Path of the Berserker - Book 3: Chapter 0.1 Intro and bk2 recap

#Max’s Techniques and Abilities

Max’s Berserker Techniques

Taken from the scared scripts regarding the Path of the Frenzied Flame.

“Thou art indeed a kindled Flame, a frenzied spirit, tempered by struggle and sorrow, fueled by rage and pain…” -Unknown

Shura 1

Think not that we speak for the Flame, for the Flame of Frenzy has no master nor does it seek to create masters of its own accord. We who speak, have through consult agreed to these doctrines, not by direction, but through independent revelations of the Flame. Know with confidence then, that these words are true and are fit for enlightenment along your path.

Shura 2

They call us Berserker, we who follow the Frenzied Flame. Let us embrace the moniker, for it instills fears in our enemies. And fear is our strength.

[Frenzied Flame] – the most basic of all techniques within the Berserker’s domain. Use it to instantly channel your internal energies of Fear, Rage, and Pain into Frenzy. Evoking this technique can also stir the embers of an Unkindled or even reignite the fallen Flame of a Waning Ember.

[Fear the Flame] – the simple baring of one’s fangs is sometimes all that is required to defeat one’s foe. Gather your Frenzy and with a mere look or phrase, exert your dominance and feed from the fears of your enemies or bolster the resolve of your allies.

[Mask of the Despised] – take heed always, kindled one, for the hatred of the Frenzied Flame is great amongst those who follow the path of Qi. Use this technique to mask your strength while in their presence, for their own arrogance shall paint you as a mere fool, simpleton, or dull brute in their eyes. Use this to your advantage to move freely among them while posing no threat.

[Lust for Battle] – not a true technique, but a trait shared by all kindled of the Frenzied Flame. The drawing of blood in battle, even one’s own, can trigger a burst of Frenzy. And to slay one’s enemy will produce even more so. Yet take heed, kindled one, for the pull of the bloodlust is strong and the need to draw blood can easily extend to a friend as well as foe, if left unrestrained. Let not the Demon within you take full control.

[Struggler’s Resolve] – the path of the Struggler is forever filled with tribulation. This technique will convert your Frenzy into an iron will of determination that even others can feel and see.

[Indifference] –Think not, dear kindled, that your power lies in aggression and hostility alone. To induce rage and fear in others can be many more times as effective, for nothing offends the proud and powerful more than indifference. Use this technique to withstand attacks and to demoralize your foes through your apathy when you disregard even their strongest techniques with a scoff.

[Odds Against Me] – there is no greater thrill than a challenge. Without challenge, without struggle, there can be no progression. The cowardly prey on those who are weaker to ensure easy victory, but the Berserker seeks to oppose strength far above his own. When facing greater odds, either by strength, numbers, or both, this technique will generate enormous amounts of Frenzy by suppressing your inner fears and unleashing your Flame’s full potential. The power of this technique is limitless, bound only by the strength of your foe and your ability to withstand him.

[My Turn] – a retaliation technique used best when combined with [Indifference]. Unleash a mighty burst of Frenzy with your next strike by releasing the stored Pain energy of any previous attacks endured.

[Death Mastery] – the fear of death grows only stronger the closer one gets to immortality. Power over this fear defies not only the Heavens, but mocks it to its face. Consider it no small wonder then, dear kindled, that your path shall be blighted with misfortune, for the Heavens are not lightly mocked. In exchange for this rebuke, you shall enjoy the bounty that is clarity of mind, body, and soul in places where others falter and fail. Your words and actions will instill fear and respect in others and your Flame will burn yet brighter with each evolution, heightening the potency of all your abilities.

(Max’s Death Mastery Levels)

Fear of Uncertain Death (Mastery) – [Foundation Realm]

Fear of Certain Death (Mastery) – [Core Realm]

Fear no Death (Mastery) – [Sacred Soul Realm]

Death Wish – [Deity Realm]

[Iron Core] – (internal) use concentrated Frenzy to temporarily form a layer of protective armor around vital organs and bones to withstand tremendous blows.

[Death’s Door] – (internal) should you suffer a fatal wound use concentrated Frenzy to replace any bodily function that is lost.

[Iron Skin] – (external) use concentrated Frenzy to temporarily form a layer of hardened armor on a specific part of the body.Use defensively to avoid critical strikes or offensively on the knuckles, feet, or palms when fighting unarmed.

Marks of the Berserker

Take special care when utilizing the marks. While initially only one Mark may be used at a time, higher levels can sustain as much as two. In very rare practitioners, all three marks can be manifested, but take heed, as such will quickly Frenzy thy Flame towards complete madness.

[Mark of the Beast] – (external) take on the likeness of a frenzied beast, greatly increasing one’s reflexes and speed.

[Mark of the Giant] – (external) grow in physical size, greatly increase all of one’s physical strength and power.

[Mark of the Demon] – (external) take on the likeness of a demon, greatly increasing the potency of one’s Frenzy and the effectiveness of Frenzy techniques.

[Steel Skin] and [Steel Core] – enhanced variations of the [Iron Skin/Core] techniques.

[Soul Shield] – the most elementary of soul techniques. Use it to guard thy Flame from attacks from both without and within the spiritual realm.

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[Spectral Body] – the form of one’s soul is forever being molded, but for it to take true shape, it must first develop a body. Use this technique to both envision and inhabit a spectral body within thy own Core. Tread thou carefully however, for the refection of one’s true inner self is forged not by will, but the history of one’s thoughts and deeds.

[Spectral Armor] – once developed, this armor can embody the strength of one’s soul and protect one’s spectral body in the spiritual realm.

[Spectral Weapon] – the extension of one’s will in spiritual form, use it to inflict damage within the spiritual realm.

[Everyone’s Fear] [Everyone’s Sorrow] [Everyone’s Rancor] – the lamentations of the masses can hold much strength when in large numbers. Be they the oppressed or the downtrodden, so long as a focus for their oppression can be challenged, so too can a Frenzied Flame lend its strength to aid the many.

Max’s Demonic Cultivation Techniques

[Absorption] – a demonic technique that renders Qi essence from solid cores.

[Devil’s Shadow] – a demonic technique that masks one’s Dantian with the Qi gained through [Absorption]. By absorbing the essence of a sliver of Lightning Core implanted in his body, Max is able to mask his Frenzied Core as a normal lightning core.

[Faux Lightning] – by combining [Absorption] and [Devil’s Shadow], a small sliver of lightning core can be sent to Max’s jing meridian to create a small spark of lightning.

Max’s Martial Training

One and Two handed Axe Mastery – derived from a standard training manual.

Phalanx Glaive Mastery – perfected under the tutelage of Venja and Iron Pot Wong

Axe and Glaive Mastery – a combined martial form utilizing the quick strikes of the axe in conjunction with the slow and heave strikes of the Phalanx Glaive

Max’s Self Made Martial Techniques

[One/Two Log Chop] – a powerful vertical cleave utilizing the power of Frenzy

[One Chop Cleave] – a powerful spinning horizontal chop designed to fell a tree in one blow.

Max’s Lightning Techniques

[Frenzied Lightning] – by utilizing solid frenzy and sending it to his jing meridian, Max is able to produce Lightning the same as a Lightning Qi master.

[Lightning Arc Strike] – manifests an arc of lightning that is cast from the edge of his blade.

[Wrath of a Thousand Slain Souls] – a manifestation technique that releases a large burst of [Frenzied Lightning] from Max’s body.

[Lightning Splits the Towering Oak] – a technique combining [Frenzied Lightning] and [Three Log Chop] to produce a devastating killing blow.

[Steel Lightning] – an ablative armor technique utilizing a combination of [Steel Skin] and [Frenzied Lightning]

Max’s group affiliations, titles and martial rankings

Furious Lightning Sect ­– Sect Leader

Terran Sect – Founder, Leader and Warden

Wooden Bracket League – 1st place Ranking and overall winner

Iron Bracket League – 1st place Ranking and overall winner

Gold Bracket League – 92nd Ranking

#The story so far

After forming the Terran Sect and defeating Young Master Hein as well as the Fire Bird Elder Hong Feng, Max spends some time developing the people in his community and expanding the economic control of his clan. His efforts do not go unnoticed however, with constant attacks coming from Iron Bracket contenders seeking to challenge both his new sect and himself as the Iron Bull.

His latest challenge comes in the form of Hein’s sister, the Lady Silver Light, who serves a writ against him for assaulting her brother Hein and destroying his sword. For this she challenges Max to a duel to take place in one year’s time. Max rises to the challenges but is then shocked when the Lady Silver Light reveals herself to be Fia, the same women he saved from the Fire Birds and bonded with intimately a few weeks prior.

Max senses something must be amiss and his intuition proves right when Fia secretly invites him to meet her in the wilderness. Once there, she confronts Max about attacking her brother but after he explains Hein’s relationship with Yu Li and how he threated his clan, Fia is relieved as she feared Max had taken some personal vendetta against her.

With that resolve they rekindle their relationship, but when Max questions Fia about the duel, she says it will be the perfect plan for them to be married under the law, with Max beating her in the duel and claiming her hand in marriage for sparing her life and becoming a Silver Leaf member. Max is taken aback, not ready for such a deep commitment. While he wants a relationship with Fia, he is unable to reconcile himself joining the same clan that murdered his family, and refuses her, saying there must be some other way to survive the duel. Fia, jilted by the rejection, swears to carry through with the duel for real and then storms off hurt and confused by Max’s stance.

On the way back to the city, Max encounters a Fire Bird elder named Hin Wu who was sent by their Sect Leader Lo Feng to get revenge for the loss of his nephew. Max is nearly killed in the encounter but is rescued by Fia who still reveals a deep love for Max despite their differences. Fia reminds Hin Wu of the law against martial sects attacking without being sanctioned by the empire and Hin Wu backs down, but promises Max his day of reckoning will come.

Still unable to reconcile with Fia, Max turns his attention to building up his clan as well as helping Kelsey and the people of the bunker. Jian Yi, now in training to be a barrister, advises Max that he will need to continue his climb within the Iron and Gold brackets to gain the status and reputation he needs to keep the clan from being constantly under attack. To achieve this, Max eagerly travels back to the bunker to gain the knowledge of the new Shuras imprinted on Threja’s sword.

During this time, the Princess Lunalah learns of Max’s exploits and becomes infatuated with him, not only realizing that he may be the Terran prodigy that she has been looking for but also desiring him as a spouse. While she could claim him as a concubine, she would need for him to somehow gain status equal to hers to become her husband and ponders that if he were to serve as tribute in the Legionnaire’s Academy and survive, that his status as a Legionnaire would be worthy to court her as a lower princess.

Over the next few months Max gains insight into new Berserker techniques that involve growth in the spiritual realm. Chief amongst these is his exposure to the unknowns and secrets of the hidden planes of existence. Max uses this knowledge and with Kelsey’s help, exposes himself to the Bloodmoon to cultivate in this new direction. During this time, he also trains Kelsey as a Berserker.

Through a series of growing challenges, Max encounters more and more of I’xol’ukz the outer god of Dark Frenzy and realizes that in order to make the bunker completely safe from it, he will need to travel to a second base connected to the bunker by tunnel and destroy the demonic gate there. To do so however he will need to master the [Soul Shield] technique that can protect his Flame from the effects of Dark Frenzy.

During this same time, Lo Feng the leader of the Fire Birds, accuses Fia of killing his nephew Hong Feng and murdering over a hundred Fire Bird disciples. Unknown to him, the true culprit was Max, who left Fia’s silver quill at the scene which has now become the same evidence that Lo Feng is using to blame Fia. Master Hei Dong, Fia’s father, dismisses the claim and hires a Grand Sage who will prove the quill is not Fia’s. Confident in his case, Hei Dong pays a great sum to hire the Grand Sage from the core worlds and intends to sue Lo Feng for the same amount when he is proven right in court.

In a trip back to the city to gain more knowledge on how to unluck his [Soul Shield] technique, Max encounters Fia again, who once again saves him when Max encounters the Three Bird Sisters, a set of royal triples from the Silver Leaf Clan. After being saved, Max finally confesses his full love for Fia and admits the problem he has with joining her clan, but promises to marry her anyway somehow. Fia accepts this and the rekindling of their love allows Max to overcome the spiritual blockage and advance in his spiritual cultivation.

This advancement continues when Max ultimately reveals even his secret as a Berserker to Fia when they both have to fight Hin Wu. Fia once again accepts him and this fully unlocks his [Soul Shield] technique.

With this, Max travels back to the bunker to destroy the gate with Kelsey by his side, who is now a Foundation Realm Berserk through all his training. Max finds he needs to actually enter the gate to destroy it and encounters a divine being known as I’xan’dra the Great Chain Maiden within, who controls many gates upon a hell like plane of existence which Max later concludes is the surface of the Bloodmoon itself. After defeating I’xan’dra, Max flees the hellish surface of the Bloodmoon and destroys the gate before returning to Earth.

On his return to the city, Max learns that Fia has been convicted of the accusations by Master Lo Feng as the Grand Sage proves that the quill did indeed belong to Fia. Max immediately realizes it’s the same one he left at the scene to implicate the Silver Leaf Clan months ago and his guilt and love for Fia spurs him into action.

Together with his friends, Max rushes to the courts, where Fia’s Mother, the Lady Silver Moon is making a desperate last attempt to save Fia’s life through a trial by combat, challenging Master Lo Feng. Lady Silver Moon proves no match, however and is nearly killed before Max jumps in to stop the fight.

After admitting he was the one to commit the crime, Max is nearly imprisoned himself, but is saved by Jian Yi who poses a legal argument to the High Magistrate that although it was mass murder, it was simply an inter-sect matter which is outside of the purview of the courts. This exonerates Max, but then Max uses the opportunity to both challenge Lo Feng for a leadership battle as well as to claim Fia’s hand in marriage through reinstating the writ against her family.

Max is successful in both, which enrages the Warden, Lady Silver Tear, who is in attendance at the trial. She seeks to kill both Max and Fia for a union which she considers blasphemous as Max is not a noble and Fia is a royal lady. She launches an attack aimed at killing them both, but Max defends against it with his [Soul Shield] technique, protecting Fia and raising the ire of the Warden when he miraculously survives.

Jian Yi then uses her knowledge of the law to claim the Warden herself just violated the law by attacking Max, who after killing Lo Feng, is now the rightful leader of the Fire Bird Clan. The Warden dismisses it initially, but Max uses it as a means to now challenge her for her position as warden and ruler over Jurin Province.

Max is unable to make the claim stick, however as the Warden is Diamond Bracket and he is still only Gold. When his request for time to reach Diamond bracket is denied, all seems lost until the Princess suddenly appears and grants an approval of three years for Max to achieve Diamond Bracket on the condition that he serve as tribute and attend the Legionnaires Academy in the coming spring.

Max accepts on the condition that his betrothal to Fia be recognized to which the princess reluctantly agrees. The book ends with the princess secretly vowing to kill off Fia before her wedding day, fantasizing about gaining Max’s love for her own all while the outer god of Dark Frenzy, I’xol’ukz plots to create a champion equal to Max to get its own revenge.