Cedric, having completed the alchemical ritual, experienced a significant enhancement in the purity of his mana, earning commendation from the Conqueror system. The notification heralded an achievement of 85 percent purity, resulting in a rewarding increase of 5 to every stat. The Conqueror System Interface reflected these changes, elevating Cedric's cumulative stat points to 165 and pushing him closer to the coveted Copper rank.
Conqueror System Interface
Host: Cedric Northstar
- Rank: Iron 3
- Cumulative Stat Points: 195
Attributes:
1. Strength: 40
2. Agility: 40
3. Constitution: 33
4. Mana: 44
5. Intelligence: 24
6. Charm: 15
Next Rank: Copper (Requires approximately 135 cumulative stat points)
Skills Unlocked:
1. [Northstar Footwork] - Proficiency: Basic (95% success rate)
Aspects Available:
- [TBD] - Unlockable at Copper Rank
Cedric reveled in the stat increase, recognizing its contribution to his journey towards the Copper rank and the potential unveiling of his first aspect. The augmented stats not only reflected his physical prowess but also indicated a refinement in his mana control, a crucial aspect of the Northstar heritage.
The newfound purity in Cedric's mana brought about tangible benefits. The mana now converged around him more effortlessly, showcasing a heightened quality that promised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of his Northstar technique. The reduced time required for using the technique and the improved quality were tangible markers of his progress.
Grateful for Isabella's assistance in the ritual, Cedric expressed his thanks before contemplating a return to his room. However, Isabella, not one to rest on accomplishments, saw an opportunity for collaboration. She proposed that Cedric could assist her in a new experiment aimed at further exploring mana purity.
Andrew, protective of his son, interjected with a skeptical tone, cautioning Isabella against involving Cedric in her unorthodox experiments. His concern was palpable, reflecting a father's instinct to shield his child from potential risks. Cedric, caught between the adventurous spirit of discovery and paternal care, awaited Isabella's response to Andrew's protective stance.
Isabella, fueled by her unyielding curiosity and pursuit of transcendence, shared with Cedric the intricacies of her experimental endeavors. Acknowledging the limitations of fusing other species to the human body, Isabella recounted her singular success with integrating a dragonoid sub-species, specifically Dragon Hawk eyes, into her own eyes. This successful fusion, resulting in heightened mana vision, led to a mutation in her trait, affording her the ability to perceive mana at a level 30 times superior to ordinary humans.
As Cedric listened intently to Isabella's account of her experimental journey, he couldn't help but marvel at the depths of her knowledge and the audacity of her pursuits. Isabella's revelation about successfully integrating Dragon Hawk eyes into her own, resulting in an extraordinary enhancement of her mana vision, spoke volumes about the potential synergies between different species and the human body.
The conversation transitioned to Isabella's current focus on runes, a shift prompted by the realization that direct species fusion faced inherent challenges and uncertainties. Runes, with their mystical essence, presented an intriguing alternative. Isabella elucidated her vision for these runes—essentially, they would act as conduits for purifying the user's mana gradually. Moreover, these magical symbols were engineered to reinforce the durability of the host's mana veins.
The discussion delved into the intricacies of mana purity, a critical metric on the path of cultivation. Isabella emphasized the arduous nature of surpassing the 85% purity threshold, underscoring that achieving the fifth ring in the meditation technique was a time-intensive endeavor. The prospect of utilizing runes offered a tantalizing shortcut to enhance mana purity efficiently.
As Cedric absorbed this wealth of information, he contemplated the potential benefits and risks associated with Isabella's experimental proposal. The idea of accelerating his journey toward higher mana purity and fortifying his mana veins through rune integration was undeniably appealing. Yet, the uncertainty of such experiments and their long-term consequences lingered in his mind.
Isabella, with a mix of enthusiasm and caution, extended an invitation for Cedric to participate in her groundbreaking experiment. Andrew, ever protective of his son, interjected with a stern warning against Cedric becoming a guinea pig for Isabella's unconventional ideas. The tension in the air underscored the delicate balance between the allure of innovation and the need for caution in the pursuit of transcendent capabilities.
The incorporation of runes, with their inherent magical properties, offered a potential solution to accelerate mana purity enhancement while fortifying the mana veins. Cedric, intrigued by the prospect of this novel experiment, weighed the risks and benefits, mindful of the transformative possibilities it could unlock on his path to mastery.