"Dang it, need to choose fast," Ding!
[6 minutes remaining, all eyes on user.] "Yeah, take your time, no rush here." Edward mentally rolled his eyes, brushing off NEXUS's words.
"Huh, might as well have some Cantrips up my sleeve," Edward thought for a moment before selecting 'Yes' on his system panel.
"You might have more options than you realize, lil' bro," NEXUS commented.
"How so?" Edward asked, skimming through his Nen skill tree.
"Well, for starters, you're an Arcane Trickster, which gives you two Cantrips right from the get-go. And secondly, the list includes Cantrips from level one to level three, meaning there are more than just two choices to make." NEXUS elaborated.
"Alright then, guess I've got a lot to choose from. Ha, I'm gonna have a really fun day. Alrighty..."
Edward mentally pressed 'Yes.'
Ding!
[Congrats, user. You now have access to the level one Cantrips list] (Which includes level two and three as well.)
{Acid Splash} ~ (Range: 60 feet)
A bubble of acid bursts on a target, causing them to burn. At higher levels, you can target one additional creature within range.
{Blade Ward} ~ (Range: Self)
A magical shield surrounds you, granting resistance to physical damage types. At higher levels, the duration increases by 5 minutes for each spell slot level above 1st.
{Chill Touch} ~ (Range: 120 feet)
A skeletal hand reaches out to drain life and hinder healing. At higher levels, the damage increases by 8.5% for each level above 1st.
{Control Flames} ~ (Range: 60 feet)
You can manipulate the shape, size, or color of a fire. At higher levels, you can control up to two additional fires simultaneously.
{Dancing Lights} ~ (Range: 120 feet)
You create up to four floating lights that move independently. At higher levels, you can create up to two additional lights for each spell level above 1st.
{Druidcraft} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
You invoke a small natural effect. At higher levels, you can create a more powerful natural effect, such as causing plants to rapidly grow or producing a stronger breeze.
{Eldritch Blast} ~ (Range: 120 feet)
A beam of crackling energy blasts a target. At higher levels, you create an additional beam for each spell slot level above 1st, allowing you to target more creatures.
{Fire Bolt} ~ (Range: 120 feet)
A bolt of fire shoots from your hand. At higher levels, the damage increases for each spell level above 1st.
{Friends} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
You charm a creature, gaining advantage on Charisma checks against it. The effect fades after 1 minute or when the creature realizes you've used magic. At higher levels, the duration increases by 1 minute per level.
{Frostbite} ~ (Range: 60 feet)
You blast a target with cold energy, causing them to suffer a penalty to movement. At higher levels, the cold damage increases for each spell level above 1st.
{Gust} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
A sudden blast of wind pushes objects or creatures. At higher levels, the force increases, allowing you to push larger creatures or objects.
{Light} ~ (Range: Touch)
You imbue an object with radiant energy, causing it to glow brightly. At higher levels, you can affect larger or more objects, with the light growing brighter and lasting longer.
{Mage Hand} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
A spectral hand appears and can manipulate objects. At higher levels, the hand's strength increases, allowing it to lift heavier objects.
{Mending} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
You repair a broken object (like chairs, small to medium-sized objects, and weapons). At higher levels, you can repair larger or more complex objects with a single casting.
{Message} ~ (Range: 120 feet)
You whisper a message to a target that only they can hear. At higher levels, you can communicate with more creatures or send longer messages.
{Minor Illusion} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
You create a sound or image to deceive others. At higher levels, the illusion becomes more convincing, and the range expands.
{Poison Spray} ~ (Range: 10 feet)
A puff of toxic gas surrounds a creature. At higher levels, the damage gradually increases with each level above 1st.
{Prestidigitation} ~ (Range: 10 feet)
You perform minor magical tricks, like cleaning or changing the flavor of food. At higher levels, the number of tricks you can perform at once increases.
{Produce Flame} ~ (Range: 30 feet)
A flame appears in your hand, which you can throw or use as a light source. At higher levels, you can hurl multiple flames or cause them to deal more damage.
{Ray of Frost} ~ (Range: 60 feet)
A blast of freezing cold strikes a target. At higher levels, the damage increases by 15% for each level above 1st.
[Spells portion here] -> (+)
"So?" Edward pondered aloud. "Hm, I need some input here, Nex."
[5 minutes remaining, all hands on deck, user] "Shoot, you're almost out of time; but I guess I could give you a bit of my two cents." NEXUS confidently assured. NEXUS scrolled through the list of Cantrips, evaluating the options and searching for those that would benefit Edward the most.
"Ha, found something you might like, lil' bro," two new windows popped into Edward's vision, showing {Eldritch Blast}and {Minor Illusion}. "Okay, I see what you did here. Honestly, kinda well thought out, considering how little you think about strategy and more about... a certain maternal figure." Edward teased NEXUS.
[3 minutes until confrontation, user.]
Ding!
[You have unlocked the ability to invoke energies from beyond the fabric of sensibility, manipulating the Eldritch powers that are, are not, and never were.]
{You've gained the additional spell (Minor Illusion), dipping your toes into the Illusionary arts.}
"Ooookaaayy, that's pretty informative," NEXUS mused aloud. Edward briefly considered the spells he'd chosen, his mind racing through combinations and potential tactics.
"I've got it," Edward mentally declared, a spark of realization lighting up his thoughts.
Ding!
[You've chosen (Light) and (Mending) as the second half of your spells list.]
[2 minutes until encounter, user.]
[Would you like to gain your {Arcane Trickster} Spells and Cantrips? Y/N?]
"Not right now," Edward replied, mentally and physically preparing for the fight. His body settled into its familiar rhythm as he focused. His Sharingan activated, zooming in on the eerie forest as he searched for any sign of his approaching opponent. His hands trembled slightly, his palms sweating—not from the physical effort of preparation, but from the uncertainty of what was to come.
He gripped his cleaver tightly, swallowing his anxiety as he braced for whatever was heading his way. His scarlet eyes darted around, scanning the environment for any advantage—any vantage point. His gaze settled on an unassuming tree, briefly assessing its usefulness.
Acrobatics: Level 7 (Active)
Edward quickly scaled the long tree, his movements fluid and efficient. Not a single breath was wasted, confidence and self-motivation propelling him forward. Without hesitation, he leapt toward the next tree, embedding his cleaver in its bark for a stable hold. He planted his left foot on the tree and grabbed the thick branch, dangling briefly before pulling himself up.
"Hah… hah… ha," Edward breathed heavily, his body straining with effort. He retrieved his water skin from his Bag of Holding and took a long swig. His eyes continued to scan the area, looking for heavy foliage to conceal his presence. He hid himself among the leaves and branches, preparing for the worst.
Ding!
[1 minute remaining, creature approaching.]