skill tree and a new contract [chapter 3]

Finding a moment of respite in an unoccupied apartment, Cain removed his mask, revealing his striking appearance. Long black hair cascaded around his shoulders, contrasting against his pale skin, and his eyes, an intense shade of blood-red, glowed like embers—a result of some unique genetic mutation. He took off his shirt, exposing his slender, yet toned physique, before slipping into the bathroom and drawing a bath to soothe his frayed nerves.

Sitting in the warm embrace of the bathwater, Cain couldn't help but glance at the floating screen still hovering before him.

[Name: Cain O'Brien]

[Level: 1 (5/100)]

[Spell-Points: 0]

[Mana-Charge: 0/1 (each spell requires a single charge unless specified; charges can be regained with meditation)]

[Spells:

Magic-Field: With a wave of your hand, you create a barrier of arcane energy to deflect ranged attacks, but it can only deflect 1 attack, no matter the severity, rank 1 (1 spell point) Cost: 1 charge

Arcane-Blade: An ethereal blade is summoned and launched at high speeds against the target, rank 1 (1 spell point) Cost: 1 charge]

Despite witnessing it multiple times, Cain still found it difficult to believe the existence of the floating screen and the apparent spells he possessed. "Well, it's not a hallucination," he confirmed to himself, trying to make sense of this newfound reality. As he continued to observe the floating screen, it responded to his thoughts, presenting him with a tree-like diagram that left him astonished.

The tree structure was covered in nodes, filling every inch of the screen. Two nodes on the bottom were illuminated, labeled as "magic shield" and "arcane sword." Intrigued, Cain reached out to interact with them, prompting detailed information about the spells to appear.

[Spell Name: Magic Shield] [Rank: 1]

[Spell Name: Arcane Sword] [Rank: 1]

Understanding that the lit nodes represented the spells he currently possessed, Cain pondered the question of how to activate other spells and whether there were additional abilities to be discovered. His fingers grazed the dim nodes on the tree, resulting in a new prompt.

[Insufficient Spell Points, 1 spell point required to unlock a new spell ]

"Right, I have 0 spell points, but how do I earn them?" he pondered, only to realize that perhaps leveling up was the key. "Maybe they come as a reward for leveling up," he mused, a faint smile gracing his face as he continued exploring the interface. He noticed the floating screen displaying his level: [Level: 1 (5/100)]. With this new insight, Cain settled back into the bath, relaxing as he contemplated the possibilities that lay before him.

The apartment's atmosphere seemed to buzz with anticipation, mirroring Cain's excitement and curiosity about his newly awakened powers and the mysteries of the spell tree.

-scene change-

After stepping out of the shower, Cain wrapped a towel around his waist, water droplets cascading down his lean physique as he briskly dried his hair. He then exchanged the towel for a pristine white robe, the fabric flowing as he moved, giving him an air of casual elegance. With his attire settled, he made his way towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Cain opened the refrigerator, scanning its contents for his next meal. His eyes roamed over various ingredients before he decided on a combination of fresh vegetables and grilled chicken. With deft movements, he started to prepare the meal, chopping and sautéing with practiced precision. The tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices filled the air as the ingredients came together in a harmonious blend.

his gaze drifting towards the floating screen that still hovered before him. "If there are more powerful spells to be had, then I don't need to be envious of people like Superman," he thought to himself, his mind still grappling with the extraordinary possibilities presented by the spell tree. Lost in his thoughts, he continued to savor each bite of his meal, relishing in the flavors that danced across his palate.

Just as he was fully engrossed in his food, his phone on the kitchen table abruptly rang, interrupting his momentary solitude. Cain sighed, recognizing the caller ID, and reluctantly picked up the phone. "Hey Tori," he greeted in a forced cheerful tone.

"Wizard, my man, how did the job go?" the voice on the other end asked, brimming with excitement.

"I nearly got shot," Cain replied nonchalantly, his words devoid of enthusiasm. "oh, Fucking italian bastard" tori whispered the last part under his breath, ensuring only he could hear it. "Did they get the item?" Tori inquired eagerly.

"What do you take me for?" Cain retorted, his annoyance evident as he continued to eat. "Hold up, are you eating?" Tori's voice betrayed surprise, as if it were some unheard-of concept.

"I am human," Cain replied dryly, dismissing the comment. "Right, anyway, I have another job for you," Tori announced.

Cain let out a frustrated sigh, exasperated by the notion of accepting another job from the source that had nearly gotten him killed before. "What makes you think I am going to accept another job from you? The last one nearly got me killed," he grumbled, his irritation palpable.

"Well, I am your best contractor," Tori pressed, attempting to sway Cain's decision.

"No," Cain stated firmly before ending the call. "Plus, I need to figure out how much meditation is needed to recover one energy charge," he though to himself as he contemplated, his mind preoccupied with unraveling the intricacies of the spell system. Setting aside his empty plate, he quickly washed the dishes and made his way to bed.

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the WIFI is out, so updates would be slow, but other than that enjoy the chapter.

also if you have an idea for an overpowered spell, specially if they are rhe cloning, golem making, soul clone type spell, make sure to let me know.