《Trinity》 Basic Info On the Trinity V2 The Stats and other parts of Trinity Explained I won¡¯t be explaining every little detail of my story here since I would like to slowly feed things as they become relevant making the story flow smoothly so don¡¯t expect too many info dumps. Strength/STR: This stat determines the overall strength of the individual. This directly affects how hard they can hit as well how much force they can exert. This does not mean this is the amount shown at all times. It¡¯s more like their maximum capability without any modifiers affecting it. The amount of this strength that can be used by the body all depends on where they use it. For example, with humans, their legs are usually the strongest part of their body so more of this strength can be used by that body part compared to something like your pinky. I¡¯ve done a lot of math to get a numerical value for this stat but I won¡¯t release it to keep writing simply for myself, though anyone that can figure it out on their own will leave me impressed. -Hint it''s in kilograms. (Beat down your enemies with overwhelming Strength) Agility/AGI: This stat determines the overall agility of the individual. This can also affect how hard you hit. Agility can be considered relative. For example, a monkey might be more agile in a forest because of the trees than a human. But Humans on a flat area would run circles around a monkey. Still, though this affects your movement speed, in either situation it just how the individual is able to use this movement speed. This stat determines instinctual reaction time. -Same as with strength, after a lot of math I came up with the best numerical value for 1 agility. (Become untouchable none are able to contend with your Graceful Speed) Endurance/END: This stat determines the overall rate at which you experience physical fatigue, as well as the amount of punishment your body can take. This stat reduces how fast your stamina goes down. Certain body parts can still experience fatigue more than others if they aren''t properly trained. For example, if you are walking on your hands instead of your legs you consumption of stamina will, of course, be higher than if you used your legs. The higher this is the greater you will also be at resisting pain in general.(Become Everlasting as other¡¯s fall before your feet in Exhaustion.) Wisdom/WIS: This stat determines the overall rate at which you experience mental fatigue. This stat determines how much mana your soul can hold. The mind and soul are closely connected and the soul could be considered a backup for the mind if it were ever shattered. The higher your wisdom becomes the more your memory improves.(Become what the world needs as your wisdom leads to a better future.) Intelligence/INT: This stat determines the amount of power your abilities/spells contain. For example two people with the ability to cast fireball attack one another, one has double the intelligence of the other so his spell will be twice as powerful as the other individuals without any additional modifiers. This stat reduces how much mana abilities use. This stat is responsible for mana regeneration. If this stat is too high compared to wisdom problems can occur because if intelligence were to be compared to software wisdom would be the hardware. This stat also determines the processing speed of the mind as well asvoluntary reaction time. (Become the embodiment of intelligence as you learn all there is to know .) Willpower/WIL : It is the numerical value of the soul. This stat determines the speed at which your soul can regenerate. Determines how well you can resist soul attacks or abilities. This stat is not always static and can change even without outside interference, this is because willpower is born from the individual. If you don¡¯t want to resist something then of course this stat will go down. The same is true if you are trying your hardest to resist, this stat will go up. When this stat is in its passive state it repels other passive soul attacks if it''s high enough compared to the attack. (Become Indomitable as other kneel before your willpower.) Vitality/VIT: This is a fusion of 4 stats. These stats are as followed 25% of Strength 25% of Endurance, 25% of Wisdom, and 25% of Willpower. This stat is completely static because of Willpower. This stat determines how much damage you can take from all manner of attacks. For example Mind attacks, Physical-based attacks, and Soul attacks. Determines Health regeneration. (Become indomitable as others fall to the sickness called mortality.) Perception/PER: This stat determines the overall capabilities of your senses. Some senses are stronger than others but it doesn''t change your overall perception only how you sense the world around you. (Become the one who perceives all as others remain ignorant.) Corporis in Trinity Cultivation Realms: I will only reveal the first realm for now. First realm, The realm of the Mortal. 10 points to every stat, every level with a total of 10 levels. Cultivation isn¡¯t possible until the Ar¨ºte awakens. Cultivation Method: This is how individuals are able to go up the cultivation levels. It circulates the mana in the atmosphere through the individual''s body to improve the individual. The can also be improved quicker through other methods, such as refined mana elixirs. They provide additional stats. The location also matters, for example, one method might speed up cultivation in hot areas while another could do the same in a colder area. Same could also be said for decreasing the speed of cultivation in inadequate locations. These methods sometimes come with martial arts, to learn as you train. Some special cultivation methods come with a set of martial arts only usable if you''re cultivating the one that provides them. Martial Arts: Make up a series of Martial Moves with a concept built around it. Martial moves can be integrated into the Arts if they are compatible, providing a bonus to the Martial move in addition to the attribute bonus. Martial Moves:These can both be passive and active. They can be created from the cultivation method or from separate existing one can be integrated as long as the cultivation method does not reject it. You can exhibit all attributes Martial Moves even if you don¡¯t have it, but the magical portion is weaker without the attribute. These all have ranks to determine quality. Martial moves compared to spells are similar but with the difference that the mana is circulated throughout the body with martial moves, with the body being the medium. Spells use an object outside the body as a medium. They both draw in mana from the soul. Ar¨ºte in Trinity The Ar¨ºte is pretty much the magical side of the Trinity. An Ar¨ºte has a name and can have a number of things that make up the Ar¨ºte. For example, someone¡¯s Ar¨ºte is called Elemental master which gives them multiple active Skills or passive Skills related to multiple attributes. Then another individual has an Ar¨ºte called Dominator of Fire. That individual might have just as many passives or active abilities as the other and can show more power through fire, but his adaptability is lower than the other who has multiple options for growth. The Ar¨ºte is located in the soul. Skills given by the Ar¨ºte will always be marked as part of the Ar¨ºte. Just because a skill is part of an arete doesn''t mean it can''t be learned, unless it''s labeled as unique. An Ar¨ºte is simply a combination of skills. Attributes are what the mana is aligned with. Usually, ambient mana is attributeless and useless until processed. The Main attributes are as follows Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth, Wind, Darkness, Light, Wind, Chaos, Order, Life, Death, Space, Time. Lightning is actually a sub-attribute but its power is so formidable that it can be compared to the main attribute and is treated as so, leaving it the only main attribute without a direct enemy or ally attributes. There some more secondary attributes that are under all of the main ones, they are either lower more specialized versions or attributes that can be artificially created/unlocked by properly fusing 2 attributes. For example, the sub-attribute ice can be found under the main attribute water once you gain enough understanding about the attribute. It can also be unlocked at a lower rank if you can fuse wind and water attributes. Another part of the Ar¨ºte the spellcasting side. Once someone¡¯s Ar¨ºte awakens at the age of 12, their ability to manipulate mana outside the body also awakens. Spells can be cast in a number of ways. The most popular is chanting. The amount of spells a soul can contain is determined by the soul. Too many spells at once will decrease your progression in other spells. The process of learning a spell is complicated with having to formulate the spell from a skeleton frame and add your own understanding and meaning to it. Spells that are cast without the individual having the Affinity that the chosen spell focuses on are nothing compared to when they do have it. Spells can be created, found or learned. The all have rankings to determine quality/effectiveness.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. System of Yggdrasil Yggdrasil is what connects everything together as well. It provides all individuals with a chance to grow. Without this, the other 2 parts of the Trinity''s wouldn¡¯t be able to expand and evolve. Its branches are the infinite possibilities. Every time you level up you gain 5 stat points that you can put into stats any way you would like. Every 10 Levels you gain an Apex point that provides you with the next step in evolving a maxed out Spell or martial art. Every 100 levels you get a Superior Apex that lets you evolve a skill of your Ar¨ºte. You can also get Apex points for giving the Yggdrasil items that it uses as Loot in dungeons. It''s because of Yggdrasil that even a low-rank Ar¨ºte can become a force to be reckoned with once it evolves. Everything has a path it could follow so it''s not just your Ar¨ºte or stats that will increase. Yggdrasil also provides all beings at the macro level the ability to change and evolve. With Non-sentient beings, they evolve at an instinctual level towards what they would have wanted if they were sentient thanks to Yggdrasil help. Yggdrasil is used in a variety of ways by sentient beings, such as producing contracts. The character sheet is what is used to determine an individual''s strength. Mediums- mana needs a filter to pass through when being used. With martial Moves that filter is the body, and with Spells that filter is any object the user deems good enough, as long as it can handle the mana passing through it. Spells can also be cast if you use your brain as a medium, but the effect is reduced to around 50% and can cause severe headaches and even death if overused. Weapons can also be used as a fusion medium where its used for certain martial arts, and spells. This is extremely difficult to do and only the most talented of individuals can do this. Current revealed abilities and other Blue boxes below. Titles Loki Titles Inheritor of Yggdrasil. Not explained yet but hinted at abilities it provides. Prankster. Not yet explained. Nike Titles Raging Gorilla. Not explained yet Crimson Princess. Not Explained yet Nyx titles WITCH. +10 To INT, and WIS. Using A Witches hat as a medium will increase the effect of Hex related spells. Omni-Codex Wielder. Not explained yet. Everyone- Dungeon Diver- Unlocked when first entering a dungeon for the first time. Provides 5 stat points to spend in any way the user wishes. Gives access to the Profession Tab that allows the user to equip titles for additional effects past their base bonus. GIves access to dungeon features such as rest points, and teleportation spots. Loki- Shifting Seasons-The Cultivation Method that makes up part of Yggdrasil''s Blessing. There is a different stat gained every Martial Level for a cycle corresponding to the 4 seasons. The user is also allowed to choose 2 stats to specialize in. The first stat will increase by 25 every martial level(Current-Agility). The Second stat will increase by 30 every other martial level. (Current-Perception). The cycle of stat gains begins with Spring providing 15 vitality. Summer the next martial level will provide 15 strength. Autumn Follows with 40 intelligence. Lastly, Winter ends the cycle with 10 wisdom and 10 endurance. The cycle then starts anew. This method cultivates the 4 seasons of Earth within the user''s body, the 4 Arts, Rejuvenating Spring, Raging Summer, Descending Autumn, and Absolute Winter. Viper strike -Attacks from the hands inject foreign mana into the enemy, disrupting their ability to manipulate mana. Addition bonus of increasing agility of the arms by 10 for every letter rank. Use currently consumes .5% mana and stamina, per successful injection. (Paralyzing Viper strike is lightning attribute version- also has a small chance of inducing some paralysis)Martial Move Tier-Common-----Preferred Attribute- Chaos, Lightning, Death Haste-Increases Agility by a flat amount depending on the rank, as well as a 5% base increase after the stats have been added. FromF-rankto A-rank the flat rate increases by 10 every letter rank, leading to a max of 50 agility at A rank. Once it has reached A+ rank the 5% bonus increases to 10%. Use currently consumes 5% of stamina as well as 1% mana upon activation and lasts 1 minute.(Charged Haste is the Lightning attribute infused version-Provides an additional 3% agility increase but consumes 3% of the practitioner''s mana instead of 1%)Martial MoveTier-Common-----Preferred Attribute- Wind, Lightning, Fire, Light, Darkness, Time Owl Form-When morphing into this form the user''s strength decreases by 70% while agility increases by 60%. Perception and wisdom also increase by 40% decreasing Endurance by 20%. Transformation consumes 3% of stamina and mana. Current Form Skills- Detect Life and Razor Wing.Tier-Uncommon Shadow Decoy-Summons a semi-solid Clone from a shadow. This clone has no combat capabilities but retains up to 90% of the real bodies current agility. The user can either manually manipulate them, or give them simple instructions. Consumes 3% of mana on use. Every letter rank increases the number of clones the user can summon as well as how responsive they are to the Casters instructions.Spell Tier-Uncommon-----Exclusive Attribute- Darkness Snake-Strength decrease by 20% while agility increase by 40%. Endurance decreases by 40% while perception increases by 40%. Currently consumes 3% of staminaand mana on use. Current abilities, Mana Fangs, Heat Vision.Tier-Uncommon Mana Fangs-While in snake form the practitioner is able to inject prey with a potent Mana paralyzer that completely renders prey beneath a certain level unable to move, or manipulate mana. This last up to a minimum of 10 seconds for something up to 50kg with additional time depending on the individual.Martial Art Tier-Uncommon Preferred Attributes- Chaos, Lightning, Death, Darkness, Water, Fire Rejuvenating Spring-When this is activated a fresh sense of vitality surrounds the area within 10 meters of the user. This does not affect what the user deems as an enemy but will increase the growth rate of plants nearby. Those within this space will feel as though they are experiencing the ideal spring day. This provides Loki with a flat 50 agility, followed by a 10% base increase to agility. A secondary effect of Spring is increasing the user''s regeneration of hp, and stamina, by 1% a minute. This stance currently consumes 3% of the user''s manaand stamina per minute.Martial ArtTier-Unique\ Adaptable-The user is able to move 15% of any stat over to another one, with a max stacking of 4 different stats into one. Forcefully going above this will hurt the user. The user is also able to lower other attribute ranks to increase one. The conversion rate is as follows. For every 2 letter grades, the user takes from an attribute, they can increase another by 1 letter grade, up to the current maximum of A rank. Lastly, the user is able to once a month switch any of his attributes to one he does not currently have, but it starts atF-rank. If he raises it up to C rank the attribute becomes permanent, and the previous attribute will return. More abilities can be unlocked as Adaptable evolves, and improves.Arete Tier-Unique Yggdrasil''s Pen-Being the inheritor of the system the user is able to adjust small things that are part of the system. False status screen production being the first unlocked action the pen allows the user to perform, leaving others with inspecting capabilities unable to see the real screen. Defense systems that use the system for identification can also be manipulated by adding, and removing names from the allowed list. System based contracts are also able to be manipulated as long as they are small changes that don¡¯t divert too much from the contracts end goal. The user is also able to make their own contracts. Further abilities will naturally come as the user grows into his role as Inheritor. (Cost 30% of the casters mana. This price is locked until a relevant evolution.Arete Tier-Unique Nike- Rising Dragon- Passive-Within the first 5 hours of waking up all physical stats are increased by 4% if the owner is well rested. HP,SP,MP regeneration is also increased by .5% p/m.Active-Increases Strength, agility, and vitality by 10% each, as well as increasing regeneration HP by 2% per minute. The user is also able to glide through the air with a pair of fiery wings that can be willed to appear on the user''s back. Currently consumes 3% of the Practitioners mana per minute(5% with wings), as well as 4% of stamina per minute(6% with wings).Martial Move and Arete Tier- Mythic Victories Rewards-Whenever the owner defeats a weak opponent compared to themselves, they receive a buff of 2% to all physical stats. A 5% buff is received if the individual is closer to being equally challenging. Lastly, a 10% buff is received if the individual is the owner''s equal or even more powerful. These buffs stack 3 times each individually, and each last over 24 hours, but cannot be refreshed until then. The buffs are each named from weakest to strongestDominance over Weak, Challenge of the Strong, Victory over the Powerful.The owner in the case of defeat will also receive a debuff regardless of the power of the one who defeated them. This debuff is calledThe Shame of Defeat.All stats are decreased by 5% percent for every loss, stacking up to 4 times. This debuff lasts 48 hours and can be refreshed completely at every loss.Arete Tier-Unique Profound Vision-Passively improves the user''s ability to detect danger from others. When activated the user''s eyes will become dragon-like, and begin to glow red. The user will be able to see the names of anything directly within their vision with the breath of life. It will also show the user a rough estimation of the capabilities of the targetwith different colors representing their specialty, and thehues level of danger. (Current Cost 20% of the user''s mana/s.)Arete Tier-Mythic Nyx- Telekinesis-This Special martial art lets the user move things with their mind. Lift and movement produced by this abilitystartswith the equivalent of 50 points of the strength stat, with every 50 points of intelligence increasing this by 15 points of equivalent strength stat. Starting range is 1 meter with every letter rank providing another 2 meters. Opponents can resist the effects ofTelekinesison themselves by covering themselves in a thin layer of mana. Currently consumes 0.1% of mana p/s, and 0.2% stamina p/s. Overuse can cause severe headaches and light brain hemorrhage.Lesser Kinesis such asterrakinesisand pyrokinesis can be learned easier with the help of Telekinesis.Martial Arts Tier- Legendary Ice Age-Large AOEFlash freezes, target location with the starting size being 50 meters in diameter. Base damage/temperature is determined by Intelligence, with Wisdom determining the base durability of the Ice. Every letter rank increases this by 10 meters as well as the durability, and temperature of the ice. Current user is able to concentrate the power of the spell as well as its size. This ranges from 5% effect to 100%. Current Mana consumptions, rates vary. Full power 45%, of the Casters mana, Middle 30% of the Casters mana. Weakest 1-5% of theusersmana.Spell Tier-Rare---- Preferred Attributes- Sub Attribute Ice Supreme Psyche-Whenever the owner receives astatpoint for mind related stats besides willpower, they will instead gain twice that amount. The Penalty is that the owner will only receive 50% wheneverthe theygain a physical stat. This will be rounded down for anything above1,and rounded up to 1 for anything below 1. Mana regeneration can be increased to 3% for every 1% of stamina when in a meditative state. Arete Tier-Unique. Chapter 1 Loki Irminsul V2 Loki Irminsul The starry night was coming to an end. The telltale signs of dawn could be seen as the sky gradually began welcoming the dawn. The glimmer of light slowly approached over the horizon as it slowly bathes the town of Lynnwood in a golden splendor. Some of the rays of light made it into an average looking home on the fringe of town just a few miles shy of the defense wards. The light seemed to creep through the window and eventually fell upon the face of a sleeping young man. His eyes started fluttering, and a sound escaped his lips. ¡°Errrhhhh¡± he groaned as he slowly got up and took a deep breath, ¡°Today¡¯s the day I guess,¡± he whispered to no one in particular. The young man then proceeded to get out of bed, and tidy himself up, doing all his basic morning necessities. Having finished his morning routine he began heading downstairs, and into the kitchen where found himself facing his grandfather who turned around as the young man entered the room. ¡°Haha morning Loki,¡± He bellowed in a voice that was sure to rouse up Loki¡¯s younger brother Theodore if he wasn¡¯t already awake. ¡°Ready for your first day at Onyx Academy!¡± ¡®Yeah, Theo¡¯s awake for sure now.¡¯ Thought Loki as he gave his grandfather an annoyed glance and headed towards the kitchen table, ready to eat his last meal at home for the coming months. Odin Irminsul to be described bluntly was a mountain of a man. He towered over lesser men at a height of 210cm and had an aura to him that simply shouted Alpha male. His laughing ultramarine blue eyes left nothing unseen. He stood there in the kitchen shirtless literally steaming, apparently having just returned from his morning workout. His golden hair came down to his massive shoulders giving him the Fabio-ish look that made women swoon and fall for him at a glance. For someone over 100 years old, he looked like he was still in his mid to late ''30s. Comparatively, Loki actually looked quite different. He was tall and lean standing at 188cm, a decent height for someone who had only recently turned 18. He was devilishly handsome with his soft copper skin tone, which seemed to enhance his sharp cheekbones and thin chin, giving him an appearance that seemed as though he were always scheming, or plotting something exciting. His jet black hair was decorated with natural small bright red streaks that appeared to shift, and twist even while his hair remained still. His eyes contained a color that was rarely if ever seen. Bright golden irises that practically twinkled magically in the light, and quite possibly even in the dark. With looks like this, it wasn¡¯t surprising that Loki always seemed to be the center of attention even if he didn¡¯t enjoy it. ¡°As prepared as I think I¡¯ll ever be going to one of the four greatest academies on the planet.¡± He stated in a bored tone. ¡°Though I doubt I¡¯ll ever understand how you managed to get me a spot there without them ever organizing a meeting with me, or receiving any information on my capabilities. That place is supposed to raise the cream of the crop, how the hell did they just accept some nobody without receiving a shred info on said person?¡± Probed Loki as he took a seat, and snatched some toast off his grandfather''s plate. Odin once again started laughing in his thunderous voice then said ¡°While you might be a nobody that doesn¡¯t mean I myself happen to be one. All it took was a few favors, and a couple Vox calls, and I was able to get you a spot at one of the most prestigious academies in the world, you better be grateful.¡± Odin continued to laugh vigorously. It was at times like this that Loki wishes he had a remote to lower the volume on his grandfather. The day had barely begun, and he could already feel the early warning of a headache incoming. ¡°I already knew you were an influential old man but this is simply outrageous. Those background checks aren¡¯t just for investigating the strength and talents of the students but also a safety precaution. Makes me almost worried about what could happen with security that lax.¡± Loki countered as he finished munching down on his toast, his hand now extending out for the glass of milk. Odin finally stopped laughing and stared at Loki with a smug expression and declared. ¡°Are you telling me Loki, son of my son that you¡¯re worried about a couple of high society kids and the possibility of some danger? I swear I thought I raised you to be more of a man than that.¡± Odin said as he purposely tried to get a reaction out of his grandson. ¡°Of course not Old man, I was simply worried about my fellow students. Even someone as amazing as me wouldn¡¯t be able to save all of them if something terrible did happen.¡± Loki said his words practically dripping sarcasm as he made a sour face as though insulted by his grandfather¡¯s words. ¡°With a monster such as yourself as my instructor, I doubt I''d find many that could be my equal around my age, even at such agrandiose academy,¡± Loki stated in a slightly arrogant tone. This time after Loki finished speaking Odin¡¯s face turned serious, and in a stern voice rebuked. ¡°Yes I have made sure that you are at a competent level in your cultivation, but since you have continuously put off telling me you¡¯re actual Ar¨ºte these past 4 years I can¡¯t help but tell you not to underestimate your future classmates, as well as your upperclassmen. Some of best of the best this side of the hemisphere will be attending there, so just make sure you¡¯re prepared.¡± Deciding he''d heard enough Loki stood up as he finished downing his milk, quickly making a beeline straight towards the armory. ¡°Better prepare yourself, I think I hear Theo coming, and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not too happy with you interrupting his sleep this early in the morning.¡± Said Loki as he stood up, and headed to the armory door. ¡°GRANDPA!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?!!¡± Theo¡¯s voice resonated from the stairs, as well as the loud and grumpy footsteps the followed it. Loki was smiling as he entered the armory that was thankfully soundproof. ¡°Serves you right old man.¡± Sniggered Loki as he headed towards the section that contained his prized possession, a magnificent short sword. As he walked towards it he also passed an assortment of incredible weapons. This included his grandfather''s prized spear with its dark red pole, topped with a sleek black blade that released a dense savage aura. His brother¡¯s weapon of choice happened to be a huge navy blue hammer that displayed intricate carvings of what looked like lightning and clouds on its surface. These were both exceptionally impressive weapons that any warrior would be proud to wield, but Loki only had eyes for his Shortsword. There on a display stand that Loki himself had crafted it stood. It was a little under 46 centimeters in total length, with a grip of about 9 centimeters, and 37 centimeters of a blade. The grip itself was made of a soft white resilient material that never seems to need cleaning, but that didn¡¯t stop Loki from doing so. This was accompanied by a simple looking ebony handguard that didn¡¯t interfere with the user''s hold on the grip. After being mesmerized by the handguard, and grip his attention shifted to what was without a doubt the most bewitching blade he had ever laid his eyes upon. It was serrated on one side and inconceivably, sharp on the other. It was like 2 sides of a coin. The immaculate and efficient blade that simply went for the execution of its foe, and the serrated beast that indulged in the agony in could induce on its prey. The blade had a silvery white color to it, but it didn¡¯t feel like an ordinary metal so Loki suspected it could be made of some unknown material. This could, in fact, be true considering his grandfather brought it back after a two-month excursion to some undisclosed location he never bothered telling his grandchildren about. Loki began reminiscing about the experience. Odin had told Loki it was an ancient artifact that had extraordinary capabilities, to which Loki responded: ¡°How would you know that it¡¯s such an amazing item?¡± Odin, of course, replied in a typical headache-inducing fashion ¡°HAHA that¡¯s because no one knows its origin, and we have no idea what it¡¯s made of!!¡± If that¡¯s not amazing I don¡¯t know what is!¡± Remembering that day Loki couldn¡¯t help but be thankful he didn¡¯t hurl it back at his grandfather¡¯s face and tell him he didn¡¯t want his possibly but more than likely useless junk. Luckily while in his room after having calmed down Loki decided to circulate his mana throughout the artifact which at in this point in time was a simple white cube with black glossy veins. He was shocked to find that his weak attempt actually got a reaction from the cube. It slowly started stretching, extending and flattening out as it quickly took the shape of a short sword. He was so exhilarated he went to his grandfather immediately and told him what had occurred. This truly dumbfounded Odin since both his colleagues and him had been incapable of getting a single reaction out of the cube no matter what they did to it. Including trying to damage it. The only reason he got to keep this artifact was that no one else wanted a useless lump, and Odin wanting to give Loki a gift that was useless besides being virtually indestructible as a joke, chose to keep it. Little did he realize that his little gift was most likely the greatest one Loki would ever receive for the rest of his life. ¡°Well, Kiddo what did I say. An amazing treasure from me to you must be destiny HAHAHA! Aren¡¯t I the greatest grandfather in existence?!¡± Odin laughed as he took this opportunity to gloat at Loki which he normally wasn¡¯t able to do. ¡°Yes thank you old man for this remarkable gift though if you persist on laughing at me like that you might end up finding that all of your right socks will have vanished into thin air by tomorrow.¡± Insinuated Loki with a disturbing smile on his face. The one that Odin knows signifies that if he pushes his buttons any further he will witness just how similar his grandson and his namesake were. ¡°Please don¡¯t Loki ha.. ha I was simply excited for you, no need to do that to me,¡± said Odin as he began shuddering thinking a past experience. ¡°I still haven¡¯t found all my pants since last time, and the ones I have found look like they were mauled.¡± The sight of a few beads of sweat on Odin''s forehead was enough to calm down Loki''s rising irritation. Taking advantage of Loki''s calmer state of mind Odin decided to change the subject and inform him about the ritual of bonding the sword to himself. ¡°Well, now that you¡¯ve seemed to relax how about I show you how to create a soulbond between you, and your sword so that others will be incapable of wielding it.¡± ¡°You can do that?¡± responded Loki intrigued at how it worked. ¡°Of course though you¡¯ll feel a tiny bit of pain.¡± Said Odin in a cautious manner. ¡°Exactly how much pain are we talking about here old man?¡± Loki¡¯s excited face fell into deadpan expression. ¡°Well enough that you¡¯ll probably pass out the moment it begins, but hey if you do it you won¡¯t ever have to worry about losing your sword since you¡¯ll be able to sense it no matter where it is as long as it not being blocked by some special method,¡± Odin replied in a hurried voice as though hoping Loki wouldn¡¯t have caught the first part of what he mentioned. ¡°Pass out eh¡­ Old man, did you pass out when you bonded with your spear?¡± Probed Loki an arrogant shimmer in his radiant golden eyes. Odin wasn¡¯t sure where this was going but he answered truthfully. ¡°Of course I did and there¡¯s nothing to be ashamed about! Everyone around your age does it¡¯s only natural since their wisdom stat still hasn¡¯t had a chance to develop, you still need around 60 wisdom to remain conscious and even then it''s a stretch.¡± Odin reassured thinking that his grandson could be worried about the bonding. ¡°Is that so?¡± Loki said with a smile more wicked in nature than the last one. ¡°So how about we make a bet old man?¡± smiled Loki The moment those words left Loki¡¯s mouth Odin shivered. ¡°Bet about what? You know I don''t make bets with you, ya little devil, I¡¯ve yet to ever win one, and they always carry such tremendous penalties to the loser who I would like to point out always ends up being me.¡± spat Odin wanting no part of it. ¡°Not even if I promise to not pull any pranks for an entire year, and do I dare say it¡­. Call you grandpa.¡± snickered Loki ¡®Fuck, there he is again whispering his diabolical temptation¡¯s into my ears¡¯ Odin hissed in his mind ¡°Don¡¯t bother wasting your breath brat your temptations will never work on me again, I¡¯ve learned now not to deal with the devil.¡± Declared, his voice resounding throughout their home.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Darn. Really? I was just about to add revealing my Ar¨ºte as part of the deal.¡± Loki said in a sad yet unquestionably fake voice. Odin sighed knowing he had been hooked, and there was nothing he could do about it. ¡°I¡¯m accepting this not for my own gain but because by knowing your Ar¨ºte I can properly help you develop around it. It''s been more than a year since you got it and I don¡¯t understand why you have yet to tell me. It''s not like I¡¯ll be disappointed in you if it turned out to be weak. In fact, I doubt it is considering it seems to have given you a very strange cultivation method.¡± Odin said as his facial expression turned soft as the love he held for his grandson could be seen in his eyes. ¡°Old man I¡¯m sorry I have yet to tell you but I promise you it isn¡¯t weak, so please calm yourself and get rid of this sappy mood you''re making.¡± Reassured Loki starting to feel a bit embarrassed. ¡°So now that you¡¯ve accepted my high-stakes deal I¡¯ll tell you what want out of this since it can¡¯t be a bet if I''m the only one putting myself at risked.¡± Smiled Loki having returned back to his regular mood. Odin not being one to stay sappy for long quickly bounce back and complained: ¡°There you go again making me accept without letting what happens when I lose.¡± ¡°So what does the devil want this time? My eternal soul?¡± said Odin in a mocking tone. ¡°Hell no, I can barely handle your deafening voice for so long before I get a headache. All I ask for is a storage bag of at least 4x4m and, a sheath for the sword.¡± Loki stated in a relaxed manner as though the former of his request is just as easily attainable as the latter. Odin¡¯s face went slack as he heard his grandson¡¯s request. The sheath wouldn¡¯t be an issue for Odin to get, hell he could probably get a C+ rank sheath if he looked with some effort, but a 4x4m spacial bag was at least a B- rank item but was worth as much as a regular A- rank item because of its rarity. ¡°What could you possibly want to do with such a large bag Loki? Carry rocks to distant lands?¡± In a tone that betrayed his joking words. ¡°Nope, I simply don¡¯t want to deal with trying to get one myself in the future when I could get access to one right now.¡± Loki said eyes laughing as he looked at the shocked expression on his grandfather''s face. He actually, in fact, did need it for a valid reason. He planned on becoming a solo dungeon Diver in the future so having a storage bag that could carry all his necessities, and loot would be ideal. ¡°I don''t think I could get you one though Kiddo, even though I don''t mind spending the gold on it for you I simply don¡¯t believe anyone within a 1000km of us would sell one or put it up to auction,¡± Odin told Loki as he slowly shook his head, as though upset he wouldn¡¯t be able to get the storage bag for his grandson. ¡°Well, that''s unfortunate I guess.¡± Loki mumbled but then sprang right back up ¡° But wait Old man don¡¯t you have a storage ring of 8x8m?¡± Loki exclaimed his eyes practically sparkling in the light. ¡°How how did you know that!!¡± Odin stammered really starting to freak out. Besides his colleagues and a few close friends, no one was aware he had such a coveted item. Thoughts raced through his head, and then it struck him. ¡°Theo! That little rascal, I forgot I told him about it when I first got it. But that was years ago Theo shouldn''t remember that, how did you get the information from him?¡± Babbled Odin ¡°Old man, of course, my loving younger brother would tell his big bro about it, plus who else would he tell at that age. Even though I wasn¡¯t sure what he was talking about at that time my memory as you know happens to be quite good. Loki said his smile now at its widest. ¡°I¡¯ve been played like a fiddle once again.¡± sighed Odin ¡°Let¡¯s just get back to the bonding now before I lose any more of my dignity.¡± To which Loki responded with ¡°You had dignity? Hahaha, your jokes are to funny old man.¡± Odin ignored him, and continued. ¡°So when bonding with your weapon you¡¯ll be sharing a small piece of your soul with it, which is why wisdom is so important since it helps you resist the strain it''ll put on you.¡± ¡°So take hold of your sword, and create your vow." After a few minutes of piecing together a vow, Loki chanted. "I Loki Irminsul vow that from this moment onwards my blade, and I will become one, the mighty will fall before our feet, whether it be through violence or cunning, death or humiliation those that face us will regret having crossed our path. As Loki completed the vow he could feel a merciless migraine turning his brain to slush as the short sword began to pull and a stretch a piece of his soul into itself. The connection having been established was soon followed by satisfied purr that seemed to emerge from the blade of his sword, as though satisfied with its new partner. Loki after having his brain feel like a liquid goop fell to the floor but was quickly caught by his grandfather before making contact with it. ¡°Told you, you would pass out.¡± whispered Odin in a voice that still somewhat loud ¡°But for once it seems I''m the winner in the end.¡± Odin began laughing all traces of trying to speak soft gone, and relishing the thought of a year of no pranks and being called grandpa by the little devil. But that all changed in the next moment as Loki in a very pained voice sneered ¡°To bad old man I''m still awake, though I feel as if someone decided to take a sledgehammer to my head to test its durability. Better luck next time haha.¡± He then proceeded to pass out immediately. Odin was flabbergasted as to how in Yggdrasil''s roots did his grandson not pass out during the bonding, or directly after it was completed. ¡°Guess you''re tougher than even I was at your age kiddo.¡± An extremely proud look having filled his face. ¡®Seems I''ll be needing a new storage ring.¡¯ Thought Odin, though not worried anymore because he knew his grandson would make good use of his old one. After having stopped reminiscing about the event 3 years ago, Loki returned to admiring his sword before grabbing the sheath and inserting it in. The sword growled as though sensing a change of the everyday norm of ripping through practice dummy¡¯s to a future of violence and blood that it had long since awaited. ¡°It¡¯s time to go Ragnar?k.¡± Whispered Loki lovingly to his sword which responded with a lovely deep purr. The scheduled time was approaching, and Loki was waiting near the chosen teleporter with his brother Theo, and Odin. Theo Loki¡¯s younger brother was the younger spitting image of their grandfather Odin. It was something that Odin loved bragging about to all his friends. Although only 17 if you ignore the fact that he didn¡¯t have a beard yet, and that he was only 195 inches they were practically twins. ¡°Take care, big bro.¡± Said, Theo, as he gave Loki a bear hug making it look more like it Loki was the younger brother in this situation. ¡°I¡¯ll meet up with you next year, and then we¡¯ll be able to wreak some havoc at the academy,¡± Theo said, the beginning of tears in the corners of his eyes even as he tried to suppress them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry you, giant of a baby, I¡¯ll be back for the holiday¡¯s, and I¡¯ll tell you all the cool things I did at the academy.¡± Reassured Loki feeling a pang in his heart. This will be the longest he will have ever been separated from his younger brother. ¡°Remember don¡¯t pick up any bad habits, especially from a certain loud old man,¡± said Loki in a serious tone. ¡°Hey! Could you at least not make me the butt of your jokes on your last day before the academy, it''s extremely disrespectful.¡± Spoke up Odin, trying to defend himself. ¡°Sure old man, as long as you learn to control the volume of your words one day maybe I¡¯ll be able to stop, but till that day it¡¯s impossible¡± Smirked Loki enjoying the last few minutes of taunting his grandfather, who then gave Loki a serious look. ¡°There''s only a couple of minutes left so let me tell you a few things in private,¡± said Odin as he signaled Loki to get closer. ¡°First thing, don¡¯t cause too much havoc, I realize how much you enjoy your pranks but realize that some people there will be a lot more powerful than you, especially your upperclassmen.¡± ¡°Second try to avoid catching the principles attention, she enjoys pushing those she finds interestto the limits to stimulate growth, even if it might end up with them breaking. There''s more but get to that bridge if she does take an interest in you. ¡°Third after examining your sword Ragnar?k these past few years, I must warn you that it''s an extremely potent weapon that could even be classified as around S rank or higher. It also contains some semblance of sentience as I''m sure you¡¯ve noticed when it growled at me whenever I touched it. This puts you in a dangerous position if others were to find out about it because even if they can¡¯t wield it, all they would need to do is kill you, and wait a few years for the bond to fade away. ¡°Lastly please do try to make some friends. I know you still can¡¯t find it in yourself to trust others but this experience might be just what you need to help treat your trauma.¡± After Odin finished Loki proceeded to quickly give his opinions on the words of advice his grandfather had given him. ¡°Oh don''t worry yourself to death old man, I can guarantee you my name won¡¯t be the one causing to much trouble. As for your friend the principle she only shows attention to interesting people right? Well, I¡¯ve just got to be boring, and dull she won''t bother me then. "Lastly trusting their longtime friends is exactly how my parents ended up dead, and I do happen to enjoy living so unless some miracle happens to change my mind I think I¡¯ll stick with just trusting Theo and you." As Loki finished his own points, he headed towards the teleporter that was beginning to light up as it gathered mana for the transfer. Odin shook his head in a dispirited manner ¡°I hope you¡¯ll find others you can trust Loki. Family is important but so are the other types of relationships.¡± Said Odin in a for once soft voice. Loki didn¡¯t even bother turning around. His thin but solid frame ready to take on whatever might come his way. He simply jumped into the circle then said ¡°Take care of yourself Old man, and you as well Theo. I¡¯ll see you both in a few months.¡±There was then a large crack and a flashed, and the young man Loki Irminsul was gone, ready to tread on the path of his destiny.
Name: Loki Irminsul Current Condition Arete: Morph/Inheritor of Yggdrasil Cultivation Method: Shifting Seasons Spells Martial Moves Affinities Titles Bonded Item Skills: Ragnarok
Level:0 Current Health:100% Gewixlen Forms:Null, Blurr Rejuvenating Spring Minor teleport D Viper Strike-C+ Fire Rank D- Inheritor of Yggdrasil Absorb Weapon
Species:Human Current Stamina:98% Adaptable Raging Summer Minor Fireball C+ Haste-A+ Lightning Rank B+ Prankster Blood Feast (Locked)
Sex:Male Current Mana:100% Yggdrasil''s Blessing Descending Autumn Static A- Shadow Blend-B+ Darkness Rank D+ Mind Feast (Locked)
Cultivation: Mortal Realm LvL 7 Current Regen % /m: Hp/0.15 Sp/0.088 Mp/0.165 Yggdrasils Pen Absolute Winter Shadow Decoy C- Unarmed Combat C+ Chaos Rank B- ShapeShift (Locked)
Buffs/Debuffs:None Creature Morph: Wolf, Owl, Snake Space Rank D
State of Mind:Normal Detail Morph
Base Stats STR: 110 AGI: 260 END: 88 LCK:Hidden WIL: 94 WIS: 88 VIT: 150 INT: 165 PER: 143
Chapter 2 Nike Shori V2 Nike Shori The city of York, one of the few major cities to survive the descent. It was a location where Humanity came together and fought back against the horde of beasts and monsters that were ravaging the rest of the world. It¡¯s continued resistance, and victory over the horde served as a beacon of hope for the entire world. It showed the rest of humanity that it still had the will to defend itself to the end. It was a massive city that attended to an astounding 7 million humans, which was the largest in this post-descent world. The skyscrapers of old, now refurbished giving them an even more astonishing look than they could ever have attained in the past. They shimmered as they slowly concentrated mana around the city increasing the overall mana density of York by 2 times. It was something the mages had somehow managed to partially replicate from the monoliths found at the academies. It was thanks to those features that real estate was higher in York than almost any other city in the world, though with recent leaks in technology it wouldn¡¯t remain so forever. At one of the more modest size looking skyscrapers there existed a dojo. It was called the Dragon¡¯s Nest, named so for those who cultivated there went in as hatchlings, and came out as dragon¡¯s amongst men. The building pulsated a red gaseous glow that could be recognized by those with trained eyes as fire attribute mana. It was the only building in York where you would see something like this occur since none of the other skyscrapers had the technology to filter a specific type of mana. The Dragon¡¯s Nest was over 80 floors high, and disciples of the nest would train and fight their way up the tower to get closer the denser concentrations of mana. Though there was a C-rank dungeon nearby with a similar concentration of mana, it wasn¡¯t nearly as safe as the nest. This caused competition to be brutal amongst the disciples as they trained, and fought over the limited resources for cultivation. Heading to the top floor you would find that the mana density was an astounding 5 times greater than regular ambient mana levels. It was here where the leader of the Dragon¡¯s Nest resided. He was a man that exuded a calm yet dangerous aura. It made others pay careful attention to the way they behaved around him, out of fear that causing him any sort of displeasure would bring down his ire upon them. And those that displease the Tetsu Ry¨±(Iron Dragon) typically didn¡¯t live long enough to understand what they did wrong. There he stood 180cm with the appearance of a 40-year-old man. Dark Black hair that seemed to absorb the light around it. Iron grey eyes with a gaze so sharp it could stab holes into anything it fell upon. He just stood there as if waiting for something worth his attention to arise. He didn¡¯t have to wait long as he heard a sharp tapping at the entrance to the room. His head gradually turned to face the door, and then the knocking stopped. There was a brief silence before it was interrupted by a youthful yet earnest voice. ¡°Master, excuse me for interrupting your meditation but I will be departing soon. May I come in to say my farewells?¡± A young woman''s voice could be discerned from the other side of the door. The Tetsu Ry¨± face eased as he flicked his wrist, creating a small suction force that pulled the door open slowly. ¡°Of course my dear Nike, What sort of master would I be if I didn¡¯t attend the departure of my most beloved disciple.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± reassured as his gaze fell upon the young woman who to him was like a daughter. A breathtaking belle strolled into the room. Her beauty was mystifying, making just a glimpse of her enough to tug at the heartstrings of men. She stood at a lofty 190cm, giving her a remarkable figure that was seldom seen. Hair of a fiery crimson that appeared alive, as if it were a true blazing inferno on her head, and shoulders. Her skin seemed as delicate as a child¡¯s, even after all the years of brutal training it had gone through. Eyes that were a dark brown that bordered on black, seemed to contain the stars as they created a gaze that was penetrating, full of authority, but sparkled with some mischief as well. Unquestionably a different human compared to the adolescent, and terrified girl the Tetsu Ry¨± had found 5 years ago. The Tetsu Ry¨± began to contemplate about the events that led to his discovery of this incredible young woman and couldn''t be prouder at how far she¡¯s come. It had been exactly a little over 5 years since their meeting. He had been asked to help with a on a secrete expedition to what could be considered a lost, and forgotten pocket dimension. Its discovery came about when one of the Tetsu Ry¨± colleagues John Walker had been conducting some experiments with his teleportation arrays efficiency. He accidently whisked himself away to some random coordinates that didn''t exist on earth. When he came to John had found himself in an unfamiliar forest with plants, and trees he had never seen. The sky was an odd dull blue green, and mysterious ruins were littered as far as the eyes could see. It was at that moment though that the John heard a terrifying roar that trembled his very soul. Whatever made that sound had felt his presence and was trying to find him. Fearing for his life John promptly used an emergency spell he constructed that would pull him back home at the cost of all of his mana, as well as some apex points. He was found days later in his lab after his wife started to get worried, at his prolonged absence. The strain his life saving spell had caused him left him bedridden for weeks, but it didn''t discourage him at all from telling his close colleagues about it, and the chances for riches. He had felt the size of the pocket world when he cast his lifesaving spell, and knew it wasn¡¯t larger than 1000km. He had also felt the deterioration if space itself for a brief nano second. This world was like a spatial storage space in functionality! It must be some higher being¡¯s version of a special bag/ring. Its owner must have died as well since John didn¡¯t think he would have made it in there otherwise. The riches of a god could be in his hands if he could gather enough people to help him raid it! It was how the Tetsu Ry¨± found himself running for his life on a different world from his own. His martial prowess was required by his colleagues because of the risk the pocket world posed but even that wasn¡¯t enough. After coming close to being eviscerated by a colossus of a beast, 2 months of careful searching, and yet not locating anything worth the risk, the group of 7 decided to cut their losses and return home. It was as they were preparing to leave the pocket dimension that something major occurred. One of his colleagues, a titan of a man named Odin unearthed a secret formation by the edge of the cliffside that they were resting at. While the Tetsu Ry¨± had never liked Odin, and his inability to keep his voice down, he had to admit he was one of the few men on the planet who could be considered his equal, and that was enough to earn the Tetsu Ry¨±¡¯s respect. Not satisfied with going back home empty handed after all this time and danger the group decided to give the formation a chance. It was decided that at the first indication of danger the group would pull out, and set up the teleportation array, and leave the pocket dimension. After some fiddling with the entrance, they were at last able to force it open. The team was welcomed by the foul stench of stale air, suggesting this place hadn¡¯t been opened in a awfully long time. One by one they entered, and checked for traps as they proceeded down the cramped tunnel. Odin having been the one to discover the entrance had taken the front to be the first to brave any dangers they might find. It was after a few nerve wracking minutes that the group saw a light at the end of the tunnel, which prompted them to wonder what was illuminating the area, when it was completely isolated from the outside. Being in the front Odin was the first to enter, and his excited voice eased everyone''s nerves. ¡°It seems I¡¯ve led us all to the jackpot gentlemen!¡± Said Odin his thunderous voice echoing powerfully throughout the tunnel. With quick feet, the other 6 men made it to the entrance to the new room. What greeted their eyes was something straight out of a fairy tale. The light source that they had seen was a immense mana crystal that appeared to be levitating at the top of the chamber. Crystals more mundane in size of varying attributes could be seen growing from the walls of the chamber. It appeared to be a mana crystal deposit the size of which had never been recorded. ¡°The value of all these crystals could rival countries.¡± Stated the Tetsu Ry¨±, a fact that none of the others could deny which included even an individual who was a high ranking general. Traces of joy could be seen in the faces of all the men besides the Tetsu Ry¨± who kept his own emotions from showing. But before anyone moved any further inside they had John scan the area for any traps.. ¡°There did seem to have been a formation here before, but it appears to have faded as the time passed. From what I could figure out from what¡¯s left of it, it wasn''t a trap but a mana gathering array greater than any we¡¯ve ever seen, too bad its faded beyond recognition. Which probably explains all these mana crystals.¡± John explained to everyone. ¡°But then what was the formation gathering mana for?¡± Odin asked perplexed as to what could possible require such an extensive amount of mana. The Tetsu Ry¨± being the cautious man he was, never stopped scanning the large chamber for any other hints of danger. Eventually, his sharp eyes took notice of a small entrance between two sizable mana crystals near the center of the chamber. ¡°I believe we¡¯ll find out soon enough if we head down that stairway in the middle of the room.¡± Announced the Tetsu Ry¨± causing everyone¡¯s attention to shift from the chamber to the stairway situated between the two crystals. ¡°Well, we should recover all these crystals first. If they truly are simply a side effect of whatever the formation was doing then they shouldn''t cause an issue if we removed them. It would be unfortunate for us to find ourselves facing a trap down there, and having to escape without reaping any rewards.¡± Expressed John. Everyone seemed to agree, no one wanted to go home empty handed after all the danger they had endured. So after double checking the room for anything else they might have missed they proceeded to collect the crystals, which ended lasting over an hour because of the absurd amount. They decided to leave behind the large levitating crystal since none of them had a storage bag, or ring that could contain such a massive object. After they finished leaving the area bare smiles could be seen on the faces of everyone in the group besides the Tetsu Ry¨±. While he was quite satisfied with the gains made on this trip he knew that whatever they found down there would be worth more than anything they had collected in this chamber. His blood boiled with an excitement he hadn''t experienced since his youth. As though experiencing a similar rush Odin began heading towards the stairway his powerful footsteps echoing the now empty chamber. The Tetsu Ry¨± wanting to be first to see what was down there acted in a manner that surprised everyone, and rushed forward reaching the stairway even before Odin. ¡°Wow, even Ry¨±¡¯s excited at what could be down there.¡± Said John in an astonished voice, a sentence that everyone in the group could agree on. Ignoring the group¡¯s surprised stare¡¯s the Tetsu Ry¨± began descending the stairway, though now a bit more careful. It was after about 2 minutes that the group reached the bottom of the stairway to which their eyes were greeted by a enormous pile of what they could only call junk. Hundreds upon thousands of different weapons could be seen littering the floor, but the issue here was that they all seemed to be rusted, broken or unusable. ¡°It appears we know what the mana formation was for now.¡± John said in a crestfallen voice. ¡°These must have all been magical weapons so they require some amount of mana to keep their enchantments in working order. Which means after the formation ceased functioning most of these weapons became incapable of maintaining their enchantments.¡± The possible value that this treasure trove could have held would have been astonishing. This was because since the descent occurred magical weapons were a rarity that only the rich and powerful could afford. And while they could be created, only a very small percentage of the world¡¯s craftsmen could create anything above B rank, with S- rank being the highest anyone¡¯s ever reached. ¡°Well, we might as well check to see if anything survived.¡± Said Odin his voice still full of vigor even after the unfortunate news. ¡°I¡¯ll scan the sides of the walls making sure this isn''t simply a distraction meant to keep us away from the real treasure.¡± He then began poking at the wall¡¯s with his mana sense as though looking for a hidden entrance. With that commenced one of the most disappointing scavenging hunts that anyone of in the group had ever experienced. Weapons shattered to pieces as they grabbed them, some even turned to dust as they grazed them. Eventually fed up with the continuous disappointment, that the weapons were giving, Odin spoke up. ¡°Everyone why are we wasting trying to find a treasure amongst all this trash like this. Let me just flash freeze the area, that way all the junk will shatter, and only the things that hold any value should survive.¡± ¡°Should!?¡± A few of the members said in a worried tone. ¡°If you gentlemen wish to keep finding nothing but disappointment then be my guest, but I¡¯m done with that method.¡± Odin said his temper beginning to rise. After a few seconds, the rest of the group agreed with Odin''s logic. ¡°Do it.¡± John told Odin just wanting to get this over with. ¡°Finally something interesting!¡± Laughed Odin, back to his joyous mood. He then pulled out a small mana crystal not wanting to use any of his own mana. He then crushed it in his bare hand, a feat of strength considering mana crystals were considered to be as hard as a diamond. As the dust from the crystal flowed around Odin it began to dissolve into the air increasing the mana density by a considerable about. He then in an instant circulated the floating mana around him, and launched one of his favorite spells. ¡°Winter¡¯s Howl¡± Chanted Odin his ultramarine eyes gaining an icy tinge to them, as the mana rushed out his body creating the supernatural phenomena called a spell. A ferocious Howling as though the hounds of hell had been released began to echo through the treasure room as everything in front of Odin began to freeze. After about 15 seconds the howling began to get weaker, as the mana used to power the spell ran out. ¡°Shatter into dust for me.¡± Commanded Odin as he stomped his foot into the ground releasing a shockwave that spread throughout the room destroying almost all of the ice sculpture like weapons. ¡°Well, now that you¡¯ve had your fun Odin let''s see if you actually left anything for us to scavenge.¡± Said the Tetsu Ry¨±, his stoic face not showing any of the excitement his heart felt. As the group looked around they saw a few dozen items had endured Odin¡¯s fun. Spears, swords shields, maces, and bows were among the weapons that survived the shattering. These were the true treasure amongst the trash. As they began examining the items hoping to find something extraordinary. ¡°Gentlemen look at this beauty.¡± said one of the men of the group as he lifted his hand up to show everyone. ¡°This spear is at least A rank, and it appears to be able to become invisible with a simple thought.¡± Excitement filling his words. Truly a dangerous weapon, just imagine trying to keep track of the spear of it to become invisible, or worse if it were thrown. While it didn¡¯t pose as much of a threat to them, to the younger generation this weapon would be quite deadly, even in the hands of an incompetent individual. As more of the items were appraised, and excited voices echoed throughout the room. The Tetsu Ry¨± had chosen a few items but the excitement he felt before had now cooled and disappointment was beginning to set in as the items didn¡¯t have that special feeling that he had been hoping to find. That was until noticed what had first resembled a jutting rock from the ground actually more closely resembled a petrified sword. It was as though it had once been bathed in magma, and left to cool. Having the highest affinity to fire amongst the group the Tetsu Ry¨± was a able to feel a small fire attribute pulse coming from the petrified sword as though it were a beating heart. ¡°This is it, this is what¡¯s had my subconscious going wild.¡± With a now feverish look in his eyes, the Tetsu Ry¨± quickly moved to take hold of the petrified sword before anyone else could lay claim to it. In the blink of an eye, he was before it, causing everyone else to take notice of what has happening. They all realized he must have found an extremely good item. The Tetsu Ry¨± wrapped his hands around the stony handled his breathing now becoming uneven. ¡° He felt a powerful rush of energy rush through his body warming it to the core. The strange energy even improved his cultivation base by a small amount, an incredible phenomenon considering that even great elixirs couldn¡¯t help him improve anymore. Unfortunately, the sword suddenly cut of the energy, and the bewitching voice of a woman was transmitted into the Tetsu Ry¨± mind. ¡°Forgive me brave warrior but you don¡¯t meet the requirements to wield me¡±. The elegant voice resonated in the Tetsu Ry¨± mind. This unfortunate piece of news caused his face to sour, as displeasure began to radiate out of his body. It didn¡¯t bother him that the sword was sentient, but the fact that it told him he wasn¡¯t worthy was a powerful blow to this pride. As if knowing the feeling going through his mind the sword once again spoke up. ¡°Do not be displeased warrior it has nothing to do with your skills, but the fact that I can only be wielded by women.¡± ¡°But as a gift for retrieving me from this accursed prison I provided you with the majority of energy I still held, unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t as much as I could have provided if I were at my peak.¡± The woman¡¯s voice was full of nothing but gratitude. Just happy with the fact that she now had a chance to leave the underground room that had contained her for innumerable years. The Tetsu Ry¨± began to relax, he wouldn''t remain irritated after having everything explained to him in such a thankful way. ¡°You ok Ry¨±¡±? ¡°Your aura went all over the place there.¡± Said Odin in a worried tone. ¡°Is the sword safe? Or did you find something dangerous about it?¡± This time it John who had a worried face as he asked the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°No. Nothing''s wrong gentlemen I¡¯ve simply found something very interesting. I¡¯ll leave the rest up to you.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± announced letting the rest of the group know that he was giving up the rest of his share, and while some of the group were a bit curious as to what amazing artifact the Tetsu Ry¨± had found they weren''t about to let that distract them from finding their own special artifact. ¡°Thank you for the understanding warrior, but If I could ask you for one more favor I promise to return it 10 fold.¡± The sword spoke into the Tetsu Ry¨±¡¯s mind. ¡°I¡¯m going to assume that you would like me to help you find a suitable partner.¡± He said his emotions having returned to their standard demeanor. ¡°That is correct warrior, all I require of you is to carry me around, I will be able to sense a suitable partner the moment we get within 20 Meters. As compensation, I will bestow you with purified fire attribute mana, which will greatly aid you in improving your cultivation.¡± Said the sword her voice full of gratitude towards her benefactor. ¡°That is acceptable, now what may I address you as?¡± Asked the Tetsu Ry¨±, curious about the magical sword¡¯s name. ¡°That is for my future partner to decide, but you may address as me as anything you choose until that that occurs.¡± The sword responded. ¡°Well then, I will address you as Tiamat, which happened to be the name of an ancient goddess that was once worshipped at the dawn of civilization for my species.¡± Insisted the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°That name is pleasing to the ear, I will gladly use it while I remain in your company.¡± Agreed the newly named Tiamat. ¡°Dear warrior, I must now go into slumber, the energy I provided you was most of my reserves, leaving me weak, and tired. If you wish for my slumber to be short, provide me with a few mana crystals and I should be able to reawaken in a few days. There is also one more subject I require to speak about you about.¡± Tiamat¡¯s voice became serious. ¡°My sister should also be amongst the weapons present. I don''t want her to remain stuck in the prison of weapons. She can also be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands even when not bonded. She tends to become savage in nature when mana starved. ¡°Do you not know what type of weapon she is?¡± Inquired the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°Unfortunately for us my sisters capabilities are extensive. She holds the ability to Transform at will if she has an object to copy, she could be any of the weapons around here. If you are unable to find her, it is fine i¡¯m sure one of your colleagues will. The only fortunate thing in this situation is that she is extremely picky when it comes to selecting her partner so we shouldn¡¯t have to worry about her bonding with anyone for a while. I will now fall into slumber, I wish you the best of luck warrior.¡± whispered Tiamat as her voice faded from the Tetsu Ry¨±¡¯s mind. The Tetsu Ry¨± began examining the remaining weapons on the ground wanting to go inspect them but being unable to. He had already given up his right to continue scavenging the weapons, and he didn¡¯t want to ask to do so for it would go against his pride. They had already been remarkable colleagues by not inquiring what was so special about the petrified sword. It wasn¡¯t an amazing tactic but there was nothing else he could do, so he simply stood at the stairway awaiting for the rest of the artifacts to be examined, as well as keeping watch for signs of danger. While the Tetsu Ry¨± stood at the doorway as the rest of the group continued to discover fascinating artifact¡¯s, Odin could be seen grabbing a weird cube like artifact that was lodged into the wall. ¡°You guys ever heard of a cube being used as a weapon?¡± He laughed, honestly curious as to what he had found. ¡°That is a strange choice for a weapon. Are you sure it isn¡¯t simply a raw material.¡± Responded John. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen or felt something like this before. I¡¯ll try giving it a squeeze.¡± Said Odin as he began to exert his immense strength. ¡°Huh nothing? Not even a crack, dam this is one durable cube.¡± Odin''s face was colored red from the effort he put into trying to crush the cube, and considering he could even turn certain gemstones into dust it truly was one impressive cube. ¡°Must be a new ore we haven''t found yet on Earth.¡± Remarked one of the individual¡¯s of the group who was well verse with the vast number different ore¡¯s back on Earth. ¡°How about we all try find a method to damage it. If it survives it truly will be an impressive new ore, that unfortunately no one will be able to process. If it cracks under the pressure then it could still be considered a top tier material that you could use to make even an S rank weapon.¡± Suggested the array master. While this was all occurring, the Tetsu Ry¨± was staring suspiciously at the cube. Tiamat had told him her sister could transform. While there was the possibility, he would find out soon enough. He didn¡¯t expect the sentient weapon to take kindly to being attacked by powerful warriors, and mages. If it responded to the attacks he would keep track of it and even try to make an offer to Odin for it. If it did nothing then their truly was the possibility that is simply was a strange new ore. The group proceeded to each try a method of damaging it. Things like melting it, shattering, ripping, disintegrating, and even a spacial blade, from John with the rare space attribute. Nothing seemed to phase it, and they couldn¡¯t get any form of response from it even when they tried circulating their mana through it. The mana simply vanished as though it never existed.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. The Tetsu Ry¨± relaxed now believing the cube to simply be an exceptionally durable material, no sentient being would allow itself to be treated in such a way regardless of how hard it was. ¡°Congrats Odin you are now the proud owner of a new, practically indestructible material. What do you plan on doing with it?¡± Asked John ¡°Well until I can find someone to process it, I guess I¡¯ll gift it to my oldest grandson, the little devil is always pulling pranks on me, but this time it will be me pranking him!¡± Odin began to laugh as the others shook their heads at how immature Odin could be at times when it came to his grandkids. ¡°Well if everyone''s done I suggest we leave before something goes wrong as it almost always does.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± voice was heard from the entrance. It had been an interesting trip for him, and while he hadn¡¯t found Tiamat¡¯s sister, if a situation arises the Tetsu Ry¨± would deal with it when it happened. It was a pretty anti-climatic end to the expedition, but no one was complaining, and everyone was satisfied with their findings. John proceeded to set up the special teleport array that would allow teleportation back home. Now that he was prepared for it he could take his time compared to his emergency spell that activated instantly. He also used mana crystals to power it since it would be more effective than his own mana. As the array started to light up space began to bend and twist as everyone felt a strong suction force as they were pulled out of this world towards their own. In an undisclosed location, a formation in the middle of a clearing lit up, and 7 individuals blinked into existence. It was the group from the expedition, and they had returned back home, and without a any loss of life, which was amazing considering the beasts they had to run from. Odin was the first to leave, yelling about how 2 months being too long, and how he hoped the nanny hadn¡¯t been tortured to badly by his elder grandson¡¯s antics. The next to leave was the Tetsu Ry¨±, having nothing left to do went back to his dojo to feed the currently resting Tiamat to quicken her recovery. No one else really said anything, they already knew about the eccentric personalities of both Odin, and the Tetsu Ry¨± so they just let them be. Instead, they began conversing amongst themselves about their future endeavors for about an hour. After everyone had said what they wanted, they began to disperse, which left the clearing silent once more. It was around one month later in the city of York, where the Tetsu Ry¨± got a reaction from Tiamat. He was visiting one of the few orphanages, that the Dragon¡¯s nest sponsored, a great location that helped nurture the lives of the orphans into almost any career path they wished including becoming a disciple in the future. He was just about to enter the west wing when he got a reaction from Tiamat. ¡°Warrior she is near!¡± Tiamat shouted into the Tetsu Ry¨± mind. Not expecting the sudden outburst the Tetsu Ry¨± face actually changed expressions from his usually stoic, and calm one. ¡°Here? I recall you telling me could take years to find an acceptable partner.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± was truly astounded, because after having been told by Tiamat her extensive requirements for being wielded, he had been expecting at a least a few years of traveling before meeting someone suitable. This was unfortunate news for him since it meant he wouldn¡¯t get the benefit of purified fire mana anymore, but a deal was a deal, and he always honored those he made. The Tetsu Ry¨± was also satisfied regardless though having gained more in his cultivation in the last month than within 5 regular years which was already sufficient for the small thing he had done. ¡°It matters not warrior please release me from the ring so I may go towards her!¡± Tiamat''s voice was wild as though nothing else mattered besides reaching her future partners side. The Tetsu Ry¨± felt a flaming heat pulsing out of his his ring, causing some of the weaker items in it to begin to melt. Afraid that Tiamat might turn his ring into ash trying to get out his quickly pulled her out. The moment she materialized she quickly flew like a blazing star down the hallway, and up the stairs, causing a serious amount of chaos in the orphanage. The Tetsu Ry¨± not one to be left behind quickly caught up to Tiamat in a flash but then he found her levitating in front of a door. ¡°I can feel her on the other side of the door, but something feels strange.¡± Tiamat''s voice was filled with worry. The Tetsu Ry¨± worried something might have happened to the child inside quickly opened the door and entered the room, his eyes scanning for the girl. While he couldn¡¯t see her he could sense her inside the closet, which wasn¡¯t a good sign. He slowly walked towards the door followed silently by a floating Tiamat. He could hear soul stabbing whimpers from the inside, it seems like the girl was crying. Then a voice filled with pain and lamentation was heard from the other side of the door. ¡°Mother, Father, Enyo.¡± The heart raking cries of a young girl intensified as, as the Tetsu Ry¨± face began to cloud with fury. He knew those cries. They were the same as those he himself had released when his family had be murdered right before his eyes. He quickly opened the door to find what could have been considered a cute young girl if it wasn¡¯t for the crimson bloodshot eyes that could be seen between dull red hair that looked like it hasn''t been washed in days. As his inner anger surged for whoever had done this to the young girl but he showed none of it one the surface. The moment the girl saw him, her pain filled eyes were replaced with those of terror, as her face became as white as a ghost¡¯s. She was as nervous as a rabbit caught in the sight of a predator. She look just about ready to bolt out the door for her dear life. The Tetsu Ry¨± wanting to reduce the tension, remembered a spell that his master use to use on him with he first found him after losing his own family. ¡°Hearth¡± his voice rang in his mind, having reached a proficiency with the spell where chanting was unnecessary. A small orb like fireball came into existence, and just as the young girl was about to bolt for the door, a wave of warmth, and kindness began to radiate from the little orb. It slowly melted her fear of the strange man that stood before her, and she began to sense his emotions through the orb. He didn¡¯t wish to cause her harm like those that had killed her parents, and kidnapped her sister Enyo. He had the same agony that was coursing through her heart, and that made her feel sad that someone else had had to experience the same heartache she was suffering. The Tetsu Ry¨± slowly bent down, and wrapped his arms around the young girl, but didn¡¯t say anything because the orb was already showing his emotions to her. The girl accepted the hug, as a warmth began to spread through her pain filled heart. This was the feeling of someone caring for you, the same feeling she use to get from her family. While the Tetsu Ry¨± emotions in his heart were nothing but the truth, he wasn¡¯t showing all of them. Hidden away from the young girl was an inferno that threaten to make the Tetsu Ry¨± go mad with rage. For what reason had someone cause this girl so much suffering! While he currently didn¡¯t know the answer he would make sure they didn¡¯t live long enough to regret what they had done to this poor child. Tiamat having been there from the start, just floating there was also burning with a rage she hadn¡¯t felt in eons. ¡°My dear partner though we may have just met, I promise you that together we will fix this wrong that has been done to you.¡± The blood chilling voice was heard only by the Tetsu Ry¨± who, even in his anger felt a chill crawl down his back. Over 10 minutes passed, before the Tetsu Ry¨± asked the young girl if she would like talk having sensed most of her fear diminished. The young girl nodded and slowly got up with the Tetsu Ry¨±¡¯s help. As they walked out of the closet the first thing the young girl saw was Tiamat floating by her bed. Fear once again began to sink into her but was quickly dispersed by the Tetsu Ry¨± who said: ¡°Worry not a child, she''s is a friend of mine, and she wishes to be yours as well.¡± Having been reassure the young girl careful sat at the other side of the bed, and waited for the Tetsu Ry¨± who pulled up a chair, and took a seat. He then began to ask a few questions to the young girl, but only simple things he didn''t wish to make the girl remember something unpleasant. ¡°So young lady, what is your name?¡± Asked the Tetsu Ry¨± in the kindest voice he had ever used. I¡¯m¡­ My name is Nike sir.¡± The girl whisper so softly that if it weren¡¯t for his sharp ears he might have missed. ¡°How old are you Nike?¡± Continued the Tetsu Ry¨± trying to get her to come out of her shell. ¡°I¡¯m almost 13 sir.¡± Muttered Nike her voice now a little bit stronger. Surprise filled the Tetsu Ry¨± heart, since the young Nike looked closer to ten because of her short height. It also appeared as though she wasn¡¯t eating enough and it might be causing problems with her growth. ¡°Have you done any training yet Nike? You should have had your Arete for almost a year now. Do you like your arete?¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± continued to ask her questions since he was curious about what makes her special enough to attract the attention of Tiamat. ¡°No sir, I haven''t done any training, no one told me I had to do training.¡± Worry began to fill her words, not wanting to disappoint the kind man before her. The Tetsu Ry¨± was then slightly disappointed with the orphanage but he also understood that Nike appeared to be too young, and wouldn''t speak with anyone. Nike then began muttering once again.¡°My arete isn¡¯t very cool like everyone else¡¯s. It¡¯s just a lot of passives.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± eyes widened. If anyone else had heard why she had said they would have coughed up blood from how mind boggling her statement was. Before unlocking more abilities most arete only had 1 passive if their active portion was a bit weak but having two passive made any arete¡¯s quality spike even if the active portion was weak. Saying your arete is weak because it only contains passives but no actives is like saying your state of the art vehicle isn¡¯t as amazing as a tin can simply because the tin can has a radio and your vehicle doesn¡¯t. ¡°What''s the name of your arete if you don''t mind telling me Nike?¡± Inquired the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°It at least has a nice name, it''s called Victorious.¡± Nike was beginning to speak in a regular voice as she slowly completely relaxed around the Tetsu Ry¨±, and the floating sword. ¡°That sounds like an awesome arete Nike, even though I don¡¯t know what it does, you should be proud of it for I have never heard an arete by that name.¡± Said the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°Let me talk to her now I¡¯ve waited long enough.¡± Tiamat''s voice was heard this time by both the Tetsu Ry¨±, and Nike. Shock could be seen on Nike¡¯s face as she heard a woman¡¯s voice come from the sword. ¡°Child it''s a pleasure to finally meet you, the warrior here calls me Tiamat but you are free to call me whatever you would like.¡± A warm and beautiful voice came out of the petrified sword as it slowly drifted over to Nike¡¯s side. ¡°I would like to become your partner is that acceptable young Nike?¡± Said Tiamat her voice full of hope. ¡°I¡¯m nothing special, aren''t there a lot of other people that would be better partners than me, even mister over there.¡± Remarked Nike her face red from embarrassment. ¡°No Nike, you are special, and I only want you as my partner, unless you don¡¯t want me.¡± Responded Tiamat first with some some fierceness then gloom. ¡°No no Miss Tiamat, I would love have you as my partner, don¡¯t get sad.¡± Nike said scared she had hurt Tiamat''s feelings. ¡°Wonderful Nike!¡± Tiamat¡¯s joy brimmed voice filled the room, and then she continued. ¡°While normally bonding would cause you an intense amount of pain, and for some your age a blackout I¡¯ve got a method to avoid that. Warrior, please provide me with some mana crystals, and I will provide you with some purified fire mana later.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± without a thought pulled out a few crystals for Tiamat who quickly absorbed them, and began to glow red. ¡°Now child tell me what you would like to achieve we me as your partner.¡± Asked Tiamat in a serious yet soft voice. The thought swirled in Nike¡¯s mind, and for the first time in her life, she began thinking about the future, which couldn¡¯t be planned without goals. For a few minutes, she remained silent as her thoughts consumed her before all of a sudden she spoke up. ¡°I want to protect others¡­.. I want to prevent tragedies like mine from happening to others, and lastly, I want to become strong so I can fulfill my first two goals.¡± She declared a determined look in her eyes. The Tetsu Ry¨± mind exploded, this young girl who not even an hour ago was crying her heart out in the closet was able to make such earnest goals for herself. What impressed him even more was the fact that unlike him when he was young, she didn¡¯t want power for revenge, she wanted it for the safety of others, something a regular human could never have done after having suffered what she had. It was at this moment that the Tetsu Ry¨± decide that he would become this amazing young girls master for she was destined for greatness, he could sense it from the bottom of his soul. Happy with the purity of Nike¡¯s heart Tiamat then began to help her with the creation of a bonding chant for them. ¡°For those who can not raise a shield to defend themselves, I will be their shield. For those incapable of standing up for themselves, I will stand for them with my heart facing the challenge head on. For those unable to punish the ones who have made them suffer I will be the judge and jury, and if no other option available the executioner. By the name granted to me by my parents I Nike Shori, and my partner Tiamat will gain the strength to complete these vows. So do I swear on the tree of Yggdrasil.¡± Nike¡¯s voice was full of authority as though warning the enemies of the future to behave themselves. As the Bonding was completed, and Nike began feeling a tug at her soul Tiamat began feeding her vast amounts purified mana that, eased the process preventing most of the pain, and the blackout. It was when everything was completed that a sharp crack was heard from the petrified sword that was Tiamat. The cracks began spreading throughout the sword as a red glow could be seen underneath them. When the cracks had nowhere else to go the hardened magma that covered the sword fell off to reveal a stunning blade. Tiamat was a sword of obsidian, and magma, as it continuously gave of heat, and shifted within the blade. It was over 65cm long the blade being 55cm. It resembled a Katana but was actually twice as thick as one but still as sharp. The grip and handle had veins of magma that slowly flowed and glowed. The blade edge was obsidian of the inkiest black she¡¯s ever seen. It was a beautiful sword that would burn the hand of anyone besides Nike into a crisp. Both physically and mentally strained Nike fell down on her bed, and wondered where all this spunk of her¡¯s came from. It didn¡¯t make sense for someone spending month¡¯s crying about their parents deaths to just become a different person. But then she remembered her life back with her parents. She was always strong and wild. Protecting her elder sister from the neighborhood bullies with her strong attitude, and willful personality. This was who she was, and a portion of that after being relaxed after such a long time leaked out. But it was a good thing for her, because while she would still grieve for her parents, she now had a goal and she was determined to achieve that, and no one would would stop her. The Tetsu Ry¨± having witnessed such a brilliance to the girl named Nike spoke up to her while she laid in bed. ¡°Nike do you wish to become strong?!¡± Without hesitation, she responded, ¡°Yes sir!¡± ¡°Then I will offer you the position of my personal disciple. It won¡¯t be easy, and I won¡¯t go easy on your training regime. But if you are prepared I will guarantee to make you powerful!¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± voice could now be heard by the caretakers outside whose minds were reeling with the thought of the quiet, and pitiful girl that they had cared for months becoming the Tetsu Ry¨± direct disciple. ¡°No matter the pain, or difficulty I will emerge Victorious Master!¡± Said Nike her tone full of determination. ¡°Good! We will leave now, and begin immediately.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± was back to his serious mood, picked up Nike from the bed, and pulled out a teleport scroll that would teleport them just outside the Dragon¡¯s Nest where the legend of the Dragon Nest¡¯s Crimson Princess would begin. The Tetsu Ry¨± heart swell with pride his thoughts returning to the present. ¡°My little disciple oh how you have grown.¡± The beautiful Nike now stood before him, the small scared girl having disappeared years ago. ¡°Master is there anything you require of me before I leave for the academy?¡± Nike asked wholeheartedly willing to do anything for her master, who to her had become a second father. ¡°Well, I would like to test your capabilities before you leave if you don¡¯t mind working up a little sweat before heading out to the academy.¡± His eyes soft yet voice serious. He was fully confident in Nike being one of the most powerful new first years, and even amongst the repeating first years. What he wanted to do was ingrain her fight in his mind then compare it to the next time she returned to properly measure her growth in the academy. ¡°Understood master, when should we begin?¡± Asked Nike eager to warm her blood before heading out. ¡°Then how about NOW!?¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± blinked out of existence, Nike felt movements from the walls, as 4 black clothed figures burst through. They rushed her with all this happening within 2 seconds of the Tetsu Ry¨± disappearing. Even with the sudden brawl, Nike remained focused as she waited for the 4 fighters to get within her ranged. The first of the 4 reached her coming up from behind her, and swung his fist with deadly precision at her neck trying to accomplish a quick knockout but just as it was about to land on her thin neck, Nike¡¯s leg appeared out of nowhere for the fighter. Within a split second she had gone from being completely still, to having her foot connect with the fighter on the side of the head sending him flying towards the wall at breakneck speeds, knocking him out on impact, and probably sending him into an short coma. Her speed visibly made the 2 fighters in front of her falter for a brief second before continuing their ambush. Choosing to attack as a pair the fighters quickly followed with a pincer attack, the 4th one having disappeared from sight. ¡°These disciples must be from the around floors 25-35.¡± thought Nike as the 2 fighters got closer, and used Hast, having her speed increase as a powerful breezed appeared from nowhere, letting her sidestep one of the Pincer attacks, and brushing of the other, as though it were simply a tickle. As she got behind the Fighter she grabbed him by the shoulders, and lifted him of the ground as though he weighed nothing more than a small animal, and rotated at an incredible speed, and sent the fighter flying into the other visible one knocking them both out as Nike caught a glimpse of of blood spray out of there mouth. ¡°Ouch, may have used a little bit too much strength there.¡± It was as that thought passed in her mind that she felt a presence above her but didn¡¯t see anyone, but trusting her instincts dashed to the side just as the area she stood on exploded. ¡°That looked like Power fist but where''s the fighter who used it?¡± Pondered Nike as she remained vigilant. She knew someone was there, and could sense them but she couldn¡¯t see them. ¡°This is most likely an arete in action. But sensing him should be enough to take him out.¡± Not having a need for her vision Nike closed her eyes, focusing more on her sense of hearing, was well as the movement of the air around her. It appeared the fighter was looking for the perfect chance to strike, but unfortunately for him he had missed his opportunity, the moment he let Nike adjust herself. She stood there still as a sculptor, her beauty even stunning the fighter for a second before he refocused, and decided to go in for the takedown. In Nike¡¯s mind she could hear the breathing of the fighter even as he tried his hardest to suppress it, and as he made his move the still air displaced and move outlining where his body was coming from, making it all the easier to finished him off. The moment he came within range the fighter activated the martial move Power fist hoping to overpower her even if she did discovered which direction he was attacking from. This was his big mistake. It appeared that he was a recently accepted disciple because he didn''t know of the Crimson Princess¡¯s other less than flattering name, Raging Gorilla. No one dared say it in front of her of course, not wanting to get beaten to a pulp is something all humans strive for, but when she wasn¡¯t around sometimes the name would slip because simply put, Nike¡¯s strength was unbelievable for her age. No one below the first 55 floors of the tower even came close to her in in pure strength. As the attack rushed towards her Nike decided to teach the newbie a lesson, as she made a grabbing motion and completely stopped the the fighter''s fist causing the incoming pressure to disperse through the air creating a powerful wind. ¡°Tsk Tsk This is how you throw a punch newbie.¡± Smiled Nike as her fist descended into the horror stricken fighter, causing over 4 of his ribs to break, and sending him flying, and indenting him into the wall leaving the shape of a human for the repairmen to fill up. It was at that moment that the Tetsu Ry¨± reappeared as he looked around his meditation room and sighed. ¡°I should have done this in another room. I forgot how hard you like to throw people around..¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± remarked Nike turned red from embarrassment, she always seemed to cause the area¡¯s she fought in to take extensive damage. ¡°Well, I¡¯m satisfied with how you have progressed. Let head over towards the teleport array before the disciples wake up screaming in pain.¡± Not wanting to be late on her first day Nike promptly agreed. ¡°Master I wish to thank you for securing me a spot at the academy.¡± Thanked Nike as she bowed to the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°You silly girl of course they would take you, you are my direct disciple, if they had said no to me there would have been hell to pay.¡± Declared the Tetsu Ry¨±. A smile formed on Nike¡¯s face, this master of hers was her only family along with Tiamat now, and she believed he felt the same way. He never showed this side of himself to anyone else, from what Nike had seen, only a dead serious Warrior who no one wanted to anger. With her, Nike carried very little things. A spacial ring of 2x2m with some clothes including her school uniform along with Tiamat was all that she was bringing along. Her master had given her a decent starting allowance but told her that he wouldn''t give her anymore until the next year. So additional funds would have to be made in other ways. But considering how large the academy apparently was it shouldn''t be an issue finding small work. Tiamat was currently slumbering having helped Nike break through the 8th level of the mortal realm into the 9th 2 days ago, so she was dormant and unusable, but it mattered not for Tiamat should only be used when absolutely necessary as her master had taught her. Tiamat was special, so to much attention would be a bad thing without strength. Not that many would dare lay a hand on the Tetsu Ry¨±¡¯s direct disciple, but the academy was a wild place with some people who didn¡¯t care about consequences. Once they reach the teleportation array, the Tetsu Ry¨± felt arms wrap around him as a soft voice whispered ¡°Master thanks for everything. I''ll miss you a lot during the next few months.¡± His heart began to ache for he to would miss her as well, so he turned around and gave her a proper fatherly hug. ¡°This is your home, and you will always be welcome here Nike never forget that.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± spoke his voice using a tone he reserved only for Nike. As they parted Nike went to the array waiting for the scheduled time, and then yelled towards the Tetsu Ry¨±. ¡°Don¡¯t worry master I''ll make my own Dragons Nest in the academy! I also plan on graduating in 3 years making you able to brag about your disciple to all your friends.¡± ¡°I know you¡¯ll be able to do it, just don¡¯t bring back any boys or I might kill them the moment I see them.¡± The Tetsu Ry¨± released a rare laugh, even if it was a bit sinister. Nike¡¯s face went blanked before yelling back ¡°I¡¯m not like that, I won''t have time for them with all the work I have before me! Plus I¡¯m very picky! Nike laughed, as the teleport array began to light up. It was time to get serious. It was ok to relax at home but now she was heading somewhere that was dangerous even if it was under the cover of an academy. Her aura seemed to shift until it became almost identical to the Tetsu Ry¨±. Cold, and calm this is how she would present herself to the world or at least as good as she could. As she blinked out of Nest The Tetsu Ry¨± heart swelled as he saw off the birth of the goddess of victory Nike Shori.
Name: Nike Shori Current Condition Arete: Victorious Cultivation Method: Prowess of the Dragon Spells Martial Moves Affinities Titles Bonded Item Skills: Tiamat
Level:0 Current Health:100% Victory''s Rewards Rising Dragon Hearth-B Wind Blade- B Rire Rank A- Crimson Princess Eruption
Species:Human Current Stamina:85% Destined For Greatness Patience of the Dragon Stone Shield-C+ Haste-A- Earth Rank D Raging Gorilla Magma Pool
Sex:Female Current Mana:98% Profound Vision Fury of the Dragon Light Orb-B Fiery Outburst-B+ Light Rank C- Fire Attunement
Cultivation:Mortal Realm LvL 9 Current Regen /m: Hp/0.198 Sp/0.108 Mp/0.090 Until the End Minor Fireball- B Basic Unarmed Combat A- Wind Rank C
Buffs/Debuffs:None
State of Mind:Normal
Base Stats STR: 378 AGI: 324 END: 108 LCK:Hidden WIL: 90 WIS: 90 VIT: 198 INT: 90 PER: 216
Chapter 3 Nyx Techne Nyx Techne 2218A.D. 6years before the Academy After the descent, a lot of things changed with the world. One of the most notable being the isolated ecosystems that came about after mana was introduced into the environment. The Acadia Forest is a prime example of this, having been an ordinary northeastern forest just before the descent. The formation of a mana-well beneath caused the forest to experience unprecedented growth and changes. One such change was the emergence of mana-rich plants. With these plants appearing all over the globe, the revival of alchemy went into full swing. With the Acadia forest being one of the densest mana-rich environments in what was once the United States, it wasn''t long before it was swarmed by beasts, and humans alike. It was on the edge of this forest where a young golden blonde girl and her mother could be found harvesting ingredients for alchemy. ¡°Mom, is this the correct one?¡± A delightfully cute voice was heard. It was a young girl on the cusp of becoming a twelve-year-old. Golden curls flowed down her back reflecting the morning sunlight producing an angelic glow that seemed to radiate from her. Her emerald eyes full of curiosity, and excitement at the possible find. A large blue mushroom was held in her gloved hands. ¡°Sorry, Nyx that''s just a Demanger mushroom. It¡¯s used for anti-itch cream.¡± Said the mother as she hunched down digging underneath the decaying leaves, trying to catch sight of what they came here for. The mother was a stunning beauty who looked no older than 25. Her hair was jet black compared to her daughter''s bright blonde, but she did have the same brilliant green eyes as Nyx. She was known by the people she did business with as Acadia¡¯s Witch, but her actual name was Terra. ¡°The Peneva mushroom is what we¡¯re here for. It looks similar to the mushroom you have in hand but it''s smaller and has white veins on the cap. She lectured as her hands dug deeper into the rotting vegetation. ¡°Darn, I was sure this was the right one,¡± Nyx said just slightly dejected before becoming excited to go searching again. ¡°Mom, can I head out a bit further from here?¡± Inquired Nyx having become bored of the current location. ¡°Sure sweetie but, make sure to say within the wards I¡¯ve set up, they should keep out all the beasts from this area.¡± Said Terra now having moved to a fallen log to continue digging around. After gaining her mother''s approval Nyx began heading towards a clearing she saw earlier when she, and her mother first arrived at the forest. The minutes rolled by as Nyx eventually got to the clearing, and got a better view compared to before. There seemed to be a distinct lack of plants in the clearing leaving here curious as to why. Besides the few tufts of grass scattered around the area, it was mostly just gravel, and rocks. It gave the clearing the appearance of a dying region, as though all the life in the area had withered away. Closer to the middle there was also a small deep pit just large enough for her to fit through. Nyx¡¯s eyes widened as warning bells rang in her mind about the situation. She wasn''t sure if she had found a beast''s hideout just on the edge of the wards but Nyx wasn''t going to risk getting any closer. Nyx was just about to return to her mother, and inform her of the situation when a whisper tickled her ear. ¡°Child, come to me¡­¡± A faint, yet chilling voice came from the pit. It seemed to resonate through the air with an authority that wouldn¡¯t accept any form of disobedience. Nyx having read plenty of stories that didn''t end well for those who chose to listen to disembodied voices began running away as fast as her legs could carry her. It was as she was about to leave the clearing that the voice once again spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid child,..... your help is all I require¡­..¡± The voice continued again even fainter, but now instead of authority, it was laced with desperation and despair. Even though Nyx began to feel bad for the voice, she wasn''t going to take the risk and ran full speed towards her mother''s location. In less than a minute, she returned, finding her mother smiling as she held a Peneva mushroom in her hands. ¡°Ah, sweetie I found it....¡± Trailed off Terra as she noticed the panting and scared state of her daughter. Her body quickly got ready for action as the ground around her began warping and shifting. ¡°What is it Nyx! Is there a beast nearby?!¡± Terra¡¯s voice was filled with worry, not for herself but for her daughter. Any beast that could get through her wards undetected would be a tough foe, but the difficulty would skyrocket since she would also have to defend Nyx. ¡°Mom! I think I found a spirit!¡± Wheezed Nyx, not use to the physical exertion. Her bright hair now a mess from her sweat and the twigs stuck in it. ¡°Its voice felt just that of the phantom in the bottle you keep at home!.¡± While Terra remained vigilant after Nyx finished explaining the situation, she wasn¡¯t as tense as before. Unlike phantoms, spirits were limited to roaming 50 meters from the location that they had died. ¡°Mom he sounded terribly depressed.¡± Now that she was next to her mom she felt safe enough to think back about what the ghost had asked her. ¡°How could I possibly help a ghost?¡± Nyx inquired of her mother. Terra took a deep breath to calm herself. ¡°I was planning on teaching you after you turned twelve but I guess now is a great time for a crash course. The spirit you found was probably extremely weak or close to fading away. Otherwise, it would have been a simple matter of it using compulsion on you, forcing you to move towards its voice. If it had managed to do so it would possess you, destroying your soul in the process, leaving you as an empty husk that it could inhabit without any issues.¡± The relief of the danger her daughter had avoided was enormous for Terra. Having finished explaining what could have happened, a terror rose in Nyx¡¯s eyes, as she realized how close she had come to dying. Seeing this Terra hugged her daughter and consoled her promising she would deal with the ghost. After some time Nyx relaxed believing in the skill her mother possesses. As they made their way over to the ghosts den, the ground trembled lightly wherever Terra walked by, she wasn¡¯t very pleased with herself. How could she possibly have forgotten to add spectral detector function to her wards? Her mistake had almost cost her the life of her daughter. Next time she brought Nyx out, she would be sure to include as many different types of wards as she could manage. The mother and daughter duo slowly pushed through the thicket, entering the site. When Terra sensed the lack of mana in the area any doubts of it being a ghost were completely erased. The spirit was sustaining itself on the mana around its den, slowing down its eventual dispersion. ¡°Ok Nyx hold on tightly to this ward, it¡¯ll block the spirit from being able to attack your soul.¡± Terra dung into her bag, and handed Nyx a wooden ball with runes carved all over its surface. Nyx held the ward with a grip tight enough to cause her knuckles to whiten. ¡°Now that you have this there shouldn¡¯t be any danger left from the ghost. This makes it the perfect opportunity for us to harvest some spectral fruit. It''s a special type of mana plant that grows in the location where the spirit''s soul is anchored to the world. It¡¯s a great catalyst for improving the effectiveness of certain alchemy potions. Once I shatter the ghost''s connection to this place its soul will disperse and we can properly gather the plant.¡± Terra explained while Nyx listened closely. Now that her mother was in lecture mode she relaxed just a tad bit, and a new excitement for harvesting ghost plants began to bounce inside her mind. The pit once they reached it was silent, as though the ghost had already met its demise. Seeing as the hole was only large enough for someone with a small frame like Nyx to fit in Terra waved her hand as earth attribute mana surged around her. The pit quickly became the size of a sinkhole, as the dirt seemed to melt and shape itself into a simple staircase leading down into an underground passageway. ¡°Let¡¯s go Nyx if its soul¡¯s still down there the anchor should be past this tunnel.¡± Terra began heading down the stairs with Nyx sticking close behind her. The tunnel didn''t seem to have been artificially created, and most likely lead to a naturally formed cavern. Terra warped the earth around them smoothing out the rough floor so that Nyx wouldn''t trip on it. It didn¡¯t take long before they entered a limestone cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites. The steady drip of water caused a wet shimmer all over the cave. The entire room made Nyx feel as though she were standing in the salivating mouth of a monster, ready to chew them up at the slightest disturbance. They made their way forward, and Nyx watched in fascination, as the stalagmites sunk into the ground making a pathway for them. Today was the first time she ever saw her mother really use her abilities in a way that wasn¡¯t related to witchery. It was a refreshing feeling that filled Nyx¡¯s mind with the possible things she herself could do in the future. On the other side of the wall, they finally saw what they came here for, the spectral fruit. It resembled a pineapple without all the spikes, and its color was of an ashy grey. Sensing the fluctuations in the air Terra was astounded. This was a fruit born of an extremely powerful soul that should have had the capability to become a phantom the moment it died. Yet for some reason, it chose to remain as a spirit, imprisoned in this underground cave. This ghost must have had something extremely important on its person, enough for it to accept the risk of fading away. The glowing fruit hung there, it¡¯s lifespan now reduced to a few short weeks. ¡°It must have used the last of its power to try and lure you in Nyx. Now that it¡¯s gone the fruit will ripen in a few days, which will be the ideal time to use it.¡± Some joy tinged her voice as the thought of improving Nyx¡¯s coming of age elixir by a large margin. ¡°Mom, should we look for its bones?¡± Not one to be afraid of something that can¡¯t harm her Nyx softly asked her mother. Even though the ghost had tried to harm her, it still deserved a proper burial. Agreeing with Nyx¡¯s proposal Terra first harvested the Spectral fruit carefully as well as the vine, and roots. While they weren''t as effective as the fruit itself they still had other uses. Once the picking was done Terra¡¯s mana once again surged as she dug out the spot where the fruit had just been. It wasn''t long before they found the remains. It was quite the shock though when they saw the entire skeleton was pitch black, and the skull had what looked like rams horns. While the skeleton was almost identical to a human, those two features were unlike any Terra had ever seen on a human. ¡°Why is its skeleton so strange? Was it a humanoid monster?¡± Nyx was puzzled she hadn¡¯t ever heard of any creatures that this closely resembled a human. Her mother remained in thought before she shed some light on Nyx¡¯s question. ¡°I¡¯ve often heard rumors of other worlds. Worlds that have had the system for a lot longer than Earth. This thing with horns must have been a resident of such a place, and a powerful one at that to have been able to travel between realms.¡± Nyx¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the information her mother gave her sunk in. The thought of exploring another world sparked a desire in Nyx¡¯s stronger than anything else she¡¯s experienced before in her life. She was giddy as her imagination ran wild. Nyx¡¯s excitement cooled down after a minute, but the desire still burned hot deep in her soul. It was at this moment though that the pair noticed that there was a glint of metal inside the skull of the skeleton. To Terra¡¯s surprise, Nyx reacted first and shoved her fingers in the eye socket of the skull without showing any form of disgust or respect for the dead. She quickly pulled out a silver lined bracelet from the skull. It was bare besides the intricate carvings all over the small links. As she admired it Terra quickly pulled it out of her hand. ¡°Nyx you have got to be more careful, what if the bracelet had been booby-trapped? Annoyance at her daughter''s irresponsible behavior was evident in her words. While she doubted that it contained any dangers, the wild way that Nyx reacted could be very dangerous to her in the future if it wasn¡¯t corrected. ¡°Sorry, mom¡­ I was just really interested in what an item from another world looked like.¡± Said Nyx in a dejected voice. She was aware of the danger but the desire in her screamed to grab the item. ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll be more careful in the future please.¡± Terra¡¯s tone was serious but she knew her daughter was smart and would learn from this. Terra began examining the strange bracelet, even though she had some inkling as to what it could be. Minutes went by before she spoke to Nyx. ¡°After poking it around with my mana it appears to simply be an odd storage item, but I can''t seem to get it to show me its contents.¡± Any sort of imprint had long ago faded but there was still something else blocking her from peeking inside. Annoyance began to fill Terra as she pulled out a few things from her bag, and began pouring, and sprinkling different potions on the bracelet. It wasn¡¯t long before a deep violet began appearing around the object. ¡°Ah that''s it, it''s only accessible to those with the space attribute, how rare.¡± Terra finally got the answer she wanted but was now annoyed because she herself didn¡¯t have the attribute, and would have to find someone else with it to inspect the bracelet. This would be an issue for her because she didn''t know what sorts of riches a world traveler might possess, and it wouldn''t be easy finding someone she could trust to help her. Nyx stood there staring at her mother¡¯s annoyed face, but then her gaze turned back to the bracelet. She really wanted to see what was inside the bracelet and it saddened her that she probably wouldn''t find out until her mother found someone to do it. Terra was pondering about how to go about with the situation when Nyx came up to her and asked to hold the bracelet. Terra wanting to let her sate her own interested didn¡¯t stop her, and just as Nyx touched the bracelet something Terra would have never expected to happen occurred. The moment they made contact, the mana around the bracelet became agitated and produced a reaction with Nyx¡¯s own dormant mana. The deep violet began crawling up Nyx¡¯s arm as it eventually completely spread all over her petite body. Eventually, once she was covered in the deep violet, other colors began to emit from her mana. From white to black a wide array of colors began swirling around her. Nyx¡¯s mother was beyond astonished, she had never seen anything like what was transpiring before her. Her daughter''s dormant mana had been awakened days before Nyx¡¯s twelfth birthday, but that wasn¡¯t even the most amazing part. The fact that Terra could count thirteen different colors in the aura covering her daughter¡¯s form could only mean one thing, Nyx¡¯s soul contained all of the main attributes. This was an unprecedented event. Nyx began laughing, as she felt all the different attributes flow over her. As she looked at herself and counted the thirteen different colors she noticed how some took up more space than others. Five of them took up over 80% of her body while the remaining eight were spread around. This indicated which of the attributes Nyx was most in tuned with. Terra slowly overcame her shock, but then a powerful sense of jubilation overtook her body as she grabbed her petite daughter, and swung her around laughing in ecstasy. ¡°Oh my beautiful, cute, amazing, brilliant girl, you''re going to do amazing things in your life, and no one in the world would dare say otherwise if they saw you now!¡± Terra could barely contain her happiness. As a mother, she could feel safe knowing that with a little of her guidance, and Nyx¡¯s own hard work she could become an extremely powerful mage with this ability of hers. Nyx¡¯s face was a deep crimson as she felt the heat all over her face. While she loved being spoiled by her mother, what had just occurred was would make anyone feel just a tad bit embarrassed. As her mother explained to her what was happening Nyx excitement reached the previous fervor of earlier. She understood that being able to access all the attributes meant that she could cast just about any spell that existed if she was able to learn it. ¡°This must be your arete, though if you''re lucky it''s probably one of its passives. Try, and see if you can already access your profile screen.¡± Terra was hoping that Nyx had somehow gained access to her screen early since her mana had become active. When wanting to access the character screen usually all the individual would have to do is think about it but for kids that had just turned twelve, they required some more effort so using a small chant inforced the concept of having the screen appear. ¡°Oh Great Tree of Yggdrasil, show the leaf that is me.¡± Nyx chanted exactly as her mother had shown her, but unfortunately, all she got was a fuzzy image appearing before her. It seems that even though her mana had already awakened she still couldn''t completely access her profile screen. When Nyx told her mother she sadly couldn''t access her screen she responded without missing a beat. ¡°Ah don¡¯t worry Nyx I already expected it, I just wanted to see if anything else had awakened beside your mana. Well, we are just going to have to wait a few more days before we learn what your actual arete is but for now this is good enough.¡± The multicolor mana around Nyx didn''t go away until she let go of the bracelet. Her mana slowly began diffusing as it sunk into her body making her feel relaxed, but as soon as she took hold of it the same thing occurred once again. It appeared that until Nyx completely awakened, her mana wouldn''t be under her control. This ended up being a useful side effect for Terra since she knew how to control a willing individual''s mana. Though this is something only done by healers, and those who are extremely close to you since when someone has control over your mana they could kill you with a simple thought. There was nothing for Nyx to worry about though since her mother would never harm her. ¡°Ok keep the bracelet in between your hands, I''ll begin right now.¡± Terra put her hands on Nyx¡¯s back and took a hold of Nyx¡¯s mana. This allowed Terra to feel a connection with all the other attributes that she herself didn¡¯t have a connection with. She eventually found the space attribute and began to bring it out. The aura of mana around Nyx began to shift as A deep violet became the dominant color. Terra focused the mana towards the bracelet and easily gained access to its contents. What she found astounded her. The Bracelet was actually 10x10m, which made it an S storage device at the minimum, but that wasn¡¯t all. She could also feel the effect of time attribute through Nyx in the bracelet probably indicating time passed slower inside, which made it perfect for storing plants and other perishables. As Terra shifted her mind around she found things such as mana crystals, and metals such as platinum, and small amounts of mithril. This world traveler didn''t seem to have brought much of value with him for someone of his capabilities. Either the world he came from lacked resources which Terra doubted, or the individual must not have had the time to gather his resources. That worried Terra, since usually unless one was running from something they wouldn¡¯t travel so lightly. This made the largest amount of sense to her since it could also explain how he had died here on another world in an underground cave. He must have been wounded and had barely escaped only to find out his wound was fatal. ¡°What could you have done to have been chased so ruthlessly, Mr. World Traveler.¡± The thought occupied her mind for a bit before she continued, Nyx¡¯s connection was getting weaker as she slowly ran out of mana. Terra scanned the last area of the ring which was a collection of floating notes and books that were written in a language that couldn''t be found on Earth. As her senses went over an ordinary looking white book, it opened, and its pages suddenly began fluttering at unimaginable speeds, she felt a sharp energy lash from it easily breaking her connection with the bracelet blasting her away from Nyx, and into the wall in the other side of the room. Nyx saw her mother get launched away, screaming as she dropped the bracelet, and began to rush over to her mother praying that she was ok. She had never seen a human being thrown like a ragdoll and wasn''t sure at the condition that she would find her mother in. The bracelet fell down to the ground but just before it made contact it stopped. A powerful mana fluctuation was emitted from it, and as the power began to build up the chained links of the bracelet started shattering one by one. Eventually, it glowed like a beacon in the dark, and then it exploded. ¡°BOooom!!!¡± The explosion ended up destroying everything within 10 meters, leaving a smooth sphere-like shape around the blast area. In the middle of the sphere, the sight of a simple white leather book could be seen. Its pages fluttered as all the attributes of mana roared around it. It just floated there for a few seconds before a colorless pulse of mana was released from it. It quickly went through the entire cave, and soon Nyx who was by her unconscious mother crying felt the mana rush over her. The moment that occurred the book has found its target turned into a beam of light and was instantly before Nyx floating there with a regal aura. It pages fluttered, and words began to appear on its pages. ¡®Child I have searched for millennium, been in the hands of some of thegreatest best magic users the system has ever seen, but this is the first time I¡¯ve encountered someone worthy of my full potential. You may call me the Omni-codex, as my creator named me. From now on you will be my own, and with our full potential we will lay conquest to the rest of existence.¡¯ As Nyx read the lines in the book, a deep and vicious fury overtook her. She swung her arms at the book hoping to knock it away from her and her mother. ¡°Why would I ever help, you hurt my mother! Get out of my sight I don¡¯t want anything to do with you, stupid book!¡± Hatred towards the book fills her heart. She truly wishes she could tear the book apart, and light it aflame. The book had easily evaded her attack, and it pages fluttered again as words began appearing on its surface. ¡®Unfortunately for you child, it''s not your decision. You will accept me, and eventually realize how much of a boon I am. As for your mother, she will be fine, I have been dormant for a long time, and as she scanned me using your mana I awoke. She will regain consciousness in a while, in the meantime, I shall now commence the bonding.¡¯ Nyx screamed as she felt herself rise into the air, as though an invisible force was lifting her. She pulled out the ward her mother had given her earlier but it was instantly reduced to ash. Terror was all that coursed through Nyx¡¯s body as she was brought up 2.5 meters into the air right before the book. Its pages flipped faster than Nyx¡¯s mind could comprehend. The book release a small burst of mana giving Nyx a small cut on her palm. She couldn¡¯t resist at all as it siphoned the blood from her bleeding palm. The crimson stream floated, and then made its way over to the surface of the book slowly. The surface of the book slowly absorbed it, and words once again rose on its pages, but this time they were written in what could only be Nyx¡¯s blood. ¡®I the Omni-Codex shall be at the service of you child. Regardless of your opinion, we will strive for a future where even those that call themselves Gods would have to bow before our presence. No matter what happens from this moment onwards our souls are tied, we are part of each other now and we will forever be two sides of the same coin. Together forever we are bonded.¡¯ Agony beyond anything the young Nyx had ever experienced fill her mind, and soul. To her, it felt as though her mind was cracking, and beginning to shatter as her soul was slowly torn in two. She couldn¡¯t remain awake, and within seconds the sweet relief of her subconscious overtook her. As she hung there in the air, eventually the bonding concluded, and both the book and the unconscious Nyx slowly began to descend towards the ground. Ever so lightly the book released her from its hold so she didn¡¯t hit the ground too hard. A bright light could be seen from the palm of her hand. The Omi-Codex then turned into a whisp and entered the small book tattoo that now existed on Nyx¡¯s palm. Its job was done for now, and all of its reserves were empty. A rest was all it needed now. As the mana in the cave went back to its ordinary state, a heavy silence was all that existed now. Only the soft patter of water dripping down could be heard as peace returned to the cave. For the next five hours it silence was dominant until a soft moan escaped the lips of Terra on the other side of the cave. Her mind was fuzzy and unresponsive. She had no idea as to where she was. As Terra began to slowly regain her bearing, and remember where she was a panic overtook her. ¡°NYX!¡± Her raspy voice yelled as she remembered where she was. She dug into her bag, and pulled out a very expensive elixir that both healed, and cleansed the mind. Half the elixir was down her throat within seconds, and she quickly began gaining back full control over her body. She rose at an amazing speed and then pushed out with her mana targeting all the earth around her to be repelled away so she could quickly find Nyx. The cave went from having stalagmites, and stalactites in its entirety to a flat round room. Nyx¡¯s unconscious body was spotted quickly, Terra was before her daughter in an instant pouring the elixir in her mouth hoping that nothing had happened to her. Terra¡¯s heart was on the verge of shattering, but thankfully Nyx¡¯s started coughing up some of the elixirs. Dull green eyes stared into Terra own vivid ones. ¡°Mom¡­.i''m tired¡­ can you take me to my bed?¡± The softest of whispers escaped Nyx¡¯s mouth, which was followed by her falling unconscious once more. ¡°Of course sweetie, I¡¯ll tuck you in real soon so just relax ok.¡± Tears were streaming down Terra''s face as she huged her daughter. She wasn¡¯t sure what had happened since she passed out but for now, she knew she had to get home and deal with the issue once Nyx was safe. One Week Later It has been a week since the incident at Acadia¡¯s forest, and Terra was in an extremely distressed mood. Having returned home with her daughter Nyx, tears streaming down her face, Terra place the small unconscious body on her bed and began using different elixirs in small quantities on Nyx in order to figure out what had occurred to her. She quickly came to the conclusion that it had something to do with Nyx¡¯s soul. Since she herself wasn¡¯t as experience with the soul, she made a call on her Vox, got a close old friend of hers to come to her residence to diagnose Nyx¡¯s condition. Due to her friend''s current location even with teleporters not being uncommon it still took a week for him to arrive. That week ended up being nothing but tension, and anxiety for Terra. Terra did at least find solace in the fact that Colton was never late to any meeting he made. Exactly on the dawn of the 7th day, Terra heard a knock on the door and rushed to open it. There she saw a largedarkskinned man around 210cm tall. His head shone in the morning light, though bald his face was one of a youth. His size might lead one to assume him to be a warrior, but they couldn¡¯t be farther from the truth. Colton was a Healer that specialized on the soul. His actual battle prowess was quite low compared to his peers but as a healer, he could be considered one of the top 50 in the world. The moment she made eye contact with him the tears that she had held back with pure willpower began to flow down her face, and she hugged her longtime friend. ¡°Thank you so much Colt! I knew you were busy in the Himalayas but there was no one else that could help me!¡± Terra¡¯s distressed voice shocked Colton. Though he knew his reason for the visit, he had never seen the normally strong-willed Terra in such a state, in the 40 years that they had known each other. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Do not fret so much Ter I¡¯ll fix up Nyx, and leave her soul stronger than before,¡± Colton reassures Terra in a soft, and soothing voice that didn¡¯t match his size. Giving her a squeeze back, and Colten made his way into the house, which was in a state of disaster seeing as Terra couldn¡¯t be bothered to clean up the messes she has made in the last week. Colton made it to the bedroom that belonged to Terra, and slowly opened the door, and hunched to enter the room. The sight of a young girl entered his eyes. The once beautiful golden curls were gone, replaced with an even more stunning platinum white. She was extremely peaceful as she laid there in bed. Terra quickly entered after Colton and stood by the bed her hand grasping onto one of Nyx¡¯s own. ¡°So Ter, how did this happen?¡± Colton asked as he prepared himself. Terra quickly gave Colton a brief explanation of what had transpired in the Acadia forest from Nyx¡¯s discovery of the spirits den to the point where she was knocked out. She left nothing out. Colten sat down beside the bed Nyx slept on, took a deep breath, and exhaled. A bright green gas seeped out of his mouth and condensed around his hands forming what looked like gloves. This was a technique that was part of his arete and made him so adept with handling the soul. He steadily put his hands over Nyx¡¯s heart and her head then suddenly pushed down. With his massive hands the petite girl would normally be crushed from such an action but what actually ended up happening is that Colton''s hands seemed to phase through, and wrap around Nyx¡¯s soul. The soul having the strongest connection to these two organs provided Colten with a doorway to Nyx¡¯s own soul. Once contact was made, Colton was able to slowly sense Nyx¡¯s soul, and what he found stunned him so strongly his mind soared into the sky for a brief moment. The most beautiful soul he had ever sensed lay before him. He could feel all the 13 main attributes revolving around it slowly as strands of the wisps made contact and were absorbed visible strengthening the soul before his eyes. As Terra saw his face go wide with surprise she tensed up fearing the worst, but this didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Colten who quickly reassured her everything was fine but explained what he had sensed to Terra. ¡°This phenomenon within her soul most likely has to do with her arete. How long has it been since she turned twelve?¡± Colton was curious about Nyx¡¯s arete, but unless you were extremely close it was considered impolite to ask for information on such a matter. ¡°Her waking isn¡¯t for another three days Colton, she awakened her mana but not her connection to the system, and I fear it might be what''s inducing this coma.¡± This is all Terra has been thinking about for the last few days. Her joy at her daughter''s arete quickly shriveled up as she began to wish that Nyx¡¯s could just have an average ability if it meant that she could wake up. While Colten hadn¡¯t expected another surprise like this his reaction did not show on his face like before, but the fascination at such a unique event got the researcher in him wanting to study Nyx¡¯s condition for more than just healing. This could lead to a breakthrough for his healing skills that had begun to stagnate recently. While his prime objective was still to help Nyx and calm down Terra he would be a fool to ignore this opportunity. ¡°Well Terra I will begin a deeper scanning of Nyx¡¯s soul so for the next few minutes I will become unresponsive.¡± Colton closed his eyes as he began to strengthen the connection. The world around him began to fade as all he could see was 3 souls around his vicinity. Terra¡¯s deep amber, his own brilliant green, and his main focus Nyx¡¯s iridescent soul. More details pertaining to Nyx¡¯s soul were revealed to his him as his focus intensified. He had to figure out what exactly was causing the coma, and as to whether, or not it had to do with the partial awakening. While the center of most souls ranged from all sorts of uneven shapes, Nyx¡¯s own was a perfect sphere without any imperfections. This was something that was rarely heard of let alone seen. Having past the first 2 layers of the soul, the umbra, and the centrum Colton went deeper until he could sense the third, and deepest layer of the soul that was currently understood, the semita, the pathways of the soul. If Colton could still feel his body what he found would have left him terrified. The presence of an unimaginably large soul could felt as it wrapped itself around that pathway of Nyx¡¯s soul. Colton could feel the connection this soul had to Nyx¡¯s own. The young girl''s soul struggles meekly as the more powerful soul remained unmoving as a mountain. This is what was most likely causing Nyx¡¯s coma, but how could he even fix something like this when the Outsider had such a powerful soul. Not wanting to get noticed by the larger soul, and get attacked Colton approached slowly as he examined the pathways of Nyx¡¯s soul. Her blood pathway only had 3 thin paths indicating that she only had 3 direct relatives alive. He then shifted his attention to the next path of her soul the Attribute pathway. It was through this that different attributes could influence the soul and its strength. This pathway glowed like a rainbow as the connection to all the attributes could be seen. Now beside the pathway connected to the outsider soul, all of the other pathways were undeveloped since Nyx was only an unawakened child. Seeing no issue with the rest of the soul here Colton began his dangerous attempt at studying the last pathway. The presence of the outsider soul was suffocating as it pressed down on Colton''s mind. It wasn''t yet conscious of his intrusion but that could change at any moment. Forcing himself closer he was at last able to get a proper look at the pathway. This was the moment, and even Colton¡¯s own humble ego was shattered. Today he had experienced surprise after surprise, but this made him completely question himself for having thought he deeply understood the soul. The pathway the outsider soul was using to connect to Nyx¡¯s own soul was the bonding pathway. This told Colton the outsider soul wasn¡¯t even a human, but an object with its own soul. But that wasn¡¯t the end of it because he could now easily see that Nyx hadn¡¯t been willing so the outsider soul forcefully bonded itself leading to this horrifying existence where one soul was at the mercy of another. It was then that Colton discovered what was truly causing Nyx¡¯s coma. The outsider soul was pumping massive amounts of mana into Nyx¡¯s own soul then waiting for it to absorb it before it ruthlessly filled it up again. He had never thought something like this was possible but seeing this showed him that the soul¡¯s possibilities have many secrets still waiting to be discovered. The cycle of mana infusion was likely too painful for a such a young child to be conscious for, which is why Nyx¡¯s soul was subconsciously keeping her in the coma to prevent trauma. What the outsider''s soul was trying to achieve by strengthening Nyx¡¯s soul in such a dangerous manner was beyond him. All he knew was that until the outsider decided to stop there was nothing he could do to help Nyx, which he knew when he told Terra would devastate her. Feeling that he had done as much as he could, Colton''s sense began to recede, and return to himself when all of a sudden he felt a burning pain from his soul. The outsider soul had noticed his presence and was trying to consume his soul. Never in his life had he experienced such a powerful soul attack. There was no warning or time to prepare defenses, just a violent, and vicious attack. This could be the end for Colton if he held anything back so without a care for his lifespan Colton purposely ignited his soul to experience a sudden burst of power within his soul, and while it wasn¡¯t nearly enough to fight back against the Outsider Colton could now escape the connection he had made forcefully tearing himself away causing both damages to his mind, and soul. While all this was happening Terra¡¯s gaze never left her daughter or Colton''s connection. It had been a few minutes when she saw Colton tense up and then suddenly pull out his hand from Nyx. His breathing was now rough and his nose was bleeding from both nostrils. The massive man looked terrified, and couldn¡¯t think straight after the self-inflicted damage from the escape. Terra swiftly reacted, as she grabbed Colton, and tried to ask him was he was going on. ¡°Colt, what happened!¡± The worry thick in her voice. The only time she had ever seen individuals like this was from those who suffered soul, and mental damage. This terrified her because she understood how skilled Colton was when it came to the soul, and for something to leave him like this it must have been unbelievably dangerous. She grabbed the chair and forced him to sit down. His mind was unfocused and unresponsive. Not knowing what else to do Terra once again went and got one of her emergency Elixirs, and fed the entire flask to Colton. It wasn¡¯t until it was empty that Colton''s stiff body and jaw began to relax. He slowly settled into the chair and then his mouth opened. A stream of blood flowed down his jaw, and onto his white robes. The shock had caused him to bite down straight through his tongue leaving him unable to talk until it completely healed. The situation was dire for Terra. Her daughter was still in a coma, and her close friend was now severely hurt mentally, and physically. No answers had been found, and now only more questions for her rapidly deteriorating mind to crack under. If it wasn¡¯t for her willpower she would have gone mad right then and there. She did some of her breathing exercises to temporarily calm herself down. She needed to make a more specialized Elixir to speed up the recovery of Colton¡¯s mind and tongue, and she wouldn''t be able to do it while hysterical. She double checked on Nyx¡¯s, and Colton''s conditions before she set out to gather the ingredients she was missing. Before leaving though she set up her most powerful wards at her disposal, created a 3 story tall stone golem that would remain behind and, defend the home from any intruders. It consumed over 40% of Terra''s mana an hour to sustain it but was in no mood to preserve the forest and she would damage it if it meant she could gain the ingredients she required faster. Five minutes rolled by after Terra left when in her bedroom soft movement from the bed could be seen. Nyx was stirring, but the displeased smile on the face showed that she was struggling with something. This went on for awhile before Nyx went completely still. Then all of a sudden her eyes open suddenly with a strange sight. Her once bright emerald eyes were shifting from color to color. It went on like this for a while before it finally settled on a stunning grey. Nyx¡¯s slowly rose from the bed as the platinum white hair, and grey eyes on an emotionless face provided an eerie yet beautiful sight. The young Nyx slowly began floating up from her bed and made her way over to the unconscious Colton. The aura she emitted was both regal, and powerful as though she was a queen taking a stroll through her kingdom. As she stopped before him she waved her hand and forceful woke Colton, even going as far as to heal him enough to become lucid again. As Colton stared at the levitating girl he knew that this wasn¡¯t Nyx before him. Nyx¡¯s body rubbed her throat and then spoke. ¡°Meddling soul-mage, this is what happens when you try to interfere. I have shown you mercy because of your connection to this child mother, so be grateful. Now onto business.¡± The cold voice that emerged from the young Nyx felt primal to Colton as he realized he was before something truly ancient. The being controlling Nyx¡¯s body suddenly shoved its hand into Colton but like his own ability it was nonphysical and the hand seemed to phase into his head. ¡°Unfortunately you know too much so to retain secrecy I must wipe your mind of the more recent memories, this one included.¡± Colton was terrified, a being more powerful than anything he''s ever seen was about to wipe his mind, and there was nothing he could do to resist. He also worried about the poor Nyx who seemed to be possessed by the soul she bonded with. Then there was Terra, she would live with this being not being the wiser. Tears began flowing down his face before everything went blank, and he fell unconscious once more. The Omni-codex that was currently controlling Nyx¡¯s body slowly made its way back to the bed. It now realized that a week might have been excessive for the young girl''s soul. This inexperience when dealing with younger, much less powerful individual made it forget that children couldn''t receive the same amount of training as adults. Deciding it had done enough enhancing for Nyx¡¯s soul it chose to let her awaken from the slumber, and regain control of her body. He had already instructed her subconscious not to inform others of its presence otherwise it wouldn¡¯t be merciful anymore. The subconscious Nyx had responded with venomous acceptance. She wasn¡¯t happy with the book fusing their souls together and controlling her but she wouldn¡¯t put her mother''s life at risk. The Omni-codex set Nyx¡¯s body exactly how it was before it moved, and slowly let go of its connection to the body. Now that it had stopped pumping mana into Nyx¡¯s soul the connection could be established within a few hours, and then Nyx would be able to break the coma. As 2 hours passed by the doors were open suddenly, as Terra made her way through the room holding two different Elixirs in hand. She rushed to Colton and tilted his massive frame upwards so she could feed him the elixirs. Once he had consumed both of them a few minutes passed and then his pale ashy face became normal once more. Sweat could be seen on his forehead as he slowly gained his bearings once more. ¡°Uhhhhh where am I.¡± His eyes fluttered all over the room trying to understand what was going on. Terra seeing him regain his lucidity was ecstatic. She would finally get some answers. She patiently waited for Colton to become fully aware before asking him anything. Eventually, Colton spoke once more. ¡°What happened Ter? All I can remember is sitting down to examine Nyx then everything''s blank.¡± Coltons voice was troubled, he¡¯s never had white spots in his memory before. Terra¡¯s world seemed to finally shatter at Colton''s words. She wouldn''t be getting any answers and her daughter might forever remain in a coma. Despair surged within her heart as she collapsed on the floor. The earth outside began to shake, quake as Terra in her despair began releasing her emotion through her mana. Emotions were a powerful force when used with an attribute, and while no real control could be held the amount of power shown could be multiple time higher than the individual''s ability. Terra was losing control, and the land miles around them was beginning to shatter and fold in on itself. It looked like the end of the world was descending. If it wasn''t because the house was made of a very solid magical stone it might have already collapsed on them. Colton seeing how Terra had lost control was about to try, and calm her down before he, and Terra both heard a ruffle from the bed. All of a sudden the earthquakes, stopped as Terra stared towards the bed where she saw the eyes of her daughter flutter before opening. When she had seen Nyx¡¯s hair turn white she was worried that it was the stress caused to her mind, and soul, and she could understand that, but when Nyx opened her eyes what she saw made no sense to her. The once vibrant emerald eyes that they both shared were gone. In its place was a pair of eyes that were arctic grey, a sharp, strong color. The eyes were unstable at first but once they focused they landed on Terra who was on the floor, with her bloodshot eyes, and unkempt appearance. A tremor ran through Terra''s spine, as the sharp cold eyes landed on her. Terra couldn¡¯t keep going through all these mood swings, nothing made sense to her. She was about to start crying because she thought that her daughter hated her now after what had happened. It was at that moment that Nyx spoke up. ¡°Mom, what are you doing on the floor? You look as though you fought a tornado won then had to fight a hurricane.¡± Hearing this Terra looked back to Nyx¡¯s face, and this time saw the face of her daughter from a week ago. The eyes were emerald green again and full of warmth, and while the hair color remained unchanged it didn¡¯t take away from the sight that Terra so desperately needed. Terra practically teleported before her daughter and gave her one of the tightest hugs she could manage without hurting Nyx. Tears ran down her face and soaked Nyx¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My baby is finally awake, you can¡¯t even begin to comprehend how you''ve made me feel this last week.¡± The floodgates were open now and Terra showed no indication of stopping anytime soon. While everything seemed to have fixed itself, Colton couldn¡¯t help and feel like something wasn¡¯t right. He couldn¡¯t remember what he had seen in Nyx¡¯s soul so he wasn¡¯t even sure if it was him who fixed this issue or if it resolved on its own. Then there was the issue of what had caused him to lose his memory. He wasn''t about to ruin Terra''s moment with her daughter so he just stood back and smiled happy that at least Terra could return to the strong willful person he knew. It was as he was glancing at the pair when he felt a deep chill in his bones. Trying to figure out what was going on his looked all around the room, and then saw what was causing it. Nyx was staring at him over her mother''s shoulder her eyes becoming arctic grey once more. While there wasn¡¯t any hostility from the stare Colton could feel a deep fear in his heart because of those eye¡¯s and he couldn¡¯t explain why it was happening. He chose to exit the room and leave the mother, and daughter alone, but at the same time, he just wanted to leave the room. Laughable really how a 142cm ¡± young girl was making him a 210cm tall giant quake in his boots. The pair remained in the room talking about what had happened during the last week. When Terra asked if Nyx knew what have could have caused the coma, Nyx replied with what the Omi-codex told her. She told Terra that she thinks it was because she awakened her mana early before her soul could handle it. While Terra had asked her, for the most part, she didn¡¯t really care anymore just happy that Nyx was awake and healthy once more. Eventually, the two stopped hugging, and Terra kissed Nyx on the forehead and told her to go to sleep and get some none coma rest. Terra made herself out of the room and found Colton on the sofa in the living room. His huge stature making the sofa look like a child''s accessory. Before even speaking she went up to him and hugged him so hard she lifted him off the ground a cracking could be heard from his back. ¡°Ooof Terrraaa, I can¡¯t breathe.¡± The massive man was like a toy to Terra who lifted him without an issue and literally left him breathless with her strength. ¡°Haha, Colt I will never forget what you have done for me today. I¡¯ve always considered you to be like a little brother to me but today you are officially my younger brother and I won''t take no as an answer. You will be a great uncle for Nyx whenever you''re around, and I will make you a permanent room in our home.¡± Terra was back to her old self and was overjoyed that everything was ok now. Besides the sight of a 175cm¡± woman swinging around a 210cm tall man, hearing Terra¡¯s comment about him being the little brother made him sigh internally, but the amount of emotion in her voice made it impossible for him to resist. And while he did hold some form unexplainable fear towards Nyx he¡¯s sure that it¡¯ll go away eventually. He must not be feeling himself after the whiteout in his mind. ¡°I¡¯d be glad to join your humble family¡­. Big Sis.¡± Colton found himself saying the extra words to tease Terra but she quickly locked on and turned it on him. ¡°Do not worry little bro, I know as a healer focus others might decide to bully you but don''t worry big sis will deal with all of them. Having had the tables turn on him so hard Colton couldn''t do anything besides having his face warm up from embarrassment. They continued to exchange pleasantries and banter for a couple of hours before they both went to bed. It had been a hair pulling day for everyone, but everything had been solved in the end. In Terra¡¯s bedroom, Nyx could be seen staring at her hair and slowly stroking it. She had experienced hell for the last week while unconscious. While the pain wasn''t as severe while being awake the pain of having your soul stretched and inflated was not pleasant. The entire first day was Nyx screaming in her inner space because of the pain. It went on like this until the fourth day when she finally got used to it. The pain was a constant for Nyx so she had to get used to it otherwise she¡¯d have gone mad. This experience made the young Nyx mature years in advance. During the week the Omni-Codex had transferred information over the bond. The Codex had taught her a lot of basic information she would need in the future, and while she resented the Codex, and didn''t want anything to do with it, she did realize that it was information she would eventually learn anyway. Another thing she learned from the Codex though was information about other worlds. This was the major reason as to why she stopped completely resisting the book. The passion still existed in her even if it was now replaced with an even larger one. Her new goal in life was the eventual extermination of the damned book once she was strong enough. Until then she would make full use of it to accomplish her other goals. The once cheerful girl was for the most part gone. Besides for her mother, her emerald eyes wouldn''t be seen by others. At any other moment, only the cold arctic grey eyes would shown to the rest of the world. The book had also taught her one more major lesson even if it didn¡¯t realize it. The weak will always be stepped on by the strong. This made her make a promise to herself that she will never again be the weak before the strong. For her future, this was the only option, and with that, the journey for power began for the young Nyx Techne. Present day August 23, 2225/Deep within the Acadia forest A bone shattering chill permeated the surrounding area. The trees had frost all over their surface, and the normally loud insects were dead silent having been frozen solid. A dozen wind wolves could be seen, in the area but they weren''t moving. In fact, they weren''t even breathing. Ice covered them from head to paws. Ice sculpture''s were all that was left from this once mighty pack of wolves. As to what could have caused such an execution you wouldn''t have to look very far because in the middle of all the dead wolves a beauty that would make even goddesses jealous, levitating on the air like an angel. Her platinum white hair reached all the way down to her backside like a curtain of fine silk, reflecting the sunlight in the area. Skin that would be considered deathly pale on others only seemed to enhanced her ethereal beauty. She stood at 180cm with curves so well proportioned it wouldn''t be wrong to say that too many she was perfect. All this would attract any man but the moment she stared at them with those cold sharp arctic grey eyes, any thoughts of getting close to this woman would be dashed with the hostility that her gaze held. This young woman was the now grown Nyx, and she was doing some training before leaving for her first day at the academy. The Omni-codex had wanted to test her capabilities since once they reached the academy it wouldn¡¯t be able to exert its power because of the chance of discovery. So unless it was life threatening situation the codex would refuse help Nyx. Hence the training was set up to test her to the limits with the codex always being there to step in only if a powerful beast showed up. With these lessons including her mother''s lessons on alchemy, and witchery. Nyx had done nothing but train for the last 6 years, making her capabilities far and beyond what her average peers could accomplish. It was as the Codex said, she was simply superior. Nyx was at the moment resting up after having expended a majority of her mana to cast her largest spell Ice age. It was her first success with it and she was quite proud of herself. Casting such a powerful spell was no easy matter and even those a few years older would be hard pressed to cast such a devastating spell to freeze everything within 100 meters. Now that she was well rested she decided to gather the materials. A bright flash came out from her palm as a white leather book came out. It floated there as it simply fluttered its pages then began turning the frozen sculptures into light as they began to appear on a page in the book. This was the codex¡¯s storage option, and from what Nyx had found out it didn¡¯t seem to have a limit, and time flowed at a 1000th of the regular speed while inside. This made it a great place for storing ingredients for alchemy, and necromancy, as well as foods. After having gathered all the dead wolves Nyx set up a small teleportation formation to return home. Different from a regular teleport, this formation provided a lot more range and saved time and mana. Recalling the Omni-codex without a word Nyx activated the formation and disappeared from the winter wonderland she had created. The teleport coordinates were set to drop her off in front of her home. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of leaving before saying her goodbyes to her mother. As she materialized out of the air she found herself face to face with Colton. Ever since her mother made him an honorary family member, Colton spent his off time at her home. This actually was a good thing though since she at least felt happy that Terra wouldn''t be all alone while she was at the academy. ¡°Oh Nyx ready for the beginning of your new life? Oh, the memories this brings back from when Ter, and I attended the academy with our friends.¡± Nostalgia laced Colton''s voice as he thought back to the past. ¡°Sounds interesting Uncle Colt, you¡¯ll have to tell me more when I return for the holidays.¡± Nyx wasn¡¯t really that interested and she didn¡¯t want to stick around and chat too long, she had 15 minutes before she had to leave. So after saying goodbyes to Colton, Nyx went indoors to find her mother. As she strolled her home she eventually found Terra within study/alchemy room. Terra was hunched over a chest in that Nyx had never seen before. Curious as to what her mother was doing she silently made her way over. She hadn¡¯t moved more than 3 feet when her mother spoke to her. ¡°Tsk tsk what have I told you about sneaking about? You should know I felt your tremors from the moment you entered the house, YES here it is.¡± Terra then pulled out what anyone could identify as a witches hat. It was a solid black color that seemed to absorb the light in the air and was simple in design She then closed the trunk and snapped her fingers as it blinked out of existence. ¡®That must be her treasure deposit¡¯ Nyx new her mother had a few secrets she still didn¡¯t feel like informing her daughter about so she wouldn¡¯t pry especially considering the secrets she herself carried. ¡°Oh, my beautiful daughter is finally becoming a fully fledged adult.¡± While Terra¡¯s eyes were a bit misty Nyx had never seen her mother cry again since the incident 4 years ago. ¡°I''ve prepared you this C- rank spacial bag for your use at the academy. While its storage isn¡¯t anything large it''s got plenty for emergency supplies, and your basic alchemy kit already packed.¡± Though Nyx didn¡¯t need the storage bag because of the codex she still gladly accepted the gift her mother gave her. ¡°Next we¡¯ve got this witch''s hat that belonged to your great-grandmother the first witch of our line of Techne. It was a gift that the system gave her for becoming one of the first witches. It won''t give you any stats but it will will be a great medium for you to use when casting spells. Nyx happily accepted the witches hat from her mother. While she knew the bonus it would provide would be subpar she still appreciated the gift and planned to use it to hid her face since she was going to eventually buy a mask anyway to reduce the stares she received. Last time she went to a gathering of alchemists she could feel dozens of eyes on her, and while she could ignore them it still annoyed her. Terra took the Witch''s hat and ceremoniously put on the hat on Nyx¡¯s head. It was at this instant that soft ding went off in Nyx¡¯s mind.
The Title APPRENTICE WITCH has been upgraded to WITCH. +10 To INT, and WIS. Using A Witches hat as a medium will increase the effect of Hex related spells.
Nyx was pleasantly surprised at the improvement. Her mother had never told her how to improve the title and she had always just expected it to eventually upgrade on its own once she reached a certain proficiency. ¡°I really appreciate it, Mom.¡± The vibrant emerald eyes looked into her mother''s own as they eventually hugged. ¡°They''re not much to tell you besides please do be careful at the academy. While I am confident in your skills that only applies to the new first years. Older individuals could really be a problem if you''re not careful. Terra warned Nyx as she let go of her and gave her small kiss on the forehead. ¡°Stay safe, and make some friends. They might help you begin to talk more, I do so miss how chatty you use to be.¡± This was one of the things that became part of who Nyx was 4 years ago. Unless necessary she usually just nodded her head or shookit while in a conversion. She just didn''t feel the need to talk anymore than was absolutely necessary. ¡°Yes mom I¡¯ll try my best, but I can¡¯t promise anything.¡± The mother daughter pair eventually parted ways as Nyx set up the Teleport formation to the parameters the academy had sent them. It wasn''t long before Nyx felt the space attribute mana around her begin to erupt, so she gave her mother one last look, and disappear. Nyx Techne was coming, and she would make sure that her name would resonate throughout the academy for decades to come.
Name: Nyx Techne Current Condition Arete: Child of Mana Cultivation Method: Grasp Omnipotence Spells Martial Moves Affinities Titles Bonded ItemSkills: OmniCodex
Level:0 Current Health:100% Primal Attribute One with Mana Shadow Lock-B Telekinesis D+ Darkness Rank B+ Witch Omni-Storage
Species:Human Current Stamina:82% Supreme Psyche Raise Minor Dead-B Basic zUnarmed Combat F- Death Rank C+ Omni-Codex Wielder Takeover
Sex:Female Current Mana:67% Minor Teleport-A Water Rank C+ Spell Enhancement
Cultivation:Mortal Realm LvL 9 Current Regen /m: Hp/0.144 Sp/0.025 Mp/0.350 Minor Hex- A Order Rank D- Spell Copy
Buffs/Debuffs:None Ice Spike-C- Space Rank D- StatusPeek
State of Mind:Unstable Water Stream-A+ Ice Rank D-
Ice Age- F+ Every other Attribute Rank F
Base Stats STR: 25 AGI: 25 END: 25 LCK:Hidden WIL: 75 WIS: 450 VIT: 144 INT: 350 PER: 200
Chapter 4 The Race (Loki) Loki Irminsul August 23, 2225- 65 Km from Onyx Academy It was around 9 am in the morning, and few horned rabbits could be seen on the grassland foraging for food. They were peaceful animals, only ever using their razor tipped horns for self-defense. Some wealthy individuals even kept them as cute pets for this reason. It truly was a peaceful sight of nature, the ideal spot for a picnic with the family, and it could be said for this reason what happened next was all the more saddening. The once still wind began to rage as a whirlwind formed from a massive disruption on space. With so many teleports coming in at once there was a strain put on the fabric of space in the clearing. The horned rabbits began screeching, as they became caught in the unexpected storm, and dashed away ignoring any foods they might have foraged. Their instincts saved most of them because not a moment later the once grassy field was flattened to the point of turning the dirt into a smooth reflective surface. The few rabbits that hadn¡¯t made it out were crushed, becoming red stains on the glossy surface. In an instant, the beautiful scenery was no more, and in its place around a hundred young adults appearing between the ages of 15-18. Most of the students looked like they were in a daze. Such a powerful teleportation spell left most of them muddle-headed, and unable to move. It was near the edge of the large group of students where what looked like a young man stood. This was because the individual¡¯s head was covered in a black scarf that fluttered slightly from last breath of the once roiling wind. A tall individual with his only other noticeable feature being his stunning golden eyes that radiate their own light. This individual was none other than our protagonist Loki Irminsul. Loki had from the moment of arrival covered his face with a black scarf that had once belonged to his now deceased father. It was a unique item he was given to by his mother, a powerful individual as well as Odin¡¯s wife. While he didn¡¯t know all its secrets, he knew that when worn it helped strengthen the mind by a small amount, as well as muffle his voice. It was also surprisingly breathable for a scarf wrapped around the face. Even though Loki had brushed aside his grandfather words before he left, he wasn¡¯t an idiot and knew that to be able to do what he wanted he would need a disguise. He didn¡¯t want anyone recognizing him later down the line when he began having his fun. Once he was done doing the wrapping, he looked around hoping no one had seen him, only to find most of his fellow peers in a dazed state. No one had seen him disguise himself let alone notice his existence. ¡°Wonderful seems like this just might work.¡± Loki then looked around himself once more and sighed. ¡°Though where exactly am I?¡± While glad that his plan had worked the fact that they weren''t at the academy but in an unknown location irked him. For being some of the best mages in the world, the people who set up the coordinates for the teleportation array seemed to have fucked up big time. He could only hope the teleport hadn¡¯t gone too far, of course, leaving them stranded in the middle of Beast territory. As though sensing his annoyance Ragnar?k growled from within his spacial ring. ¡°Easy there girl, I¡¯m going to need you to stay as quiet as you can. I promise I¡¯ll find something for us to fight soon.¡± Loki gripped Ragnar?k¡¯s handle as he calmed it down. A combination of his wisdom stat and space attribute had stopped him from feeling vertigo from the teleport that seemed to plague most of the students. Keeping his distance from others, Loki took a proper look of his surroundings. They seemed to be on a flat area surrounded by grassland. The nearest treeline being 2km away towards the north, and 4km to the west. The trees were almost 3 times as tall, and wide, here compared to his hometown. The sight reminded Loki of a lesson his grandfather Odin gave him on mana dense environments. He quickly realized that in his rush to disguise himself he hadn¡¯t noticed that the mana density in the air was over 4 times what he was accustomed to. Making good use of the situation Loki sat down and began to absorb the ambient mana in the air as he waited for the rest of the students come out of their stupor. If they indeed were in the middle of Beast territory, it would be suicidal to run off on his own. His best option was to remain here with the group until someone came to retrieve them. Being in such a large group should scare away most of the weaker beasts Loki hoped. For the next 5 minutes, Loki remained motionless as he cultivated Shifting Seasons. He felt the atmosphere around him change as he shifted between spring and summer. It was only recently that he had learned to accurately control Spring, and while Summer still required more time to master, it wasn¡¯t far off. Even while deep in cultivation, Loki''s awareness of his surroundings hadn¡¯t dropped at all, so when 10 minutes later everyone seemed to have regained control of themselves he saw dozens of them begin to panic. The clamor got so bad Loki had to stop his cultivation because of the danger of cultivating with such a large disturbance near him.
Shifting Seasons- The Cultivation Method that makes up part of Yggdrasil''s Blessing. There is a different stat gained every Martial Level for a cycle corresponding to the 4 seasons. The user is also allowed to choose 2 stats to specialize in. The first stat will increase by 25 every martial level(Current-Agility). The Second stat will increase by 30 every other martial level. (Current-Perception). The cycle of stat gains begins with Spring providing 15 vitality. Summer the next martial level will provide 15 strength. Autumn Follows with 40 intelligence. Lastly, Winter ends the cycle with 10 wisdom and 10 endurance. The cycle then starts anew. This method cultivates the 4 seasons of Earth within the user''s body, the 4 Arts, Rejuvenating Spring, Raging Summer, Descending Autumn, and Absolute Winter.
He had just exited his meditative state when a powerful voice was heard from the sky. ¡°Greetings future students!¡± Loki looked up towards the sound and saw quite an interesting sight. There was a massive hologram of a head in the sky. It held the appearance of a 40ish-year-old man, with brown graying hair. His face was sharp, and well-defined matching really well with the bright blue eyes. His voice and appearance reminded him of a drill sergeant Loki had seen in some of the old military films his grandfather like to collect. ¡°While it might seem like the teleportation spell failed, it was in fact on purpose. We at Onyx Academy have a tradition that has been going on for the last 60 years. You students could also consider it your first test of sorts.¡± As the giant head went on about tradition Loki¡¯s irritation grew. Why didn¡¯t the dam fogie just get to the point? The head continued to prattle about tradition, before a voice behind it coughed, and said. ¡°Just get to the point Ludo, we don¡¯t have all day.¡± The giant head glowered in displeasure after being interrupted. The now named Ludo growled, ¡°Didn¡¯t your mother teach you any manners, Leo.¡± The other individual said nothing, so Ludo just turned back towards the students, and began speaking once more but this time about the reason as to why they in the middle of the forest. ¡°All of you will be playing a game of sorts, so please grab onto these stones.¡± Ludo''s head radiated power as the ground around them began to have dirt loosed around them, and small glowing pebbles appeared in front of every student. While Loki was wary at first, if the hologram head wanted to hurt them it could have easily disrupted the teleportation to rip them to shreds. So Loki grabbed the pebble, gave it a squeeze testing its structural integrity and finding it to be solid enough. ¡°Every year we take around 1000 new students, but as you can see, there aren''t more than a 100 around you. The reason for this is that there are 9 other similar locations including your own. This hologram and sound is being projected to all these areas simultaneously. But worry not you, because all of you are roughly 65 Kilometers away from Onyx Academy. The purpose of this is because you''re all going to have a race to see who can get there first. Those of you that lack speed doesn''t have to become fluster either because you can also earn prizes by collecting the stones I have given everyone. You can all consider this to be a combat race of massive proportions.¡± This intrigued Loki, but until he heard the prizes he didn¡¯t wish to attract too much attention to his capabilities yet. ¡°Now for the prizes, I¡¯m sure you wolves are dying to hear about. The first hundred students to reach the academy will receive 10 gold as a gift from the academy, this is also the same for those who collect the most stones. The top 10 is where the real prizes lie though, not only will you receive the 10 gold you¡¯ll also be given a powerful elixir that can help you break through into the next Cultivation level, with anyone below mortal level 4 guaranteed an increase to level 5. The top 5 of each section will also receive 1 spell or martial arts of their choice at the uncommon tier.¡± The crowd of students began to grow excited at the prizes being offered, and you could even see some of the more rowdy students staring around at those they believed to be easy pickings. Loki himself wasn¡¯t very interested in fighting others yet, so he decided to solely focus on the race since he was quite proud of his speed. ¡°Finally for those amazing students who are just a step above their peers, who manage to get first place in either the race or the battle portion, they will be bestowed an item from the Academy''s vault of up to A- rank as a gift of good faith for such promising students.¡± The crowd went wild at Ludo''s words. An A-rank item was tough to gain even for an individual at a professor''s power. Having such an item would increase their combat potential significantly, making their debate at the academy a lot smoother. The intense gazes of the students grew sharper with some of them even containing killing intent. All they were waiting for is Ludo''s approval to begin before they let loose their desires. Even Loki himself was getting psyched for the race. ¡°Almost slipped my mind but, there are a few obstacles, and rules you need to be aware of. Murder and permanently crippling another student is not allowed and will result in your immediate expulsion. This is final so don¡¯t kill your fellow students, it won''t help you win those prizes. Also, don¡¯t expect your fellow students to be the only complication on the way. Everything within 100km of the Academy is booby-trapped, but we have disabled all of the lethal ones within your range. I don¡¯t recommend heading in the opposite direction of the beacon though otherwise, we won''t be able to guarantee your safety.¡± To reach the academy simply follow the blue beacon in the sky that will appear 2 minutes after the competition begins.¡± A few of the more savage student looked visible disappointed at not being allowed to kill or maim others. Loki made sure to burn their faces into his memory, he¡¯d have to keep an eye on them. ¡°Now that¡¯s you all know the rules, prepare yourselves for the RACE BEGINS NOW!! The instant the words left the giant head¡¯s mouth the once still field was lit up by a barrage of colors that astounded Loki. Chaos was the only way to describe what was occurring before his eyes. The tensed up students naturally jumped at each other throwing spells and martial arts around in a flurry. Loki being on the edge of the teleportation drop only had to dodge a few spells that came his way. Most of the focus was on the middle of the field which was an eruption of mana, and abilities. While Loki was enjoying the sight, he wanted to begin heading towards the academy, but just couldn¡¯t. The 2 minutes beacon delay meant that even the faster individuals had to remain amongst the chaos before they could leave, lest they head the wrong way into the lethal booby traps. The fighting got more intense, and eventually, a few students saw Loki by himself and chose to attack him. It appeared as though they had grouped up to take down people faster. They surrounded him like a pack of hyenas, ready to dig their claws into him. Even one of them laughed like one as he spoke up. ¡°Give up your stone, Mr. Mysterious, and we might just stop ourselves at breaking a few of your bones.¡± While Loki was surprised at his peer''s obvious threat, this was one of those people whose faces he had scanned before. ¡°Have you tried going to a doctor to get that laughed checked? Or would you have to go to a vet instead?¡± Not one to take such abuse Loki chuckled the venomous words. The student with the terrible laugh had his face go crimson red as, a deep rage overtook his mind, as he proceeded to yell at his now goons. ¡°Let¡¯s break his bones, I want to see him laugh then!¡± They ran forward giddy at the promise of violence. The goons rushed Loki from 4 different sides trying to block his path of escape leaving him trapped. Unfortunately for them, Loki¡¯s agility stat was nothing to scoff at, as he seemed to move faster than their minds could keep up. One moment he was surrounded about to take a beating, and then the next he was behind one of the larger goons. ¡°Paralyzing Viper Strike¡± Whispered Loki as he aimed for the back of the goons neck, his palm soundly connecting with it, making the goon unable to react with is own mana, knocking him out instantly. As the body fell forward, Loki rushed beneath its arms coming face to face with another one of the goons and using Viper strike with both palms he clapped them over the goon''s ears instantly rendering him unconscious, and bleeding.
Viper strike - Attacks from the hands inject foreign mana into the enemy, disrupting their ability to manipulate mana. Addition bonus of increasing agility of the arms by 10 for every letter rank. Use currently consumes .5% mana and stamina, per successful injection. (Paralyzing Viper strike is lightning attribute version- also has a small chance of inducing some paralysis) Martial Move Tier-Common-----Preferred Attribute- Chaos, Lightning, Death
Seeing their friends get knocked out with such precision the other 2 goons felt a deep sense of fear begin to gnaw on their minds. They quickly came to the conclusion that they wouldn''t be able to beat this strange golden-eyed guy and instead chose to run away. Seeing his goons running away the student with the hyena laugh grew even more livid. ¡°Useless trash, I¡¯ll deal with him on my own then!¡± Having seen Loki¡¯s prowess at combat, the student was wary but still remained confident that his arete would help him deal with this black scarfed individual. Curious as to what made the student so confident Loki remained 3 meters away, but wary of any surprises. The student rushed forward, nothing special from what Loki to could see, but then a deep sense of danger-filled his mind as he subconsciously dodged to the left. A strange insect stabbed where his neck had just been a moment before. Its deep sickening green carapace, and silent blue wings that didn¡¯t make a sound surprised Loki. Its needle-like legs were over 7cm long, with the body having a length of 9cm and a height of 13cm. It was by far the most bizarre insect Loki had ever seen, but what worried him was how fast, and silent it was. His opponent''s arete must be tamer related in nature. As his opponent got within his range, Loki had to deal with both the flying dagger like insect and the short quick blades of his opponent. While he was still able to dodge easy enough he wasn¡¯t able to break the entanglement. It was during the middle of this dance that a bright blue light rose from the north distracting his opponent for just a breath of a moment, but it was enough for Loki to capitalize on. ¡°Charged Haste¡± The moment the words left his mouth his body''s speed increased instantly, leaving a crackle of electricity in the air. Being stuck in the middle between the flying insect, and his opponent Loki grabbed the student''s shoulders and flipped over him while still holding onto the shoulders. Using this momentum, Loki flung his opponent over his own head, and slammed him into the ground stunning him, then following up with Viper strike to the face knocking him out completely. Loki still wasn¡¯t out of the clear though as he quickly snapped his neck backward to avoid the needle-like legs of the insect. Apparently, the insect wasn¡¯t directly controlled but given commands to follow.
Haste- Increases Agility by a flat amount depending on the rank, as well as a 5% base increase after the stats have been added. From F-rank to A-rank the flat rate increases by 10 every letter rank, leading to a max of 50 agility at A rank. Once it has reached A+ rank the 5% bonus increases to 10%. Use currently consumes 5% of stamina as well as 1% mana upon activation and lasts 1 minute. (Charged Haste is the Lightning attribute infused version-Provides an additional 3% agility increase but consumes 3% of the practitioner''s mana instead of 1%) Martial MoveTier-Common-----Preferred Attribute- Wind, Lightning, Fire, Light, Darkness, Time
Not being confident in shattering its carapace with his bare hands Loki pulled Ragnar?k out of his spacial ring as he rolled backward to stand back up. The insect was relentless as it followed up its attack immediately. Not wanting to let this thing pester him any longer, the moment the insect was within his range Loki swung Ragnar?k upwards bisecting the insect. A corrosive liquid sprayed out, forcing Loki to dodge once more. Ragnar?k was ecstatic as the corrosive liquid on its surface was absorbed by it almost as though it were having a drink. While happy for his sword Loki calmed it down and restating his promise from earlier as he stored Ragnar?k again. The battle was over, but Loki wasn¡¯t done yet. Though he really should get going, he couldn''t resist doing one more thing before leaving. A marker materializes out of a ring he wore on a necklace under his shirt. He proceeded to write, and draw something on the goons face, before leaving. After having had to deal with the annoying student Loki felt he deserved something in return, so writing on his opponent''s face with a super magical permanent marker felt so right. Loki looked around and saw a few stragglers still battling it out. Having seen his fight against 5 others, none of them chose to approach him. This was perfect for him since he was already a minute behind everyone else. Refreshing Charged Haste Loki ran towards the northern edge of the forest 2 kilometers away, his goal the blue beacon in the distance. He quickly entered the forest and making sure that there weren''t any individuals around him, began to morph into his second fastest form. The process was almost instantaneous as he shrank in size, and his clothes and scarf morphing along with him. What was left was an elegant ebony Owl with streaks of red in its feathers. His storage ring was wrapped around his left talon, in a snug fit. Loki flapped his wings, and instantly disappeared from the forest floor and took to the skies. To any observers that might have seen him all they could make out was a rapid black streak heading towards the beacon, becoming a black dot in the distance within seconds.
Owl Form- When morphing into this form the user''s strength decreases by 70% while agility increases by 60%. Perception and wisdom also increase by 40% decreasing Endurance by 20%. Transformation consumes 3% of stamina and mana. Current Form Skills- Detect Life and Razor Wing. Tier-Uncommon
As the forest beneath him sped by Loki looked around with his enhanced eyesight. In the distance, he could see dozens of students running through the forest floor, and even more battling it out in small clearing here, and there. Even farther ahead he could make out the shapes of people in the sky. It would seem he wasn''t the only one who had chosen to take to the sky. Being up here made it difficult for spells to reach them decreasing the overall difficulty of the race. Unfortunately, nothing was ever this easy. Loki had just been catching up when he saw that the student leading the group began to slow down as he sensed something. The student was using flame propulsion to push himself forward almost like a jet. A blue-tinted flame exploded from his palms as he used the force to quickly retreat. It wasn''t long afterward the wind began to rage, and blow, resulting in a tremendous whirlwind. A cyclone was forming in the middle of the sky stunning many of the students both in the air and on the ground. Lightning blue eyes emerged on the surface of the cyclone, increasing the sense of danger in the hearts of those in the sky. ¡°Wind Elemental!!!!¡± screamed one of the students rustling everyone from their shock. They had been fools to expect the academy to leave its skies unprotected. The Elemental roiled and churned making flight almost impossible, forcing even Loki who was over 200 meters away to land, and transform back into his regular form. Only the stupid, and those extremely confident with their flying capabilities remained in the air, just above the treeline. Their speed significantly reduced, but still safer than the battle royal beneath them. Loki had managed to transform back, but it wasn''t even 5 seconds later when he felt something rush him from behind. Diving forwards he saw himself avoid a blond hair student swinging a heavy black spear with a curved blade. Not missing a beat the student then followed up by stabbing downwards towards Loki¡¯s legs trying to lessen his ability to move. Not wanting to get into another fight so early on Loki simply dodged, and using his momentum ran up the vertical tree, and left the blonde student behind. ¡°Ye bloody coward! Come back here and fight me like a man!¡± Loki scoffed at the insult, the bastard himself had tried to deal a sneak attack on Loki, and he wanted to talk about being a man. Ignoring the fuming yells from behind Loki jumped from tree to tree moving at a steady pace, and only having to dodge the odd spell here or there. The skies were still a mess, with even more wind elementals joining the initial one as they got closer to the academy. For the next 5 minutes, Loki rushed by faster, upping his speed by a small margin. He began to see even more fights as people from the other locations ran into his own group of peers. It was as he was about to land on a tree branch that he felt the strongest sense of crisis of the day by far. Not willing to take the risk he spun around, and cast a ¡°Shadow Decoy¡± and using the semi-solid clone¡¯s shoulders pushed himself towards the tree trunk, knocking the breath out of himself. This proved to be a smart move as the entire branch, and the decoy became encased in ice without any sort of warning.
Shadow Decoy- Summons a semi-solid Clone from a shadow. This clone has no combat capabilities but retains up to 90% of the real bodies current agility. The user can either manually manipulate them, or give them simple instructions. Consumes 3% of mana on use. Every letter rank increases the number of clones the user can summon as well as how responsive they are to the Casters instructions. Spell Tier-Uncommon-----Exclusive Attribute- Darkness
¡®Holy shit that close, I almost became popsicle there.¡¯ This was by far the most potent attack he had ever received besides from his grandfather who always held back on their spars. Loki glanced around trying to find the attacker and quickly found her. She floated there surprised that he had been able to avoid what she believed to be an undetectable attack for those her age. While he couldn¡¯t make out her face because of the witch-like hat she wore, her lithe body and platinum white hair that cascaded down her back let him know that she was probably quite the beauty. He swore he could even feel her cold, and slightly superior glare penetrate him as though trying to figure out how he had been able to sense her attack. Not letting himself get distracted he gathered himself just as he saw an ice spike form, and hurtle towards him. The difficulty had reached a level that Loki had hoped he could avoid. It was still too early to give away to many of his abilities, but this girl was forcing his hand. Pushing off the tree, he propelled himself forward towards the floating girl, and then cast multiple Shadow Decoy''s that rushed her, blocking him from her sight. The clones were almost instantly dissipated by an unknown force that pushed them aside, but it was too late. Loki had gained the time he needed to morph into his Snake form, which was around 9cm thick and 2.5m long. With an alternating pattern of black, and crimson the snake rushed the girl, and wrapped itself around her body shocking her. Loki made his way up to her neck and opened his mouth with its long fangs, that dripped a neon blue liquid, and, sank his fangs into her shoulder. Activating a particular skill he only has while in this form ¡®Mana Fangs,¡¯ he injected his mana poison into the girl.
Snake- Strength decrease by 20% while agility increase by 40%. Endurance decreases by 40% while perception increases by 40%. Currently consumes 3% of staminaand mana on use. Current abilities, Mana Fangs, Heat Vision. Tier-Uncommon
Mana Fangs- While in snake form the practitioner is able to inject prey with a potent Mana paralyzer that completely renders prey beneath a certain level unable to move, or manipulate mana. This last up to a minimum of 10 seconds for something up to 50kg with additional time depending on the individual. Martial Art Tier-Uncommon Preferred Attributes- Chaos, Lightning, Death, Darkness, Water, Fire,
The girl sensing the intruding substance in her body let loose a rage-filled scream, and Loki felt a strange feeling surround him as though something was grabbing onto him. He was then ripped off the girl by this invisible force and slammed into the ground violently, and instantly pierced by an ice spike pinning him down. Just as the girl was about to follow this up, the poison took effect, and she fell from the air, onto a branch high up on the tree out of sight for those at ground level. Seeing this as an opportunity to get away before she cleansed the poison, Loki morphed back into his Human form diverting his flesh around the spike so he wouldn''t stay pinned to the ground. The injury on his human form was on his left side narrowly missing his organs, and it had chunked around 20% of his HP. The girl seemed to have given up on mercy after his attack, and just sent the ice spike towards him wanting to pin him down regardless of the injury it would deal. Now that he was free from the crazy witch girl he decided that he had to move as fast as he could before he met up anyone else with similar capabilities. His best option was to finish the race as soon as possible. Loki began circulating his mana throughout his body, the process taking over 3 seconds. While this could be considered fast, it made it really difficult to activate while in the heat of battle. ¡°The cycle begins, from the dead grows the future, Rejuvenating Spring.¡± Loki began to feel his body lighten, and fresh sensation envelops him, as well as his surroundings. Flowers began to sprout beneath his feet, as nature felt the vitality emanate from of him. He was just about to leave when he heard a soft whisper behind him. The voice was lovely, but it was tinged with such a fierce cold that it caused Loki to-shivered. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pay you three-fold for what you have done to me today, Black scarf.¡± Knowing he had made an annoying enemy today Loki sighed, what was done was already in the past, for now, he would just think about it another time. He took a step forward and exploded forward with a speed that few his age could replicate. Having Charged Haste still on Loki felt the wind rush by him as he made his way towards the beacon avoiding traps, and students alike.
Rejuvenating Spring- When this is activated a fresh sense of vitality surrounds the area within 10 meters of the user. This does not affect what the user deems as an enemy but will increase the growth rate of plants nearby. Those within this space will feel as though they are experiencing the ideal spring day. This provides Loki with a flat 50 agility, followed by a 10% base increase to agility. A secondary effect of Spring is increasing the user''s regeneration of hp, and stamina, by 1% a minute. This stance currently consumes 3% of the user''s manaand stamina per minute. Martial Art Tier-UniqueThis narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Sometime later he breached through the thick forest into a flat plain with tall grass, and a few trees dotting the landscape. In the distance, the end goal could be seen around 10 kilometers away, Onyx Academy. Besides the large black walls, Loki couldn''t make out all that much else. Not seeing any others ahead of him Loki was about to continue when he heard an anguished filled scream to the left of him around 100 meters down the tree line. ¡°You¡¯ve won already Voran! Just take the stones, and leave her be!¡± Loki with his sharp vision caught sight of two girls on the ground, with one of them bleeding quite intensely. Next to them standing with an intimidating air was a large muscular man with a longsword on his side. The girl was what someone could only describe as an angel, with her golden curls, and sky blue eyes that glisten with heart-wrenching tears at the moment. ¡°Sorry, Lady Linvala but I must clean this filth that seems to have stuck itself to you.¡± Said Voran maliciously as he lifted his leg about to kick the wounded girl away from Linvala. Linvala was about to throw herself in front of the kicks path to protect her friend when Voran who was in the middle of his attack was hit by something flying at unbelievable speeds. Voran''s body visibly bent at a 90-degree angle as the sounds of his hips, and parts of his ribs breaking echo into the ears of Linvala. Voran''s body flew a total of 25 meters before it hit the ground with a sharp crunch, and rolled a few more meters. Disbelief covered Linvala¡¯s face after she saw Voran get launched away like a rag doll. Turning her sight back to where Voran had just stood she saw a black scarfed man whose golden eye¡¯s grabbed her own and didn¡¯t seem to want to let go. She felt her heart quicken, as an uncontrollable blush spread across her face. ¡°Thank you for saving my friend, and I.¡± A whisper was all she could manage, as she eventually tore her gaze from his own. The young man grunted an ok, and then tossed a small flask onto the floor. ¡°Apply that onto her wounds, and you might still make it to the top 10.¡± Linvala could tell he was faking his voice, but she didn''t care. She was just about to thank him again, but as she raised her head from the flask on the ground, he was already gone. Linvala could feel deep gratitude towards the young man swell in her heart. She needed to find him again so she could properly thank him. Maybe they could even become friends she thought. Those golden eyes would be all she would be able to think about for the next few days, and she didn''t feel as though she''d mind. ----------- After getting back into the race, Loki couldn¡¯t help but become angry at his meddling. He was in the middle of an important task yet he still went, and wasted time jumping into someone else¡¯s problems. If he didn¡¯t correct this part of him soon, it could easily lead to his death. He could tell that asshole named Voran was taking things too far, but still, he wasted time for people he would probably never interact with again. Shaking his head Loki forced himself out of his rut and regained focus once more. He wasn¡¯t alone anymore as when he took a glance behind himself, he saw Jetboy once again this time flying low to the ground, as well as a few others. He could feel multiple hot gazes on his back as he made his way forward. He could even sense a few of them closing in on him. Realizing that he would have to morph if wanted to finish first Loki sighed. Seems like his ability to morph would become public knowledge, but an A rank item was worth the loss. Just as Jetboy was about to past him, Loki jumped forward into the air and spun transforming into his Owl form once more. With the bonus of Haste, and Rejuvenating Spring, and now his Owl form Loki disappeared from the sights of the students next to him. Even the Jetboy was stunned as Loki became a streak of black that quickly left their vision. Loki was reaching his bodies limit on agility, as all the buffs pushed him closer to 700 agility. Any more and his muscles would begin to tear, ripping his skin as they were forced further. The group seeing him disappear into the distance raged, releasing all the special techniques that they had held back, hoping to save for the final leg of the race. Jetboy was the most interesting as he yelled ¡°Afterburner¡± and the flames on his palms became a bright blue, and he disappeared from sight at a speed even faster than Loki had, everyone else was left to eat their dust. The two of them flew by at insane speeds, as Loki in the lead slowly had Jetboy catching up to him. Air scattered as they rushed by. Being only a few feet of the ground their rapid speed ripped plants, and grass from the field as they passed by. There was less than a kilometer left, and they could both see the entrance where Professor Ludo and Professor Leo stood. They grew closer, 800m, 600m, 400m, 100m. Jetboy was just about to past Loki, and a smile plastered his face when Loki not wanting to lose after coming this far used one of his hidden trump cards. Adaptable activated as he felt his strength, and stamina drop rapidly but his speed increased significantly enough to gain a small lead ahead preventing Jetboy from passing him. His avian muscles screamed under the pressure, but he held fast believing he it would only be for a moment longer.
Adaptable- The user is able to move 15% of any stat over to another one, with a max stacking of 4 different stats into one. Forcefully going above this will hurt the user. The user is also able to lower other attribute ranks to increase one. The conversion rate is as follows. For every 2 letter grades, the user takes from an attribute, they can increase another by 1 letter grade, up to the current maximum of A rank. Lastly, the user is able to once a month switch any of his attributes to one he does not currently have, but it starts at F-rank. If he raises it up to C rank the attribute becomes permanent, and the previous attribute will return. More abilities can be unlocked as Adaptable evolves, and improves. Arete Tier-Unique
Closer and closer they got, 75m..., 50m¡­., 25m¡­. 10m¡­.. Jetboy was pouring as much mana as he could into his flames and was now neck, and neck with Loki. It could be either, or right now, as the boy with flames, and the ebony Owl were too close to measure at the moment. Within a split second, they barreled through the finish line without even trying to slow down. They were actually about to crash into the solid Onyx wall when a giant fence of snow appeared before them. They plunged through soft snow cushioning them as they regained control over themselves. Loki''s muscles ached, but he changed back into his human form as the snow rapidly melted leaving him, and the Jetboy soak. Once the snow had disappeared entirely they heard the voice of Ludo speak to them once more. ¡°What passion, you two have, it''s been years since I''ve seen such a close race. I can feel the youthful vigor radiate of the two of you. This will be an amazing batch if even 5% of the other students have a similar tenacity to you two.¡± The praises flowed from the man named Ludo as he held nothing back. ¡°I don¡¯t care about that! Who won!¡± Loki yelled at the Professor, not caring about possibly getting in trouble for disrespecting a professor. This bastard reminded him too much of his grandfather for him to ignore. ¡°Yes stop spouting your nonsense, and tell us the winner the others are about to arrive.¡± Jetboy was also irritated with Professor Ludo. The race was so close, so it could honestly be either of them. Surprised by the sudden rudeness of the two students, Ludo couldn''t help but grunt. Students these days seem to be ruder towards their elders as the days went by. ¡°Don¡¯t worry you, scoundrels, if I get any of you in my combat course, I''ll be sure to teach you how to respect your elders. As for the race since you two happen to be so rude, I¡¯ll announce it once the top 100 finish. For now, just relax, and rest up.¡± Both Loki and Jetboy groaned. People like this just couldn¡¯t be rushed. Otherwise, they would just become even more stubborn. Loki sat down, and began to revert Adaptable, and pulled out a sandwich his grandfather had made as lunch for him. Jetboy also sat down and proceeded to rub his hands which appeared inflamed, most likely from the prolonged exposure to his afterburner ability. They sat in silence as more of the students came in finishing the race. Loki sat there munching on his sandwich having unwrapped enough of his face to eat but still making it impossible for anyone to recognize him later on. Jetboy, on the other hand, pulled out some special ointment for his hands and began to apply it. Eventually, the silence was broken by Jetboy as he began to speak. ¡°That was really impressive what you did back there. Never thought I¡¯d meet someone as fast as me this early on. Names Benjamin by the way, nice to meet you.¡± Surprised at the politeness of Jetboy, now properly named as Benjamin, Loki almost choke on his sandwich. ¡°Well you weren¡¯t so bad yourself, Jetboy,¡± Loki said jokingly as he finished his sandwich, and tighten the scarf once again. No one seemed to care that he was hiding his identity but he would keep it on anyway. Benjamin gave him a weird look before laughing. ¡°How did you know my nickname from back home?¡± This time Loki was left speechless, not only was Benjamin optimistic he also didn¡¯t seem to care about people calling him Jetboy. Giving Benjamin deeper look, Loki noticed that his face had traces of Asian descent. Soft hazel eyes that seemed to radiate warmth as well as straight blue hair up giving him an interesting appearance, handsome even. He was also shorter than Loki by quite a bit, being just over 170cm¡±. Loki sighed, and just chuckled at the absurd individual before him. If it wasn¡¯t for Benjamin''s crack at Professor Ludo, he might have assumed him to be a goody to shoes. ¡°Well nice to meet you Benjamin, but don¡¯t expect us to become friends. You won¡¯t be too happy when they announce me to be the winner.¡± Loki smiled in his signature Cheshire cat way, the scarf seeming to stretch enough to let others notice the smile. ¡°Naw you wish, I¡¯ll be sure to give you some pointers when they announce me as the winner, and as for friends that won¡¯t happen in a day, but as fellow students, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll eventually see how awesome I, and beg to become my pal.¡± He began to laugh, and Loki just smiled. As lovely as this interaction was Loki wasn¡¯t kidding about what he said earlier. An acquaintance was fine, but anything more than that would be ignored. It took 10 more minutes before the top hundred people made it. Those collecting stones would be given another 10 minutes before being teleported here. Loki, and Benjamin having heard that they had achieved a photo finish, and were now waiting for Professor Ludo to give the answer of who came in first. Amongst them stood a girl who radiated an aura the shouted of stay away from me. It was Nyx, the girl Loki had fought earlier. She had somehow managed to still make it into the top 10 getting 10th place. While she stared at Loki, she didn¡¯t let any of the pressure actually touch him. She would deal with him once she figured out his name. He must not have had someone inform him that even if you could disguise yourself, everyone''s name would be announced through the Name Stone when entering the academy. So she merely bided her time. Expecting a nice chunk of stones from someone able to move so fast she attacked him, instead of the easy prey on the ground. Turning into a snake had entirely caught her off guard, which led to him leaving her in a state that she utterly despised. Powerless, and at his mercy. He luckily didn''t bother searching for her stones. She had collected a treasure trove of them, most likely getting enough for top 10 for the combat portion. Ignoring the stares some of the boys were giving her Nyx quietly brooded plotting on how she would repay him for earlier. Another 10 minutes rolled by as eventually, all the remaining students were teleported to the victory grounds. Hundreds of bloody individuals appeared with many of them being unconscious. One such unconscious individual even had the words HYENA written on his forehead with a pair of whiskers on his cheeks. The produced some laughs from those near him, glad that even in their bloody state they hadn¡¯t ended up like the poor bastard on the ground. There was also a few dozen students who shivered on the floor, with broken bones ranging in severity, but nothing past the point of the medic''s ability despite how gruesome it appeared. Ludo seeing everyone was finally here sent some medics to attend to the more seriously wounded. ¡°Now that you''re all here we can properly give out all the prizes, but hot damn I am impressed with this year''s batch. The intensity I saw from all of you has left me proud of being called the professor in charge of your group of 1000.¡± He then snapped his finger as lights began to emit from 200 students. ¡°Normally It¡¯s the race results that are announced first, but with it being a photo finish, and the 2 scoundrels being rude to me I¡¯ll leave it for last to build some tension. For now, our first place winner who collected the most stones may come forward.¡± As he finished one of the lights grew unimaginably bright forcing those nearby to cover their eyes and move away from it. The winner come into view, and it was on this day that dozens of young men and even some young women fell in love. A beautiful tall redhead stood there with dark yet starry eyes and a face that said she wouldn''t take any shit from anyone. She held up a bag practically about to burst because of the number of stones it held up. She then yelled out ¡°My name is Nike Shori, and I''ve collected 189 stones, Professor Ludo!¡± Even her voice while serious in tone felt magical to everyone''s ears. ¡°Beautiful, respectful, and powerful, looks like I¡¯ve found one of the gems of this batch already. Might just make you my personal student.¡± Ludo laughed as the young Nike impressed him. While it seemed like she hadn¡¯t participated in the race she was definitely fast enough to have, otherwise, it wouldn''t have been possible for her to collect so many stones. Loki in his own area, felt Ragnar?k purr softly from its sheath, noticing something Loki didn¡¯t. The purr was similar in softness to the ones it gave him. While surprised, Loki held himself back from questioning it about what is sensed. Instead, he just tried to keep his eyes from staring at the redhead. He didn¡¯t want to get caught gawking at the beauty even if dozens of others were doing it already. Ludo continued to call forward winners, and eventually, Loki even saw the witch girl he had fought come forwards having won 6th place in the combat portion. Loki not interested in collecting the stones had ignored searching for them on the people he had defeated, leaving him feeling a little regretful now. The feeling quickly left him though since as long as he got first, it would more than make up for the loss. Eventually the last 2 people were called forwards, and who they were was a shock to him. It was the two girls he had saved earlier. While he had told them they could still make it into the top 10, he had been talking about the race portion, not combat. The winners gathered around the podium where Loki and Benjamin had been from the start. Everyone kept their distance from each other beside Linvala and her friend. When she caught sight of him, she gave him a quick bow thanking him for his help. While she wanted to say something the atmosphere in the winner''s circle was a bit tense, being these were the cream the of the crop of the battle portion meaning the tension was hot between the future rivals. Once the 100 hundred for the battle portion of the race came forward and went to their own podium larger than the top 10 one, Ludo turned around, stared directly at Loki and Benjamin. ¡°Let''s move on then, towards the most exciting part of the day so far, the photo finishes between these two scoundrels right here.¡± He waved his hands as a curtain of light appeared above him, large enough for all the students to see. While it was close, we do have an identifiable winner.¡± An image began to form on the curtain of mist. What it showed surprised everyone besides the other early finishers of the race. An ebony Owl, and a young man with jet flames spitting out of his palms. The image began to enhance multiple times until eventually a winner could be discerned. The Owl had finished by a hair''s breadth with its beak giving it the win. Loki stood up as well as Benjamin. While Loki was excited he simply smiled beneath his scarf. Everyone would now know he could morph into an owl, but at least he could get the A rank Item. Benjamin though at first was slightly disappointed, but then began to laugh. It had been extremely close, and he wasn¡¯t all that upset anyway. He had found a decent rival in speed, and maybe even a new friend. Ludo walked over to Loki and waved his arm from Loki to the crowd. ¡°So Mr.Owl what is your name, and how does this victory show others your worth?¡± While no one could actually see his face besides the golden eyes, they could all tell he was smiling widely as the scarf moved upwards on the sides of his face. ¡°Well, Mr. Ludo you can all call me Lester the Jester, and as for my worth? I¡¯m going to bring some much-needed fun to this academy.¡± Ludo¡¯s smile tightened awkwardly. Who was this guy kidding, no one was going to believe that his real name was actually Lester the Jester. Did this so call Lester think others wouldn¡¯t notice that he had his face wrapped in a scarf, and was trying to hide his identity? The absurdity baffled Ludo as well as many of the students. Even the serious mood Nike, couldn¡¯t help letting out a muffled giggle. As for Nyx, her brain began to hurt realizing she might have lost to an imbecile. As for what he meant about bringing fun to this academy they had no idea. The academy could also be considered to have dozens of recreational activities to relieve the stress of the students. What sort of fun could he possibly bring that they couldn¡¯t already find? Some students, as well as all Ludo, couldn¡¯t help but sigh, realizing this guy didn¡¯t know about the Naming Stone check-in. ¡°While I would like to tell you how stupid what you just said sound¡¯s I am also aware of how large this world can be, leading to some questionable decisions from parents. I will inform you though that if that truly is you name the Naming Stone will confirm it for us.¡± Ludo then pointed at an enormous stone at the entrance of the academy, which happened to be a huge 2 door entrance made of some unknown substance for the general public. ¡®Fucking what! They have a way to check my name!¡¯ Loki while appearing the same on the surface actually felt his back gain a cold sweat. ¡®SHITSHITSHIT. I¡¯ve got to get somewhere alone so I can use Ygg¡¯s Pen. Loki needed to find an excuse to get away from so many eyes for a moment, otherwise, everyone would learn his real name, and his plans would crumble before he could start them. Ludo then turned to Benjamin and gave him some good news. ¡°Young man while you didn¡¯t win you showed a will to succeed that I rarely encounter. You''re also a great sport actually trying to become friends with your opponent, and even remaining the same after being told you lost. These traits make a great man, and for this, I will give you a B rank Item from my own collection for your outstanding character. Just promise me you¡¯ll work on respecting your elders.¡± Ludo patted his back and smiled as Benjamin readily agreed with him. While it wasn¡¯t an A rank item, he doubted many other first years would have one as well. ¡°Now everyone you¡¯ll all receive your rewards later in the day, and as for the top 10s, you¡¯ll be taken to collect your additional rewards tomorrow after you''ve settled in at your dorms. Top 10s for being above the rest, the academy will also provide you with luxurious dorms for you first years. They are exclusive to wealthy individuals, and the winners of the Race.¡± Ludo then looked at the injured, and spoke up once more ¡°We will now split for a break until the rest of the injured are attended to. Till then feel free to mingle with your fellow students. Loki was just about to use the excuse of needing to go to the bathroom with the redheaded girl from earlier Nike stood in his way. ¡°Congratulations on getting first place on the race portion... Lester.¡± Her serious face visible twitched as Loki saw her barely holding back her laughter. Loki decided to respond casually without any jabs knowing that this was someone who he still couldn¡¯t afford to make an enemy out of. He could feel her power, and confidence radiate from her making him feel a real physical pressure. He didn¡¯t show it though, and remained aloof, as he responded back. ¡°The race was nothing special compared to your stunning performance at collecting over 189 stones, that must be some sort of record.¡± Letting loose some flattery Loki tried to think of a way out of the current situation. Nike began to grin, she could tell that Loki was simply trying to flatter her so she would leave him alone. She was really curious as to why he would hide his face, and make such an absurd claim as his name. But more seriously she could also feel some danger from Loki. Danger she hadn¡¯t felt from anyone else besides the professors. She wanted to activate Profound Vision to see his name, and threat level but it was too obvious when her eyes slit like a cat¡¯s and began to glow red. So, for now, she would be fine learning his name from the Naming Stone, and looking for him at their new dorms later down the line.
Profound Vision- Passively improves the user''s ability to detect danger from others. When activated the user''s eyes will become dragon-like, and begin to glow red. The user will be able to see the names of anything directly within their vision with the breath of life. It will also show the user a rough estimation of the capabilities of the targetwith different colors representing their specialty, and thehues level of danger. (Current Cost 20% of the user''s mana/s.) Arete Tier-Mythic
Loki was getting frantic, he only had a few minutes left to get out of sight, and use Ygg¡¯s Pen, but this annoying girl wouldn¡¯t let him be, she just examined him trying to discover his secrets directly from her gaze alone. Having lost his patience he simply went with the most natural escape he could think off. ¡°Sorry but I have got to take a massive shit, would you mind letting me go?¡±
Yggdrasil''s Pen- Being the inheritor of the system the user is able to adjust small things that are part of the system. False status screen production being the first unlocked action the pen allows the user to perform, leaving others with inspecting capabilities unable to see the real screen. Defense systems that use the system for identification can also be manipulated by adding, and removing names from the allowed list. System based contracts are also able to be manipulated as long as they are small changes that don¡¯t divert too much from the contracts end goal. The user is also able to make their own contracts. Further abilities will naturally come as the user grows into his role as Inheritor. (Cost 30% of the casters mana. This price is locked until a relevant evolution.Arete Tier-Unique
Nike¡¯s face visible tighten in disgust hearing him say something so vulgar without a care in the world, the same was true for others around him. Did he have no shame she thought? Nike was smart enough to realize Loki had only said this to get away from her, but it was quite effective since she couldn¡¯t stop someone who so blatantly revealed that they had to go relieve themselves. Loki smile underneath his scarf wide enough for even Nike to notice, which actually made her a little angry. This punk had no shame and was willing to say such a disgusting thing to her just to get away. Moving out the way Nike let the shameful bastard leave. Finally able to escape Nike¡¯s clutches Loki went up to a medic he saw attending to some injured students and asked where he could find the restrooms. The medic though surprised directed him towards some permanent latrines they had built outside the city wall. Quickly rushing forward and leaving many believe he really had to go, Loki made it to a restroom and locked himself in. He sighed and sat down. Things were getting more hectic than he expected. Not only had he made an enemy out of a powerful witch in his age group he also might have annoyed one of the strongest students in his age group as well. Not to mention the fiery hot jealous stares he had gotten from dozens of other students as he talked to Nike. Loki decided to just cleanse his mind, and make sure there was no one else around. Not detecting anyone else Loki Twirled his fingers, and whispered ¡°Yggdrasils Pen.¡± A bright green glowing pen appeared between his fingertips. Calling it a pen wouldn''t be very accurate considering it looked more like a thin twig, but it was named after a pen, so that''s what Loki called it. He then opened his status screen, and quickly made a fake screen, and layered it over his real status screen. Ygg''s pen glowed brightly as he made adjustments. Now no matter what someone used unless he willed it all they would see, or learn from him was the fake screen he had made. Feeling like he had dodged a bullet, Loki left the latrines and made his way back towards the victory area. Those that saw him could instantly tell from his more relaxed manner that whatever he had been holding had been released, and he was now lightened. Even Nike began to believe that he actually had left to relieve himself. This made her feel guilty and embarrassed for actually holding back someone long enough that they become desperate enough to say it to her directly. Her face lightly became tinged red, as she looked away. They would all find out his real name soon enough which was all she really was interested in at the moment. A few more minutes passed by before Ludo returned to his podium, and called for silence. ¡°Now that everyone has been treated let''s begin the Naming Stone ceremony. Everyone line up, top 10s are allowed to go first if they wish.¡± His stare focused down at Loki who just stood there, aloof not paying the glaring professor any mind. Annoyed the professor called him out. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go first LESTER.¡± Some worry filled Ludo¡¯s voice as he asked Loki. This was the first time such an event like this had occurred. He had actually hoped the young man would back out and tell them his real name so he wouldn''t embarrass himself too badly when the Naming Stone spoke his real name. His face visible sadden though when Loki refused and, chose to say something else instead. ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t you like the tension after it builds Professor Ludo.¡± As Loki used the expression that Ludo himself had used earlier, Ludo couldn¡¯t help but sigh realizing that Loki was the type of individual that could only learn from failure. ¡°Yes... being able to handle tension is what makes a man!¡± Ludo said passionately. A lot of the other students couldn¡¯t wait to see Loki make himself look like a fool, jealous of both how he won the race and gotten to talk to the beautiful Nike. Nyx on the other, felt her migraine grow stronger as she wondered if this really was the same person that had taken her down, and if so wouldn''t that make her the bigger idiot for being tricked? The top 10¡¯s went first, leading Loki to learn their names. He even discovered that the girl who had attacked him was named Nyx Techne. She was like him hiding her face, but even she couldn''t escape from the Naming stone. Eventually, hundreds more had their names announced, and as the numbers dwindle more and more people let their gazes fall on the silent Loki, who appeared like he didn¡¯t have a care in the world. Then came the time when there was no one else, and everyone was staring at Loki. Even knowing that he was in the clear Loki couldn¡¯t help but start to lightly sweat feeling all the gazes on him. Ludo came over and patted him on the shoulder, and gave Loki a few more words. ¡°After all this look for me, I¡¯d love to give some pointers to someone such as yourself regardless of what others might say of it.¡± Loki simply nodded impressed with the quality of the teachers so far at Onyx Academy. He made his way over to the enormous stone, and stop 20cm away from it. 2000 plus eyes were focused on him as he stretched his arm forward and lightly placed his hand on the Naming Stone. The stone began to read the name of his status screen, but paused for a second feeling something wrong, but simply ignored the feeling, read outloud what it found. WELCOME TO ONYX ACADEMY LESTER THE JESTER. The monotone voice of the Naming Stone felt like the loudest thing any of the listeners had ever heard. Silence reigned supreme as hundreds of individuals remained dazed and still, unable to process what was going on. Loki just stood there silent barely holding himself together as his chest heaved up, and down in mute laughter. Eventually, the majority, all at the same time simply yelled.¡°WWWWWHHHHHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!¡± The day was August 23, 2225, The Infamous Lester the Jester AKA Loki Irminsul has just joined Onyx Academy. No one knew, but things would never be the same from this moment onwards. The fun he promised this day would be experienced by thousands in the coming years. The Jester was ready to play.
Name: Loki Irminsul Current Condition Arete: Morph/ Inheritor of Yggdrasil Cultivation Method: Shifting Seasons Spells Martial Arts Affinities Titles Bonded Item Skills: Ragnarok
Level:0 Current Health:92% Gewixlen Forms: Null, Blurr Rejuvenating Spring Minor teleport D Viper Strike-C+ Fire Rank D- Inheritor of Yggdrasil Absorb Weapon
Species: Human Current Stamina:67% Adaptable Raging Summer Minor Fireball C+ Haste-A+ Lightning Rank B+ Prankster Blood Feast (Locked)
Sex: Male Current Mana:89% Yggdrasil''s Blessing Descending Autumn Static A- Shadow Blend-B+ Darkness Rank D+ Mind Feast (Locked)
Cultivation: Mortal Realm LvL 7 Current Regen /m: Hp/0.15 Sp/0.088 Mp/0.165 Yggdrasil''s Pen Absolute Winter Shadow Decoy C- Unarmed Combat C+ Chaos Rank B- ShapeShift (Locked)
Buffs/Debuffs: None Creature Morph: Wolf, Owl, Snake Space Rank D
State of Mind: Normal Detail Morph
Base Stats STR: 110 AGI: 260 END: 88 LCK:Hidden WIL: 94 WIS: 88 VIT: 150 INT: 165 PER: 143
Chapter 5 The Race (Nike And Nyx) August 23, 2225- 65 miles from Onyx Academy The sound of the flowing river produced a pleasant, and dull drone that relaxed Nike. She was currently relishing the soft grassy earth that tickled her skin, and the warmth of the sun on her face. She would have remained entirely at peace it wasn''t for a stray muddled thought that left her wondering where she was. Her mind felt fuzzy and unresponsive, unable to collect itself enough to form more coherent thoughts. As the minutes went by the haze in her mind began to slowly disperse, as an essential thought eventually knocked her out of the trance she was under. ¡°THE ACADEMY!¡± Warning bells screeched in her mind, and the remaining wisps of confusion were blown away. Awakened from her stupor, Nike in her state of panic slammed her hands the on the earth sending of grass, and soil flying in multiple directions. The impact sent her high into the air where she performed a backflip before landing in a defensive stance. As Nike surveyed her surroundings, she discovered other individuals that appeared to be in a daze similar to what she had just undergone. While most remained on the ground, she could already spot movement from dozens of her fellow students, or at least that''s what she believed them to be. Further inspection of their position provided Nike with a more detailed picture of their current situation. From what she could tell they were trapped in a ravine with steep mountainous cliffs that loomed over them to their east, and west. Unless they chose to climb up the dangerously steep walls their only alternative was to follow the river up north, or down south. She was just about to yell out, and attract the attention of the now mostly awake students. An action that was most likely redundant seeing as she had already caught the eyes of many of the students, who all seemed to be more concerned with learning where such a beauty like Nike had come from. It was at that moment that a Giant Head appeared in the sky astonishing the majority of the students. It began to speak about a tradition that the academy seemed to hold every year. The unexpected news was a pleasant surprise to Nike. The giant head prattled on, and eventually, another professor at his location had to tell him to get to the point. The head now with a name, Ludo grunted in annoyance before he began speaking once more about the race, the battle portion, prizes, and eventually the rules. Nike¡¯s blood boiled in excitement, as the thought of testing herself against those within her age group thrilled her. She knew she was most likely a multitude of times more potent than the majority of them, but that couldn¡¯t quench her excitement. The tension began to grow as the students who felt confident in themselves, started scoping out weaker targets. Among them, around little more than a dozen male students could be seen, peeking in Nike¡¯s direction, with less than flattering lights in their eyes. Nike felt the hot, and burning glares on herself, and while annoyed, she was satisfied with knowing that they had made themselves known to her. It was sudden but the moment the Professor gave the go-ahead all hell broke loose as the peaceful riverside became a chaotic battlefield of magic, and martial arts. Nike who was relatively near the center was quickly surrounded, but she just stood there her beautiful face remaining calm, and unresponsive seemingly oblivious to the chaos around her. It didn¡¯t appear like they had purposely grouped up together, but from what Nike was hearing, most of them seemed like degenerates of the same type. One student, in particular, was quite vocal with his fantasies, which to Nike frayed away from the last of her patience. The uncaring face Nike had been expressing changed slowly as it morphed into the most brutally savaged smiled any of students had ever laid their eyes upon. Some even began doubt that a human could even smile in such a cruel way, as they unconsciously started shivering. Nike had in a way, administered a test that would help her determine, whether, or not holding back was necessary. But in the end they had in their blatant disrespect towards her failed miserably, and now they were about to pay the price. ¡°So guys want to have some fun.¡± Unbelievably the smile grew even wider and sinister in nature as she spoke once more. ¡°I just hope you¡¯ll last long enough, I¡¯ve seemed to have the terrible habit of breaking my toys when I play.¡± Her dark eyes, were a portal to the underworld, a bottomless pit of despair for those she deemed as enemies. Releasing an indescribable pressure, Nike leans forward lightly as the ground beneath her feet shattered as she disappeared before the eyes of the soon to be comatose students. Nike having activated Haste, and Rising Dragon, dashed forward as her footsteps left spider web cracks on the ground, bringing her before the male student who had been more vocal with his vulgarity. Apparently, he was smart enough to realize he had offended someone he definitely shouldn¡¯t have because Nike having reached him in an instant saw his horror-filled eyes desperately trying to find a method of escape. It was unfortunate for him that there was no escaping the punishment of Nike Shori.
Rising Dragon- Passive- Within the first 5 hours of waking up all physical stats are increased by 4% if the owner is well rested. HP,SP,MP regeneration is also increased by .5% p/m. Active- Increases Strength, agility, and vitality by 10% each, as well as increasing regeneration HP by 2% per minute. The user is also able to glide through the air with a pair of fiery wings that can be willed to appear on the user''s back. Currently consumes 3% of the Practitioners mana per minute(5% with wings), as well as 4% of stamina per minute(6% with wings). Martial MOve Tier- Mythic
Using both hands, Nike grabbed his right arm and twisted it shattering the bones in his upper forearm. Not planning on ending it there Nike then proceeded to apply more pressure forcing the bone splinters to dig into the flesh effectively enhancing the pain by an entire level. Nike then followed up by letting loose a powerful kick to his sternum feeling it cave in under her shin. The student was losing his mind as the pain began to assault him at full force, but even after all this Nike still wasn¡¯t done yet. She wanted to turn this person into an example what would happen to those who spoke to her with such vulgarity. She stood there holding the screaming man, who by the skin of his teeth remained on the edge of sanity. His very ability to form coherent thoughts slowly began to fade away, as the sight instilled a fear so powerful it left the remaining male students incapable of moving. They all felt as though they had unknowingly entered the lair of a dragon, and had the entrance collapse leaving unable to escape. They could only stare as she quickly shattered the male student''s bones, moving from limb to limb with unnatural precision, until just the whimpers of madness could be heard. While she had made sure to avoid any permanent damage, even with the best healers around, it would still take the male student months to recover from the deep trauma she had just instilled into him. To those watching from the sidelines what happened next scared the living daylights out of them. The red-headed monster seeming to have had her fun discarded the sack of flesh, and splinters like one would with a dirty rag. Not giving it another glance she then proceeded to slaughter the remaining male students, not holding back, apparent from the sickening crunches her fists produced when they impacted their bodies. There were even some that fainted on the spot out of fear, but she still took the time to break a leg, or arm as she hunted those trying to escape from her punishment. These acts of cruelty and show of force occurred in a short period of 2 minutes, but to students watching, it was an eternity of violence. The blue beacon had already appeared in the sky, but none of the regular students at Nike¡¯s location were able to move, as they trembled, thankful to their past selves that they hadn¡¯t attacked this inhuman monster disguising herself as a regular person. A significant portion of the remaining male students even feared she would lump them all together with her attackers, and proceed to attack them as well. Even though those of the new world weren¡¯t very religious, prayers to any being that would listen were made. The most numerous one being, Nike¡¯s bloodthirst to have been stated already --------- Nike had just finished collecting 29 stones from her fallen enemies when she realized how quiet her surroundings were. The silence worried her as she lifted her head to look around only to find 70ish of the remaining students standing still with, bodies petrified before the girl who fought like a demon. The sight saddened Nike as she realized she might have taken things a bit too far, but she could only sullenly accept the outcome. The cruelty that Nike demonstrated was something she held no pleasure in but was what her master had instilled into her from his earliest lessons. Brutality was what he believed to be a necessary evil. Though traumatizing, it was very successful as preventing those with vile desires to act out on them. There was also the other edge of the of cruelty that could warp the inflictor. He went over the subject extensively to properly teach Nike that its use must be sparingly unless one wished to risk corruption of the soul. This would lead to making it incapable of distinguishing between the innocent, and the guilty. To those watching the display of cruelty, it would serve of as warning of sorts that acting on such vile desires could lead to a similar punishment from her, or some other equally cruel individual. Silently becoming aware that no one would move until she left, Nike drooped her head down sadly, as she dashed away toward the blue beacon in the distant north. Though she fancied herself as a fighter for justice, she had at a young age learned that sometimes that to save others, remaining the pure white of justice was an impossibility, and she would have to muddy herself with the darkness becoming an unpleasant grey. Unfortunately the gray, in its efforts to protect the white would continue to taint itself until what it fought for became unable to recognize it from the vile black. In a display of power, Nike had changed the lives of many of those that watched her that day. Some would forever remain fearful of her and believe her to be a monster. While others would eventually learn from her, and understand the cruelty of the world. But one thing was for sure, what had occurred here today would spread like wildfire once it reached the academy. ------------ Nike having left the battlefield followed the river north quickly moving out of range for the eyes of the students at the teleportation drop zone. As she made her way forward towards the beacon, she ignored others she passed, only reacting to those who attacked her. She found this to be an easier way to collect the stones since only those genuinely confident in their abilities seemed to attack without care. This overconfidence provided Nike with a large payout as most of her opponents could be taken out in a quick scuffle. The number of stones she had risen rapidly as within 10 minutes she had reached a total of 79. Having already gathered 3 stacks in Victories Rewards Nike without making use of any of her other abilities had a 6% boost to all her base physical stats resulting in her already comparably skewed stats almost impossible to deal with for her unsuspecting opponents.
Victories Rewards- Whenever the owner defeats a weak opponent compared to themselves, they receive a buff of 2% to all physical stats. A 5% buff is received if the individual is closer to being equally challenging. Lastly, a 10% buff is received if the individual is the owner''s equal or even more powerful. These buffs stack 3 times each individually, and each last over 24 hours, but cannot be refreshed until then. The buffs are each named from weakest to strongest Dominance over Weak, Challenge of the Strong, Victory over the Powerful. The owner in the case of defeat will also receive a debuff regardless of the power of the one who defeated them. This debuff is called The Shame of Defeat. All stats are decreased by 5% percent for every loss, stacking up to 4 times. This debuff lasts 48 hours and can be refreshed completely at every loss. Arete Tier-Unique
As more, of the different groups, gathered, Nike found more challenging opponents who could entertain her for lengthier fights. These opponents often paid out well, with most of them having upwards of 20 stones each. The combat remained brutal near the plains leading to the academy, as the sounds of frantic fighting echo throughout the students who warred amongst themselves with all they had. Nike herself brawled and fought until eventually, no one came to challenge her anymore. After having seen her dispatch dozens of opponents, with the simplicity of flicking her wrist the rest of the students made sure to remain at least 15 meters from her at all times. Most of the students had decided that she wasn¡¯t worth the trouble, and left her alone. Eventually, Nike couldn¡¯t help but start to grow bored. She had gathered a total of 189 stones and was watching the fights from the top of a bolder. Unable to find anyone else to test her mettle with, Nike was about to head towards the beacon, when she felt the familiar sensation of a teleportation spell wrap around her, and with that she and the rest of the students were whisked away towards the academy. ------------- Nyx Techne- August 23, 2225- 65 miles from Onyx Academy Nyx found herself ankle deep in marsh mud as her face bunched up in disgust when she felt the muddy waters seep into her boots. This wasn¡¯t exactly how she planned to make her debate at the academy, but as she looked around and saw close to a hundred students lying unconscious in different positions in the mud, she could only feel grateful she wasn¡¯t them. Not wishing to have her socks, and feet soak, any longer in the marsh, Nyx began using Telekinesis, and lifted her body out of the mud. She floated there silently, emitting an aura of royalty, even the dirtied boots couldn¡¯t take away from her commanding presence.
Telekinesis- This Special martial arts lets the user move things with their mind. Lift and movement produced by this ability starts with the equivalent of 50 points of the strength stat, with every 50 points of intelligence increasing this by 15 points of equivalent strength stat. Starting range is 1 meter with every letter rank providing another 2 meters. Opponents can resist the effects of Telekinesis on themselves by covering themselves in a thin layer of mana. Currently consumes 0.1% of mana p/s, and 0.2% stamina p/s. Overuse can cause severe headaches and light brain hemorrhage. Lesser Kinesis such as terrakinesis and pyrokinesis can be learned easier with the help of Telekinesis. Martial Arts Tier- Legendary
With a slight twist of her hat, her face became obscured in a eerie shadow, hiding the beauty beneath. Nyx had never enjoyed the attention her face brought her, and while her body would still attract its fair share, it was acceptable compared to the waves of ¡®flies¡¯ that surrounded her when she left her face exposed. Nyx began to recall the information she had overheard from her mother Terra, and Colton the night before. Both her mother and Colton had gotten slightly intoxicated with a special brew of mana infused alcohol Terra made once in a while. While her mother had said she could have a single cup, giving up even the smallest amount of control over herself was something that Nyx abhorred. Instead, she chose to listen to her mother and Colton¡¯s school life stories as she drank what she considered to be the nectar of the gods, coffee. Unfortunately for Nyx, they were very vague, leaving her unable to discern some much-needed information about the academy. The reason for this was because parents were often warned not to inform their children too much about what the academy was like, as to make sure the experience was felt at its fullest. This was something her mother fully believed in, leading to the current situation where Nyx was starved for Intel. They also didn¡¯t allow acceptance to students if they had leveled up already. They say it has something to do with the impure mana of lesser dungeons, slowing down growth. As the night dragged on, and Nyx sipped on her steaming cup of black coffee, what she was waiting for finally happened. Colton and Terra grew tipsier until eventually they accidentally released some much-needed information on the academy. ¡°Do you remember the first day at Onyx Terra¡­¡®hic¡¯¡± The drowsy words leaked from Colton. ¡°How could I forget Colton, it was hilarious watching you run around like a chicken with its head cut of when everyone found out you had stolen a bag full of stones. The fact that you somehow managed to keep them still amazes me to this day!¡± Terra¡¯s giggles interrupted her every other few words as Nyx¡¯s attention intensified, trying to understand everything that came out of their mouth. ¡°Truly it was a shame that neither of us got to enjoy the race, but with our inherent lack of speed it was to be expected.¡± Colton said thinking back at how they hadn¡¯t even been able to compete with their faster peers. ¡°What''s in the past has already happened Colt, it''s not like you ever needed speed, just look at yourself now, one of the most sought-after healers on the planet.¡± Terra in the middle of her laughter suddenly choked on her drink as she remembered her silent daughter, and exclaimed at the realization at what they had done. Her neck turned so fast to face her daughter, Nyx could have sworn she heard a crack. ¡°Nyx, you can¡¯t tell anyone what we just said! Old Nora would ban us for a decade if she found out we spilled the beans on the race!¡± Terra¡¯s worried wasn¡¯t without reason, as the memory of what happened to a fellow peer of hers that once helped their child prepare for the race surfaced on her mind. When it was discovered Old Nora revoked his alumni access to the academy for a grueling 25 years. This could only be seen as a severe punishment since the quality of goods produced across the academies were always of higher quality compared to the rest of the world. As her mother gazed at her with pleading eyes, Nyx couldn¡¯t help but sigh, but then smile softly at her mother. The fear of the principal''s punishment seemed to have really shaken her mother, she would have to watch herself around such an individual in the future. Now with the information having degraded in quality, it was not as useful as it could have been, but it was still better than nothing. ¡°Relax mom, no one will find out. I¡¯ll pretend to be surprised just like everyone else.¡± Seeing the sincerity in her daughter Terra couldn¡¯t help her eyes mist up in her drunken state. ¡°Oh, what sort of saint must I have been in my past life to deserve such an amazing daughter.¡± As her mother and Colton headed off to bed, Nyx remained sitting, silently sipping on her cooling coffee as she pondered about the situation. Nyx knew that even without having the element of surprise on her fellow students, she could still prepare herself in ways that wouldn¡¯t be seen as suspicious.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Nyx¡¯s focus returned to the present, she gave her surroundings a thorough examination. They all seemed to have been teleported onto a vast spanning marsh. It was next to an even more massive deep blue lake fed by a flowing river to the south. To the north, she could see thick woodland, seemingly without an end. Nyx fell into deep thought once more as she planned her next move. As ever the present feeling of wet boots began to interrupt her thought process, an idea popped into her head as she looked at all the soaked students. The sides of her mouth inched upwards by an amount only someone such a Terra, or Colton would be ably recognized as a rarely seen smile. Now with a plan, Nyx floated back down to the marsh but not before freezing over the marsh floor beneath her with an extremely weaken Ice Age, a surprising sight usually considering only 3rd years, and older adults could manipulate the strength of spells at the Rare tier, and above. The wet mud froze solid, as a raised platform of ice, and mud formed, and she landed softly preparing to wait for whatever announcement they¡¯ll have for her, and the rest of the students.
Ice Age- Large AOE Flash freezes, target location with the starting size being 50 meters in diameter. Base damage/temperature is determined by Intelligence, with Wisdom determining the base durability of the Ice. Every letter rank increases this by 10 meters as well as the durability, and temperature of the ice. Current user is able to concentrate the power of the spell as well as its size. This ranges from 5% effect to 100%. Current Mana consumptions, rates vary. Full power 45%, of the users mana, Middle 30% of the users mana. Weakest 1-5% of the users mana. Spell Tier-Rare---- Preferred Attributes- Sub Attribute Ice
Time flowed by, and the groans of the stirring students could be heard. It didn¡¯t take long before a few students began freaking out. All they could discern was the fact that they weren¡¯t at the academy, but in some godforsaken marsh, where some students even found themselves knee deep in it. It wasn¡¯t long before everyone awoke from their daze, with some even huddling together in groups. A few even tried getting near Nyx before a sudden invisible force pushed one of them back deep enough into the mud that others had to help pull him out before he drowned. Angry at the sudden violence, some of the boy ¡¯s friends were about to retaliate when a thunderous voice was heard from the sky. It was a massive holographic head floating there with a serious but excited face. Turned out to be a professor of the academy. He appeared to be in charge of them for the race as he began to explain their situation. As he informed them all of the rules, and prizes, the surrounding marsh grew excited. Nyx¡¯s gaze turned sharp as she heard the first place prizes. Ludo eventually reached the end of his speech before, letting loose the words of struggle. The students who had their friend attacked all felt their focus on the strange girl with the obscured face, and witch hat. This race gave them the perfect opportunity, to pay her back. They were just about to rush her when, bone-chilling, bewitching voice echoed throughout the marsh. ¡°Let the world turn white, as the never-ending winter begins. Ice Age.¡± The last thing the students saw before they later woke up was an all-encompassing white light, and then sudden darkness. It was over in an instant, and Nyx felt herself fall onto the ground as mental exhaustion gripped her. Having used Ice Age at its max strength twice already in a single day had left her, with a slight migraine. The sudden loss of 45% of her mana was the price to pay for such a powerful, and large spell. She had no other option though if she wished to win the A rank item. The Marshfield before her eyes was now a crystallized winter wonderland, with all of the students at her location having been unable to defend themselves from the sudden attack. They were all covered in ice from their toes to their upper mouth, allowing the use of breathing with nostrils. While a normal human might have died from this much ice covering their bodies, anyone at least at the third level of martial cultivation is able to resist the cold for up to of 2 hours. This meant none of their lives were actually in any danger unless they were unable to break the ice in time. Nyx pulled herself up with Telekinesis, and slowly made her way towards some of the student''s, intent on taking their stones. While some of the ice could already be heard cracking from the struggle of the more powerful students, Nyx new she still had at least a few minutes of looting available to her. She made her rounds amongst the students cracking the ice around where she felt the stone was, pulling it out with Telekinesis. Efficiency was something she firmly believed in, so ignoring the more powerfully struggling students Nyx eventually managed to collect 65 stones before leaving. Her time was just about up as she saw dozens off of the students begin to shatter the ice that encased them and yell at her direction, fuming with rage at being turned into ice sculptures. Knowing she didn¡¯t have enough mana to engage with so many students Nyx quickly levitated high into the air, and pushed herself towards the beacon in the north. Her speed thanks to her Telekinesis being comparable to someone with low 200 agility, quickly leaving the sights of the angry crowd of students. Nyx flew along, urging her passive Supreme Psyche increase the regeneration of her mana at the cost of some stamina. She eventually found a tall tree with a branch large enough to hide by. She couldn''t continue flying, as a migraine began to stab at her mind like little needles. Eventually, she found a well-hidden branch where she landed and sat down to enter a meditative state to help clear her mind, as well resupply her low mana.
Supreme Psyche- Whenever the owner receives a stat point for mind related stat besides willpower, they will instead gain twice that amount. The Penalty is that the owner will only receive 50% whenever the they gain a physical stat. This will be rounded down for anything above 1, and rounded up to 1 for anything below 1. Mana regeneration can be increased to 3% for every 1% of stamina when in a meditative state. Arete Tier-Unique.
She was confident she had at least 10 minutes to rest since she hadn¡¯t seen any others after leaving her drop zone. Nyx felt herself relax, as the surrounding mana entered her body increasing her regeneration even more, to a total of 3% a minute. The time quickly ticked by until around 8 minutes into meditation, the Omni-codex suddenly appeared in her mind, filling it with urging words. ¡®A powerful tool is in the hands of an individual heading towards our direction. If you can acquire it, it will provide us with a way to improve your soul by using the item as a catalyst. You will quickly kill them, and steal it afterward. With some tinkering, the murder will become undetectable, and will simply become a missing case.¡¯ The Codex was absolute in what it said, leaving Nyx unable to resist its command. Nyx had yet to actually kill someone, and while she didn¡¯t feel happy about what she was about to do, all she would really feel afterward would be some slight guilt. She wasn¡¯t the kind girl she once was in the past. Her soul had experience unimaginable torment because of the codex, leaving her colder towards others. Only her mother and Colton held any importance to her. Though the slight haze of her migraine pestered her, she had recovered her mana to over 64% leaving her confidant in a fight against just one individual. Making use of her high perception, Nyx caught sight of her target, a slim, and tall student who seemed to be hiding his identity with a black scarf that was wrapped around his head. The first thing after seeing his appearance that Nyx felt was a subconscious sense of danger, seemly telling her there was more to this person than what she could physically see. This strangeness made Nyx ensured she would not hold back and would cast a mid-strength, Ice Age on her target. He was moving at blazing speeds, but thanks to her high intelligence she could still calculate where his path would pass by. Predicting his next few moves, Nyx let loose an Ice Age just as the black scarfed student was about to land on the branch. ¡°Let the world turn white, Ice Age.¡± As Nyx watch as the young man moved towards his death, she felt a slight tingling in her consciousness caused by some weak guilt. He was just about to land when the most absurd thing Nyx had ever seen in her life happened. The young man not even a meter away from the branch suddenly twisted in the air, as 2 shadows versions of himself appeared out of nowhere, providing him with the leverage, to send himself flying towards the trunk of the tree. The inhuman movement he achieved was only triumphed by the seemingly impossible discovery of the trap. Nyx felt woozy as the Ice Age spell consumed a large portion of her remaining mana. While she still had enough mana to fight, the migraine caused by consistently using Ice Age had left her to muddle-headed. As she looked at the young man, on the branch breathing heavily, Nyx caught sight of his eye¡¯s. Golden great eyes different from her could own silver-grey eyes, filled with the powerful emotion of defiance. The brief view was of someone who would never bend to the will of others, something Nyx lacked before the codex, something she craved. Nyx tried to dissipate the light haze in her mind, outwards she looks no different but she currently wasn¡¯t at her best, and she was completely aware of the fact. Unwilling to let the black scarfed student, get away Nyx cast an Ice Spike, hurled it towards her opponent. She would throw even more Ice Spikes as he became distracted, from the initial one, or at least that what she believed would happen. Ice Spike- Creates a cylinder pointed spike, with base power/speed dependant on Intelligence, and durability and size dependant on Wisdom. Starting diameter of Ice spike is 2 cm, with a length of 14 cm, with diameter increasing by 1 cm per letter rank, and Length by 2 cm per letter rank. Currently consumes 0.5% of the users mana per spike. Spell Tier- Uncommon----Preferred Attributes- Sub Attribute Ice. The black scarfed kid went from being motionless to instantaneous movement, and he rocketed away from the tree towards her narrowly avoiding the initial spike. Her mind was foggy as he soared towards her. She was about to repel him with Telekinesis, when 3 copies of him appeared before her, blocking her vision of the original behind. While it startled her, she instantly reacted sweeping the fake¡¯s with Telekinesis, giving her a full view of the real black scarf student. What appeared in her sight was something she couldn''t have expected, as a long and ferocious snake flew at her, having appeared out of nowhere. The distraction caused her to miss the snake with Telekinesis, enabling it to make contact with her. As the snake quickly made its way up her body, it wrapped itself around her tightening its grip. Nyx¡¯s reaction speed moved at a snail''s pace as the surprised, and haze covering her mind prevented her from instantly tearing it from her body. It was just as Nyx was about to react when she felt an intense pain even stronger than what she had undergone with the codex. As the fangs penetrated deep into her shoulder and injected their burning poison, Nyx let out a blood-curdling scream that could shatter glass. In a rage she subconsciously ripped the accursed snake binding her, and slammed into the ground, followed by an Ice Spike aimed at its head. The Ice Spike missed, only managing to hit its torso. Nyx was about to cast Ice Spike once more, but was then surprised when she tried to create the spell sequence Nyx sensed the connection to her mana and body split from her mind. She felt herself fall, and hit a branch she was levitating above. While the impact wasn¡¯t to painful, Nyx still felt the numbed pain her body received. A swirling mess, of confusion, and rage filled her mind, a state she promised she would never let herself fall under again. She could for now accept for now the codex¡¯s control over her but, at the moment she was at the mercy of a man she had never met before. With the dominant emotion being the rage she felt at he scarfed man, and at herself for not being careful enough. Never had she read anywhere of someone able to completely morph at the speed he had. This unexpected situation led to her defeat at the hands of someone she was confident in defeating if she hadn¡¯t overused Ice Age. As Nyx laid there, awaiting the for the black scarfed student to steal her stones, in her mind the codex directly sent her one message. ¡®It seems you''re still a weak and helpless child, defeated by subpar trickery. At this rate, you¡¯ll never reach your full potential, let alone get rid of me.¡¯ A different sort of poison began to flow through her body, as the rage and indignation caused by the codex, and indirectly the black scarfed student took shape in the form of words. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pay you three-fold for what you have done to me today, Black scarf.¡± The golden eye¡¯s turned towards her, a trace of annoyance could be seen, as he realized this wouldn¡¯t be the end. Nyx promised herself right then, there that she would get her revenge. She wouldn¡¯t kill him that would be too easy, as well as being illegal within the academy. Instead, she would find out who he was, and properly, defeat him with her full arsenal of spells, leaving him even more humiliated than she currently felt. For some reason whether it be because of the threat, or the race the black scarf student didn¡¯t steal her stones, and instead chose to leave. Not giving Nyx another look he quickly disappeared into the forest, leaving the poisoned Nyx to her own issues. Not much more happened after this fight for Nyx. She eventually cleansed the poison and drank a tier 2 mana elixir, which helped her calm her mind, as well as regenerated most of her mana. If she wished to even get into the top 10 for some prizes, she couldn¡¯t be thrifty. Anger coursing through her veins Nyx became a spear of destruction, as she quickly made her way towards the beacon, collecting the stones of her fellow students, not showing much mercy as she impaled them into the ground, stole their stones, and continued on her way. In the future, these students would think back, to this day and become grateful that they had come out mostly unharmed from an encounter with the ruthless Silver Witch. Nyx eventually reached the end, barely coming in 10th place, and when she saw that the black scarfed student was there, she calmly held back her anger, chose to relax. Now she just had to see what she got for the stone challenge. It turned out her collection of 91 stones wasn¡¯t enough as she got 5th place, losing to 3 males, and a female who Nyx was surprised to see was just as beautiful as she was. She also felt the most powerful sense of danger from this woman who seemed to radiated power, and strength. Nyx had come to the academy expecting to be superior compared to her peers, but the real world had caught up with her. She might have superior abilities, and growth but they were all still just first years. Power could be held by the most unsuspecting individual, not being careful as she had been with the black scarfed man was something she would never let happen to herself again. She was now at the academy, she would make a name for herself, using those who would get in her way as stepping stones. Today was the first day, of the soon to be widely known, and feared Silver Witch''s rise to power.
Name: Nike Shori Current Condition Arete: Victorious Cultivation Method: Prowess of the Dragon Spells Martial Arts Affinities Titles Bonded Item Skills: Tiamat
Level:0 Current Health:98% Victory''s Rewards Rising Dragon Hearth-B Wind Blade- B Rire Rank A- Crimson Princess Eruption
Species:Human Current Stamina:90% Destined For Greatness Patience of the Dragon Stone Shield-C+ Haste-A- Earth Rank D Raging Gorilla Magma Pool
Sex:Female Current Mana:85% Profound Vision Fury of the Dragon Light Orb-B Fiery Outburst-B+ Light Rank C- Fire Attunement
Cultivation:Mortal Realm LvL 9 Current Regen /m: Hp/0.198 Sp/0.108 Mp/0.090 Until the End Minor Fireball- B Unarmed Combat A- Wind Rank C
Buffs/Debuffs:None
State of Mind:Normal
Base Stats STR: 378 AGI: 324 END: 108 LCK:Hidden WIL: 90 WIS: 90 VIT: 198 INT: 90 PER: 216
Name: Nyx Techne Current Condition Arete: Child of Mana Cultivation Method: Grasp Omnipotence Spells Martial Arts Affinities Titles Bonded ItemSkills: OmniCodex
Level:0 Current Health:88% Primal Attribute One with Mana Shadow Lock-B Telekinesis D+ Darkness Rank B+ Witch Omni-Storage
Species:Human Current Stamina:65% Supreme Psyche Raise Minor Dead-B Unarmed Combat F- Death Rank C+ Omni-Codex Wielder Takeover
Sex:Female Current Mana:80% Minor Teleport-A Water Rank C+ Spell Enhancement
Cultivation:Mortal Realm LvL 9 Current Regen /m: Hp/0.144 Sp/0.025 Mp/0.350 Minor Hex- A Order Rank D- Spell Copy
Buffs/Debuffs:None Ice Spike-C- Space Rank D- StatusPeek
State of Mind:Unstable Water Stream-A+ Ice Rank D-
Ice Age- F+ Every other Attribute Rank F
Base Stats STR: 25 AGI: 25 END: 25 LCK:Hidden WIL: 75 WIS: 450 VIT: 144 INT: 350 PER: 200
Chapter 6 True Start Loki Irminsul August 23, 2225- Entrance to Onyx Academy As the warm breeze tugged my scarf, leaving its ends to flap elegantly in the wind, the hundreds of eyes piercing into me only fed the flame that was my laughter. If they thought this little display was crazy now just wait until I actually have the time to plan something! Wiping away the tears of laughter, I turned and face the loud-mouthed professor called Ludo who stood there in a daze. ¡®Oh the look on his face, hahaha if only I could take a picture with my Vox.¡¯ My inner voice chortled. As the last of the fits slowly left me, the first of the complaints began to echo at the entrance. ¡°Bullshit!! This is complete bullshit!! There no fucking way that''s his name, either the stones damaged or he tricked it somehow!! As I focused in on the voice I found myself facing the Tamer goon I defeated earlier. Seems like he wasn¡¯t all too happy with what I did to his face but in my defense, it was a was an improvement. His didn¡¯t seem to be the only complaint as many others began to rally behind his words. Even the scary redhead Nike seemed like she wanted to give her opinion but instead shook her head, and looked directly at me as I saw her eyes begin to light up as a red hue surround them turning the pupils into lizard-like slits. Within seconds the hair on my arms, and neck rose as goosebumps spread all over me, and feeling similar to the Naming Stone¡¯s scan seemed to flow over my body. My back shivered as I realized what she was doing. ¡®She has a way to look at my status!¡¯ Not even a second later her eyes quickly went wide, as well as having her mouth form an O before she instantly closed it, a dangerous look appeared on her face, and low and behold I was the target of that gaze. It wasn¡¯t even a few seconds later until I felt three more scans go over me, with an intimidatingly powerful causing a mild case of suffocation. What fun. A stream sweat began to slowly trickle down my back as the last bit of mirth from earlier faded. I was really fucking lucky no one scanned me before I used Ygg¡¯s pen. One can only imagine having all their plans ruined before they could even start on them? What shit luck that would have been. Hearing the complaints from the rowdy group of students Ludo''s eyes focused back on me as his serious face broke down, and a smiled surfaced on it. ¡°Well aren''t you a special little bastard!¡± His hearty laughter probably indicating he wasn¡¯t going to continue pursuing the subject, at least for now that is. Though not satisfied with Ludo¡¯s response the rest of the students begrudgingly calmed down realizing they wouldn''t be getting the answer they wanted, which in turn left them facing the entrance to the academy. Still rattled from before, the glimpse of the massive white Gates on the contrasting black walls made for a splendid sight. The handcrafted doors were covered in ornate carvings of all manner of beasts, locked in mortal combat with what looked like humans. ¡°Now everyone come forward quickly! Anyone not at the designated area will be left behind for the night as punishment!¡±. Why does he have to be so fucking loud I wondered, as I made my way over to the gates with ringing ears. As the gates open before my eyes and the rest of the students, a swirling white mist is all I could see inside. I turn towards Ludo, and curiously ask, ¡°Why¡¯s it so foggy on the inside the academy?¡± He smiles, and I see a humorous glint in his eyes as he responded. ¡°Since you gave us all an interesting surprise earlier I guess it''s my turn.¡± ¡°The academy that you¡¯ll all be going for the coming years actually exists within a dungeon!¡± My thoughts stuttered for a second as bewilderment filled the faces of all the students once again but this time mine was also among their ranks. ¡°Welcome to Onyx Academy your new home!¡± laughed Ludo as he snapped his fingers and I felt a force pull me towards the gate. Within seconds without even being able to resist the swirling mist surrounded me as I briefly became weightless, and had everything around me flash white until a status screen popped up in my face causing my smile to return.
Welcome to The Dungeon of the Onyx Tortoise. Yggdrasil¡¯s Inheretier trigger! Additional information provided - "One of the Five Mythical Dungeons of the Rank 2 planet known as Earth. While the first 5 Floors have been excavated and turned into a City of Learning, many secrete¡¯s still hide within its depths." Current owner: Evanora Ward - Rank SS - Type- Underground Labyrinth
New title! Dungeon Diver! As this is the first dungeon you have ever entered you gained the Title Dungeon Diver. The Profession tab has been unlocked. Current equip limit of 1/1 has been filled with Dungeon Diver. Allows the use of Dungeon features. +5 stat points to spend. "The age-old profession of countless worlds"
¡°Well, things just got a lot more interesting!¡± My maniacal giggle echoing throughout vast white expanse, as the swirling fog entirely consumed me.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Ludo¡¯s Perspective ¡°Oh, it never gets old regardless of how many times I do it hahaha.¡± Ludo smiled as he saw all 1000ish students disappear before his eyes into the white maw like fog. Taking a pipe out and taking a big puff, Ludo felt the tenseness Lester had caused him to fade into the sweet bliss of industrial grade nicotine. Saying his farewells to this rotation of gatekeepers, Ludo went rummaging around his pockets until he pulled out a small ruby gemstone. Bringing it to his mouth, he spoke the words. ¡°Principle Evanora¡¯s Office.¡± while facing the milky portal. The small gemstone lit up brightly as he felt the irresistible pull from the portal. In an instant, his scenery changed as the grasslands, and towering black walls were replaced with a dark cavern containing a large underground lake beneath the cliff edge he stood on. Before him, an out of place mahogany door about 3 meters high made for a strange sight compared the rough cave wall surrounding it. Opening the door, Ludo entered what was likely one of the most unique rooms in the dungeon. Evanora as the owner of the dungeon key had gained control of one of the dungeons various peculiar hidden treasure rooms. At the moment the academy was only privy to the location of 3 others, one which happened to be Ludo''s personal training room. Evanora¡¯s was extra special though since it had the remarkable ability to move anywhere under Evanora''s control. The treasure room turned office was quite spacious, boasting the size of a small gymnasium. Rows upon rows of books made their home amongst the walls and bookshelves creating a maze, and a headache for anyone that wasn''t a frequent visitor. At the center of the labyrinth of texts, Ludo caught sight of Evanora''s desk. Crafted from the pitch black material called Titan Wood, the desk would probably be worth enough to cause a middle-sized company to go bankrupt trying to obtain such a chunk. With a close to unmatched durability, and rarity, the mythical wood played its part as but a mere desk. Sitting on a standard sized chair was one of the most beautiful women Ludo had ever had the pleasure of meeting, and that''s saying some considering the number of pleasurable sessions he had in his youth. Her ebony black hair pooled around her shoulders as thick streaks of royal purple intertwined with the black. Her vivid violet eyes were focused intensely on a floating screen as he saw a lovely smile bloom on her face. ¡°Liked the show, Nora?¡± Ludo asked as he held back his laughter. Nora wasn¡¯t the largest of fans of his hearty laugh. She always complained it reminded her of someone she was better of forgetting about. At the sound of his voice the trance that held her as she scrutinized the screen broke. Her gaze focused in on Ludo, and her smirk blossomed into an even wider smile. ¡°Quite the show indeed, this year''s batch seems to be ''extra'' special.¡± Her smooth voice agreeing with him. Ludo nodded as he took a seat on an open chair, which he found to be both expensive, and comfy. The luxurious black leather molding perfectly to his shape forcing out a satisfied sigh from him. As for the disorganized desk, it set a stark contrast to the neat and tidy woman sitting at it. ¡°So what are we going to do about our interesting new student Lester the Jester¡¯s identity issue?¡± Though it wasn¡¯t noticeable to any of the other students, the stone had taken a quarter a second longer than usual to complete its identification of Lester, which was Ludo¡¯s clue to believing he had somehow tricked the Naming Stone. He wasn''t sure how he accomplished it, but it was quite a dangerous ability to be left running around. ¡°Though I like the kid''s spunk, and I don¡¯t sense any malice or dangerous ill intent from him we can¡¯t exactly let someone run around without knowing who they are, so what do you propose we do?¡± Putting his thoughts on the table, Ludo watched as Nora picked up a wine bottle, and poured herself a small glass. Her wide smile slowly growing to its limits as she gazed at an image of the black scarfed Lester while taking a sip. Her laid-back attitude was starting to annoy Ludo, so he was about to ask her again when she suddenly spoke up voice full of mirth. Her purple eyes seem to radiate power as her next words perplexed Ludo. ¡°No need Ludo I already know who he is, so I¡¯ll handle it personally.¡± Her smile was blinding as he turned to also stare at the youth on the screen before him. ¡®Just who really are you kid¡¯? Ludo''s interest, now fully peaked. Nike''s Perspective Startled and agitated. Those two words would be the best description of Nike''s current mood. Was everyone a goddam clown? First, that stupid and may she add dangerous hidden lunatic called Lester. Then the blasted professor who''s personality essentially screamed: "THE VIGOR OF YOUTH HASNT LEFT ME YET." Both treating everyone around them like a joke! But that freakish Lester was what was really bothering her. What she saw with Profound Vision was terrifying.
Profound Vision- Passively improves the user''s ability to detect danger around them. When activated the user''s eyes will become dragon-like, and begin to glow red. The user will be able to see the Status Names of anything directly within their vision, and with the breath of life. It will also show the user a rough estimation of the capabilities of the target with different colors representing their specialty, and the hues level of danger. (Current Cost 20% of the user''s mana/s.) Arete Tier-Mythic
All Profound Vision showed her was a chaotic iridescence that left her with a stabbing pain that made Nike really want to strike the floor as hard as she could hopefully ridding herself of the affliction tormenting her brain. It was as though he could be as strong or weak as he wanted, yet unable to make up his mind. The only thing Nike could make out was that his specialty seemed to be geared towards speed, but that much was obvious considering he got first place in the race. She''d be wary of him, but at least it didn''t seem like he was a terrible person, just not all that right in the head. None the less if he did prove himself to be someone with malicious intentions she''d deal with him regardless of the danger he might pose. She would always come out on top when it came to bringing justice of the sinful. Nyx''s Perspective The Omni Codex fluttered inside Nyx''s soul before finally addressing her. "Don''t approach that monster disguising itself as one of you humans. I''ve studied beings that could destroy your world with the flip of their hand, but I''ve yet to in my entire existence find myself in contact with whatever that ''thing'' is. Once I find a countermeasure we''ll rid it of its life. With a quite agreement Nyx accepted the explanation. If she was one thing, it was patient. In the end, she''d accomplish her goals. Chapter 7 Early Encounter "Hey ya Kiddies wake up!" A voice thick with disinterest, and a hint of superiority entered my mind. "The.. Hell." The words flowing out of my mouth as I snapped out of whatever trance I had been put under. Recovering my senses, I found myself standing with about fifty random students in what resembled like a small colosseum with dozens of scattered boulders causing the field to look like a war zone. It was also then that I became aware of the mana dense environment squeezing me from all sides. ¡®Is this what a dungeons mana feels like? It was a pleasant suffocation that informed me that I could regen my mana way faster than the outside. With (MD) levels this high, it wasn''t any wonder dungeons were the fastest way to improve. It was as I was pondering over this thought, that the irritating voice from before spoke up again with an attitude that I could only assume came from having too much money, and a pair of parents that didn''t give a hoot about what their kid did. "Look I haven''t got all day, I got my own stuff to get to so would you first years do me a favor and grab the academy assigned Vox at the entrance. I''m not allowed to leave until every one of you waste of space is out of here." The annoyed crowd''s attention gathered towards the aggravating voice where they found a lanky man around his early twenties, standing on a tall podium. He wore what I assume would be our uniforms, though there was nothing uniform about it. With his tie hanging loosely around his neck as well as his chest buttons undone he very much fit the part of a delinquent, but that wasn''t even the strangest part. His blazer was covered in so many odd items and hanging charms it gave him an edge I couldn''t quite understand. ''Was he crazy? Or just ahead of the times on fashion.'' Despite all this, I couldn¡¯t help but silently laugh at the absurdity of it. The silent chuckle didn''t go unnoticed though as the delinquents head snapped towards my position fast enough for the crack of his neck to create a sickening echo throughout the Colosseum. ''Well shit. Guess he is crazy.'' I thought as his gaze locked onto me as the students around my surrounds moved away leaving me in the open. "Ah, what''s so funny Scarfy? Something about me you find amusing?" His unhinged voice causing most the student''s around to go rigid. This guy must have been waiting for this. That sadistic look in his eye''s as though he were gazing at prey that had walked straight into his mouth. Seems like some of the older students liked to bully the freshmen. Ah school sure never changes. Now, this is probably the moment when a sane person would say ''No sir, nothing funny at all, no sirree.'' And then Mr. Ornament shop would go ''Good.'' Satisfied with having established his dominance on the new kids. However, I''ve never been one to shy from giving my honest opinion regardless of the trouble it might bring me. Hell, I once called a lady visiting my grandfather a thirsty bitch because she kept trying to make moves on him, despite my and Theo''s presence in the room. Let''s just say she never showed up again at our home. Though I''m convinced, she set a murder of crows on me because for an entire month whenever I went outside, it was like a migration was happening. At least I collected enough black feathers to make myself the coolest hat I''d ever owned. "Hey, shit for brains? Please do tell us all what you found so funny." His voice was casual, yet his eyes revealed an eager anticipation for violence. Dam got distracted reminiscing, man do I miss that hat. Returning my attention back to the present I looked around me as the students gazed at me as well. Since they all recognized me from before, I saw all sorts of expressions. The kind ones wore worried, and the brave one''s seemed ready to jump to defend me despite the crazy shit I pulled on the surface. It almost warmed my heart. Well it was too bad these gazes made up for less than 1/5 of the crowd as the rest were either gloating at my misfortune or disinterested in my would happen to me. Gazing straight at the delinquent I gave him my honest opinion. "Sorry, buddy had to do a double take after I saw you. You kind of remind me of a Christmas but without all the good qualities. Though you''ve got the ornaments and prickly feeling down to a tee!" The silence that followed, to say the least, was terrible. I was sure I''d get a laugh or two, but to my dismay not even a hard breath through ones nose was heard. Only the open mouths of the students brought me some measure of pleasure. But then as to rescue my wounded pride came a sharp and intense laugh. Yet why was it so close to me? Coming back face to face with the one who I just insulted I found him laughing with tear''s rolling down his eye''s. Maybe this guy wasn''t as bad as I made him out to be. The guy could sure take a joke and laugh at it. The tears and laughter slowly came to a stop, as I saw the man gaze at me with a smile. I smiled back, the grin easily discernible even with the scarf wrapped around my face. This guy might just not be the trash I thought him to be. Then it was all ruined with his next few words. "You have got to be the biggest idiot freshman I''ve ever seen. Did your parents not tell you? Something everyone should be aware of even before they come here. One of the few things protecting your asses."Stolen story; please report. Confusion filled my head. What did he mean? I remembered my grandfather''s words, yet I don''t think anything warranted this reaction. He did say be careful of the upperclassmen, but I was confident in myself in escaping even if i couldn''t win a fight, plus I wasn''t going to back off. The man had asked for my opinion, so I gave it. "Still confused I see, well let me explain to you before I hang you naked and broken at the entrance with your own scarf. We sophomores aren''t allowed to pick fights with the freshman, and you wanna know why?" His smile vicious "Please do tell." I could feel that things were about got very dangerous real fast, but I still antagonized him, yet it had no effect on him as he took on a wickedness that I''d never seen in another person. Slowly getting closer to me his breathing was rough and as I began to worry about my safety in another fashion. "First years are nothing more than kittens before even the weakest sophomore, so such action would be bullying. But! Your idiocy gave me all I needed. An insult can be taken as a direct challenge and accepted! That means I get to do whatever I want to you as long as the healers can fix you back up afterward. So please don''t break too fast, I don''t mind putting some of my plans aside for later if it means I get to vent some of my gathered stress on you." Yep, this guy was completely crazy. Good thing he already told me about the vox. Time to skedaddle. "Seems I made you angry, but I only speak the truth!" Nodding to the students, I made my escape. "Goodbye, everyone, Lesters got things to do!! Yelling these words I activated Haste as I disappeared before everyone''s eyes. My target one of the vox''s at the entrance and then freedom from this violent delinquent. Or at least that was the plan before I felt my world turn upside down, and the toast from the morning leave me along with the milk. I felt as though I were floating, but then a sudden impact into a very hard and painful surface fixed that sensation. The hell just happened! The world was swirling, and I couldn''t feel my left arm. From what I could tell I was partially embedded into one of the boulders around the field of the Coliseum "That''s some remarkable speed for a freshman, too bad it''s still manageable and easily interruptible." This fucker. My good mood was gone because of my apparent carelessness and overestimation of myself. My eyes were starting to gain their focus back as I thought about my current situation. Pulling myself up from the bolder I activated Rejuvenating Spring and Adaptable focusing on Agility and Vitality as I was going to need both the healing and speed if I wanted to even stand a chance of escaping. My Owl morph was out of the picture though as I''d be even slower with a broken wing.
Rejuvenating Spring- When this is activated a fresh sense of vitality surrounds the area within 10 meters of the user. This does not affect what the user deems as an enemy but will increase the growth rate of plants nearby. Those within this space will feel as though they are experiencing the ideal spring day. This provides Loki with a flat 50 agility, followed by a 10% base increase to agility. A secondary effect of Spring is increasing the user''s regeneration of hp, and stamina, by 1% a minute. This stance currently consumes 3% of the user''s mana and stamina per minute. Martial Art Tier-Unique
Adaptable- The user is able to move 15% of any stat over to another one, with a max stacking of 4 different stats into one. Forcefully going above this will hurt the user. The user is also able to lower other attribute ranks to increase one. The conversion rate is as follows. For every 2 letter grades, the user takes from an attribute, they can increase another by 1 letter grade, up to the current maximum of A rank. Lastly, the user is able to once a month switch any of his attributes to one he does not currently have, but it starts at F-rank. If he raises it up to C rank the attribute becomes permanent, and the previous attribute will return. More abilities can be unlocked as Adaptable evolves, and improves. Arete Tier-Unique
My arm dangled uselessly to my side both broken and bleeding profusely. Whatever this guy had done, sure did pack a punch. But I could already feel the fire ant bites that Rejuvenating spring gave me when it began its healing. "To stand up after taking one of my casual hit''s is impressive, but I guarantee the next one won''t be as gentle." He laughed not as a human, but as the demon. His facial muscles contorting from the sick pleasure he was finding in my pain. Man, I really got to get better at watching myself around the crazy people. Next time I insult a someone without all their screws I''m going to have Minor Teleport ready and prepped. As for now, I hope I could survive long enough to cast it. Just five seconds. Can''t be too hard even with my mangled limb slowing me down. I hope. "Here I come, idiot! Don''t die on me!" He yelled as kicked up the dust on the ground and instantly appeared before me right hand holding on to one of his many charms and the other glowing a deep ruby red. If that hit me, they might just have to clean me up with a mop bucket. One ever odd thoughts my brain gave me whenever things were not going my way. The deadly ruby fist closed in on me, but this time I was ready as barely dodged it even with my current 500 plus agility. This would have been an excellent time for him to be shocked at my ability to dodge his strike and give me an extra second to gather the space attribute mana I needed, however, life was never so easy. I''d just barely dodge his attack by escaping to his right when I felt his fingers grab the back of my shirt and then the dread set in Oh, boy was this going to hurt, I just hope I don''t lose consciousness in the middle of Casting Minor teleport. I''d be loosing more than only a few limbs if that happened. "It''s over Scarfy, let this be a lesson about watching your mouth! HAHAHA." The crazed lunatic shouted as I felt his fist connect with my abdominal muscles, tearing them to shreds as well as rupturing some of my organs. Not really sure how I didn''t pass out right there and then but just before I felt my consciousness leave me I felt my spell complete. Despite all the pain, I forced my self to stare at the sick in the head asshole that the academy apparently had decided was sane enough to help new students. I smirked as the blood seeped from my mouth onto my scarf. Face still painted with an ugly teeth-filled smile the delinquent was about to start beating his fist on my face when he noticed my smile and stopped. Confusing clouding his eyes this time as he felt the mana around begin to react violently. "Wait? What! The hell is going on!" ".....I''ll be...seeing you around Ornam..ent Delinquent. Hehehe. Random...Minor.....Teleport!
Minor Teleport- When Cast the user is able to travel through the fabric of space to close by locations. The Starting distance is a flat 500m at F- Rank with 100m being added after every entire rank up. Casting speed is dependant on intelligence. (Current 5 seconds) There are three options when teleporting. Beacon teleportation allows for the teleportation of already marked locations. Line of sight Teleportation for distances visible to the eye. Random teleportation allows for the teleportation to any location within range, regardless if its safe not. This spell currently consumes 25% of the casters mana pool. Spell Tier-Rare ---- Prefered Attribute- Space.
Everything around me disappeared as I tried my hardest to stay awake. Then with a splash, I blacked out. Yet again.