Erik's life became increasingly chaotic in the subsequent two months. As the days passed, the difficulties he encountered in terms of his professional and personal development changed him.
His promotion to the 'Seeker' level in the mercenary guild was his most remarkable achievement during this period. It wasn't simply a title; he had earned the Seeker rank by demonstrating his prowess and staying on the leading edge of the profession and rank he worked in.
Because of his promotion, he was able to take on jobs that, up until this point, were beyond his reach. More difficult and dangerous hunts for Thaids, with rankings similar to the ξ1 rank, were now available to him.
He could now participate in these hunts. Because he possessed such a vast network of neural links, Erik could breeze through these hunts with ease since he was far more powerful than the monsters he went to hunt.
However, this promotion in status was only one of the signs of Erik's development during this time.
He also became more and more independent. His inner power, in addition to his physical prowess, underwent a huge metamorphosis at the same time.
Erik effectively developed three additional neural links for his Plant Master power during the two months.
Each link constituted a qualitatively different advance in his abilities. The links quickened the pace at which he could call forth plants from the very ground beneath his feet.
With a mere thought, plants would now sprout, weaving and darting according to his will. They also bolstered the vitality of these plants.
They seemed to have more vigor, strength, and resiliency than they had in the past, which reflected the energy of their master's spirit.
All of this provided him with a greater degree of control over his arsenal of plant-based weapons. It was almost as if the plants were an extension of his essence; they responded more fluidly to his thoughts and feelings. This synchrony was profound, creating an unparalleled bond between man and nature.
In addition, the cumulative impact of these neural links resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of mana Erik needed to use to activate his power.
This meant that he could use his abilities for extended periods, which made it possible for him to participate in extensive conflicts without worrying about depleting his energy supplies.
Erik could feel himself maturing and becoming a formidable opponent each day. Because of his meteoric rise, the streets of the city were filled with rumors of his bravery, and many people would look up in wonder as he walked down the street while concealing his identity behind a mask.
The final thing he acquired over these two months was a brand new Flyssa, which he could use without worrying about Frant finding out about it.
The splendor of the sword could not be denied, especially when compared to the other, more mundane blades.
The slick Prenstal alloy gave the Flyssa a brilliant silver sheen that tricked the eye; depending on how the light hit it, the color would alter gradually, making the blade look almost alive. This created the impression that the Flyssa was alive.
The complex design of the Flyssa's hilt made it equally as remarkable as the blade itself, if not more so, due to the material it was created from, Prenstal ore.
A meshwork of exquisite, intertwining vines wrapped around the sword's hilt. These vines were so delicately fashioned that they looked like a professional jeweler rather than a blacksmith had made them.
The pommel was a standalone piece of art in its own right. It was fashioned as a regal bird, maybe a phoenix or an eagle, with extended wings that gracefully wrapped around to hug the blade's hilt.
The level of craftsmanship was such that each feather on the bird was discernible; each caught the light and shimmered in its distinctive manner, lending the weapon an elegant and unrivaled personality.
***
Erik and the other members of the Thorne group were making their way back from a productive hunt for Thaid. Erik took a quest to hunt the dangerous Erendus, which belonged to a tauric race of thaids famed for having horned heads and plated plating on their bodies.
Hunting two would have been challenging for any party at the Seeker rank, but Erik was not concerned. In fact, they lacked the experience they provided to the young man, meaning they were much weaker than him.
As the party drove toward the city, their car becoming heavier and heavier under the strain of transporting his prize, there was a distinct sense of pleasure and admiration in the air.
The truck lurched through the bumpy terrain of the woods as it sometimes shook, demonstrating the weight of the Erendu bodies it carried.
"Five Erendu, Erik," said Thorne. Even experienced hunters would be afraid to go up against that number. You've gone above and beyond."
Elara gave a grin. "At this rate, Erik, you might become a local legend. Besides, these creatures will bring you and us a lot of money."
Faelan laughed and ran his hand through his brown hair as he did so. "I've been on many hunts, but this one was different. Erik, you are smart. It was a pleasure to fight with you. When Thorne said you would hunt Erendus alone, I didn't believe him. But seeing you out there, Erik, I wouldn't bet against you even if you said you were going after ten of them!"
Thorne, who was driving, laughed out loud, and the sound reverberated through the car. "I've hauled a lot of creatures in my time, but this haul is special."
Erik leaned back, but his mask made it hard to tell how he felt. "I appreciate the trust, everyone. These Erendus will certainly fetch a good price."
As they returned, they kept talking, and the landscape in front of them promised the ease of society. The car was full of stories about past hunts, close calls, and laughs, which brought the group closer together.
ERIK'S STATUS:
[Host Information]
NAME: Erik Romano
AGE: 17
POWER LEVEL: 247
SYSTEM LEVEL: 34
EXPERIENCE: 33577/48400
DNA POINTS: 20950
HEALTH: 2240/2240
MANA: 2170/2170
[Attributes]
STRENGTH: 123
INTELLIGENCE: 160
DEXTERITY: 103
ENERGY: 107
Available Attributes points: 0
[Powers]
[Biological Super Computer Powers]
-Brain Crystal Manipulation
-Brain Crystal Power Extraction
(Allows the absorption of the brain crystal, making the host able to acquire the power contained within. Notice: the DNA must be changed in order to allow the body to use the power. See DNA extraction.)
-Brain Crystal power Merging
(Allows to merge two powers, birthing a new one. It requires the merging of the DNA to work.)
-Brain Crystal Power Analysis
(Allows to Analyse the target brain crystal without the need to know the creature.)
- (LOCKED)
- Brain Crystal Power Strengthening
(Allows the gaining of the energy attribute points)
-(LOCKED)
-DNA Manipulation DNA Extraction
(Allows the absorption of foreign DNA, allowing the host to replicate it inside his own body. Notice: Changing the DNA is a slow process and requires new brain crystal powers.)
-DNA Merging
(Allows to merge two DNAs, birthing a new one. Required to accommodate merged powers.)
-DNA Analysis
(Allows to Analyse the enemy DNA from the distance for a better understanding of the target's stats.)
- (LOCKED)
-DNA Strengthening
(Allows the gaining of the Strength, Intelligence, and Dexterity attribute points)
-(LOCKED)
- Analysis
(Gives the host information about his surroundings, plants, creatures, and ores.)
-Brain Information Injector
(It allows the injection of information directly to the brain. Based on touch)
-Device Manipulation
(Allows the Host to manipulate electrical and mana-driven devices. Based on touch)
[Host's Powers]
-POISONOUS MANA DARTS D σ 3 D RANKED
(Conjure poisonous mana darts whose lethality depends on the mana injected)
-ANIMAL SHAPESHIFTING D σ 3 E RANKED
(Shapeshift the body into that of animals. Animals must be absorbed to unlock their shapeshifting.)
-POISONOUS ASTRAL WOLF BITE D σ 2 D RANKED
(Conjure an astral but solid projection of a Leylarhad's head whose only aim is to bite at whatever target the host is aiming. Its teeth have a poisonous element whose Toxicity depends on the mana used. Notice: the target must be close to the projection)
-FORCE MANIPULATION D ξ 1 B RANKED
(Manipulate a mana-driven force to produce powerful shockwaves that can change in intensity, radius, speed, and power. It is also possible to use the power differently as to generate force shields.)
-PARALLEL WILLS D ξ 1 C RANKED
(Allows the user to passively increase Intelligence based on the number of neural links. It also allows the construction of a mana brain that allows independent thoughts and can be used for multiple purposes)
-ICE SWORD D σ 1 E RANKED
(Allows the creation of a powerful ice blade, but needs a real weapon to be used as a base)
-STRENGTH ENHANCER D ρ 2 D RANKED
(Depending on the amount of mana used, the amount of strength increases)
-PLANT MASTER D ρ 3 B RANKED
(Allows to grow and control plant-based organism. The usage depends on the plant and the user's will.)
-CHAMELEON VEIL D σ 3 C RANKED
(Allows to turn totally transparent and to project what is behind you, making it almost impossible to be seen. The user can move while using this Brain Crystal power. However, notice that the ripples in light the power creates while moving decrease the power's hiding abilities increasing the chance of being seen.)
-BESTIAL ROAR D σ 2 C RANKED
(Allows to emit a roar that can instill fear into the surrounding creatures. It does affect all but the user.)
-BIOMANTIC ARMOR D ρ 2 B RANKED
(This power allows the user to envelop any object or body part in a mana-infused metallic layer, increasing its durability and sharpening its edges for enhanced cutting ability. The effect's strength depends on the amount of mana used.)
-METALLIC EDGE ENHANCEMENT D ρ 2 B RANKED
(This power enables the user to alter their skeleton to create external structures, such as spikes or plating, and wrap themselves in a protective energy exoskeleton derived from their own mana.)
[Skills]
-Kyokar hand-to-hand style (ADVANCED)
(A military fighting style developed in Frant)
- Crypt of the Desert Style (INTERMEDIATE)
(Flyssa fighting style developed by Master Nieminen)
- Etrium's sword style (BASIC)
(Basic Sword Style developed in Etrium.)
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