Chapter 27: Cultivation
Geo had not only acquired his well-deserved food, but his actions actually awarded him a class. "Entering the trials I would have never thought to prosper this much and there's even more ahead. I can't wait to see what's next!"
["The Player" has acquired cleared the second part of the challenge, The final step of the trial of magic is about to begin.]
"Wait… Hold on! Stop! When did you ever mention this being a trial that consists of multiple parts?"
[This was never mentioned, yet implemented giving "???" the needed flair to retain them from getting bored. But don't believe us, take a look for yourself.]
"And how do you suggest I do that? By shouting Appraisal?! Status?!"
[That is correct, the system recognizes your participation within the system;
proficiency with [Appraisal] raised to 15%.]
Nothing much seemed to happen, until Geo realized he could see something unusual in the corners of his vision.
"Is that… No, it can't be?! At the far left side of my vision… Is that my level?!"
Geo was dumbfounded, information about himself… How was this possible?
Wondering how much of an exploit this could turn into, he had to acquire the skill mentioned by the system. The skill is called [Appraisal].
"What to do, what to do? Could it be so easy? Or is there more to it than meets the eye?"
Geo thought to himself about ways to acquire the skills previously mentioned by the system, the ones with a proficiency percentage. As he thought about it the system popped up showing the final step of the trial of magic.
[The final step of the trial of magic is about to commence; Experience.
"The Player" needs to build a certain experience threshold. Acquiring the earlier mentioned abilities to use and manipulate said "magic" is crucial. Allowing "the player" to fend for itself in future conflicts. Since ancient times, those with the ability to manipulate "mana" or "magic" have strengthened their bonds with nature, cultivating their affinities.
Mission; Cultivate your newfound powers and acquire an understanding of mana manipulation.
By doing so a secret mission will open, allowing further passage within the trial of magic. Rewarding those brave enough with what they need most in life.
Acquire enough proficiency to gain the following skills;
- 20% to unlock [Earth Wall]
- 70% to unlock [Stone Edge]
- 85% to unlock [Appraisal]
- 100% to unlock [Earth Mastery]
- ???
Unique; Acquire all listed skills to unlock the hidden bonus.
Reward; ???, ???]
Geo couldn't believe his eyes. Reporting the needed information as if it knew what he was thinking. In disbelieve, he was reminded what needed to be done, if he wanted to survive, this ordeal to the death.] [YES/NO]
"All I have to do is find a way to use them? Abiding by the system could actually be a good thing, wouldn't it?"
Geo thought about this for a while; "acquiring these skills could be very beneficial,
back then, those crystals too gave me similar abilities."
Geo knew exactly what he had to do when suddenly something began to glow within his pockets. Reaching into his pockets, Geo found what he had looked back on, the crystals.
Holding them in front of him glowing like a newborn star. Rumbles emitted from the center, the damage done back then seemed to have been critical. Almost unable to contain the essence within. Geo had to let it in. Synchronizing before it would destroy everything.
"Why I still have these, no one knows, but at least I'm happy to oblige."
Challenging the natural essence of the stone, Geo knew it was now or never.
His proficiency began to increase, but he had to stay focused, or else it could take over or worse drain his essence completely.
Geo relaxed his energy flow allowing his energy to synchronize with that of the crystals.
At which point he could feel it seeping in.
[Participation registered, proficiency of [Earth Wall] increased by 2%,
Participation registered, proficiency of [Earth Edge] increased by 1%]
"Slowly now… Don't want this thing to take my life. Steady~ But don't give in!"
For a while, it went like Geo intended to feel his essence control increase
Suddenly the energy of the crystals began to erupt, shooting bursts of essence within Geo's Soul sea. Never before experienced sensations went through him. Overwhelmed by them he tried to fight back with all his might.
The transfer began to escalate, bringing Geo to his knees.
Geo wasn't about to take it, knowing there was more than this to life, he wanted to see it all with his own eyes. Driven into a corner Geo didn't like where this was going and demanded ownership of his body.
"I refuse to partake in the ordeals of the system! You want me to die?! This must be fun for you doesn't it!"
Geo yelled out to what he did not know, but he believed there was more to the system.
Those who might benefit from these ordeals, those operating their system for entertainment. Tapping into his anger Geo tried to force out the essence. Only to make it fight back more and more. The collision of wills continued almost coming to a stalemate when the crystals cracked. Erupting in pure life essence. Wanting to reduce the damage and refusing to listen to the system Geo took everything in trying to prevent the eruption from happening. What happened within was a battle of wills.
Energy rushed through his veins, unable to fight he was overwhelmed.
Giving in to the essence which began to enter his soul sea.
[Participation registered, proficiency of [Earth Mastery] increased to 100% unlocked [Earth Mastery Lv. Max, Participation registered, proficiency of [Stone Mastery] increased to 100% unlocked [Stone Mastery Lv. Max]
Blinded by the thought of survival and lost within his own frustration Geo didn't notice the messages that popped up in front of him.
"So this is what you have lowered yourself to, unable to stand for what you believe in…
Unable to show the world who you are? Heh, do they even know the mighty Geo Birchwood?! No! They do not I tell you! I am destined for greatness! Riches and prosperity I tell you!"
Geo refused to give in but knew there was nothing else to do, the essence had overpowered him, there was only one thing left to do… Give in… Geo accepted his loss, knowing nothing or anyone would save him.
"Heh, ironic how those who want things done always have to do it themselves.
In the end, you only have yourself to blame."
Coming to terms with the fact that he couldn't win, he thought back for a moment.
Thinking about what he had achieved, gained, and experienced. When suddenly the will to fight was ignited, ignited for that faithful meeting in the capital.
"Since I can't fight it anymore and I refuse to go down without a fight I'll have to take you with me."
Geo opened his chakra's allowing the strains of his soul sea to take in the life essence, knowing this was the last thing he would do he did it with pride. Proud of his heritage, but unable to let go. By accepting the life essence Geo's soul sea got damage, but by absorbing the eruption,
the life essence had done something remarkable.
The mixture of energy had allowed the integration of the essence.
Geo didn't know at the time, losing consciousness by ecstatic euphoria.
The process had come to an end the ordeal, finished. But at what cost?
"I've lived an eventful life haven't I? Then why… Why do I long for more?"
Geo didn't know why he clinging onto life so much, but it had allowed him to prosper time and time again, living his life to the fullest. To the end. Then suddenly, the light at the end of the tunnel got blocked by a window. The window was all too familiar to him.
[The main objective of the third and final part of the trial of magic has been cleared following the secret path as one believed in itself till the very end, do you wish to proceed to and receive the rewards?] [YES/NO]
The window in front of Geo showed him the results of the mission;
[Accumulated enough proficiency to unlock [Earth Wall] the player has unlocked [Earth Wall Lv. 1]
[Accumulated enough proficiency to unlock [Stone Edge] the player has unlocked
[Stone Edge Lv. 1].
[Accumulated enough proficiency to unlock [Appraisal] the player has unlocked [Appraisal Lv. 1]
[Accumulated enough proficiency to unlock [Earth Mastery] and [Stone Mastery] integrating and upgrading to the skill; [Geo Kenisis] Accumulated enough proficiency to unlock
[Geo kinesis] the player has unlocked [Geo kinesis Lv. 1]
Geo didn't have time to think about skills, there was a slight chance that he could escape death. He had nothing else to lose. Without thinking, Geo answered; "YES!"
[Thank you for accepting the rewards; The Unique affinity; [Wood affinity] has been unlocked, integrating with the player… Integration complete…
Thank you for clearing the mission with the secret path, increasing difficulty for the bonus mission.]
[Bonus Mission, Integration & Acceptance. Darkness Within. Hold out for as long as you can,
the longer the player lasts the better the initial reward. The mission will begin shortly.]