Chapter 41: Soul Core (1/2)
Rakna's eyes snapped open right when the clock displayed exactly 8:30:00 as if his body had been programmed to do so. Which, in fact, wasn't that far from the truth. His internal clock was adjusted through years of training.
If he decided to only sleep for eight hours, he would not sleep a second more or less. While conscious, he was able to keep track of time for at least 24 hours without seeing a single timepiece.
He grunted and got out of bed while Pronos was still peacefully sleeping on the pillow. He loosened up his shoulder and went to the bathroom. He took out the clothes he had bought got himself and took a shower before wearing them.
They were composed of black jeans loose enough to not bother him when moving, a silver belt, a black and red shirt, sports shoes, and a leather jacket to finish.
Rakna let the water flow in the sink and rinsed his face with it. He looked at the mirror with a blank expression and he couldn't help but immediately focus on his wolf ears.
”I will have to get used to this…” He muttered and glanced at the magic necklace he had placed to the side. He wondered if he still should hide his features or even if it was any useful considering most of the people he would want to hide from would be able to see through it with a glance.
He shrugged and ultimately put Ulvia's Veil around his neck but didn't activate the illusion. The item itself added 5 to his senses and he wouldn't want to pass on that. He stifled a yawn and took a look at the time.
He still had ten minutes before their agreed time. He pulled out a cigarette from Obsidian's Smoke and lit it as he walked toward the see-through wall of his room. He stood silently as he observed the city outside.
With the morning sunlight, this landscape had another feeling to it. He squinted his eyes and while channeling both his soul and mana, triggered his Fabled Sight. From what happened to him when he learned how to fly, his Eyes of the Soul could somewhat be used as an active skill to boost his instinct to a completely different level.
It would change from something that allowed him to grasp most things with ease, to something that made him one with the action itself. Then, there was mana. He was sure that he could use that energy in the same way.
So, as his eyes glowed with a golden hue, he was pleasantly amazed as he heard three bell-like sounds that announced the appearance of three prompts.
⠀
❮ ◈ ❯
⠀
Eyes of the Soul has leveled up!
Mana Control has leveled up!
Fabled Sight has leveled up!
⠀
---
You have found out how to channel your mana to different parts of your body. You have learned a new skill; Reinforcement.
---
⠀
Reinforcement (Lv.1): Any combatant that respects themselves must learn this skill. It is not considered magic as it merely represents the manipulation of internal energy without attribute molding.
Statistics other than Stamina, MP, MP Regen, and Atr Cap can be increased when the skill is active. The skill can be concentrated on one particular stat to maximize the effects.
⠀
Minimum Cost: 3 MP and 3 Stamina per min.
⠀
---
You have found out how to channel your soul to heighten your perception of the world. You have attained a spiritual skill; Soul Core.
---
⠀
Soul Core (Lv.1): One who is a step into the spiritual world. By getting closer to your soul, you have developed a spiritual organ. Whenever you perform an action of any sort, skills included, your Core will guide your very soul to support you.
⠀
Additional Effects: +100% Senses | -10% Mana and Stamina Consumption
⠀
❮ ◈ ❯
⠀
There was one thing Rakna hadn't been prepared for and that was the moment the second new skill took effect. Last time, it had been uncomfortable and mildly painful. But this time, after having his senses doubled again, his brain almost stopped functioning right then and there.
His breathing stopped and he lost control over his body as he helplessly collapsed on the floor. His eyes started switching back and forth from purple to red without stopping.
[Rakna! The Trickster's Sleeve!] Alexa suddenly shouted.
Rakna growled and his fangs grew a bit longer. He opened his mouth and struggled as he spoke three words, ”[Two… of… Hearts.]”
A card instantly materialized above him and surrounded him with warm light. He then gasped as the air returned to his lungs. At the same time, his brain finally got the oxygen it needed and he hastily sat up while panting.
Under his mask of forced serenity, Rakna almost felt scared of what just happened. What had just happened wasn't just mere pain. No; pain would have been a thousand times better than what he had just experienced. It was as if his mind, soul, mana, and even body were about to explode.
”Sssss!” A hissing sound reached his ears and he winced as he tried to cover his ears at how loud it was to him. He glanced at his left to see Pronos looking at him in both confusion and worry. He seemed to have just woken up or he might have freaked out if he had seen Rakna paralyzed on the ground.
”Well…” He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. Trying his best to control his senses and make it so that his eardrums wouldn't be hurt by the sound of his own voice. ”Good morning, little guy. You want to know what I just found out?”