Samael sat on a log, his hands clasped together. His eyes were distant as the blue illumination of the Codex panels reflected in his pupils.
Absorbed Void Essence of "Krueger" +3
Your power grows stronger...
[Void Spawn [-]]
Evolution progress: Tier 0 Mark 0 Marker: 3/50
Special trait: Heir type
-A species of void beings capable of extreme destruction and power.
Now that makes sense. Samael rubbed his eyelids as he released a mouthful of air. It appears that this climb of his will be something of hellish proportions.
If he has to kill monsters in order to gain power, then this whole ordeal will be a bloody mess. Well, it's not like he didn't expect this to happen, but not this soon.
His eyes narrowed down, thoughts wreaking havoc in his mind.
Does this skill work on normal animals? Is there even a limit on who or what I can absorb? How about on... Humans...? While he wasn't completely against killing monsters, the same cannot be said for the mundane lives of people.
He made a vow to only make a move against human life if and only if it was necessary.
He shook his head, ridding himself of unnecessary thoughts.
Nothing changes. He isn't leashed anymore. He is the master of his own fate now. He will only follow his will and his own heart.
Samael stood up and dusted himself. Before he leaves, he wants to first understand his power. It will never truly be his if he doesn't tame it.
He slowly shut his eyes tight, seizing all movements. He felt himself. The way his chest rose and fell, the sensation of the cold wind brushing his skin, and the distant silence engulfing him... But there was something else. Something new that he has yet to use.
In the codex, it told him that he had complete affinity with the Void. He could guess that it was an element of great power if it could transform him and mold him into something totally different.
Such a magnitude of power is great and all, but it comes with its own risks.
There are some cases where elemental holders, or echoes for short, undergo implosion.
The element they obtained deemed them weak and undeserving of their power. Thus, they rebel in hopes of breaking the shackles that hold them in the bodies of their wielders.
The damage it causes to everyone and the person itself is devastating. He has personally witnessed one of the kids back in the lab go mad as his element destroyed everything, including its bearer.
He could still vividly remember how the boy's body illuminated in blinding light, engulfing the room in its radiant glow as streaks of lightning lashed upon them. In the end, he left in a thundering explosion, taking with him those children unfortunate enough.
Samael couldn't even imagine what he would do to himself if he hurt Lilith because of his inability to control his power.
He didn't trust or liked his luck. But only this time did he truly wish that, for once, something would go his way. There's no point in dragging this out anymore.
Beads of sweat meandered down his forehead. Samael stood in silence as he tried to forge a bond with the enigmatic power residing within him.
His attempts were fruitless at first, but his endeavour was far from over.
Samael's brows furrowed, his fist shut tight. His attention solely focused on the flickering sensation resonating in his soul.
He tried again and again and again until... a change occurred. A small flickering flame that ignited in his heart.
He tilted his head, cold sweat drenching his back. That small ignition was all that he needed.
His chest galloped, akin to a boat in the middle of a storm. That small spark nested in his chest, burning brighter by the second. Eventually, it towered in infernal rage, shrouding his body in blistering heat.
Unbeknownst to Samael, small specks of Void matter seeped from his skin, swirling as they weaved in the air. Everything it touched withered away.
Samael gritted his teeth. His body trembling as he steadfastly tanked the onslaught of pain. It wasn't physical—no— it almost felt as if it was going through him.
Unable to take the pain anymore, his eyes jolted open, only to feel his blood run cold.
A being of endless darkness towered over him.
He has seen this before.
When?
How?
Back in the ruins...
Yes, he remembers now.
That stone tablet.
He stood on the palm of this creature. In the far corner of this plane were five towering monoliths.
No, not monoliths.
Fingers.
It was this being's fingers.
Samael felt a shiver run down his spine, his hair stood on ends, and his breath hitched. Was he supposed to fight that?
Sensing his presence, Samael's blood froze as he felt the watchful eyes of the Void peering through him.
He swallowed hard, summoning his last remaining courage.
His eyes landed on the behemoth, meeting its gaze with defiance.
There was nothing but utter silence. It was a creature that merged with the unyielding darkness; its formless silhouette paired with its scarlet eyes peering over all was enough to send fear in the hearts of its adversaries.
Yet his instincts didn't warn him of danger. There were no signals to run nor cower in fear. So he stood tall and prepared himself for the worst.
He knew that there was no possibility of winning against this being. After all, how can you defeat nothingness?
The creature's gaze narrowed, darting over his body. And contrary to its looks, its eyes showed great reverence and... Love?
The being's eyes were gentle as it laid eyes on him. The reaction he was waiting for never really came.
It raised one of its many arms, gently caressing his cheeks.
His fear faded as fast as it came; it was replaced with an unfamiliar connection. A bond that nested in his soul. This was his power, and it was telling him to never doubt it. For he is doubting no one but himself.
Samael held the creature's hand, its warmth enveloping him. As he closed his eyes, he felt the love he has always yearned for.
The love of a parent to his child.
One that he has lost far too long ago.
Opening his eyes, he was back in the forest. Or at least the aftermath of the destruction he caused.
He stood on desolate land. Its former visage gone. The once lush crimson forest reduced to but mere sparks of dirt treading in the air.
Yet, there was no more uncertainty in his heart.
His gaze landed on his hands. He felt that warmth—that bond nesting in his soul. This is his power.
He raised his palm, his eyes shut tight. He called forth that warmth, resonating with it. It slithered down his arm, flowing ever so gently. He could feel it... the love and safety that came with it.
The winds bellowed and the dust stirred as void matter seeped out of his hand.
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It took the form of a smoke, steaming out his hand before fading into the unknown. It left no sound, nor trace of its existence.
His eyes narrowed down. A question lingering in his mind. Why did it appear as such? It was far different from the power he witnessed that the Void was capable to conjuring.
His eyes widened. He released a mouthful of air. Perhaps this is what the codex meant by "assisting" him in his journey.
The codex told him that increasing his mastery is the way to the peak. Maybe one day he'll be able to wield such great magnitude of power.
He closed his hand and watched as the onyx black steam faded.
"Maybe, one day"
***
Samael continued his journey east. His brain blowing steam as questions bombarded his mind.
What is the void element? He wondered. He has heard of many types of elements. Some rarer than others, but he has never heard of the element "Void." If his understanding is correct, void means nothing. So how can someone have an element of nothingness?
He massaged his temples, a throb eminating within. So far, nothing's been answered. Due to his lack of understanding of his element, he can't use it to its full potential. Heck, he doesn't even know what their effects are.
To begin with, how can nothingness have an effect? Shouldn't it be nonexistent? He released a sigh. This is pointless.
He'll have to understand its properties first before attempting stunts. That much is clear. How? He is absolutely clueless. For now, he'll focus on finding Lilith's village and asking for help there.
Fortunately, Lilith left him with an important information. Runes, as long as he follows these intricate markings, he should theoretically find her village. Hopefully.
Samael steadfastly moved onwards. Determination burning bright in his pupils. Each step purposeful and unwavering, testament of his strong will.
The runes became a frequent companion the deeper he went into the forest. However, the forest remained empty and desolate of any civilizations. Only the engulfing silence that resided within it.
Samael kept on looking and persisting. Hours would slip by his mind, and he would stop for the night only to resume in the first light. He didn't stop, even if it rained or the sun was at its peak. This cycle repeated itself endlessly. Enough to drive a person mad.
Days swept by, and eventually weeks went like a breeze. Unease has started to crawl into his heart, blurring his vision of where to go forward.
Samael has been trying his best to distract himself from his worries. Yet they rooted themselves deep in the corners of his heart, eating away at his waning sanity.
He knew in himself that the only way to relieve this anxiety was to find Lilith and make sure she was safe.
By now, around 4 months have already passed since his last encounter with his friend. The heat of the summer season has already come, yet there is no warmth of safety in his heart.
Samael tightly held a charcoal piece, scribbling on the piece of leather map he made, almost tearing it in the process. He gritted his teeth, lashing his arm forward, sending the makeshift pen to a nearby tree with a thunderous roar.
In all the months he stayed in this forest, he never even once saw a glimpse of any village.
He did make some progress, but it wasn't nearly enough. He has traveled for so long and found out that the other side of this forest is devoid of any runes. That meant that this specific area was supposed to hold the hidden village. But there have been no signs whatsoever.
He can't help but feel frustrated. Mostly at himself. For his weakness and inability to help his friend. He felt... Worthless.
Samael slumped down, casting aside the leather map.
He has been constantly editing and re-editing that map as he continues to venture deeper in the crimson forest.
He knew almost every nook and cranny of this place. Except for a village that he can't find for some reason. He released a deep sigh, leaning back in exhaustion. He commanded the codex to show his status.
Name: Samael
Title:Loved by the void
Age: 8 Years and 7 months old
Species: Void Spawn [+]
Affinity: Void [+]
Condition: Good, healthy
STATS
STR: 9.5
SPD/AGI: 8.9
CONSTITUTION: 11.5
SPIRIT: 12.5
CHARM: 6
∆SKILLS [+]
[Void Spawn [-]]
Evolution progress: Tier 0 Mark 0
Marker: 47/50
Special trait: Heir type
-A species of void beings capable of extreme destruction and power.
In the past 4 months of struggle he has experienced in this forest, he has made some progress. Although not much, it was still from his hard work. His marker is also nearly full, and he is expecting something to happen as it maxes out.
Turns out, hunting rabbits earned him 1 essence point, which eventually stacked up over time. Unfortunately, his progress was greatly stunted as anxiety and worries took hold of him. Today, he plans to finally get to the first tier and see what changes will occur.
Aside from that, he has also been trying to experiment with his void element to try and answer some of his queries. Well, needless to say, it was quite fruitful.
Apparently, his understanding of the Void isn't all that far-fetched. There is only a little bit of a difference that he managed to bridge.
The Void element is what you'd expect it to be. It's nothingness. However, there's more to it. It's an element that is strong enough to turn its enemy into... Nothing. Complete erasure. That's its main effect.
The capability to ignore defenses and eradicate anything it touches, leaving nothing, not even ashes. Samael didn't know how something of such power could exist, but he has it now, and it's only right to use it in it's highest potential.
Regrettably, the speed of how fast and how strong the erasure effect of the Void matter depends greatly on his mark.
In comparison, at his current level, he can corrode a flower in the span of 20 seconds. And that'll only leave it with scorched remnants. But if the purest Void matter were to touch the flower, everything, even the pot, would be devoured. Perhaps it might even tear reality itself apart. Such is the paramount significance of potency.
He has been constantly uncovering ways to train it as well. This is where one of his biggest hurdles came into play: energy.
Samael can only release so much before he completely empties his tank. And trust him, emptying your reserves leaves you sluggish and weak.
He did find out something from his constant use, though.
Due to him always burning the last drop of his essence, he noticed that the amount of Void matter he could release and store has risen.
But of course it would have its downsides as well. The higher Void element he uses, the faster his essence depletes. It's akin to a candle evaporating against the raging flames of the sun.
There is one last thing that he found out. The proficiency system for the Void element is highly different from his race function.
Void: Tier 0 Mark 0
Control: Tier 0 Mark 0
-Marker: 6/20
Quantity: Tier 0 Mark 0
-Marker: 6/20
Instead of having one, it had two separate functions. One for his control capability, and the other for how much he can release and utilize.
So far, he's been training both by constantly trying to manipulate void matter, which in turn ends up with him using his entire energy. The cons is that this method takes a lot of time and effort.
When he asked about the elemental function. The codex said that the only way for him to increase his tier and mark is to level up both quantity and control.
A tier 1 control and tier 1 quantity will turn his overall Void marker into a tier 1 as well. So if he wants to get stronger, there is no bias as to which he will train first. Well, it's not like he was planning on focusing on only one aspect.
Today, he didn't use his void element and preserved his energy tank, or, as the codex likes to call it, his ethos. The reason is simple. In this hunt, he wants to try and assimilate his element in combat for the first time.
He glanced at the sky and observed the position of the sun.
Near noon. He narrowed his eyes and listened to the quiet rustling of the leaves. His ears flinched as he dashed towards the faint echoes in the forest.
There he saw a bunny carelessly eating the crimson grass. Its snow white fur weaving with the wind.
Samael lowered his stance, merging with the shadows as he silently lurked behind the creature.
His gaze locked on the bunny. The creature's ears flinched, raising its head, it glanced around, as if sensing something.
Samael held his breath and ceased all movement. Fortunately, it didn't seem to notice him as it went on its little buffet.
Samael thrusted his foot forward, soaring towards the rabbit. The wind whipped his face as he flew akin to an arrow.
The bunny's hair stood on ends as it sensed danger looming near it. Not sparing a momentary glance, it bolted away.
Not so fast! Samael chased after the creature— A black silhouette zoomed towards him.
He planted his foot on the ground, abruptly halting before taking a sharp turn. The shadow hovered inches from his face, nearly grazing his cheeks.
He took a few steps back and fixed his gaze on the abomination.
It was a snake. Its scarlet scales shone under the incandescent glow of the sun and is about 3 meters long.
It hissed, hostility lingering in its tone as it slithered towards him.
What the hell is that? He can't help but wonder. This is the first time he's encountered a snake in this whole forest, and it just had to be a monster. It looks like luck is trying to screw him over again.
Samael took a step back as the slithering abomination inched closer towards him.
His heart raced, cold sweat drenching his back.
His brows furrowed. Yes, he felt fear, but it almost felt odd. As if it was only his mind playing tricks with him.
He shook his head, his gaze fixed on the creature once more. There will be time to contemplated these changes. But that hour is not now.
The snake circled him, its golden eyes glaring daggers at him. Venom spilling out of its malevolent fangs.
Samael gulped as he witnessed how the grass eroded as it came into contact with the venom. Well, that's not good.
The air grew thick in anticipation. Slowly, deliberately, a cold bead of sweat meandered down his forehead. Seconds felt like an eternity as his gaze fixated on the creature. Silence took hold of the forest, their movements seized and their breathing hitched. The wind billowed, and the leaves danced in the air, landing on the earth gracefully. The scarlet snake lunged forward, its jaw wide open, ready to maw his face off.
Samael's eyes widened as he weaved to the side. Fast
The snake swiftly took a turn as it hid within the shade the crimson grass. Samael darted his eyes back and forth, but his vision failed him.
His ears perked up as he dropped to his knees. A black silhouette breezed past him, its fangs nearly imbedding itself on his neck.
The snake descended down the ground, a small dust cloud dispersing from the earth. It hissed, swiftly turning around to deliver another attack.
Samael darted back, but the snake whipped its tail forward. Samael planted his foot back— A tree root collided with his soles as he fell with a loud thud.
"Wha—" His words were cut off when he came face to face with the scaly abomination.
He raised his hands, forming a makeshift shield, and the tough, leathery body of the beast slammed on his forearm, sending him back. He hovered above the grass before making an impact on the earth. Stirring the dust and sending patches of dirt everywhere.
Samael groaned, his arms trembling. He spat on the side and looked at the creature with bloodshot eyes.
Clawing the dirt, he stood to his feet. Should I run...? His face contorted at the thought of running away.
"No," He muttered beneath his breath. He's done running away. He can't even stomach the mere thought of it. To hell with his odds.
Samael clenched his fist, onyx black steam seeping out of his skin. He glanced at his hands, a foreign boost of strength eminating within.
Unfortunately, there's no time to examine these new findings; his opponent is getting impatient.
The snake hissed, it's body slithering in a hypnotic manner. Fangs spilling with venom.
Samael's gaze locked on the beast. He strode forward, each step unyielding and resolute.
The snake glanced at Samael, its eyes wandering towards the dark substance in his hands.
It halted briefly, a cold shiver ran down its body.
It released a grating hiss, its golden eyes morphing to a sharp slit. Akin to a spring, it's body recoiled back.
Samael stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowed. What— The beast zoomed forward.
Samael jolted, his eyes widened. He jumped back, a black silhouette breezed beside him, tearing the cloak slung on his shoulder.
Fast! He exclaimed. His eyes darted back and forth, yet there was nothing but the crimson grass. Not good...
Samael closed his eyes, his breathing slowing down. He took a whiff, his ears perked up.
The snake hid under the veils of shadow, slithering towards Samael with dark malice dancing in its eyes.
Its body recoiled once more, eyes fixated on the boy standing idle in the middle of the forest.
With a thundering clap, it streaked forward. It glided towards Samael, but it struck nothing but air. Below, a fist flew up, crashing against the beast's jaw with a sickening crunch.
The creature soared high in the sky before descending in an ear shattering explosion.
Not wasting time, Samael sprinted forward, lashing his fist forward in a merciless myriad of punches.
His fist dug deep on the creature's scales, tearing them in a parade of blood. However, the beast shot its tail towards him.
Samael jerked his hand back, narrowly blocking the attack. The tail of the scarlet snake drilled through his arm, inching a few centimetres below his flesh.
As the searing pain shot up his arm, Samael's jaw tightened. His flesh was already tougher than most, and with the coating of the Void, it's reached another level. Yet, this creature's attack still did that much damage.
Trembling, he grabbed the tail of the monster, putting his weight behind his grip. Cracks reverberated in the air along with the blood curdling screech of the scarlet snake.
With the abominations tail still lodged in his forearm, he yanked it back, his other fist shot ahead, blood staining his cheeks as it connected with the snake. A small shockwave diapering around him.
Silence reigned once more.
Samael fell down, his breathing ragged, his body drenched in gore and sweat. The snake, on the other hand, lay motionless. Its face caved in and appeared as though it were burned. While his Void purity might be low, it still didn't change the fact that repeated exposure won't cause damage.
Exhausted, he raised his hand and opened his palm. He glanced at the dead beast one last time and uttered.
"Devour"
...
Absorbed Void Essence of "Bullet Snake" +3
Your power grows stronger...