"I lent you my eye," said C99.
"Your eye? Why?"
"There are many powers in this eye. But for now, you can only use one of its powers," explained C99.
"Whatever the power is, explain it quickly, C99. I don't know where else to run and hide," said Aric, who had already started running away from all the Therians present.
As he ran, his eyes scanned every corner, counting the number of enemies. There were about twenty Therians in the main area.
"Lesson one for you today: first identify who your enemies are, their levels, and their weaknesses."
"How? Isn't all that determined by the aura their bodies emit? You know I just discovered my powers today. How am I supposed to sense auras?" Aric began to grumble at C99.
He was frustrated because it seemed like C99 wanted him to do many things he didn't know.
C99 sighed. "Lesson two: listen to everything I have to say before arguing."
"Now, focus on one of the enemies and try saying 'scan' in your mind. Don't shout," C99 continued. She didn't want Aric to interrupt again with complaints.
Without wasting time, Aric did as instructed by C99. "Scan!"
A light like an aura forming a soft, translucent flame appeared in Aric's right eye. It was green.
He just followed along. "Scan!" Immediately, the green light like a soft flame appeared in Aric's eye.
"Now, look at the enemy." As soon as Aric looked at one of the raging Therians, a Terralion, a type of mutant lion, all the information about the monster was immediately displayed in his mind, including its level, powers, power grade, and weakness.
.
[TERRALION]
[Species] Lion
[Power] Geokinesis
[Grade] E
[Level] 10
[HP] 500/500
[EP] 100/100
[Attributes] Strength - 40, Endurance - 40, Agility - 10, Vitality - 10, Intelligence - 2
[Weakness] The Terralion's body is very strong. However, there is a soft spot on the top of its head. Target that area.
.
"Due to your current low level, you can't get much information from your targets. But for now, this should be more than enough to help you," C99 explained.
Aric nodded, now in a corner of the main area, trying to stay calm and use the Aerokinesis power he had copied from Elis. Fortunately for the wielder of Mimicrion, Aric also copied their memory and experience in using their powers. So, everything felt natural to him.
However, there were some constraints. The type of movements or the level of power produced might not match what Elis could do because Aric's physical attributes were not on par with those of the original power owner.
"Are you ready?" C99 asked.
Aric nodded, determination in his eyes. "I'm ready."
As soon as the words left his lips, Aric sprinted towards the northern part of the main area, moving with incredible speed. Those huddled in the safety sections couldn't help but notice his swift movements.
"Eh? Who's that? Is there a Nova in this place?"
"Who cares? The most important thing now is that we all stay safe."
Some cheered, some scoffed, and others predicted Aric would be defeated by the Therians in less than a minute. Aric, however, remained undeterred. He had a secret mission with a promised reward, and he was eager to see what form it would take.
"I'm still nervous, C99," Aric confessed.
"Don't worry. Try fighting one of the Therians first," C99 advised, her tone calm and reassuring. She had become increasingly adept at reading Aric's situation and emotions, providing the most helpful advice when he needed it most.
"Alright," Aric said, steeling himself.
He approached a Terralion, scanning it as he ran. "Level 10 and the weakness is the same. On the top of the head."
The Terralion, sensing Aric's approach, turned to face him, charging with claws outstretched. Aric dodged to the side, grateful for the incredible speed he had gained after copying Elis's attributes.
However, he was still not entirely accustomed to this newfound agility and stumbled slightly as he evaded the attack.
Despite his nerves, Aric knew that his mother, even with just one percent of her full strength, could easily defeat these Therians. This gave him confidence.
"Good. This will help you gain real combat experience faster," C99 encouraged.
"Good? I could die at any moment," Aric retorted.
"Don't worry. I'll help you," C99 assured him. True to her word, she acted like a coach, giving precise directions on when to dodge, when to attack, and more, until Aric began to adjust.
"Turns out monsters aren't that scary," Aric remarked.
"If mythical monsters are just pets for galaxies much stronger than this, what do you think is the level of this Terralion you're facing? It's like dust," C99 replied.
"You're so arrogant, C99."
Aric aimed to end his first battle quickly. The longer the fight dragged on, the more lives would be lost, and he knew that all the Therians would soon start attacking him in groups.
Fortunately, the Therians preferred to savor their kills before moving on to new prey. This gave Aric a crucial window of time as the other Therians remained unaware of his presence.
Gradually, Aric became more adept at wielding the aerokinesis power he had copied. He leaped high into the air, harnessing the wind to propel himself upward, then dove down at incredible speed, aiming for the top of the Terralion's head.
"Hiyaah!" Aric yelled, channeling his focus into a powerful stomp rather than a punch. Still unaccustomed to the visceral nature of close combat, he wanted to avoid the gruesome splatter of blood on his clothes.
The Terralion let out a deafening scream of pain. The difference in strength was unmistakable. Aric's enhanced power shattered the top of the Terralion's head, killing it instantly.
.
[Host received 40 EXP]
[Level up to Level 1]
[Received 5 Free Attribute Points]
[All attributes +5]
[Level up to Level 2]
[Received 5 Free Attribute Points]
[All attributes +5]
[First battle reward: All attributes +20]
.
"Whoa! Awesome!" Aric immediately checked his Novas System panel.
.
[STATUS]
[Name] Aric Valen
[Species] Human
[Power] Mimicrion (Aerokinesis)
[Grade] S* (S)
[Level] 2 + 9 (11)
[HP] 1750/1750 (5500/5500)
[EP] 1750/1750 (6000/6000)
[Attributes] Strength - 35 (105), Endurance - 35 (105), Agility - 35 (125), Vitality - 35 (110), Intelligence - 35 (120)
[Free Attribute Points] 30
[Cumulative EXP] 40
.
"Err… C99."
"What is it?"
"Don't you think I'm a bit overpowered right now?"
C99 almost laughed at Aric's words. "That's because you copied Elis's powers. You haven't even seen your status after copying Agustin's powers."
Aric fell silent. C99's words reminded him of something. He needed to be the strongest on Earth and surpass his grandfather, Agustin. 'Maybe if I get the chance, I should copy Grandpa's power. Then I'll know how far I have to go.'
"Enough. Focus on the situation now. The other Therians have noticed you, Aric."
It was true. They were quickly closing in on Aric. Earlier, he had been somewhat scared to face the monsters, but now his fear had diminished.
"With this power, I will help as many people as possible," Aric vowed.
Three Steel Bulls charged at Aric, their punches coming simultaneously. Their strength, in terms of levels and attributes, matched that of the Terralion from before.
Seeing the attack coming, Aric jumped high into the air to dodge. His leap was supported by the wind he controlled. He performed several backflips in the air before landing not far from the three Steel Bulls.
However, Aric's landing was a bit clumsy. He stumbled to the ground. "Ouch! That hurts," Aric yelled.
"Hahaha! Don't get too cocky. Saying that you're going to save humanity and all," C99 laughed heartily.
She wasn't too worried about the current situation because Aric's strength far surpassed his enemies. Even if they managed to hit Aric, they wouldn't be able to injure him.
"You have to understand, even though you have the memory to control the copied power, you lack the experience to do so. That's why you can't rush things," advised C99.
The spectators were also shocked by what they were witnessing. "Is he a low-rank Nova?"
"I don't know. I think he's really going to die this time."
"He's no different from us ordinary humans if he can't control his power."
"Stop talking. Didn't you see him take down a lion earlier? He's our only hope right now."
Aric, rubbing his sore face, looked around, at the enemies he was facing. They were bulls with metal-controlling powers.
Their bodies were silver, covered in metal. Their lower body parts were covered in a battle suit. Due to their numbers, they would be a big challenge for Aric.
Aric was only one level higher than them. One-on-one, it would be easy for him. But three against one? He wasn't sure he would win easily.
"Do you remember where their weak spots are?" C99 asked, his tone sharp and focused.
Aric nodded, determination in his eyes.
"Good. Now, concentrate your attacks there. And remember, manage your energy wisely."
At this moment, C99 resembled a seasoned coach, guiding a fighter in the ring.
ROAR!
The roar from his enemies wasn't like the sound of bulls we know today. Everything had changed, especially for species that had undergone mutation and evolution.
The Steel Bulls Aric faced stood like humans on two legs. One of them charged at Aric, swinging its massive arm. Aric ducked easily, avoiding the blow.
"Oops! You missed, buddy," he taunted, flashing a defiant smile. His provocation enraged the other bulls, causing them to attack simultaneously.
One of the Steel Bulls reverted to a more primal attack, charging like a regular bull and slamming into Aric. He was thrown several meters away. "That hurts!" Aric shouted, wincing in pain.
"I thought with powers, I'd be invincible."
"Your body isn't used to it yet, Aric. That's why you feel so much pain right now. You need more combat experience."
'Father was right. Power isn't everything. Wisdom is still needed in battle.'
The first hit was a harsh reminder for Aric. Even though he could copy powers, it didn't mean he could underestimate his enemies or take things lightly.
Aric still had a lot to learn, but his attitude had shifted, and it didn't go unnoticed. C99, who could read his thoughts, seemed to smile in satisfaction at Aric's newfound resolve.
Utilizing his aerokinesis, Aric chose to make his movements light and swift. He moved like a feather in the wind, his grace apparent as he deftly evaded his opponents.
The three bulls lunged at him simultaneously, their fists colliding but failing to land a hit. Aric leaped into the air, landing on their combined fists with effortless precision. Seizing the opportunity, he launched a powerful attack. "Cyclone Blades!"
A fierce wind erupted from Aric's body, forming a sudden tornado that enveloped his enemies. Thousands of sharp wind blades, resembling daggers, sliced through the air, targeting the bulls' weak spots with relentless precision.
Though the attack seemed chaotic, Aric was meticulously focusing the wind blades on vulnerable areas. This strategy quickly wore down his foes. As they succumbed to his onslaught, Aric received a series of notifications from his system, signaling rewards and level-ups.
His enemies defeated, Aric couldn't help but smile. "That's one of Mom's techniques."
He clenched his hand, a sense of pride swelling within him. "It seems I've truly stepped into the real world of Novas."
C99's voice abruptly cut through his moment of triumph. "Actually, you didn't need to use your powers so excessively. Your physical strength alone would have been enough. As you said, you're overpowered."
Aric's smile faltered. He hadn't considered that. "That's why you need to rely more on intellect," C99 teased.
Ignoring C99's taunt, Aric refocused. He wasn't satisfied yet. The Therians were still wreaking havoc in the main area, and he was determined to stop them all.