Chapter 11: The Price of Power
The next few days passed in relative calm. Eren focused on fortifying his camp, utilizing his new Forest Affinity skill to gather resources more efficiently and avoid the dangers lurking in the deeper parts of the woods. Yet, despite the progress, a nagging thought remained at the back of his mind—the Survival System's shop. He had yet to fully explore its potential, and the idea of unlocking new abilities was too tempting to ignore.
One evening, as the fire crackled and his modest dinner of roasted mushrooms and smoked fish sizzled on the makeshift grill, Eren decided it was time to take a closer look. He opened the Survival System interface with a thought, navigating to the shop tab.
System Shop
Available Currency: 120 Survival Points
Basic Trap Blueprint: 10 SP
Foraging Boost (Temporary): 15 SP
Night Vision (Basic): 50 SP
Skill: Copy (Rare): 100 SP
Eren's eyes immediately locked onto the last item. Skill: Copy. The description was brief but intriguing:
Skill: Copy (Rare) Description: Allows the user to temporarily replicate one skill, ability, or spell observed in another individual. Duration and effectiveness depend on the user's proficiency level. Cost: 100 SP
"Copying skills?" Eren muttered, leaning back against the log he used as a makeshift chair. It was a powerful ability, one that could give him an edge in a world where talent and strength often determined survival. But it came at a steep price, draining most of his accumulated points.
He weighed the pros and cons for several minutes. The cautious part of him argued to save the points for something more practical or immediate. But the part of him that remembered the power disparity between himself and characters like Cassian or Seris knew this skill could be a game-changer.
Finally, he made his decision.
Purchase Confirmation Are you sure you want to purchase Skill: Copy for 100 Survival Points?
[Confirm]
[Cancel]
Eren hovered over the confirm button for a moment before tapping it mentally.
Skill Purchased: Copy
Remaining Survival Points: 20
Skill has been added to your arsenal.
A faint sensation washed over him, like a cool breeze brushing against his mind. The system interface flashed briefly, and he saw the new skill added to his status screen.
Skill: Copy (Level 1)
Allows replication of one observed skill or ability for 10 minutes.
Cooldown: 24 hours.
Note: Requires visual confirmation of the skill being used.
Eren exhaled slowly, a small smile playing on his lips. "This… this might actually be worth it."
He spent the rest of the evening testing the interface, trying to familiarize himself with the skill's mechanics. While he couldn't test the replication itself without observing another person, the system provided enough guidance for him to feel confident in its use.
The next morning, Eren decided to scout the outskirts of the academy grounds. He needed to test Copy in a controlled setting, and the academy's training fields—where students often practiced their skills—were the ideal place. Keeping to the shadows and using his Forest Affinity to stay undetected, he positioned himself near the edge of the training grounds.
It didn't take long to spot a group of students sparring. Among them was a fire mage, his hands glowing with flickering orange flames as he launched controlled bursts of fire at a practice dummy. Eren's eyes narrowed as he focused on the mage's technique. The system interface lit up.