When he reached home, it was already late, but he didn't go to sleep. Instead, he sat on the sofa and took out the stone egg. Although he didn't know what it was, he had a feeling it was something valuable. He began to pour aether into the stone egg slowly, and within seconds, it transformed into a bright stream of light. After a while, the light faded away, revealing a peculiar-looking mask. It was a black and white mask shaped like a human face, yet eerily faceless.
He tried to look through the mask with his insights and was shocked to find the information:
Name: Persona Shroud
Rank: Rare (Epic, Damaged)
Description: A mask woven from the web of a Mimic spider and containing a drop of mysterious blood.
Skills:
Facial Mimic: This skill allows the wearer to replicate the facial features of another person by observing them in detail. Lasts for 2 hours.
Situation: Damaged due to unknown means. Repairing it can unlock many more features.
Although it was not his first time using insights on items, he was shocked to discover that this mask was a damaged Epic-level item. Epic-level items could be auctioned for billions of aetherium coins, but he would definitely not sell it. After reading the information, he realized that paired with Pride's illusion, the mask was extremely useful. It could even help him create a second or third identity, allowing him to undertake dangerous tasks without revealing his true self.
He took the mask and wore it, feeling the smooth, cool silk against his face. Closing his eyes, he focused on remembering Evan, his classmate. After a moment, he sensed a subtle, crawling sensation, as if tiny spiders were moving across his skin. When he opened his eyes and looked in the mirror, he was astonished to see Evan Reid's face staring back at him. He felt a small amount of aether drain from his body towards the mask.
After studying his new appearance for a while, he severed the connection of aether to the mask, causing it to revert to its original shape. Uncertain of whether he might be detected by high-level awakeners, he knew there was much more to explore. If he could learn how to repair the mask or understand the nature of the mysterious blood within it, he might even be able to upgrade it to a higher-level item. However, he realized this dream was still far beyond his current reach.
After examining the mask closely, he noticed vague symbols etched into its surface. Recognizing them as runes, he understood that only a master runesmith could inscribe such complex patterns. He made his decision to learn about runes and item crafting when he joined the academy.
After placing the mask back into storage, he retrieved the two skillbooks he had purchased. Learning from a skill book was more challenging than using a skill stone. Skill stones allowed direct transfer of knowledge into the mind, albeit at a high cost, while skill books required thorough reading to comprehend how the skills worked before they could be used effectively.
At first, he took out "Dark Hands" and began reading it. With the help of his trait, Prudence, he knew his comprehension and memory were superior compared to others. In just half an hour, he mastered the skill. As he absorbed the last of its knowledge, the book shimmered with light and disintegrated into dust. He understood that such low-level skillbooks were designed for single use to prevent resale after learning.
When he attempted to use the skill, he felt dark energy swirl around him, shaping into a mist, then condensing into a blurred hand-like form. Despite his efforts, he struggled to manipulate the hand and lift small objects as it was his first attempt.
He didn't know that if others discovered he had learned a dark skill within half an hour and successfully used it on his first try, they would undoubtedly question their own abilities.
He cancelled the skill and picked up the next skillbook, learning it in a similar fashion. After mastering "Luminous Bolt," a small blob of light condensed near his fingertips. He released it towards the wall, where it shot with surprising speed and exploded on impact, leaving a small burned mark.
After looking at the small burn mark, he realised he shouldn't use skills in his house and wanted to build a basement for experimenting with his skills.
After practicing with Dark Hands for a while, he suddenly felt a headache and promptly cancelled the skill. He understood that he had used up most of his aether, which was likely the cause of the headache.
After refreshing himself with cold water, he picked up his phone and began researching details about dungeons. Before his awakening, access to this kind of information was restricted by his ID, but now as an awakener, he had broader access. After browsing for a while, he discovered that there were over 30 dungeons controlled by the government in Everglade City. However, he could only enter them after registering with the Explorers' League.
The Explorers' League was an organization focused on clearing dungeons and space cracks, as well as assisting in monster control in the wilderness.
His parents served as logistics members for the Explorers' League, aiding in transporting materials collected from dungeons and the wilderness to necessary facilities. They lost their lives during a mission transporting potions to the wilderness, a memory that briefly darkened his mood. After a moment, he managed to regain his composure and push the sorrowful thoughts aside.
Since it was the weekend tomorrow, he decided to register himself in the morning. He understood that only through exploration could he enhance his abilities and achieve enough strength to elevate his standing in the world.
After reviewing more information, he discovered two dungeons suitable for his level: Spider Hollow, a cave-like dungeon infested with various kinds of spiders, and Serpent's Lair, an underground cavern teeming with venomous snakes. After a brief thought, he made the decision to explore Spider Hollow.
After making a brief plan for the next day, he went to sleep.