Zin's body shook as the Soul-Linking Pill started working. A sudden burst of energy rushed through his chest like a burning fire, making his heart and lungs feel like they were on fire. Without him knowing, his cells started turning into a golden liquid energy, flowing through his veins and spreading through his body. The golden light filled everything, and it felt like every part of him was glowing. This was the beginning of rebuilding the body, where his flesh fused with the soul and the spirit.
He felt a sudden surge of power inside him, which made new blood vessels grow and his whole body heal into a stronger, healthier form. As this happened, thick, dark energy oozed out of his new body, forming clumps of dark waste. At the heart of this change, a golden light appeared in his chest—a newly formed Mana Heart. It started to beat steadily, sending fresh, lively blood through his body. The golden cells became energized and created a network of special spots all over him, forming a root-like structure with the Mana Heart at the center, surrounded by a golden ring.
His eyes slowly opened, and he felt an unusual but calming sensation. His senses had become much sharper; he could hear every small noise in their home, see things more clearly than ever, and his sense of smell, taste, and touch had all become extremely sensitive.
"Weird… But it doesn't feel bad. It's just a peaceful feeling," He whispered, his voice full of amazement.
Caius appeared beside him, his golden robes glowing with a soft, otherworldly light. "That's the Illusive Harmony," he explained with a knowing smile.
"Illusive Harmony?" Zin asked, his curiosity growing.
"Yes, Illusive Harmony. It's a state of deep understanding where a mage goes into a kind of trance, becoming a different kind of being," Caius explained. "During this change, you go through the first step of rebuilding your body, where your physical self merges with your soul and spirit—basically, you turn into a more spiritual version of yourself."
He nodded, taking in the information while feeling the energy flowing through him. His Mana Heart now held one Mana Ring, and he could feel significant changes inside him. He looked at his Soul Apparatus, and the results were quite noticeable.
[Name: Zin Maverick]
[Class: Primal Soul]
[Title: One with Whole Self]
[Rank: Zilch]
[Level 1 (0/10)]
[Str 2 (+5)]
[Agi 1 (+5)]
[Int 3 (+5)]
[Def 1 (+5)]
[MP 1 (+5)]
[Skills]
[Fate's Gambit (Passive) Rank F]
[Description: When things seem hopeless, a sudden surge of luck helps the character survive and strike back with surprising power.]
[Effect: Grants a burst of good fortune when the character is near defeat, allowing them to dodge fatal blows or land a critical hit.]
[Etherguard (Passive) Rank F]
[Description: As mana depletes, the character's remaining arcane energy instinctively forms a protective layer over their skin, reducing the force of incoming attacks.]
[Effect: Mana is converted into a temporary shield that absorbs part of the damage, growing stronger as mana reserves run low.]
[Basic Casting (Passive)Rank F]
[Description: The character performs a simple spell or magical effect with no cost to their mana. It's a fundamental ability used for everyday magical tasks or basic attacks.]
[Effect: Allows the caster to perform a minor spell or attack with no mana cost, useful for low-intensity situations or when conserving mana.]
[Aetheric Flame Rank E (MP 5/CD 3)]
[Description: The character summons a blazing, otherworldly flame that engulfs enemies in a wide area. This intense fire not only deals substantial damage but also inflicts lingering burn effects that cause additional damage over time.]
[Effect: Causes significant fire damage to all enemies in a targeted area and inflicts a burn status, dealing additional damage over several turns.]
Zin's eyes grew wide as he looked over his updated stats. His basic attributes had improved a lot, and his skills seemed to have become stronger. Seeing his improved abilities made him feel thrilled, causing his heart to race with excitement.
"Caius! I did it! My stats have improved a lot!" He said, his voice full of happiness.
"You really did, kid! I'm very proud of you!" Caius replied, truly happy for him.
Zin spent the rest of the night meditating and working on his Mana Heart and Mana Ring. When the first light of morning came, he felt the mana inside him become stable, flowing smoothly and steadily.
When he woke up, he went to take a shower. As he washed, he noticed a bad smell coming from his body. Caius, who appeared next to him, explained what was causing it.
"The odor comes from the dark energy that was released during your transformation. This harmful energy weakened your body and disrupted your mana flow. Now that it's gone, your body is in much better shape."
Zin looked at his reflection in the mirror, noticing the changes in his appearance. The thin, frail body he used to have was now replaced by a strong, well-built form. His stomach showed clear muscles, and his face had become sharp and attractive. The change was not only inside but also outside, and he felt a new sense of confidence in his improved body.
With his body now balanced and his mana steady, he was prepared to tackle the challenges ahead, equipped with his newly gained strength and skills.
After Zin finished his training, he really wanted to try out his new skills. He left his house, breathing in the cool morning air, and headed to the forest near Enderun village. He felt full of energy, and each step he took felt easier and more controlled.
"I wonder how much better I've become," Zin thought to himself.
Caius suddenly appeared next to him. "I knew you'd want to test yourself. There's a nice open space up ahead, perfect for trying out your new abilities."
He nodded and walked further into the woods until he found the open space Caius had talked about. The place was peaceful, with only the occasional sound of leaves moving and birds singing. Zin focused on his breathing, feeling the magic inside him respond smoothly to his thoughts.
"Let's start with something easy," Caius suggested. "Use your Basic Casting to create a small ball of light."
He lifted his hand and concentrated. The magic inside him moved easily, unlike before when it felt slow and stubborn. A gentle, glowing ball of light appeared above his hand, lighting up the whole clearing. It was a simple spell, but he was amazed at how easily he had done it.
"Now, for something more powerful," Caius said. "Try the Aetheric Flame."
Zin took a deep breath, gathering energy from within and forming it into fire. Suddenly, a bright, otherworldly flame appeared in his hands, changing colors from blue to purple to white. He threw the flame at a nearby tree, and it exploded with heat, leaving a burned spot behind. The flames continued to spark with energy before fading away into the air.
"Amazing…" He whispered, looking at his hands in shock. "I've never felt this much control before."
"That's the power of the Mana Heart," Caius explained. "You've barely started to tap into your abilities."