Eliza Clayton is a sheltered heiress. If I can deceive her, I might pry some of the Clayton family's martial arts from her.
Simon Harper, as James Ward, nodded to himself, the idea taking root in the dim forest clearing behind Clearview Temple. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, the distant hum of temple bells barely audible.
I'll do it.
His gaze settled on Eliza, who stood flustered, her eyes darting between him and the lifeless body of the monk, Daniel. "Eliza, I never imagined you'd be entangled with a monk," Simon said, his voice icy, his demeanor shifting from servile to commanding.
"Patriarch Henry Clayton suspected something was amiss with you, so he sent me to investigate. And it seems he was right," he added, a cold edge to his words.
Gone was the timid stable boy; Simon now carried an air of authority, his posture relaxed yet imposing, as if he were a trusted agent of the Clayton family.
Eliza's panic deepened, her face paling at his words and the stark change in his bearing. "This… this isn't James," she thought, her mind reeling. "Is he an imposter sent by Father?"
With her lover dead, her thoughts were in disarray. Simon's commanding presence convinced her he couldn't be a mere servant.
"Maybe Father really sent him," she whispered, fear creeping into her heart.
Simon's eyes were cold. "Eliza, things have reached this point. Have you nothing to say?"
"If this scandal spreads, the Clayton family's honor will be ruined because of you."
"I… I…!" Eliza stammered, her voice trembling. After a moment, she gritted her teeth. "Please, don't tell my father. I'll do anything you ask."
She knew the consequences of her father learning of her affair. Desperate to silence Simon, her words tumbled out incoherently.
Simon chuckled softly. "Keep this from the Patriarch? That's possible, but…"
His gaze swept over her, calculating.
Eliza's heart pounded. "But what?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"I'm interested in martial arts," Simon said. "Give me techniques that satisfy me, and I swear no one else will know of you and that monk."
He waited, anticipation flickering in his chest, as Eliza considered his demand.
"Martial arts…" Eliza hesitated, her expression torn.
She only knew the Clayton family's inherited techniques. Sharing them with an outsider was forbidden, a betrayal that could bring severe punishment.
But this 'James' isn't what he seems. He's no servant, and maybe not even part of the family.
"Forget it," she thought. "I was going to teach Daniel anyway. What's one more?"
"If I don't comply, he'll expose me…"
After a long pause, Eliza, her face conflicted, pulled a small book from her cloak. "This is the Clayton family's internal technique, 'Starlight Flow Art.' It can guide you to the Innate Realm."
"I meant to give it to him," she added, glancing at Daniel's body, her voice heavy with regret.
"An internal technique," Simon breathed, his pulse quickening.
In his last simulation, he'd never acquired such a technique. Now, at the start of this one, he held a method to reach the Innate Realm, a key to understanding the Martial Realm's system compared to the real world's.
Simon stepped forward, taking the book from Eliza's trembling hands and tucking it into his tunic. "Don't worry," he said, his tone softening slightly. "No third party will hear of this."
"But you must keep silent about meeting me, or else…"
Eliza nodded quickly, her eyes wide with fear.
"Then, farewell." Simon offered a curt bow and turned, vanishing into the dense forest.
Eliza stood frozen, watching his figure disappear among the trees. Her body sagged, cold sweat beading on her forehead.
"Who was he? Was he truly Father's agent?" she wondered, her heart racing. "The real James Ward… is he dead?"
Simon's commanding demeanor convinced her he wasn't the stable boy she knew. She resolved to keep this secret, fearing the consequences of revealing she'd shared the family's technique.
"If Father learns I gave away the Starlight Flow Art, I'm doomed," she thought, glancing at Daniel's body. Biting her lip, she hurried back toward Clearview Temple, determined to sever ties with the monk's memory.
Deep in the forest, Simon flipped through the Starlight Flow Art, his fingers tracing the worn pages. The Martial Realm's system was indeed distinct from the real world's, but similarities hinted at a shared foundation.
He was still in the wilderness, branches snagging his tattered clothes. Closing the book, he tucked it against his chest. "I'll study this properly once I'm out of these mountains."
Simon moved swiftly, his steps sure despite the uneven terrain. "Eliza didn't die by my hand, so the Claytons won't pursue me too aggressively. I have time to escape Rivergate and this range."
He'd spared Eliza to avoid provoking the Claytons' full wrath. Their martial experts, led by the Innate-level Patriarch Henry, were beyond his current strength. The Blood Surge Technique let him overpower ordinary foes, but against true masters, it was lacking.
"This simulation, I spent ten points on Cultivation Talent. I wonder if it's made a difference."
Yesterday, he'd practiced the Serpent Coil Technique, but felt no improvement in speed compared to his last simulation. The modest point investment likely limited the effect.
"Points are too scarce," he sighed. "With more, I could've chosen a better talent or origin."
Points were hard-earned, but Simon had a plan. By surviving this simulation's twenty years and building influence, he could earn far more points than before.
"I'll form an organization, expand my reach, and influence more people," he resolved. A lasting group could also aid future simulations, providing resources and allies.
The forest's shadows deepened as he pressed on, his mind alight with ambition.