Trying Out Some Skills

[ Now, visualize your mana core ] the system said. [ It's a small, glowing sphere in the center of your body. Focus your attention on it and allow it to expand. ]

Auric did as he was told, imagining the sphere growing larger and brighter with every passing moment. He could feel the energy radiating from it, warming his body from within.

[ Good ] the system said. [ Now, try to connect with the flow of magic around you. It's like a river, constantly moving and changing. Allow yourself to be a part of it. ]

Auric concentrated on the sensation, trying to feel the ebb and flow of the magical energy. He sensed a faint tingle in his fingertips, as if the magic was responding to his touch.

[ Excellent ] the system said. [ Now, focus on the energy within you. It's the source of your power. Allow it to grow stronger. ]

Auric felt a surge of energy within him, as if a dam had burst and unleashed a torrent of power. He gasped, opening his eyes and looking down at his hands. They were glowing with a bright, golden light.

"I did it!" he exclaimed.

[ Yes, you did ] the system confirmed. [ Your mana core is now fully awakened. You can now start learning magic and honing your skills. ]

Auric grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He had always dreamed of wielding magic, and now that dream was finally within his reach.

<Thank you > he said to the system. < I couldn't have done it without your guidance >

[ It was my pleasure ] the system replied. [ I look forward to seeing what you can achieve with your newfound powers. ]

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

"Young master, may I come in?" asked the servant.

"Yes, come in," Auric replied.

The servant entered the room with a tray of food, emitting a fragrant aroma that made Auric's mouth water. The tray was filled with various dishes, and he couldn't wait to dig in.

After finishing his delicious dinner, the servant made his bed while Auric relaxed. He was exhausted from the hectic day and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, Auric eagerly woke up, excited to explore the system's skills and spells.

< Hey, system, show me the skills! > he exclaimed.

[ Please open the system shop to buy skills ] the system responded.

< Shop! >

[

[ System Shop ]

[ Skills ]

[ Potions ]

[ Blueprints ]

]

Hmm, quite a few options here.

< but what is the blueprint section? > Auric asked.

[ In that section, there will be blueprints of modern-day artifacts like weapons, vehicles, and other miscellaneous things ] the system replied.

OH! ~~

[ You can use those blueprints to make the items through the craft section of the system or by a blacksmith ]

quite good eh?

"Well, I will look through that later. Let me open the skill section," Auric said.

[ Skills ]

Dark Element -

[ Shadow Sneak: A spell that allows the caster to move quickly and quietly through shadows, making it easier to surprise enemies or escape danger.

Cost of use: 60 mp { lasts for a minute }.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 70 SP ]

[ Fear: A spell that causes fear or terror in the hearts of enemies who are weaker than you, causing them to hesitate or flee.

Cost of use: 20 mp.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 50 SP ]

[ Shadow Cloak: A spell that shrouds the caster in shadows, making them harder to see and reducing the chance of being detected.

Cost of use: 50 mp { lasts for a minute }.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 50 SP ]

[ Dark Orb: A spell that conjures a small orb of dark energy that can be thrown at a target, causing minor damage.

Cost of use: 100 mp.

Cooldown: 5 minutes.

Price: 100 SP ]

[ Night Vision: A spell that enhances the caster's ability to see in low-light conditions, allowing them to navigate dark areas or detect hidden enemies.

Cost of use: 5 mp per minute

Cooldown: none.

Price: 20 SP ]

[ Shadow Bind: A spell that immobilizes a target in place, making them unable to move or act for a short period of time. { The success rate depends on the strength of the caster and the target. }

Cost of use: 50 mp { lasts for a minute }.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 100 SP ]

Thunder Element :

[ Shock: A spell that sends a small jolt of electricity at a target, causing minor damage and stunning the target. { The effect depends on the strength of the caster and the target. }

Cost of use: 50 mp.

Cooldown: 10 minutes.

Price: 50 SP ]

[ Static Charge: A spell that imbues a weapon with an electrical charge, causing additional damage on impact.

Cost of use: 50 mp { lasts for a minute }.

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 150 SP ]

[ Lightning Steps: A spell that allows the user to move with incredible speed and agility, often leaving a trail of lightning or electricity behind them.

Cost of use: 10 mp per second.

Cooldown: none.

Price: 200 SP ]

[ Spark: A spell that creates a small electrical spark, often used to start fires or ignite flammable materials.

Cost of use: 10 mp.

Cooldown: none.

Price: 10 SP ]

[ Lightning Shield: A spell that creates a shield of electricity around the caster, protecting them from physical attacks.

Cost of use: 100 MP per minute

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 200 SP ]

[ Electric Current: A spell that creates a stream of electricity that can be used to power or activate devices or machines.

Cost of use: 30 MP

Cooldown: None

Price: 50 SP ]

[ Thunder Wave: A spell that creates a wave of thunderous force, knocking back enemies and causing minor damage.

Cost of use: 50 MP

Cooldown: 30 minutes.

Price: 150 SP ]

{Note that these skills are all basic skills of the respective elements, as the user is still not very familiar with the concept of magic. As the user becomes stronger, the skills will also become stronger.}

"Wow, now this is what I call a fantasy world!" Auric exclaimed.

"How much SP do I have?"

"You have 1161 SP," replied the system.

"Hmmm... Then buy Shadow Sneak, Fear, Shadow Cloak, Dark Orb, Night Vision, Shadow Bind, Shock, Static Charge, Lightning Steps, Spark, Lightning Shield, and Thunder Wave."

Ting!

[ Purchase complete! A total of 1150 SP deducted! Remaining SP- 11 ]

< Status! >

[ Name: Auric Everlight

Age: 10 years

Level: 27 (EXP: 1997 / 2800)

SP: 11

Strength (STR): 30

Agility (AGI): 30

Dexterity (DEX): 30

Intelligence (INT): 20

Mana: 70 + 50 + 30 (Curse Seal Jewel)

Element: Dark, Thunder

Skills:

Passive:

Language Sense Level 2

Active:

Shadow Sneak, Fear, Shadow Cloak, Dark Orb, Night Vision, Shadow Bind, Shock, Static Charge, lightning steps, Spark, Lightning Shield, Thunder Wave

Appraisal Level 3

Mana sense level 1 (NEW!!)

Artifact: Curse Seal Jewel

Available Attribute Points - 64 ]

hehehehee

Auric looked at his status screen with a weird grin on his face.

After breakfast, he spent the whole morning trying out his skills. Although it was time to resume their journey, Auric still made an excuse, saying he was tired and wanted to rest more.

The news of Auric having diarrhea had already spread among everyone, and the knights gave him a concerned look and agreed to resume the journey later.

Unaware that news of his diarrhea had spread, Auric didn't say anything but was still weirded out by the knights' looks.

Ignoring all that, Auric excitedly checked his skills in his room. He was exhausted, and it was going to be afternoon soon. With all the sweat, he wanted to take a shower. Ordering his lunch, he went to bathe.

As the water cascaded down his slender form, the young boy stared intently at his reflection in the shower. His jet-black hair, slicked back with water, hung over his forehead in wet tendrils. Dark black eyes, like onyx stones, peered back at him from beneath thick lashes. Despite his young age of just ten years old, there was a maturity to his gaze, a sense of introspection that belied his youth.

Although currently skinny, the boy's inherent handsomeness could not be hidden. His sharp features were accentuated by the water, the droplets clinging to his high cheekbones and prominent jawline. His skin was smooth and unblemished, the only imperfection a faint scar just above his left eyebrow that he got from being bullied.

The boy's long, slender fingers trailed over his stomach, tracing the lines of his ribcage as he examined his reflection. He had always been self-conscious about his slight build and wanted to gain some muscles. The water continued to beat down on his body, cleansing away the grime of the day and leaving him feeling renewed.

As Auric emerged from the bathroom, the tantalizing scent of cooked meat tickled his senses, making his stomach growl with hunger. He strode towards the couch, where a sumptuous feast had been laid out on the table next to it. Grateful for it, he beamed with delight.

Without any hesitation, Auric took a seat and relished each bite of the meal. The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, and the vegetables were crispy and full of flavor. Every morsel filled him with energy for the journey ahead.

As he savored the food, Auric's gaze roved around the room, taking in the opulent decor and the various volumes and knick-knacks scattered about. The household was undoubtedly wealthy, but there was a certain warmth to the space that made him feel right at home.

After he polished off the last of the food, Auric dabbed at his mouth with a napkin and rose to his feet, invigorated and refreshed. The time had come to make his way to Winding Grove, and he was determined not to tarry any longer.

[ A/N-

Hey guys,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your undying support and unwavering loyalty towards my novel. I mean, what would I do without you guys?

Probably cry in a corner somewhere.

So, a big shoutout to Daennis_Kh, Gokichi, Shamar_Campbell, tjv_m, HikariSama69, DaoistLZZAn4, BATDIE, WaTchMaN, rishabh_ritan, Naushad_Alam_4450, adit_agarwal, Raziel_456, Ezekiel2003, Sai_Swami, Darksiidde, Aditya_Singh_7272, Gem_But, Wish_i_could_just_, DM_INDUSTRY, pris_lee, Z6R1A, Eren_Balaban_2705, Walkingstick00, Thunder_Slayer, Dark_750, md_rizvi, krishnanaunni_j, lolbingolol, and Killerwhale.

Seriously, you guys are the reason I keep writing. Thank you for making my life worth living.

With love and sarcasm,

[shiroi]

]