The Beast Companion Technique had already sparked a surge of progress within Eren's rank.
He could feel his body becoming more resilient than ever before. The overwhelming physical might of Tiamat, now intertwined with his own being, seemed to seep into him through their strong connection. Bit by bit, the Last Spider's aura was getting tinged with a draconic might.
Eren decided to access the spectral screen to check up on the progress he had made so far.
*****
Name- Eren Elijah Idril
Organization: Stardust Guild
Outstanding Credit: ~68,800 Mana Quartz (excluding interest. Contact Stardust Guild Administration for an accurate figure)
I-Rune Imprint: * (verified)
Ranking Status: Rank 2: Awakened Ranker (Vapour State Mana Core: Stage 3)
Class- Battlemage
Ranking Technique- ???
Other Techniques- Jeet Kune Do (mortal Martial Arts), Twin Star Arts, Soul Strengthening Technique, Beast Companion Technique
Base Stats:
HP- 92.5 / 92.5
MP- 95.9 (?) / 95.9 (?)
STR- 90.2
AGI- 91.7
INT- 93.5
BTP- 463
Rank 2 Miscellaneous Spell: One Up
Lightning Spells: Solid Spark, Blitz Steps, Blitz Wave, Blitz Storm, Blitz Heal, Blitz Arrow, Blitz Shield, Blitz Shard, Blitz Whip, Taranbiest, Lightning Seed, Lightning Tree
Fire Spells: Alfem, Igni Wave, Igni Lotus, Igni Chains, Igni Shards, Igni Bolt Blast, Igni Breath
Wind Spells: Anemoi(wind-element summoned tiger), Venti Spears, Venti Ball, Wind Shards, Venti Rings
*******
Eren felt a sense of satisfaction with his current advancements. However, the sight of the ever-increasing outstanding credit displayed on the spectral screen unsettled him. If he didn't address his financial situation soon, the exorbitant interest rates imposed by the Stardust Guild would only exacerbate the issue.
Apart from the loan amount owed to the Stardust Guild, Eren found himself burdened with additional debts. He needed to compensate his friends for the troubles they endured during his two-year vegetative state. Furthermore, he felt the need to offer restitution to Kiara Croft and other rankers from the Stardust Guild.
On top of that, he owed a debt of gratitude to Malcolm for offering him Awakened rank artifacts and spells. Malcolm had already provided him with substantial assistance. Eren didn't wish to burden the bald merchant any further.
Eren found himself drowning in financial obligations, and each reminder of his loan only served to highlight his dire financial situation. It was precisely why he had relied on Sofiya to cover the expenses of their recent inn stay, as he couldn't bear to add more to his mounting debts.
Yet, for now, all he could do was avert his gaze and make the spectral screen vanish from his line of sight. He defied the adage "seeing is believing" in his own way, believing that if he couldn't see it, it simply didn't exist.
***
"Thank you, Kino. I appreciate everything you've done."
Eren expressed his gratitude with a slight bow, his excitement palpable after the successful binding of his ranking journeys with that of Tiamat's through the Beast Companion Technique.
A smile graced Kino's face as she responded, "Hehe, it's my pleasure to assist you, Eren. Your potential as a Ranker never ceases to amaze me. And to be frank, your existence itself is an enigma. So I'm hoping that assisting you might lead to some interesting developments in the world of Gilaahan."
Rising from his seated position, Eren raised an eyebrow, urging Kino to elaborate on her intriguing statement. With a keen gaze, she began, "Eren, I once mentioned that there is a deeper reason behind the formation of Hexers, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did," Eren confirmed. "At the time, you told me I was too weak to delve into the foundations of the Hexers."
Kino sighed before proceeding, "That's correct, but I believe the time has come for you to know. Eren, the various Creeds of Hexers extend beyond the world of Gilaahan. These Hexer schools, or isms, exist in multiple worlds infested with demons. Hexers were created by gods to counter demons and demonkind across these worlds."
Eren was taken aback by Kino's revelation. "Gods?" he exclaimed, his mind racing with questions.
Kino nodded, answering his unspoken inquiry, "Indeed. Just as there are demonic planes, there are also divine planes. Within these divine planes reside entities known as gods.
If you had explored Gilaahan more extensively, you would have discovered the presence of various demonic and divine faiths, which are usually referred to as cults.
The Shaikai kingdom, although not prominently exposed to such faiths, has not remained completely isolated from these forces either. It maintains neutrality to avoid drawing attention but receives support from certain divine faiths in the shadows. The kingdom occasionally acts to subjugate demonic forces within its borders under the guidance of these faiths."
Eren's mind immediately flashed back to his encounter with Bulal Blood and his party of demonic rankers. Years ago, he had considered it a routine subjugation request from the Shaikai kingdom. Now, he realized that there were hidden forces at play during that mission.
Allowing Eren a moment to digest the information, Kino continued, "I assume you have faced off against demonic rankers before. Their greatest advantage lies in their ability to harness intent-based demonic magic, which amplifies their ordinary spells and abilities, making them significantly more powerful.
Truly awakened demonic rankers pose a formidable challenge to normal Rankers, Evokers, and Elementalists. This is because the entities blessed by demons possess streamlined access to intent-based magic, unlike other practitioners."
Eren began to grasp the implications of Kino's words but remained silent, allowing her to proceed with her explanation.
"The Hex magic was bestowed upon devout followers by the gods to empower them with intent-based magic," Kino's voice turned serious as she locked eyes with Eren. "The Hex gear was created to counter the demonic powers unleashed by awakened demonic rankers. Only intent-based magic can truly contend against intent-based magic."
The existence of gods, the celestial struggle between demonic and divine forces, and the Hexers' role as a counterbalance to the awakened demonic rankers fascinated Eren. He absorbed Kino's words, the weight of their meaning settling upon him.
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