Terra Nova Online : Rise Of The Strongest Player - Chapter 146

Chapter 141: Ben’s unconventional methods
( Real World, The sector D apartment )

Leo confronted Luke about his findings at the MP exchange store when he logged out of the game.

While they had to report to work in a few minutes and needed to get ready, Leo did not waste a single moment of their time together as he said everything in a single breath.

He explained how Earth was going to end in four months time and how there was going to be a second round of ships leaving the planet soon.

He also explained how Earth was turning into anarchy and how for mother to reach the arc ship they needed to hire protection for her that would cost 300 MP.

He said everything non-stop, as Luke digested the information with a straight face, as in the end he revealed that he had 3000 MP roughly, which when added to Leo’s 1000, gave them a combined wealth of 4000 MP to spend.

Leo was pleasantly surprised when he found out that Luke had accumulated close to 3,000 MP which was three times the amount that he did, as his respect for his elder brother increased significantly after this.

With this wealth, they could afford to buy a B class ticket for their mother, alongside a new kidney and protection to get there, which was already a very favorable outcome, however, if they pushed just a bit more, they might be able to buy an A class ticket for her, which would be a completely different experience.

In the end, because they were short on time, Luke told Leo to calm down, that he would talk to Cervantez about this and then they would video call their mother using some MP to first talk to her and explain to her the choices she had, as only then would they make a decision.

Since even in the worst case, the two brothers had enough wealth to secure a B class ticket for their mother, Leo felt slightly reassured as he stopped panicking.

Since he had conveyed everything he needed to, he was now assured that Luke would handle the rest.

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( Leo’s POV, back in the virtual world)

After a hard day at work, Leo logged back into Terra Nova Online at the end, as Luke assured him that he would be the one doing the investigations today during game time, while Leo should focus on other stuff not involving their mother.

Since the grand tournament selection round was tomorrow, Leo decided to get his head back into training, as he followed Ben’s instructions on what to do for the day.

Instead of physically training him, or making him undergo any crazy exercise, Ben allowed Leo to have complete rest as he merely brought him to the market, to observe people.

Leo did not understand what observing people would do for him? However, he did not doubt Ben or his teachings, having complete faith in him.

Since Ben instructed him to sit tight and watch the flow of the market, that was exactly what Leo was going to do.

Positioning himself on a wooden bench near the bustling center of the market, where the throngs of people flowed like rivers merging at a delta, Leo observed the cluster of voices, the clinking of coins, and the myriad scents wafting through the air from stalls selling everything from exotic spices to freshly baked goods.

As he watched, Leo began to notice the rhythm of the market, realizing that there was a pattern to the chaos—a merchant haggling with a customer, a mother shepherding her children through the crowd, a group of performers drawing an audience with their dazzling display. Each individual was a thread in the fabric of daily life in Stronghaven.

Ben joined him after a while, holding two cups of something steamy and aromatic. “Observation is the first step to understanding,” he said, handing one of the cups to Leo. “What have you noticed?”

Leo took a thoughtful sip, the warm liquid a pleasant contrast to the crisp air. “Everyone has a role, a place they’re heading to. It’s like…like a dance.”

“Exactly,” Ben replied with a nod. “In this dance, each step, each movement, is driven by purpose. And just like in combat, predicting your opponent’s next move by their current stance, in life, understanding people’s actions gives you insight into their next steps.”

Leo pondered Ben’s words. It wasn’t just about the fight or the physical prowess; it was about understanding the world around him, predicting outcomes, and being steps ahead of the rest. This lesson wasn’t about physical strength; it was about predicting the future.

Once he had observed enough people, he could already see the path that a mother walking with a child was going to take.

While the child was to her right while she was walking, once she observed the street begar in the market she would move to the right, shielding her child away from the beggar as she ignored his pleas for money.

This scene, Leo could see unfold, even before it unfolded itself as just on intuition alone, he learned how to predict movement.

Then, as his vision merged with reality, coming true exactly as he hoped it would, he felt satisfied, as everything did indeed play out like he thought it would, making him feel amazing.

“As a warrior, your greatest weapon isn’t the dagger in your belt but the knowledge in your head and the wisdom to use it,” Ben said, his gaze taking in the flow of people around them.

“Every person here is living a story, facing their battles, just like you. Learning to read those stories, to see beyond the surface, that’s a skill you’ll need both in and out of combat.” He said, as once Leo took in the meaning behind his words, the market around them no longer seemed just a place to buy and sell goods but a living classroom, with each passerby a lesson in disguise.

Once again, Leo felt a newfound respect for Ben’s unconventional methods. There was much more to being a warrior than he had initially thought.

However, unfortunately, even if there was a skill behind this move, he would not be able to master it as starting tomorrow, the preliminary round of the grand tournament was beginning for him.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Leo and Ben rose from the bench. Walking back through the market, towards their inn, as Leo felt thoroughly refreshed and content with the days training.

Although he did not train physically, giving his body a complete rest, his mind was pretty much exhausted and feeling sharper than ever.