[Would you like to use Curse devourer on Clockwork of death?]
"Hell yeah!" I exclaimed in excitement.
I was ecstatic for many reasons. The first reason was the fact that I'll be able to live. The second reason was because I was able to obtain one of the most powerful abilities in the novel.
"Tales of the world's guardian" was a novel that was set in a fantasy world filled with magic and monsters called Paradis. The novel showcased kingdoms, heroes, magical creatures, and many more. A lot of people followed the story of a heroine that protected her world from all kinds of evil. With her gift, World's guardian, she was practically unbeatable.
But the only gift that could contest it was Curse devourer. The gift that belonged to the heroine's rival and main antagonist of the story.
"And now, I have it as well," my grin couldn't leave my face.
[Curse devourer is consuming Clockwork of death]
[Clockwork of death is a Fate level curse]
[Would you like to convert it into an ego?]
My face scrunched up. Gaining an ego is something many people desire, but it comes with a severe drawback when gained early. Paradis had a system called Duelist ranks, which was similar to leveling systems in games. Each rank was divided into ten levels and ascending one level gives a significant boost in an individual's power. And the difference between just one rank is like comparing a house cat to a ferocious tiger.
Gaining an ego early would greatly reduce a person's growth since the user would need to share the mana or aura they gathered with the ego. Resulting in the amount of mana or aura to ascend to be doubled or even more depending on how powerful the ego was.
"What do you think I should do?" I asked the system. Personally, I didn't have a clue since I'm not an original resident of this world. From Raveil's memories, I knew that he used aura since he was a swordsman, but I had no idea how exactly it would affect my growth with an ego.
[Obtain the ego]
The system replied. "Alright, what do I need?"
[Clockwork of death is being converted into an ego]
[Materials needed: Gem of recognition, Corrupted pearl, Essence of death, Shadow steel]
"You little shit," my eyes twitched when I saw the first two materials needed. "You planned it all along," maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised since it was the system that brought me to this world in the first place. "Where do I get the last two?"
[Task: Go to the corrupted forest and obtain the Essence of death
Reward: Mana cluster
Task: Obtain Shadow steel
Reward: Mana cluster]
"What would I do with a mana cluster?" I questioned. "This body uses aura."
[For the ego]
"Oh... pretty clever," I nodded my head in approval.
Mana clusters were a collection of compressed mana. Normally, mages would use them like a battery for their spells. Sometimes they're used to power large magic gear as well. For me, I could potentially use it to feed the ego instead of it sharing my aura.
"Time to go the-" "Young master!" A magic infused shout stopped me in my tracks. I turned around to see Esther at the edge of the lake.
Her hand began to glow, and a trail of mana stretched out towards me, grabbing me like a hand. I was lifted out of the water and pulled towards her.
"Young master, you shouldn't be in such places," Esther scolded me.
"I can take care of myself Esther, no need to be worried," I replied. Currently, Raveil is eighteen and is a student of Paradis royal academy, so he would be no different than an adult from my world.
I noticed the look in Esther's eyes. I couldn't help but be offended. Pity, annoyance, sadness, nothing but negative emotions. "The count has demanded that you join everyone for lunch," she informed me as she lowered me to the ground.
"Alright," I began walking back home.
------
Count Argonius Gray, known as the silver lion of the kingdom of Vespride. The strongest swordsman of his generation. A man that is acknowledge by the whole continent.
But a father that could do nothing for his son.
"Lunch is served," maids entered the dining hall, bringing in luxurious dishes fit for a king.
Argonius glanced at his first and second wife that sat across from each other and to their sides were their first born. To his first wife, Amara. His eldest son Azazel sat beside her, then beside him was the third child, Rizza. To his second wife, Corina, sitting beside her was the eldest daughter, Anise. Next to his eldest daughter was the son of his third wife, Aurora. The son that pains him to see.
Raveil Gray.
He had lost his mother, now this might be the last time he sees him as well.
"Will you be returning to the academy soon my son?" Amara asked Azazel. The count did not miss the annoyed glance Corina threw at Amara.
"Yes, mother," Azazel responded. "I will need to prepare for an expedition after all."
"Oh? Another expedition already?" Amara's haughty tone rang through the table.
Pointless drabbles like this always irritated Argonius, but it was even more pointless to interfere.
"Of course, I need to show people how great the family is as the only heir," Azazel boasted.
"Show off," Rizza grumbled, while Anise remained quiet.
Both his daughters' hold on the silverware tightened.
"That reminds me father," Raveil suddenly spoke up. "I will be returning to the academy tomorrow."
Argonius closed his eyes and sighed. "Very well," he said with a pained heart.
Azazel was about to speak, but the atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Whatever insult, denial, complaint, or anything he planned on saying was put under the drain.
They continued to eat in silence.
No matter how painful it was for him.
------
"The corrupted forest is near the road leading to the academy, so I'll probably travel alone for that," I muttered as I checked the map. "How many shadow steel do I need?"
[One ingot]
"I'll just check the material storage for that."
If I remember correctly, in the beginning of the novel. Shadow steel was considered to be a useless metal since it was less durable than steel and was a lot heavier as well. It took them all so long to realize it was one of the best materials for blunt weapons.
"And... I'm heading out again," this time I was actually properly dressed. I had no idea was these clothes are called, but they're what fantasy nobles always wore in novels. I'll just call it fancy suits.
The material storage was on the other side of the estate, so I was very relieved that this body was actually fit. Thank god Raveil trained himself even though he was dying soon or was supposed to be dying soon.
I grinned at the panel floating at the corner of my vision.
[Devouring clockwork of death (73%)]
"I am here!" I slammed the door of the material storage open, only for it not to budge and to hurt my hands. "God damn it!"
[Dumbass]
"It's locked, figures..."
"Did you need anything young master?" A male servant approached me.
"Yeah, some shadow steel."
"There are none in the storage young master, only precious materials are stored here. Some shadow steel can be found in the stables though," the servant informed him.
My eyes twitched.
The stables were on the other side of the estate again.