Chapter 57: Summoning
(MC Pov)
As I opened my eyes, I could clearly see that I was inside of a massive cave, with a light source way into the distance which seemed to be the exit of the cave.
Everywhere around me was shrouded in shadows, but that was nothing for me since I was the Lord of Shadows, I could see in the shadows too.
As I looked right in front of me, I saw a massive white snake that was slithering around.
I wasn't even able to approximate the length of the massive white snake, but it was definitely the biggest thing I have seen inside of this world.
And the worst part was, since I didn't remember absolutely everything about the Naruto world, I only had a rough idea as to what this being was.
It is supposed to be the head of the Ryuchi cave, just like the head toad inside of the Frog lands.
I expected to be attacked, since from my understanding the snakes inside of the cave were not known to be nice towards humans.
Yet before I could really move the snake curiously moved its head towards me, in a non hostile manner.
And for some reason, the Shadow Serpent inside of my body reacted, as if asking for permission for me for something.
But without knowing what it was about, I was reluctant to lose my shadow.
"Curious." The massive white snake spoke to me as it slowly began to slither around me, but I still didn't feel any hostile intentions.
After it did one whole loop around me, the Great White Snake stopped its face right in front of mine, and I was face to face with a furious being. I didn't know if I found defeat right now.
I made sure to feel the shadows around me, to use Shadow Step to disappear at a moment's notice.
"What is curious?" I questioned.
While in the grand scheme of things, I knew I was still cannon fodder in this world, but I also knew that at the end of the day I could escape at least 1 hit, from this animal at least.
"I sense the aura of the snake ancestor from you…but the thing is, I am the snake ancestor."
At that, I realized that the White Snake was probably talking about my Shadow Serpent.
I raised my right hand, which had the tattoo of the head of my Shadow. The white snake just curiously looked at my hand, not at all taking it as a threat whatsoever.
I gave my Shadow permission to do what it wanted to, and the head of the Shadow materialized, staring right into the eyes of the Great White snake.
"It is still weak." The Snake mentioned, which was true.
With my Shadow Dance leveling up to level 2, the Shadow Serpent was now as durable as a Chunin, with the Chakra of one as well.
However it did have 1 core only, and I didn't know how I was supposed to level up its core amount yet.
Since mine leveled up based on the amount of kills, I assumed it would be the same for it as well.
"I know."
I could feel emotions of unhappiness from my Shadow as I agreed to call it weak, but it didn't really convey any other feelings as it stared at the White Snake.
"Let us change that, contractor." As the Snake spoke, the next second its fangs appeared visibly and jumped towards me.
I was about to use Shadow Steps to run away, but my Serpent told me to stay still.
And since the Snake hadn't been hostile until now, I decided to do just that.
Was it a stupid choice? Maybe.
But I already made my choice.
The White Snake plunged its fangs into me, and the second it did, I felt a different form of Energy merge with my Shadow Chakra.
[Sage Chakra is being injected into the Player 'Michael']
[Player Michael is a First Generation Player, and thus has the rights to become a 'Sage']
As those 2 notifications popped up, the white sage said some more words before it slithered away.
"Make sure to get stronger quickly, I feel a storm brewing."
With that, my vision momentarily blanked.
And as I regained it, I didn't recognise where I was.
(Authors note: Sorry to break the flow, but I don't remember if I discussed this part, but I will assume I haven't since I can't find me talking about it anywhere)
I found myself standing in an endless expanse of water, an ocean that stretched infinitely in every direction, its surface perfectly still and mirror-like.
The sky above was shrouded in an impenetrable darkness, as if the night itself had descended, consuming all light and color. The air was heavy, carrying a sense of foreboding.
Yet, within this vast canvas of black, there hung a single, miniature black sun suspended in the void.
Despite its diminutive size, it emitted a strange, otherworldly light, casting an eerie, subdued glow over the endless waters.
This sun, more of a core than a star, radiated a deep, pulsating energy that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the darkness around it.
Etched into the surface of this enigmatic sun was the fearsome figure of a serpent, its form coiled and sinuous, poised as if ready to strike.
The serpent's image glowed with an intense white luminescence, stark and vivid against the black backdrop of the sun.
Its eyes, two piercing points of light, seemed to gaze directly into my soul, filling me with a mixture of awe.
The serpent's scales were intricately detailed, each one shimmering with an almost ethereal brilliance. It was as if the creature was alive, which it was, trapped within the confines of the sun yet exuding a powerful, almost hypnotic presence.
The glow from the serpent illuminated the surrounding darkness, casting long, serpentine shadows across the surface of the water below.
As I stood there, mesmerized by the surreal scene, a sense of timelessness enveloped me.
And then I instantly felt my Chakra change fundamentally, and my body grew stronger.
"Wait a second." I murmured out loud realizing where I was.
This was my Soul Sea, and inside of it was obviously the core, and my Shadow, the Serpent which was its resting area.
Looking at the endless Sea properly, I realized I could see the figure of Kazuto, the only person I had killed after awakening my Aspect.
While my body muscle grew stronger by the moment, I realized what was going on.
One has to be still to absorb Senjutsu, that was a universal Law of the Naruto-verse.
And the Shadow Serpent was etched onto my body as a tattoo.
While one of its uses was to go into a weapon form, or a living form and help me fight, another of its uses was to help me manage the Chakra inside of my body.
The White Snake seemed to have given me the ability to absorb Sage Chakra from the atmosphere, albeit really slowly.
But that might also only be because of my low rank, maybe when I awaken more Cores, I would be able to absorb Sage Chakra more quickly.
[Your Shadow- Soul serpent has gained an additionally core]
And it also seemed as if the White Snake had somehow given my Serpent an additional core, making it have twice the amount of Chakra as a Chunin.
This…was an amazing encounter!
With this, my combat skills have increased like crazy.
Obviously, I need to begin learning sage arts, and since I was probably the first Sage of the entire world, this was a massive benefit.
But I also knew that Senjutsu could only be used by those with ridiculous Chakra, like Kage level Shinobi.
Or maybe…when I have multiple cores as an Elite-Jonin!
And as if the benefits were not enough, another notification helped me even more!
{World Announcement: A Player has become the First to become a 'Sage'}
...
Authors note:
Unfortunately this isn't a continuation of the fanfic. I simply had a couple of spare chapters I wanted to upload.
I am currently trying a new project, which is basically my own novel but I will be uploading it as a fanfic since honestly I write mainly for interaction with people.
I write to share ideas and run through scenarios with people, so I hope you will try my new project out.
It is called "Eternal Heir."
Do not subscribe to patreon for this fanfic anymore thanks.