Paths

When I woke up I was met with a strange message

[System Message: Companion Soul-Bond Established. Partner: Inari (Akari). Attributes: Divine Evolution Unlocked.]

[System Message:

Due to Host's Originator of Cataclysm classification, the Life Simulation System has been fully unlocked.

All power branches are now accessible.

 Future paths may be shaped by Host's actions and bonds.

 Soulbinding Path (Unlocked)

Tactician Path (Unlocked)

Elemental Adaptation Path (Unlocked)

Flesh Regeneration Path (Adept)

Divine Heritage Path (Hidden, Awakening…)

Moonborn Path (Hidden, Awakening…) ]

Tamer path (Adept)

'What is this?'

'System please expand.'

[Paths are simply put just a part of your power. Paths are signs of mastery. Mastery is separated into five categories.

(Unlocked) The base level in which the Host has access to the Path but lacks true skill or refinement. Skills are crude and costly and unreliable.

2 (Novice) The Host has begun to understand the fundamentals. Powers become reliable but remain inefficient.

3 (Adept) True synergy begins. The Host can now wield powers with purpose, combining effects naturally and using energy efficiently.

4 (Master) The Host embodies the Path. Techniques evolve. New abilities may be born naturally from understanding alone.

5 (Sovereign) The Host is the Path. Their very existence twists reality to reflect their mastery. Even passive presence changes the environment. Few ever reach this point.]

'How do I expand my paths? And how did I become adept in the Taming and Flesh Regeneration Path?"

[To expand paths one must be faced with challenges. The use of skills associated with the paths increases the refinement of the path. This can be seen in your adept levels in the Taming and Flesh Regeneration paths. Both of these paths were used extensively in the wuxia world which increased your mastery.]

'Makes sense. The only way to get better at something is to do it.'

'Besides refinement, is there any other gain from the levels of the path?'

[Path levels are directly correlated with abilities that you can use from respective paths. For example your current skills given by the paths are as follows.

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Path Ability Description

Soulbinder Thread of the Departed Detect lingering soul traces nearby. Weak soul manipulation possible at touch.

Tactician Battle Analysis Predict simple enemy attack patterns upon first encounter. Boosts dodge/counter chance.

Flesh Regeneration Biological Reversal Heal internal wounds and reverse poisons over time. Emergency mutations possible under mortal threat.

Elemental Adaptation Environmental Resistance Passive adaptation to elemental conditions (fire, cold, lightning) over short periods.

Tamer Pack Synergy Maintain control over multiple beasts simultaneously. Boosts their regeneration and cohesion.

Moonborn Lunar Instinct (Unstable) Heightened awareness under moonlight. Future abilities locked pending further awakening.

Divine Heritage Slumbering Divine bloodline detected. Abilities unknown

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'This should have made me excited, but instead I felt no happiness

[Error–subject 1 is unable to be tracked at this moment.]

'What do you mean by that? Hello?'

Silence.

[Sorry regrettably no confirmation can be given, best of luck host!]

"Don't dismiss me" a vile tone rising from my throat.

Bastard answer me!

 Are you telling me all of this was for nothing? All the time I spent with her gone? What is the point of any of this if it ends up just being a dream, a test?'

My fist hurt from how hard I was clutching my hand. 

The glowing screen once helpful had abandoned me.

My only chance for information about Akari was stolen from me.

I was debating just skipping my classes for the day. I didn't feel like doing anything. I was lost, Akari was my anchor. Her presence, her voice was I just to act like none of that was real?

No. I wouldn't ever accept that. 

I sat up in my bed hanging my legs over the side. I stared for a moment. It was the crack of dawn many people in this school weren't even up yet I doubt even the faculty was up and about. 

I had about three hours before I had my first class of the day. I needed this time to think about my life, and what I desire for it.

I knew for sure what I wanted first. A way to get back to Akari, I had no delusion to think it would be easy but I would just have to work for it. I would find her. I just need time.

Second, I want to make a change in this world. I want to provide children the chance to grow from their circumstances. I hated how we were treated less because of the bloodline being less "pure". 

Lastly, I want to return the favor to Prince albert. I may not be able to do it directly, but I will find a way to return the pain he so gracefully placed upon me. I don't care about how many people I have to get through to do it either. 

They all laughed at me as I suffered. They all whispered about how useless and pathetic I was while in the wheelchair, so I have no sympathy for them.

I will not be laughed at again for my weakness.

Thinking of the wheelchair flared a large insecurity in my heart.

A sickness spread throughout me like a vipers venom.

I hated looking at it

It was pressed against the corner as far as I could push it but just resting there was enough to remind me of how they all treated me.

I would never allow someone to diminish me to an eyesore. Even when my bones break I will remain strong, because I have no other option, this is the cross I was born to carry. 

Never would I be mad at this weight, for it drives the hunger in me.

I thought over my plan again, and again. Stuck in some purgatory of thought but I need to go to my first class. 

I grabbed one of my books on the nightstand by my bed and walked toward the door.

I reached toward the doorknob as I whispered a promise to myself.

Regardless, of what happens I will change. I just hope you are proud of me Akari.