Chapter 6: Elfwood Elixir.
Sitting on the bed, waiting for his beautiful aunt to arrive, he said,
"System, show me my stats."
[Status]
[Name: Xavier Thyrasou]
[Age: 18]
[Race: Hybrid]
[Level: 1]
[HP: 70/100]
[Exp: 0.00%]
[LUK: 6]
[AGI: 20]
[INT: 10]
[LP: 25/200]
[Willpower: 3/100]
[CHA: 1/20]
[Lineage: Null]
Drake grumbled as he got up and looked around Kathy's room. Just then, Kathy came in.
"You're here. Let's go to the training hall, Xavier," she said, smiling at him.
Xavier followed her quietly until they arrived at a door with silver decorations and a large eye in the middle.
"Wow, there's a lot of silver and gold around here. I'd be rich if I could take all this back to Earth," he said with a wistful smile.
"Welcome, Lady Kathy and Xavier," a metallic voice said, surprising Drake. It was the door speaking, with a single eye but no mouth.
"Don't be surprised, Xavier. This is an enchanted door to the training grounds," Kathy explained.
"I understand."
"It's intended for the Clan Master and the esteemed family," she added.
"I understand," Xavier said, waiting for the door to open.
"You're eager," she smiled at him.
"Open," she commanded. With a celestial hum, the door vanished, revealing the training grounds—a landscape where astral energies danced among ancient celestial trees and hills echoing with cosmic secrets. Drake's jaw dropped in awe.
"This surpasses my imagination," he muttered as he scanned the area. His eyes caught a Starlight Bow and a Voidblade Dagger.
Almost shouting with excitement, he pointed out the weapons to his aunt.
"What's this?" he asked, amazed.
"That is a Phoenix Talons: twin blades shaped like the talons of a phoenix, said to be forged in the fires of the celestial bird's rebirth," Kathy replied, smiling.
Drake marveled at the beauty of the blades.
"And this is the Celestial Blade: a sword forged from rare astral metals, imbued with celestial energies. It's the finest blade, but there are many more," she continued.
"This is all a dream, Drake," he said to himself as he walked towards the Phoenix Talons.
As Xavier reached for the Phoenix Talons, a resonating voice echoed, "Don't touch it yet, Xavier. You're still too weak for its imprint." He diverted his attention, following his aunt to a nearby box. She gestured for him to open it, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Drake, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation, eagerly complied.
Opening the box revealed a metallic sword, its luster catching his eye. He stared at it in bewilderment before raising his head to meet his aunt's gaze, a question lingering in his expression.
With a chuckle, she explained, "Apologies, dear. You're not yet ready for the talons. You must wield this for now until you're ready to handle greater power. Beware, not all artifacts are to be trifled with; some are possessed, while others seek an imprint."
"Got it," he sighed, feeling a bit disappointed beneath his excitement.
"Okay, let's see how quick your reflexes are," she said, a playful twinkle in her eyes.
"Sure," he replied, determination replacing his initial disappointment.
"Feel free to attack me from any angle," she offered, assuming a defensive stance.
Xavier took a deep breath, ready to strike. But before he could react, a sudden blow struck the back of his neck, causing him to wince in pain.
"Wow, she's really fast," he muttered, clearly taken aback.
[I bet you didn't expect that, host.]
'Very true,' he thought, shifting to the left despite the soreness in his neck. He observed his aunt, looking for an opportunity.
"Come on, hit me," she encouraged, her laughter reverberating in the training hall.
Motivated by her challenge, Xavier lunged forward, aiming for her face. His strike missed, leaving him open to a swift counter that sent him crashing into the wall.
[Host injured —10 HP]
Frustration surged within him as he coughed up blood, "This body is too slow and weak," he lamented, grappling with the pain.
"Are you alright, Xavier? I didn't mean to..." she started, concern evident in her voice. Before she could finish, he tried to pin her down, only to be effortlessly thrown once more.
Lady Kathy approached Xavier with a delicate vial cradled in her slender fingers. Within its translucent depths swirled a crimson-red liquid, gleaming like the blood of ancient heroes, yet pulsing with a vibrant vitality.
"Take this, Xavier," she spoke, her voice hushed with reverence.
"What's that?" he asked.
"This is an Elfwood Elixir, a gift from the ancient spirits of our forest realm."
As she uncorked the vial, a soft, red glow spilled out, filling the room with a soothing light that danced in the air. The scent of fresh flowers and herbs floated around them, bringing a sense of calm and renewal.
"I see, it looks good. I hope it isn't bitter," he said.
Lady Kathy immediately burst into laughter.
This elixir is made from the essence of our sacred trees and blessed by the stars above," Lady Kathy explained, her eyes shining with reverence, "it has the power to heal wounds and make us stronger, just like the forest itself."
"Don't worry, it's not bitter," she added.
"Now, hurry up and take a sip, Xavier," she encouraged, her voice warm and gentle, "and feel the magic of the forest restore you."
With a warm smile, Lady Kathy handed the vial to Xavier, who accepted it with a nod and drank its contents in one gulp. As the liquid flowed through his veins, a chill washed over him, followed by a comforting warmth that enveloped his body.
[Congratulations, Host. HP +40, Willpower +1]
The alert flashed on the reddish panel, eliciting a smile from Xavier.
"I'm ready for another round," he declared, his energy renewed.
"It's time to play by my rules," he whispered to the System, a mischievous glint in his eye.
[I sense something intriguing, Host. This should be interesting.]
"Activate Arousing Aura," Xavier commanded.
[Arousing Aura activated.]
"Good," Xavier thought, "I may not be the strongest, but I'll use my charm to gain the upper hand."
"Get ready, Xavier," Lady Kathy warned, poised for attack.
"Always prepared," Xavier replied confidently, awaiting her move.
Lady Kathy lunged forward, aiming a punch at Xavier, but he deftly evaded her strike and lightly touched her hand before delivering a gentle counterattack. Her confusion was evident—why was he holding back?
"You're so beautiful, Aunt Kathy," Xavier remarked, catching her off guard.
Her laughter filled the air as she responded, "Flattery won't soften my blows, Xavier."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone