Entering a Portal

August sat in a bus, heading towards one of the city's portals. Sunrise City boasted two permanent portals: a two-star portal and a one and a half-star portal. His destination is the world of Glacia, which is a two-star portal.

Portals were rated from one to five stars, with five being the highest danger level. These ratings were determined by factors such as the world's atmosphere, the level of beast ranks present, and the safety of the shelter area where the portal led.

August's decision to venture to Glacia was motivated by his Ability Extract feature and his plan to apply those abilities to strengthen Aurora. Additionally, Aurora's proficiency in cold climates would enhance the effectiveness of her abilities even further.

It has been two days since curing Aurora, and during this time, they trained rigorously, significantly improving their teamwork. Aurora and August's synergy increased by 5 percent, bringing them closer to the link stage.

You might be wondering what synergy is, right?

In short, synergy refers to the soul bond between the tamer and their pet. Synergy is divided into four stages:

1. Link: Allows the tamer to communicate with the pet and borrow their elements.

2. Sync: Enables the tamer to synchronize some characteristics like strength, agility, and perception with their pet.

3. Fusion: Allows the tamer to transform some parts of their body into those of their pet.

4. Harmony: The final stage where the tamer and the pet fuse into one being, transcending their capabilities.

[ Status ]

Host Profile

Name: August

Age: 15

Mana Rank: 1 (middle)

Beast Space Level 1: 1/1 (1000 SP to upgrade)

SP: 150

Traits: Rune Body

Skills : Celestial mana circulation -2%, Alchemy ( I ) -5%

Inventory, Inspect, Shop, Ability Extract, (locked) ]

After three days of training, his mana rank upgraded to the middle stage, and his mastery of the circulation technique increased by 1 percent.

'With the first part, I can cultivate up to rank 2 peak. I should acquire the second part as soon as possible' August thought to himself.

'I should get some combat techniques or movement techniques when I have more system points,' he mused, opening the shop section.

[ Shop ]

Knowledge: [recipe], [production], [firearm],...

Techniques: [Internal], [combat], [movement]...

[ Internal techniques ★★★★★ stars:

- Celestial Internal Circulation Technique (second part): 2,000SP

- Void Nexus Circulation Technique: 1,000,000,000 SP

- Transcendent Sage Incarnation Circulation Method: 800,000,000 SP

- Divine Sacred Circulation Technique: 950,000,000 SP

...]

"So damn expensive!" August hissed, glancing at his current SP, which seemed worthless compared to the huge amounts needed for a 5-star technique.

'I can't afford it anyway' he sighed, and then opened the combat technique one-star section.

[ Combat technique ★ star:

- Wind Fist: 1000SP

- Swift Sword: 1200SP

- Dancing Blade: 1800SP

- Whirling Oak: 1200SP

.....]

With so many techniques to choose from, August found it difficult to decide on one.

As August scrolled through the shop section, a robber, already seated on the bus and wearing a black half face mask, suddenly stood up and brandished a gun, shouting orders for everyone to stay put and raise their hands.

With his hands up, August received a system notification.

[Ding! A new quest has been given]

Requirement: Help the passengers escape the robbery

Reward: 100SP

[Do you wish to accept the quest? Y/N]

'Yes' August quickly accepted the quest, then observed the robber, who appeared to be a frail middle-aged man. He was threatening a girl who clutched her purse tightly, refusing to give it up.

'He doesn't look like an Awakened' August thought, standing up from his seat.

Controlling his mana, August enhanced his body and swiftly grabbed the robber's hand, which was holding the gun, applying pressure until the robber dropped the weapon. August then executed a wrist lock, twisting the robber's hand behind his back and immobilizing him on the bus floor.

"Someone call the cops and bring me some rope or something to tie him up," August requested, flashing a gentlemanly smile.

After some time, the police arrived and handcuffed the robber, escorting him into their car.

"Thank you," the girl bowed, expressing her gratitude.

Approaching him, a female police officer asked August some questions. After responding, he nodded in acknowledgment of her warning not to act hastily, even as a beast tamer.

After August received permission to proceed, he quickly made his way to the portal checkpoint, where military guards armed with advanced guns were stationed.

Upon reaching the checkpoint, he was granted permission to enter the portal with the next group.

After a short wait, August entered the dome covering the entire portal for protection. The portal emitted a cold aura, causing him to feel slightly chilled. One by one, everyone began to enter the portal.

When it was his turn, August stepped inside, feeling his body stretch and experiencing nausea.

"Ugh!" he groaned as his head felt strange, causing him to slump to the ground.

"Is this your first time traveling through a portal?" a man in a mine worker outfit asked, extending a hand to help August up.

"Yeah," August admitted, accepting the man's help to stand up.

"You're really strong enough to endure the pressure of traveling through a portal for the first time," the man remarked with a chuckle. "When I traveled at your age, my colleagues and I emptied our stomachs from what we ate that morning."

"By the way, I'm Roy. And your name?" the man asked.

"I am August. Nice to meet you," August replied with a friendly smile, reciprocating the introduction.

Curious, Roy asked, "What brings you to this place, young one?"

"I'm here to test out my abilities and hunt some beasts," August replied.

"Then are you prepared enough for the outside cold?" Roy inquired.

"I have prepared enough food, and I have a pet with an ice element which gives me some resistance to the cold," August answered confidently.

"Hmm, it's good that you have a pet with an ice element, but you should rent some weapons and a cold resistance charm at the Association task center," Roy advised.

"Thank you for the advice. I'll make sure to do that. I appreciate your help. Have a great day!" August bid farewell before heading to the task center.