Chapter 5 | Skill Orb
----------------------------------------
"Hey, system. I'd like to unlock another skill."
- [ Notice ] -
Two new skills have come forth due to your current level. Please select between the following skills:
Lunar Presence
[https://i.imgur.com/OUCvJ5M.png]
Imbue the battlefield with the calming energy of the moon, reducing the attack speed and damage output of enemies within a certain radius. Allies, on the other hand, receive a temporary boost to their defensive capabilities.
Ethereal Roar
[https://i.imgur.com/OYG5hSC.png]
Let loose a resounding roar that disrupts the fabric of reality, causing enemies to become disoriented and reducing their accuracy for a brief period.
Starstride
[https://i.imgur.com/70Vbw06.png]
Perform a swift dash in a straight line, leaving behind a trail of Astral Dust. Enemies who come into contact with the dust will receive damage over time.
Spectral Vision
[https://i.imgur.com/EHiGom7.png]
Reveal everyone within a certain radius. This includes invisible enemies and hidden objects. The effect can be canceled at any time.
"It's still offering me my weaker or simpler abilities. Meaning I'd need to reach higher levels to acquire my signature skills," I mused out loud. "But for now, I'll settle with Starstride."
- [ Notice ] -
You've selected Starstride.
Would you also like to claim your Skill Orb?
"Absolutely. But first, could you explain what a Skill Orb is?"
- [ Notice ] -
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
A Skill Orb is a Unique item that can copy the Innate Skills of defeated opponents. If consumed, all Innate Skills will be transferred to the user—additionally, a Skill Orb can only be consumed by a person without any Innate Skills.
"Hmm, so it doesn't have any use for me. But I'd bet that it could be sold for a hefty amount. I'll take it!"
- [ Notice ] -
You've received the Skill Orb.
To use, simply hold the Skill Orb in front of the target.
"Sure, I got it."
The orb appeared in front of me, floating mid-air. I grabbed it and watched as its glossy surface rippled. Should I just use it on the Forest Phantom? It did have some exotic skills that were challenging to deal with. Besides, if I were to acquire allies, it'd be a great addition to a team fight.
Without further contemplation, I stepped in front of the Forest Phantom's remnants and held out my arms. A silvery gleam shone through the swirling colors, and the orb began to pulsate, turning darker and darker until it was pure black. Then, the glass-like substance began to change, cracking and quivering until it shattered into a tiny sphere of glowing fragments, just small enough to swallow.
I held it up to my eyes, studying its strange beauty. The glittering particles floated in midair, circling around each other before coalescing together. And with nothing else to do, I shoved it down my pocket and continued down the path.
***
Daybreak finally arrived, and with it, a tingling sensation of tiredness. I have been wandering nonstop. Lethargy attached to me, weighing heavy on my human body. The moist air clung to my skin like a layer of dirt, and the forest's humidity found its way into my clothes. Maybe another bath could help me ease up, but there weren't any clean rivers nearby. At this point, I might as well continue until I find a town.
Minutes passed, and eventually, the trees ended. A plain field filled my vision, stretching endlessly. A breeze picked up, like drinking the cold mountain water on a hot day. I inhaled deeply. Fresh. Crisp.
"This feels good."
I surveyed my surroundings, trying to locate any civilization, but I couldn't see anything—just more grass, rocks, and occasional wildlife.
A sigh escaped my lips, and my shoulders slumped.
"Well, no point standing around. Just walk straight, then."
And so I carried on, marching across the fields without stopping. Soon, the sky turned crimson, bleeding orange streaks along its fiery streak. Warm rays flowed through me, easing the fatigue slightly. Unfortunately, I wasn't getting any closer to anything that could be considered a human settlement. It was almost as if the road I was taking was winding aimlessly.
"Ahh, I'm getting hungry... again. Gotta go on the hunt again."
It wasn't that I couldn't wait, but after an entire day without food, I was starting to get a little grumpy. And besides, I hadn't eaten anything except for the bear meat, and my stomach was starting to churn.
"Just gotta find some prey," I mumbled to myself.
I scanned the horizon, looking for something edible. A couple of rabbits hopped around, nibbling on grass, but they were too small. It's not even worth hunting. A few birds were flying overhead, but they weren't worth the time either. I needed something big.
Finally, I spotted a group of deer grazing.
Perfect.
I crept closer, staying low, until I was within striking range. Then, I launched myself, crossing the distance in an instant. The first one died instantly, collapsing into a pile of meat. The others took off, but not fast enough. My Astral Claws slashed, ripping them to shreds.
"That's what I'm talking—"
"What are you doing!" a mellow voice shouted. "That was my prey!"
"Eh?"
Turning around, I saw a young, tanned woman with white hair wearing a short green dress. Her amber eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms, glaring at me. A few lighter markings, almost like tan lines, circled her upper thighs and back. She looked to be around twenty years old, give or take.
"What do you mean, yours? These are deer," I replied, gesturing at the carcasses.
"I know, but that's still mine! You killed them before I had a chance to!"
"I don't see your name on them."
"I... can't argue with that. But I don't see your name on them either!"
"My name is Astralos Aeternalis. Either you kneel, or you carve my name on the deers."
"I don't care! Give me back my prey!"
She stomped her foot on the ground and pouted. Her eyes were teary, and she seemed ready to start bawling.
I shrugged. "Gosh, you're such a child. Fine, fine. You can have one. Take it or leave it."
"Ah... uh, thanks," she muttered, wiping away her tears. She approached the corpse, examining it closely before picking it up. "Sorry about that, I've just been frustrated lately. By the way, what are you doing all the way out here? There isn't much around these regions."
"Looking for a city," I said bluntly.
"Why? You got lost?"
"I'm not familiar with this land."
"I see," she mumbled. "Then, would you like to join me on my quest?"