Chapter 708 Trouble back home
The next day, Erik was greeted by a fresh blanket of snow. All sounds seemed to be muffled in the stillness. Outside, the snow was falling heavily, covering the landscape in a beautiful, uniform coat of white.
<This will make travelling harder…>
Focused on his aim, Erik had his sights set on the White Desert and was determined to reach it as swiftly as possible. Now that he was no longer hindered by inexperienced individuals in his guild and, with the advantage of his quick footwork, he was certain that he could complete the journey without delay.
Picking a Luminara Serpentis flower became Erik's top priority as he emerged from the dome. With great care, he gently placed it inside a bottle that was filled to the brim with water, ensuring its preservation and ability to survive even when removed from its natural habitat on the ground.
After securing the flower, Erik sat down to enjoy a brief breakfast. Lost in deep thought, he savored each bite of his rations while his eyes remained fixed on the snowy expanse that lay just beyond the shelter he sought refuge in.
Up until now, he didn't find Thaids worth killing, and his travel went on expedited. However, he had already planned some ideas in his mind for the things he wanted to do once he finally reached the White Desert.
The top priority was finding a quicker method of transportation, and he realized there was something he could accomplish with his abilities. However, before anything else, his top priority was to find a secure location where he could carry out his plan.
After finishing breakfast, Erik stood up and brushed off the snow that had gathered on his clothes. With a determined look in his eyes, he hefted his backpack onto his shoulders, the sound of zippers and buckles echoing in the silence, and took one last look at his temporary shelter, its feeble existence a reminder of the harsh conditions he was about to face in the snowstorm.
As Erik continued to make his way through the snow, his thoughts shifted to what lay in store for him once he reached the White Desert. There were not just flying Thaids present at the location, but there were also ones that remained hidden beneath the sand, patiently waiting for unsuspecting prey. Fear did not grip Erik for them. In fact, he relished the challenge they presented, but the flying Thaids were going to be a tough fight.
"Who knows what I'll find this time?" He broke the silence of his solitary journey.
"With the Aerokinesis brain crystal power, I shouldn't have problems killing them, but…" His thoughts drifted to a very concerning matter. "My mana is too fucking low…"
That was the reason Erik went to the White desert. In order to increase his mana, he needed to level up as much as he could. The young man was determined to discover the truth about Uncle Benjamin and the Blackguards, aware that by doing so, he would make enemies out of them.
If the strength attributed to them by the world was accurate, it would be crucial not to underestimate the task at hand and depend on his physical abilities alone. He needed more power.
"I wonder how they'll like a taste of their own medicine." A smile crept up on his face at the thought. He pictured himself using the Thaids' own tactics against them.
The Aerokinesis power would allow him to attack from a distance, making the only advantage these beasts held against humans, their ability to fly useless.
It was a skill that would prove useful to him against flying opponents.
"I wish I had gotten this sooner. If I did, I would have claimed this as my brain crystal power in Etrium, not Nathaniel's power."
It wasn't like the latter wasn't a good power. Nathaniel was bound to get cuddled by the army once he enlisted, and he was also going to have an easy life. The ability also allowed to fight mid range, but it was still nothing compared to the power of making wind blades out of the air.
Despite the adverse weather and the extensive distance he had to travel, Erik experienced a strong sense of anticipation. Although the White Desert was known for its harsh and unforgiving nature, it was also viewed as a training ground abundant with opportunities for those courageous enough to grasp them.
As Erik disappeared into the snowstorm, leaving behind his makeshift shelter and the glowing Luminara Serpentis plants, he felt a sense of excitement bubbling within him.
…
…
…
Following an arduous journey of half a day, during which he traversed vast distances, Erik's attention was drawn to a discernible transformation in the landscape.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, we noticed a gradual transformation in the vegetation, which was slowly being replaced by a more desolate terrain characterized by jagged rocks and scarce shrubs scattered throughout the landscape.
Despite the cold temperatures, the trees remained, though their numbers decreased.
"I'm getting closer." His gaze swept over the changing scenery. The Thaids he had encountered during his journey were becoming formidable, their presence serving as a clear sign he was getting closer to the White Desert.
As he continued his journey, his attention was drawn to something in the distance, a flicker of movement. A convoy of armored cars was making its way across the barren landscape, toward Testrovsc's Rest's - the city he had left behind. Curiosity sparked, Erik hastened his steps, sprinting towards the convoy.
"Who would be out here, this close to the White Desert?" The region was famous for its dangerous Thaids, and it required a particular bravery - or perhaps foolishness - to approach them.
Erik slowly edged closer to the convoy, being mindful not to startle them or bring any unwanted attention to himself.
He squinted, he strained his eyes to discern any distinguishing features that could identify these travelers.
As he neared, he noticed a shiny emblem on one of the cars that immediately drew his attention.
As he recognized the symbol, his heart skipped a beat, pounding in his chest. The emblem of the Band of Giants, the most renowned and powerful mercenary guild in the nation, was prominently displayed. Surprise filled Erik's eyes, causing them to widen.
<What are they doing here, so close to the White Desert and heading towards Testrovsc's Rest? >
Stunned, Erik halted in his tracks, his mind flooded with a whirlwind of unanswered questions. The Band of Giants' presence was no small matter. They were legendary figures, their name echoing across distant lands. Their arrival could mean a significant event was unfolding back in the city.
"Two days," Erik said to himself. "I've been away for two days, and things are already happening." He felt a pang of frustration. Leaving Testrovsc's Rest to train and improve himself, it felt as if he was disconnected from important events happening around him.
As he gazed at the convoy, it diminished into a mere speck on the horizon. He could follow them to the city and uncover the truth behind the commotion.
But he had a mission, a purpose that consumed his thoughts and drove him forward. His purpose was to reach the White Desert, not get involved in Testrovsc's rest affairs. His clones were bound to take care of it if it involved his people.
However, an undercurrent of unease continued to gnaw at him. The Band of Giants didn't move without reason. Their presence in this area was a clear sign that something significant was happening or about to happen.
Erik let out a heavy sigh as he turned his gaze away from the disappearing convoy. With determination in his heart, he pressed on, knowing he had a destination to reach. With no time to spare, distractions or detours were out of the question.
Seeing the Band of Giants, and the unease it gave him, prompted Erik to check his status.
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[Host Information]
NAME: Erik Romano
AGE: 18
POWER LEVEL: 378
SYSTEM LEVEL: 46
EXPERIENCE: 95960/115600
DNA POINTS: 21150
HEALTH: 3440/3440
MANA: 3370/3370
[Attributes]
STRENGTH: 178
INTELLIGENCE: 220
DEXTERITY: 158
ENERGY: 167
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 gain 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, making the host able to replicate it inside his own body. Notice: Changing the DNA is a slow process, and it is required to use 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: Cσ3D-RANKED (Conjure poisonous mana darts whose lethality depends on the mana injected)
POISONOUS ASTRAL WOLF BITE: Cσ2D-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: Cν1B-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: Cν1C-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: Cσ1E-RANKED (Allows creating a powerful ice blade, but needs a real weapon to be used as a base)
STRENGTH ENHANCER: Cρ2D-RANKED (Depending on the amount of mana used, the amount of strength increases)
PLANT MASTER: Cπ1B-RANKED (Allows to grow and control plant based organism. The usage depends on the plant and the user's will.)
CHAMELEON VEIL: Cρ1C-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: Cσ2C-RANKED (Allows to emit a roar that can instill fear into the surrounding creatures. It affects all but the user.)
TARGET LOCK: Cσ3D-RANKED (Allows the user to lock onto the mana signature of a target in order to always find it.)
CHIMERIC BIOMETAL SOLDIER: Cο2A-RANKED (This power allows the user to create a human-worms hybrid with 50% of the user's physical stats. The clones are permanent, but to make them, a lot of mana is necessary; they can't use brain crystal powers. The clone is born from an egg, and it takes a month for them to reach maturity after having hatched two weeks after the eggs were made. Before that, their physical stats are lower than 50% of the original's body. The clones are half as intelligent as the main body, but know everything the main body knows when he created them. They also have several biological abilities.)
THELEPATHY: Cρ1C-RANKED (It allows Telepathic talk with creatures of the same species or similar DNA)
SOLIDIFYING SLIME: Cσ1D-RANKED (It allows to produce a slimy substance whose viscosity, stickiness and quantity depends on the amount of mana used. The Slime can solidify and its hardness depends again on the mana used)
AEROKYNESIS: Cσ3A-RANKED (This innate ability grants the wielder precise control over wind generation and manipulation. The potential of this power is intricately linked to the proficiency of the user, affording them the capacity for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, as well as the versatility to engage targets both near and far.)
[Skills]
Kyokar hand-to-hand style (ADVANCED) (A military fighting style developed in Frant)
Crypt of the Desert Style (ADVANCED) (Flyssa fighting style developed by Master Nieminen)
Etrium's sword style (INTERMEDIATE) (Basic Sword Style developed in Etrium.)
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