wears, and children played in the streets games that neither Sakura nor Genji knew how to play.

The city was small for the capital of a duchy, but if she counted the entirety of those who lived on or within Gamera the tortious, it rivaled most others. The city took up about a quarter of the space in the cavern, right at its heart. The fields took up another two quarters. What was left was filled with either palatial estates, minor sect schools, or temples to the various spirits and minor gods that made their home within the cavern, and when Gamera was mobile, on his back.

But I also knew that there were other places where people lived. Small villages high in the mountains, sect temples, or towns tucked away in small valleys high on the twin peaks. I had visited many of them as a child and had grown to enjoy the people there. Hard-working, hardy folk, dedicated to tending the little land they were intrusted with.

My eyes landed on something interesting near the end of our time on the gondola. Gamera? What is that? I pointed down to where a gathering of folk were building what looked like stone seating, arranged in a circle.

Theyre rebuilding the stadium for the tournament of choosing. You dont think the Choosing is just a time for celebration among your family and mine do you? All the duchy celebrates. The lesser nobility and peasant cultivators take part in games and displays of craftsmanship. There is even a fighting tournament. Single elimination. Your younger brother has received permission from your parents to join the junior division since his recent mastery of his first spells.

He mastered a spell? Which one? I had known he was working on doing so. He was a low Iron, in cultivation, but was much better at magic.

Two actually. But Ill let him show you.

***

The Familial Palace was a contradiction of sorts. The buildings were tall and tightly packed, with covered walkways that connected them. The rooms inside were designed for function, and little else. Spartan and austere, but capable of housing hundreds of people. A couple of thousand perhaps if we squeezed several people to a room.

Outside, however, was entirely different. The courtyards were large and well-tended, small gardens dotted them, and trees of various kinds that made up an exotic tapestry of colors stood as living statues.

Gamera left me at the entrance, and instructed me to find him in an hour for training before he wandered off into the sprawling outer gardens and hedgerows. Servants helped take my few possessions, my clothes, and the gifted box of silkworms, to my rooms in the rear building, allowing me to wander the place and become acquainted with the sights and places from Sakuras memories.

I found my quarters in the rear building, the one building in the complex that had a little more than the bare minimum of the comforts of life. Our rooms were a bit larger than those in the rest of the complex, and the stones were heated through simple enchantments Yu had placed years ago.

I found a small sand garden behind it, one Sakura had only lose memories of having previously been filled with raised garden beds. Now, instead of green and growing plants, there was only sand, and a stone path that lead in a circle.

A young man I instantly recognized was standing on the central stone, one leg raised on the tips of his toes. He was shirtless, wearing white loose pants designed for martial arts. His eyes were closed. He shifted stances several times as I watched, and I felt a sense of pride at how hard he had been working.

Youve made a lot of improvements Rayce, I found myself saying. Rayce, my younger brother by a little less than a year, stopped his slow-moving kata and opened his eyes.

Oh, hi Sakura. He sounded abnormally calm. From Sakuras memories, this kid had been nearly hyperactive. Glad youre home and healthy.

I smiled as I leaned against the stone pillars that surrounded the sand garden. It was odd, seeing him here so changed, and only knowing him from memories I hadnt yet fully sorted through. Your birthday happened while we were gone, didnt it?

Rayce fought a slight frown from crossing his face, but I was familiar with his mannerisms and caught it. Yes. Yes, it did. Though you living and being hale and whole are all the blessings, I can ask of the Gods.

Okay, who is this kid? Hes got the brains, I can see that clearly. But wheres the hyperactivity? The constant fidgeting? This isnt the Rayce Sakura knew. Not even close. Youre twelve now. Technically, were the same age. At least for a few months.

Rayce did frown this time. Yes. And well both be doing the choosing together. How do you feel about that? Do you feel ready?

For the choosing? I dont know. I spoke to Raif about it, but he wasnt all that helpful.

You spoke with Uncle Raif?

Oh, thats right. He practically idolizes the guy, doesnt he? Yeah. We ran into him on our way home. He was visiting a friend of his as we were passing through the eastern forests.

Thats His composure broke then, and the calm centered Rayce was replaced with the one I was familiar with. Thats not fair! You didnt even earn time with him, I bet. He just gave it to you. Rayce stood there fuming, trying to get himself under control.

I, It wasnt like that.

I bet it wasnt. Do you know what he said to me when I asked to apprentice under him? Nothing. He still hasnt responded to my letter, and its been almost a year.

I had no idea what to say to that. Hes going to be in the city for the choosing. I bet you could-

He cut me off with a chopping motion. No. I will fight my own battles.

And you will fight yours. Gamera appeared behind me as if out of thin air. Put on a shirt, Rayce, and then follow me. I have something to show you. Both of you.

***

We walked together into the northern building, and down a flight of stairs I had seen before, but never used. Sakuras parents had expressly forbidden her from exploring the complexs basement on her own.

Youre sure this is alright? Mother and father never allowed us down here before. Rayces voice reverberated off the bare stone walls as we passed by closed doors and stores of dry goods.

Your parents entrusted me with training both of you into the immortal realms. It shouldnt take too long, if you have half the brains they say you do and a decent work ethic. So you two are my responsibility for now. The greatest motivator I have encountered, besides kidnapping and torturing someones loved ones, is competition.

Kidnapping and torturing loved ones? This tortoise doesnt sound entirely stable. I better watch my step around him.

We came to a set of double doors at the end of a long hallway bare of ornament or other doors. Gamera pressed an open clawed palm against them and intricate symbols sprang to life in multi-colored relief as mana flowed through them. Something loud clanked, as metal pushed against metal, and the double doors opened on their own.

Welcome to your familys personal vault and armory. Gamera walked in, motioning for us to follow. I walked past row after row of tables stacked with books and scrolls. Here you will find the foundational knowledge for your familys arts, that will aid you in later stages of cultivation should you choose to follow their path. Both of you will have free access to this room.

We came to a second set of doors, and again Gamera touched the doors and infused them with mana. This room had several dozen tables filled with artifacts. Each artifact was given a place of prominence with a pedestal made of heartwood holding them and a plaque that described them up for the viewers easy access. There were swords made with the purist steel, fans that gleamed like jade or smelled of wildflowers, and many other weapons and trinkets in the collection.

This is the Immortal Vault. You will have to work to earn access here. Once you have reached the immortal realms, then you will have free access to this vault, and only then. Now. Can either of you tell this old man what your familys arts are based on?

The Gamra cultivation line are largely based on mastering pure chie as our focus at the lower stages. With only a cursory control of mana at first. Rayce spoke up as if worried Id beat him to answering the question. At the foundation and mortal stages, it is vital for a Gamra cultivator to find diverse spirits and spirit-beasts to bond with. Thereby making mana use less of a burden, allowing them to more heavily focus on chie.

Correct. Why do the Gamra cultivators seek out either Gamera or Kame as spirit-beast companions? The tortoise avatar asked as he turned his back on the door to the next part of the vault and faced us. Rayce opened his mouth to speak, but Gamera pointed a long claw at me. Answer please Sakura.

I racked my brain, and Sakuras memories for the right answer, but all that came back were vague impressions and what Raif had said about his beast. Um. Gamera are versatile beasts. They can allow a cultivator or mage to more easily choose the type of mana their companion might provide them help with while still providing them with a powerful mount that can rival nearly any other spirit beast in defense, and versatility. The fact they are family-based creatures, which is odd as most non-spirit beast turtles are solitary creatures, makes them extremely easy to bond with for the power they generate.

Correct. My little cousins find power in their diversity and kinship. And Kame?

Yus words about meridians came to mind. But It was only a partial answer. Still, it was the only one I had. Well, they are one of the five great spirit beasts in the kingdom. One of the hallmarks of their usefulness is the fact they grow excess meridians that can be given as cultivation resources to others.

The old tortoise lifted his nose, and he looked disgusted. Though, I was new to reading tortoise people's expressions, so he could have been pleased for all I knew.

A clinical and cynical answer. But at least partially correct. He looked towards Rayce. Can you help your sister by fleshing the answer out more?

Well. They, you, are like family. The Gamra family has been spirit companions of the Kame since our line was founded by our great, great grandfather. When he bonded with you, sir. That bond is in our spiritual makeup, as well as our blood.

Correct. Kame are capable of making bonds with very few people. It is true with all of the Great Spirit Beasts. We are particular, choosey, about who we bond with. The fact your line has been successful as often as you are, is unique. There is no line better suited for it. That is why your family has, more often than not, been rulers of the southern kingdom since its founding. If your grandfather hadnt died fighting those snake heathens on the southern border, youd be a prince and princess now. Not just high nobility.

Dont worry Gamera. Father will be a prince rank soon, or so I hear. Then hell challenge for the throne! Rayce sounded over eager, like all young boys praising the fathers they idolized.

Gameras expression softened. Your father is not ambitious in that way. He sees governmental service as just that. Service and duty. I do not think he would challenge for the southern throne, unless he felt it was necessary to correct some injustice or another. And King Togra is a kindly man, if somewhat inattentive of our borders. There will not be cause for conflict as long as he sits on the throne.

Rayce deflated slightly. But I bet dad could still beat Togra up, right?

Gamera smiled. Perhaps, perhaps. Now. For the reason I brought you here. The Choosing will be in less than a weeks time. Before then, I will help both of you ascend at least one stage. Youre both at the peak of Iron at the moment.

That took me back. Rayce had risen nearly the entire Iron stage while I was gone. That was a difficult thing to do at the best of times. The fact he was doing it alone, with only Gamera to help, was astoundingly fast. It meant Rayce was not only ahead of me in magic, having learned two spells, but he had matched me in cultivation. Something Sakura had taken pleasure in besting the young man at, at every turn.

How long was I gone for?

The thing that will push you from Iron to Steel is competition, and additional mana reinforcement of your bodies. In your case, Sakura, an additional meridian needs to be cleansed. I can sense youve cleansed four while under your mothers tutelage. Well done.

He was right. I had. And each one felt like torture that took me days to recuperate from. Um. Sorry sir, but Mother said that you need 5 meridians cleansed when youre ascending into the immortal. From Steel to Silver. Is that not correct?

She is right, of course. But it is better to lay that foundation now, to clear the path early so you can make that jump as quickly as possible. It is the old way. Unlike the Imperial way, with its number of meridians cleansed, spells known, types of cores assimilated and mastered, and all of that. The Dao is multifaceted and its paths are beyond mortal, and even immortal, attempts at classification. Still, the reason is simple. Youre close, but you need a significant amount of mana to push your body forward. Barring access to some spirit, or sprit beast companion which would help you dramatically, meridians are the best method forward.

And what happens when I try to go from Steel to the immortal realms? Wont I need even more mana than that my meridian cleansing would have created? I just feel like Im using a resource too soon.

Yes. You will. But there are other options for that. From beast cores, to spirits, to bonded companions. But those are steps beyond where we are now. Trust, Sakura. Let me guide you, as you mother and father have instructed.

I didnt like the idea of doing another meridian cleansing, not without Yu there to help me regulate my increased chie and mana.

There is worry in your eyes, but do not be concerned. In a proper cultivation chamber, the excess mana and chie will be slowed automatically, allowing your body to more gently adjust over hours, rather than all at once. But as this will be the last meridian, and you are already pushing towards Steel, you wont need to worry about that. The excess mana and chie are essential for forcing your body to ascend a stage. They will provide you with something many cultivators try so hard to create.

He went silent and stared off through the rock, his eyes glazed over as if he had forgotten our conversation.

And what is that, master? Rayce asked. Gamera came too and stared at the young man uncomprehendingly. What is the thing cultivators try hard to create?

Oh yes. Right. Let me think here. Meridians, ah yes. Momentum child. Every cultivator desperately attempts to create and then maintain momentum along the many paths of power. Do you think you are ready for the meridian cleansing Sakura? If so, we can work on that directly after the next thing I have in store for the both of you.

I bowed from the waste. Yes, master Gamera. Thank you. When I righted myself, Gameras neck had bent down, and his face was level with me. He had closed one eye and was staring at me with the other. I didnt feel his presence wash over me, or any other kind of magical scan. But still, I felt uneasy under his gaze.

Formality will get you places, girl. But there is no need to use it as a shield here. As your brother said, we are family. Even if you are young, neive, and weak as a kitten before a Cherry Blossom Lion. I see youve changed a bit since last you walked my shell, yes. You have changed much. For the better in some ways to be sure, though. It is yet to be seen if you have experienced setbacks. Your soul is unsettled.

His eye got closer and closer until I felt forced to lean back away from him. Gamera harrumphed, then moved towards a table that held a set of weapons on pedestals.

As I said. Competition, along with cultivation and mana reinforcement, are what you need to ascend properly in so short a time. Sakura, despite your lack of spell mastery, you are slightly further along in that regard. But well get to that in a moment. As for the competition aspect of things, you will both be entering the Choosing Games in the martial arts tournament.

Rayce pumped a fist. Yes! I practically begged mother and father to let me start last year at the new year festival but they said I was too young. Thank you, master Gamera!

Some real world experience against trained opponents near your own age will do you both well.

Um. I My voice trailed off as it started to close. I had never, once, done anything like that in either life. Yes, Sakura had learned some basics of self defense, and she had learned to use a bow for hunting and target practice. But she had never had to use any of those skills. While Genji had avoided physical altercations as much as possible. I was in no way equipped for a tournament.

Yes Sakura? The old tortoise turned his one piercing eye on me again, as if trying to take in my every expression.

I, Ive never. Ive never done anything like that before. Not really.

Ah. I see the problem. Do not worry Sakura. Powerful magicians and cultivators have enchanted and inscribed the fighting grounds. You saw them hard at work as we were on our way here. Those enchantments will keep you from getting harmed beyond scrapes and bruises. And will quickly heal you should things get out of hand. But if you are to walk the path of cultivation, then you must become familiar with pain, little mouse.

Thats not it. I understand pain. I, its, that Ive never struck someone and meant it before. I felt my face burn as I forced the words out.Youve scrapped with me plenty of times.

When we were little, maybe. But youre my brother. Not some random person. That big eye got right up in my face again and began examining every inch of my reaction. Ive sparred before, but it was always with padded weapons or gloves. II dont know if I can intentionally hurt someone like that.

Hmmm. Every member of this family, both inner and outer, must learn to protect themselves and be willing to strike down an enemy. If not to protect themselves, then to protect others.

But, what if

Say it, little mouse. What bothers you?

What if I like it?

Rayce laughed, but Gamera quieted him with a raised claw. He ran his claw through my hair, idly removing it from in front of my face so he could get a better look.

You worry you will become cruel. Yes? I nodded. Indeed, there is much that has changed in you little mouse. You worry about imperfection in your own motivations. Something you had never considered before. Yes. Much, much change.

How do you know that? I asked, incredulous. How could an old tortoise man who had, for all intents and purposes, never met Sakura, let alone Genji before, know that about me?

Gamera chuckled as he stood back to his full, comfortable height. You have lived on my shell since you were born, little mouse. Running in its cracks and crevices, laughing, crying, scraping your knee when you played to rough, or fell from trees you were climbing. Ive seen you work with those who had little in the way of things or opportunities to give them stability and a new chance at life. Ive seen you be kind, and at times unintentionally cruel to those below you. You have always been bright little mouse, with a good heart pointed in the right directions. But you are young, very young even for your species. And the young lack wisdom. Until something happens to them, and they gain the first seeds of it.

He looked up at the ceiling for a moment, as if contemplating something. I see not just a growing seed, little mouse. But a sapling, about to bud its first bloom. You are still young, but you have grown. Which is why you are too wise not to understand. You must protect yourself, and have a duty to protect those around you.

I I remembered the village, and the feeling I felt walking among villagers, talking with them. Seeing them go about their lives, as small as they were. Those lives, they were worth living. And so, they were worth protecting. If I were to keep my promise, I would have to learn to do just that. To protect. I understand.

Good. Now, here we have the six holy weapons of the nobility. The fan, used largely by those who focus on keeping an enemy at a distance. The fan is usually made of jade or other precious stone or metal, and they are great as a mana focus. Increasing spell efficiency, particularly for water and air-based spells. Their weakness is, while they can defend with the wicked spikes that hold the fan together, they are not ideal for close in fighting. Those who use the fan are typically Controllers. Those who use spells and techniques who control the field. Such large spells require much mana and chie to power, and the increased efficiency helps dramatically.

He motioned to the next three in line. These are the blades. The Jian, He pointed twoards, one that was long and straight, with a wicked-looking point. Mainly used by soldiers as it is easy to maintain, and easy to repair. The Katana.

This blade was long, longer than the Katana my father had shown me in their shrine before that year had gone badly. But it was shaped in a similar way, though clearly intended for two handed use rather than for switching between one and two hands. The Katana is used largely in the Eastern Kingdom. Though your father has shown a liking to it as it is a rugged blade. And last, a Full Tang. It was a massive sword, with a blade as long as the handle. This is used primarily by priests when fighting demons and pacifying spirits. But it can be useful for chie expression.

Gamera moved on to the last two items. They were some kind of sword-spear, and a black box. This is a Naginata. The traditional weapon of the southern kingdom. Useful for blade work from horseback, or mounted on any other steed. Even a Gamera or Kame. The old tortious got a mischievous look in his eyes. This one was your uncle Raifs first blade. Before he forged one with his own chie as he ascended into the noble realms.

Can I? Rayce asked, and the old tortoise lifted the weapon effortlessly and placed it in my brothers hands. Rayces eyes were enormous, and the blade seemed to hum lightly.

Send a trickle of chie and mana through it. Let us see how it reacts.

Rayce did, and it glowed with a warm yellow light. I hear something in my head.

Yes. Training weapons like this have the most basic techniques imprinted inside them. If you listen closely to the weapon, you will learn the fundamentals of its use.

Thank you. Rayces eyes brimmed with emotion and the tortoise man chuckled.

Yes yes. Go try it out. Back up the stairs with you to the sandpit. Ill be up in a few hours to see how you are coming along. Rayce walked out of the room, only until he was out of direct eyesight. Then I heard his steps pick up to a desperate run.

Now for you Sakura. Do any of these weapons seem interesting to you? They all have the same educational enchantments as your brothers Naginata.

I examined each of them closely before shaking my head. None of them seemed right. The closest was the fan, as I wanted nothing to do with getting in close with an enemy if I could help it.

Then lets look at this last item. He used a long claw to open the black box to reveal a set of three sharp looking knives with thin silk ropes attached to them.. These are throwing knives. The rope attaches to your belt. When you throw the knife and you either will it back, or it reaches the end of its rope, the knife will reappear in its carrier on your belt.

I examined them closely, running my fingers over the metal and the ropes. I felt something inside the metal speak to my mind. It showed me images of me throwing the knives at a shadowy opponent, and them reappearing in the three sheath carrier on my belt. Then it showed me an image of me imbuing the knives with mana, and them catching fire as I threw them at that same shadow.

Images kept coming into my mind as I touched them until I placed them back in the box. I think these will work. At least for now, I dont want to get too close to people.

Wise. Throwing daggers of returning, it is. Good choice, little mouse. Now, follow me. We have some work to do before tomorrows tournament.