Pyrokinesis III

As the doors sealed with a resonant thud, sealing Red-Eye's departure, Tia collapsed back onto her bed. Her body was ridden with fatigue, clashing with resolve. Her eyelids drooped heavily, the weight of exhaustion tugging them down. Yet she resisted the pull of slumber, inhaling deeply.

'Esper System shows me the upgrade options for my pyrokinesis once more. However, show me for now only the special options.'

Beep!

<<<<>>>>

Special:

(3 EP) (Unlocked by: )gives the user the power to solidify the flames under their control, giving them the properties of solid matter.

Special body adaptations:

(10 EP) (Unlocked by: , , [Potion-Absorbing Cells], and ) The unique synergy of the cell's ability to use energy to regenerate with their increased absorption powers, resistance toward energy, and the ability to store it It gives the user the ability to absorb a portion (25%) of energy-based attacks up to a certain strength. The absorbed energy will not damage the user and will be stored inside the cells.

<<<<>>>>

Tia's gaze flitted between the two shimmering options projected in the air. When her eyes landed on the second choice, they sparked with an inner light, a silent acknowledgment of its immense potential.

'It will improve both my defense and energy recovery.' Even though the price was staggering, her eyes didn't even twitch. 'Time to use one of my two coupons.'

Confirming the choice, Tia turned her attention back to the first option, only to dismiss it almost immediately. 'Without my magic, it might have been good. But with the power of my twin rings, it's redundant.'

She thought of her Solidify rune, the magic symbol, and its ability to mimic the offered enhancement without expense.

'System, please show me the regular body adaptations.' she instructed, her mind already strategizing the next phase of her empowerment.

Beep!

<<<<>>>>

Body Adaptations:

(6 EP): Alters the user's cellular composition even further, increasing the capacity at which the cells can transport the energy without getting damaged.

(4 EP): Alter the user's nerve endings and eyes, allowing them to both see the temperature and sense it remotely through thermokinesis.

(4 EP): Increases the thermal resistance of the user's skin while allowing the user to freely change their skin's outside temperature between 0°C and +250°C

<<<<>>>>

Tia's eyes skimmed over the options, swiftly dismissing the first two with a scoff. "Thermal sense? Really, System?" She muttered, her tone dripping with incredulity. "Why should I squander points on something as mundane as thermal vision, something a basic gadget could easily replicate?"

The second option, sensing temperature remotely, didn't fare better in her estimation. Her telekinetic abilities already provided a rich tapestry of sensory information—shape and solidity—rendering the upgrade redundant.

Without lingering, she advanced to the next choice. 'Nah, my cell has sufficient energy transfer capacity for now.' As the memories from her battle with the crazed Paladin flashed through her mind, she knew for now that the ability of her cells to conduct energy was sufficient.

'It hurt like hell, but with my regeneration and healing potions, it is manageable.' Even with the attack that spent all her energy at once, her body held up, and that was enough for her.

Her gaze then settled on the option of thermoregulating skin 'Thermoregulating skin? It might help to hide me from thermal senses, but that isn't something so great.'

No matter how much she thought about it, the only aspect of it that drew her attention was the increased thermal resistance.

'It could pair well with my energy-conducting cells and energy absorption. Together with those three, I could very likely smash a low-energy plasma bolt with my barehand.' It was also relatively cheap, so for now, she decided to keep it on the table.

'Alright, System, let's see the regular enchantments now'

Beep!

<<<<>>>>

Enchantments:

(1 EP): Increases the user's control over the flames, allowing more precise manipulation.

(1 EP): Increases the range at which the user can control flames by an extra 10%

(2 EP): Increases the overall temperature of the controlled flames by an extra 10%

<<<<>>>>

Tia's decision came swiftly; her mind was already made up from her last review. 'Control and range enhancements are unnecessary; my telekinesis handles that. I'll opt for a temperature upgrade.'

As her finger hovered over the confirmation button, she paused, biting her lower lip in contemplation. A sudden doubt crept in. 'What about techniques? I've always brushed them aside, confident in my ability to mimic them. But what if I'm overlooking something vital?'

Her experience had taught her that the Esper System was evolving and slightly changing, offering new features. Yet it kept trying to sell her seemingly useless techniques.

'Yes, I can mimic them, but they are still on the list. So, what if I am doing it wrong? System, show me the list of techniques.'

Beep!

<<<<>>>>

Techniques:

(2 EP): Shoots a concentrated projectile of flames.

(3 EP): Envelopes the user in a cloak of fire that will not harm them.

(2 EP): Technique to concentrate fire into thin rays, prolonging their reach and increasing their temperature.

<<<<>>>>

'Two points, that isn't exactly cheap...'

Half-jokingly, she queried the silent room, "Any chance of a return policy?" The ensuing silence was her only answer, prompting her to delve deeper into her deliberations. 'With my telekinesis on the cusp of getting some free upgrades, perhaps it's time for a small gamble.'

She recognized that data was the missing piece in her puzzle regarding techniques. 'Worst case, I lose two points. But if I never try, I might miss out on something great.' The thought of forgoing the thermoregulation skin lingered, a trade-off she had to consider.

Solemnly nodding her head, Tia finalized her choice.

Beep!

<<<<<>>>>>

Your ability was modified:

Your body was modified:

You have learned the new techniques:

<<<<<>>>>>

Her vision faded away, and darkness submerged her consciousness.

(AN: Sorry for so few chapters this week, but something came to it. (It will likely be the same in the following one.)