Samael marched forward as his mind turned like cogwheels on a machine. He planned to create a skill and hone a pre existing one. However, doing it was a different subject.

If I want to improve my Void Cleaves speed and strength, what can I do? He wondered.

Void Cleave was simply Samael releasing a solidified wave of Void essence with a ton of force.

Hmm, perhaps adding more essence during its release will make it better? He thought.

Conjuring a Void Cleave, Samael swung his arm downwards, making sure to converge twice the amount of essence during its release.

The Void cleave burst forward, smashing against the stone wall and leaving a large gash in its surface.

No, this isn't what I have in mind, Samael thought.

Although adding more essence did in fact strengthen the attack, it was not nearly enough to be considered a change. Aside from that, it was way too wasteful for so few effects.

What makes a knife dangerous? Samael thought. Perhaps the answer lay closer and in a far simpler method.

Ultimately, it is because it's a sharp Samael thought.

Conjuring another Void Cleave, Samael carefully observed it. The attack often landed horizontally; it was straight and large.

Maybe that is where the answer lies.

Focusing his attention on the attack, Samael carefully compressed the attack, his grunts leaving trails of echoes.

Giving it his best, Samael was only able to reduce the size of the slash by 20%.

No, this isn't enough. But right now, this is the best I can do, Samael thought.

Throwing the slash forward, it left a far cleaner gash. There were fewer cracks, and the cut was deeper in comparison.

Seeing this, Samael was pleased. But he could not help but feel as though the speed and power were still not enough.

Sure, he can compress it further to reduce its air resistance and increase its edge, but even that will have its limits.

What else can he do to make it better?

Thinking about it, paper in itself is slow, as the wind would just slap it around. Another factor was its weight. But Samael has already covered that by condensing it further.

Perhaps adding more essence and further compressing said attack will make it even stronger, albeit a bit more expensive.

Unfortunately, he cannot answer that theory as of now, as he does not possess the ability to do such a feat, so he'll have to wait.

However, making the ability denser only solves one problem. How about speed?

How about paper airplanes? They are made of paper, but they can reach far and even gain speed, Samael thought.

What made a paper airplane go faster and reach such distances?

Lost in his thoughts, Samael kept moving forward. He faced off with a couple monsters along the way, but his thoughts on the matter at hand remained steadfast.

As the night approached fast, Samael sat on a boulder as he shot a gaze at the stars, contemplating the answer to his question.

As the wind blew his hair, Samael savored every moment of it, ignoring the freezing cold it brought.

As he did, Samael focused on the flow of the wind. It somehow resembled the way his essence flows, except there were no obstacles to hinder its path or slow it down.

Samael's eyes opened, a glint hidden behind his pupils.

That was it! The problem lay in the blockade! Like his essence, there was no problem with the flow, and that allowed it to be violent and strong.

However, Samael's brows furrowed again.

How can he solve that? It's not like he can just take away the blockade; then what was the purpose of the ability itself if it didn't have the skill in the first place?

So, how can he lessen air resistance?

Thinking back to the paper airplane analogy, Samael fell into another round of deep contemplation.

What makes a paper airplane fly so fast and far? Using his new discovery, Samael rose up as he conjured a Void cleave.

Spearing a glance ahead, he slashed his hand forward and sent the attack forward.

The Void Cleave jetted forward, streaking through the wind and leaving a deep gash in the stone wall.

Watching this, a small smirk made its way to Samael's lips. He has found the answer.

The answer lies in the shape of the attack. Sure, Samael can't remove the attack completely, but he can reshape it.

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A paper airplane was able to glide in the air with such elegance and speed because of how the wind would flow through it.

Due to its unique shape, a triangular shape, the wind would just pass by with ease compared to a flat sheet that would be swept away.

So, Samael reshaped the Void cleave to a crescent shape. This allowed the attack to have the same effects as the straight one but be faster and reach farther.

Unfortunately, he cannot apply it in combat right now, as the time it took him to conjure one was already lengthy enough.

There was much to be improved.

Laying down, Samael closed his eyes.

On to the next matter at hand: Samael needed a new skill that could strike aerial enemies down.

Perhaps I can mimic an arrow. Samael thought.

No, it won't work. If I did that, what would make it different from Void Fire? Samael wondered.

He needed something that could travel fast and cause high amounts of damage. But Samael already had an idea in mind.

Like any weapon, may it be a knife, a sword, or a spear, they are all capable of dealing severe damage due to their sharpness. However, another factor that helps is the area of effect.

Along with his newfound understanding of wind resistance, Samael has developed a skill in his mind.

If he were to converge his essence at one point and give it enough pressure to burst forward, it would be able to deal significant damage. This was the function of [Null Thrust].

Applying so much pressure to a single point was enough to shatter most armor and pierce through it.

This was a great idea considering that if he were to make it ranged, it would be akin to a jet stream of water bursting from a pipe. Like the leaks in wine barrels, except far more violent and destructive.

Such a small shape would allow it to converge at a single point but, at the same time, have little to no air resistance, meaning it would have speed.

Now, the important question comes.

How?

How will Samael have such an ability? How will he put it to test?

Samael sat up as he extended his arm forward. Shifting his focus to his hand, Samael closed his eyes, carefully feeling the stream of essence within them.

A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as he converged it on his palm before ejecting it.

However, instead of a small jet of Void essence, it burst and came out, similar to a fire erupting.

That won't work, Samael thought.

Perhaps he can artificially do it by using both hands as a way to compress it?

Clasping his hands together, as though he were clapping, Samael left a small hole in the end as he once again converged his essence.

Sensing it was enough, Samael let go.

A jet stream of Void essence shot forward, traveling with enough speed that even Samael found it hard to follow until he focused.

However, due to the strong pressure, Samael's hands were knocked apart, destroying the stream.

But Samael was not disheartened. For a moment, he managed to do it. He saw the outcome he desired.

To make that dream a reality, Samael must hone his control even further.

***

After his discovery, days passed by filled with curiosity and discovery.

Samael was keen on developing the skills he envisioned to their utmost potential. Or at least how capable he is to make it.

He has been training consistently, making sure to allot a specific time of the day for pure training. He even went so far as to do it while traversing the ruined world.

The only time Samael would be found not working was when he was fighting monsters.

Standing in the middle of the scorching sun, Samael gave his utmost focus as he condensed and reshaped the Void cleave before sending it barreling forward.

The ability flashed by for a moment before a loud explosion whispered in Samael's ears. Looking at the aftermath of the destruction, Samael smiled.

He was nearing the end of the canyon and his final destination. His training was going so well that he is now able to compress the Void cleave by roughly 60% of its original mass. He can now do this with sufficient speed that he believes he can use it in combat.

As for his skill in progress, Samael has yet to see any notification from the Codex pertaining to its creation.

Samael was fairly sure that the Codex would only acknowledge it based on its effectiveness. To do that, Samuel must use it in a real fight.

So, that he shall do.

Two days from now, Samael will arrive at the ancient grounds of Uria. Before then, he will engage in battle with winged abominations and test the fruit of his labor.

Although it was still unpolished, Samael was confident it would work. No, he must make it work.

With excitement brimming in his heart, Samael went on in his journey to strength.

As the freezing nights brought yet another wave of trials, Samael found it normal now. He has gotten used to its harsh winds and has become accustomed to them.

Watching the moon in the sky, Samael decided, for the first time in a long time, to go to sleep.

In his sleep, Samael relived his moments with Lilith. The only days in his life where he was free of pain and worries.

The fleeting moments they spent together, the laughter they shared, and the stories they told all live in his heart.

However, like every good thing, it ends as Samael opens his eyes to the cruel world he lives in.

Watching the blue sky, Samael sighed.

I've been dreaming about her more often lately, Samael thought.

However, his thoughts were interrupted as multiple black creatures dotted the skies.

Samael's eyes widened as he rose up.

Now was the opportunity.

Watching the creatures circle in the sky, Samael roared with the help of the Encompassing Voice, luring their attention as a Codex panel warped before him.

The status effect [Lure] has taken effect! Enemies will feel great loathing towards you!

The abominations gazes grew crimson as they released blood-curdling screeches. Without another word, they dove down with extreme haste.

Seeing this, Samael dashed back multiple times, narrowly evading the plunge attacks of the beasts.

As they circled for another attack, Samael prepared himself.

Barreling down towards Samael, the beasts pointed their sharp talons towards him. However, Samael was ready for it this time.

"Void Cleave."

The winged abomination before Samael could not react as a black crescent wave flashed by them, passing through as though it were simply wind.

Then, their world swirled.

Samael watched as the abomination plummeted down, causing a small explosion as it impaled its beak through the earth, it's headless corpse landing beside it.

A wide, crazy grin made its way to Samael's visage as he watched the dark wave travel far, cutting through multiple boulders like its butter before vanishing into thin air.

One skill down, Samael thought as he spared a glance at the hesitant abominations in the sky.

Smart, but just what I wanted, Samael thought as he slammed his hands together and spoke.

"Nihility Surge."

A jet black ray of Void matter burst forward, causing a small shockwave upon release.

Samael's grunts echoed as his feet slid back, causing cracks in the earth he stood on.

His hands trembled for a moment as the ray of Void matter streaked towards the heavens.

Unable to react at all, the flying beasts could only stay still as the attack tore a hole through them, ripping their flesh apart as it continued forward.

Samael watched as life left their eyes before they plummeted down with a reckoning boom.

Unlike his initial idea, Samael reduced the length of the attack. This means the duration of its release was shorter, and Samael did not have to compensate as much.

As the dust settled, the blue screen of the Codex illuminated Samael's pupils as a smile formed on his lips.

He has succeeded.