As my consciousness began to stir, I was met with a harsh reality—the lingering pain that gripped my body. It was a sensation that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat, a constant reminder of the ordeal I had endured. Yet, despite the ache that radiated through me, I found solace in the fact that the pain was bearable and that I had survived whatever had transpired.
I blinked my eyes, adjusting to the light filtering through the cave's entrance.
'Oh shit I'm not going use that move for some long time, well what is the time right now?'
My gaze fell upon my smartwatch, and a jolt of disbelief surged through me—it had been an entire day since I had lost consciousness. A day lost to the void, a day where time had slipped through my fingers like grains of sand.
Panic threatened to rise within me as I realized that the precious hours were slipping away, and the academy's commencement drew nearer with each passing moment.
My memory surged back, reminding me of the reason I had journeyed into the depths of this hidden realm—the Luminar Crystal, the ancient artefact that held the potential to alter the course of my destiny.
It had been two days since I had ventured out from home in pursuit of this elusive treasure, and with the academy's opening mere days away, I knew that I had to return as swiftly as possible.
My gaze turned to where the crystal was it was still floating in the air. I grabbed that tiny piece in my hand.
My gaze shifted to the palm of my hand, where the crystal lay.
It was a thing of exquisite beauty, just as I had described it in my novel—a shard of ethereal light encapsulated within a crystalline form, its brilliance captivating and otherworldly.
But before I could claim the crystal's power for my own, I knew that I had to prepare myself.
I fumbled for the last remaining potion in my possession—a mid-grade healing potion.
I knew that the absorption of the Luminar Crystal would not be without its price, and I was determined to face the impending pain head-on.
With the potion in hand, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.
'Let's do this, this will be the final hurdle for now'.
The crystal rested against my chest, its cool surface a stark contrast to the growing tension that gripped me. I pressed the vial to my lips, downing the contents in a single gulp. The liquid coursed through me, a prelude to the pain that awaited.
As the potion took effect, I knew that there was no turning back. With resolve burning within me, I allowed a few drops of my blood to fall onto the surface of the crystal. It seemed to respond, emitting a faint glow as if acknowledging the connection between us.
With the crystal infused with my essence, I uttered a command—a spell that echoed through the depths of the cave.
"Bearer of the celestial light, heed my call and awaken your power within. By the forces of stars and cosmic energy, I command thee to unveil the hidden truths, to illuminate the pathways of knowledge and understanding.
Merge with my essence, become a part of my very being, and grant me the wisdom and strength to face the challenges that lie ahead. By the command of one who dares to embrace the luminous tapestry of existence, let the Luminar Crystal's light shine as a beacon of guidance, empowerment, and transcendence."
The crystal reacted, its brilliance intensifying until it seemed as if it would blind me.
And then, in a display of radiant light, the crystal vanished into thin air, its presence dissolving as it began to merge with my very soul. It was a moment of transformation, of unity between artefacts and the bearer. But as the merging began, a searing pain erupted within me, igniting every nerve in my body.
"SHIT, AH"
My scream echoed through the cave, a primal sound that reverberated off the walls. Curses tumbled from my lips, a torrent of agony-fueled words that held no restraint. The pain was excruciating, a maelstrom of suffering that threatened to tear me apart from the inside out. It was as if every fibre of my being was on fire, a sensation that defied description.
Time became a haze, the passage of moments a blur of agony and torment. I found myself on the precipice of despair, aching for release from the torment that held me captive. At one point, the thought of ending it all crossed my mind—a desperate bid to escape the unending agony that gripped me.
And then, as if in response to my silent plea, a new voice echoed within my mind. "You have passed the test," it said, its words like a lifeline in the darkness. "You are the only one who ever passed it." The voice held an otherworldly resonance, a presence that seemed both unfamiliar and ancient.
And just like that, the pain abated. It was as if a switch had been flipped, the agony that had consumed me dissipating into nothingness.
'Huff, Huff.'
I lay there, panting and gasping, my body trembling as the echoes of torment faded. The silence that followed was both eerie and profound, a stark contrast to the cacophony that had preceded it.
Utterly spent, I lay motionless, my chest heaving with every ragged breath. The Luminar Crystal's absorption had tested me beyond measure, pushing me to the brink of my endurance.
***
After what felt like an eternity of enduring an internal inferno, I slowly rose to my feet, my hands pressed against my chest as if trying to still the racing rhythm of my heart. The aftermath of the crystal's absorption left me feeling drained, a profound weariness settling into my bones.
I glanced at my smartwatch. Ten hours had passed since I had embarked on this harrowing journey. It was Saturday, meaning I had a mere two days left before I was expected to set foot in Nova Academy.
I chuckled softly to myself, realizing that my appearance was likely a mess. My clothes were soiled, my body likely bearing the marks of my ordeal. It was time for a change, and more importantly, a well-deserved cleansing.
With a decision fueled by both necessity and a desire for comfort, I began to shed my garments, one piece at a time. It was a bizarrely liberating feeling, the cool cave air touching my skin as I discarded the last remnants of my adventure-worn attire.
Standing before the crystalline pool of Aqua Veil Falls, I marvelled at the sheer beauty of my surroundings. The cave seemed to come alive with a vibrant interplay of light and shadow, a symphony of nature's elements blending in harmonious dance.
I could not resist the allure of the pool any longer. With a sigh of anticipation, I stepped forward and allowed the cool water to embrace me. The sensation was invigorating, a cascade of liquid relief that washed away the grime and weariness that clung to me.
I surfaced, my breath caught in a contented sigh. The water droplets cascaded down my skin, a gentle caress that carried with it a sense of renewal. I couldn't help but smile—it had been far too long since I had experienced the simple pleasure of a proper bath.
With each passing moment, I allowed myself to fully appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. I found myself contemplating the true purpose of the Luminar Crystal.
I had pursued the crystal to give the protagonist an edge, a way to accelerate his training and remove the shackles of his limitations. a person's talent remains the same, and apart from the fact that one would have no limit and their training speed increased, the luminar crystal piece did not help in regards to actual talent.
'Well, what done is done.' Let's check my new status.
"Status"
===Status===
Name: Lucas DarkHeart
Rank: F+
Strength: F+
Agility: F+
Stamina: G+
Intelligence: E-
Mana Capacity: F+
Luck: E+
Charm: D
--] Profession :
[Swordsmanship lvl.2].
--] Martial art :
[Movement Art: Stellar Stride Grade 3]
[Sword art: Celestial Parry:- Gread 3]
-------------------
'Well looks like it also affects my status.'
As I reclined against the rocky edge of the pool, allowing the water to lap at my skin, I pondered the implications of this revelation. The Luminar Crystal was a tool, a catalyst for growth, but it did not replace the need for hard work, dedication, and genuine talent.