42 A Journey's Beginning(Part 2)

But there's more to examine.

I reckon we all can spot the unfolding pattern here. Skills tied to the body are melding into this one passive skill, [Body Control], while those linked to the mind are merging into another, [Absolute Awareness].

I wonder if they'll keep absorbing other skills in the future, perhaps one day merging to form an ultimate skill, like some sort of Ultra Instinct?

Well, that would be quite the development.

But here's where I must tread carefully.

Can't let any filth corrupt these skills now, can I?

The System's likely to throw more tricks my way, so I'll have to question everything I receive, no matter what.

Luckily, [Absolute Awareness] seems like a trustworthy companion.

I'll have the ability to predict whether a future action leads to Danger, Fortune, or ends up in a Neutral situation.

Yet, what exactly does 'Neutral' imply?

Is it like: You will decide what unfolds next. Fortune, or Danger.

Or: It won't bring either Fortune or Danger

because those interpretations are quite different, but oh well.

Guess I'll find out soon enough.

Regarding my last Skill shown in the status, here it is:

[Shadow Step]

[Description: Even the mightiest warriors are drawn to a specific element. While you have many such elements, you are still a blank slate waiting to become something. As such, your first calling is the Shadows. They'll come to your aid when you need them most.]

[Effect: You will be able to use the realm of Shadows for a short period of time. When this Skill is active, your affinity to [Shadows] will increase]

[Limitation: Requires a suitable environment for shadows. Prolonged use may strain stamina]

[Cooldown: 5 minutes]

[Note: This skill is a by-product of your Authority. As such, your own Mana will not be used]

Now, that's a pretty handy skill, but what really grabbed my attention was the description, more so than the actual effect.

Blank Slate.

That's quite an interesting way to call me.

Am I truly such a thing?

I thought I was heading somewhere, but for this Skill, it seems I'm not progressing as much as I believed.

Although all these new skills are intriguing, and it might be wise to put them to the test before the Second Trial, I've decided to hold off on that for now.

My primary curiosity lies in understanding if I can generate skills without tapping into my skill points in this rest area.

Even my Cooking skill level surprised me, considering how little I've actually cooked. If my hunch is correct, each time a Trial concludes and I return to a rest area like this, I could achieve remarkable feats. Especially since I always find myself back in this rest area.

Of course, that might change in the future...

Another odd observation I made was about my Combat Prowess.

Initially, I mistook it for an unreadable symbol, but a note accompanying it clarified matters.

From that note, I can tell Combat Prowess doesn't operate as I assumed it would.

I honestly expected this to develop into other ranks, such as Highest, Ultimate, Extreme...etc

But that's not the case.

If my Combat Prowess is ? and will be calculated in the next Trial, it can only mean Combat Prowess is heavily dependent on which World or Trial I'm in.

In a World devoid of magic, achieving High or a higher rank in Combat Prowess might signify reaching the pinnacle of human potential. But, in a world with magic or entities capable of destroying planets with a finger, such an achievement would be considered inferior, possibly even below the Weakest rank.

To attain High Combat Prowess in a realm populated by beings of that caliber, one might need the power to obliterate planets themselves...

Yeah, The System wouldn't be able to toss me into a world where I'd be a fish out of water with my current strength, right?

I'm secretly hoping for a Trial quest that drops me into some random, unnamed forest. 

After all, I'm essentially Master chef now, and even better. I could whip up gourmet dishes out of whatever I find in the woods and make it the new talk of the forest, or whatever creatures inhabit it.

And let's not forget about another thing – everything I cook is not only edible but also delicious. That means I can turn dirty, salty water, or practically anything with a hint of H2O, into a refreshing thirst-quencher! 

Survival rating, check. If I had something to quantify it, it'd be like jumping from an E to SSS. I could whip up a gourmet meal out of dirt, and it would probably be somewhat okay. Not sure if it provides any useful nutrients, but who cares? I'll just transform into a plant. Problem solved.

I haven't gone completely bonkers during those 12 loops, but maybe I've caught a mild case of dumbness.

Perhaps I've developed this way to humor myself as a safety net to keep myself from going off the deep end. 

Sometimes, being smart does not guarantee you'll be happy.

Anyway, I guess I should really start working on my assumptions...

With that, I let out a tired yawn. I haven't slept yet tonight, thanks to a certain date with the Thorn Princess robbing me of the embrace of sleep.

Thankfully, I could resist sleepiness to some degree.

It's not some grand feat, really. Just me making the most of my [Determination] Talent.

Despite striving for perfection in both body and mind, I'm still just human. And even the most perfect humans have their basic needs to tend to.

Being human is such a hassle for someone as busy as me...

With these musings, I pressed on, my to-do list stretching out before me.

---

Author's Note:

Next Chapter, the 2nd Trial will begin!

It will soon be available for Patrons to read.

Also, please do go on my Patreon if you're interested in voting for the name of Akira's skills. I will soon hold a poll to decide its names.

What's your favorite waifu in the Eminence in Shadow world? For me, no one can beat Delta.

I do have other girls I like in there, such as Alpha, but best girl is best girl.

Of course, although I personally like them, doesn't mean Akira will also like them. I developed Akira's personality and tastes to be kinda different from mine, although we do align on a certain type, but I will let you know more when romance is actually a thing in this novel.

But, the best waifu material of them all, is undoubtedly Duke Perv Asshat!

I can't help bursting in laughter each time I heard his name called in the series or when I read the novel.