Chapter 2: Power Button

Day 6 of the 3rd Air Cycle, 1985 g.c.

Tiny reddish-brown hands lay before me, miniature and delicate. They connected to slender arms protruding from a small, vulnerable body still coated in a layer of vernix caseosa. The surreal realization hit me like a wave—I was a baby again! The enormity of this revelation left me reeling, my mind racing to piece together the recent cascade of events.

The memory of the Creator felt like a fever dream, a surreal encounter that defied logic. Had I truly died and been given a second chance? People don't just get new chances in the afterlife, right? But the sharp sting on my ass earlier was a stark reminder of reality, too tangible to dismiss.

The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and fresh linens, mingling with the earthy aroma of the straw mat beneath me. The room was dim, the soft glow of lanterns casting flickering shadows on the plaster and wooden walls. Every sensation was heightened— the coolness of the air on my exposed skin, the distant murmur of voices, the warmth of the woman holding me.

I could hear the gentle new hum of voices, soothing yet unfamiliar, and felt the comforting embrace of the woman who must be my new mother. Her touch was tender, her skin warm against my own. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and wonder. How was this possible? My memories of a past life felt disjointed, like fragments of a shattered mirror, each piece reflecting a different event.

But as disoriented as I felt, there was also an undercurrent of excitement. This was a new beginning, a chance to shape a new destiny. The weight of my past life seemed to fade, replaced by the boundless possibilities that lay ahead. I could feel the pulse of life in this new body, every heartbeat resonating with potential. Nigga, we made it.

"Mom, isn't he just adorable?" My new mother exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy.

"Indeed he is," replied the older woman, her gaze full of pride. "He’s bound to be quite the heartbreaker." With a tender smile, she added, "Let me get him cleaned up a bit."

She gracefully raised her hand, and two cobalt-blue magic circles appeared in the air. One was adorned with intricate, silver runes that glowed softly, while the other was filled with delicate, swirling patterns of alien script. The circles began to emit a gentle, shimmering flow of warm water that cascaded effortlessly between them.

As the water flowed, she whispered, “[Water Control] Hydro Creation. There we go, the water’s perfectly warmed for him.”

Her hands moved with practiced precision, guiding the gentle stream of water to wash away the remnants of blood and other fluids. "Now, let Grandma get you all cleaned up," she murmured, her voice a comforting balm amidst the bustling activity.

The warm water cascaded over me like a soothing blanket, its touch a tender reminder of the earlier smack to my bottom. I took that moment to get a better look at the water magician before me.

She stood at a chubby five feet tall, her presence radiating warmth and grace. Her coffee-brown skin glowed with a rich, sunlit hue, complementing her striking emerald eyes that sparkled with wisdom and kindness. Her hair, a magnificent mane of midnight purple curls, framed her face in an extravagant, playful afro. The lush, voluminous curls seemed almost to have a life of their own, bouncing with every movement. Her face, with its endearing, slightly rounded features, held a timeless charm that made her look both approachable and distinguished. There was a certain elegance in the way she carried herself, a blend of maturity and a youthful spirit that drew people in with its irresistible allure.

As my new mother handed me over, the door gently creaked open, and two new figures entered the room. A mature, handsome elvish male doctor and an extremely cute elvish nurse stepped in, both clad in crisp medical scrubs and gloves. As they moved into the light, their pointed ears became visible, adding a touch of otherworldly charm to their already striking appearances.

The male elf doctor was tall and distinguished, his features sharp and refined, with a presence that exuded both confidence and calm. His fair skin and elegant, silver-streaked walnut-colored hair lent him an air of timeless grace. The female elf, in contrast, was petite and endearing, with sparkling blue eyes and a gorgeous smile that seemed to brighten the room. Her light, golden hair was neatly tied back, and she had a gentle, nurturing demeanor.

Both wore small bar codes on their left wrists, a modern touch in their otherwise fantastical appearance. As they entered, I couldn’t help but think they looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel. The sight of them felt oddly reassuring, an indicator that this world was not like the vice city I left. However, I noticed with a hint of nostalgia that the elves' scrub-like attire bore a resemblance to the medics from my original world. It was a comforting sign that I might find more familiarity points amidst this new reality's wonders.

"It seems I've arrived quite late. Beautiful night, ladies." He nodded respectfully to the new grandmother. "Nurse Joi, could you please prepare a pan for the placenta?"

"Right away, Doctor," the nurse quickly replied.

My Grandmother turned to greet them with a warm smile. "Dr. Kai, you've made it. Seems my job as a midwife is done now."

"Good midnight, Lady Fann. It seems I was a bit slow getting here," Dr. Kai replied with a smile.

Fann, adjusting the blankets around the baby with a gentle touch, replied, "Vericka had him out in just about two pushes."

Vericka, sitting up slightly on the bed and giving a relieved chuckle, said, "I didn’t want to be in labor all night."

Dr. Kai turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Good midnight, Lady Vericka. How are you feeling?"

Vericka stretched slightly, wincing just a bit as she settled more comfortably against the pillows. "Like I finally got rid of that unmoving gas pressure off my stomach."

As she spoke, her heterochromatic eyes gleamed with a mix of exhaustion and contentment. Her hair, slightly tousled from the labor, framed her face with a natural grace. The room’s soft light illuminated her tired but relieved expression, highlighting the quiet strength and resilience she had shown throughout the process.

The woman before us was Vericka, my new mother. She was a striking figure, her caramel-melanated skin glowing softly in the room’s light. Her dark noir hair, streaked with vibrant red tips, cascaded around her shoulders in gentle waves. Her eyes were captivating, one a vivid green and the other a shimmering silver, each framed by delicate freckles that dotted her cheeks. A small beauty mark rested just below her left eye, adding a unique charm to her already radiant face. Her glasses, perched high on her forehead, completed her look with an air of scholarly elegance.

In contrast; my grandmother had a darker complexion, one shade deeper than my own, which placed me in between their tones. Vericka’s hair was notably finer and less curly compared to my grandmother’s, adding another layer to the subtle differences between them. I found myself struggling to pinpoint their exact ethnicity, caught between the familiar features of my previous life and the new reality I faced. My own skin mirrored that of my past self, yet here, I was neither fully human nor categorized by the familiar labels of race, yet.

"Then I'll cast some healing arts to remove fatigue and lingering pain. Nurse Joi will also record your child's information for The Village of Talasi's census." I heard the doctor say.

He raised his hands, and radiant golden light began to gather around him. Yang Mana, shimmering with a heavenly golden hue, flowed effortlessly from his fingertips. The light pulsed gently, casting a warm and soothing glow over Vericka.

Dr. Kai intoned clearly, "Basic Yang Mana Arts: Heal."

The golden energy swirled around Vericka, enveloping her in a soft, radiant aura. The room filled with a serene, comforting ambiance as the healing magic took effect. The light seemed to caress her skin, easing away the last traces of exhaustion and pain, while the nurse prepared a magical parchment and pencil, ready to document the new arrival for the village records.

I looked up at Vericka, her face illuminated by a mixture of relief and joy. “So, I’ve come up with his name,” she said softly.

Joi glanced up from her preparations, her smile warm and encouraging. “Alright, what name should I put down on his registration?”

Vericka’s eyes sparkled as she cradled me, a serene smile spreading across her face. “Xiro. Xiro Mikazuki.” Her voice carried a quiet certainty. “I can't quite explain it, but it just feels right.”

As the name floated through the room, I couldn’t help but marvel. "Yes! The Creator kept all her ends of the deal." I thought in joy.

Joi's eyes widened in shock as she processed the name. "Wait! Mikazuki as in the Mikazuki Clan of Velonica!? Do you know how famous you are around here?" Her voice was a mix of awe and disbelief. She quickly bowed her head deeply, flustered. "Oh my, forgive me, Lady Vericka. I meant no disrespect."

Vericka smiled gently, her demeanor calm and reassuring. "You're fine, doll," she replied with a comforting smile.

Fann, her heart full of affection, leaned in closer, her eyes soft with love. “Well, Zero, I’m your Grandma Fann. I’m going to love you bunches.”

Vericka looked over at Joi, a touch of pride in her eyes. “Nurse, it’s spelled x, i, r, o.”

Joi nodded, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the moment. “Understood, ma’am. Xiro Mikazuki is a wonderful name.”

As the name was officially recorded, the room seemed to hum with a sense of new beginnings and heartfelt connections, enveloping us all in a peaceful, joyful aura.

"Oh? I was thinking like the number, but that is much cuter." Fann jested as she smiled.

I tried to focus on what Vericka and Nurse Joi were saying, but the sensations of my new body were becoming overwhelming.

"Can I talk back? This entire body feels so unresponsive." I thought to myself, feeling a bit frustrated. Determined to make my first attempt at communication, I let out a series of sounds.

“Ogyaa. Waaaa!!!” I added, “Oogga. Mmyaawa.”

My efforts seemed to fall short of my intentions.

"The fuck? That’s not what I said. Am I speaking a different language?" I wondered, feeling a touch of confusion.

Realizing the situation, I accepted the reality of my current limitations. "I guess I can’t communicate just yet." I mused silently, adjusting to the fact that, for now, my attempts at speech were just baby babble.

Dr. Kai glanced at me with a hint of intrigue. “A lively soul,” he observed, his eyes reflecting a mixture of professionalism and curiosity. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to borrow him for a quick check-up while Nurse Joi writes down his information for me.” Gently, he lifted me from Vericka’s arms and placed me on a cold, flat examination surface.

Joi approached Dr. Kai’s side, her movements were efficient yet gentle. She pulled out another piece of magic paper from her kit, its surface glowing faintly as she prepared to record information. “He has silver irises with a dark purple sclera,” she noted, her gaze focused on me as she began to make notations on the magical parchment.

“Like two full moons at night.” Vericka nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"So my eyes are silver too? I bet a nigga looks cool as fuck." I wondered.

Joi continued her observations, her pen gliding across the magical paper. “And there are small black pin marks under the corner of each eye.”

Dr. Kai, examining me closely, nodded thoughtfully. “I believe those are vessel marks, indicating that he has a Vessel Skill.”

Fann’s eyes widened with interest. “So it worked? The little handsome devil will be a M-Cee?”

Vericka’s smile softened, her voice filled with a hint of concern. “I don’t want to force that on him, Mom.”

As Joi continued her examination, her eyes widened in surprise. “Dr. Kai, I think there may be a mistake. He has two Vessel marks tattooed on him.”

Vericka’s eyes grew wide with shock. “Two!?”

Fann gasped, her voice filled with disbelief. “Whut you say!?”

Dr. Kai, equally intrigued, leaned in closer. “Are you sure? Let me take a look.”

He examined me carefully, his gaze focused and intense. “Nurse Joi, please write down that he indeed has an additional Vessel marking on his chest in the shape of a crescent moon.” His tone was filled with marvel as he spoke to his partner.

Nurse Joi nodded, her face reflecting a mix of awe and professionalism. “Yes, doctor,” she confirmed.

The room buzzed with a mix of astonishment and excitement, the realization of my dual Vessel Skills leaving everyone in a state of awed silence. At the time, I didn't understand, but it seems creatures born with Vessel Skills have markings appear on their bodies to express it.

Dr. Kai then declared, “Personal Skill [Scan].” His eyes took on a glowing teal-green hue as he activated the skill, creating an otherworldly overlay that bathed the room in a soft, shimmering light. It felt as if he were layering me in harmless, precise microlasers, reading the intricate barcode of my soul with an almost tangible energy.

I thought to myself, "That's cool. The Elves can do magic stuff, too?"

He rubbed his hand across my skull, slightly brushing his thumb repeatedly across my forehead.

Dr. Kai studied me closely, his expression a mix of concentration and wonder. “He has two small abrasions budding from his forehead,” he noted, his gaze tracking the subtle changes on my skin. “I believe these will develop into horns, as he evolves into an Oni.”

Joi nodded, jotting down the details on her magical parchment. “Yes, doctor.”

Fann, her eyes reflecting a thoughtful expression, said, “I figured he would be an Oni from his appearance. But I haven’t seen one since the Mayonaka Clan elders stopped visiting me.”

"Oni were demons if I'm not mistaken. So that means I’m not human? Fuck Yes." I couldn’t help but think with joy.

As the nurse returned me to my mother, Vericka, she replied to her mother, “Well, yeah, Mom. His dad is from that clan.”

Fann turned to Vericka, her hand resting on her chin as she recalled past conversations. “So you did take to their boy Frost? He was a great choice for a mate with strength. I’m sure this child will be quite the M-Cee,” she said, her warm smile directed my way.

Dr. Kai took a step back and prepared for another check. “I’m about to read his stat information. It should reveal the title and class of his Vessel Skills.” He glanced at Joi and then focused on me, his eyes still glowing with a teal-green overlay. A digital window of data, labeled "ID Status," appeared before him, displaying my information with shimmering precision.

Vericka spoke up, “He’s a Godwalker, I know. One of my V-Skill’s sub-abilities activated for the first time.”

Fann responded with a knowing nod, “I told you, [Creation Sage: Izanagi] would make all of your kids Godwalkers.”

Vericka sighed, “Well, that was my first time using that ability. I don’t have control over passive skills like that.”

Dr. Kai’s eyes widened as he read the data. “A Sage & Star title?” He looked up, astonished. “Both are Grade 5 Kami.”

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

I was bewildered, thinking to myself, "What are they talking about? What's a Star and a Sage?"

Dr. Kai turned to Joi, his voice filled with excitement. “Nurse Joi, write this down. On Day Six of the 3rd Air Cycle, in the year 1985 of the Gaian Calendar; we may have just witnessed the birth of the strongest being on Gaia. I don’t think Lord Kneon Sky or Lord Ghost Gum even have multiple Vessel Skills, let alone two Grade 5s. The implications of his power potential are unthinkable!”

Joi quickly asked, “Will do, doctor. What is his battle power?”

Dr. Kai pondered for a moment, examining the data on his glowing teal-green eyes. “Hmm,” he murmured. “He’s classified as E-Class. But his mana pool is an entirely different story. It’s easily reading a pressure amount of 10,000.”

The room erupted in shock. Nurse Joi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “10,000?! But only an E-Class?”

Vericka gasped, “10,000!!”

Fann’s face reflected a mix of astonishment and confusion. “How is he an E-Class with a mana pool of 10,000? That’s a C-Class amount of pressure!”

Dr. Kai, noticing the collective astonishment, decided to provide visual confirmation. “Here, I shall make it viewable to you all.”

He activated his Scan skill once more, and a digital window of data, labeled "ID Status," appeared before everyone in the room. The data displayed vivid, holographic details, including a bar graph highlighting the staggering 10,000 mana pool. The graph pulsed with a bright, golden light, casting a shimmering glow that reflected off the faces of everyone present.

The room fell silent as they took in the visualization, the shock of the revelation settling over them like a heavy mist.

[Battle Class]: E

[Name]: Xiro Mikazuki

[Alias]: The Devil Moon

[Age]: 0 yrs

[Vessel]- Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi | Midnight Star: Belial

[Race]: Psuedo-Oni

[HP]: 50

[MP]: 10000

[Offense]: N/A

[M. Offense]: E

[Defense]: D

[M. Defense]: E

[Speed]: N/A

[Mana Affinity]: Yin Mana, Wind Mana, Water Mana, Fire Mana, Lunar Mana, Spatial Mana

[Defense Skills]: Astral Nullification, Wind Resist, Yin Nullification, Space Resist

[Ultra Skills]: Disabled. Unable to View.

[Personal Skills]: Unable to View.

[Mana Arts]- Unable to View.

[Combat Arts]- None

Joi examined the data, her eyes widening in amazement. "He has this many affinities, already?"

Vericka nodded thoughtfully. "I see he carries a strong affinity for Wind, just like me. If he had been born later in this cycle, Water might have been his primary affinity."

Fann's gaze sharpened as she assessed the information. "Hmm... His Vessel Skills are still in their nascent stages, only revealing their titles. They will be disabled until he becomes old enough to consciously activate them."

Vericka smiled softly. "To be born at midnight and to possess two V-Skills with such prestigious titles—it feels almost poetic."

Dr. Kai added with a note of excitement, "He even has an affinity for Yin Mana. And look at this—he already possesses an Ultra Skill. Unfortunately, my [Scan] isn't advanced enough to identify its name. This child is truly astonishing!"

Fann's eyes glinted with a mix of curiosity and determination. "If you don't mind, Dr. Kai, let me take a closer look."

With a dramatic gesture, she invoked her Vessel Skill. "[Elder Lords: The Kotoamatsukami] empower my [Appraisal]!" A radiant, celestial aura enveloped her, shimmering with hues of jade and silver as she focused on me.

Fann: "His Ultra Skill is called [Heaven's Kaleidoscope]." "It appears to be disabled at the moment. I can't find any information about it."

Dr. Kai: "He will, without a doubt, be an M-Cee. As you ladies may know; once a Mana Pool reaches levels of 10,000 and more, learning Arts becomes significantly easier."

Fann's eyes widened in disbelief as she scanned the information. "Vericka, the number of personal skills he has—it can't be accurate."

Nurse Joi, looking puzzled, asked, "Does he have two?"

Fann shook her head, still absorbing the data. "No, he has far more than that. Skills like [Self Regen], and [Parallel Thinking] alone would be enough to classify him as a dangerous fighter."

Her voice grew incredulous. "But then there are abilities like [Energy Devour] and [Strong Will]... Vericka, these haven't been seen on Gaia in over 500 years. And he has skills I’ve never seen or heard of before, like [Absolute Memory]."

Joi stammered, her shock palpable. "Di-di-did you say he has [Self Regen]? That's a skill usually linked to highly evolved demons or powerful Celestials. "

Dr. Kai nodded, adding context with a hint of awe. "Well, Lady Mikazuki here is a Celestial Transcendent. Their lineage is tied closer to The Heavens. There's an old Elf legend that Humans were imperfect Celestials with whom The Creator fell out of love."

Vericka, her gaze tender and proud, responded warmly. "I’m just grateful that The Creator chose to bless me with such a marvelous child."

Dr. Kai marveled at the data displayed before him, shaking his head in awe. “His abilities are indeed spectacular. I knew Godwalkers were in a different league, but seeing such advancement at birth is extraordinary.”

Joi glanced up, her curiosity piqued. “Do you think he’s the prophet’s child?”

Dr. Kai furrowed his brow, considering the question. “The prophecy speaks of 'The Chosen', but nothing was mentioned of a 'Devil Moon'.”

Joi pondered this. “Do you think there could be two prophecies? He seems so unique during a dark age of time.”

Dr. Kai shrugged, his expression thoughtful. “I can’t say for sure, but a prodigy like this is incredibly rare.”

Vericka, holding me close, shook her head with a soft smile. “I don’t care about any prophecies. What matters to me is that he remains true to himself.”

Fann nodded, her tone serious. “Vericka, you’ll need to train him to handle that incredible mana. Otherwise, he might become a danger to himself and others.”

Joi looked at Vericka with admiration. “To be trained by the legendary Lady Mikazuki is something many people dream of.”

Vericka smiled modestly. “You flatter me. But only if he chooses to be a warrior.”

Her expression grew more contemplative. “The life of an artist is filled with hardships, long nights, and many heartbreaks; only to be truly appreciated after one’s life ends.”

She gazed down at me with love. “I want him to live a happy life—a life that he chooses.”

Fann’s eyes softened. “Well, he will certainly know what it’s like to feel loved.”

As these thoughts and exchanges floated through the room, I couldn't help but reflect on the scene unfolding around me.

Joi finished writing up her paper, her hands moving swiftly but precisely. "That should complete his registration. He is now an active member of the Mikazuki Clan from Velonica. Congratulations."

Dr. Kai nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Yes, congratulations are in order. Now, let us leave your lovely family to rest as it is late. The morning will be here in 14 hours."

With that, the doctor and nurse began packing up their papers and other tools. The nurse carefully placed the registration papers into a folder while Dr. Kai organized his instruments. The atmosphere in the room was peaceful yet charged with the excitement of new beginnings.

Fann leaned over Vericka, her voice gentle but firm. "You need to rest for the night, dear. You've been through a lot." She said as she turned and placed me into a crib a few meters away, her eyes softening as she looked upon me.

As my grandmother, the nurse, and the doctor made their way to the door, Vericka lay back on the bed, exhaustion evident in her eyes but a serene smile on her lips. The door closed softly behind them, leaving the room in a tranquil silence.

Vericka's eyes fluttered shut, and she let out a contented sigh. I gazed around the dimly lit room from my crib, my thoughts racing.

"She seems like a loving woman, although I'm confused about her race. For a Demon Lord, I don't see horns on her or grandma." I pondered, trying to make sense of my new reality. "I wish Jean or Wolfie was here to answer my damn questions."

As the quiet of the night enveloped the room, I felt a strange mix of confusion and comfort. "I already miss those two idiots."

My mind drifted, trying to piece together fragments of my past and present. The soft sounds of Vericka's breathing and the distant hum of the night outside lulled me into a state of calm curiosity, ready to face whatever this new life had in store.

I proceeded to take the opportunity to explore the mental tingle that developed when my grandmother used her skills. It felt like a subtle vibration, akin to a cell phone notification, alerting me to something waiting to be discovered. Closing my eyes, I chased that ripple, immersing myself in its gentle undulations. The deeper I delved, the more vibrant and psychedelic the sensations became, with colors and shapes swirling in a mesmerizing dance.

At the center of the wave, a menu box materialized, glowing with an ethereal light: «Awaken Sonata Soul Core» [Yes/No].

Xiro (thinking): "This must have something to do with my skills. Well, duh, bitch. You know I'm pressing yes."

With sheer willpower and desire, I highlighted and selected "Yes." The menu box vanished, and a new message appeared:

Prime Realm System: «The Ultra Skill [Heaven's Kaleidoscope] has prerequisites that must be met before it can be unlocked. Installing [Binocular Vision]. Installing personal skill [Danger Sense]. Installing personal skill [6th Sense]. Installing and activating vessel skill [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi]. Installing and activating vessel skill [Midnight Star: Belial]. Now Installing vessel-linked subskill [Sage Wisdom]. Installing vessel-linked subskill [Mastery of Abilities]. Installing vessel-linked subskill [Skill Synthesis]. Installing vessel-linked subskill [Skill Imprint]. Installing vessel-linked subskill [Predator Instinct]. Installing personal skill [Accelerated Mind]. Activating Sonata's personal skill [Dominus Superbiae] in 60 hours. Complete.»

As the message box disappeared, I was jolted back to consciousness, feeling a kinetic pulse coursing through me. It was as if a powerful, invigorating energy was breathing life into every cell, empowering me with an exhilarating rush. The sensation was like a drug, flooding my senses with an overwhelming awareness of the mana that now pulsed within me.

Xiro (thinking): "Oh, that's that good shit! Is this what having magic feels like?"

Familiar Voice (within): "Correct. The reaction you are feeling is because your Soul Core is active now."

"Huh!?... Jean? Wait, wouldn't that be me?" I thought to myself while searching around my crib.

Tsukuyomi (within): "Incorrect. I am vessel skill [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi]. I am here to assist you in your growth and desires, master. If you have any requests, please inform me."

Xiro (thinking): "Why do you sound like the old me? Like Jean."

Tsukuyomi (within): "What you are hearing is the inner voice that was once given to your superego personality being assigned to me. The inner voice of your id was assigned to your other Vessel Skill"

Xiro (thinking): "Yeah, they did say it was two of you."

Belial (within): "Spoiler Alert. What's up, boss? I'm the [Midnight Star: Belial] Vessel Skill. Let's kick some ass."

Xiro (thinking): "Yeah, you sound like Wolfie. And you're not as formal as Tsukuyomi."

Belial (within): "If we're different, it's because of your Sonata Core. Although, we're both parts of your soul."

Tsukuyomi (within): [Sage Wisdom] "It is because Omni, the Creator, kept the configuration data for the previous prototype Vessel Skills within you; both current models use that same configuration."

Xiro (thinking): "So her name was Omni? Wait, was that one of our skills you just used?"

Tsukuyomi (within): "Correct. That was [Sage Wisdom]. It is my core subskill that gives the user access to any knowledge and information ever written or recorded by mortals and fey. The skill combined with [Analyze] makes me comparable to a quantum computer when performing calculations. I can withdraw and store information from other skills, like [Absolute Memory]."

Belial (within): "He's a know-it-all."

Xiro (thinking): "haha, ok, so what's your niche?"

Belial (within): "I give you access to two powerful mana affinities; Devil Mana and Anti Mana."

Belial (within): "Oh, and I'm linked with [Skill Synthesis]."

Tsukuyomi (within): "[Skill Synthesis] is the unique core subskill to [Midnight Star: Belial]. Allows for the user to combine skills or arts to create new ones. It can help evolve other skills, as well. It is an ultimate-class personal skill."

Belial (within): "See what I mean, know it all."

Xiro (thinking): "Thanks Omni, I might give you a kiss next time I see you."

I took a deep breath, processing the overwhelming information. Then decided to bring up my ID Status window to take a look at my information. Concentrating, I felt a gentle pulse of mana flow through me, and a translucent screen appeared in my mind's eye.

The window displayed my name, age, and a list of skills and arts. My eyes scanned through the extensive list, noting familiar ones like [Self Regen] and [Sage Wisdom], alongside newer, more mysterious ones like [Danger Sense] and [Skill Synthesis]. Each skill had a small icon next to it, glowing with a soft luminescence, and as I focused on each one, a brief description would hover into view, providing further details.

[Defense Skills]: Astral Nullification, Wind Resist, Yin Nullification, Spatial Resist

[Ultra Skills]: Heaven's Kaleidoscope*

[Personal Skills]: Self Regen, Belial: Predator Instinct, Tsukuyomi: Absolute Memory, Accelerated Mind, Tsukuyomi: Mastery of Abilities, Binocular Vision, Super Hearing, Parallel Thinking, Danger Sense, Tsukuyomi: Analyze, Tsukuyomi: Sage Wisdom, Belial: Skill Synthesis, Energy Devour, Belial: Skill Imprint, Strong Will, Mana Sight, 6th Sense

[Mana Arts]- Yin: Shadow Storage, Lunar: Photon Beam

[Combat Arts]- None

The feeling of the mana flowing through me was exhilarating, like a current of electricity, buzzing under my skin. I could feel the energy pulsing, connecting me to the skills and abilities listed before me. It was as if the very essence of the universe was within my grasp, ready to be harnessed and shaped by my will.

"This is incredible... I wonder what else I can do?" I thought, feeling excited. The future was uncertain, but with these abilities, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

While manipulating the status window and reading all of the skill descriptions, I got antsy about trying something out. I didn't want to disturb my sleeping mother, so I decided to try [Skill Synthesis] since it held my interest the most.

When selected, I heard the voice of [Midnight Star: Belial] ask me, "Which skills do you wanna combine?"

I hadn't seen most of my skills in action yet, but I was too excited to cancel.

Before I made a selection, I sent a thought to [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] to ask a question.

Xiro (thinking): "Hey, Tsukuyomi, will synthesizing my skills together remove the originals?"

Tsukuyomi (within): "Correct. You will lose two skills in exchange for one new skill."

"Damn, that sucks. I figured, though. I want to try [Skill Synthesis] out, but I don't want to lose any of my current skills just yet."

[Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] paused momentarily, seeming to fade away before feeling as if he'd returned just as quickly.

"I have made a backup copy of all of your current skills. You are free to combine whatever skills you choose. With your skill [Absolute Memory] and [Skill Imprint] I can replace all skills you have." he responded using [Sage Wisdom] and [Absolute Memory] in a rhythm too swift to comprehend.

"Oh Damn, Tsukuyomi! You my nigga, you know that?"

I grinned and continued, "Aye Belial, select [Predator Instinct] for one. That one gives the user enhanced reflexes and combat prowess. Great for any fighter."

"But what's better than a sword that never dulls? A sword that keeps getting sharper," I mused. "Now, I'm not completely sure, but [Absolute Memory] states it gives me perfect recollection and that I will learn anything after experiencing it once. I wonder..."

"[Absolute Memory] allows the user to learn any experience after one interaction instantly. It can memorize skills and arts witnessed. It can learn passive personal skills by analyzing a person via a physical connection. It will give the owner perfect memory," [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] elaborated.

"Belial, select [Absolute Memory] for the second."

"Will do. Activating [Skill Synthesis]. Combining [Predator Instinct] and [Absolute Memory]," [Midnight Star: Belial] replied. "Synthesization cost: 9,750 MP. Continue?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I got 10k from what I see."

"Completing synthesizing."

It was at that moment I realized just how addicted the soul is to mana. The sensation of 97% of my magic power draining away at such an alarming speed was overwhelming. A wave of nausea hit me, far worse than anything I had ever experienced, even more gut-wrenching than reading that devastating message from Tanya in my previous life. My stomach churned violently, a deep, sickening twist that seemed to radiate through my entire being. Instant fatigue weighed me down like a heavy blanket, and my vision started to blur. Drowsiness pulled at the edges of my consciousness, making it difficult to focus or even keep my eyes open. Every part of me felt weak, trembling under the sudden and severe depletion of mana.

"Waaah, waaah, waaah!"

I whimpered in reaction to the overwhelming sensation. My tiny body trembled involuntarily as my consciousness began to fade into a heavy, inescapable sleep. A deep fatigue tugged at my eyelids, and every fiber of my being felt drained and lifeless.

"Installing [Adaptive Predator]. Re-installing [Absolute Memory]. Unable to reinstall [Predator Instinct] as it is inferior to [Adaptive Predator]. Installation complete," [Midnight Star: Belial] announced, the words barely registering as the world around me grew dim and distant.

Tsukuyomi (within): "[Adaptive Predator] is a unique subskill for [Midnight Star: Belial] that allows the user to constantly increase in power and evolve when met against dire opposition or strong adversity. This skill allows the user to increase in attributes and battle power consistently to conquer any threat. The longer a fight goes on, the stronger the user gets. The skill is an altered, evolved form of [Predator Instinct]. The skill gets a synergy boost from the user's willpower and the Law of Attraction. This skill is incompatible with personal skill [Overcompensation]."

"Fuuuucck. That sounds cool, but why do I feel so bad now?"

"You are down to 5% of your mana pool. When souls that can access mana deplete their mana pools, they go into a catatonic sleep until they recover at least 50%," Tsukuyomi explained.

"The hell? I don't wanna go to sleep," I protested.

Vericka had woken up from her sleep and walked up to my crib while I was deep into my mind space. Before I knew it, she had me cradled and rocking gently. She placed a breast in my mouth to feed me, and as I latched on, the warm, nourishing milk flowed into me, providing comfort and a sense of safety. The soothing rhythm of her heartbeat and the gentle caress of her hand helped me relax as I felt my mana slowly starting to replenish. As I drifted into slumber, the soft, melodic hum of her voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, each note shimmering in the stillness of the night. The gentle rhythm of her singing swayed like the rustling leaves outside, creating a soothing symphony that lulled my weary mind. Before I knew it, I was catching Z's as I listened.

You think I'd leave your side, baby

You know me better than that

You think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees

I wouldn't do that

I'll tell you, you're right when you want

Ah, ah-ah

Ah-ah, ah-ooh-ooh

And if only you could see into me

Oh, when you're cold, I'll be there

Hold you tight to me

«[By Your Side] has marked its target.»

[End of Chapter]