Way of the Knights

---

"Oracle's Hill?"

"Yes, Oracle's Hill is the name of this specific hill." Inos nodded, "This hill is where the Oracle Maria, one of Geezer's faithful servant, is buried. Before she perished, she wrote her will in a scripture and it was buried with her. This place is created to not only remember her but also her will."

"Just so you know, Oracle Maria is the first one to cultivate the [Crystal Sky Eyes] to its acme. Even the one who created the technique didn't live long enough to achieve that. Oracle Maria was in charge of logistics, when she's in charge, nothing escapes her eyes, not even Heavenly Laws themselves." Astrid added, causing Raven's eyes to widen. 

The ocular technique he uses, was something that the crown bestowed to him upon getting it. During his past life, this ocular technique provided him with so much help but it was just too difficult to make any progress from it therefore he wasn't able to display all of its capabilities. 

In this current life of his, thanks to some lucky chances, he was able to make breakthroughs for the ocular technique, he even got to the point where he's at the higher stage compared to what he achieve during his past life. This technique had been a great help to him, he had lost count on how many times he's able to avoid certain danger thanks to it.

So for him to receive the blessings of the first person to cultivate it to its acme, is something that made Raven feel incredibly flattered, it also made him feel validated. 

"The reason why you could see us now clearly is because her will approved of you. If you searched hard enough, them you'll find something that she left within you. Use it well and make sure to give it justice, or else the will of the oracle will give you a painful backlash." Astrid added. 

Raven felt a bit pressure from her words but he didn't mind. Even if she hadn't said anything, he was planning on doing just that anyway. 

And even though he wanted to search that 'something' that Astrid was referring to. Raven decided that he'll do it later since he figured that the two still have something else to tell him. 

"There are a lot of wills left in here. Remember to always pay it a visit whenever you can. Although this place won't hinder you too much from searching for the throne, its a good idea for you to at least have all of this will to acknowledge you. You won't lose out on anything anyway." Inos came with an advice on his own. 

Raven wanted to ask more but the two looked like they're not willing to say anything else on this matter, making him swallow his questions back. 

"So far only the Cultivation Eden, Scripture Graveyard and the Monument of Stars are the only places allowed for you to visit. Rest assure however, that so long as you keep doing what you have to, you'll eventually get the chance to visit the other places here." Astrid added. 

"Alright, it seems that we're running out of time so I'll make this quick." Inos interjected, he then looked at Raven and said: "Partner, there are other major changes to the crown since you've no unlocked the palace."

"First and foremost, you can only enter this place twice a week. It doesn't matter whether you stay within the palace grounds or enter the palace itself. Once you used up your chances, then you'll have to wait until next week to try again." 

This news came as a shock to Raven. This greatly dampened his mood since he could no longer enter this place at least once a day. That just basically means that his progress will turn incredibly slow. 

"Don't sulk too much, Inos isn't done with his explanation yet." Astrid said, causing Raven to look up.

Inos smiled at him and said: "Time flow here is different remember?"

Hearing that caused light bulbs to lit up on Raven's head. Inos then continued explaining…

"Right. You can only enter this place twice a week but it doesn't mean that you can't stay for long." Inos stated, "Since you managed to restore the Crown to its former glory and you've come this far, it doesn't mean that you'll lose out on benefits."

"From now on, one day outside means six months here. Therefore, two days outside is roughly equal to a whole year outside. Meaning more chances for you to get stronger." 

Raven's couldn't help but sharply inhale when he heard that. How could he not? One day outside is six months here, two days is roughly a year. That's kind of time lag is a bit overboard but that what makes it incredibly awesome. 

So what if he could only enter twice a week? Compared to the time difference, that's hardly an issue. With so much time in his hands, this solves most of Raven's problems! 

"On top of that, you'll also be able to sense what's going on outside while you remain here. In fact you could even choose where to appear so long as you know where you are and it's within the range of the crown - which is within 100 miles from where you disappeared. This function is added in order to ensure your safety, however it becomes progressively ineffective the stronger the enemies you're facing. Therefore, you must still remain careful."

"Yes." Raven nodded. Still he couldn't help but feel jubilant due to this good news. This is just too incredible. 

"Aside from that, you could now also bring in a living being inside this place." Astrid added, causing Raven to almost fall over. "However, you must remember that they will only be able to remain within the Palace Grounds. No living beings other than you are allowed to enter the Palace. Once they do, they will be killed."

"If you find yourself in a pinch, you can directly transport the more important items here instead of your core." Inos stated, "Your core might be able to hold items for you but they are still susceptible for detection. If that happens during a critical moment, then you'll be screwed before you know it."

"Placing them here is safer. Aside from Geezer, only you are aware that this place exists. No one else could detect the crown no matter how tried, many people did in the past even during our reign, but no one succeeded so have a faith."

That information was incredibly useful. Raven couldn't believe this incredibly downfall of luck pouring to him right now. He wasn't expecting to receive so many useful rewards at once, this inheritance might probably be one of, if not, the most precious out of all inheritances out there. 

"Alright, that's all for now." Inos said, "There are still more in store for you but that'll come when time comes. Remember to work hard, earn the acknowledgement of the Spirit Entities and they'll illuminate the path for you."

"You'll see us again when times comes. Hopefully, it'll be all of us by then. Work Hard 9th Candidate." Astrid waved goodbye and both of them disappeared from Raven's view. However before they truly disappeared, Inos' voice echoed on his ears. 

"By the way, the time difference is already in effect. Don't waste it, Partner."

His words came at the right time. He was actually meaning to ask that but he forgot due to all the shock he experienced. Thankfully, Inos was paying attention and informed him about it, 

Once the two disappeared, Raven released a long sigh and gripped his fist. 

"No time to lose. I'll have to maximize my time here." Raven murmured. He sat down on the hilltop and started thinking to himself. 

"Monument of Stars, I don't think I'm capable enough to meet the Spirit Entities. It's all cryptic anyway. What do they mean by 'gaining acknowledgement'? They should be aware that there's more than one way to do that, so which approach should I use?"

"Should I try asking the Spirit Entities themselves? I mean…it's not a bad idea, but what if the Entities ask me for an impossible thing? No one could guess what they are thinking, I won't be surprised if they are all eccentrics in their own way."

"Additionally, I don't know how many chances I got. They didn't tell me. Do I have unlimited chances or a finite amount? Is determined by the Spirit Entity itself or there's a specific rule I have to know? Ugh, this is confusing!" 

Raven was once again suffering from self-induced headache due to him overthinking things. He was silent for a bit before an idea struck him.

"I'll postpone this, but not for long." He said, "I have many things to do. I need to raise the number of my avatars. I need to train the other technique that Geezer imparted to me. I have tons of seals to learn and memorize. I'll also take the chance to finally start cultivating Spacetime Laws since there no other place that provides me with more security other than here."

"Accumulation. Mn! I'll do that first.. Once I gain the necessary foundations for everything, then I'll start meeting the Spirit Entities."