BLAIR | Chapters. 10 to 12 (Patreon)

Chapter. 10: Mana Manipulation

The disruption on the water continued for a few seconds, but that was the least confusing part to me. I stood up and swiped the small rocks that adhered to my body, a strange feeling of cold remained on my fingers that I used to draw the arrow. Rubbing them together brought a certain warmth, but it didn’t feel the same. The missing warmth was different, it was at the center of my body like a pool of primeval heat, one that I didn’t know existed. I could feel it ever so slightly churn with every movement, but it was never uncomfortable. At the same time, part of it was missing. I could just feel it.

I grabbed an arrow from the ground, just like before I moved the warmth towards the arrow. The instinct was no longer there, but eventually it reached my fingers. My hand felt heated and then was promptly transferred to the arrow, it felt familiar but it was also foreign. Compared to the feeling of the Explosive Shot it was different. I withdrew the heat, and it returned to my body instead of being lost. After that, I grabbed my bow and promptly nocked an arrow. As if it was natural the same instinctual feeling came to be once more, pushing me to guide the warmth towards the arrow. I did it once more, and this time, it felt right. Its green glow called my attention.

This was a skill.

This was [Explosive Shot]...

I familiarized myself with the feeling, before withdrawing the warmth from the arrow back into my body. There was no loss, no feeling of coldness. The string was slowly loosened and the arrow was withdrawn. I played with the warmth that I felt in my body. Sometimes it was easy to guide and other times it was hard, it depended on where I wanted it to go. Guiding it to my fingers regardless of limb was easy, but focusing on a different spot was difficult. I played with it for a few seconds, but felt as if I was forgetting something.

Looking around everything was deadly quiet, the trees were still toppled and the remains of my campfire were still fresh. It was all⁠— I was out in the open. The sea of trees surrounded me, any animal could get the jump on me if I wasn’t paying attention. If another Knell Boar showed up I’d be done for.

I awoke from my reverie, grabbed my arrows and bow in one hand, and the corpse of a Loa Vulpe in the other. I headed in the opposite direction of the destruction, though I felt that any direction was about the same⁠— just as dangerous. The fight had shaken a large portion of the seemingly endless forest. The only important thing was being away. Away from the site of destruction.

As I entered the grass and away from the lake, I couldn’t help but look at Glim, my companion who simply was silent.

“Why didn’t you warn me about the potential danger of being out in the open?” I wasn’t feeling awfully down about it, but Glim did warn me about the Knell Boar.

Glim waited a second before replying. [As your assistant I cannot control a large majority of your decisions, such suggestions have a high likelihood of changing your plan of action. Moreover, even though I am here and can warn you of immediate danger, you shouldn’t rely on it. Since well… it’s immediate after all. But I can warn you about things such as the dangers of picking a certain quest⁠— of course, you can just let me pick all your quests, every single one of them!] Glim chirped.

I acknowledged its first statement and ignored basically everything else. Glim was right. I shouldn’t wait to be told of danger. I had to be more proactive, much more⁠— careful. I had to think further ahead. I took a deep breath as I approached a tree that was still near the lake, but not at the forefront of the forest. The sounds of insects and unknown beasts served me as a reminder. It’s a different world.

I placed the arrows between my belt, and through a hole in my leggings. It was uncomfortable and their cold metal brushed against my skin, but I couldn’t really complain. Then I put my bow behind my back, and finally looked at the Loa Vulpe⁠— wait… It was a dead animal, wouldn’t that attract predators? If I brought it to the tree would it bring something like another Knell Boar towards me?

That was… troublesome.

I sighed before kneeling down, and placing the animal on the ground. I grabbed my knife and decided on whether I needed anything from it or to just leave it to rot. I saw its tail, and then my arrows. Perhaps…

My knife sliced through the base of its tail roughly, but it didn’t take much strength before it snapped and broke off with mangled flesh. Oddly enough it didn’t bleed much, but it was a welcome surprise. Now focusing on its tail, I ran the edge of my knife from the base all the way to the end of the bone of the tail ⁠— making sure it cut all the way through, I pulled. The fur was separated from the muscle the more I pulled, eventually I had a sort of sleeve, and the tail bones and muscle were separated. Making sure to not leave any flesh or residue on the fur was hard, but I got it done.

Once I was done, I headed elsewhere.

[I can’t help but notice you didn’t want to bring an animal carcass because of rotting,] Glim mentioned. [But the fur will still rot, you know?]

“Will it?” I asked with confusion.

Glim bobbed. [Indeed, but injecting your mana into it can help preserve it as well as making it more durable! Though it will still rot, but it will take considerably more time.]

“I see,” I nodded, though what Glim said also brought a question to my mind. “Why did the Everwood Moose rot so fast?”

[Mana is ever fleeting, if the being whose mana it belongs to is dead, then too shall its mana vanish. If it's vastly composed of mana then it shall rot faster, is what I am saying.] I continued to walk in an attempt to find another tree. [By the way, it makes me happy that you ask me so many things! You can rely on me at any moment.]

After a few minutes of walking I found what I was looking for. A tree that allowed me to see the lake ⁠— or I thought would allow me to see the lake when climbed ⁠— that was also surrounded enough to not expose me. With that in mind I began to climb, however, this time around I did not stop at the lowest branch, I continued to go up until I was near the top.

The forest expanded as far as the horizon could see, but in a different direction there was no forest but instead mountains filled with snow and waterfalls. Ones whose height I couldn’t quite fathom⁠— if the trees were tens of meters, then how tall were the mountains? I shook my head, there was no use in thinking about those things for now.

The first thing I did was make a makeshift quiver with the tail fur, wrapping it around my belt and making a knot that allowed me to tighten it. Taking Glim’s advice into account, I reached for my mana⁠— the warmth at my core, and brought it to my fingers. I extended it to the fur, the warmth encompassed it and it began to emit a dim glow. But it wasn’t doing anything. I kept pushing mana till I felt as if I couldn’t do so anymore. And then, I stopped touching it.

It didn’t zap the heat from my fingers, but I felt a considerable drain at my core. But I could sense how it slowly trickled as more came to exist. It was a slow process, but at least it regenerated. Though, it had disappeared considerably fast. After that I threaded all my arrows through the gap and tightened around it. I doubted if they’d be able to hold, but it seemed sturdy.

The fur felt different to the touch, but I couldn’t quite tell what it was. It was fluffier and softer, but it also felt more durable. Did the mana enhance it? Could I use mana on my bowstring to make it shoot with weight?  I shook my head and stared at the lake, at the campfire, and at the destruction. I could’ve just left, but I also wanted to see the aftermath of my actions. Questions such as⁠ — What kind of animals would it bring? Would it be left alone? ⁠— they were things I needed to know.

With that in mind, I waited on my tree branch. Calmly, and patiently.

Minutes went by, but I felt as if I was missing something. Something important. I couldn't quite tell what it was, so I stared at Glim hoping for an answer. Just maybe.

[What?] Glim shook. [Oh, something important! Yes, your quests! Remember?]

Oh. I nodded and thought back to the completed quest.

[You have completed ⁠— Ecology Dissection (Common F): When in a strange land, one must first investigate. Reward: 1 Shard of Ambition. Condition: Kill Beasts of equal or greater level than you. (5/5) (Complete)!]

[Would you like to receive your rewards?]

Yes?

[You have received: 1 Shard of Ambition!]

[Next quest selected by entity ‘Glim’: Ecology Dissection II (Common F): When in a strange land, one must first investigate. Reward: 3 Shards of Ambition. Condition: Kill Beasts of equal or greater level than you. (0/10) Would you like to accept?]

A light generated and floated towards my hand, it was a small shard of what seemed like glass-like material. It was pitch-black, and yet it shone in a myriad of colors as if it was a rainbow. Can’t I just like… get rid of this? Also, why did Glim select a quest for me?

[Would you like to store your reward: Shard of Ambition?] The System prompted. Huh? That was neat. Yes? The shard vanished with a speck of light.

[Do you like the new quest? I selected it just for you!]

I looked at Glim. “I… I don’t know what a Shard of Ambition is, so thanks, I guess?”

[You didn’t inquire about it? Bring it out again! Think; I want my Shard of Ambition! Do it!] Glim nagged with annoyance. [You shall see why I chose this quest for you!]

Glim got unexpectedly riled up, something that I never expected from it. With that in mind, I decided to listen. I want my shard of ambition.

A light speck appeared and came towards my hand. Once more, I had the mysterious glass-like fragment, I thought about wanting to know more.

[Shard of Ambition ⁠(Rare item) ⁠— It is said that those with ambition will achieve greatness. Gather ten of these to acquire a small feat. (1/10)]

So if I got ten of them I would get a Feat? I didn’t know what a ‘small-feat’ was but it seemed good to me. With that said, I thought about getting rid of it. Skipping the prompt with a preemptive yes, the Shard disintegrated into specks of light. That was troublesome.

“Can a⁠—

[No,] Glim answered before I could ask. [System particles and effects can only be seen by the entity causing them. That said, accept the next quest. Unless you want to see a full quest list!]

I nodded. A quest list could wait, perhaps I would change the walking quest. Whose progression was at 19 km out of 20 km. Well, maybe the limit wasn’t three quests? I shook my head.

“I accept the quest,” I said in a hushed voice.

[You have accepted: Ecology Dissection II (Common F) ⁠— Progress (0/10)]

With that done, I made sure to have all my things straight and looked towards the lake. Huh? There was a figure approaching the campfire. It wore a black matte armor, one that seemed chaffed and cracked from the sun, a draping cloak followed closely behind. A sword perched on its hip, and every step was careful and ready to attack. Atop its head, a helmet was placed, two horns protruded from the top of it. What was that? I tried to inquire, but got no result. The distance was double compared to the time with the Loa Vulpes.

It reached the campfire and ran its finger through the ashes before looking around and towards the destruction. After doing so, it signaled towards its left, and suddenly a dozen figures appeared, all in a neat and organized manner, though only one of them wore a cloak. Their helmets bobbed up and down, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I felt compelled to get closer to listen but I also felt like it was a terrible idea.

I held onto my bow, wanting to know how strong they were, but reminded myself of the things that happened with the Knell Boar.

In the end, all I could do was watch them as some analyzed the campfire and others headed in the direction of destruction. I knew there were other intelligent species due to the nature of the Skirmish, but this confirmed it. And they traveled in groups too, meaning I was in special circumstances.

I was alone after all. I clenched my first. Even then, I could still do it. I could still survive. I just had to be more careful.

-----
Chapter. 11: Interlude: Grand Empire Of Arkaram
-----

Ar'ken Ta’urc Urzam ⁠— That was his proud name, one that he carried like a banner everywhere he went. The empire had been expanding, it expanded everywhere leaving no rock unturned. In his life as a general no one saw more success than him, commanding one of the elite troops of the Grand Empire of Arkaram. Oh how proud had he been when the new emperor took over, he could still remember that day as if it was yesterday.

The day was overcast and rain poured down as if the whole planet was rebelling against the ceremony. Tall banners rose at the main avenue, the gothic and spiked buildings serving as nothing more than background for the main event. Everwood war-horns resounded through the empire that day. A rare-relic from a long extinct species of mammals. Its predecessors still roamed the planet.

The sky thundered, and at that moment a cart passed as the new crowned emperor saluted his new empire. Everyone cheered and he smiled back, his mystifying golden eyes smiting everyone that laid eyes upon him, and his horns were like a crown that he wore everywhere⁠. His skin unlike the others’ was a dark shade of blue like the sky. Ar'ken couldn’t have been happier to serve that man, at first he was skeptical. But strength was everything and the strong protected the weak.

Ar'ken knew no man under the heavens that was stronger than his emperor. As his second in command he lost in nothing more than five move exchanges. Moreover, after every punch, parry, kick⁠— after every move his bones protested in pain. His emperor was different, his emperor was a man worth following.

The empire was nothing more than a country in the large world of Ragna, countless empires existed. But so what? Ar'ken knew in his long life of two-hundred years that change did not come forth easily. And his emperor would make everything possible, everything would come to be with time. He could still remember that day he was called to his office.

There were no doors, for the strong were always prepared. At the end of the dark hall, on one of the darkest days he saw his emperor. The man that would reign, he looked out of the window with an indescribable expression of disinterest.

“Ar'ken,” he called. “You’re my most trustworthy subordinate.”

Ar'ken knelt. “Yes…” He couldn’t help but shake from excitement. “I’d die for you.”

His Majesty, the emperor, paid no attention and continued. “What do you think my current goals are?”

He couldn’t help but pause. Goals? He never thought about it, his only duty was to serve. “Forgive me, but I do not know the scope of your plan.”

“The whole world.”

“Excuse me?” Ar'ken asked, unsure if he had heard right.

The emperor turned to him, looking down. “The whole world of Ragna shall be mine.”

That gaze of his, resolute and impervious to all feelings. Ar'ken remembered what he felt at that moment, and ever since then his loyalty never wavered. He knew what he wanted in life. It was to make that man shine, it was to be that man’s right hand⁠ ⁠— his tool. In Ragna there was no greater honor to a warrior than serving the strongest. Of course, during his early years Ar'ken always held contempt, saying that one day he’d be the strongest. But after so many decades he had sharpened himself, and he simply knew that this current emperor was the one.

The last emperor was simply too weak, assassinated in the middle of the night. No one questioned it when a new emperor wore the royal robes and lived in the palace. It was such the nature of life⁠— if one wanted the position, one just had to, take it. Many tried, and so many failed. And just like with many emperors it happened all over again, however there was a difference.

The new emperor was benevolent, sparing every single attacker. Normally the penalty was death, but all he requested was loyalty. Oh, Ar'ken could praise him to the orbit and back. That was why when the war started he didn’t hesitate to offer his body and very soul to the cause. Even though he was the Emperor’s right-hand man he still had to earn the respect of the army.

Bloodied battle after bloodied battle, eventually different empires toppled under their might. Eventually Ar'ken rose to be the number one general, and was knighted. Crowned as the second strongest, as the right hand man. And that was why he was given the names ‘Ta’urc’ and ‘Urzam’. Names bestowed by the emperor himself. He didn’t know their meaning, but that didn’t matter ⁠— it was a great honor.

Eventually, after seventy-five years of non-stop war the last empire fell. Those who did not believe in his majesty’s reign were executed, and those who pledged their loyalty were quickly managed and sorted. The emperor had great vision, something that Ar'ken already knew but was still surprised. As soon as the whole world fell under his hand, he began to optimize, he began to try harder than ever before. Before, he never had time for females or carnal desires, and now even less. He gazed beyond the horizon, beyond any other desire but his ambition.

He spoke of an old prophet, he spoke about the stars and what laid beyond. And Ar'ken could clearly see it. The ambition in the emperor’s eyes, it was just the beginning. But first they needed to prepare, they needed something that was called Equilibrium according to the emperor. Something that was unachievable without world domination.

Years passed, and the emperor carefully monitored. There was a small period of time of one year, but eventually he executed exactly 391 people; unloyal prisoners of war that had been kept alive for decades. But once that was done, the emperor smiled and retired to his palace. Once more, that night. Ar'ken Ta’urc Urzam had been summoned.

“Ar'ken,” the emperor called. Excitement evident in his voice. “Do you know what happens next?”

“No…” He replied ashamed.

The emperor turned with a deep grin he had never seen before. “The universe shall fall under our hands. The great prophet arranged for this, our greatest ancestor.”

Ar'ken didn’t know what that meant, but he praised regardless. “I shall follow you even if the whole world collapses.”

“It shall collapse sooner than you think.” The emperor mused before dismissing him. “Seek me once initiation begins, bring your strongest squad.

Ar'ken didn’t know what that meant but continued his service. Years passed and eventually, it happened.

[Initiation Complete.]

Ar'ken shook, it was in the middle of the night when it happened. But he had gone over the possible scenarios in his head multiple times, enough to at least keep calm, the life of luxury in the royal palace did not dull his edge at all. The voice that appeared was still new to him. But as an elite of the Grand Empire of Arkaram, he knew better. In under a minute he gathered his elites and rushed to the highest floor where the emperor stared out of the window. He had his armor and weapons ready.

“Good, you’ve made it.” The emperor turned with a smile, his fangs more than evident. “Prepare for a new era, and a new Ragna.” He raised his sword.

Before Ar'ken could ask anything, white light engulfed his vision.

◇ ◇ ◇

Ar'ken did his utmost effort to understand everything the God said, and eventually he found himself in a forest. His Majesty, right beside him.

“Hmm, the rest of the empire should be far, far away,” he said as if he already knew. “In this Skirmish what we must do is cease advantages.”

Ar'ken simply followed the instructions of the emperor to the letter. Luring monsters and killing them in groups, eventually the emperor himself also acted. It was a beast from Ragna, an Everwood Moose, yet the emperor took it down in a one on one duel with nothing but the highly ornamented royal sword, moreover he did not sweat either. The emperor seemed unsatisfied.

“Level, 1, huh?” He shook his head. “No matter.”

The killing continued over the night and into the day, though even if they were the elites, they still needed rest. Eventually their efforts had been paid, and after some killing and help from their emperor they got a hand of what ‘The System’ was. Ar'ken Ta’urc Urzam was overjoyed that he could grow stronger, and assist his majesty with much more ease.

Name: Ar'ken Ta’urc Urzam | Level: 2

Race: Daem Demon (E-Grade)

Feats: NaN

Basic skills: Universal Understanding (NaN),

Universal Inquiry (NaN)

Free attribute points: 0

VIG: 25 | END: 34 |

STR: 41 | AGI: 26 |

WPR: 23 | WIS: 18 |

Prime Currency: 100

Though, the joy was short lived. He was looking for prey with his squad when the ground trembled. He didn’t know what happened but a tree fell, and killed one of their members. In an instant, the outermost person of the formation was felled by the wood before anyone could do anything. A muffled scream was all it came before the man stopped flailing under the wood, they tried to help him but the tree was immovable. Each tree was as high as their cathedrals, yet they toppled as if they were made out of sticks.  He barely saw the shadow of an enemy in the distance, and did his best to inquire about it. Immediately he felt his blood run cold from the result.

[Knell Boar. Lvl. 7]

The words of the emperor resounded in his head. Remember, there is one beast from Ragna, that we should stay away from at all costs. One whose fear we’ve forgotten. The Knell Boar, what would otherwise be nothing but cattle; here it will be your death-sentence. Run if you see one. This is an absolute order. That was the first time Ar'ken had heard such an order from His Majesty, moreover this situation also fit the second rule he was imposed. Do not fight any beast that is more than one level higher than you.

Ar'ken did hand signals of retreat for the first time in what felt like decades, it was humiliating but everyone listened and stayed very far away. As far away as they could, just close enough to hear when the battle ended. He didn’t know how long had passed, but sometimes the sounds would come closer and they’d have to flee, other times they’d go farther and they would need to follow. But eventually it all went quiet.

The scout tried to investigate but Ar'ken stopped him. He couldn’t risk it. Whatever was fighting the Knell Boar was surely dead, they needed to wait for the Knell Boar to leave the area. With that in mind the scout was tasked to make sure the Knell Boar didn’t head in their direction, but no matter how long they waited, there was nothing.

As they were about to approach, a subdued bang went off, quiet but powerful. The enemy was nearby, and it was someone they didn’t want to engage. Thankfully it didn’t take long before they left, as reported by their scout whose hearing had been trained since childhood.

Ar'ken honoring his title as the second strongest in the empire marched forth. The strong protected the weak. His cloak fluttered through the wind as he saw the lake. And there, he saw the remainders of a campfire as well as an odd animal dead on the ground. It didn’t take more than a brief look to tell it had been instantly killed by being pierced from some sort of war weapon. Whoever their opponent was, was clearly armed. He touched the ashes to look for any clue, then he turned to the forest where the destruction was.

It was as if a section of the forest had been chopped down, and it all happened in nothing but an hour. So many trees had fallen, and he could see some blood. Which needed to be investigated. With that in mind he signaled with bated breath and commanded his team.

◇ ◇ ◇

The results of the report came, and Ar'ken had to go check with his own eyes. A few minutes of walking and he saw it. The Knell Boar. The beast that the emperor was wary of, was squashed under a tree, ugly cuts littered its neck and body. He didn’t want to believe but sections of the forest had been covered in crimson. Whoever had caused this was dangerous. Dangerous enough for him to order immediate retreat and tell His Majesty what had transpired. Arrowheads littered the forest, but he didn’t believe the Knell Boar would be slain by mere arrows. Its hide had been tough, too tough to pierce for his sword, unless he used all his strength for it.

Whoever killed the Knell Boar was as strong as His Majesty. He couldn’t allow it, no⁠— he couldn’t believe it. Was this what His Majesty was so thrilled about? A wider world?

He couldn’t help but admire the man even more. His great strength and foresight was one of a kind. Even if this thing killed the Knell Boar, he was sure it couldn’t compare to His Majesty. Surely, His Majesty could kill a Knell Boar too!

His name was Ar'ken Ta’urc Urzam, a name granted by the emperor of the Grand Empire of Arkaram. And he would follow the emperor till his death.

-----
Chapter. 12: Mana Enhancement
-----

The armored people fled in a hurry from the destroyed part of the forest, it was as if they had seen some kind of unforeseeable danger. None of them looked back, and the one with the cloak seemed to be on high alert, scanning their surroundings before delving into the sea of trees, going back to where they came from. Did they find another Knell Boar? I took a deep breath and waited a few seconds but nothing came. Minutes passed and there was no movement. Perhaps it had given up?

I shook my head and decided I too had to leave, they had found some type of danger. And as much as I would’ve liked to try to kill this ‘danger’ I knew better now. The armored people looked strong, and if they had to flee from such a thing, then it was probably for the best that I didn’t go looking for it either. I double checked to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and started to go down from the tree, in that brief period of time taking note of the places I had been to.

The people had fled south, so that was a no go. West was where the destruction of the forest occurred, and east ⁠— where I was ⁠— also held the level 20 Rime worm. It was a point of interest but it was best to avoid it for now. That left me with going north; the mountains of snow. Though I doubted I’d reach them, it was still my best option.

I made up my mind as I reached the ground, I was going to travel north and kill things? I had to be careful, but I also had to be stronger⁠— strong enough to not die to a Knell Boar, strong enough to not need a health potion to stay alive. I didn’t know where I could get more⁠— I stared at Glim who was silent by my side.

“Glim, where can I get more potions?”

[That is… a difficult question. You can always try to manufacture them if you are proficient enough in magical medicine, but otherwise… Your only option would be a city shop⁠— which well… cities kind of don’t… exist in the Skirmish…]

I sighed. “I see, thanks.” Well so much for hope. “So once this Skirmish is done, do all cities have them?”

[I cannot answer that.] Glim said.

Well that was disappointing. At least I knew that my last potion was something that had to be used sparingly. I thought about my remaining 6 attribute points, but decided against using them in Vigor. Putting them on Wisdom would allow me to have more mana, which based on the things that were currently happening it seemed to be the case. Just taking a closer look at the mana in my body, I could tell it was regenerating, but I also knew that if I used Explosive Shot once more I would be completely spent.

I headed towards the north, as I pondered about the best uses of my attribute points. I was nearing the level of the Knell Boar, and had already surpassed the Everwood Moose, and yet⁠— I wasn’t nearly as tough as either of them? That didn’t quite make sense to me, the Everwood Moose wasn’t a different grade, and yet it was… Well⁠— stronger than me? There was no doubt in my mind I’d be able to kill it now without problem, but it would still take me a few arrows according to my calculations.

A frown formed the more I pondered. I wasn’t growing nearly as strong as I had hoped. If I put all my points into Strength… It wouldn’t help at all… What was I supposed to do with my points? I thought about the bow on my back, it was much better than my first bow that I had abandoned. But… Was it great? What if I encountered something tougher than the Knell Boar, what then? It just felt as if it was going to get old fast. And that thought was… worrisome. Part of me felt anxious simply thinking about it.

[You have completed ⁠— Land Reconnaissance (Common F) ⁠—

I ignored the notification, promptly saying yes to the rewards only to not get anything.

[Would you like to repeat ⁠— Land Reconnaissance (Common F) ⁠—

Yes. Just like that the quest was re-accepted. It also gave the notification of acceptance which I ignored. I was too occupied wondering what I was going to do in the future. I had Explosive Shot, a powerful skill but… My arrows would just… My arrows would vanish from existence after every use. Moreover, based on my current mana I estimated I could use the skill twice before I was too exhausted to use it again. That said⁠—

Didn’t the Knell Boar and Everwood Moose use skills too? I vividly remembered mana gathering in their extremities. I looked at my hand as I traversed, somewhat playing with the mana inside my body and bringing it to my fingertips. They shone in a slight green. In comparison to the Everwood Moose that was a mystical blue, or the Knell Boar whose mana was a bright orange. Mine was green. I didn’t know what that meant, but perhaps everyone had a unique type of mana. Though that also didn’t sound right either, did the mana I was regenerating inside of my body came from me? It felt odd to try to sense it.

[It comes from the ambient, and you!] Glim chirped. [Meaning that if there is no ambient mana you would still gain some mana at the cost of your nutrients.]

I nodded. That was useful.

[Hey you should thank me at least a bit! Who knows what you would be doing without me!]

“Right,” I took a breath. “Thanks Glim.”

It bobbed up and down. [Now you’re making me feel as if I guilted you into it!]

◇ ◇ ◇

I traveled for an hour, and eventually saw some variety in the forest, the trees started to change and the terrain became considerably more rocky and clearer. Though the tallest trees remained, there was also a new type of tree whose tree bark was considerably drier⁠— though it was still almost as tall as the other type. Approaching a small hill, I noticed movement and paused going on guard instantly.

Glim hadn’t warned me. I grabbed my bow and an arrow from my waist, promptly nocking it. The grass rustled as a bushy tail popped up, and soon it peaked its head looking around, but it failed to see me.

[Loa Vulpe. Lvl 3.]

Oh, this was perfect. I drew the bow back, and then paused⁠— I untensed the string and gathered the mana that was inside me towards my left hand, the one that held onto the bow. My mana had somewhat recovered but not by a whole lot. The mana traveled through my arm and into my bow, I felt an odd sensation as what remained of my mana began to slowly travel onto the bow. Though I noticed no difference, I could feel it inside the bow traveling towards its string.

I pulled⁠— the string wouldn’t bulge. No matter how hard I pulled my fingers simply ached, and eventually the Loa Vulpe ran away, though that didn’t matter. Why had the bow become so much harder to pull? I took my mana back into my body and tried to pull the string again; it felt the same as always, offering relatively good resistance but eventually conceding to my strength.

If I put all my points into Strength… Didn’t I have the same thought not too long ago? But this time it seemed much more… convincing? I took a deep breath.

If I put all my points into Strength, then my mana situation would have to wait. At the same time, I also felt that I had misused some of my mana into other things such as the quiver, and for the skill as well. If I managed it better, then not having mana wasn’t an immediate issue. My Vigor was… alright. I knew it helped in the fight with the Knell Boar, but I was unsure about placing all my points into it now.

Agility was my highest stat and I did not feel as if I needed it. Perception was⁠— I did not need Perception for now, and my Endurance was just fine. I took a deep breath.

Perhaps it was going to be stupid, perhaps i was going to regret it. But I wanted to do it, something told me it was right. If I could draw the bow… I opened my status and placed all my points into Strength.

Name: Blair | Level: 6

Race: ??? (E-Grade)

Feats: [Lone Survivor], [Bottomless Ambition]

Basic skills: Universal Understanding (NaN),

Universal Inquiry (NaN)

Free attribute points: 0

VIG: 31 | END: 36 |

STR: 30 | AGI: 41 |

PER: 35 | WIS: 13 |

Skills: [Proficient Archery (Passive Uncommon)], [Explosive Shot (Rare)]

Attunements: Dark plants (I)

Prime Currency: 100

My Strength had gone from 23 all the way to 30. Maybe now… I took a deep breath and held onto my bow, pouring my mana into it. The bow lit a dim green and it traveled to its string. I felt uncertain but nocked an arrow regardless and pulled⁠— the string bulged but I felt as if my arm was screaming in pain as the arrow was tensed back. What kind of strength did i need to pull this⁠—

I untensed the bow with a deep sigh. No good, huh? My ears dropped.

[How about you use less mana in the bow?] Glim asked.

“Less mana?”

[I can’t help but notice you try to use it all on the bow, how about just giving it a slight amount?]

A slight amount? That made sense. If I used less mana perhaps the effects would be much less pronounced, and the bow would be usable to me. I nocked an arrow and concentrated on the warmth at the center of my body, guiding it slowly to my arm and into the bow, however this time I did not try to overflow the bow with it. But rather in a gentle and controlled manner. In nothing but a few seconds I began to frown.

It was hard. Mana was like water, it wouldn’t stop flowing, it would either come back into my body or go all into the bow.

◇ ◇ ◇

The warmth left my hand and went into my bow, all of it was greedily absorbed by the string as it shone in a green light. I pulled the arrow back and my hand trembled with all its might, but the bow had been drawn to its full length. I smiled in between struggling to not let go of the arrow and quickly took my mana back.

It was still hard, but… I took a deep breath feeling the warmth inside my body, and the mana present on my arm, before eventually returning it to the core. The center of my body was like a lake, only a lake would stand still, the rivers would be everflowing. All I could do to control the flow of mana was limit the initial quantity I guided. It was hard to get a good estimate of how much mana I was guiding, but after a few hours of doing nothing but that I was beginning to get used to it.

I smiled to myself and put my arrow and bow away before continuing forward. My destination was still to simply go north, but I had gotten distracted by learning mana. I didn’t want to try it on a tree however, nor on the grass. I wanted to test my new-found discovery on a beast. With that in mind I had no choice but to simply continue my trek.

The trees always looked the same, but that didn’t daunt me. As a Dark Elf I was simply used to such things ⁠— the monotony of the forest and its beauty, admittedly I never admired plants nor ever cared to learn what a lot of the more common ones were. But my natural affinity was still there⁠— granted it was Dark plants, which I still did not understand what it meant.

“Glim, why is my affinity for Dark plants?”

[Well some beings are born with affinities, these are largely influenced by race, that’s about it really. Now if you are asking me what Dark plant affinity does, it is something I cannot answer. I can at least tell you the hint, that those who possess affinities always learn to use it. And I too hold hope that you will learn to use it.]

I frowned, “I don’t see a way to use it.”

[Skills or Prophecies help with that.] Glim said but didn’t elaborate.

I nodded and simply thought that I would figure it out later. A few more minutes of walking and I spotted a prey. The animal prowled atop a small hill looking for something, its tail laid low on the ground and it seemed to be sniffing, its bright fur glistened under the sunlight, it was almost tantalizing.

[Loa Vulpe. Lvl 4.]

I grabbed my bow and an arrow, before nocking it, not daring to even breathe I began the process of enhancing the bow. I felt the mana at the center of my body and tried to guide a small amount of it towards my arm, slightly less than last time. Some more tried to follow after it, but with nothing but focus it was subdued.

The mana reached my bow, and eventually its string. I smiled and pulled back the now dimly lit string, creaking after every centimeter that it went back. My arm began to shake from the strength I was using. I took a breath and aimed at the Loa Vulpe, my face began to feel heated as sweat began to form, and finally I lined up the shot. It turned towards me and its tail shot up, but it was too late. The arrow was fired, and in an instant it came face to face with the animal. Its beady eyes stared, I didn’t know if I saw panic or a resolution to die, but it didn’t flinch, it simply watched.

The arrow hit its snout, It pierced into its skull, and⁠— kept going. The arrow and the animal went flying through the air from sheer momentum, hitting a tree with a dull echo. The wind howled and there was only silence. The corpse of the Loa Vulpe dangled lifelessly from the tree trunk that seemed to be at least 30 meters away. The hill was relatively close, and yet the arrow with only its strength had sent it flying three times the distance. Moreover it had enough energy to still embed itself into the tree.

What?

[You have killed: (E) Loa Vulpe. Lvl 4.]