LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 15. Knowledge
I weighed the options carefully, considering each potential skill name and its implications for my journey ahead. Among the choices presented, three stood out to me with a spark of interest and practicality: Glimpse of Insight, Eyes of Discernment, and Aetheric Appraisal. The others, while not without merit, seemed either too limited in scope or redundant when compared to these favored options. Also with the skills all being passives, they would be easier to level and evolve them.
Glimpse of Insight, the name resonated with the notion of fleeting yet valuable glimpses into the mysteries surrounding me. It spoke of a skill that could offer crucial hints or flashes of understanding when needed most, making it a versatile tool for exploration and discovery.
Eyes of Discernment, this one was a more combat-related skill making it easier to track fast creatures with just my eyes alone. I feel like there is more to this one but I cannot see more information about it. It should not be that bad but I have no idea what it could be.
Aetheric Appraisal, the name hinted at an understanding of elemental energies and their interactions. It implied a skillset tailored for assessing magical phenomena and artifacts, providing insights into their nature and potential uses. In a realm where magic permeated every aspect of existence, such knowledge could prove to be a potent asset if I wanted to build resistance skills sooner rather than later I needed to choose this one. And it might also be able to see the elemental powers of shadow magic so I can know when I am being attacked again.
Time management in skill development can significantly impact one's progress and overall effectiveness. With the Glimpse of Insight offering the fastest progression, followed by Eyes of Discernment, and Aetheric Appraisal taking the longest, I had to weigh the benefits against the investment of time and effort required for mastery.
Choosing to prioritize the Glimpse of Insight skill was a strategic decision that aligned with my immediate needs and long-term goals. While combat abilities were valuable, my current focus on understanding and perception took precedence. The ability to gain insights and glimpses into hidden truths could prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of the world around me. The decision also allowed me to allocate time and resources toward enhancing other aspects of my abilities. With the ability to create fire out of wood and utilize it to increase my resistance levels, I could focus on developing fire resistance now and other elemental affinities later on.
Burning myself intentionally, while a risky endeavor, presented an opportunity for growth and resilience. Each trial by fire would not only increase my resistance to flames but also serve as a testament to my determination and will to survive and gain power.
The excruciating pain that surged through my right eye as I accepted the Glimpse of Insight skill was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It felt as though my very eye was being subjected to intense heat, melting and regenerating in an endless cycle of agony. Gritting my fangs against the searing sensation, I clenched my fists and focused on maintaining control over my mind and body. As the moments stretched into eternity, the intensity of the pain ebbed and flowed, like waves crashing against the shores of my resolve. Each surge of agony was met with a steadfast determination to endure, to embrace the metamorphosis taking place within me.
Through the haze of torment, flashes of insight and understanding flickered in my mind's eye. Fragments of hidden knowledge and unseen truths teased at the edges of my consciousness, tantalizing glimpses of the potential unlocked by this newfound ability.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the searing pain subsided, leaving behind a tingling sensation that spread through my entire being. Opening my right eye cautiously, I was greeted not with darkness, but with a newfound clarity and focus that transcended the physical realm.
I quickly learned that with this eye it had two modes, active and passive. Active gave me limited information about what I using it on. Passive was giving a feeling about what something is even if just glancing at it. I wonder if the skill level was high enough that I would be able to see invisible foes.
Using it on my hand I wanted to see what information it would hint at while still at level 1.
Royal Leech Lv??? Weak...
The use of the Glimpse of Insight skill to identify myself yielded unexpected and somewhat disheartening results. The words "Royal Leech" echoed in my mind, accompanied by the stark descriptor "weak." It was a revelation that cut deep.
The descriptor "weak" stung with a harsh reality. It laid bare the inherent vulnerabilities of my nature. It was a reminder that despite my skills and potential, I had much to learn and overcome.
Discovering that the active skill associated with the Glimpse of Insight didn't consume much MP per cast was a relief amidst the challenges I faced. With only 5 MP expenditure peruse, the skill became a valuable tool that I could utilize more frequently without exhausting my magical reserves. The manageable MP cost opened up possibilities for continuous practice and refinement of the skill. It meant that I could experiment, probe, and delve into insights without the constant worry of depleting my resources too quickly. This was crucial, especially considering the depth of understanding and perception of the skill promised. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to harness the Glimpse of Insight to its fullest potential. Each activation of the skill became an opportunity to sharpen my senses, unravel hidden truths, and gain crucial insights into the world around me.
Moreover, the efficient MP usage encouraged me to incorporate the skill into various aspects of my daily routines. Whether it was analyzing monsters, deciphering ancient texts, or examining items that could be used by me in the future.
With the nightshade hound's lifeless body occupying valuable space within my cave, it was imperative to address the situation promptly. Its presence not only cluttered the limited confines of my sanctuary but also posed potential risks, attracting scavengers or unwanted attention.
As I contemplated the most efficient course of action, options presented themselves to me.
Disposal: One option was to dispose of the body entirely, either by burying it deep underground or disposing of it in a remote location. This would eliminate the immediate problem of space constraints and mitigate any potential hazards posed by the decaying carcass.
Utilization: Another approach was to make use of the hound's remains in some way. Its hide, bones, or organs might hold value for crafting or alchemical purposes. By salvaging useful materials, I could turn the creature's demise into a resource for my endeavors.
Harvesting Blood and Using Meat as Bait: Extracting the remaining blood from the hound's body allowed me to salvage a valuable resource. Blood, especially from such a unique creature, might possess properties useful for alchemical concoctions, rituals, or even as a component in crafting enchanted items. It was a chance to glean hidden benefits from the creature's essence before disposing of its remains. Repurposing the hound's meat as bait for hunting was a strategic move. Creatures attracted to the scent of fresh meat could be lured into traps or ambush points, providing me with opportunities to secure additional food supplies or study new specimens for research purposes. It leveraged the instincts of local creatures while minimizing waste from the hound's carcass.
The notion that the Glimpse of Insight skill might possess a limited form of artificial intelligence to assist its user in generating ideas on the fly is indeed intriguing. Such a capability would significantly enhance the skill's utility, allowing for dynamic problem-solving and adaptability in various situations. In the case of dealing with the nightshade hound's body, the skill's AI-like assistance might have suggested the combined approach of harvesting blood and using the meat as bait based on factors such as available resources, environmental conditions, and the user's survival priorities. This would align with the skill's focus on providing practical insights and solutions tailored to the user's needs and circumstances.
Exploring how the Glimpse of Insight skill evolves as it levels up will be a fascinating journey. Whether its capabilities expand, its AI-like assistance becomes more sophisticated, or new functionalities are unlocked, the skill is bound to become an increasingly indispensable tool in my arsenal. Even if its abilities remain relatively static, the fundamental utility of the skill in providing practical insights and solutions to a variety of challenges makes it invaluable. Its efficiency in consuming MP and its potential for aiding in decision-making on the fly ensures that it will continue to be a reliable asset.
As I gathered the remaining blood of the nightshade hound into the prepared hole in the ground, I felt a sense of purpose and efficiency guiding my actions. The widened and deepened pit would serve as a makeshift storage chamber, preserving the blood for a longer period while maintaining its freshness and potency. With each careful transfer of the crimson fluid, I ensured that none of this valuable resource went to waste, mindful of its potential applications in future endeavors. Once the task of collecting the blood was complete, I turned my attention to the nightshade hound's carcass. With deliberate movements, I began the process of dismemberment, tearing the meat from the bones and breaking them into manageable sizes. Every sinew and tendon was carefully separated, ensuring that no portion of the creature's remains went unused.
As I worked, I made a conscious effort to preserve the pelt as intact as possible. The sleek hide would serve as a valuable asset, whether as a protective covering, material for crafting, or even as a makeshift container for transporting the dismembered body. With practiced hands, I carefully folded and secured the pelt, preparing it for its new role as my inventory. With the dismemberment complete and the pelt secured, I surveyed the fruits of my labor with a sense of satisfaction. What was once a cumbersome obstacle in my cave had been transformed into a collection of valuable resources, ready to be utilized in pursuit of my survival and goals.
Gathering the dismembered body and securing it within the pelt, I hoisted the makeshift bundle over my shoulder, feeling the weight of the nightshade hound's remains as a reminder of my resourcefulness and adaptability. With a determined stride, I set off into the wilderness, ready to make use of every advantage and opportunity that came my way.
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As I reached the chosen ambush spot, a sense of anticipation and caution filled my senses. The area seemed ideal for luring unsuspecting prey, with dense foliage providing ample cover for concealment.
I carefully scattered the torn meat and bones in a strategic arrangement, creating a trail leading to a small pile. The pieces leading to the pile would serve as enticing bait, drawing curious creatures or scavengers toward the trap I had set. Each placement was deliberate, maximizing the chances of success while minimizing the risk of detection by unwanted powerful predators.
Before retreating to my hiding spot, I climbed a nearby tree with swift and silent movements. Securing the pelt in a concealed position among the branches, I ensured that any lingering scents would be directed away from my actual hiding spot. It was a precautionary measure born from experience and caution, ensuring that my presence remained undetected by keen noses or magical senses that might be in the vicinity.
As I settled into my concealed position, I activated my detection skill at full power, attuning my senses to every subtle vibration, heat source, and scent in the surrounding environment. Time seemed to stretch as I waited in silence, attuned to the rhythms of nature and the subtle cues that signaled the presence of nearby life. Every rustle of leaves, every shift in the air, became a potential indicator of impending movement.
Minutes passed like hours, but I remained steadfast and focused, trusting in my skills and preparations. The anticipation of the impending ambush heightened my senses, sharpening my awareness to a razor's edge. And then, as if on cue, a faint rustling and the scent of curiosity filled the air. My heart quickened with restrained excitement as I prepared to spring into action, ready to capitalize on careful planning and keen instincts.
Forest Imp Lv??? weak?
A forest imp, small and mischievous, no taller than a 7-year-old child. Its tiny frame is draped in earthy greens and browns, blending seamlessly with the forest foliage. Its eyes, wide and curious, gleamed with intelligence and a hint of playful mischief. Delicate wings, like those of a bat, flutter lightly behind it, allowing it to dart through the trees with graceful agility.
I held my breath as the imp inspected the pelt hanging from a nearby tree. It seemed to sense something was amiss, its sharp eyes darting around with suspicion. My fingers tightened around the grip of my blood stake, ready to spring into action if needed.
To my relief and slight frustration, the imp eventually discarded the pelt and turned its attention back to the bait. With cautious curiosity, it began nibbling on the meat and gnawing at the bones, its tiny hands and sharp teeth making quick work of the offering. I marveled at its agility and resourcefulness, traits honed by survival in this forest.
As the imp became engrossed in its meal, I seized the opportunity to finalize my plan. With practiced stealth, I readied my weapon and adjusted my position for the perfect shot. The imp's guard was momentarily lowered, focused on its feast and unaware of the imminent danger lurking above. With a steady hand, I dropped right on top of the Imp impaling it through its left leg pinning it to the tree root it was sitting on. The imp let out a surprised squeak in pain, its eyes widening in realization of my attack.
Jumping back I watched the small creature struggle and swipe at me in desperation. The imp's eyes, filled with pain and fear, locked onto mine. There was a primal intelligence in those eyes, a defiance tempered by the harsh reality of its predicament. It continued to lash out, driven by instinct and desperation.
As the imp continued to struggle against the blood stake pinning it, its cries of pain mixing with growls of defiance, I hesitated. Despite wearing the protective blood armor, caution urged me to maintain a safe distance. Feeling the weight of urgency pressing upon me, I focused my energy on the vampiric bolt skill, I summoned dark energy into my hands, shaping it into a swirling bolt of crimson power tinged with hints of black. The air crackled with arcane energy as I aimed at the struggling imp. The imp, sensing the impending danger, intensified its efforts to break free. Its movements grew frantic, fueled by fear and pain. As it twisted and thrashed, it unleashed bolts of sickly greenish-black energy toward me, a manifestation of its innate magic and desperation.
Time seemed to slow as I faced the imp's counterattack. My instincts urged me to dodge, but the moment's urgency demanded focus on my offensive strike. The bolts streaked towards me, their eerie glow casting strange shadows in the dim forest. Charged and ready, the vampiric bolt surged from my hands toward the imp with deadly accuracy. The crimson-black energy cut through the air, leaving a trail of ethereal sparks in its wake. The imp's eyes widened in a mix of fear and realization as the bolt connected with its form, sapping away its life force, vampiric embrace. But seeing as just one was not enough I began shooting more bolts at it. Some are being charged with surge and others are just normal bolts.
As I stood amidst the aftermath of the intense confrontation with the forest imp, a mixture of emotions surged within me. The imp, weakened by the relentless barrage of my bolts, was on the brink of death when I made a fateful decision. Drawing upon dark magic, I cursed the imp with a bleeding effect. As the imp's life force ebbed away, I invoked the Regal Drain skill, a powerful yet somber ability. With a touch, I drew forth the remaining vitality from the dying imp, feeding off its blood to replenish my strength. With a final surge of power, I extracted the remaining blood from the imp, leaving no drop to waste.
Turning my attention to the resources at hand, with a portion of the blood, I crafted blood crystals, focusing my intentions on each crystalline formation. The crystals shimmered with a dark allure, embodying the essence of life and magic intertwined. Wrapping them securely in the pelt I had retrieved earlier, I ensured their safe transport back to the cave.
Along with the blood crystals, I gathered meat from both the imp and the remnants of the nightshade hound. The resources collected, though obtained through necessity and battle, held value beyond their immediate forms. They might be ingredients for rituals, spells, and creations yet to be unveiled in the future. I am not sure as of it right now but I should learn how to dismantle creatures better using the blood or make some type of primitive tools to help me, like stone knives.
Navigating through the forest with a sense of purpose, I returned to the safety of the cave, the shadows embracing me like old friends. The journey back was quiet, my thoughts consumed by plans and possibilities born from the encounters in the wilds. Arriving at the cave, I set about organizing the resources, each item. The pelt containing the blood crystals and meat exuded a faint aura of death and blood.
As I carefully arranged the blood crystals in the freshly dug hole, alongside the previous blood hole as a sample, I felt a surge of anticipation mingled with curiosity. The crystals glimmered faintly in the dim light of the cave, their dark allure hinting at the potent energies they held within.
Beside them, the meat from the imp and the nightshade hound rested in the coldest corner of the cave.
With a deep breath, I focused my attention on the crystals and activated the Glimpse skill repeatedly, channeling my magical reserves into the task. The skill allowed me to peer into the essence of things, to understand their nature and potential. The skill said that the blood crystals could be used for a wide range of things but due to my low rank, I would be unable to learn how to do them now. But it demanded a toll on my mana reserves making the process of leveling the skill take a long time.
Hours passed in a blur of concentration and repetition. Each scan revealed subtle changes in the blood crystals and other things inside the cave. A dance of energies and decay that hinted at deeper mysteries. My mana reserves dwindled with each use of the skill, a reminder of the limits of mortal abilities in the face of arcane wonders.
As the day stretched into night, and then into the early hours of the morning, I persisted in my task. The moments of insight gleaned from each scan fueled my determination, pushing me to unravel the secrets hidden. Finally, after a grueling fourteen hours of continuous scanning and analysis, a surge of energy pulsed through me, accompanied by a subtle shift in my perception. The Glimpse skill had leveled up, attuned to the nuances of the arcane energies it encountered. It was a moment of triumph tinged with exhaustion, a testament to perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge and power.
Reflecting on the experience, I noted the time investment required for the skill to level up. Uncertainty lingered regarding the exact experience gained per scan and the potential challenges ahead. The prospect of longer training sessions loomed on the horizon. I could train the skill while in the cave but also while I was out a few times then wait for my MP to regenerate and then cast it again to make the most of the time decreasing the time required to gain another skill level.
Forest Imp Lv2 Decay Appentaince Lv1 killed gaining 7 exp.
I finally looked at the notification of the kill against the Imp and was grateful for the decent amount of exp rewarded to me for killing it. I just need to kill one more creature to level up either my race or class.
As I sat in the quiet solitude of my cave, contemplating the newfound knowledge of being able to allocate experience points to either my race or class, a sense of excitement tinged with indecision washed over me. It was a revelation that opened up a realm of possibilities. Instead of points being distributed across each, I can focus on one and then switch to the other one. Or have them points be put into both after gaining exp automatically.
On one hand, investing in my race held the promise of unlocking latent abilities and unlocking the full potential of my ancestral heritage. Strengthening the foundation of my being could open doors to new avenues of power and resilience, rooted in the essence of who I am.
On the other hand, focusing on leveling up my class offered the opportunity to refine my skills and master the arcane arts with greater proficiency. Advancing along the path of my chosen vocation could grant me access to potent spells and abilities, honing me into a formidable force in the realms of magic.
After careful consideration, I found myself drawn to the idea of prioritizing my race's advancement. The ancient lineage that courses through my veins holds secrets and potential waiting to be unlocked. I needed the raw power gained just from a few levels in my race then would switch.
With a determined nod, I decided to allocate my experience points towards elevating my race's capabilities. 20 points of exp went into my race leaving me with just 5 points left until I reach the next level. Once I reach a certain level of power and can dispatch multiple foes at the same time I will be able to allocate exp to both at the same time raising them both. But for now, this will have to do.
I went back to examine the things around my cave trying to learn and see if anything in here could be of use or value to myself or other beings. If I can get to a point where I can converse with other races I may be able to trade with them for equipment or knowledge. But I am not sure if that is a good plan as I am now since I might be killed on the spot by how I look.
The realization that meeting other sentient races or beings required a level of strength and capability beyond mere survival dawned on me with profound clarity. The memories of past encounters, marked by fear and vulnerability, served as poignant reminders of the harsh realities beyond the safety of my secluded cave. The thought of hiding or suffering at the hands of others fueled a determination to rise above such circumstances. It was a recognition that true freedom and agency in the world required a formidable presence, both in skill and knowledge.
I will watch and learn from the races I plan to meet and avoid the ones deemed too dangerous to be around from afar watching from the shadow using my stealth skill. I just hope that I can understand them at the time so it is easier to blend into the once I have a better form than this one currently. If not I will have to do something when the time comes.
Each spell mastered, each skill honed, and each experience gained became stepping stones toward my goal of surpassing potential adversaries. It was not just about brute strength but also about understanding the intricacies of diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic alliances in realms where differing races and beings coexisted.
With my decision made and my path clear, I returned to my studies and training, eager to continue my journey of growth and discovery in the realms of magic and mystery. The future stretched out before me, filled with possibilities and challenges, as I embraced the transformative journey that lay ahead. All my skills needed to be leveled to max level, but also I needed to learn how to master Royal Blood Body to give me the best chance at survival and power.