{Text; UN: scraps}

[disgracedprince]

Does anyone know how to forge swords? I have one, but he's old and I don't want to push him with magic he hasn't encountered. A new one would be nice; one forged in this world and attuned to its peculiarities.

But I'm not terribly picky. I like all swords.

Comments

[hathasacat]

Well... how much time?

[ Lyney you have zero free time with all the projects you keep taking on- ]

[disgracedprince]

Give me two hours of your day four days a week to start. I will show you how to meditate and how to access your spirit. Then it's about practice.

[hathasacat]

[ Oh that is a lot of time. It's pretty clear that Lyney's frantically doing the math in his head and comparing it against everything else he's going on, and the various things he's been planning... ]

... Is that the minimum?

[disgracedprince]

{This is why he devoted most of his life to Cultivation. It's a lot.}

It will progress faster the more time you devote. But I understand it's overwhelming. I secluded myself in the mountains to learn.

[hathasacat]

[ There probably isn't a condensed course, is there? Alas, there go his hopes of gaining a new skill to use within his home life. ]

Ah, that does make sense... I'm sorry, it seems like I was taking it too lightly. It's all the more impressive that you have such mastery!

[disgracedprince]

{It doesn't work like that unless this world comes up with a "Quick Cultivation!" spell.}

It isn't so impressive. I've been Cultivating since I was a child.

[hathasacat]

[ World please, Lyney has greedy needs. ]

I'd argue that sticking with one thing since your childhood is plenty to be impressed by.

[disgracedprince]

I was working towards godhood. {As if it was some supreme prize.}

[hathasacat]

--You can become a god that way??

[ Maybe time investment is actually worth it?? ]

[disgracedprince]

...mm yes. {Multiple times apparently!}

[hathasacat]

The extraordinary hours of dedication suddenly make a lot more sense, I admit.

[ Though also it's not exactly the way he'd expect a person to attain godhood. ]

[disgracedprince]

I was very disciplined. Now acquiring spiritual power is more a necessity than a goal.

{...he turns a bit pink talking about "gathering spiritual power". There is one way to go about it and it's much easier than the others. And much nicer, too.}

[hathasacat]

So even now you're still working on it?

[ Is... there something about this that has turned the other man suddenly shy? ]

[disgracedprince]

Y-Yes. I have a...shackle...on my power. I earned it by defying Heaven.

[hathasacat]

[ There is so much to take in with those two sentences??? Be tactful, Lyney!! ]

I... see. As much as I can, at least.

I hope you're able to achieve your goals though.

[disgracedprince]

{He doesn't blame him for being a bit dumbfounded.}

You are generous and kind. I would much rather someone like you achieve their goals. If I can help, I will.

[hathasacat]

Aheh, I don't have anything nearly as impressive or grand. I'd just like to get by comfortably and put on some entertaining shows with my sister here.

[ His goals at home were... on a whole other scale, but ultimately were goals he couldn't achieve here. ]

[disgracedprince]

That depends on perspective. {He brightens, his eyes shining.} Is your sister here too? I would love to see one of your shows.

[hathasacat]

[ He lightens up at well, always eager and ready to shower praise upon his sister. ]

She is, together we perform magic acts. It'll be a bit more time until our props are all ready, but I will most certainly send you an invitation once we are!

[disgracedprince]

{How sweet. Xie Lian is an only child, but hearing about siblings makes him wish he wasn't.}

Please do. I will be sure to be there. {Front row! Cheering them on.} I used to be a street performer. It's not easy.

[hathasacat]

Your earnest applause would be most appreciated. But please, tell me more about being a street performer as well! What sort of performance did you put on?

[ He's so curious! ]

[disgracedprince]

I used to break boulders on my chest. {He says with a small smile.} I also showed my sword skill, played instruments and danced.

[hathasacat]

[ ... He used to what?? ]

O... Oh! That's quite a diverse set of skills!

[disgracedprince]

I had a lot of time to work it out. {Centuries.} I like entertaining people.

[hathasacat]

[ A lot of time to work out if he was breaking boulders on his chest- ]

Do you still do any performances now?