Ainz Ooal Gown stood at the edge of the forest, contemplating the vast potential of his newfound existence. With his unique situation in this world, he felt a surge of determination. If he could harness more mana, he could grow even stronger. His mind raced as he considered his options. How could I acquire mana easily?
Suddenly, a realization struck him: the spell restrictions he once had were gone. This freedom opened up a world of possibilities. He could create spells tailored to his needs—spells that could serve him in various situations. Why not create a spell that allows me to devour mana directly from a creature? The thought sent a thrill through his skeletal form.
With a long, contemplative sigh, Ainz focused on the intricate weaving of magic in his mind. If I can absorb the mana of others and convert it into my own, then I can significantly increase my power. He envisioned a spell that would siphon mana, channeling it into his own vast reservoir that came from his small dimension. He felt a surge of excitement at the potential.
But before he dove deeper into his spellcraft, Ainz decided to have a chat with Rimuru. He found the slime by the goblin village, sharing stories with the residents. Rimuru was always upbeat and full of energy, a stark contrast to Ainz's more somber demeanor.
"Rimuru," Ainz called out, catching the slime's attention. "May I ask you about your previous life?"
"Sure! It was a wild ride," Rimuru replied, his form bouncing with enthusiasm. "I was a regular salaryman, living a boring life. The daily grind really took its toll. But everything changed when I got hit by a truck and woke up as a slime! Crazy, right?"
Ainz listened intently, masking his intrigue behind a facade of neutrality. A regular life… perhaps it is better that I left mine behind. He didn't mention his own past; the pain of being left alone in a fading game still lingered like an unwelcome shadow. Instead, he sought to learn more about Rimuru's experiences.
After their conversation, Ainz excused himself, a sense of resolve building within him. I will not reveal my plans to anyone just yet. Trust is a fragile thing in this world.
With that thought in mind, he ventured toward the cave Rimuru had mentioned, where a dragon resided. The journey was invigorating, and with each step, he felt an unfamiliar sensation building in him. He suddenly realized that he could fly.
Ainz felt a rush of embarrassment wash over him. Flying? How ridiculous! At least there's no one to see this. With a determined flap of his skeletal wings, he took to the air, soaring above the treetops, feeling the wind rush past him. The thrill of freedom brought an unexpected sense of joy to his existence.
As he approached the cave, Ainz concentrated on several spells he had recently identified. He would need every advantage he could muster before facing the any powerful energy that he might encounter in cave. He murmured the incantations silently to himself, activating each one in succession.
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Spells Activated:
[Bless of Magic Caster]: A buff spell to enhance his magical attacks.
[Infinity Wall]: A high-tier defensive spell, potentially the next step from Shield Wall.
[Magic Ward - Holy]: Protection against holy elemental attacks.
[Life Essence]: Allows him to see the health points of other beings.
[Greater Full Potential]: This spell may boost all of his stats.
[Freedom]: Protects against restraining effects.
[False Data - Life]: Confuses enemies who use [Life Essence], providing them false information.
[See Through]: Reveals disguises and false information.
[Paranormal Intuition]: Senses hidden or unknown enemies.
[Greater Resistance]: Enhances his resistance stats.
[Mantle of Chaos]: A mysterious spell with unknown properties.
[Indomitability]: Protects against control effects.
[Sensor Boost]: Enhances sensory abilities.
[Greater Luck]: Increases luck for all actions.
[Magic Boost]: Enhances magical abilities.
[Draconic Power]: The nature of this spell is yet unknown.
[Greater Hardening]: Boosts physical defenses.
[Heavenly Aura]: Provides resistance against holy attacks.
[Absorption]: The effect of this spell remains a mystery.
[Penetrate Up]: Boosts magic penetration.
[Greater Magic Shield]: An additional layer of magical defense.
[Triplet Maximize Magic Explode Mine]: A magical mine that deals damage of a non-specific type.
[Triplet Magic Greater Magic Seal]: Seals a spell to be released later.
[Triplet Maximize Boosted Magic Arrow]: An enhanced version of a basic magic arrow spell.
[Body of Effulgent Beryl]: Nullifies one instance of blunt damage.
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Once he entered the cave, a palpable aura of high mana enveloped him. The cave felt alive, pulsing with energy. Ainz activated [Life Essence], scanning the environment for any signs of life. The cave was dimly lit, and he could feel the lingering essence of powerful creatures that once inhabited it.
After a thorough search, he finally a found a target that he can test his new spell: a beast that resembled a massive bat, its wings folded tightly against its body. The creature looked up at him with fear in its eyes, sensing the overwhelming power radiating from Ainz.
He quickly sealed the cave entrance with a spell, ensuring that no one would intrude on their encounter. The bat trembled, instinctively aware that it was far from a match for the being before it.
Ainz approached cautiously, focusing on the spell he had crafted—the one that would allow him to devour mana directly from a creature. The bat let out a panicked squeak, flapping its wings as it attempted to escape. But Ainz's presence was too powerful; it couldn't hope to flee.
With a whisper of ancient incantation, Ainz unleashed the spell, feeling the raw energy of the cave swell around him as he began to draw the mana from the bat. The creature screamed, but Ainz's will was unyielding. He could feel the mana coursing through him, replenishing his reserves.
Yes, this is it! Ainz thought triumphantly, his skeletal form thrumming with power. The energy he absorbed from the bat was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of purpose and strength. This world will not defeat me; I will carve my path through it.
As the last remnants of the bat's mana faded away, Ainz felt a profound satisfaction settle within him. He had not only acquired a new skill but had begun to understand the core mechanics of this world—the interplay of mana and the essence of life.
But unbeknownst to him, far from the cave, a dark figure observed his every move, intrigued by the unfolding events.
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In a Shadowy Throne Room...
Guy Crimson reclined in his grand throne, the flickering torchlight casting shadows that danced across his crimson cloak. He leaned forward, a smirk gracing his lips as he watched the scene play out. So, Ainz Ooal Gown, you are capable of devouring mana. How intriguing.
"Such power must be watched," he murmured, his eyes narrowing. "A guest from another world who didn't arrive by summoning—fascinating. I will keep my eyes on you, Ainz. There's much to learn, and I have no doubt you will draw out the greatest conflicts this realm has ever seen."
The anticipation crackled in the air as he envisioned the ripples Ainz's presence would create, eagerly awaiting the chaos that was sure to follow.
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