The ruins provided a much-needed reprieve from the harsh environment of the forest. The group had decided to stay after discovering a natural water source flowing through the ancient structure—an underground spring, pure and untouched. With the immediate threat gone, they took the chance to rest and recover.
Alden leaned against the stone wall, feeling the cold seeping through his uniform. He pulled up his status window, eyes scanning the improvements.
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[Status Window]
Name: Alden Blackwood
Race: Human
Rank: D-
Mana Capacity: D
Affinities: None
Physique: Enhanced (Due to Purification)
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Basic Stats
Strength: D-
Agility: D-
Intelligence: C+
Mana: D
Stamina: D-
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
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Skills
Eclipse vision:
Illusions & Mind Control – Can trap enemies in illusions or briefly control weak minds.
Enhanced Perception – Slows down movements and improves reaction speed.
Voidstep (Trait)
Ability: Allows the user to phase through objects and enter a personal pocket dimension. They can teleport by stepping through space itself.
Mana Manipulation (Intermediate) – Allows precise control over mana circulation.
Stealth (Basic) – Reduces presence and sound of movement.
Aura Control (Beginner) – Enables reinforcement of the body and weapons using aura.
Telekinesis (Basic) – Grants control over objects using mana and willpower.
Mark of Connection (Unique) – Allows Alden to imprint a mark on objects, enabling mana transfer, reinforcement, and remote interaction.
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Weapon Arts
Five Forms of the Crimson Moon (5-Star) [1/5 Unlocked]
First Form: Lunar Severance – A devastating single slash that cuts through mana defenses.
Shadow Fang Dagger Art (3-Star) [15% Proficiency]
A fast, deceptive dagger art specialized in speed and misdirection.
Phantom Edge Sword (2-Star) [45% Proficiency]
A balanced style that blends offense and defense.
Swift Blade Style (2-Star) [50% Proficiency]
A sword art designed for rapid attacks and movement.
Shadow Step Footwork (2-Star) [60% Proficiency]
A movement technique that increases agility and unpredictability.
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Alden exhaled, absorbing the changes. His rank had improved, his stats had increased significantly, and most importantly—Mark of Connection was far more useful than he'd initially thought.
He experimented earlier, marking a mana core and channeling energy from it. With some control, he could absorb its stored mana, reducing the strain on his own reserves. If used correctly, this meant—
Voidstep biggest limitation, its mana consumption, could now be mitigated.
He clenched his fists. This was a game-changer.
But there was no time to celebrate.
---
The Upcoming Danger
Leonhardt sat by the water, refilling his flask. "We should stay here for now. We have shelter, water, and time to recover."
Alicia nodded. "Agreed. We need to ration our food, though."
Seraphina leaned against a pillar. "This place is safe for now, but we don't know for how long."
Alden stayed silent. I know exactly how long.
If the game followed its original script, a massive monster horde would descend on these ruins within the next few days.
Individually, the monsters were weak F—D-rank at most—but their sheer numbers would turn this into a war of attrition.
For the next two weeks, they would be trapped here, constantly fending off waves of creatures.
This was a turning point in the game—a trial by fire that would force the main cast to grow stronger through relentless combat.
And Alden was now part of it.
His grip tightened around his dagger.
Time to prepare.
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End of Chapter