While all the abilities presented themselves as worthy choices, Jake needed something that would align with the initiation of his plan. In that regard, [Rune of Knowledge] seemed the most fitting. Not only did it enhance accuracy, but it also boosted his intelligence stat, translating to bonus increases in magic attack and mana.
Jake selected this ability, and as he clicked on it, the pop-up window vanished, confirming the addition of his new innate ability to his status window.
He then proceeded to click on the second pop-up for wisdom-related abilities, revealing a fresh list of abilities for his consideration.
1. [Name: Sage's Insight
Rank: F
Description: Tap into the depths of your wisdom to gain foresight, increasing your magical precision and critical thinking.]
2. [Name: Tranquil Mind
Rank: F
Description: Channel your inner wisdom to achieve a state of calm, reducing the cooldown of spells and enhancing magical efficiency.]
3. [Name: Ancient Lore Mastery
Rank: F
Description: Delve into ancient texts and knowledge, temporarily boosting wisdom and unlocking the secrets of forgotten spells.]
4. [Name: Spiritual Resonance
Rank: F
Description: Connect with the spirits of the world, gaining wisdom and the ability to commune with otherworldly beings for aid.]
5. [Name: Balance of Harmony
Rank: F
Description: Attune your magic to the natural world, boosting wisdom and granting the power to manipulate the elements with precision.]
Jake evaluated the list of wisdom-related abilities, carefully considering each one.
[Sage's Insight] resembled his [Rune of Knowledge], but the latter was superior due to its intelligence stat boost.
[Tranquil Mind] had a cooldown effect on abilities, which Jake didn't require at the moment.
[Ancient Lore Mastery] appeared to be a weaker version of his [Akashic Eyes], so he dismissed it.
[Spiritual Resonance], on the other hand, was precisely the ability he needed the most. It granted him the capability to communicate with the spirits of the world. With this power, he could form a contract with a spirit capable of foreseeing the future, aiding him in strategic planning.
Jake pondered, "I would choose this, but the last ability is just too good."
[Balance of Harmony] allowed the user to incorporate elemental power into their attacks, a genuinely rare ability. Even if he wanted to acquire this ability through other means, the requirements would prove daunting.
"I choose [Balance of Harmony]. I've reached level 10, so I can access rank 1 abilities. I can always learn an ability similar to [Spiritual Resonance] later," Jake declared.
With that decision made, he clicked on his choice, and the pop-up vanished, adding another new ability to his status window.
[Name: Jake Butler
Species: Human
Level: 10
Talent: Center Shift (E), Akashic Eyes (S), Overcome (F), Rune of Knowledge (F), Balance of Harmony (F)
Strength: 51 (C) || Endurance: 71 (A)
Agility: 61 (B) || Perception: 67 (A)
Intelligent: 84 (S) || Wisdom: 84 (S)]
"Let's see if I can find an ability similar to [Spirit Resonance]. [Rune of Knowledge]!"
A runic letter emitted a faint glow and was absorbed into Jake's chest, expanding his mana pool within his body.
"So this is the effect of [Rune of Knowledge]. Not bad. It should get even better as the ability ranks up. That should be easy. For now, [Heavenly Access]!"
Jake invoked his [Heavenly Access], granting him entry into the [Akashic Record]. Now, at level ten, he could explore the rank one abilities. His search for an ability akin to [Spiritual Resonance] proved fruitful, as within moments, he discovered the exact same ability.
Jake's trust in his [Akashic Eyes] proved well-founded as it aided him in swiftly locating the desired ability. However, he knew that finding it was one thing, while learning it was another challenge. He began by reading the requirements necessary to acquire this new ability.
Name: Spiritual Resonance
Rank: F
Description: Connect with the spirits of the world, gaining wisdom and the ability to commune with otherworldly beings for aid.
Requirement: 5 Eyes of Beholders, 12 Nuts of Knowledge, Spirit Realm Incantation, C Grade Intelligence, and B Grade Wisdom; Or have S Grade Wisdom before level 10.]
Jake wore a satisfied grin. Having S-grade stats indeed came with numerous conveniences. Sometimes, he could acquire an ability simply by possessing S-grade stats. There were likely many abilities he could access with his high stats, and he had an urge to explore these possibilities. However, there was a pressing matter at hand.
Without any hesitation, Jake swiftly learned the ability. A mere tap on the ability was enough to meet the requirements and acquire it.
As he opened his eyes and checked his status window, he was certain the ability was now available. Without delay, he moved on to the next part of his plan.
"[Spiritual Resonance]!" Jake declared. An invisible surge of mana emanated from his body, spreading invisible waves. Suddenly, he felt a connection with spiritual entities. They existed all around, yet remained unseen.
Jake quickly comprehended that these entities resided in an alternate realm that occupied the same space as the mortal world. This explained why they couldn't directly interfere with the mortal realm, except through specific abilities or when a human crossed into their realm.
As Jake delved deeper into the spirit realm, a unique revelation dawned upon him. By crossing into this realm, he had essentially become a part of it, and his [Akashic Eyes] enabled him to perceive the previously concealed spirits.
Among these spirits, Jake encountered the apparition of an old woman. Her form emitted a gentle, ethereal glow, and he could see right through her transparent figure.
The elderly spirit surveyed her surroundings and gradually drew nearer. "A human? It's been such a long time since I last saw one. Respond to me, human. Let's form a contract."
Jake observed her behavior and realized that she couldn't see him, which gave him an advantageous position.
"What's your name, granny?" Jake inquired.
The old woman's face lit up with a wide smile when she heard Jake's response. "You answered me, hahaha. Excellent. Excellent. Let's form a contract."
Jake had anticipated that the old woman might not be in the right state of mind, as making contracts with beings from various races—be they celestial, holy, spirit, demon, or eldritch—often involved shady dealings.
"I'll permit you to possess an item from the mortal realm for a single day if you answer my questions," Jake proposed.
The old woman's eyes sparkled with hope. "Of course, of course. Ask your questions, kind benefactor."
"Are you acquainted with a spirit who can instruct me in the art of winning a woman's heart?" Jake inquired.
The old woman appeared momentarily puzzled and asked for a repetition. "I beg your pardon?"
"I won't repeat myself. If you can't provide answers, I'll sever my spiritual connection with you," Jake declared.
The old woman hastily agreed, "Wait, wait, wait. I can answer. I can answer. I know someone who can assist you."
"Tell me about this person," Jake urged.
"If you expand your spiritual aura toward the eucalyptus tree in the back garden, you'll find the person you seek. Not only can he provide guidance on relationships, but he's also knowledgeable about various matters," the old woman disclosed.
"Really?" Jake regarded her with suspicion.
"I cannot deceive you, kind benefactor, while bound by the contract. I've shared valuable information with you. I hope you might consider extending the duration of my possession," she implored.
"Why should I? I haven't promised you anything," Jake retorted.
"I understand you'd say that. In return, I'll offer you valuable information."
"Very well, I'll permit you to possess an item for one week. Or better yet, if you agree to vacate my room, I'll extend that to one month."
"In that case, I shall determine which item I can possess."
"Agreed," Jake affirmed.
"Deal. I'll share information first. That individual's fees can be quite steep. The price varies from person to person, but it's always on the expensive side," the old woman explained.
"Could you provide an example of the price he typically requests?" Jake inquired.
"I had employed his services before," the old woman recounted. "He asked for half of my remaining time as a spirit. In return, he shared information with me about how I could extend my existence. He even mentioned that I might return to the mortal realm if I were to introduce him to the first mortal I encountered. At that time, I didn't fully grasp the meaning of his words, but now they're starting to make sense."
Jake absorbed the various insights provided by the elderly spirit's words, such as the notion that spirits could also age and eventually face their own demise. Convinced of her sincerity, he intended to uphold his promise.
Without delay, after assuring the spirit that she could possess something within the next 24 hours, Jake extended his spiritual connection further.
In this process, he made a fascinating discovery. As he expanded his spiritual senses, his field of vision expanded in tandem. This newfound ability allowed him to perceive distant sights, thanks to the combination of his [Akashic Eyes] and [Spiritual Resonance]. It felt like a genuine advantage, a combination of unique talents.
Within moments, Jake's spiritual senses reached their intended destination. He sensed and saw the spirit inhabiting the eucalyptus tree. This particular spirit was the sole occupant of the tree. However, he was momentarily taken aback by the realization that the spirit was a koala.