The Deceitful One

Bryan ordered a plate of mutton steak and a pint of local ale at Ricky's Bar which was situated near DeShawn Street. He was sitting by the bar and stuffing food into his mouth with relish, 'Mmm so good! I can't even remember the last time I had meat.'

Ever since he met Detective Watson, Bryan's life had changed. At the very least, he didn't have to go to bed on an empty stomach anymore. While he was enjoying his steak, he overheard a group of people sitting right behind him, "Did you hear about the recent murder in the slums?"

"Which one are you talking about? There's someone or the other dying in the slums every other day."

"I'm talking about Old Bill." The guy who spoke first replied.

"Old Bill? Did that guy finally drink himself to death?"

"No. His entire body was drained of blood. And not just him but his wife and two kids as well. When the police came to his house, they found all four of their bodies full of bite marks, their blood drained, and parts of their flesh missing." At this point, the guy lowered his voice and explained to his friends.

"Fuck, don't scare me like that. And how do you know this anyway? Aren't you just making shit up?"

"No, I'm serious. I was there today in the morning when the police came to Old Bill's place. I saw it with my own eyes. And from what I know this isn't the first time something like this has happened."

Bryan who was listening in on their conversation wore a pensive look, 'Bodies with bite marks and the blood drained out…is it a wild beast? But what's a wild beast doing in the middle of a city? No, wait! Could this be related to a Transcendent!?'

He decided to report this to Detective Watson tomorrow morning. Bryan finished the rest of his meal and finished his drink in one go. He paid his bill and left the bar.

Ten minutes later he entered his room and locked the door behind him. He was feeling slightly drunk at the moment. Tonight was the second time he'd had alcohol in his life, the first was when he got hired by Detective Watson, so his alcohol tolerance was very minuscule.

Bryan took off his shoes and then threw himself on the bed. He instantly passed out.

…

The next morning, Bryan woke up at 6 am. Although he was feeling a bit groggy, his eyes were shimmering with anticipation.

He carried out his usual routine of going to the shared-bathroom, taking a cold bath and then putting on his white shirt, black trouser, and black shoes. He no longer looked as emaciated as before. Although he was still lanky, he was way healthier than before.

Bryan locked his apartment door and then headed towards Detective Watson's house. As usual, he stole an apple from the food cart at the farmer's market, on his way.

One would think that after getting a job with a steady salary, Bryan would become an upright man and start living an honest life. Bryan thought so too, but the reality was different.

'I thought I'd be able to quit this old habit of mine. But it doesn't matter, at least it's efficient hehe' He smirked. Bryan didn't feel it was anything to feel ashamed of. Why should he?

When life was tough, he depended on theft to fill his stomach, to survive another day. Morals? Pride? Heh, he couldn't care less about those useless things.

While he was walking towards Augustus Street, he thought about what changes being a Transcendent would bring to his life. Although Detective Watson had told him to carefully think about this matter and make a decision. To Bryan, the answer was obvious. He would do anything for survival.

Amidst his thoughts, Bryan had already reached 22 Augustus Street.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a few moments, Detective Watson's butler, John, opened the door. He was wearing a butler's suit. His brown hair was neatly combed and mustache was properly trimmed as usual.

"Good morning, Mr Bryan. Please follow me." Butler John greeted.

"Thanks." Bryan smiled and nodded.

He followed the butler into the villa. They headed to the dining area where Detective Watson was currently having breakfast and reading the newspaper.

When Detective Watson saw him approach, he put away the newspaper and smiled gently, "Good Morning, Bryan. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Not really." Bryan chuckled.

"What would you like?" Detective Watson asked.

"Bread and eggs would be nice." After spending so much time with Detective Watson, Bryan was no longer as reserved as he was in the beginning. They got along pretty well. Ever since his parents died, no one cared so much for him as much as Detective Watson did. Hence, he really liked spending time with him.

Detective Watson motioned for Butler John to prepare the food. Then he asked Bryan, "So what have you decided?"

Bryan put on a serious expression, "Boss, I wish to become a Transcendent. Please guide me."

"Very well. I have already prepared the elementary meditation technique that you will need to become a Rank 1 Apprentice. This meditation technique will last you until you're ready to become an official Transcendent. Let's finish our breakfast then we'll head to the study." Detective Watson smiled.

"Alright boss!" Bryan said excitedly.

After finishing his breakfast, Bryan followed Detective Watson to his study on the second floor. "Like I've told you before, the purpose of the three ranks of the Apprentice stage is to help you lay a better foundation for you when you become a Transcendent in the future. Although one can still become a Transcendent without having to become an Apprentice, their mental state will be very unstable. And having an unstable and erratic mind will become one of their greatest weaknesses." said Detective Watson.

"I understand." Bryan nodded as he finally arrived at the study and sat on the chair across from Detective Watson. "By the way, boss. What happens if one uses the meditation technique of one Path but consumes the potion of another Path?"

Detective Watson smiled and patiently explained, "This will lead to the mind and body becoming incompatible with each other. For example, after using the meditation technique from the Fire Path, one cannot consume the potion belonging to the Water Path. Similarly, the Light Path meditation technique will not be compatible with the Dark Path potion, and vice versa."

Bryan had a thoughtful expression on his face, 'So it's all about compatibility huh?'

"However, the Wisdom Path is different. It is compatible with all Paths known to man. And over generations of Transcendents, through rigorous research and modification through trial and error, the meditation technique has been perfected more and more." Detective Watson added with pride evident on his face.

'So fierce!' Bryan raised his eyebrows and was pleasantly surprised.

Detective Watson was very satisfied with Bryan's reaction. He then took out a small brown-colored wooden box from the drawer and kept it on the table. "The elementary meditation technique allows one to carve mind runes within one's mind. As a Rank 1 Apprentice, you will have to carve 9 mind runes in your mind, in Rank 2 you will have to carve 18 mind runes, and finally 27 mind runes in Rank 3. However, before you advance to a Transcendent, you will have to combine the 54 mind runes into one and fuse it with your mind, forming the sea of consciousness. This will result in your mind and soul strengthening significantly."

He opened the small wooden box, and inside a gray-colored, oval-shaped crystal was placed on a red silk cloth. The crystal was shining with lustre. Detective Watson picked up the crystal and handed it to Bryan.

Bryan took the crystal in his hand, took a deep breath, and was about to put it in his mouth when he was stopped by Detective Watson.

"You're not supposed to eat it. Place it on your glabella, between your eyes." Detective Watson chuckled.

"Oh. Uh, Okay." Bryan was puzzled but still did as he was told. He closed his eyes and placed the crystal on his glabella. The moment the crystal came in contact with his skin, it glowed brightly for a minute and then gradually dimmed down.

When Bryan opened his eyes, he realized that the crystal had transmitted relevant information to his mind and directly imprinted it in his brain. "How did that happen? I didn't even have to study it but I feel like I've already memorized the entire information."

"Hehe, this is nothing. When you become a Transcendent, you'll be able to do much more." Detective Watson laughed and then added, "Now review all the information regarding the meditation technique and ask me if you have any queries."

"Alright boss." Bryan closed his eyes and started going through all the information and knowledge regarding the elementary meditation technique required for Apprentices.

'Gather energy particles and use them to carve mind runes inside the mind to increase spiritual force. An increase in mind runes results in an increase in spiritual force. Hmm.. so the mind is the canvas and the energy particles is the ink..and I basically have to draw a painting.' Bryan arranged all the information in his mind.