After reaching home, Asher pondered his next plan of action. Reflecting on his skills, he realized he lacked any attack abilities, making him vulnerable in the upcoming challenges. Determined to address this weakness, he decided to visit the Awakener's Market today itself.
As the name suggests, the Awakener's Market is dedicated to items useful for Awakeners. Unawakened individuals cannot enter alone; they must be accompanied by Awakeners. Asher's parents weren't powerful Awakeners who frequented the market, and since he was a child, they never brought him along. Now that his ID has been updated to Awakener, he can finally enter the market on his own.
Although his family was not wealthy, Asher had saved all the money he received after his parents' deaths and used only the minimum from government subsidies. After researching skill book prices online, he was confident he could afford at least two low-level skills. Once ready, he decided to walk to the Awakener's Market.
On his way, he covered himself with a veil and used his Insight skill to observe several people. Due to his low level, he could only access information on some individuals. He sensed that using Insight on powerful people might alert them, which is why he refrained from using it on Ms. Clarissa or the principal.
After a short walk, Asher reached the entrance of the Awakener's Market. It resembled a bustling market street, with a grand archway marking its entrance. Asher noticed people wearing armour and robes coming in and out of the market, likely adventurers restocking their supplies. After observing for a while, Asher moved towards the entrance. As he reached the archway, a guard with a warrior-like trait approached him.
"Give me your ID," the guard said, reaching out his hand. Asher, familiar with the process from his research, obediently handed over his ID. The guard placed it in a panel next to him, which turned green. Handing the ID back, the guard said, "Alright, you can go now. Don't make any trouble inside, as it may have consequences." Asher thanked the guard and entered the market.
As he entered the market, a notification on his phone granted him access to the Map information. He quickly opened it and searched for stores specializing in skill books, selecting the path that led to the highest concentration of such shops. Along the way, he passed by stores selling potions, miscellaneous items, materials, restaurants, and various other attractions that piqued his curiosity, but he refrained from entering them to avoid unnecessary attention or complications.
After some time he reached the shop he was looking for. The shore was a three-storey building with a large board made of darkwood saying "Mystic Skills and Techniques". When he entered the store, he was greeted with rows of bookshelves filled with books. There were many people holding some books and checking the information about the skills each book represented. He even saw many female assistants in uniforms showing skills to some people. He didn't disturb any one and went towards one of the shelves.
Since Asher knew that, he had affinity with all elements. He decided to learn powerful skills of all elements he could find. But since he had no money now, he planned on buying skills of powerful elements. When he researched about affinity, he saw that there where almost 50 elements discovered but humans. Some were rare, some were common and some were hybrids or even derived. After thinking for a while he decided to learn dark and light element skills since they were one of the powerful ones, also had many purposes. Even though it was known that learning skills of other affinities is difficult but it was common among awakeners.
After searching for a while, Asher arrived at a bookshelf stocked with dark affinity skill books.
"Shadowsteps, darkblind, curse nail, bone spikes, dark embrace…"
He carefully read through the information on many books. Although many seemed powerful, he decided to review all options before making a purchase. After thoughtful consideration, he focused on acquiring a control-type skill.
Ultimately, he narrowed his choice down to three skills:
Shadow Tendrils: Manipulate nearby shadows to form tendrils that ensnare and bind opponents, restricting their movements and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Dark Hands: Manipulate a shadow-formed hand to lift and grasp objects, enabling precise control and dexterity akin to a physical appendage, but with an eerie, dark aura.
Shadow Strings: A spell that uses unseen, shadowy threads to manipulate objects or subtly influence surroundings.
Each skill offered unique advantages, and Asher pondered their potential applications in various scenarios before making his final decision.
When he was deciding one what to buy, he heard a women's voice from behind.
"I would choose the Dark hands if I were you".
When he heard her suggestion, Asher turned to see a beautiful woman with a curvaceous figure, dressed in a well-fitted jacket and knee-length skirt, her green eyes sparkling with confidence.
Before he could respond, she continued, as if sensing his thoughts. "Dark Hands can not only be used to bind or lift targets," she explained smoothly, "but with enough mastery, you could summon extra hands to aid you. It's particularly useful for professions like Potioneer, Alchemist, and others where precise manipulation is key."
After hearing her advice, Asher thought about it and realized she was right.
"Thank you for your advice. I was having trouble deciding what to choose since I wanted a control spell," Asher said with a grateful smile.
"Well, it's my duty as an assistant to assist," she replied with a proud smile, meeting his gaze warmly. "Is there anything else you need, or have you made your decision?"
"I would like Light elemental attack type skill please."
Well she was surprised to find that the young boy she helped not only wanted dark type skill but also light type. Even though any skills could be learned, most would not choose to do it. "Are you sure", she asked.
Knowing this was coming he said "Yes, I have affinity for both so I am not selecting randomly". Hearing this she was more surprised. Even though dual affinities where common dark and light dual affinity was not. But being an assistant for so long, she didn't ask any further and brought him towards another shelf with light element skills.
Asher looked at them carefully.
"Light lance, radiant burst, light beam, light screen …"