Capítulo 5: Eldritch Fissures
Silence descended as the duke weighed his options. As much as he hated me right now, he still acted logically and granted me my demands. He could not afford to lose his daughter, especially since she will be the successor of his legacy.
"Very well. If you go this far, you surely know the consequences of your action. Words can't be taken back no matter how many years pass. And if you dare to harm Adeline in any way, I will send my men to hunt you down for the rest of your life. Do you understand?" He warned me, clenching his fists.
Breaking into a smile, I muttered the words "Try me." before leaving.
Now, I have alot of things to do. I do intend on visiting the academy since I need the future antagonists alive. Sadly, the protagonist of this world has the habit to kill the ones that wronged him so my interference is necessary.
Passing the time needed for duke Hazecrest to prepare everything, I thoroughly inspected my body. What I'm about to do has a good chance of killing me so I need every bit of knowledge about my condition to better calculate the outcome.
Although riddled with a few scars, my body was toned and in a good shape. I'm glad the former owner took care of himself and did not laze around. Furthermore, I couldn't discern any abnormalities or sicknesses that would hinder me from' absorbing mana.
To precisely measure my strength, I let my mana circulate through my body like water.
Following the novels words to the letter, I repeated this process several times until information mysteriously appeared in my head. This method also has the nice addition that it shows you the abilities you possess.
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Name: Leon (Noah)
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Rank: F
Mana Synchronisation: F
Physical Capabilities:
-Agility: F
-Strength: F+
-Endurance: F+
-Martial Skills: A-
Mind:
-Muscle-Mind Connection: F-
-Mental Fortitude: A
-Sensory Awareness: C
Unique Abilities:
(F-Rank Unlocked) Embodied Artistry: Feed off the emotions stirred in those watching your performance. Mesmerize your audience and let them fuel your strength.
(E-Rank Locked) ...
(D-Rank Locked) ...
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"It's alright I suppose." I muttered after reading through my stats. I already expected this body to be average at best so it didn't come as a suprise to me that every stat that originates from this body is around F-rank.
In this world, your strength is measured in letters. Starting with F- are the weakest of the weak.
Oppressed, worthless people who live in filth and hunger their entire lives. They have no say in anything and are basically just decorations or a weak punching bag.
The average person will climb up to E-Rank and just be a normal part of this world. Although their strength is nothing to scoff at, it isn't considered extraordinary either.
Most of these people are able to fend for themselves without relying on others and they usually manage to make ends meet.
Following that comes D, C, B, A and finally S-Rank. The few entities that reached S-Rank are mostly unknown to the world since they live right beside the giant rifts scattered across the world.
Through their extremely high Mana Synchronisation, they don't need to fear losing their mind staying near them.
It wouldn't be strange for them to be able to obliterate cities without breaking a sweat or even annihilate a good portion of humanity just because. The world practically bends around them as they are an existence that transcends common sense.
A very important factor in reaching these heights are the abilities you possess. They match up with your traits and reflect your character as a whole.
It is very possible for them to be useless and bad but this will be a result of neglecting your strength and refusing to improve yourself.
Embodied Artistry perfectly overlaps with my previous actions and I'm sure this will come in handy many times.
Hearing a knock on my door, I knew it was time to go. This will be the start of my journey in this godforsaken world where strength is absolute.
A simple servant guided me towards a horse, covered in steel platings that served as armor. It radiated power and authority, making itself known by its imposing presence.
Its muscles were bulging under the metal plates while the hooves shone brightly, reflecting light in all directions. Luckily, it seemed obedient and not temperamental lest it could kill me by accident.
Handing me a pouch filled with gold coins, a map of the kingdom and a letter with the duke's insignia, the servant quietly left. Reading over the letter quickly in case it is some sort of trap, I stashed it away after finding nothing faulty.
Giving the horse some time to adapt to me, I was just about to leave when a voice came out from behind me.
"Noah? Why are you leaving so suddenly?"
Turning around, I saw none other than Adeline, looking concerned and worried.
My now biological sister sure is obnoxious. Always checking up on me and overseeing my every movement. Should I just tell her that the former Noah is dead? But then she'll ask even more questions and won't stop bothering me unless I give her answers.
"Don't worry sister. I will be back before the academy starts... I think. I will just visit the Eldritch Fissures and come back right after." I said, trying my hide my impatience.
"Eldritch Fissures? Don't tell me you mean that mana rift? Don't you know how dangerous that is? It isn't nicknamed "The Talent Crusher" for no reason. Do you even know how many prodigies died there?" Adeline bombarded me with countless questions, clearly exasperated.
"Calm down, I will only spectate it from far away and not enter the hazardous area. Our father sent me to gain some experience. before entering the academy." I lied.
"But... can I atleast come with you." She pleaded.
It took me a couple of minutes of convincing and gaslighting to make her believe that I will be totally fine. Although unwilling, she did eventually give up.
After bidding farewell, I mounted the horse and left the manor. The insane acceleration and g-force made me feel dizzy but I managed to stay on top of the horse somehow. It isn't at B-Rank for nothing.
I constantly checked my back in order to spot anything suspicious. Duke Hazecrest implied that he would want me dead so assassins lurking in the shadows are a very real possibility.
I can't even lay out traps for them since the ones I learned were only intended against normal human beings.
With the help of the map, I navigated my way through the city and headed northwards. Crossing dense forests, swamps and small mountains, I finally arrived at the edge of the forest where the Eldritch Fissure was located. To my surprise, it didn't seem that someone was sent after me.
With the horse excelling in speed, I was able to make it in just a few hours. My mount attracted a few jealous gazes but sadly, nobody tried to do anything funny. I wanted to test out how Embodied Artistry works but I guess I have to wait.
Caged in by massive walls with guards patrolling everywhere was a valley stretching for miles, full of lush greenery as nature bloomed within. It was a highly protected environment due to the dangers it has on those that are too close.
From afar, I could already feel the intense amount of mana radiating off from the valley. It was a soothing feeling, almost like being enveloped in warm water.
Even though it wasn't a physical sensation, it felt as if something was touching my body and soul.
I slowed down as I approached a small village right in front of the walls. Merchants from all across the continent gather here to sell their goods to the young people that desperately want to enter the fissure.
The reason this mana rift is so popular is because it is so far the only one that humanity managed to claim for themself after driving off the mana hungry beasts residing near it. Even the academy that is built above a mana rift has powerful creatures roaming nearby.
Walking through the bustling marketplace, I spotted numerous stalls selling different things such as clothes, weapons or food. They provide you with everything you need in order for you to fully utilize your time here.
A long queue formed before the gate leading right into the fissure. Countless people eagerly waited for their opportunity to step into the Eldritch Fissures as this would be a once in a lifetime chance.
The kingdom meticulously keeps track of everyone who entered it to make sure the common folk does not benefit from it too much. It would be disastrous for them if the commoners gain too much power to keep them controlled.
Corruption flows deep and systematic oppression is rampant throughout the Thalvith kingdom.
Nobles bribe eachother to let their children come here as many times as possible to get an advantage over others. Not that it concerns me since I'm on the privileged side.
Skipping the line, I walked straight towards the entrance. As expected, a guard stopped me immediately but before he could even speak up, I already handed him the letter. Taking a quick look at it, the guard nodded and let me enter.
"Hey! Why can he just enter? I waited here for 2 hours already! Let me through as well!" A frustrated boy shouted angrily while pointing at me.
This caused a commotion as the whole queue complained and showed their displeasure. Some even started to get violent but were quickly dealt with by the guards.
Paying no heed to the people behind me, I entered the Eldritch Fissures. It's time to become stronger.
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