Perks and Skills are two diverse things. However, Perks can be seen as skills that do not need energy to be activated, skills that are more or less the hero's own sense. This is why a lot of heroes yearn for Perks although the importance of skill cannot be watered down by Perks. These two are meant to work hand in hand, one passively with or without consent while the other actively —with consent.
And all these fundamentals were what Raith was taught while preparing for his trial of the archons.
But how could he forget
Including the fact that there is a reason why heroes aim to go to dungeons more than hunt in fields. And that reason is:
Monster cores, and magic crystals.
Magic crystals are minerals that mutate after their exposure to cosmotic energy and just like the tier of ranks of dungeons, their grade is also in that increasing order. Their uses are endless especially when it comes to crafting items.
Monster cores, however, are a bit more different story. They also can be used to craft items, in fact, such items would be incredibly strong compared to when crafted with magic crystals. But the reason why heroes don't use cores to craft a lot is because they can be used to increase one's dust energy.
'If dust energy was what was likened to magic energy in Felfhiem then maybe all I need to do is absorb a core.'
Raith rolled away barely dodging the black sharp claws of the panther, he picked himself up quickly and made a run for it.
'I have to absorb a monster core. I have to absorb a monster core. I have to absorb a monster core. I have to absorb a monster core. I have to absorb a monster core'
Was all that crowded his mind as he ran cutting left and right to avoid panthers that jumped down from the trees or suddenly leap towards him from his left or right when he wasn't looking.
It was impressive that he was able to outrun monsters who are speed-based.
But no matter how far he kept going he wasn't going to absorb a core by running away from the monsters behind him.
And he knew there was a bigger problem— the abyss is watching. The feeling of being laughed at haunted him and he suddenly made a U-turn lunging his fist into the monster that leaped at him simultaneously increasing his stat.
[10 points have been added to Strength stat]
The impact of the blow created a loud impact that caused the other panthers to pause as that one flew backward toppling on the ground.
[Activating Intimidation]
[All monsters towards you will be cautious of your strength]
'...I guess it hasn't reached the fear level yet'
The panthers that were lunging at him like love at first sight just a moment ago suddenly were circling him with an intense glare. The red patterns of their attack kept changing every time they moved.
He could tell they were being extremely cautious. More like they didn't want to end up with their pal there whose belly was already glittering.
The moment monsters inside dungeons die, their cores began to rise to the surface, like the energy is trying to escape but it just makes it easy for extraction.
And right now the only thing that was on Raven Raith's head was how to cross this monster and reach that glittering thing.
Although he must admit that he was amazed at how much power he was able to pull there, he never imagined it going that way— and definitely did not know the panther would die from one punch.
But it was pure coincidence, for a brief moment the synergy clicked the moment he redirected all the force of his speed and threw a punch and to top it– added more strength stat points to a 'flying punch'. He was bound to see an extraordinary result.
"Aish damnit!!"
He shouted and ran forward regardless. While the panthers in front of him jumped out of the way by impulse the ones behind him leaped at him. This particularly arrogant one seemed to be an excellent and extraordinary jumper. His figure was already above Raith who put more speed to his legs.
He rolled over to where the dead panther lay barely avoiding the claws of the great jumper.
He looked down at the dead monster and looked at the jumper who snarled at him and looked at the dead monster too.
Raith used both hands to tear the part that was glittering, his hand couldn't tear it much, but a little was enough for the white core to slip out.
Raith immediately grabbed it and move back, being cautious of the monsters too —who looked like they were trying to figure out what he just took from their dead brother.
And they were beginning to look angrier than before. With wrinkles all over their nose and their sharp teeth clapping together.
[You have obtained a 'white' monster core]
[Do you want to absorb the core Y/N]
Raith smiled.
"Yes"
[Absorbing core...]
Raith could feel the warmth enter his body as his hands began to release black sparks that flew around the core and the next it was gone.
[You have absorbed monster core]
[Digesting energy]
[Separating energy]
[Magic energy/ dust energy/ Fiendish energy/ cosmotic energy]
[You have a body that is compatible with cosmotic energy]
[Digesting cosmotic energy]
[Magic energy has upgraded to Cosmotic energy]
[You have gained 10 cosmotic energy]
"Oh wow..."
Raith was puzzled.
Cosmotic energy is a composition of all energy, it is the great source which others are branched out from. So, when a core is absorbed the energies are separated and only the one needed by the hero is digested, the rest is released into the atmosphere by diffusion through the skin pores.
It was already enough mystery that he kept seeing magic energy and has never seen dust energy on his status but now having a body compatible with cosmotic energy?
He was a tad away from saying 'What the hell am I?'
The monsters in front of him were running out of patience, he grinned and smacked his hands together as he could feel it in his bones, in his blood vessels, his muscles. The energy was overflowing everywhere and it was a new dimension of strength he had never tasted.
It was after all the first time he was going to truly use his skills.
He lunged towards the monster and in response, the great jumper ran towards him, growling with wide open mouth, inviting Raith to be his dinner.
[Activating skill Lavaration]
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