Indeed, what Depter said was true. Soul cores do bestow the power of its creator to its bearers. Additionally, Zyro was right about getting the Blinker's gift. However, it's not what he expected.
After that unpleasant incident, Zyro was fortunate enough to emerge alive with few bruises. Although tripping in that speed is bound to have horrible consequences. Thankfully, he wore a full clad armor from head to toe. And was skilled enough to reduce the damage by rolling, before luckily grabbing a root that completely stopped his dangerous momentum.
Having learned his lesson, Zyro became more careful experimenting with his newfound ability along the way. As hours passed, he mostly figured out the Godspeed ability function. Or rather, Dark Burst.
There's a big difference between seeing and doing. After personally using the Blinker gift, his understanding of its mechanism completely changed in the corrected way. It did not simply allow its owner to perform peerless speed. In actual fact, the gift are not based on speed alone.
It's more of a body enhancement ability, but not literally. For example, Zyro physics could perform one thousand punches per day. However, with this ability, he could exchange the one thousand punch for a single punch that holds power equivalent to a thousand punches. However, his arm muscles would shatter because the ability is equal in the power it gives and the price it takes. By delivering that single punch, his also taking the toll of how devastating it is, which is equal to doing one thousand punches non-stop.
The Blinker produces the illusion of having godspeed by synchronizing dozens steps worth of traveling by foot into a single instant dash. Basically, the Blinker gift removes the body safety limitations. With it, Zyro can perform a super strong punch, instead of a normal one. However, doing so would burst his muscles. Unlike normal punch, which poses no harm unless done excessively.
The gift covered Zyro's entire being, physically, mentally and spiritually. Hence, if he uses all his might, it literally means destroying himself.
'This doesn't sound magical at all.' Zyro sighed.
Of course, it's controllable with enough concentration. Still, although his now able to singular what's supposed to be multiple attacks and deal significant damage instantly. The price remains as high as ever. Thankfully, there's a silver lining about this situation. Zyro's body is currently at the stage of evolving into a better vessel to house the gift. Perhaps the Blinker monstrous might was also included in the soul core pack. That's why his physic is becoming finer and stronger.
Even though, it's evident what he received is just a partial piece of the Blinker's former glory. His grateful for the gift. Not because he got inhumane power, but because he came to know its source. Magic and ascension may have turned their back against him, but Soul cores did not. In fact, they favored an outsider like him. Due to his otherworldly soul nature, the maddening wills of the cores refuse to merge with him. Which is a huge advantage. He gets to keep his sanity, while taking the power it offers without being forced to fulfill its creator's last wish.
Discovering this error in the world system, Zyro aims to make full use of this advantage in the game of power. Leading him to add a new line of text specially dedicated for soul cores in his system.
--------------------------------------------
Code name: Zero
Status: Shackled trooper
Items: [Shroud of night] [Broken sword] [Axe]
Mark: 0
Attributes: [Elite] [Technical mind] [Error]
Soul core: [Dark Burst]
Tittle: None
--------------------------------------------
Of course, Aizra automatically made a description for the new record.
[First Core: Dark Burst]
Dark Burst: Your limit has been broken. You may use every ounce of strength you have, but pay the price depending on how much you're willing to abuse yourself for power.
Soul Core Description: There once was a ghastly monster. So dreadful that no one dares look at its eye, for all who did lose their life in a blink of an eye. It ruled, it killed as it spread fright throughout the land. Until it meets a lost soldier gaze, who soon claims its life, along with its soul.
'Again with the poetry? But I have to admit, it's pretty cool this time. You make me look awesome, instead of a weak trickster.' Zyro commented at Aizra's work. Before appreciating his System growth. When he first created the tabular panel, Zyro could only put a few specific details about his capabilities and possession. He didn't expect much for the future, honestly, knowing how much disadvantages weigh him down. However, who would have thought his System would eventually record a magical item and mystical ability? Life truly are full of unexpected surprises.
Grinning, Zyro continues heading towards his destination. Eventually, arriving at the Mine before sunset. His meeting with the sealed sage only lasts an hour, and a few hours more to sneak back here.
Entering through the secret passage, Zyro went inside the hidden stone room where a carved map cling on one of its walls. The stove is still here, so as the Blinker carcass that's being devoured by the Slime within namely, Cat . It's just like how he left it, apart from the missing kid whose nowhere to be seen.
It's expected though, Pert was tasked to accompany the caravan that will depart at early dawn. The sun is already rising outside, implying the caravan probably left minutes ago.
The young Aster mission there was to buy some stuff needed for their impending venture. Pert's return with the goods would mark their last preparations for the upcoming long journey towards Log Wall. Unleashing them from the Mine slave shackles as they search for freedom.
Looking around, he notices that there's too much meat in stock. They're both capable hunters, and without having to maintain their slave disguise to avoid suspicion, because they will be leaving soon. Zyro and Pert were free to hunt weak beasts for food as they prepare for their journey. However, with their departure drawing near, they can't take all the stored dried meat, for it will only be a hindrance. Food is not a problem, there's plenty of beast to hunt along the way, providing them meat.
"What a waste" He mumbled, Zyro was taught to appreciate food the hard way. So he never liked wasting it.
Luckily, his in an environment where such luxuries are welcomed by many. Just meters away, numerous hungry slaves are undoubtedly willing to help him dispose of the dried meats.
Putting the extra food into a sack, Zyro got out of the room and wandered to the labyrinthine tunnels of the mine.
He had nothing to do until Pert arrived, anyway. And even if there's anything, Zyro was too tired for arduous tasks. He rather takes it easy this morning, besides, idle times like this are rare. Even more when they start heading to reach Log Wall. Zyro better enjoy this respite before undergoing through the grueling challenges ahead.
As he walked randomly into the cave paths, he soon stumbled upon some slaves in his way. Zyro was about to drop his load of food aimlessly on a lucky miner. However, someone familiar caught his attention, making him pause to think.
His not a sociable person, causing his circle of known individual small. Not to mention his circle of friends. Apart from Pert, the people he truly interacted with and left an impression on him in the Mine can be counted by his hands. Boss boru, the four Plunderers with their Alpha guard backer, the stupid vampire trio that disappeared, never to be seen again. And lastly, the lucky old slave he gave dried meat two times by chance.
Truly, that certain miner was in luck. Sitting on a lonesomeness corner, the elder slave was currently munching a molded bread as if it's the most delicious thing in the world. Unlike when Zyro last saw him, the old man was in a much finer state. He doesn't look like a dying gramps that would die any seconds. His noticably healthier than before, enough to correct Zyro's judgement. The elder slave was not as old as he first assumed, without extreme malnutrition and destress clouding the man's appearance, he looked more like a stressed middle aged man, than a grampa.
Striding towards the elder man, Zyro stopped close to him. Under the sitting man confused stare, Zyro dropped the bag full of dried meat as he leaned to whisper these words, his tone threatening.
"Keep what's in the sack, but do not seek or spread my deed to anyone. Do you understand."
Hearing from a veteran soldier who survived numerous horrible trials. Sweat unconsciously formed on the slave's forehead. He didn't say anything as undescribable dread blocked his mouth. Instead, he simply nodded in response.
Zyro won't act as a saint who openly shares goodness around him with a radiating smile on his lips. His too lazy for that, his goal is disposing of the food for good. Nothing more. So, he simply passed it to a hungry person.
Mission complete.
There's no particular reason behind his action, Zyro just felt like doing it.
Having achieved his goal, Zyro left somewhere for a nap.
However, he was soon stopped by someone chasing behind his back. Turning around, Zyro sighed at the sight of the previous old man.
The chaser halted before him, panting heavily with his hands resting on his knee. One hand clinched the sack of meat.
Steadying his breath, the old man spoke. His voice was deep and full of genuine gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you so much, kind sir... If my memory serves me right, this is the third time you have given me food. You saved my life for the first time, and the second." He paused, signs of embarrassment showing on his aged face.
"I can't say I can't accept it, and I don't have anything to repay your kindness, but if there's anything I could do for you, as long as it's within my capability. Just ask, and I promise I'll do my best to help."
In reply, Zyro just stare at him without saying anything.
The slave generous offer came from the bottom of his heart, but Zyro had no use for it. Mainly because it almost amount to none. After all, what could the poor slave service accomplish? Minimal things, which he had no need.
In Zyro's calculative view, their meeting was a worthless interaction that waste both their time. He had many similar encounter in the past, and had long figured out the best thing to do in this type of situation that will benefit each other.
After seconds of utter silence, Zyro coldly walk away. The slave was wise enough to understand the meaning of his unspoken reply.