The night air was cool and crisp, filled with the whisper of leaves swaying gently under the moonlight. The forest around Alypos was alive, a symphony of rustling branches and distant animal calls. Yet, in the midst of this wilderness, Alypos found a solitude that both calmed and invigorated him. He stood outside the cottage, his spear held tightly in his hands, the weight of it feeling just right against his palm.
Tonight was different. Tonight, he was determined to push past his limits.
As he began his practice, each swing of his spear cut through the air with a grace he had not fully mastered before. He entered a zone of hyperfocus, where time lost its meaning, and the world faded into the background. In this state, he felt like water—fluid, unyielding, and ever-changing. He imagined himself flowing around obstacles, slipping past the restrictions of his own limitations.
With every movement, he became more attuned to the rhythm of his body. The spear felt like an extension of himself, each strike a natural expression of his will. He flowed between forms, transitioning from offensive thrusts to defensive arcs, all while maintaining a fluidity that made his attacks unpredictable.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, disrupting the tranquility.
Karmic Records Updating…
Mastered New Style: Flowing Style - Level 1
Quasi-Master Rank Achieved
System Announcement: Congratulations! You have mastered your combat style: Flowing Style – Level Up! Status Update:
{Current name: Alypos Ilias (????th reincarnation)}
{Age: 12}
{Rank: G/F+}
{Affinities: Water (100%), Life (100%), Death (70%), Ice (100%), Lightning (85%), Pain (100%), Soul (80%)}
{Aspect: Evolution, ???, ???}
{Race: Human (Max: E-)}
{Strength: 2.5 -> 2.9/10 (G)}
{Agility: 2.1 -> 2.4/10 (G)}
{Constitution: 1.7 -> 2.1 /10 (G)}
{Dexterity: 1.5 -> 2.5/10 (G)}
{Charm: 2.5 -> 2.8/10 (G)}
{Mana: 2.5 -> 3/10 (G)}
{Luck: 0.1 -> 0.5/10 (G-)})
{Skills: Water Manipulation Stage 1 (D+), Healing Palm (F), }
{Combat: Flowing style (Quai-master)}
Alypos blinked in surprise, momentarily pulled from his trance. He stared at the status screen, heart racing. This was a significant leap in his abilities. He had also formed a core yesterday,it seems every creature from rank G had a core. He had also become paler, impurities were extracted from him.
Nibbles, perched on a nearby branch, tilted his head curiously. Alypos couldn't help but crack a rare smile at the little squirrel's innocent expression.
"Looks like we're both getting stronger, huh?" he said, his voice low and steady, betraying none of the excitement bubbling within him. Nibbles responded by puffing up his chest and giving a triumphant nod, which sent a chuckle through Alypos.
But the night was not done with him yet.
A Stirr in the Forest
As Alypos practiced, he felt a shift in the air, an almost electric tension. It was then Nibbles perked up, ears twitching as he scurried down the branch. With quick, exaggerated gestures, he pointed towards the underbrush, a frantic urgency in his movements.
Alypos squinted into the darkness, realizing the threat lurking just beyond the trees. Two wild boars, their dark forms almost blending with the shadows, were coming closer. Their tusks glinted ominously in the moonlight as they crashed through the underbrush, searching for food.
"Thanks, little guy," Alypos murmured, adopting a cold, calculating demeanor. He didn't have time to waste. Drawing on his mana reserves, he formulated a plan.
Nibbles watched, wide-eyed, as Alypos crouched low, gripping his spear tightly. He felt the water in the ground, the moisture from the recent rain, and the tiny droplets danced at his command. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a stream of water forth, creating a slick barrier just as the first boar charged.
The boar skidded, legs flailing as it lost its footing, crashing into the mud. The second boar, undeterred, charged right after, and Alypos used the opportunity to weave water around it, forming a barrier that blocked its path. The animal squealed, confused and disoriented.
Alypos moved swiftly, his spear cutting through the air like a fluid extension of his will. He struck at the first boar, now struggling to regain its footing, aiming for a precise blow to the side of its neck. The spear connected, and the boar fell, lifeless.
"Good job, Nibbles!" Alypos praised, feeling a thrill of triumph.
The second boar, now enraged and recognizing its danger, charged again. Alypos dodged its assault, feeling the rush of air as the tusks grazed past him. He retaliated by sending a jet of water at its legs, tripping it up once more. It crashed into the ground with a grunt, scrambling to get back up.
With each calculated move, Alypos felt the exhilaration of the hunt coursing through him. He focused, channeling his energy into a powerful thrust of water, pushing it against the boar's back. It was almost comical how easy it was to manipulate the animal's movement, guiding it away from him.
"Almost like a game, huh?" he muttered, glancing at Nibbles, who was bouncing up and down excitedly, chittering in what seemed to be encouragement. The squirrel's enthusiasm was infectious, even if Alypos kept his expression stoic.
Finally, he struck again, his spear piercing through the boar's hide with a swift motion, delivering the fatal blow. The creature succumbed, and Alypos stood over it, panting slightly, the thrill of victory mingling with exhaustion.
Aftermath and Reflection
With both boars now dead, Alypos felt the fatigue creeping into his bones. The mana expenditure from the battle had drained him, but he knew he had to act quickly. He used what little energy he had left to extract the cores from the boars, each pulsating with a warm, vibrant light that promised to enhance his abilities further.
Nibbles scampered around, excitedly gesturing towards the prize, but Alypos merely shook his head, managing a faint smirk. "Yes, yes, I know. We'll have a feast tonight. You're as gluttonous as ever."
The little squirrel hopped in place, mimicking a belly rub, and Alypos chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread in his chest despite the cold exterior he maintained.
As they made their way back to the cottage, he reflected on the night's events. The exhilaration of the fight was invigorating, but he was also aware of the ever-looming darkness surrounding them. Trust was a fragile thread, and while he could rely on Nibbles for companionship, he knew the same couldn't be said for Marina.
Back at the cottage, Alypos placed the boar cores on a flat stone slab outside. He planned to extract the essences later, but for now, he turned to Nibbles, who was eagerly scurrying around, inspecting the new bounty.
"Let's get to work," he said, reaching for his knife to begin processing the boars. Nibbles mimicked his actions, though with a comical flair, pretending to slice at an imaginary piece of meat.
"Careful now, you might slice yourself," Alypos teased, and Nibbles froze, looking at him wide-eyed as if to say, I would never!
The night went on, with Alypos diligently preparing their meal while Nibbles attempted to 'help' in his own chaotic way. As he cooked, Alypos couldn't shake the feeling of change. The power he had tasted tonight was intoxicating, and he wondered just how far he could push himself.
But lurking in the back of his mind was Marina. Their uneasy alliance was a delicate balance, and Alypos couldn't help but feel the tension brewing beneath the surface. He had much to learn, and as they shared the meal later, he would have to keep his guard up.
For now, though, he savored the moment—both the thrill of the hunt and the comfort of companionship, however fleeting it may be.