Aelric
Ember opened the door leading to her room and came in, shutting the door behind her. She sat on the bed in a lotus position and started circulating mana within her body. She felt that her every cell slowly became revitalised. Ember tried to convert more of her mana into inner force, but without any success. She adjusted the state of her mind, and a peaceful expression appeared on her face. Suddenly cold voice reverberated in her head.
[Ding! Host's spirit attribute increased by two.]
Ember snapped out from the trance and was elated to see that she found a way to increase her tiny mana pool. She decided to continue meditating to see if she will keep getting more spirit points.
[Ding! Host's spirit attribute increased by one.]
[Ding! Host's spirit attribute increased by one.]
[Ding! Host's spirit attribute increased by one.]
Ember opened her eyes and realised that the entire day passed in the blink of an eye. It was already morning, but she didn't feel exhausted, on the contrary, she felt refreshed and full of energy.
Now that her mana pool was much higher than before, she tried to focus her mind on a sword resting comfortably in the scabbard that was attached to her belt. The sword slowly flew out of the scabbard and landed in her hand.
[Ding! Host's affinity towards "Space" increased by 1%.]
Ember threw the sword at the door and stopped it just a few centimetres before it reached its target. The blade halted in the air and slowly flew back to the scabbard.
[Ding! Host's affinity towards "Space" increased by 1%.]
She didn't become exhausted like the last time. However, she felt that her mana pool was shrinking at a fast pace when she used telekinesis. Ember decided to try to change the properties of space in her room. She increased the gravity around her by three times and tried to make a step forward.
With great effort, she managed to lift her leg and make one step. She felt an invisible force trying to pull her down, but she decided to carry on and challenge herself. A small amount of mana gathered in both of her fists as she started executing her punching routine. Salty drops of sweat dripped down her forehead, and a sheen of sweat covered her back. She quickly began to sweat intensively, and in a few minutes, her entire dress became drenched. She gritted her teeth and continued as she slowly started releasing her inner force to let her continue training under the crushing pressure. Every muscle and bone in her body felt like they were about to break. She finished her punching routine after a few minutes of training in incredible pain. Quickly after she ended, she altered the space again, and the gravity turned back to normal. With a loud thud, she fell to the floor.
[Ding! Host's attributes related to body increased by 3.]
"Show me my stats and affinity, no need to display the rest." said Ember still lying on the floor, slowly panting and trying to stabilise her breath.
[Displaying host's affinity and attributes.]
Elemental affinity: Space - 2% >> 4%
[Body]
Strength: 12 >> 15
Vitality: 11 >> 14
Agility: 15 >> 18
[Magic]
Spirit: 5 >> 10
Intelligence: 12
Total points: 69
After spending about twenty minutes resting on the floor, she slowly stood up. She was exhausted and could feel unpleasant stench coming from her body. Ember quickly threw her clothes off and sat in a tub filled with water that was already cold. She washed herself from head to toes and came out of the tub. She took a robe made out of white material, and when she was already dry, she quickly changed into clean, everyday clothes. Ember strapped a leather belt and attached her scabbard with a sword inside to the belt.
Satisfied by her training, she went to stroll around the mansion. Shortly after she left the room, she managed to overhear Elder Jorg talking about a tournament that will be taking place in their clan. The goal of the competition was to choose two youths that will be able to join the Holy Flame Academy in the capital. They decided to organise a tournament to help them select the most talented disciples that will be able to join the academy. The competition will take place in the gardens near the mansion in one week. There was only one requirement. The age of all participants had to be twenty-two or below.
[Host received a mission. Participate in the tournament and win an invitation to join the Holy Flame Academy.]
[Reward: Mystery gift, five upgrade stones and ten stat points.]
Ember's blood started boiling. Although she didn't care too much about joining some stupid academy, she was tempted by the rewards. The mystery gift piqued her interest, what could it be? She pondered about it for a moment and thought that she would find out sooner or later.
She quickly went to her father's office and knocked on the door twice. Egon opened the door and invited her inside. It was a small room with a large table and two armchairs that stood on the opposite sides of the table.
"Sit down, little pumpkin. What brings you here?" said Egon. It was very rare for his daughter to come to look for him.
"Dad, I want to go out of the mansion for a trip, also please sign me up for the upcoming tournament. I'll come back in one week." answered Ember as she sat on the armchair. She knew that this request might be a bit too much for her father to swallow.
"No way! It's not safe enough outside the clan territory, what if something happens to you? Please, be reasonable. If you require anything, then tell me. I will immediately send my men to get it for you." said Egon. He was worried about his daughter and didn't want her to go out.
"Dad, please. It's very important to me. I will go no matter what. About that tournament, I want to try myself." said Ember and crossed her arms.
"Fine... but you have to take somebody with you. You can't go alone. Furthermore, you must be back in five days. I will sign you up for the tournament." said Egon and sent a telepathic message to Elder Gorn to send his boy to guard his daughter during her trip.
"Okay, dad." said Ember and stood out.
"Wait, take this." said Egon and handed three gold and twenty silver coins to her. After all, he couldn't let her travel without money, right?
Just when Ember took the money, somebody knocked on the door and entered. It was Aelric, Elder Gorn's adopted son.
"System, scan him." ordered Ember in her head.
Target: Aelric
Age: 20
Rank: D+
Class: Knight
Elemental affinity: Darkness - 12%
Bloodline: -
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[Body]
Strength: 25
Vitality: 47
Agility: 21
[Magic]
Spirit: 27
Intelligence: 16
Total points: 136
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[Skills]
Blood Weapon: Allows the caster of this spell to strengthen his weapon with the power of his blood. Increases damage and durability of the weapon by 25%. If the user stops channelling blood into the weapon, the effect will end. Succesful hits with the enhanced weapon will drain blood from enemies and heal the caster. Affinity towards darkness that is 5% or higher is required to use this spell.
Dark Passenger [ Passive ]: Allows the user to surpass the limit of his body for a short time. When triggered it may affect the mental state of the user.
Dark Onslaught (2nd stage): Increases the speed of the user by 50% and damage taken by 10%. Under the effect of this ability, the user won't feel any pain or fatigue. Affinity towards darkness that is 10% or higher is required to use this skill.
Sacrifice: Allows the caster of this spell to take damage for someone else.
Fatal Slash: A slow slash that deals a high amount of damage. Can only be used with two-handed weapons.
He had brown eyes, pale skin and short, black hair. He was of average height and was quite muscular. His face was devoid of emotions. Aelric was clad in black, heavy armour that was partially covered by a brown mantle. On his back, he had a long, two-handed sword with simple cross-guard. The blade was much broader and thicker than regular swords and appeared to be extremely heavy.