Chapter- 10 New Skill

Kenos approached Lexi, who was engrossed in her comms device. She looked up, startled.

"Whoa, you look... different," Lexi said, her eyes scanning Kenos's new attire.

"Got what I wanted," Kenos replied, a hint of a smile.

Lexi nodded. "Now, if you're to join us, you need a reliable weapon for protection. Follow me."

Kenos fell into step beside Lexi, Mael trailing silently behind.

As they walked, the streets grew quieter, the buildings more rundown.

"Where are we headed?" Kenos asked.

"A trusted supplier," Lexi replied. "He'll have what you need."

The silence between them was punctuated only by the soft hum of the city.

Finally, they stopped at an unassuming door, adorned with a small, intricately carved knife.

Lexi knocked twice. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior.

Mael remained outside, watching the surroundings.

Ryker, owner of shop, welcomed them from behind the counter. "Welcome to Ryker's! How can I help?"

"We need gear," Lexi said, her eyes scanning the shelves.

Kenos followed, intrigued by the array of weapons: axes, spears, katanas, and swords. One knife caught his eye – longer than usual, but shorter than a sword.

As Kenos picked it up, he felt an unexpected connection. The grey blade balanced perfectly in his hand, and the stars printed on its surface piqued his interest:

"Ah, an excellent choice!" Ryker exclaimed. "That's a good short-sword, uncommon item. Yours for 10 Action Points."

Lexi raised an eyebrow. "Do you think us stupid? I don't sense a hint of cosmic energy from this sword."

Ryker shrugged. "I've had it for ages. Make me an offer. I'll give it to you for 4 Action Points."

Lexi hesitated, about to decline.

"I'll take it!" Kenos shouted.

Ryker grinned. "Deal! And here, take these gloves as a bonus."

He handed Kenos slim, grey gloves that fit perfectly.

"Gloves of the Shadow," Ryker said. "Enhance stealth and agility. A fitting match for Shadowsting."

Kenos equipped the gloves and sword, feeling an unexpected synergy.

Lexi tossed a sleek pistol to Kenos. "Welcome to the team, gift from us."

Kenos hesitated, then accepted the weapon, feeling a surge of gratitude.

"Thanks."

"Now that we've got everything, let's grab some food," Lexi said.

Mael shook his head when asked if he needed anything.

The trio stopped at a street vendor, savoring local delicacies.

After eating, Mael led them to a nondescript hotel. "We'll stay here."

Inside, the hotel revealed a spacious apartment with eight rooms.

"Make yourself at home," Lexi said. "Need anything, just ask."

Kenos nodded.

He claimed a room and collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion catching up.

As Kenos rested, fragmented memories resurfaced, stirred by his recent cultivation. He focused on recalling them.

Vague images swirled in his mind, but one vivid scene emerged:

Kenos's POV: He grasped a blade, practicing swift, precise movements.

With a broad motion, he stabbed forward.

Next, his knife arced in a curved swing.

Finally, he stabbed in a circular motion.

Kenos felt deeply immersed, as if reliving the moment.

*System Notification:

-New Skill Learned: Short-Shadow Sword

(Stellar-Basic)

-Authority: ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ .

Seal slightly weakened

Kenos's eyes snapped open, his mind racing.

What memories were these?

Whose skills was he learning?

Kenos attempted to access the Authority

*System Notification:

"User does not have sufficient permission to access."

Confusion clouded Kenos's mind. Whose memories were those? Why did he possess this Short-Shadow Sword skill?

Determined to uncover answers, Kenos resumed cultivation, focusing on recalling the memories.

As he delved deeper, a searing pain erupted within his mind.

Kenos's will crumbled.

He stopped, gasping for air.

His vision blurred.

Agony wracked his brain.

"Ah..." Kenos groaned.

He collapsed onto his knees.

Sweat dripped from his brow.

What was happening?

Why did recalling memories hurt so much?

Kenos opened his system panel

~Astrum~

- Name: Kenos

- Age: 14

- Race: Human

- Class: Spark (SE-1) {Stellar ember}

- Health: 100/100

- Cosmic Units (CU): 1800/10,000

- Combat Power: 135

- Achievement Points (AP): 6

- Ascension Potential:--

Authorities:

* Star-gazing Eyes (Rank: Undetermined)

* ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ (Rank:Unknown)

* ???

Abilities:

*Basic Psionics:

Energy Manipulation (Limited)

Energy Accumulation (Basic)

*Skills:

Short-shadow sword

Quests (Unlocked):

*None

Facilities (Locked):

* Market

* Communication

* Ranking

The Short-Shadow Sword skill still felt surreal. Three precise movements, blending shadows to strike. He replayed the technique in his mind, eager to master it.

But the authorities... they were a mystery.

Star-Gazing Eyes, for instance. He recalled the overwhelming sensation when he tried to use it. Cosmic energy coursed through him, but he struggled to control it. What did it mean to capture the essence of skills? And sense a person's aura?

Kenos thought back to his collapse. He must be careful.

Then, there was the Unknown Authority. Its presence lingered, like an enigma. Even the system didn't recognize it.

"What is this power within me?" Kenos wondered.

He thought about Lexi and Mael. Did they know more about his abilities?

"Should I ask them?" Kenos considered.

His thoughts swirled, seeking answers.

Kenos's thoughts clarified. He decided caution was best.

"Why risk involving Lexi and Mael? This could be a curse, or worse."

Exhaustion consumed him. The emotional turmoil and intense mental focus had taken its toll.

Kenos collapsed onto his bed, finally surrendering to rest.

His eyelids drooped, and darkness enveloped him.

As he drifted off, his mind whispered:

"What secrets do I hold within?"

"Will I ever understand these powers?"

Sleep claimed him, offering temporary reprieve....