Chapter 23- Secrets of Vantara & Learning New Martial Art
9th March | Evening | Vantara Village
After the events in the underground dungeon, Vector and his commanders, Marcus and Rhea, made their way to a private dinner hosted by Chief Arthur.
As they approached the chief's residence, located at the heart of Vantara Village, they were greeted by the sight of a two-story stone villa, sturdy and elegant, with warm light glowing behind its windows. It stood out in the natural beauty of the village, a clear symbol of leadership and legacy.
Arthur stepped forward from the group and welcomed Vector and others with a warm smile and a slight bow of the head.
"Young Master, Please! Welcome to this humble abode."
Vector smiled politely and replied, "It's us who should thank you, Uncle Arthur, for having us for dinner."
Arthur froze slightly at the word "uncle," visibly surprised.
Noticing his reaction, Vector explained calmly, "I separate personal and professional life clearly. Here, at your home, you are like family— like my uncle. But when we're working, I'll call you by name or title without favoritism. That's just how I am."
Marcus and Rhea nodded from behind, already familiar with their young master's character and how he balanced formality with genuine warmth.
Vector was also adjusting his behavior based on his memories he obtained here in Ethereum. Back on Earth, he would've called him 'Uncle' from the start. But here, in this new world, he understood the need to project confidence and impartiality, addressing people by their roles and titles when in a subordinate relationship
Arthur smiled on this and said, "Yes, we should make a line between our private and public life. But I will still call you Young Master, even in private."
Vector gave a small nod, he knows that Arthur will not listen even if he said to call him Vector in private also. As the same is the case with Sebastian, Marcus and others. Vector said, "Very well. Now, let's not waste time chatting outside. Let's eat."
Arthur gestured for them to follow. "Of course. Please, this way."
They entered the villa and were led into a cozy, well-kept living room. "Young Master, Please wait here. I will go and check if the arrangement for the Dinner is done properly."
Inside the living room, the servants move and look busy as they prepare for the Dinner. One brought out a jug of fresh water and an assortment of snacks. Without hesitation, Vector and the others accepted the refreshments, calmly sipping and waiting.
After a few minutes, Arthur returned to the Living room after checking the preparation.
"Young Master, the dinner is ready. Please join us in the dining room."
Dining room, welcoming dining table had been set with care. A woman and a young man stood nearby, preparing the final dishes.
Arthur introduced them with pride. "Young Master, this is my wife, Emily Vanyar, and our son, Leo Vanyar."
Vector offered a respectful smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Hello, Aunt Emily… Hello, Leo."
"Welcome, Young Master Vector," Emily said warmly. Leo gave a respectful bow.
Emily gently ushered them to their seats. The dining table was round, promoting ease of conversation, and already filled with a variety of freshly cooked dishes.
Arthur sat beside Vector and spoke with quiet pride. "This meal may not have the refinement of city feasts, but everything is made from ingredients grown or raised in our village. It's simple, but we hope it satisfies."
Vector took in the aroma of the food with appreciation. "It smells better than anything I've had in a long time."
The dishes were indeed humble yet heartfelt— roasted vegetables seasoned with fragrant forest herbs, slices of smoked meat wrapped in soft, freshly baked flatbread, and a warm broth rich with the earthy flavor of mountain mushrooms. It wasn't luxury, but it was real, and that mattered more.
As the group began to eat, Vector spoke up between bites. "Uncle Arthur, I noticed some stone buildings in the village— rare for a forest settlement. They're more common in cities."
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Those buildings were constructed by former village chiefs, using the wealth they earned from their adventures in the outside world."
"We Venyar have lived in this forest for generations," he continued. "Our roots go deep here. We've survived beast attacks and natural disasters. One of the biggest reasons we've endured is because of something very few people know— we possess an Epic-grade Body Refinement Manual."
Vector's eyes widened slightly. Arthur's words were unexpected— and impressive.
Arthur added, "I am a 2nd-stage body refinement expert myself, and so are the three elders you saw with me earlier. But the existence of the manual is a closely guarded secret. Only a few trusted villagers are allowed to train with it. If word ever got out… we'd be swarmed by greedy forces."
He smiled faintly and gestured toward Leo beside him. "Leo is already a 1st-stage body refinement practitioner. He's inherited our legacy."
Vector leaned back slightly, taking it all in. To think such a powerful manual was hidden in a remote village like this— and yet they had kept it safe for generations.
Leo is also a genius himself to practice it to 1st stage and he looks just the same age as me or even slightly older. But Leo can be called a genius once in a hundred years.
"You don't have to worry about secrecy anymore," Vector said firmly. "From now on, I'll supply your village with more manuals, elixirs, and resources. Our strength will grow together. We'll have more powerful people for Vantara."
Arthur's eyes shimmered, deeply moved. In Vector, he saw not just power, but vision, and most importantly, trust. Not because of his noble bloodline, but because of the way he carried himself. This young man had strength and leadership far beyond his years. His instinct also tells that Vector is more powerful than him, which meant the young man had already reached the 2nd stage of body refinement. To achieve such a feat at his age was nothing short of a once-in-a-millennium genius.
The conversation continued, drifting between stories of the village and future plans. Despite the looming war, the dinner felt warm, even hopeful.
------
After the dinner the group left for their respective resting places. Vector was staying in the Chief Arthur Villa, a modest and well-kept room– from the balcony the canopy of trees can be seen, insisted by the Chief Arthur to stay here as it is the best place. Repeated insistence led the Vector to accept the offer for stay.
Inside the room, the flicker of an oil lamp danced across stone walls. Vector sat cross-legged on the woven mat, calm, centered.
"System," he said softly, "can I now construct the Library building gifted by the 'Will of the Void'?"
=================
[System Notification]
>[Affirmative. Host now possesses designated territory. Library building Construction Protocol can be initialized.]
>[To proceed, Host must designate a location within controlled territory. Once confirmed, the system will anchor and materialize the structure.]
=================
A breath escaped Vector's chest… Relief can be seen on his face.
"So… it's possible now."
But he wasn't ready… Not yet. As he had not selected the place to anchor the library
"Not now," he murmured. "I'll find the right place tomorrow— a location hidden from plain sight, where the library can remain protected and unseen."
With that concern resolved, his thoughts shifted to another priority, his training. He had previously honed the Silent Arrow Art, leveraging his past life's experience as an archer. But long-range combat had its limitations.
A bow was silent, precise, but eventually, enemies closed the distance. He needed something more. A close-quarters skill, quick and lethal. Something to rely on when the bow failed.
"Tonight, I'll train in knife technique," he whispered. "It's time I stop depending on just my range."
With a flick of thought, the blue interface of the Void Library System bloomed into view before him. Rows of glowing icons hovered in the air, each representing a category of vast knowledge.
=================
[System Status Panel]
[Host Name: Vector Astrum]
[Physique: Void Body]
Strength: 316
Agility: 310
Endurance: 298
Dexterity: 304
Vitality: 1030
[Soul & Mind Attributes]
Soul Strength: 108
Intelligence: 1250
[Martial arts: Silent arrow Arts]
=================
[Void Library – Knowledge Database]
[Scientific & Engineering Knowledge] (Expand)
[Arms & Military Technology] (Expand)
[Agricultural Advancements] (Expand)
[Medical & Biological Enhancements] (Expand)
[Manufacturing & Industrial Development] (Expand)
[Naval & Aero Technology] (Expand)
[Martial Arts & Body Refining Manual] (Expand)
[Combat Techniques] (Expand)
=================
[Functions]—
[Storage Space: 15.8 m³/20 m³]
[Scanning],
[Simulation]
=================
Vector expanded the Martial Arts & Body Refining Manual. And Continued to to see what Knife Arts he is going to learn.
=================
[Daggers & Knives Arts]:-
[Basic Knife Arts]
[Phantom Fang Style],
[Bloodletter Technique]
[....]
=================
He tapped the final option and ultimately chose to learn a knife technique— swift, discreet, and easy to wield. It was a weapon that could be concealed easily, making it ideal for close-quarters combat and situations that demanded subtlety.
=================
[Martial Arts]
[Basic Knife Arts – Duration: 8 hours (Simulation)]
[Includes: Slash, Thrust, Draw Cut, Backhand, Deflection, Parry, Stab, Lateral Cut, Retreating Slash]
[Initiate Simulation?]
[Yes / No]
=================
"Yes, begin the simulation."
The world around him shifted and blurred into shimmering blue light.
Within moments, Vector stood in the Simulation Space, an endless space. The ground beneath him was smooth and dark, while a faint blue mist swirled in the air, carrying no scent or sound.
"Time Ratio here is: 30:1" the system had informed him earlier.
That meant for every single day in the real world, he could train for thirty days inside this space.
A cheat, in all senses of the word, but one he needed. And one he would use to its fullest.
Then it started.
A dark metal knife appeared in Vector's hand. It was made of metal but light, yet it felt just as solid. When he moved it, the blade had weight. Every swing, every cut felt real.
He started slow, a forward slash, then a smooth draw cut, and a quick stabbing thrust. Each move was first shown by a hologram, and Vector followed it exactly. Then came a parry, a backhand strike, and a step-back slash.
In the simulation, Vector wasn't just repeating moves— he was thrown into dozens of battle scenarios. The system recreated forest ambushes, street skirmishes, duels in tight corridors, and open-field clashes. Through each situation, he practiced the fundamentals of knife combat: angles, timing, range, and control.
To help him learn faster, the system also introduced simple movement drills— sidesteps, rolls, pivoting footwork, and sudden retreats. These weren't flashy or advanced, but they gave him the right balance and rhythm to apply his knife techniques effectively in real combat.
Luckily, Vector's comprehension had already reached an abnormal level thanks to the Void Library System and the tempering of Chaos Energy. He could pick up patterns quickly, adapt to the opponent's movement, and apply what he had just learned in new ways. Whether it was a shadowy assassin simulation or a beast lunging from behind cover, Vector responded with swift precision, reading each fight like a puzzle and executing his techniques instinctively.
By the end of the session, he hadn't just learned knife skills, he had earned them through trial, error, and practical experience.
Finally, after completing the last move, the simulation stopped.
Vector stood still, catching his breath. He had survived another round of intense training, not just learning how to fight, but learning how to survive.
Eight hours passed in simulation.
Next morning…
=================
> [System Notification]
[Simulation Complete: Basic Mastery Achieved]
[Basic Knife Arts – Mastery Level: Basic]
=================
[To be Continued…]