In a culmination of intensive meditation and skillful mana manipulation, Cedric approached the final phase of crafting his third planet. The air around him became charged with anticipation as he compressed the mana, orchestrating the formation of this celestial body within him. The third shackle, a symbol of his progression, shattered, releasing a torrent of mana that surged through Cedric's enhanced veins.
As the mana storm enveloped him, Cedric's aura underwent a profound transformation. Breaking through the constraints of Silver 4 and ascending to Silver 5, his presence radiated newfound power. The very essence of his being resonated with the harmonious blend of his innate abilities, the liquified mana, and the reinforced conduits of his mana veins.
As the mana storm subsided, Cedric gradually regained consciousness. A surge of vitality coursed through him, leaving him feeling more potent and robust than ever before. The lingering effects of his breakthrough manifested physically as well—Cedric found himself now possessing the stature of a 13-year-old, reminiscent of his earthly age. The Thundra forest had not only witnessed his spiritual ascension but also facilitated a significant physical transformation.
The liquified mana lake, once a wellspring of mystical energies, had played a crucial role in this metamorphosis. Its resources were drained, a testament to Cedric's continuous utilization during the arduous weeks of meditation. The lake, now depleted, stood as a testament to the magnitude of Cedric's endeavor and the depths he was willing to explore in his pursuit of martial excellence.
With this monumental achievement, Cedric's Conqueror System Interface reflected the culmination of his efforts. The stats across all attributes now totaled an impressive 10,000, showcasing the remarkable growth he had undergone in the Thundra forest. The combined influence of the liquified mana, the third planet, and the reinforced mana veins had propelled Cedric into a realm of power previously unattainable.
Conqueror System Interface
Host: Cedric Northstar
Rank: Silver 5
Attributes:
1. Strength: 4090 (600 base + 600 Dragon Martial Saint Body + 30% Dragon Martial Saint Might + 15% Conqueror Might)
2. Agility: 4090 (600 base + 30% Dragon Martial Saint Might)
3. Constitution: 3400 (500 base + 30% Dragon Martial Saint Body + 50% Dragon Martial Saint Might)
4. Mana: 2100 (Increased mana capacity due to reinforced mana veins)
5. Intelligence: 525 (Increased cognitive functions)
6. Charm: 525 (Increased charismatic presence)
Next Rank: Gold 1 (Requires approximately 15,000 cumulative stat points)
Skills Unlocked:
1. [Northstar Footwork] - Proficiency: Intermediate (45% completion)
Aspects:
Dragon Martial Saint Aspects:
- [Dragon Martial Saint Might]: When in combat, increase the host's stats by 50%.
- [Martial Genius]: Facilitates easier learning of techniques and enhances the power of techniques by 20%.
- [Dragon Martial Saint Body]: Increases the physical stats by 30%.
Conqueror Aspects:
- [Conqueror's Aura]: Enhances the ease of bending things to the user's will by 10%.
- [Conqueror's Will]: Provides protection against mind control.
- [Conqueror Might]: Increases attack power by 15%.
Cedric's journey in the Thundra forest had undeniably shaped him into a formidable martial adept, laying the foundation for the challenges that awaited him in the days to come.
Emerging from the depths of his secluded meditation, Cedric found himself reacquainting with the vibrant life of the Thundra forest. The liquified mana had sustained him during his intensive practice, allowing him to forego the need for sustenance for six weeks. The lush surroundings and the crisp, mana-infused air felt invigorating as he made his way back to his treehouse, a place that had become his sanctuary in this mystical realm.
However, upon his return, an unexpected sight awaited him – Goldenfist, the four-eyed monkey with golden fur on its arm, was perched near his treehouse. Instead of hostility, Goldenfist exhibited a curious demeanor, gesturing for Cedric to follow. The scattered bones around the area hinted that Goldenfist had been patiently waiting for Cedric's emergence.
Intrigued by the monkey's actions, Cedric decided to comply and follow Goldenfist through the intricate pathways of the Thundra forest. Their journey led them to a serene lake, where Goldenfist, with animated gestures, tossed a rock into the water. A sudden disturbance beneath the surface revealed the presence of a formidable creature – the Thunder Catfish.
The Thunder Catfish, a massive eel-fused catfish, emerged in response to the disturbance. Its whiskers crackled with stored electricity, a unique adaptation that Goldenfist seemed well aware of. Rather than engaging in combat, Goldenfist communicated a shared understanding with Cedric – the Thunder Catfish posed a threat, and action was required.
Without explicit words, Goldenfist conveyed that the Thunder Catfish needed to be dealt with. Cedric grasped the significance – this lake was a vital resource for both of them. The catfish's presence not only disrupted the harmony of the ecosystem but also jeopardized their access to a reliable water source.
The unspoken agreement between Cedric and Goldenfist revealed the subtle camaraderie that had developed between them. It was a silent acknowledgment that, despite their differences, a mutual survival instinct bound them in the intricate dance of the Thundra forest.
As they prepared to address the Thunder Catfish, a shared understanding bridged the communication gap between Cedric and Goldenfist. It was a testament to the unique dynamics that unfolded in this mystical realm, where alliances were forged not through words but through shared experiences and the common pursuit of survival in the enchanting yet perilous Thundra forest.
The encounter with the Thunder Catfish escalated quickly as Cedric and Goldenfist sprang into action. Drawing his sword with swift precision, Cedric hurled a piece of rock into the lake, enticing the colossal creature to emerge. In response to the bait, the Thunder Catfish leaped out of the water, its massive form suspended in mid-air.
Seizing the opportune moment, Cedric unleashed the might of Star Impact. With calculated precision, he struck the Thunder Catfish, sending it crashing onto the land with a resounding impact. Goldenfist, displaying remarkable agility, swiftly followed Cedric's lead. The monkey unleashed a flurry of rapid punches, each blow adding to the onslaught against the incapacitated catfish.
As the Thunder Catfish struggled to regain its aquatic domain, Cedric, undeterred, executed another powerful technique – Meteor Strike. The impact of the celestial force struck the creature with unrelenting force, further weakening its defenses. The collaborative efforts of Cedric and Goldenfist were proving to be a formidable combination.
Sensing an opportunity to disrupt the catfish's inherent abilities, Cedric transitioned to Veinbane Strike. His strikes targeted the creature's mana, preventing it from unleashing the stored thunder energy stored in its whiskers. The Thundra forest echoed with the clash of elemental forces, a spectacle of nature's fury intertwining with Cedric's martial prowess.
The once-mighty Thunder Catfish, now deprived of its aquatic advantages and suffering under the relentless onslaught, found itself succumbing to the joint assault of Cedric and Goldenfist. Their strategic maneuvers and cohesive attacks transformed the confrontation into a one-sided massacre.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Thundra forest seemed to settle into a calm rhythm once more. The Thunder Catfish lay defeated on the land, a testament to the newfound synergy between Cedric and Goldenfist. The unspoken understanding that had developed between them during their shared moments in the forest had now been solidified through the crucible of combat.
As they stood together by the lake, the victorious duo shared a moment of silent acknowledgment. The camaraderie between Cedric and Goldenfist had evolved from mere survival companionship to a formidable partnership capable of facing the challenges posed by the mystical Thundra forest.