Chapter 21: Kiita’s Words of Power

  Nitaan's eyes blazed with longing after he heard about the Moonlight Dew.

  Nitaan, though not truly having any particular dreams or goals, didn't aspire to be the strongest, nor to rule billions like the Queen, nor to possess vast territories like the Two Pirate Kings, nor to lead a great organization like Library’s Curator.

  He simply wanted to live a comfortable and happy life with the one he loved.

  But all of that didn't mean Nitaan didn't want to strive for higher positions in Fate Scripting! He harbored a deep desire, one suppressed by his status as an orphan and the responsibility of caring for Kiita.

  If he became stronger, he would be the sole ruler of his life. Wherever he wanted to go, he would be the one to decide. Whoever he wanted to protect, that person would live happily for as long as he lived.

  If in the future he happens to have dreams, goals, and things he wants to do, strength will be indispensable.

  Nitaan knew his own potential and talents well. Although he was humble when others praised him, he never belittled himself. Nitaan believed in his own potential. He was confident he could reach even greater levels!

  The only thing holding him back now was himself.

  After all, in this Grand Continent, everyone has an equal opportunity in Fate Scripting.

  Even with talent, if he didn't try, that talent would be worthless. No matter how hard he tried, if luck wasn't on his side, he would be left behind. On the path to scripting one’s own fate, talent isn't everything. Effort, birthright, talent, luck, destiny, supporters—everything plays a role.

  Fate Scripting is truly about self-discovery and soul comprehension.

  It seems I'll have to go to the capital. Nitaan murmured.

  Although he had never heard of this competition before, Nitaan didn't dream that a country bumpkin genius like him could easily win. This Grand Continent was too vast for such an arrogant person to reach the top.

  Even though the maximum age limit was 40, there being no level limit meant there was a chance that a Third word Engraver might appear in the competition.

  Third word Engraver and above refers to an Enlightened. A being far stronger than Elder Grai.

  Enlightened is a high-level being, not something commonly found. Enlightened Under 40 is even more almost dreamlike, though it's unclear whether it's a good dream or a nightmare for him.

  In Nitaan’s understanding, a 40-year-old Engraver should be someone in the same situation as him. Forced to perform an Engraving Ceremony prematurely.

  Forced to perform the ceremony without reaching the peak of their potential and discovering more Words of Power.

  Nitaan himself is confident that by the time he reaches 40, he will have a very high chance of becoming an Enlightened as well. After all, he's already a genius who discovered three words at the age of 21.

  Considering the most likely option, participating in the next competition after 10 years might be more logical. Yet Nitaan worries that the next competition's prize might not be a treasure capable of replenishing the Great River like this one. If that's the case, he doesn't know when or where he'll find such a treasure again.

  Besides, this competition is a valuable experience, allowing him to compete against many geniuses. The opportunity to broaden his horizons to a world he had never encountered before, and perhaps also the desire to prove his own hidden abilities, were all part of it.

  If he was lucky, he might even comprehend a word from this competition.

  Revealing his cards prematurely might not be a good idea, but Nitaan thought it was worth it compared to the experience of competing against so many geniuses.

  The thing that could best increase my chances of victory in a short time was… Nitaan murmured before turning to look at Kiita.

  It was common for some Beast Tamer Engravers to bring animal companions into battle. While some might say that fighting in a group was unfair, in real combat, strength was everything.

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  The empire only wanted a winner in the competition, no matter the method, as long as killing was forbidden. After all, in real combat, who cares about fairness? Victory was enough.

  Especially since the host of the competition was the Malakai Empire, led by Emperor Gustarus, who declared, “Strength is righteousness.”

  If Kiita could become a Learner and Nitaan could comprehend one word and become a First word Engraver, their combat power would greatly increase.

  "Kiita, why didn't you ever tell me you discovered four Words of Power?" Nitaan bent down and stroked Kiita's head.

  "Woof!"

  Words of Power?

  Nitaan facepalmed. He never taught him about Words of Power. How was Kiita supposed to know?

  Yeah, It's a dog…

  “Ruff!”

  Kiita dog!

  "Close your eyes and look into your own consciousness space. Do you see five round spheres?" Nitaan tried to explain in the simplest terms. Looking into the consciousness space shouldn't be difficult. He was sure Kiita could do it.

  Kiita closed its eyes for a moment before barking in response.

  "Woof!"

  See! See!

  "Can you describe the appearance of those round stars? Four of them that aren't completely black."

  Kiita was silent for a while. Slowly, a faint image appeared in Nitaan's consciousness space.

  Link? But I haven't used it yet, Nitaan wondered, observing the four stars within Kiita's mind.

  The first star appeared as a pale white, radiating energy that expanded in a wide circle. Within this circle, ripples formed a vast boundary, like a large territory composed of this white energy.

  The image before him was blurry and indistinct, making it impossible for Nitaan to see the Word of Power within.

  Woof! Kiita's bark echoed in Nitaan's mind.

  Kiita perceived surroundings as if they were Kiita's own domain. Kiita's voice traveled directly into Nitaan's mind. Suddenly, the sound ceased, and the star became clear.

  The image within the first star became sharp enough for Nitaan to see the words of power within.

  Domain

  So this is why Kiita could detect and smell things from so far away. Kiita must be able to perceive things within his domain, combined with his enhanced sense of smell and ability to distinguish scents, resulting in incredibly accurate detection. Nitaan analyzed

  The image of the Domain star faded again. Nitaan turned to observe the second star.

  This second star seemed composed entirely of black diamonds. No vulnerabilities that could be exploited. A formidable shield surrounded the entire orbit. Layers of diamond crystals formed an impenetrable fortress.

  Kiita's body grew stronger, and Kiita's skin hardened. Kiita's voice echoed again.

  The sphere began to clarify. The powerful shield suddenly became transparent, revealing a Word of Power within.

  Fortress

  Nitaan suddenly recalled Kiita, unharmed after receiving the impact of the sharp needle through his scaled mole's hide cloak.

  Kiita must have used this Word of Power when attacked, but because he is still a Newborn and his fur was already a lovely jet black, it’s hard to notice.

  A third star appeared. This sphere was strangely unstable, twisting and turning as if bound from all sides. Within it, a Word of Power moved erratically throughout the circle.

  Kiita, Kiita wants to be with Nitaan. Kiita doesn't want Nitaan to go far away. Kiita wants to follow and be by Nitaan's side. Although Kiita's voice only appeared in the mind, Nitaan could feel the tremor within.

  The moving letters within suddenly became clearer.

  Chase

  Nitaan fell silent. He felt the overwhelming love emanating from Kiita. This Word of Power clearly arose when Kiita saw Nitaan growing stronger while he remained weak. The desire to be by Nitaan's side gave rise to this Word of Power, allowing Kiita to stay with Nitaan.

  Fool…

  I would never abandon you. Nitaan smiled warmly.

  Is this word the one enhancing Kiita's physical abilities? Or is it the next word? Judging by the name, it should only increase speed, or perhaps it's about tracking?

  Images flashed through Nitaan's mind like a jolt of electricity. Images of Nitaan after he became a Learner, his physical abilities surpassing Kiita's.

  Kiita at that time probably didn't want to be abandoned. He wanted to be by my side, so this power arose to make him strong enough in every way so he could ‘Chase’ me. Nitaan thought, feeling guilty. Even though he had no intention of leaving Kiita, the mere thought of Kiita being lonely because of him pained him.

  It should be this word that empowers Kiita. Perhaps it can also change the target of chasing to something else, allowing him to chase that target. Like when fighting the Emerald-fur bear.

  At that time, my own body could barely handle it, but Kiita could. Perhaps Kiita chose to chase the Emerald-fur bear instead. Nitaan analyzed from what he had witnessed.

  So to be able to chase a target, ‘Chase’ enhances everything in his body? Incredibly strong. No wonder Traveler praised it. This Word of Power is too strong.

  Also, it sounds so cool… Why can’t I have this kind of cool word?

  Nitaan observed the fourth star. Compared to the previous stars, this one seemed bland. This fourth star was very ordinary and unremarkable, unlike the others.

  Word of Power that even Traveler said he has no idea about.

  Nitaan observed the star closely. The energy sphere was a creamy white color. Inside was nothing, and outside was unbound by any energy or force. It was just an ordinary white sphere.

  What is this? Nitaan wondered.

  Kiita's voice rang out again.

  Kiita, Kiita likes this one.

  Nitaan suddenly sensed a certain aura emanating from the sphere. It was an aura he was extremely familiar with. Not power, radiance, appearance, or anything else. Just an incredibly familiar feeling.

  Nitaan paused briefly as the sphere began to unravel, revealing faint words within.

  Kiita loves this one the most.

  So warm and so kind

  Kiita's voice rang out. Even in his consciousness space, Nitaan could sense the overflowing love within.

  A faint tear welled up in Nitaan's eyes. A heavy feeling filled his chest, one he couldn't quite explain.

  The outer surface of the star faded, revealing the inner Word of Power completely.

  That word held an unforgettable aura, a power he had never anticipated. He wasn't surprised that Traveler couldn't predict anything, for even he himself couldn't.

  That familiar aura, which evoked a feeling of closeness, was his own.

  The inner Word of Power glowed warmly. An image of Nitaan with a smile gently embrace puppy Kiita, puppy Kiita wagging his tail happily.

  Nitaan Wongjantra