Michael stared intently at the scene below, his eyes tracking every movement in the brutal battle unfolding before him. A monstrous bear, its fur matted with blood and rage, was locked in combat with a mutated butterfly the size of a human. The butterfly's wings shimmered with unnatural colors, sharp and metallic, slicing through the air as it dodged the bear's ferocious attacks. The air was filled with the distant cries of wolves, and on the periphery of the chaos, monster hogs were viciously battling large raccoons.
(What a crude scene, right, human?) Uriel's voice echoed in Michael's mind, her tone laced with caution. With so many predators around, they needed to be careful not to make the slightest sound.
(Yes, it's crude, but for me, it's a feast.) Michael's thoughts were calm and calculated as he observed the carnage below. His mind was already working out how to turn this bloodbath to his advantage. (While we wait, do you know any light element techniques? It's about time I get stronger.)
(Of course. I can transfer them into your mind, but it's up to you to implement them and train your body to become accustomed to the techniques. I'll only send those that are up to E Rank,) Uriel replied, her voice carrying the weight of both a mentor and an accomplice.
(Fine, I'll practice after we collect the goods and find somewhere to rest.)
The battle between the monsters was relentless—a violent symphony of roars, howls, and the sickening sound of flesh tearing. Michael watched as the bear swiped at the butterfly, narrowly missing as the creature flitted out of reach. His senses sharpened, his breathing slowed, and he focused all his energy on waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Every creature before him was a stepping stone, a means to grow stronger. He could feel his predatory instincts kicking in, the desire to dominate and consume.
Two hours passed, and finally, the butterfly stood victorious, albeit barely. Its wings were tattered, and it moved sluggishly, the poison it had used to fell the bear now working its way through its own system. As the butterfly began feasting on the bear's entrails, Michael saw his chance. He launched himself from his perch, a knife in hand, descending upon the monster with silent precision. The butterfly sensed something was amiss and attempted to flee, but it was too late. The knife pierced through its head in one swift motion, and the creature collapsed, lifeless, to the ground.
(Uriel, help me take all the cores. We need to leave quickly and find a cave near a body of water.) Michael instructed, already digging into the butterfly's chest in search of its core.
(Why a body of water, human?) Uriel asked, though she already had an inkling of his reasoning.
(Because we can wash and mask the smell of blood and death. If monsters are like animals in my world, then they're sensitive to that,) Michael explained, his hands working swiftly and efficiently.
They quickly gathered the cores, and after searching for about an hour, Michael and Uriel found a waterfall nestled within a lush, green cove. The water cascaded into a small stream that fed into a clear river pool, and behind the waterfall was a cave about ten feet deep—a perfect hiding spot. Michael immediately began absorbing the cores, feeling the energy seep into his body, enhancing his stats. He knew he needed to strengthen himself to keep up with the techniques Uriel had promised.
The time spent in this otherworldly place had been grueling, yet transformative. Michael had pushed himself to his limits, training relentlessly to harness his abilities and prepare for the battles that lay ahead. The days had blurred together, filled with ceaseless practice, hunting monsters, and absorbing the cores of fallen foes.
Now, Michael sat cross-legged on the ground, meditating beneath the shade of a towering tree that stood near their cave. A soft yellow light surrounded him, pulsating with the rhythm of his breathing. He was channeling the flow of mana through his body, compressing it, trying to achieve a finer control over the energy that surged within him.
"S-rank affinities are truly magical," Uriel remarked, her voice filled with quiet awe as she watched over him. She had been observing his progress closely, noting how quickly he adapted to the power of the light element.
Michael slowly opened his eyes, the yellow glow dissipating as he exhaled deeply. "I assumed that affinities were your compatibility with the element you possess, and the rank is the level you've raised it to. Is that right?" he asked, seeking confirmation of his understanding.
"Yes, that's correct," Uriel confirmed, her tone filled with an eagerness that belied her usual composed demeanor. "And your S-ranked affinity is showing its worth. You're already able to utilize the light element to a remarkable degree, so now I can truly teach you advanced techniques."
Michael's gaze shifted to Uriel, curiosity piqued. He had always known he was different, but his rapid progress even surprised him. Without hesitation, he activated his Divine Eyes, intent on understanding Uriel's capabilities better.
[Alicia Williams]
[Rank: F+]
[Talents:]
Holy Angel Physique [Partially Sealed]
Light Manipulation [Affinity: S] [Rank F]
Ice Manipulation [Affinity: S] [Rank F]
Space Manipulation [Affinity: S] [Rank F]
Air Manipulation [Affinity: S] [Rank F]
Divine Eyes [Rank F]
[Stats:]
Mana Pool: 100
STR: 41
SPD: 41
INT: 40
DEX: 42
(Why the hell are her abilities so strong?) Michael's thoughts raced as he processed the information. Seeing Uriel's abilities laid bare, he realized just how formidable she was and how much he still had to grow.
"So, every time I get stronger, you do as well—without even having to lift a finger," Michael said, his tone tinged with both awe and a hint of frustration.
"Yes," Uriel replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. "As your aide, I become stronger in tandem with you. It's more accurate to say that my seals are gradually being undone as you progress."
Michael considered this in silence, nodding slightly as he absorbed the information. It seemed that the more he grew, the more powerful his companion would become—a dynamic that could work heavily in his favor if he played his cards right.
"Now, Corvinus," Uriel continued, her tone growing more authoritative, "recall the light skills that I've inserted into your mind, and let's start training!"
Michael shifted his focus inward, searching through the newly implanted memories. He decided to start with the stealth technique Uriel had used when they first entered the rift. This skill allowed the user to manipulate light around their body, effectively becoming invisible. For someone like Michael, who needed to operate from the shadows and strike at the opportune moment, it was an invaluable technique.
The memory unfolded in his mind like a vivid dream. He saw a figure with his own face, circulating mana through his body, then transforming it into light elemental energy. The process was intricate and required precise control, but Michael was determined. He closed his eyes and began to mimic the steps, feeling the mana shift and swirl within him.
(He picked it up on the first try?) Uriel thought, astonishment creeping into her expression. She had expected him to struggle more, given the complexity of the technique. Every skill she had transferred to him was accompanied by the memories of someone executing it, detailing the process meticulously. For Michael to grasp it so quickly was extraordinary, a testament to his latent potential.
As Michael focused, his body began to fade from view, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. The air where he had been sitting shimmered slightly, but to the naked eye, he was completely invisible.
"Good job," Uriel praised, a hint of pride in her voice. "You've managed to use the technique efficiently, but you still need to master it. Higher-ranked awakeners can sense the flow of mana in the air if your control isn't perfect. This skill is meant for use against those around your level or just a couple of ranks higher."
Michael released the technique, his form gradually becoming visible again as he considered her words. He knew that this level of proficiency would suffice for now, but true mastery would only come through practice and real combat experience.
Next, Michael sifted through his mind, searching for a movement skill that would complement his newfound stealth ability. Another memory surfaced—the same young man with shoulder-length blonde hair and clear blue eyes, performing a graceful yet powerful movement technique. The setting was different this time, a grand hall with high ceilings and opulent red and gold décor. The figure moved with incredible speed and precision, leaving behind afterimages of light as he darted across the room.
Michael was captivated by the beauty and fluidity of the movement, and he committed every detail to memory before attempting it himself. He could feel the young man's mana flow through his own body, guiding him as he prepared to replicate the technique.
His initial attempts were awkward, his movements stiff and jerky, but he was undeterred. With each repetition, he refined his control, gradually synchronizing his body with the rhythm of the technique.
(He's already using this skill too? It took me months to learn that!) Uriel marveled silently, watching Michael's progress with a mix of amazement and admiration. His learning curve was unlike anything she had seen before, and it was clear that he was destined for greatness if he continued at this pace.
After an hour of practice, Michael's movements had become fluid, his body moving with a grace that belied his inexperience. The afterimages of light trailed behind him as he darted across the clearing, a testament to his growing mastery of the skill. However, he could feel his mana reserves dwindling, signaling that it was time to stop.
"After I take a rest, we'll start hunting monsters again," Michael said, panting slightly from the exertion but with a newfound confidence in his voice. "I need to boost my stats even more. If I'm strong enough, I should be able to solo the boss and reach E Rank within a month."
Uriel smiled, a sense of pride swelling within her. "You're truly remarkable, Michael. But remember, power isn't everything. Techniques will often save your life where raw strength can't."
Michael nodded, taking her advice to heart. "I understand. I need to surpass them, Uriel. I can't just catch up."
"No one can absorb and devour like you can," Uriel replied, her tone full of conviction. "They may have had a head start, but those advantages will dwindle. Focus on refining your techniques. The ranks will follow."
Michael felt a deep sense of gratitude for Uriel's guidance. She wasn't just a companion; she was a mentor, a strategist, and a trusted ally. "You're really useful, Uriel. Thank you," he said sincerely, appreciating the value of having someone so knowledgeable and supportive by his side.
"Every king or queen needs an aide," Uriel responded, her tone softening with a hint of warmth. "It's the reason why we're assigned to you all. If you fail, I fail. So I'll do the best I can to help you until the end."
As Michael lay down to rest, his mind buzzed with the knowledge and skills he had acquired. The path ahead was daunting, filled with challenges and unknown dangers, but with Uriel by his side and his resolve burning brighter than ever, he felt ready to face whatever awaited him.
The night deepened, and the sounds of the forest grew more ominous, but within the safety of their cave, Michael and Uriel remained vigilant, prepared for the next step in their journey.