Chapter 17 - skills

In the quiet solitude of his chamber, a person engaged in meditation. Abruptly, a transformation overcame him, his demeanor shifting into an aura of profound solemnity and intensified strength. It was as though he had merged with the very essence of space itself. As this alteration culminated, he opened his eyes, revealing a newfound aura of power.

With a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, Maxwell examined himself. Having anticipated a visible alteration in his physical appearance after the breakthrough, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment when no striking changes manifested. He had secretly harbored the hope of a dramatic visual upgrade, but he quickly cast aside this fleeting letdown. Redirecting his attention, he focused on the newly unlocked potential of his bloodline.

The first of these enhanced abilities was christened "Space Shift." This power bestowed upon him the capability to seamlessly transition from the primary realm to a subspace. It was a skill potent enough to confound assassins and make him a fearsome adversary in battle. However, he recognized its inherent limitations - he could only linger within the subspace for a finite period. Lingering beyond that threshold risked straining his physical constitution, leading to a permanent weakening of his faculties.

Another gift from his lineage was the "Personal Space Inventory." This skill empowered him to create a personal, otherworldly dimension to store his belongings. It was a common yet crucial trait among space dragons, enabling them to remain elusive and challenging to subdue. With this skill, they carried their most essential possessions within a hidden realm, rendering them elusive targets.

The third skill was known as "Space Mark." Typically employed by space dragons to record their forays into different dimensions or to evade formidable adversaries, Maxwell contemplated an alternative application. Instead of using it for escapism, he envisioned leveraging this skill to reunite with his loved ones. It was a more heartwarming utilization of this ability, contrasting its typical purpose.

The final entrant in this array of newfound powers was "Space Binding." This aptitude equipped the user with a comprehensive understanding of unfamiliar spatial dimensions. It served as a safeguard, enhancing the space dragon's adaptability and survival prospects in novel environments.

Amid Maxwell's evolution, Alice's path took a different course. Having reached Tier 4, she temporarily set aside her training endeavors. Her maternal instincts and love for her child, Falkor, took precedence. This decision was a testament to her commitment to nurturing their son's growth and well-being.

As Falkor partook in the prescribed dose of potion, his bloodline purity surged by approximately 11%. The tangible effects of this increase were palpable, as he exuded an aura of vibrancy and sunshine. Falkor became a magnet for affection from those around him, and he defied the typical misadventures of children his age. Instead of suffering frequent tumbles and scrapes, he seemed perpetually safeguarded, as though a benevolent force was keeping him from harm. Moreover, his keen intellect hinted at his potential for accelerated progression.

Maxwell's entrepreneurial pursuits flourished, yielding an annual profit of around 5000 gold coins. Recognizing that this was but a stepping stone on his path, Maxwell felt content with the steady progress he was achieving. Empowered by his newly acquired bloodline skills and his unwavering determination to embark on the trials that awaited him, he stood ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead. With his focus now aimed at mastering his abilities and gaining a profound understanding of the depths of his bloodline skills, he was poised to embark on a journey that promised to shape his destiny.