Matter/Energy Domination

The aura of intimacy lingered between Aaron and Evadora as he found himself ensnared by her charm. Her laughter, like the tinkling of a distant bell, only intensified the sensation. An inexplicable attraction tugged at him, as if he were compelled to heed her every command. The desire to serve, to kill, to have her coursed through his veins. Panicking, Aaron swiftly bit his own flesh, grounding himself. He staggered back defensively.

"If you don't mind, can you stop controlling my mind?" he gritted his teeth, battling the overwhelming urges that threatened to consume him.

A look of confusion briefly clouded Evadora's eyes, but then they widened in realization as she noticed Aaron's staggering erection. Swiftly, she withdrew her charm, and Aaron's arousal subsided. He was relieved, though the embarrassment lingered.

"Sorry," she apologized between fits of laughter. "I'm not used to being around mortals, so I forgot to completely suppress my charm."

"Mortals?" Aaron queried, gradually regaining his composure as he adjusted his clothing.

"Yes," she confirmed. "Anybody above the sixth path is called an immortal. But there's much more to tell you. I'm restricted by the Awakener, so I can't reveal anything that could significantly alter your fate, including why I'm still alive."

"So, what can you tell me?" Aaron inquired, eager for any information that could aid his understanding of the new world.

Evadora nodded thoughtfully. "First things first, you need to distribute your status points. Just think of what you want, and it will show."

Aaron concentrated on his status board, and it promptly appeared before him. After careful consideration, he allocated his points:

Aaron Jackson

Status points: 0

Level: 3

Race: Human

Profession: None

Title: None

Strength: 18(10)

Agility: 16(10)

Health: 10(10)

Stamina: 13(10)

Mana: 150(10)

Having already received bonuses to strength and agility, he decided to invest in stamina, recognizing its potential importance in the trials ahead.

Evadora offered sagely, "Remember, I won't ask how you distribute your stats, but be conscious of your strengths and weaknesses in the days to come. The old world you knew is gone; zombies won't be your only concern, shield."

Grateful for her guidance, Aaron filled his school bag with provisions as directed by his readings. His phone no longer functioned, a victim of the new world's enigmatic laws.

"I suggest heading outside to the campus," Evadora advised. "The faster you get stronger, the better. Kill as many zombies as you can."

Aaron prepared to leave but then noticed a shining object amid the remains of one of the zombies. Evadora's excitement drew his attention as she exclaimed, "Oh, a skill tablet!"

She disintegrated the zombie's body with a wave of her hand, revealing a radiant rainbow-colored tablet that seemed to exert a magnetic pull. Aaron hesitated, seeking reassurance from Evadora that it was safe to take. She nodded, granting him permission.

"It's a random skill tablet," she explained. "You may end up with something great or trash, and you'll be stuck with it for eternity if you choose. But if you get something good, it will give you a substantial advantage as long as you don't slack off."

"You can learn up to five external skills until your second path," she continued, offering insight into the rules of this new reality.

Aaron pondered his decision, weighing the potential benefits and risks. He steeled himself and accepted the gamble. As he held the tablet, it emitted a blinding light and vanished into him. He braced for pain but felt none.

When he opened his eyes, a message appeared:

[Congratulations, you have learned 1st path growth external active skill 'Matter/Energy Domination' (partially locked):]

Path 1 Matter/Energy manipulation (unlocked)

The power to manipulate matter and energy on a molecular level. User can manipulate the speed of molecules: from slowing them down to the point where things freeze to speeding them up to induce heat or vibration. Only applicable within 5 meters around your body, and the only limit is your imagination and Mana. 50% decrease in damages done to you by skills.

Requirements for upgrade

1) Proficient control of mana

2) Death of 100 enemies using only matter/energy manipulation (0/100)

"Nice!" Aaron pumped his fist with excitement. Even at its base level, the skill was formidable. He couldn't help but wonder about its untapped potential.

"Can I see?" Evadora's request was accompanied by innocent eyes that held a hint of concern.

"Of course," Aaron agreed, showing her the message.

"Wow, this is potentially one of the most powerful skills ever," she marveled, her tone tinged with a touch of bitterness. "And you got it through a random low-tier tablet with a 0.001 percent chance."

Now that he had acquired the skill, Aaron questioned, "What should I do next?"

Evadora reassured him, "Nothing. Okay, we've already wasted enough time in this room. Zombies are outside, and this place won't stay safe for long."

"Understood," Aaron replied with a salute, earning a laugh from Evadora. He gripped his trusty stick and carefully opened the door, praying for the safety of his roommates. He hadn't seen any corpses in the room, which offered a glimmer of hope.

He had clear objectives:

Get stronger.

Reunite with his sister.

Find his best friend.

Journey to Lagos state to locate his parents.

For now, he stepped out into the unknown, ready to confront the challenges of this transformed world.