"Yes"
{ ding }
{ skills Analyze (Rank B) and instant Concentration (Rank A) have been learned }
Suddenly an influx of information on how to use both skills assaulted me, giving me a light headache.
"Looks like I have two skills now finally," I said, focusing on the descriptions. "Do I click on it to view more?" As if responding to my will, the skill panel opened up.
Skill: Analyze (Rank B): Mastery: 0%
Type : Active
Allows the user to understand the properties and functions of objects and beings.
Cooldown: None
Side effect: Mental fatigue.
Note: its applications vary on the understanding and application of the host.
===
Skill: Instant Concentration (Rank A): Mastery: 0%
Type : Active
Provides the user with enhanced focus and mental clarity for a short duration.
Cooldown: 30 minutes.
Side effect: Mental fatigue.
Active Duration: 15 minutes
Note: the active duration will increase when some conditions are met.
"Alright, let's try using a skill. System, activate 'Analyze'."
{ Activating skill: Analyze... }
A surge of information flooded my mind as the skill took effect. I looked around the room, and everything seemed to have a faint glow, details becoming more apparent.
"This is amazing," I muttered. "Now for 'Instant Concentration'. System, activate 'Instant Concentration'."
{ Activating skill: Instant Concentration... }
A sense of clarity washed over me. My mind felt sharper, thoughts more focused. I could feel my surroundings with heightened awareness.
"This is incredible," I said to myself, feeling my senses growing sharper and my thinking clearer.
I spent the next few free minutes practicing, activating and deactivating the skills repeatedly. Each time I used them, I felt more confident and in control. The 'Analyze' skill allowed me to understand the properties of various objects in the room, while 'Instant Concentration' helped me focus intensely on the tasks at hand.
Suddenly, a notification popped up in front of me:
{ Ding! }
{ A new Task has been generated. }
[ Task : Mana Awakening ]
[ Details: Mana is the cornerstone of the world. Having a higher rank of mana is essential for getting stronger in a world where the weak prey on the strong. More strength is always beneficial. ]
[ Rewards: 1. New function unlocked.
A random item box. A random skill box.
Note: The higher the rank, the better the rewards. ]
[ Penalty: None ]
[
"Hey, system lady, what's with the sudden quest? Are you trying to mess with me?" I quipped sarcastically.
{ Quite the opposite, Host. If you don't want to get beaten every so often in the future, you should take it seriously and accept the quest. }
"Alright, alright, stop nagging. I'll accept it," I said, clicking on the agree button.
{ Ding! Quest accepted }
"Now, I guess I better read to get an idea about the mana awakening process," I muttered to myself, eyeing the book in my hand.
According to the book, mana awakening consists of three steps: aptitude, rank, and blessing. In the first step, "aptitude," they check whether you have the knack or gift for mana and to what extent, and which elements you have a knack for. In the second step, "rank," they measure the amount and quality of mana you can handle and manipulate, ranking it from 'G' to 'S' for starters.
While I was delving into gathering as much information as possible, Ranel and Avelie returned to the room.
"Mana Awakening for Fools is surprisingly informative, despite its title," Avelie remarked, coming closer.
"I agree, it's written in a way that anyone could understand easily," I nodded in agreement.
Ranel approached with a serious expression. "Young master, remember, even if you awaken with a low-level mana aptitude and rank, it will not make you any less valuable. You will always be an irreplaceable member of the Archborn family."
Ever since I had woken up, I had been in an unfamiliar place, without any memories from before. The only person I had interacted with was a maid, aside from the system of course. Aside from Ranel, nobody had come to visit me for the past month I had been awake. Even today, on my birthday, nobody came to wish me.
It has been a bit stressful, but knowing there are still people who care about me and that I have a place I belong puts my mind at ease. I feel strangely calmer and more confident.
With newfound curiosity about the rewards from the system, I declared, "I'm ready," to both Ranel and myself.
Seeing the close relationship between Ranel and me, Avelie smiled softly.
"Then follow me, young master," Avelie urged, leading the way.
As we headed towards the room beside us, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the rhythm echoing in my ears with each passing second. With a slow, steady hand, Avelie pushed open the door to the awakening room