Chapter 7: Evolved Trait

Name- Ash Burn

Race- Human

Age- 12

Class- Magic Swordsman (Unique)

Rank- Novice (F-Rank)-(5%)

Affinity- Lightning 

**

Strength-3 ↠6

Agility- 4↠ 8

Vitality- 2↠ 4

Intelligence- 7↠14

Stamina- 5 ↠10

Charm- 3↠ 6

Mana- 2↠50

**

Trait: 

-Codex of Creation

-??????-[Assimilation Rate- 25%]

Skills- None

**

-Rune of Stability

****

'Hmm... Finally, the Rank is showing up.'

Previously, when he was partially awakened, his Rank didn't show up. But now, after fully awakening, it finally appeared.

For Ash, this small but significant change marked a new chapter in his journey— one where his potential was no longer hidden.

In this world, Ranks were divided into nine stages: Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master, Grandmaster, Legendary, Mythical, and Saint. Above Saint Rank was another, almost mythical tier: Demi-God Rank.

From what he remembered in the novel, the main protagonist had been attempting to break into Demi-God Rank, but this came after the world was destroyed by Angels following the fall of the demon king.

'Well, I don't know if there's more beyond it or not.'

To rank up, one had to reach at least 100 stat points in a single attribute. Without it, advancement was impossible.

This strict rule was both a barrier and a motivator for every Awakener in the world.

Average Awakeners focused on one or two stats before attempting to rank up, tailoring their growth to match their class and traits.

But geniuses and prodigies from high-ranking families had a different approach— they pursued balanced growth.

Only after achieving 100 points in all attributes would they rank up from Novice to Apprentice.

However, even those prodigies couldn't maintain that balance for long. After advancing, increasing stats became exponentially harder.

Thus, they focused on Perfect Foundation only until Apprentice Rank before shifting priorities.

This balanced approach was crucial for building a perfect foundation, ensuring future power and dominance.

Many who soared to the heights of legend laid such solid groundwork in their early ranks. Yet, no one in recorded history had maintained this balance across all ranks.

"I have 2 cores, which means I'll need to work harder than most if I want to rise in the ranks. With a limit of 200 stats, Climbing Ranks will get only harder," he muttered, a hint of determination lacing his words.

'And that's fucking why I wanted to get "that" before the entrance test.'

Ash sighed, shaking his head as he returned his focus to his status. His gaze lingered on his improved stats, a rare feeling of satisfaction bubbling within him.

All his stats had doubled, but what caught his attention the most was his mana.

'Damn... It increased so much from that measly two. I don't even know what to say.'

His mana had skyrocketed to 50, thanks to his dual mana cores. Moreover, his Rune of Stability had refined his mana purity to its peak.

'Although mana has increased, it's become harder to control. Well, I can overcome that with practice.'

Next, his attention shifted to his traits.

He reviewed the notifications that had appeared while he was unconscious, their contents hinting at events that had unfolded beyond his awareness.

'No matter how many times I see it, it's a damn good trait.'

The Oracle of Paths had helped him carve out his own unique path. It wasn't an overpowered cheat, but its benefits were undeniable.

Firstly, the Path Analysis function—a feature that had now disappeared with the evolution of his trait—had analyzed everything he did, allowing him to grow and adapt.

Even though it was gone, its influence had already paved the way for his progress.

Secondly, there was Protective Override, a Feature he'd instantly fallen in love with. Living in a magical world filled with dangers, this skill was invaluable.

Magic experimentation was a long, risky process since no one wanted to be a guinea pig for their own experiments.

But with this ability, Ash could experiment new spells freely without worrying about disastrous consequences.

It also ensured his body adapted to the best possible path, almost as if the Codex understood his desires and adjusted accordingly.

'That's fucking good. At least I have something worthwhile here.'

Finally, he turned his attention to the evolved version of his trait.

After evolving, the Oracle of Paths had transformed into the Codex of Creation, absorbing the functions of the former while discarding Path Analysis.

***

Trait: Codex Of Creation

Rank: Growth (Novice)

Description:

It is a growth type trait that grows with user and allows the user to walk their own Unique path.

‣Protective Override:

-If something poses a danger to the user, such as unstable mana flow, harmful traits, or damaging skills, the Codex intervenes, overriding the process to shield the user and guide them toward a more advantageous path.

-Only activates during evolution, awakening or Experiments.

‣Initiate of Runes: (Novice)

-Grants the ability to create skills using Runes. At Novice Rank, the user receives 1 skill creation chance, increasing by 1 with each subsequent rank: 2 at Apprentice Rank, 3 at Adept Rank, and so on.

-Skills can be created With only Runes.

[Locked]

[Locked]

[Locked]

{Skill Creation Chance: 1}

***

When Ash saw the description of his evolved trait, he didn't know what to say.

It was a growth-type trait that would develop alongside him, unlocking new functions with each rank-up.

He checked it again and again to ensure he wasn't hallucinating. When realization struck, his blood boiled with excitement.

He wanted to jump and dance right there, but remembering where he was, he calmed himself.

Still, the happiness was hard to contain.

The detailed description of Protective Override provided additional clarity. It wouldn't counter things like mind spells or mental intrusions unless they occurred during evolution.

'But what does "evolution" mean? Hmm... It must be ranking up.'

Setting that thought aside, he focused on the newly unlocked function of his trait: Initiate of Runes.

This function shocked him. Runes were a mysterious Powers in this world. Even the protagonist had only used their Passive effects, never unlocking their full potential.

Yet Ash had a trait that allowed him to harness Rune power—albeit indirectly.

'It's fucking crazy! Something like this exists?'

The skill creation chances were limited but scaled with rank. At Novice, he could create 1 skill; at Apprentice, 2 chances; at Adept, 3 chances; and so on. By the time he reached Saint Rank, he would have 9 chances.

'That means I'll have at least 45 skills by the time I reach Saint Rank.'

'And here I was worried about not having a cheat.'

A grin spread across his face as a chuckle escaped his lips.

'Hehehe.'

"So it's true... If you just sit and wait, nothing changes. But the moment you act, there's always a chance." He muttered, a small smile forming on his lips.

"What did you say?" Melissa asked, her curiosity piqued.

'Hah... Again, this brat ruined my mood.'

"Nothing, Miss. I was just daydreaming," Ash replied with a respectful smile.

'...Daydreaming about how I'll make you pay for doing this to me. Hehehe.'

"Hmph," she snorted, looking away.

Ash redirected his focus back to his status screen. His eyes landed on something peculiar.

**

Trait: ?????-[Assimilation Rate- 25%]

**

'Why the fuck is my status window filled with question marks? It's not like I'll not see it someday... After all, it's my trait.'

Shaking his head, he noted that the assimilation rate was at 25%. He had no idea how or why it increased.

'I'll think about it later. First, let's check the Rune... There's something wrong with my emotions after absorbing it.'

**

Rune: Rune of Stability

Description:

-Grants the ability to maintain equilibrium despite conflicting and opposing energies in the body, ensuring seamless flow and control in volatile situations.(Passive)

-Improves mana flow efficiency by 50%, ensuring smoother and more potent magical output. (Passive)

-Calms the mind, preventing emotional turmoil and overpowering negative feelings, allowing one to maintain clarity and focus even in high-stress scenarios. (Passive)

**

It has been a long time since Ash had read the novel Heaven's Favourite. Although he remembered most of the plot, he still couldn't recall every detail about everything.

Just like that, he didn't know what the exact effects of the Rune were.

But he knew one thing: something that was messing with his emotions could only be the Rune.

'I was right,' he thought.

'I never imagined that after all those negative thoughts disappeared, I would feel so free and spirited.'

Ash had always been burdened by guilt and sadness, emotions that weighed heavily on his mind.

But after fusing with the Rune, his thoughts felt unusually calm and clear.

'My negative emotions have completely vanished. That must be why I can think more logically now. The Rune is definitely responsible for this.'

He reflected on his recent behavior and realized something troubling. 'I've been speaking without thinking... That's a new habit I didn't notice before. I'll need to get it under control before joining the academy.'

Taking a deep breath, he resolved to address this change within himself.

Resolving to work on himself, Ash shifted his focus.

But first, he had a more immediate goal in mind.

"Hey, Miss Melissa," he called out.

"What?" she replied curtly, her tone impatient.

"Can you teach me how to control my mana? I'm a beginner."

A/N:

-If you're wondering why he felt guilty and sad, don't worry—it'll all be revealed in future chapters! Just stay patient and keep reading! 😊📖✨

-Since Ash has 2 cores, his stat limit is doubled to 200! 💪🔥 This makes him stronger than others of the same rank. However, his ranking-up speed will be slower. 🐢⚡ What do you think about this trade-off? Let me know in the comments! 😊