Stats and prepare for Dragondale

DK sat cross-legged on the plush carpet of his room, the morning light filtering through the ornate windows of the Lin estate. The warmth of the sun's rays was comforting, but his mind was anything but calm. His Nexus Core pulsed faintly in his chest, a steady reminder of the immense changes within him. He stared at the glowing blue text of the system interface, his brows furrowed in concentration.

"System," DK muttered aloud, his voice tinged with curiosity and frustration. "What exactly are you? And what can you do?"

For a moment, the interface flickered as if processing his question. Then, a new window materialized, its neatly aligned text glowing faintly in his vision.

—

SYSTEM

STATUS

User: DK (Alias: Aiden Lin)

Nexus Core 1: Active (85% Stability)

Nexus Core 2: (??)

Corruption Integration: (??)

Ranking: Tier 1

Attributes:

Strength: 12Dexterity: 14Health:15Mana: 45Luck: 0Attack: 20Defense:5Magic attack: 1Magic defense: 1Corruption: (?)

DK's eyes widened as he scanned the screen. It felt eerily familiar, almost like an MMORPG character sheet, though the stakes were infinitely higher. "It's like a game," he whispered, leaning forward slightly. "Only this time, there's no respawn."

His fingers twitched as he navigated the interface mentally. "What's a Corruption stat?" he asked, focusing on the strange statistic. The system responded with another flicker.

—

SYSTEM

CORRUPTION:

The user's unique ability to integrate and utilize corrupted mana, converting it into usable energy or even destructive energy. Higher values indicate increased resistance to corruption-related effects and greater potency to use the corruption.

WARNING: Corruption use is a double-edged trait. Excess corruption can overwhelm the Nexus Core 1, leading to fatality.

—

DK frowned, the words "fatality" hanging heavily in his mind. "So, it's a blessing and a curse," he muttered. He couldn't deny its usefulness, but the risks were clear.

Curiosity surged, and DK leaned back against the headboard. "System, what are the sources of pure mana that I can use to stabilize my Nexus Core?"

—-

SYSTEM

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF PURE MANA:

Dungeon Cores (High Concentration, Rare)Mana Stones (Moderate Concentration, Accessible)Elemental Convergence Points (Natural Sources, Rare)Essence Wells (Artificial, Expensive)

NOTE: Stabilizing the Nexus Core requires a substantial volume of pure mana. Mana Stones, though accessible, will require large quantities.

—-

"Mana Stones," DK mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. They were common enough in trade markets, but the system's warning about needing "large quantities" made his stomach sink. He had a feeling this would not be a cheap endeavor.

DK closed the interface with a sigh, the faint glow vanishing as he leaned his head back. His thoughts swirled with questions—how he could gather the resources he needed, what Dragondale would hold for him, and how he'd continue to balance the corruption in his core.

By midday, the Lin estate buzzed with activity. Lord Jason himself had taken charge of the logistical preparations for DK and Lucy's journey to Dragondale. Servants hurried about, packing supplies and ensuring every detail was attended to.

DK stood in the courtyard, watching as crates of provisions were loaded onto a small, unmarked carriage. Lucy approached from the side, her arms crossed as she surveyed the organized chaos.

"Your father's thorough," she remarked, her tone a mix of admiration and amusement. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone this invested in planning a trip."

Lord Jason appeared moments later, carrying a stack of documents. He handed DK a sealed letter, the wax emblem of the Lin family glinting in the sunlight. "This," Jason said, his tone serious, "is for emergencies only. If you find yourselves in a situation where authority is needed, present this. It won't carry as much weight in Dragondale, but it will open some doors."

DK accepted the letter with a nod. "Thanks. I'll keep it safe."

Jason then gestured toward the carriage. "I've ensured you have enough supplies to last the journey—food, water, medical kits, and spare gear. There's even a map of Dragondale and the surrounding areas in case you need to deviate from the main roads."

"Seems like you've thought of everything," Lucy said, her voice laced with gratitude. "I appreciate the effort, Lord Jason."

Jason waved her off with a good-natured grin. "Call it fatherly pride. Aiden's—or DK's—adventures might drive me mad, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed. Besides," he added with a wink, "Lin blood is meant for bold risks."

Lady Anne joined them, her expression softer but still tinged with concern. She placed a hand on DK's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Promise me you'll be careful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't go through another two days wondering if you'll wake up."

DK met her gaze, feeling a rare pang of guilt. "I promise," he said earnestly. "I'll do everything I can to stay safe."

The rest of the day passed in a blur. DK spent the evening in his room, pouring over the map of Dragondale that Jason had provided. The region was vast and unfamiliar, with mountain ranges, dense forests, and sprawling trade hubs. The Core Testing Center was located in the capital, a bustling city known for its independent guilds and arcane research.

"Dragondale," DK murmured to himself, tracing a finger along the map. "Let's hope it's as neutral as Lucy says it is."

Before he turned in for the night, DK opened the system interface once more, scrolling through the information it provided. The stats and attributes intrigued him, but the potential sources of mana occupied his thoughts. Mana Stones would be his best bet for now, but acquiring enough of them would be a challenge.