What is power...
The ability to gain power... who discovered it. When did humans start getting stronger than normal. Was there ever a normal to begin with.
Countless questions flowed through Neil's mind. His body almost sensing the magical particles in the air. Light blue splotches floating throughout the air.
Slowly the splotches turned into particles floating and bouncing off of each other. Soon a beautiful array of colors opened up into the room. Lighting up the room to make it look much more vibrant and colorful.
Colors that he has never seen before were swirling in the air, playing as if the only thing they had to worry about was not having enough fun.
-Host has unlocked Mana Vision.-
-Host has gained basic affinity to certain basic elements. (Locked until level 1)-
-Host has obtained a skill scroll: Scroll of Stealth-
-Use skill scroll?-
'Use skill scroll? I thought that I would have to learn it slowly. Wait will it disappear? Do I have to give this back to Plazz or can I keep it? Whatever, Yes, use the scroll.'
_DOWNLOADING INFO_
_UPDATING SYSTEM_
-Status-
-Name: Neil Lafer
-Age:18
-Species: Human
-Level: Mortal
-Items: Holy Advancement System, Basic clothes, Iron sword.
-Skills: Mana Vision, Basics of Stealth (0%)
-Affiliations: Information guild
-Enemies: The Fallen Order
-Quest: None
-End status-
'Oh... I thought that something more would happen... Well at least the scroll didn't disappear. I wonder what dad meant by the system would help me.'
Neil sat up in his seat. His body feeling heavy and kind of tired.
"Alright Neil its time to go home." Plazz said while standing up from his chair. "If you get far enough and understand the scroll then you can start gathering mana soon"
"How long does it normally take to understand the process" Neil questioned as he picked up the coat he took off earlier. Like how long should it take for me to reach the basics.
"Well it depends on the person. Some people can understand the secrets of scrolls and gain special powers but cant cultivate for shit. Others are as dumb as rocks but can push through with brute strength. We require a decent amount of both mental and physical ability."
"On average I'd say it takes geniuses a week to learn and practice the technique and about two ish months to get to the first level. For average people it may take almost a month to understand the technique and five to seven months to get to level one. For people dumb as rocks it could take months to learn and almost a year to get to level one."
"I actually managed to reach level one in four months but I've been trying to get into level two for about 5 months now. I'm starting to think that its impossible. I mean level two is like the qualifying level for the main guild so even if I am 50 by the time, I get there I can buy stuff to make myself look younger again."
Plazz looked happy at his explanation and started packing up "Alright I'll see you tomorrow. If you need a place to stay, try the Gallah Inn and tell then Plazz sent you. It's towards the outer gate and it'll be pretty cheap with my name."
"Alright have a nice night Plazz." Neil said as he walked out of the door. 'I didn't come through the gates though, so I have no idea which way I'm going. Whatever I'll just sleep on a bench or something if I can't find it.'
Walking slowly in a random direction he marveled at the different things that he has seen today.
Carriages that don't have horses pulling them, spewing out smoke. All the different people who are able to live together in this large city without so many problems. Running water. Finally, most importantly, mana. Mana just made everything feel... better.
Tastes, smells, vision, physical abilities, and even his hearing had somehow gotten better. Speaking of tastes, he was starving. Waking up early in the morning and going throughout the day eating nothing was a big no-no in his mind. Plus, food tastes good.
Walking to a nearby stall that was still open he looked for a menu on the side. "What can I get for you tonight?" An old tired voice blew out of the old wagon attached to it. "Could I have a hot dog and some fries. Oh and a cold drink please"
"20 coppers please." The old man said as he put the hotdog and some sliced potatoes on the stove. Handing the coins over to the old man, Neil asked "Hey old man, do you know where the Gallah Inn might be?"
"The Gallah Inn? You would head the way you were coming from for about 10 minutes and then look to your left. You should see it on your left."
"Thanks old man" Neil tips the man an extra five coppers. Heading down the road Neil tried using his mana vision while walking down the road. New colors floating past him. Greens and dark blues surrounding the ground and water. Red colors bouncing off of the fire. Lighter colors bouncing away and slowly turning white and rising up.
Walking further along he sees a different color mana around him. By this time the sky was dark making the particles of mana darker. But not pitch black. From under a fallen tree away from the road there were pitch black particles slowly floating from underneath.
Curiously, Neil heads over to the fallen log. Feeling uneasy as he walks over, he takes his time looking at the mana flow and how steady and peaceful it is.
Things like trees, grass, and water have their own patters of mana flow. Flowing in a constant flow. People have their own flows too. Children have rambunctious flows while adults can very. Some can be calm and peaceful while others are ready to explode at any minute.
The mana flow of beasts are currently an unknown to him. He hasn't met enough monsters to find out their mana flow. Because he just got the Mana Vision he can't tell how strong things are. Everything is just a bunch of colors at the moment.
Slowly peering underneath the log he sees a small bunch of fur. The fur is pitch black, rising and falling slowly. It is about an eighth of his body size and looks like a cat.
Suddenly vibrant orange eyes stare at him. Testing him. Seeing if he was friend or foe. Deciding what it should do.
'What do I do? Should I run? Should I fight? Fight with what I'll get slaughtered if this is a monster.'
"Mrow, mrrrrow, prrrrrrrr." Deciding that he wasn't a threat the cat like fluff ball closed its eyes again, enjoying the dark cool night.
"Hmm. Ok then, time for the Gallah Inn." Walking away for a while Neil decides that it is better if he doesn't fuck around and find out.
"Prrrrrrrrrouw" He stops in his tracks. A cold sweat breaking down his back. Turning around slowly he sees two glowing orange eyes peering back at him. The cat had decided to follow him. Walking up to his legs, the cat sits right next to him. "Alright then. Let's stick together for now then."
Walking further along they find a wooden sign attached to a gigantic building that says "Gallah Family Inn". Walking inside of it, Neil heads towards a middle-aged woman with straight, blonde hair.
"Hello there cupcake. How can I help you tonight?"
"Hey, a new co-worker recommended this hotel to me because I am new to the area. His name was Plazz. Also am I able to bring pets in with me? I found this cute cat and was wondering if I could take him in with me." The lady looked at the small cat purring around Neils legs.
"Absolutely love, Plazz is an old family friend so any friend of his is a friend of mine. Also that adorable little fluff ball can stay as long as you clean up after her if she makes any messes on the floor." The sweet lady says as she writes a note on the calendar.
"So how long do you want to stay for? Since your co-workers with Plazz the cost will be 35 coppers a night instead of full price. This includes free breakfast, room service, and the charge for the pet will be for free. Does that sound good sugar?" The middle-aged woman asked with a smile.
"Yes, that would be perfect. Although I would rather not have anyone come in my room when I'm not there if that would be fine. Just privacy reasons." Neil asks hesitantly while placing out the 35 coins onto the desk.
"Sure. The room service is complimentary so no worries there. Here's the room key. If you need anything my name is Marry and my husband John will be here tomorrow morning. Because I am NOT a morning person haha." Marry says as she sits back in her chair. "Have a nice sleep Honeybun."
"Thanks, you too Mrs." Neil left towards his room. The fluff ball following close behind him.