Chapter 5: Back to School Grounds
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Theon’s eyes slowly fluttered open and this time he wasn’t greeted by a bright blue sky, but a dark one. The moon and stars acted as a source of light, as well as the fireflies that occasionally passed by.
"It’s already this late..." Theon whispered weakly. "Just how long was I out?"
He groaned as he forced himself to sit up, then his eyes widened. ’My body! It is much lighter than before! And essence is flowing into my body at a faster rate, without me even doing anything. What the hell did that system do to me this time?’
Suddenly, as if answering his questions, the system interface appeared in front of him once more. But it felt different, it looked different too. It was no longer glowing in its regular bluish hue, but it had turned golden now.
[Absorption of Divine Essence complete]
[The Host’s status will now be displayed]
[Status]
[Name: Theon Grey]
[Level 1]
[Mutation type: Divine Mutation]
[Resonance Core: Triple resonance core (E rank)]
[Essence Purity: Divine]
[Strength: 17]
[Speed: 25]
[Endurance: 15]
[Intellect: 28]
[Charm: 30]
[Abilities]
[Flash Step: Enables host to move at lightning speed. At peak potential, host can cross universes within seconds]
[Death Slash: Infuses a weapon with necrotic energy that rots anything it cuts. Wounds caused by it can’t be healed or regenerated. At peak potential, host can cut through the very essence of life.]
[Umbra Bind: Shadows wrap around enemies, binding and crushing them. Shadow strength usually increases in dark environments. At full potential, host will possess complete control over shadows within a realm, allowing him to crush entire armies.]
[Locked]
[Locked]
[Host is currently incapable of possessing all abilities due to his weak body]
[More abilities will be unlocked as the host evolves]
Theon stared wide-eyed at his current status. "I thought the original Theon was an F rank? Did I evolve during that essence outburst that occurred?"
"The purity of my Essence has also improved to divine rank. From his memories, that is the highest rank of purity, and it is incredibly rare to find one with it. A one in a million chance even. But, what does this mean? Triple resonance core? Even through his memories I’ve never seen it before."
Then, for the first time ever, the system actually acted like— well, a system and answered his question.
[Host has a triple resonance core due to the three divine essences he inherited]
Theon’s lips curled into a grin. "So that’s how it is..." He whispered, and just as the system had said, when he checked on his resonance core, it wasn’t one but three. Each one varying in color. One was golden, signifying lightning, another purple signifying death and the last black for darkness.
He clenched his fist. "I can feel the raw power rushing within my veins. So this is what it means to be an E rank!"
Next, he decided to focus on the ability section that the system displayed. "Each of these abilities are relatively powerful. The best part is that they balance each other out in the combat aspect. Flash Step boosts my agility, but Death Slash— Death Slash is the most dangerous out of the three.
Once cut, one can’t recover from it. I can’t use it carelessly, only in life or death situations. And Umbra Bind— it is very versatile since I can hold enemies in one place then close the distance and end things quickly."
A wide smile formed on his face. "And for some really weird reason..." He stretched out his arm in the direction of a nearby tree. "I already know how to use these abilities." Suddenly, shadow-like tentacles emerged from the ground and latched themselves onto it. Small cracks formed slowly on its surface as the tentacles held it down.
"It feels so natural..." Theon’s eyes glowed brightly. "With all these at my disposal— I feel like I finally have a chance to get my revenge."
He looked up to the sky and allowed the soft wind to blow against his skin. "I really should start heading back now!" He grunted as he forced himself to stand up.
The forest clearing was relatively close to the school, so it wouldn’t take him up to fifteen minutes if he walked. His only problem was how he was going to explain the blood that soaked his top.
Even if he was to say he was attacked by an F rank beast, no one would ever believe that him, a lowly F rank with no ability, came out alive from a fight with a beast.
"Another problem added to the ones I’m already going through." He sighed and began his walk back to the school. He already knew the way back, so he wasn’t really worried. Before long, he could see the large towering gates of the academy.
Its shimmering silver surface reflected the moonlight, making it look ethereal. Stationed at the front of the gate were two men wearing black and white security uniforms.
Theon approached them slowly. The guards’ attention instantly shifted upon noticing his presence. "You! Who are you and what are you looking for all the way here?!" one of the guards stated, his voice commanding.
Theon breathed in. ’Okay! Just calm down and act like a scared student.’
"I-I’m a student here." Theon stammered, putting on his best acting performance. He didn’t want to dive in and narrate the whole story of why he was bloody. He would only answer according to what he was asked.
The guard squinted his eyes in suspicion. "Let me see your student ID!" He stretched out his hand.
Theon immediately began rummaging through his pockets, acting as erratic as possible before he pulled out a holographic card and handed it to the guard. ’Luckily this didn’t get lost or stolen while those bastards killed me.’
The guard observed the card for a few seconds, then looked up at him. "Are you sure this is you, kid... You look very different." The guard showed him the ID card.
On the card was his details such as his name and his rank as well as which class he was placed in. There was a profile picture as well, and his hair as well as his eyes were— black.
Theon stared wide-eyed at the card. ’F**k!! I forgot that the original Theon had black hair.’
He suddenly felt like slapping himself. He had completely forgotten that when he reincarnated in his body, his hair and eye color had changed to a golden hue.
"W-well, about that... I decided to dye my hair, and put contact lenses on." Theon muttered quietly, but audible enough for the guards to hear.
The guard looked him up and down then clicked his tongue. "F**king cosplayers!" He hissed before handing Theon his ID card. "Open the gates, and let him pass!" He ordered the other guard.
The other guard immediately obeyed, and a small door created for students to walk in and out opened up.
"T-thank you!"
"Just get out of here, kid!" The guard hissed.
Theon hurriedly walked through the door and immediately they closed, he heaved out a sigh of relief. "Luckily they didn’t ask about the blood, or I’m not sure they would’ve let me in. I guess they must be used to students coming back all injured and bloodied."
He looked around, and exactly like his memories, the school really was a marvel of engineering. Tall buildings that would make one look up to the sky stood at carefully placed locations.
The school was large too, almost as large as a city in fact.
Theon sighed. "Another round of walking, I’m getting real tired of this. The person who built this school must really be an idiot, placing the student dorms at the back of the school."
He shook his head and began his second round of his long walk and after about another thirty minutes, he could finally see the outline of the dorm building.
A smile shone on his face and he quickened his pace.
Getting closer though, he could see the silhouette of a person— a female, right in front of the male dorm strutting to and fro with a worried expression on her face. ’Who is that... And what is she doing here around this time?’
He continued walking, but this time at a slower pace, not that he was worried since he could just lie if questioned.
When he finally reached the dorm gates, she noticed him and her neck snapped in his direction.
"Good even..." Theon tried to greet her but was suddenly cut short as a soft feeling enveloped his body. "What the hell"
