After Zane read the system message, he began to hesitate. At first, Zane thought he would only be responsible for selecting the person who would receive the title. Now, he knew he would have a bigger part to play in Star’s connection to the system.
“What’s going on?” Star asked Zane. “Nothing’s happening.”
“Give me a moment,” Zane responded.
More than a dozen seconds passed since Zane saw the last system message. He was thinking about choosing yes or no and Star had become impatient while Zane was making his decision. Zane was able to understand her impatience, but he wouldn’t let it affect him.
Taking a moment to think, Zane realized he let his curiosity get away from him. Curiosity was one of the few natural characteristics that all humans shared. After Zane upgraded his race, the natural human characteristics were upgraded as well.
Usually, the natural characteristic of the human race didn’t strongly affect each unique individual. This was one of the reasons why the human race was one of the prominent races under the system. However, there were times when the natural characteristics of the human race would strongly affect an individual in a positive or negative way. Zane was affected in a negative way.
Giving Star access to the system wasn’t a major decision, but it wasn’t a minor one either. Although Zane was curious about the information that would appear in Star’s status, he didn’t need to give her access to the system right away. Thankfully, the system asked him if he wanted to use his source energy.
Currently, Zane’s source energy was locked and using it could have led to terrible consequences. Of course, most likely nothing would happen if he chose yes. The system would probably tell him that he was unable to his source because it was in a locked state. Actually, Zane was curious to see what would happen if he chose yes.
Quickly, Zane did his best to suppress his curiosity that was beginning to rise. After he focused his mind, Zane looked back at the system message and chose no. The system informed him that choosing no meant Star would be unable to receive the adventurer title and he confirmed that he understood.
“I haven’t fully recovered yet, so we can’t complete the process,” Zane told Star.
“What were you trying to do to her?” Blake demanded. “And why would you accept?” Blake shouted at Star with a voice mixed with anger and worry.
“I’ll tell you, but I want the resources you promised me first.”
Currently, Blake and the others were showing a mix of hostility and caution toward Zane. However, those emotions didn’t stop them from giving Zane what they promised. One of the men took out a small brown wooden jar and handed it to Zane.
“That jar contains a liquid that can improve a person’s connection with the mana in the environment. We call it Booster. It is useful for mages and warriors in both training and combat.”
Opening the jar, Zane saw a bluish green liquid that smelled like flowers. The liquid radiated mana and one whiff of it left Zane’s body feeling refreshed. Zane was surprised by the way his body reacted and he was tempted to drink it right away. However, caution advised Zane to use his Analyze skill first.
Item Name: Booster
Item Type: Beverage
Tier: 1
Description: A bluish green liquid capable of increasing the consumers connection with mana in their environment. The effects are reduced when the liquid is consumed repeatedly over a short period of time.
Abilities: Mana absorption increased by 100% for three minutes.
After Zane confirmed there was nothing wrong, he didn’t hesitate to drink a mouthful. Immediately, Zane’s body felt energized, and he could feel the mana in the air being rapidly drawn toward him. Zane could feel the pressure that he was subjected to ever since he came to Kaleem start to lessen. His body that was previously in a mana deficient sate now felt full and content.
Mana deficiency
Debuff: 50% decrease to recovery.
Time limit: (Unknown) Postponed for 2:59
World Suppression
Debuff: 25% decrease to all stats
Time limit: (Unknown) Postponed for 2:59
Looking at his two persistent debuffs, Zane felt excited and disappointed. The effects of the Booster made Zane think he had fully recovered, and he did. However, the recovery was only temporary.
“How is it?” Star eagerly asked. “Have you fully recovered?”
“No.” Zane moved his eyes away from Star’s dejected expression before he asked the group a question. “What made you all think that the Booster would help me recover?”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“What do you mean?” Star asked. “I can feel you pulling in the mana around us.”
“The liquid you gave me only increases my ability to absorb mana for a short period of time. Its effective, but it's not enough to allow me to completely recover.”
“Idiot,” Kent stated. “The purpose of the Booster is to make you more sensitive to the mana of this world and help you adjust to our world’s mana faster. You’ve already wasted some of the five minutes of absorption the Booster gives you. I suggest you shut up and start focusing your mind.”
Zane frowned at Kent's words. “I’ve already adjusted to this worlds mana.”
“Liar! Didn’t you say you need to recover?”
Ignoring Kent, Zane questioned the rest of the group. “Was there anything else that could help with recovery?”
“That was it?” star answered.
“You still didn’t mention how you knew the Booster would be helpful.”
“And you haven’t told us about the system.” Blake spoke over Star who was about to respond.
“Our deal was that you answer my questions. We never agreed that I will have to answer yours.” Zane continued to speak after he saw Blake frown. “of course, I’m not a difficult person, so I don’t mind answering a few questions for you.”
“The system is a power or entity dedicating to helping those under its influence grow. Everything starts with your first class. After that you learn skills, accept quest, and gain experience to level up.”
“What do you mean by classes?”
“And what do-"
“Stop.” Zane raised his hands to halt the incoming questions. “As I said before all of you are supposed to answer my questions. Do that first and then maybe we can continue talking about the system.”
Many members of the group frowned, and Zane heard a few grumbled complaints. However, Zane wasn’t bothered by their complaints. Teacher Isabelle taught him it was important to take a firm stance in situations like this. Plus, he knew he was in the right.
“What would you like to know?” Blake asked.
A smile spread across Zane's face. He was satisfied with the minor victory he achieved. Unfortunately, a roar resounded throughout the area before Zane was able to enjoy the rewards his victory brought him.
Blake and the others immediately became tense when they heard the roar. In comparison, Zane’s reaction was very calm. Immediately, Zane activated his sensing skills to grasp the location of the enemy and the number of enemies approaching. One roar didn’t always mean one enemy, and this time it didn’t.
“Ready your weapons and get into formation.” Blake quickly started issuing commands and all the warriors raced to follow them. “Have you all recovered enough to fight?” The three mages shook their head in response.
“I would have been able to recover if it wasn’t because-”
“Okay, that’s enough,” Blake interrupted. “Do your best to recover while the rest of us take care of the demonic beast. As long as there is only one, the nine of us should be able to deal with it.”
“There’s three, actually.” Zane clarified.
Kent was about to speak, but Blake silenced him with a look before speaking to Zane. “Are you able to help us?”
Looking at the grim expression on Blake’s face, Zane couldn’t help but feel the urge to laugh. He was able to determine the approximate strength of the three creatures. None of them were a threat and he would be able to easily kill all of them by himself. Doing his best to remain calm Zane answered Blake.
“Of course. We made a deal.”
“I was asking if you have enough strength to fight?”
Zane smiled before asking a question of his own. “What are the major dangers I should be aware of?”
As Zane posed the question, he turned his head to look at the three beasts charging over a distant hill. The beasts had black scales covering most of their bodies. There was fur around their necks, paws, and tails. The three beasts walked on four legs. Their fangs looked vicious, their claws were sharp, and their red eyes were thirsty for blood.
“Do I have to worry about stronger beast attacking me if I kill these three?”
Blake was doing his best to quickly inform Zane about all the things he thought Zane should know. However, Zane thought all of the information he was being told wasn't important at the moment and the beasts were getting closer. So, he decided to ask Blake the question that he thought was the most important. The weaker magic beast in Zane’s world were usually protected by stronger magic beast in the wilderness. Based on the information he received from the system, Zane assumed that the beast in front of him might be similar and that would affect how he fought them.
Demonic Beast Tier 1
“Usually, no. But some more demonic beast might appear if the fight is dragged out.”
“Got it. I should be able to kill them all within a minute.”
Weapon Steps. Zane sped off toward the approaching beasts, ignoring the cries of alarm behind him. In the mood to show off, Zane decided to end the battle in a manner that was as efficient and awesome as possible. Summoning his axe, Zane prepared to use his Sever skill to deliver three lethal wounds.
Once Zane was in range the three beasts lunged forward to attack him. Zane jumped to the side and delivered his first attack deep into the demonic beast’s neck. He experienced more resistance Than he expected, but the beast’s defense wasn’t too powerful. Ripping his weapon away as the beast stumbled forward, Zane used his speed to quickly travel around the beast from behind.
Catching the second beast by surprise, Zane brought his axe down on its back and heard a satisfying crunch. The second beast fell, and Zane turned his attention to the final beast. The beast stood a few meters ahead of the two beast Zane easily dealt with. He could see that the demonic beast’s desire for violence increased, but he didn’t know if he was the cause of it.
Zane charge toward the beast and it roared in response. The beast desire for violence gave it strength and the danger Zane sensed from its claws increased. Sadly, an increase in strength didn’t always mean an increase in combat ability.
The beast swung its claws at Zane when he got close. Zane easily dodged the strike and the beast stumbled forward. Leaping forward Zane focused his strength as he prepared to unleash his final attack. He felt his internal energy surge as he brought his blade down on to the beast’s neck.
A moment before Zane's axe bit into the beast’s neck Zane saw a green light appear on the edge of its blade. The previous resistance he felt with the first two beast was nonexistent on the third. After his axe dug into the beast’s neck. Zane felt the glowing energy blade separate from the edge of the areas blade, expand, and continue to cut through the beast’s neck.
Zane was stunned as he watched green flash exit the other side of the beast's neck and dig into the ground. The beast’s head fell to the ground and blood spurted out from the opening Zane created. Zane was overwhelmed by the site in front of him.
Quickly, Zane calmed down and he immediately sat on the ground. He activated his visualization skill and blocked out everything else. He didn’t pay attention to the dying cries of the remaining two beast or the look of amazement on the members of Blake's group. Zane focused on replaying the final strike in his mind, the energy flowing through his body, and the weapon in his hand.