Chapter 8 - Learning about the Ether

While Ellen and I were recuperating inside the bus, I took some time to experiment with my newly discovered abilities. I noticed Leo just got in and seemed more tired than when we arrived here. I internally thanked myself for leaving the interview for him to handle. Personally, I've never felt comfortable amidst crowds.

Anyway, there were some interesting discoveries about my abilities. Starting with [Identify] as the name itself suggests, it's an ability that allows me to visualize something akin to a status screen, indicating the level and providing a brief summary about the object or person I'm trying to [Identify] Interestingly, I tried to use this ability on Ellen, but to my surprise, it simply didn't work.

I'm not sure if it's because it doesn't work on things that also have a system, or if there's another reason behind it. Of course, the first possibility that came to mind was simply due to the level of the ability. I think level 1 might not be the most appropriate for using it in more complex cases. Anyway, for now, I'll set that question aside.

Another discovery I made is that I can use this ability on inanimate objects, like the seat of this bus I'm sitting on right now. Yes, unbelievably, it works. The screen that was shown to me when I tried to identify the seat was something like this.

[Bus Seat]: This is a conventional seat, found in all types of buses.

Hey, I never said what was shown was anything great, but that doesn't mean I didn't discover something useful with it. Another example of what I managed to get by using [Identify] was this.

[Iron Dagger]: This iron-made dagger, while not exceptionally durable, is a solid choice for dealing with creatures like Goblins and their kin.

This really opens up a wide range of future possibilities since I'll probably be able to figure out what the best weapon for me will be. Anyway, about my last two abilities, [Ether Manipulation] now makes more sense to me since, thanks to my new ability, I can also see it.

But in the end, it's just that, increasing both abilities' levels. Honestly, it didn't change much, much like increasing my constitution statistic. The only difference is that now I can manipulate Ether more easily and see it more clearly.

But that doesn't mean my abilities are useless. As I mentioned earlier, Ether seems to circulate normally through the human body, not just mine but also the passengers'. I confirmed this a while ago while observing them, and it made me wonder: since I can manipulate it, what would happen if I pumped Ether into my heart?.

I understand what you must be thinking now. Perhaps you're wondering if it wouldn't be easier to test this idea on a guinea pig first. And honestly, it would have been. However, I'm not so heartless as to put an innocent person at risk, at least not until proven otherwise. Plus, even if something goes wrong, I don't think it will kill me.

My rune specifies that it won't be activated in the case of intentional death. Therefore, what I'm about to do doesn't qualify as intentional death since I don't wish to die. On the other hand, if I were to throw myself in front of a truck to be run over, that would be considered intentional death because I would have the option to avoid the accident and still choose not to. Do you see the subtle difference? In the end, I'm not sure if I'm right or not, but I need to try to find out.

Slowly closing my eyes, I begin to visualize a 3D representation of myself, observing the veins coursing through my body and my heart, all interconnected. Ether continues to circulate freely within me. With just a thought, I guide the Ether in an orderly manner towards my heart. A sensation of warmth envelops me, strange in a certain sense, yet pleasant.

My heart quickens its pace, but there's no discomfort, just a feeling of energy flowing through me. Now, my veins, which were once mere conduits of blood, have become channels for Ether. I observe that the blood hasn't been replaced; instead, it has been enriched with Ether, a vital blend. As I open my eyes, I close my hand, feeling the newly awakened power coursing within me.

A strange sensation takes hold of me: I feel stronger, as if defeating that Hobgoblin were now a simple task. As I look around, I realize my vision has gained a sharper, more natural focus, while my ears pick up the whispers of the passengers with impressive clarity.

"Speaking of which, what do you think of that... Noah? Was that his name? Anyway, I'm referring to the guy who accompanied Leo"

Suddenly, my ears catch a conversation that grabs my attention, and for some reason, it seems like they're talking about me.

"Ahh... he's kinda weird, isn't he? It reminds me of him desperately trying to get off the bus before we came here. But in the end, he ended up coming along. The weirdest thing is he didn't seem scared at all, more like disappointed. I'm telling you, dude, it's better to stay away from him. That kinda person tends to mess with others"

What the heck were these guys whispering about me? Or better yet, where the heck did they draw these conclusions from? To me, this makes absolutely no sense.

While I was incredulous about the conversations outside, I feel movement beside me, and looking over, I see Ellen slowly opening her eyes. Our gazes meet, and for a moment, she blinks before drawing a small smile on her face. Then, she turns to her sister, who was also sleeping beside her.

"It seems like you're recovering. How are you feeling?" I ask, setting aside the voices outside.

Anyway, I never really cared much about how others saw me. After all, it never brought any benefits for me or my sister.

"I'm better, feels like my wounds are completely healed already... how long was I out?" Ellen asked, turning her gaze back to me once again.

"About 5 minutes. Anyway, it was good you rested. By the way, we were all exhausted"

Upon hearing my words, Ellen simply nodded and went back to stroking her sister's head. Speaking of which, I was genuinely curious about how Ellen's power worked. Now that I can see the Aether, I wonder how exactly Ellen's electricity operates. Well, I'm sure I'll have the opportunity to find out in the future.

"By the way, you seem to trust me quite a bit. I don't remember us having met before, so I'm a little curious. Is there any specific reason you trust me so much?"

Upon hearing my words, Ellen's eyes momentarily focused on me, but it seemed like her mind was elsewhere, beyond me. I couldn't quite discern what it was exactly, but that was the feeling I got. As much as I tried, Ellen didn't seem to be utilizing the Aether; it continued to flow smoothly within her body.

But even without seeing anything, I was certain Ellen was really perceiving something about me. However, I still didn't understand exactly what she was seeing or feeling about me.

The only conclusion I could come to was that it was part of her unique ability, part of her rune. Although I had asked her about it, I didn't really expect her to answer. However, I must admit her next words surprised me.

"I suppose you already have an idea, but it's basically because of my rune... I can see dots on things, for example, above your head, there's a green dot. When I look at the forest, there's an orange dot, but depending on the case, it suddenly changes to red. By the way, since you arrived, your dot has never changed from green, even when we were facing the Hobgoblin. But honestly, I'm not sure why that is" Ellen replied with a pensive look.

"Are you sure it's okay to tell me this? Personally, I don't think we should reveal our runes so easily" I questioned, with a hint of caution in my voice.

Upon hearing my words, a smile formed on Ellen's face.

"Don't worry, I know exactly what I'm doing. If there's one thing I've learned from my rune, it's that it's always alert to what's dangerous for me. Since it's always green when it comes to you, I can at least say you pose no threat to me. Besides, I want to protect my sister, and I feel like you're the key to that. So, I don't mind if you use me, as long as you promise me you'll protect me and my sister"

Ellen's eyes as she expressed this were serious and determined, an aura of conviction emanated from her. It was evident she wouldn't take no for an answer. And, upon analyzing the situation, I realized Ellen was a valuable ally, endowed with a peculiar rune and unique abilities. I decided, then, that there was no reason to abandon her for now.