The air was heavy with anticipation, Chris could feel the countless eyes of the villagers bore into him, making him feel a bit nervous. He glanced over his shoulder to see Elera in the crowd, surrounded by other Awakened individuals showering her with praise.
She looked back at Chris and their eyes met, and a cocky smirk played on her lips. Her hands rested on her hips as she eyed him down, the rest of the Awakeners turning to look at him as well.
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" Elara let out a hearty laugh, drinking in Chris' hesitation before continuing "Get it over with, there are other kids waiting y'know!"
Chris looked behind him too see the others waiting in line, starting to get impatient and frustrated.
'Hmm, trying to humiliate me? I see, well too bad for you Elara. I got one ace up my sleeve.' Chris thought to himself, a grin forming on his lips as he turned back to the crystal ball.
'System!' Chris called internally 'I'd like to receive my Task rewards now.'
[Granting Host Task Rewards..]
[Chris Has Received +50 Stat Points(x10) +100 Soul Points(x10) +Random Light/Dark Magic Skill]
[New Skill Unlocked: Low Heal-Lv1]
[Description: Heals minor cuts and bruises at slow speeds(x10)]
Chris' eyes flickered with dissapointment, a scowl appearing on his face, he grit his teeth as a wave of frustration hit him.
'What is this? Why did i get a healing Skill? I already have a Talent that heals wounds damnit!' Chris complained internally
Though he calmed down a second later, figuring out that it might not be as useless with the x10 buff. He couldn't use this Skill on himself, but figured that it could be useful for treating the wounds of others.
"System, open Status." Chris commanded under his breath.
[Status Window]
[Name: Chris] [Race: Human]
[Profession: Divine Lord Of Necromancy] [Level: 6]
[Talents(S): Blessing Of The Death God, Soul Regenerarion]
[Stats]
[HP: 136] [MP: 136]
[Strength: 108] [Defense: 47]
[Agility: 39] [Intelligence: 50]
[Skills]
[Summon Lesser Skeleton-Lv2] [Soul Consumption-Lv1] [Low Heal-Lv1]
[Misc]
[Soul Points: 3000(+1000)]
[Stat Points: 520(+500)]
[Exp:1500/5000]
Chris had 520 Stat Points to spend, with a smile on his face he quickly began distriputing his Stat Points. First, he began to bring all his other Stats all to 100.
[HP: 136] [MP: 136]
[Strength: 108] [Defense: 107(+60)]
[Agility: 109(+70)] [Intelligence: 100(+50)]
[Stat Points: 340]
After a bit of tweaking, Chris added 50 to all his Stats.
[HP: 190(+54)] [MP: 190(+54)]
[Strength: 160(+52)] [Defense: 160(+53)]
[Agility: 150(+51)] [Intelligence: 150(+50)]
[Stat Points: 40]
After distributing most of the points leaving Chris with only 40 Stat Points, he smiled and closed his Status Window, already feeling the changes to his body. With his high Intelligence, his mind felt fresh and sharp.
His boosted HP and MP helped with his body's vitality and increased his magical capacity. His Strength, Defense, and Agility began to shape his muscles underneath his clothing, even without seeing he could already tell that he was slowly starting to become more muscular.
'Let's give them a show!' Chris declared as he finally rested his the on the crystal ball.
For a few seconds the ball was silent and didn't emit any light of sort, concern and worry began to spread around the villagers as whispers began to fill the air. Elara watched in triumph, a triumphant smile etched on her face, though it didn't last long.
Immediately, the crystal ball began to shine a bright colour, cracks forming on the sacred orb as a light so bright seeped through, blinding all the villagers and the village lord.
After a few seconds the light subsided and all the villagers stared at Chris in awe and wonder. The village lord approache Chris and placed a hand on his shoulder, turning to the crowd with a joyous expression.
"High-Tier Light Magic!" The village lord's voice boomed through the air, immediately the crowd erupted in cheers. Elara watching this, felt her pride being shattered as she locked eyes with Chris that a mocking smile on his face.
All the Awakeners turned their attention to Chris, their eyes wide in awe and admiration as he stepped down and approached Elara.
"Greetings, I'm Chris. Pleasure to meet you." Chris said extending his hand for a handshake, a fake smile etched on his face, silently enjoying the humiliation Elera was facing.
"Tsk!" Elara gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing in hate and anger as her face burned red with embarrasment "Shut up!" She said, avoiding eye contact while reluctantly shaking Chris's hand.
Mia bolted from the crowd, her face beaming as she rushed towards Chris and Elara, "Chris! Elara!" She called out as she jumped to hug Chris.
Chris reacted quickly and caught Mia in his strong arms, she felt weightless in his hands as he gave a small twirl.
"You both were amazing!" Mia said as she hugged Elara too, making Elara feel more embarrassed.
Chris smiled seeing the familial bond between Elara and Mia, he could tell Elara was a compasionate person, but she is too shy to admit her feelings openly, a common trope he had seen countless times in many novels and anime.
Elara turned to face Chris, her mean demeanor suddenly replaced by a sense of interest and curiosity "Chris, right?" She started, her tone more respectful.
Chris nodded "Yes, that's my name. Is there anything you need?" He asked, but beneath he kept his guard up, preparing for the next thing she was going to day.
A flicker of suprise crossed Chris as she suddenly bowed her and began to apologize
"Sorry for the way i treated you earlier, it was very rude of me." She said as she lifted her head, "I hope you can forgive me and consider starting over. A fresh start in our relationship."
She said with a small smile as she extended her hand once more for a handshake. "I'm Elara, neice of the village lord. Pleasure to meet you." She spoke.
Chris dropped his guard, not feeling a sense of hostility coming from her anymore. He chuckled softly as he shook her hand, "Likewise." Chris said simply, but blinked when he saw a small blush appearing on her face.
'Oh...no way this actually happening..' Chris thought to himself, his own cheeks flushing for a moment before snapping out of it. No! He already had a girlfriend, and he was going to stay loyal to her no matter what!
"Chris!" Jade called as she walked towards him, Chris, Elara and Mia all turned to see his mother approaching. Unmistakable pride in her eyes.
Chris withdrew his hand from Elara, but her grip tightened, refusing to let go. "H-hey!" Chris called out a bit worried, he looked at Elera who had a cheeky grin on her face, she was planning something and Chris didn't like it.
'This girl! What the hell!? Let go!' Chris complained as he struggled, Elara chuckled her grip mirroring Chris's strength.
After a while of struggling Chris finally pulled free from Elara's grip, a lingering warmth remaining on his hand. He glared at Elara who chuckled at his attempt to seem angry.
Jade's presence immediately calmed Chris, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, Chris. You handled everything perfectly," she said, her gaze shifting briefly toward Elara, as if sensing the strange energy between the two.
Chris exhaled, relieved to have his mom by his side. "Thanks, Mom. That was... intense, but I'm glad it's over."
Mia giggled from beside them, looking between Chris and Elara with an innocent curiosity. "You guys looked weird back there! Are you rivals now or something?"
Chris felt a flicker of annoyance at the idea, but before he could deny it, Elara stepped forward, her smirk already back in place. "Rivals? Nah, I'd say we're more like... friendly competitors." She added a playful wink, clearly enjoying the situation more than Chris was.
Chris rolled his eyes, his tone dry. "Yeah, let's just stick to competitors."
Jade's brow lifted slightly at the interaction, but she decided to let it slide. "Come on, Chris. Let's head home and celebrate properly. You've earned it."
Chris was about to move when Elara called out again, her voice teasing but with an undercurrent of challenge. "Hey, don't get too comfortable, Chris. I'll be catching up to you in no time."
Chris gave her a side glance, unimpressed. "We'll see." He gave a quick wave before turning back toward home.
As they walked, Chris's thoughts kept returning to that moment—the crystal ball, the overwhelming light, the look on everyone's faces. His heart still raced from the sheer magnitude of it all. But more than that, the nagging feeling about Elara lingered in the back of his mind.
Elara was dangerous, that much was clear. Whether she intended to be a rival or an ally... or something else entirely, Chris knew she wasn't going away anytime soon.
And he wasn't sure if that was a good thing.