Traits

*CLANG*

So that's my limit for now. 

I looked down at the impossibly heavy weight plates as my hands burned from overexertion. 

As I sat down on the bench with heavy breaths, I called out for my status screen.

=====Basic Status======

Name: Ajax

Age: 16

Species: Vessel (Incomplete)

Completion Percent: 3%

Attributes: Dark, Wind.

Rank: G+

Strength: G

Agility: F-

Constitution: G+

Perception: F

Mana capacity: G+

=====================

I looked with a tinge of disappointment at my stats. 

My initial burst of stat growth had completely died down as I only saw an improvement in strength.

This was normal of course, increasing stats took time and patience but I couldn't help but wonder if I was doing something wrong.

I got up as I began stretching as a part of agility training.

It had been two days since the academy festival, I had used the time to focus on training and buy some equipment.

I had restocked on arrows, bought food and utensils along with a few more clothes.

However, the purchase I was still a bit conflicted about was a phone.

I got the cheapest one I could find for about 200 Credits, including addons.

It was leagues better than what I used to own in my previous life and even though I felt slightly guilty about it, I also felt a weird sense of pride.

I dismissed these nonsensical feelings as I headed towards the clay golem arena.

"Hard level Spear User will be summoned." A robotic voice rang out from the machine.

I clutched the dagger in my right hand, putting my free hand in front of it as a defensive tool.

*SWISH*

The sounds of the spear hitting nothing, but air filled the room as I evaded, thinking about what to do now.

I had a training regimen I followed on days I wouldn't go to danger zones.

I couldn't participate in any mercenary contracts for a few more days.

And nothing of note would happen for at least a week as the characters settled into their academy life.

*CRRK*

The clay on the golem's chest began to crack as I deflected the tip of the spear with my dagger and landed a thrust kick to its torso.

I could only gather the weaker hidden pieces for now, and I didn't know the precise location of most of them.

The image of a particular potion crossed my mind.

'It's worth a shot.'

I thought about it as I fought the golem.

*SWISSH*

The golem went for a stab attack with the spear, but I evaded to the side, planting my left foot on the exposed shaft of the spear before stomping on the ground.

*THUD*

The spear was brought to the ground as the golem fell forward while trying to hold onto it.

'Decapitate.'

A thin dark line appeared on the neck of the golem as its featureless head detached from its body, falling to the ground before crumbling to dust.

'It's the best option.'

I decided on my course of action as I sheathed my dagger.

I'll leave tomorrow, there's no need to delay any further.

I also decided to spend the rest of the day training. 

This allowed me to practice unarmed and bow combat as well but put a higher strain on my body as I continued. 

The pain was annoying, but it was a better alternative to the restlessness I felt from being idle for too long.

Training combat manuals felt good, the progress was visible, and I unlocked new techniques I could execute.

Getting stronger quickly was an addicting feeling as I burnt the hours away, training in a trance like state. 

Only when my body refused to continue did I realize that it was already dark outside. 

I moved my aching body slowly as I made my way home. 

****

"Now departing for: Mana Meadow Station."

A robotic voice rang through the station as the gates of the train swung open and passengers began to fill the compartments.

I made my way to an empty seat as the chatter of passengers filled the train.

The train was crowded but not packed, as mana meadow was a sightseeing location.

It was a preserved natural sight that many wanted to see, a meadow's natural beauty enhanced by the high density of mana. 

Usually, areas with high densities of mana would become danger zones as beast were attracted to them.

However, inside the mana meadow was a guardian beast that remained neutral to humans.

Of course, this peace wouldn't last long but for the time being it was safe from any real danger.

I closed my eyes and focused on mana control while the train rocked slightly as it moved forwards. 

"We have arrived at the mana meadow station, please-"

An announcement rung out as passengers began to leave the train.

I left the train as I headed out of the station.

I didn't have many weapons with me this time, opting to bring only the dagger in case of emergencies as the bow grabbed too much attention.

As soon as I stepped out, I noticed that the air felt very fresh as a gentle breeze caused my clothes to flutter slightly. 

Walking past the storefronts and grass archways I was met with a sight that I never thought could exist in reality.

It quite literally looked like a drawing of paradise with the sky a warm blue contrasting the endless sea of green grass broken only by flowers of various colors like pink and yellow. 

As I walked onto the dirt pathway the tall grass swayed in the wind as the scent of flowers wafted through the air. 

The group of people behind me all seemed entranced by the beauty as they walked slowly, enjoying the view. 

There were three pathways, one which led to a vibrant flowerbed, the other led to the sparkling blue river and the last led to a slightly forested area. 

I took the path to the forested area, trying to focus on the reason I came here.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't distracted, my pace was slow, and I would often stop involuntarily. 

I had experienced a lot of things after coming to this world, things I never thought I would see.

This was one of them and it was hard not to grow lax with the peaceful surrounding.

I soon reached the lightly forested area, trees resembling spruce stood tall as I made my way through.

I found various berries and fruits inside along with a few beasts none of which seemed interested in attacking me.

I had a vague idea of where I was going, this item was a side chapter of little importance, but it was still very useful in my mind.

The landmark of importance was a fox den, so I followed any foxes that I could find, keeping my distance so they would not feel threatened. 

They were unnaturally agile, and their sizes seemed to vary greatly, some reaching a height up to 5 feet with sharp pointed tails while some were smaller than a regular fox, appearing simply as balls of white and green fur. 

I spent some time wandering around close to the path, usually it would be tedious but here I didn't mind. 

Eventually I reached a structure resembling a cave which was actually just a large fox den and began looking for the second landmark. 

A spruce tree with a 'strange marking' on it.

A vague description but it was all I had as I inspected the tress next to the fox den but still close to the path.

A few foxes leaving the den would approach me, some were wary others were not and all passed by without any trouble.

Their different colored fur representing their elemental affinity as this area was rich in all types of mana.

After looking around for a bit I found a tree with a marking that resembled a 4x4 grid and walked up to it.

According to the novel, I have to imbue mana into the tree bar-

The tree bark that was marked turned to dust revealing a small box inside.

'That was... easy.'

I wasn't sure what else to expect from an item in a side story chapter, but I took out a vial from the box with caution.

The liquid inside was a pale green and seemed relatively viscous, not making it look very appealing. 

Drinking a mysterious liquid unearthed from a forest was a bad idea for anyone with common sense.

Unluckily for me, the one who gained this potion in the previous novel, Lucian was lacking in that area.

Therefore, I knew it was relatively safe to drink.

I opened the vial and unenthusiastically drank its contents.

This was not an elixir that would boost my capabilities in any way.

Such an elixir would be too important, and I could not take it from the main cast.

This vial had an odd effect.

=============================================

Vessel has gained multiple new traits.

=============================================

Increasing the rate at which the user could gain Traits.

This was useful as traits acted as passive buffs that could range from incredible feats like Dark Dominion or something as simple as increasing dexterity.

Not only did it increase the rate at which traits could be acquired it would also transform previous skills into traits.

I took this from Lucian as he simply had very little use for it.

The important traits he had were given to him by higher beings, making the potion essentially worthless.

I needed every advantage I could get and if I had to step on some toes to do so, then so be it. 

I looked through some of the traits picking out those that were useful.

The three most important traits were.

Elastic- Enhanced flexibility.

Quick Hands- Improved dexterity.

Mana Breathing- Increased latent absorption of mana from surroundings.

The last one was especially incredible, as it would help with mana recovery as well as strengthening of my body.

There were others that referred to specific skills like parkour or cooking as well.

I tried out the elastic trait, stretching to an extent that was not possible before and I also felt the vitalizing effect of the mana breathing. 

I felt happy with the results, and I still had time to go back and train. 

I headed back, feeling slight regret as I walked back to the train station.

I would be back here soon, but not for a good reason and the peace that the people here were experiencing would be all but gone. 

I sighed, there was no point in endlessly worrying about the future, especially when I was already planning on intervening. 

I enjoyed the view until the train arrived and headed back to the city, going back to my routine training.