After Thorne had received his prize, he quickly sprinted away from the pair of red spectrum cultivators and found a secluded tree to train on.
Bluey chirped in annoyance and pecked at Thorne, who in return just patted the blue bird’s head softly, “I’m sorry, but we can’t hunt today. You should practice flying, and once you’re done, I will give you food.” Thorne said slowly. He still had to baby Bluey when speaking, though it was surprising that the bird had grasped the language so quickly.
All annoyance was soon pacified from Bluey’s formerly indignant face, and he began flying around the tree at different speeds in pursuit of the grand prize of food.
‘All right, these manuals better be good.’ Thorne thought, rubbing his hands like a boy on Christmas day, before retrieving the manual from his spatial storage.
It was an old leather book. The plain brown cover seemed worn and tattered through years of existence. It was vastly unremarkable, really. If Thorne didn’t know better, he would think it was just an austere old book of no significance.
He blew lightly on the book, exfoliating a dark layer of dust. In anticipation, he took a deep breath and slowly opened the cover to the first page.
The Pro’Teric Legacy of Basic Red Spectrum Techniques:
Chapter 1: The Phantom Leap
Chapter 2: The Red Nova Torrent
Chapter 3: Soul-Spectrum Detonation
To any who read this, venture forth only with paramount caution. The Spectrum of Red is volatile and chaotic, and one blunder can result in the untimely death of anyone who seeks to unravel it.
‘Hmm.’ Thorne scratched his chin, deep in thought, ‘Is that why Tolak was so willing to give this book away because of its danger?’
Shaking his head, Thorne ignored such unruly thoughts and instead devoted his mind to learning and ultimately not dying.
He flipped the table of contents page over and began his journey on the three techniques of the Pro’Teric.
Chapter 1: The Phantom Leap
Required Level: 25
“To execute the Phantom Leap, one must first draw upon the wellspring of destruction energy coursing through their veins. Through focused concentration and unwavering determination, you must agitate this formidable force, stirring it to a fervent pitch. Feel the raw power simmering within, waiting to be unleashed.
Once the energy has reached its pinnacle, you are ready to embark on your atomic journey. With a resolute leap, propelled by the sheer force of your will, you will be transported to your desired location. Though humble at the novice stage, your initial leaps shall span a mere few feet. Fear not, for with practice and mastery, the distances you traverse shall grow exponentially.
Remember, young one, the Phantom Leap is not to be taken lightly. Its execution demands precision and sound judgment. One must never under any circumstances allow their energy to spiral out of control lest they wish death upon themselves and their companions. Always remember to choose your destinations wisely, for a misplaced leap can spell disaster in the heat of battle. Exercise caution and be mindful of the terrain that surrounds you.
As you advance in your training, you shall unlock new facets of this skill, enabling you to achieve greater heights and traverse larger chasms. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for with every leap, you draw closer to embodying the grace and agility of a true Pro’Teric warrior!
May the energy of destruction guide your leaps, and may your journeys be swift and triumphant. Go forth, dear Pro’Teric youngling, and may the Phantom Leap carry you to victory!”
Thorne was grinning ear to ear upon reading such a passage. ‘This is incredible. With an ability like this, I’ll be able to increase my deadlines ten-fold!’ His smile dimmed slightly, though, as Thorne recalled the dire warning, ‘This technique needs precision and control; I should only use it when I’m fully confident In not messing up.’
He decided. It was slightly disheartening to be on the cusp of such a mystical ability yet to have to only use it sparingly. ‘Though the book Is probably right, if this ability was easy to learn, everyone would be using it.’ He thought back to why he even had this manual in the first place, ‘If Tolak had this ability mastered, he would not need my help.’
‘Though I hope that the level requirement doesn’t hinder me from learning it.’ Thorne though, a hint of worry creeping over his face. ‘Well, Tolak is level forty-two apparently, and I should be stronger, so I should be able to learn this.’
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Thorne pondered the method of learning he would have to take to learn this skill efficiently for some time before moving on to the next chapter.
Chapter 2:
Required Level: 50
To wield the Red Nova Torrent, one must possess unwavering resolve and a deep wellspring of energy. It is the culmination of channeling immense power through your being, a concentrated manifestation of destruction itself. Prepare to embrace the red depths of chaos that lies within.
As you tap into the reservoirs of energy, be aware that great sacrifice accompanies this awe-inspiring skill. With each volley of destructive beams, your hand shall bear the temporary burden of injury. The toll of this power is a reminder of the extraordinary might you wield and the sacrifice required to unleash it.
To unleash the Red Nova Torrent, focus your intentions on your outstretched hand. Concentrate on the tempest of energy swirling within, gathering momentum and intensity. As you command the torrent to surge forth, crimson beams of annihilation shall erupt from your palm, striking your enemies with a fearsome display of power.
Yet, dear one, exercise caution and wisdom when employing this ability. The Red Nova Torrent demands substantial reserves of energy to achieve its full potential. Misjudgment can leave you drained and vulnerable. Assess the situation wisely, choosing the opportune moments to employ this devastating force.
Remember, the path of power is often fraught with sacrifice. Embrace the challenge of harnessing the Red Nova Torrent, for in its flames lie both destruction and redemption. Let the temporary injury serve as a testament to your unwavering commitment to the cause.
May the fires of the Red Nova Torrent illuminate your path, and may your enemies tremble before the might you unleash. Go forth, valiant Pro’Teric, and may your crimson beams of destruction pave the way to victory!
‘Seems more like a pep rally for those Pro’Teric kids.’ Thorne thought, smiling wryly. ‘Though this ability is outstanding. If I ever am disarmed in a battle, this would be a great ability to use.’ Thorne nearly salivated over the limitless potential of this ability. It could be used when one had been disarmed as a surprise attack. Depending on the range, Thorne pondered the possibility of using it like a sniper rifle, a surefire assassination technique.
‘Ah, whatever, I’m still far from all of that; I should focus on learning the basics of this technique first instead of trying to modify it.’ Thorne thought, smiling in a small amount of self-disdain, ‘My imagination does seem to get the better of me sometimes.’
Chapter 3: Soul-Spectrum Detonation
Required Level: 75
Note: ONLY USE AS THE LAST POSSIBLE OPTION
Thorn raised his eyebrows slightly as he noticed the warning, ‘The other two seemed dangerous as well, yet didn’t have a warning. This technique must be incredibly treacherous.’ He thought solely as he continued reading.
My children, I must impart upon you knowledge of a most grave and somber spectrum ability known as Soul-Spectrum Detonation. This fateful skill, shrouded in darkness, grants you the ability to unleash the ultimate sacrifice. It is an act of desperation, a final testament to the depths of your resolve and the price one must pay.
Beware, for this power is not to be trifled with, and its utilization exacts an irrevocable toll upon the wielder. Soul-Spectrum Detonation requires you to unleash every ounce of the destructive energy that courses through your very being. With a heart laden with sorrow, you commit to a path that ends in both your own demise and that of your adversary.
The application of this skill is nothing short of cataclysmic. As you gather the full extent of your inner turmoil, the destructive energies within you will surge to their zenith. With a resolute determination and a heavy heart, you shall become an embodiment of annihilation itself, a tempest of unfathomable power.
Through the act of detonation, you and your enemy shall be consumed by the flames of destruction, engulfed in a maelstrom of cataclysmic force. Life extinguished, futures shattered, and all hope forsaken. This sacrifice leaves no room for repentance or redemption.
But my dear one, I must emphasize the profound perils that accompany this skill. Soul-Spectrum Detonation is a one-way path, a leap into oblivion from which there is no return. The consequences are dire, for in sacrificing yourself, you relinquish all potential for growth, renewal, and the countless opportunities that await a living soul.
Think long and hard before contemplating the utilization of this devastating skill. In the darkest of moments, when all seems lost, remember the value of life and the importance of perseverance. Cherish the light that flickers within, for even in the face of overwhelming darkness, hope can be rekindled.
I implore you, my child, to consider the repercussions of Soul-Spectrum Detonation. Seek alternatives, explore other avenues that may lead to victory without such a grievous sacrifice. Remember that your journey holds untold possibilities, and even in the face of despair, there may yet be a glimmer of hope.
May the weight of this knowledge guide your choices, and may you find solace in the pursuit of life’s infinite possibilities. Go forth, my tormented soul, and may you discover a path that offers not just victory, but also the chance for redemption and a future bathed in light.
Thorne sat on the tree in sober silence. The bleak noiselessness of the shadowy forest welcomed him in open arms as he sat. ‘This ability…’ Thorne was lost; he did not expect Tolak to hand him such a plainly obvious suicidal ability.
‘I will learn it,’ Thought a morose Thorne, ‘But hopefully, I will never use it.’
Thorne sat down against the tree and called for Bluey. It was already night, yet the moon was nowhere to be seen. An Umbral radiance set the atmosphere of the forest as it always had, yet Thorne had never noticed it as much as he did now.
Bluey flew swiftly down to Thorne but surprisingly did not ask for the typical food reward. Instead, the baby bird snuggled against Thorne in his lap and chirped mellowly. Thorne patted the head of Bluey sullenly as he looked out to the mournfully empty landscape, knowing what he would soon have to do.
“Is it worth it?” He whispered lowly, but no one responded. The sound morbidly being absorbed by the all-encompassing forest.