Chapter 28: Reflection and Resolve
Rudra sat cross-legged in his room, the Moonshadow Wolf curled up beside him. The glow of the system interface filled the dimly lit space, casting an eerie blue light. Tonight was not about action or adventure; tonight was for reflection and strategizing.
He opened the system interface, scrolling through his pending missions, skills, and status. It was time to take stock of everything he had achieved—and what still lay ahead.
Pending Missions
1. Main Mission: Investigate the Syndicate
Progress: 40% Complete
Objective: Uncover the Syndicate's influence in the academy.
Recent Clue: Rajan's Protectors Identified.
Reward: Unique Skill Upgrade.
2. Side Mission: Protect the Moonshadow Wolf
Status: Active
Objective: Keep the Moonshadow Wolf safe and unlock its full potential.
Reward: Beast Bond Skill Upgrade + Legendary Beast Artifact.
3. Main Mission: Prepare for the National Tournament
Status: Active
Time Remaining: 2 Years
Objective: Rank among the top 10 participants in the tournament.
Reward: Tier-SSS Talent Evolution + National Hero Title.
4. Side Mission: Strengthen the Kairous Clan
Status: Active
Objective: Increase the Kairous Clan's influence and ensure its survival against threats.
Reward: Clan Legacy Skillbook + Artifact: Kairous Heart.
5. Side Mission: Unlock Raina's Sealed Talent
Status: Active
Objective: Help Raina overcome the seal on her talent.
Reward: Unknown Unique Skill + Bond Affinity Increase.
6. Hidden Mission: Find the Mind Whisperer
Status: Active
Objective: Discover and neutralize the Mind Whisperer infiltrating the academy.
Reward: Memory Recovery Skill + Key to Syndicate Secrets.
7. Side Mission: Explore Rionna's Ancient Ruins
Status: Pending
Objective: Investigate the ruins near Rionna for hidden artifacts.
Reward: Ancient Talent Relic + EXP Boost.
Rudra's Current Status
Name: Rudra Kairous
Age: 16
Talent: Thunderstorm Deity (Tier-SSS Potential, Abnormal Phenomenon Rank)
Level: 25
EXP: 32,450 / 40,000
Title: Rising Star of the Academy, Beast Bond Initiate
Bloodline: Kairous Legacy Bloodline (80% Unlocked)
Attributes
Strength: 230
Agility: 195
Vitality: 210
Intelligence: 250
Spirit: 275
Luck: 50
Skills
1. Thunderstorm Manifestation
Summon a massive thunderstorm, dealing widespread damage.
Cooldown: 10 minutes.
2. Lightning Blade
Form a blade of pure lightning for high-damage melee attacks.
Cooldown: 5 minutes.
3. Beast Bond (Moonshadow Wolf)
Allows communication and synergy with the Moonshadow Wolf.
Current Level: Intermediate.
4. Appraisal
Identify the strengths, weaknesses, and hidden traits of objects, people, or monsters.
5. Storm Step
Instantly teleport within a 30-meter radius using lightning speed.
Cooldown: 3 minutes.
6. Evolve Talent
Absorb monster cores to evolve abilities and surpass limits.
System Functions
1. Mission Tracker: Displays active and completed missions.
2. Skill Evolution: Allows Rudra to upgrade skills using EXP or rare items.
3. Talent Growth: Unlocks hidden abilities as Rudra levels up.
Rudra leaned back, exhaling slowly. "So much to do," he muttered, stroking the Moonshadow Wolf's fur absentmindedly. The missions were piling up, each more critical than the last.
He couldn't afford to fail. The Syndicate was a lurking threat, and the whispers of the Mind Whisperer inside the academy sent chills down his spine. His family's safety, the Kairous Clan's future, and even his bond with his friends—all of it was on the line.
His thoughts turned to the national tournament. Two years seemed like a long time, but he knew the competition would be fierce. "Raina's talent needs to be unlocked," he thought. "Nand's potential has to be pushed further. We're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for the clan, for Rionna, and for a future free from the Syndicate's grip."
The system chimed.
> New Objective: Investigate the Moonshadow Wolf's Bloodline.
Find the legendary shrine of the Lunar Ancestors to awaken its hidden powers.
Reward: Beast Bond Mastery + Mythical Skill.
Rudra smiled faintly. "Looks like you've got some secrets too, buddy," he said, patting the wolf. It wagged its tail in response, its eyes glowing