Chapter 7: Harnessing Mana
835 Words
"Ahhh..." Henry groaned as he woke up, a sharp pain stabbing through his head.
His entire body ached, as if he had been crushed under a mountain. Yet, oddly, he felt an unfamiliar sense of freshness coursing through him, like a cool breeze washing over his skin.
The tree that once pulsed with an ancient glow was gone. In its place stood another—a withered, lifeless husk devoid of the mystical radiance it once held.
"What... happened?" Henry mumbled, his voice hoarse as he pushed himself off the ground.
He winced. The pain that had assaulted him still lingered, leaving him dazed. He struggled to piece together the last few moments, but his mind was a foggy mess.
"The tree was supposed to make me feel comfortable ," he muttered, stretching his stiff body.
And yet, while he did feel strangely refreshed, the pain was undeniable. The more he thought about it, the more questions crowded his mind.
'System.'
---
[Status Window]
Name: Henry Darko
Race: Hunter
Age: 18
Level: 1
Exp: 10/1000
Health: 100/100
Skills: 2
Spells:2
Weapon: Basic Dagger
Talent Limit: 6
---
Skill Points: 3
Attribute Points: 3
Strength: 4
Agility: 4
Intelligence: 7
Stamina: 6
Stealth: 1
Keen Eyes: 1
Mana Capacity: 1
Magical Capacity: 1
Traits: Lunar Enigma (??) (Growth Type) (Stage: 0)
Perspective insight: unlocked (Stage 1)
---
Henry’s eyes widened as he took in the changes.
"My talent limit jumped from 4 to 6? Just how powerful was that tree?"
His gaze landed on the mysterious new traits.
"The hidden traits... awakened?" He muttered in disbelief.
There was no way to know for sure. The only thing certain was that something had changed,something profound.
---
[ Traits:Perspective insight]
Description: Perspective insight grants the user the ability to gain a deeper understanding of a situation, concept, or problem by considering multiple viewpoints, angles, or frames of reference
[Trait: Lunar Enigma]
Description: Lunar Enigma grants the user the ability to harness the power of the moon, unlocking lunar-themed abilities and enhancements.
A growth-type trait, evolving with each stage to unlock more attributes.
Requires a medium to use lunar skills and enchantments.
Stage: 0
Grants the ability to enhance projectiles and imbue them with lunar energy.
---
Henry stared at the description, his mind swirling with confusion.
"Lunar Enigma…" he whispered, the name unfamiliar yet strangely resonant.
Back on Earth, there were countless traits and skills players could acquire. I knew most of them… but this? This was never one of them.
A memory flashed in his mind—an image of a lone figure standing beneath the moonlight, sword in hand, exuding an ominous aura.
"Oh great goddess of greatness thanks for the upgrade. It's time to return to the academy" Henry muttered as he glanced at the horizon, where the first hints of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of orange and purple. It was nearly morning.
With a deep breath, he turned back toward the train station his mind still reeling from the discovery.
Henry had never been able to access his mana before.
But now?
Now, something was different.
Curious, he reached out with his senses, feeling for the energy that had once been out of his grasp. And then—there it was. A faint but familiar tingle at his fingertips.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, channeling his intent.
To his surprise, the mana obeyed effortlessly. It flowed like a river down a well-worn path, gathering in his palm and manifesting as a soft, shimmering glow.
A grin tugged at his lips.
"So this is what it feels like…"
Even though it was a simple act—a mere release of mana—the sensation was exhilarating. He had never experienced something so natural, so right.
With renewed determination, he continued toward the train station.
Navigating his way back was easy.
By the time he arrived at the train station, the morning service had already begun.
"I feel good now" Henry mumbled as he boarded the first train heading toward the academy.
Upon arrival, a familiar voice greeted him.
"You're quite early."
It was the same guard who had seen him off before. Henry offered a warm smile in response and walked inside.
It's was 6 A and students won't be awake this early. Especially on a weekend
The academy grounds were eerily quiet. The cool morning breeze rustled the trees, and the empty pathways stretched before him. Henry found comfort in the solitude, but at the same time, the golden sunlight spilling over the buildings made him feel strangely exposed.
Then, something caught his eye.
Empty drink cans. Scraps of leftover food. A faint fishy smell lingered in the air.
His gaze drifted toward a tree, where fresh nail marks were etched into the bark.
All this information was something he had not seen b
efore, which shows how important the perceptive insight was.
Henry let's out a dry chuckle.
"No matter where you are… teenagers will always be teenagers."
- Writer
