Three days had swiftly passed since the celebration of my eighth birthday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Aria, with her thoughtful generosity, gifted me a cat face accessory for my scythe – a whimsical addition that brought a playful touch to my weapon of choice. Kaori, at the tender age of five, surprised me with a simple yet heartfelt gift – a plant. The intention behind her gesture resonated deeply with me, recognizing the purity of her sentiment.
Today was different; today marked the start of a grand adventure. With my belongings packed and my scythe adorned with the new accessory, I stood at the crossroads of farewell. Aria and Kaori would remain in their own adventure, while I ventured into the unknown, eager to explore distant lands and encounter the mysteries that awaited.
Approaching Aria and Kaori, I felt a mixture of excitement and bittersweet emotions. "Aria, this journey has been an incredible experience. The memories we've created together will forever hold a special place in my heart," I expressed with genuine gratitude. "As we part ways, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You're more than a friend to me; you're like an older sister."
A warm hug sealed my sentiments, and as I turned to Kaori, I couldn't help but marvel at her innocence. "Kaori, you've brought so much joy into my life. Even though I'll be away, I promise to wait for you, no matter how many years it takes. I love you dearly, and I hope that one day we'll meet again and create new memories together." Another heartfelt hug ensued, filled with promises of future reunions.
With my goodbyes said, I gathered my belongings, ensuring my scythe and the cherished accessory were secure. The Kingdom of Hyogan, my home for a brief yet impactful period, faded into the distance as I stepped outside. The anticipation of the unknown filled me with excitement, and the wind tousled my hair as a clear sky lay ahead, symbolizing the vast possibilities awaiting me.
Aria's parting gift, 150 gold coins, rested securely in my possession, a mysterious but appreciated gesture of support. With a smile on my face and a heart full of determination.
The outside world welcomed me with a gentle breeze, brushing against my face and clothes. My senses heightened, and with a clear mind, I set forth on my journey, eager to unravel the tapestry of the unknown that stretched out before me.
As my journey unfolded, I found myself standing at the base of a towering mountain. The imposing presence of the rocky behemoth sparked an idea in my mind – what better place to test and refine my burgeoning magical abilities than this formidable landscape?
Reflecting on my limited knowledge of magic, my thoughts drifted to the singular instance where I instinctively conjured an ice bridge to escape a perilous fall in a cavern. Now, facing the challenge of the mountain, I pondered the potential of my abilities.
With a determined gaze fixed upon the rugged surface, I raised my hand, palm extended towards the rocky terrain. My intention was clear – to harness the power of ice manipulation. However, my mana reserves were meager, a mere 55 points according to my stats. Doubt lingered in my mind as I questioned the extent of what I could achieve.
Undeterred, I focused my energy and initiated the spell. To my surprise, the response was immediate and overwhelming. In an unintended burst of power, a colossal iceberg of spikes materialized, expanding to half the size of the mountain itself. The result was beyond my expectations, and I marveled at the potency of mana, even with its seemingly limited quantity.
Yet, the consequences of my magical feat became apparent as I fell to the ground. Though not unconscious, I found myself paralyzed, unable to move my limbs. A sudden realization dawned upon me – my mana had reached its lowest point, and the cost of such a powerful spell left my body incapacitated.
A notification appeared in my system, shedding light on the newfound understanding of mana's significance: [Lowest mana reached, body is paralyzed.] The revelation struck me with profound clarity – mana was not only a source of magical power but also a vital force that governed my physical capabilities. The delicate balance between magic and the body's functionality became evident.
As I lay there, paralyzed yet enlightened by the consequences of my impulsive experimentation, I contemplated the intricate connection between mana and stamina. Mana, it seemed, held a greater influence on my physical state than I had initially perceived.
As I struggled to rise from the ground, a gradual regeneration of my mana began, accompanied by a peculiar sense of weakness despite expending only a small portion of my magical reserves. The unfolding events left me bewildered, and just as I grappled with these newfound sensations, another notification appeared, altering the landscape of my understanding.
[Maximum MP has increased from 55 to 70]
The correlation between magic usage and mana capacity became even more apparent. My initial theory stood validated – the more I delved into the mysteries of magic, the greater my mana would become. A sense of empowerment surged within me, and I eagerly anticipated further revelations.
As the notifications continued to flood my system, I was introduced to a realm of possibilities previously unexplored.
[Aura System Unlocked]
[Aura Visualization feature unlocked]
[You have learned new Skill: Aura Sense]
[You have learned a new Skill: Aura Conceal]
Intrigued yet uncertain about the potential of these newfound skills, I decided to put them to the test. Starting with Aura Sense, I activated the skill, expecting something noticeable. To my initial disappointment, it seemed like nothing had changed. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a faint blue aura enveloping my body. I could sense magic emanating from it, but the skill came at a cost – draining 5 MP per second while active.
Undeterred, I moved on to Aura Conceal, and the results were straightforward. When activated, my aura became imperceptible even to myself. Curiosity piqued, I then combined Aura Conceal with Aura Sense, revealing an interesting synergy. While concealed, my aura vanished from view, and with Aura Sense activated, I couldn't detect its presence either.
Seeking further clarification, I navigated to the system interface. A tap of my finger on Aura Conceal unveiled additional information – a strategic advantage lay within its simplicity. If a person possessed five times more MP than the one concealing their aura, the concealed person would be visible and detectable to the one with the higher MP.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation for the possibilities these skills could unlock in my magical journey. As the mountain loomed in the background, I embraced the unfolding mysteries of mana, eager to unravel the intricacies of this enchanting world.
As I continued my journey throughout the woods, the dense woods eventually gave way to the sight of a village, not excessively large but substantial enough to be considered a city in its own right. As I approached, the aura concealment skill became invaluable, allowing me to mask my vampire scent and aura, ensuring a seamless entrance without arousing suspicion.
The village, nestled amidst nature, had a quaint charm. Wooden houses, from walls to roofs, created a rustic atmosphere. Wells, campfires, and a small inn contributed to the village's picturesque setting. Grateful for the concealment skill, I navigated through the settlement unnoticed, the inhabitants oblivious to my vampiric nature.
As evening descended, I decided to spend the night in this welcoming village. The innate fear of the unknown, especially in the darkness, compelled me to seek refuge. Entering the inn, a momentary shock gripped me as I noticed an ogre behind the counter. My instinctual fear rose, and thoughts of imminent danger crossed my mind.
However, to my surprise, the inn was filled with ogres and humans – not the monstrous, rampaging creatures I had envisioned, but beings exhibiting a sense of normalcy and intelligence. The realization struck me: not every beast was driven by malevolence. These ogres, it seemed, were endowed with common sense akin to regular people.
Approaching the counter, I greeted the ogre with a cautious yet friendly tone. "Hello, I would like to stay here for 7 days. How much would that be?" The ogre responded in a surprisingly genial manner, "It will be 1 gold coin." Without hesitation, I handed the ogre a gold coin, appreciating the affordable accommodation.
The ogre guided me to a modest room with a single bed, a closet, a lamp on the ceiling, and a small bathroom. Despite its simplicity, the room felt welcoming. As I settled in, exhaustion washed over me. I placed my bags down, slipped into the bed, and let the weariness of my journey lull me into a deep and much-needed sleep.
The village, with its unsuspecting ogre inhabitants, offered a glimpse into the diverse and unpredictable nature of this magical realm. As I embraced the warmth of the inn's room, I looked forward to what the dawn would reveal in this mysterious village.
The tranquility of my sleep shattered by sudden commotion, I jolted awake to the symphony of screams and chaos outside. Instinctively, my hand reached for my scythe, and without a moment's hesitation, I punched through the wall, leaping out into the night.
The village, once serene, was now a battleground. Small dragons wreaked havoc, their fiery breath consuming everything in their path. Panic gripped the humans, while the ogres valiantly fought to defend their home.
Without a second thought, I sprinted towards the center of the village, where the dragons were most concentrated. Gripping my scythe, I unleashed a spinning throw, cutting through the air and slicing five dragons in one swift motion. A notification flashed before my eyes.
[You have successfully learned the skill: Fire Manipulation]
The newfound ability to control fire surged within me, but my immediate concern was the safety of the village. With a quick shift in strategy, I conjured ice spikes and launched them at the remaining dragons. Their lower levels made them vulnerable, and the ice spikes, each the size of their heads, proved devastating. Fifteen dragons fell, and the rest scattered in fear.
As the chaos subsided, the village still smoldered from the fires. Acting swiftly, I crafted a massive ice spike above the village, combining it with fire magic to create a downpour of water. The water cascaded like rain, quenching the flames and preventing further destruction.
Three notifications illuminated my vision.
[New Title Unlocked: The Hero]
[Successfully learned the skill: Water Manipulation]
[Maximum MP increased to 150]
The villagers and ogres, witnessing the miraculous intervention, erupted in cheers and applause. Gratitude echoed through the once-panicked streets as they shouted, "THANK YOU SO MUCH!" The title of hero bestowed upon me, and the newfound skills marked a turning point in my journey.
Amidst the jubilation, I stood, realizing the unexpected role I had played in saving the village. The applause and gratitude reverberated, and I couldn't help but ponder the responsibilities that came with the title of "The Hero." As the night settled, I contemplated the significance of this unexpected chapter in my magical adventure.
I then opened my stats tab :
● [Title : The Hero] - 50% more Total HP/STR
○ [Passive Skill : Vampirism, Predator, Cold Resistance, Fire Resistance, Breathless]
● [Race : Vampire]
[Level : 220] [EXP : 890/1850]
• [STR : 878 (50%+)] - Strength
• [HP : 2290/2320 (50%+)] - Health Points
• [STM : 1966/2270] - Stamina
• [SP : 0] - Skill Points
• [MP : 20/150] - Mana Points
° [Skills : Trident Strike, Ice Manipulation, Aura sense, Aura Conceal, Fire Manipulation, Water Manipulation]
° [Inventory]
The new title gave me even more power than the old title. And with this new skills, I was very joyful.
In the aftermath of the intense battle and the display of newfound powers, a sudden realization dawned upon me. My mana had been depleted, and I found myself gasping for air as the exhaustion caught up with me. With only 20 out of 150 mana points remaining, the toll of my heroic efforts took a heavy toll on my body.
I staggered, feeling the weight of weariness pressing down upon me. Each breath became a struggle as I tried to regain composure. The slow regeneration of my mana offered a glimmer of hope, but the fatigue from the sleepless night and the physical exertion pushed me to my limits.
As I collapsed to the ground, the world around me blurred, and a desperate gasp for air escaped my lips. The unconsciousness I had narrowly avoided during the battle now claimed me. The village, still echoing with gratitude, faded into darkness as I succumbed to the toll of my heroic deeds. The night unfolded, carrying the silent weight of a hero's sacrifice.