Klein felt a surge of newfound strength coursing through his body, a notable improvement from just a few minutes ago. Even wielding essence became a little easier, the Dimension Sphere spinning more freely under his will.
Eager to put this newfound vigour to the test, he sprang into action, leaping and prancing in a series of agile movements. Empowering his body with essence, he was able to leap three metres in the air easily, which far exceeded his expectations. And if timed the lashing of energy well, Klein could easily reach five metres.
The height was dangerous enough to lead to accidental injury. Although he improved, he was still far from a [Category – 3] in body enforcement, which effectively transcended the human body limit.
This entire event of level-up led Klein to have a different view of essence. Unlike mana, essence possessed an astonishing ability to nourish and fortify the physical body. Moreover, essence didn't feel like borrowing power from the cosmic, but making it your own. It was kind of a big thing.
True, Its magical potential appeared to be limited, lacking the expansive scope he was accustomed to in spellcasting with mana, but the potential was undeniable.
His [Mana Bolt] had transformed into [Essence Bolt], but its range dwindled, though it was gaining power with each try. Even his elemental powers, like fire manipulation, remained elusive, as if an external force restrained him from tapping into those powers. It wasn't only the mysterious black sphere in his core.
Klein surmised that this might be the world's counterforce against forces other than essence. He recalled instances in his past when the world itself hindered his magical abilities, like the Tenebrous realm, making it nigh impossible to wield mana. Only by understanding the fundamental differences between Mana and essence would he get ahead.
While it was still possible, casting spells under these conditions would prove precarious and demanding.
I need more practice, Klein thought, concluding his contemplation and testing. Elowen stood a dozen paces behind, her face etched with uncertainty. She held answers to most of the burning questions that plagued his mind. Regrettably, he doubted he could discern half of it, even if she was willing to share.
With several hours of daylight remaining, they decided not to squander the time. On the hunt again. Their roles were already set without even communicating.
Elowen watched for potential prey—nothing as terrifying as the white tiger, but something smaller. It was evident that the beast cores held immense value for her. Klein recognised their potential use in power units, but he deemed it essential to test them before repurposing them. The chaotic energy could be of a higher degree than the unit could handle.
For now, his focus was on locating spirit fruits or other spiritual treasures that might aid him in cultivation.
The surrounding wilderness was full of wild berries and fruits, yet not all were as valuable as the peach. In fact, some were outright poisonous. Ultimately, it was Elowen's keen sense of smell that led them to the next natural treasures after she had her fun hunting. They were fist-sized brown mushrooms sprouting from an almost lifeless tree.
Klein was ready to collect them on notice, but she halted his advancement, her sharp eyes scanning the vicinity. It hardly took much to deduce that she was on the lookout for any wild beasts nearby that might share an appetite for these mushrooms.
Creeping closer with deliberate, cautious steps, Elowen knelt and brushed her fingertips against the ground, as though seeking some hidden clue. She repeated the entire process several times, gradually inching closer to the tree, her brow furrowing in concentration.
A few hushed words escaped her lips as she turned her head to Klein, who couldn't help but give the same oblivious look, completely ignorant of what she said. The Half-elf released an exasperated sigh and wiggled her arm in a slow, undulating motion, reminiscent of a snake's slither.
Klein raised an eyebrow as he watched her demonstration. Although he already had some inkling of what she was trying to convey, he didn't stop her until she began hissing. Finished indulging in his amusement, Klein nodded in understanding and repeated the words she had uttered moments earlier.
Elowen nodded in return, though the furrowed brow remained. Shaking her head, she approached the lifeless tree and beckoned Klein to follow. They were safe from the snake for the time being.
Elowen began to pluck the mushrooms with reckless abandon, treating them as if they were more valuable than the peaches they had encountered earlier. Klien picked a mature one and examined with a frown. A single glance told him that these mushrooms were parasites, living off the life force of the tree and ultimately causing its demise.
Elowen's voice came in, cautioning, "Don't eat them..." It was some incomprehensible words after that. "...you cook them."
"Fair enough," Klein replied, stuffing more of the mushrooms into his bag.
They didn't harvest all the mushrooms, only collecting the mature ones protruding from the tree's bark. Even still, their bags were now brimming with these peculiar mushrooms by the time they finished gathering.
"Run." Elowen urged, tugging at his arm to make him hurry.
Klein, though not opposed to meeting the snake, joined her as a somewhat foolish academic thought crept into his mind. The tiger and snake they had encountered were carnivorous creatures. Why would they be interested in plant-based nutrients?
Could it be that their magical abilities had evolved their metabolisms? It seemed plausible, but that could create a terrible problem in the food chain. Not my concern at the moment.
Their run ended as they reached a rugged terrain that led its way to a higher region in the mountain. The dense forest thinned out considerably. Although a couple of hours of light remained, they decided against wandering around. Their day had already proven fruitful. It was time to look for a place to spend the night.
"So we're going to have mushrooms today," Klein muttered, lifting the bag full of mushrooms along with a few other of his essentials. Can I cook it normally, or is there some special process?
Klien was about to ask the half-elf when an arrow came out from behind and plunged into his leg.