Back in Pytho, a few days earlier. With the help of many of his Subordinates, Theodore had just finished the initial set-up of his Lesser Void Guarding Array. Based on the Sealing Array that he had started out with, he had tweaked a few key nodes here and there, and replaced many Array Disks with higher quality ones.
Fortunately, the Sybillan Republic had gathered a lot of useful materials over the ages, therefore he could splurge a little on this vital defensive measure. Not only his precious point suppliers–a.k.a. Students–but also his own people could end up suffering if this world wasn't properly protected from outside threats. Of course, he would much rather avoid that outcome, if the possibility existed.
'That should have sent them scrambling–let's see how they'll react.'
Smirking in mild amusement, he stared out into the boundless emptiness. He could have very easily started up his Array without letting anybody know about it. However, now that it already existed and could aid him whenever he wished, he was rather unafraid of these various civilizations. From their responses, he could learn a bit more about them, which could only benefit him.
'And in the off chance that it doesn't, then I'll learn what to look out for.'
Putting this matter out of his mind for now, he focused on another occasion of relative importance. Today, it was time to determine what he should be especially focused on when teaching Rhain in the years to come. With that in mind, he soon arrived at the boy's home, where the parents were awaiting him alongside their son.
"In the future, I'll just teleport him over once we're both ready. There won't be any need to stand on ceremony, then."
Smiling at them politely, he brought the kid along and transported them to an unoccupied cultivation chamber. Initially, Rhain looked around in wonder, but once he realized how bare-bones and empty this room was, he quickly lost all interest.
"Teacher, why are we here? What are we going to do?"
In response to his question, he sat down and waited for the boy to join him, then explained his plans patiently.
"As I'm sure you're aware, every person has different interests and aptitudes. I'd like to find out what currently most catches your fancy, and what you're best at. But don't worry, I'm not going to make you go through some sort of boring test!"
A bit confused, yet hopeful, Rhain tilted his head in puzzlement.
"Then how are you going to determine all of that?"
Pulling out an Array Disk from within his Storage Ring, Theodore presented him with the answer.
"I'll let you experience a lengthy illusion, wherein you can get a taste of pretty much any topic that you can think of. Naturally, you can also dabble a little in actually learning about these things. This way, you'll be able to figure out if the process of improving at whatever intrigues you is to your liking–or too horrendous to endure. Don't worry, it'll feel as if you're dreaming. You'll take a short nap, and then I'll have all the answers that I need!"
In truth, he could have let the boy go through something similar to what he himself had undergone, but he didn't want to damage his young mind. A gentle approach would lead to a far superior result in this case.
Staring at the small disc-shaped device in his teacher's hands in wonderment, Rhain felt fascinated by what had just been proposed. It sounded akin to something magical straight out of a fairy tale, yet he knew that it most likely wasn't a joke.
"Huh. That tiny thing can do all of this? How does it work?"
The corners of his lips rising a little higher, Theodore produced a comfortable bed out of thin air, then motioned at it.
"It's an Array Disk. If you want to learn how to craft those, then you'll have to have a very advanced understanding of the field of Array Formations. Go to sleep, and you'll find out more about it, as well as many, many other things."
Despite his eagerness, Rhain didn't delay any further, obediently lying down and closing his eyes. Immediately after, he heard his teacher's voice enter his ears once again.
"Welcome to the realm of dreams! Come, get up. How about we start with what's on your mind right now? So, Arrays."
A bit perplexed, the kid did as he was told, but felt no different from before he had drifted off into slumber. He hadn't even noticed any transition whatsoever! If it wasn't for Theodore's words, then he would have heavily doubted that anything had actually changed.
"I know it might not be very exciting, but let me give you a short introduction to what I'm about to present to you. You've dabbled in your people's technology, right? Then you should know what 'programming' is. In essence, it wouldn't be wrong to equate Array Formations to programs that rewrite reality and existence itself. To do so, they need to consume Energy, which is all around us and originates from..."
Realizing that Rhain wasn't averse to a quick lecture when it came to topics that were of interest to him, the portion of Theodore's consciousness that had entered the illusion to assist his Student helped to enlighten the excited kid.
Whenever a somewhat hard to grasp part came up, he did his best to dumb it down and make it easier to visualize. It wasn't necessary to go into all of the details right now, therefore this approach should suffice to get it all started.
Although it sounded amazing, to get better at creating Arrays, and to learn to understand anything about the field to begin with, lots of information needed to be crammed into the brain and permanently retained. It wasn't simple to study, and would take a lot of time investment to see results.
This didn't serve to discourage Rhain. Despite the monotonous nature of it all, he rapidly learned to memorize and reproduce a few common runes and symbols. Obviously, as he couldn't utilize Energy yet, he was merely drawing them on a sheet of paper.
'Considering his origin, he shows outstanding aptitude for this. He might not live up to the Supreme Pillar standard, but that comparison is extremely unfair to begin with. I'll definitely teach him more about Array Formation in the future!'
Relieved at sharing one of his favourite disciplines with his first Student, the illusion proceeded from one topic to the next. Very quickly, he began to notice a clear pattern.
Whenever a subject was primarily focused on furthering one's understanding of something and expertly utilizing one's mind to achieve a desired result, Rhain would be fully committed to his teachings. However, anything related to control of the physical body or self-strengthening in that regard simply didn't appeal to him at all. It wasn't to the point that he actively complained, but his heart definitely wasn't in it.
Other things that he didn't show any interest in were arts like Scheming and Acting. The boy was honest to a fault, therefore manipulation of any kind was loathed by him. In general, he showed very low capabilities whenever it came to any matters of the emotional sort.
'That much was already expected. What surprises me is that there truly seems to be no end to his curiosity. While he–just like most beings–clearly shows a stronger interest in some disciplines, he isn't really indifferent to any of them that mentally challenge him. Fascinating. I wonder if that is going to change when he grows up more, or if he'll retain this aspect of himself.'
Awaiting Rhain's reawakening with a smile, Theodore summed up the entire takeaway in his head. Overall, he was extremely satisfied with this Student that he had easily picked up. There was only one tiny little issue...
"Am I back now, Teacher? That was awesome! Can we do that again?"
Ripped out of his thoughts by the boy's words, he nodded in confirmation.
"But of course! Not anytime soon, though. It won't be healthy for you to spend that much time in a dream, for now. And yes, you've returned. Also..."
Glancing at him with a small grin, his next words caused the kid to feel a cold shiver run down his spine.
"... don't think that you can weasel out of cultivating. I know that the very beginning mostly focuses on the physical body, and is definitely not up your alley. But it changes completely later on. Additionally, it'll allow you to live a lot longer–possibly even forever. I don't need to tell you how important that is, right?"
Shaking his head as quickly as he could, Rhain put on his most deferential, adorable smile. For some reason, he felt that trying to argue against his teacher when it came to this matter wouldn't end well at all. And that aside, he could also recognize that cultivation was at the very least a 'necessary evil'–exactly like eating his vegetables.
"I get it, Teacher! Oh, by the way. About that one specific symbol from earlier..."
Theodore couldn't help but chuckle at the boy 'expertly' switching the topic. Still, there was no need to excessively harp on about it because the message had already got across, so he chose to play along.
For the following hours, he answered all of the questions that he was being peppered with, sometimes presenting a problem for Rhain to solve. Before the kid knew it, evening had already arrived and this teaching session had come to an end.
Bidding Theodore a reluctant, yet ultimately brief farewell, the boy got brought back home. With this matter out of the way, he once again focused fully on infusing Energy into the PLID. It turned out that his last estimate had been rather conservative–a mere four days had passed, and he was pretty much already in the clear.
'The finish line is in sight!'
Eagerly anticipating the moment when he would finally be free to utilize his Energy normally again, he carried on patiently. Not too long later, his perseverance was finally rewarded. Try as it might, the ray of light was completely unable to inflict any damage to his creation whatsoever.
He continued observing it for a long while, and realizing that absolutely no change in the situation could be perceived, he put away the PLID with a bright smile. He would of course still check up on it every now and then, but it had ceased to be a pressing concern.
'I wonder how long it'll take until that beam is finally entirely worn away. It's a bit hard to get a good grasp of it, as sensing it properly is too difficult at this time. It could be weeks, months, or even years. Well, I'll find out someday. Still, whoever sent this my way is probably quite frustrated by now.'
Not bothering with his internally accumulating killing intent, his attention switched to the Lesser Void Guarding Array. And more specifically, to the three different parties approaching it from afar.
Despite the actually heavily fortified portion of it not reaching too far beyond Pytho, anywhere that the ripple had made it to, Theodore had secretly laid out various Arrays, with a Surveillance one naturally being included in the bunch. He had then connected them to his so far most prized creation of the second round. This allowed him to have eyes and ears all around.
'Two of them 'come in peace', and the Iulian Empire's legions are making a big ruckus. I'll let the Illyrians through but control them via illusions–Lady Reese can worry about them afterwards. As for the other forces, I'll keep them locked outside for now.'
Due to there still being a lot of Sybillans living in the Union's territory, he felt that he shouldn't meddle too much in their fates. He had told Cristyn that he would let her have the final say when it came to her people, and he wouldn't change his mind on that without a good reason.
Regarding the Empire and the fanatics from Tzyion, though... those were fair game. However, as long as they weren't too annoying, he wouldn't bother with them for the time being.