Training and Preparation
Two months had passed since Ezra had arrived at the Academy Arcanum. In that time, he had learned not only the ways of magic but also the subtle intricacies of power. His training had been intense, but rewarding. He had spent countless hours working with his new skills, pushing the limits of what he could achieve through his unique method of skill stacking.
Ezra stood in the training hall, the floor beneath him covered in chalk markings to help with positioning. He could feel the familiar hum of energy in the air as he prepared to train with his new skills. As he focused on each one, he adjusted the power levels, experimenting with combinations to maximize his abilities.
Training with Stacked Powers
He first focused on his Voidbreaker Slash, using his Changeable Affinity to alter the type of energy it would channel. He tried variations of fire, water, and wind affinities, feeling the different strengths and weaknesses of each combination. The results were explosive, and he quickly noted how each affinity affected the strike's speed and damage output.
Then, he turned to his Aegis of Eternity. The shield was solid and dependable, but with the right adjustment, he could enhance its durability by shifting its affinity to absorb more elemental energy. The shield pulsed with power, glowing with an aura that suggested protection from almost anything except for the Void itself. Ezra mused that if he stacked Sanctum Field with it, he could create an area of both protection and healing, though the mana cost would rise significantly.
He decided to test this theory. Ezra merged the two skills and focused on activating them simultaneously.
A glowing shield appeared around him, but instead of a simple dome of energy, an aura began to spread outward in waves. The ground beneath his feet began to heal itself, and the air thickened with a sense of calm, pushing away any lingering tension.
New Skill Fusion: Sanctum Aegis
Combines the Aegis of Eternity with Sanctum Field, creating a protective barrier that heals allies and weakens foes within its radius. Increases protection from Void-born monsters.
Ezra grinned as he saw the result, impressed with the fusion's effectiveness. The shield was stronger, and the healing aura felt like a true blessing in the midst of combat. The fusion of the two skills had replaced both Aegis of Eternity and Sanctum Field, leaving only Sanctum Aegis in his skill panel.
---
Loot Identification and the Void's Essence
Later that day, Ezra sat in the study with Archmage Varathiel, a vial of dark substance laid on the table in front of him. It was the loot from the Alpha Stalker Wolf he'd defeated weeks ago. The dark fluid inside the vial pulsed faintly as if alive.
Ezra activated Identify on the vial, and the system displayed a detailed readout:
Alpha Stalker Essence
A rare and potent essence gathered from the heart of a Void-born creature. Can be used in alchemy to enhance potions or weapons, or transformed into a potent Void Touched Elixir. It contains unstable Void energy that could be dangerous if improperly handled.
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "So, this is one of the Void's influences?"
Varathiel nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Void isn't just a force of destruction. It can affect living beings, twisting their bodies and minds, corrupting them into something... less than human. The essences they leave behind are powerful, but they must be handled with great caution. Some Void essences can be used to enhance your alchemical work, but others... are too dangerous to use recklessly."
Ezra listened intently as Varathiel continued to explain the types of Void essence, from the weakest Void-Touched, to the strongest Void-Born. Each type had its own unique properties, but they all shared the trait of being incredibly volatile. The more powerful the essence, the greater its potential for both destruction and enhancement.
"You, Ezra, with your budding skills as an alchemist, will find these essences invaluable. But remember, while they can grant great power, they can just as easily lead to your downfall if you mismanage them."
Ezra nodded, carefully storing the vial of essence in his bag. He was now more aware than ever of the dangers the Void posed not just in the form of monsters, but through the very items and materials it left behind.
---
Character Page and Inventory Check
Ezra's thoughts turned inward as he examined his current inventory. Two months of rigorous training, alchemical work, and battles had left him with a sizeable collection of items.
Character Page:
Name: Ezra (Kaelion)
Age: 34 (Physical Body Age)
Class: Warden
Level: 89
Race: Human
Health: 5,300/5,300
Mana: 2,500/2,500
Stamina: 2,000/2,000
Strength: 1,200
Dexterity: 1,000
Intelligence: 1,500
Luck: 350
Skills:
1. Voidbreaker Slash (Changeable Affinity)
2. Sanctum Aegis (Merged Skill – Replaces Aegis of Eternity and Sanctum Field)
3. Celestial Leap (Light-based)
4. Ethereal Bind (Darkness-based)
5. Eternal Warden's Resolve (Boosts damage to Void-born monsters)
6. Radiant Pulse (Light-based)
7. Identify
8. Arcane Affinity
9. Alchemical Insight
Inventory:
Alpha Stalker Essence x1 (Void-Born Loot)
Healing Potions (x10)
Mana Potions (x5)
Void-Touched Elixir x1
Silver-Shafted Dagger (Enhanced with Void Essence)
Iron Armor (Enhanced with Arcane Infusion)
Maps of Viridim
Books on Alchemy and Void Studies
Rations (7 days worth)
Traveler's Cloak (Enhanced for added protection against the elements)
---
Preparing for the Next Step
Ezra sat back in his chair, reflecting on everything he had accumulated in such a short time. His mind raced with the possibilities of what he could do next. He had grown stronger, not just in combat, but in his understanding of the world around him. The Void had taken so much, but Ezra had learned to turn it to his advantage.
He looked down at his character page again. He was Level 89, far stronger than he had ever been in his previous life. But the world still felt vast and uncertain, filled with dangers he could not yet fathom.
Two months of reading, training, and completing menial tasks have brought me this far, he thought, standing up and stretching. But now it's time to step out into the world. There are so many unknowns. The Void is out there... and I have to stop it.
With his newfound strength and skills, Ezra knew it was time to begin his next phase. The Academy had provided him with the knowledge he needed, but it was time to put that knowledge to use. The world needed him, and he was ready.
He grabbed his bag, his armor, and his weapons, ready to step into the world and face the challenges ahead.
---
Main Objective:
Investigate the Void's origin and uncover the secrets of the seven continents.
Travel to the other continents and gain more powerful skills to combat the Void.
Next Steps:
Visit Marveil's Archmage's Tower for more information on the Void.
Help Liora with her alchemical work, learning more about Void-Touched substances.
Begin the journey to the next continent.
With resolve in his heart, Ezra stepped out of the Academy Arcanum.