A dilemma of stupidity

*Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam*

"It seems like I was right, I shouldn't rush things" sighed Aetheris as he conjured a face cloth and wiped the sweat on his face, he was done with practicing alchemy so he decided to use the remaining time to train.

A large log filled with holes, spanning five meters, was suspended in the air. It wasn't levitating; instead, Aetheris used [Thread Manipulation] to connect it to other trees, this method made it stable when he punched it.

Many might be asking this question: why isn't he Ascending to a higher order to grow stronger .e.t.c well, the answer is simple...he chooses not to.

Aetheris' growth is not confined by his current order level. Although he is in the 9th order, his physical strength and overall power can continue to increase beyond the typical limitations of this level.

His instincts suggested that his strength is dynamic and can evolve with continued experience and development, rather than remaining fixed at a specific level.

"[Mana Burst]," Aetheris muttered, as he began to condense his mana into his fist. A swirl of air formed around it, and with a powerful strike, he punched the tree.

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

A see-through hole spanning 3 meters was formed in the middle of the tree, and dust from the shredded tree filled the air

<<Congratulations: your understanding of the Mana flow has increased, and you have created skill [Mana burst]< em>

Skill Name: Mana Burst

Rank: Mortal

Description: Mana Burst allows the user to gather and condense mana into a specific part of their body or weapon, then release it in a powerful burst of energy. This enhances physical attacks, making them stronger and more destructive.>>

"I can't keep doing physical training; the tree alone weighs 15 tons. The same can be said for its durability and resilience... It's easy to break it but I am trying to learn something new and I am also running out of time" sighed Aetheris as he looked at the giant donut hole in the tree

[A/N: I am using metric ton meaning 1 Ton is equal to 1000kg in this case 15 tons is equal to 15 000kg ]

"[Material forge]," Aetheris whispered his voice barely a breath. In an instant, silver threads spiraled out from his fingertips, weaving together like liquid metal.

They coiled and solidified, manifesting into a sleek, metallic staff that appeared almost effortlessly in his grasp.

With a faint smirk, Aetheris admired the staff, knowing he had once again sidestepped the constraints of poverty by turning even the simplest of resources into something formidable.

"Hmmm..[Basic Item Enchantment]" Aetheris began to try and infuse the staff with a complex spell but the staff began to crack as it crumbled.

"Let's start with something basic like a [fire.."

*PING PING PING PING PING PING*

"What is that... oh, my Solaris ring," muttered Aetheris as his gaze fell upon his left index finger, which was emitting a faint, rhythmic beep.

The ring's subtle glow pulsed in sync with the sound, its intricate design catching the light.

Aetheris frowned slightly, sensing that the ring was trying to communicate something important.

{Breaking News: Entropy Order Strikes Again—Authorities Struggle to Contain Chaos In...

yet another shocking display of calculated chaos, the shadowy collective known as the Entropy Order has struck again, leaving a trail of mayhem in their wake. The latest incident, occurring in multiple locations si...}

"No this is the News platform.. urghh it's hard to operate this thing" grunted Aetheris as he touched the floating screen while looking for the platform making the notification alert

{Incoming video call from Mother dearest}

"So that's the alert... switch to voice call" muttered Aetheris as he accepted the call

{Kyaaaaaaa~ My sweet son did you miss me} screamed Triny with excitement over the call

"Yes, I missed you..." Aetheris flinched as the high-pitched squeal of excitement burst through the call, he still wasn't used to such.. overwhelming affection but a little smile appeared on his face

{Mother wanted to check up on you, but Yuuki said you were in seclusion; it's either she lied since you wouldn't be able to answer my call or...

you lied and did something else without informing her, and that's why we are on a voice call. In fact, call Yuuki so I can deal with her myself!!} Triny questioned with a tone filled with suspicion, Aetheris is always scheming something from her perspective so she was skeptical of his ' seclusion '

His Solaris ring provided many functions, such as storage space and augmented reality. e.t.c but Aetheris had access to Practitioners web(Similar to Google), Mystiview (YouTube) where he learns basic Mana skills and other minor programs

However, his Solaris ring was on baby mode, meaning he was forbidden from seeing adult-related content, and he was only allowed to download kids' apps; these were the measurements Triny had taken after seeing the slaughter he committed...he was still too immature.

"I just woke up,...so I visited the ripper forest to lament on the events that occurred, I wanted to see you first but you weren't there and that actually broke my heart..a little bit " His eyes were wide, reflecting both his fear and a subtle hint of manipulation as if he were using his vulnerability to ensure her unwavering attention and support.

{I am such a bad mother, I'll drop the extra errands and I'll be there tomorrow Ok} Replied Triny as she reprimanded herself, she felt a sense of shame for not asking about his well-being

"No that's not what I me.."

{Shhhh, this is not the time to be acting cool and nonchalant,} Triny's voice trembled with an underlying intensity, her concern palpable.

{Mother will be there to comfort you... No, I can't allow you to take any risks. To ensure your safety, you will not be allowed to do any physical training!}Her words spilled out in a rush, leaving no room for argument, before she hastily ended the call, her obsessive need to protect him overwhelming all else.

"Haah...I hate lying to her, especially after everything she has done for me, [Shadow clone]" muttered Aetheris as he waved his hand and a naked clone appeared, Remiel created an algorithm that allowed him to make clones that have more substance quickly

One should know, that using his Mark Aetheris can bestow things to other people except his Racial abilities like [Verocity] and other inherent traits. e.t.c and since Remiel has the Records of his acquired abilities he can bestow them many times to those who are compatible with them

He retrieved a plain white mask adorned with a dark, frowning expression and a black rook chess symbol on its forehead. Along with it, he took out a uniform, two cylindrical silver rods, and a communication bead from his [Inventory].

"[Mark of intemperance: First and second Authority]," muttered Aetheris as he touched the forehead of the clone; he was imparting his a set of abilities, a set of skills, and his will into the clone, Thus allowing it to do more complex things.

"It's a good thing that the stronger the substance of the clone the more things it can obtain

Your codename is Theoneil; begin by mapping the Ripper forest using the AR on the communication bead and collect any herbs related to Alchemy... take your uniform," Ordered Aetheris as he teleported while the clone wore its uniform and began to execute its orders.

...

Thank you for reading 🙏 😊