Chapter Four: I Bless You
1558 Words
Elena and Ethan Bell reside in New City. Through Ethan Bell's memories, Ethan discovered that the Western Region here bears little difference from his original world.
New City, at best, could be considered a second-tier city; although its economy is not particularly advanced, it at least holds the status of a provincial capital.
As the capital of Northern Province, New City stands at the northernmost edge of the Western Nation, known for its abundant population of "White Spirits."
It is well-known that the Western Region spans vast territories, with its geography varying dramatically from south to north and east to west.
In the northern province of this Western Nation, the dimensional portals are quite intriguing, showcasing distinct regional characteristics—whether this is a jest from the Creator remains uncertain.
Behind the dimensional gateways of Northern Province lie expanses of snow-covered plains, marked by harsh and frigid conditions.
Within these snowy expanses, the predominant and most populous species is the White Spirit clan.
These beings are enveloped in white fur, humanoid in shape, and walk upright, resembling apes. They stand between one and two meters tall, powerful and formidable in presence.
Adorned in thick, pristine fur, their faces, however, are fearsome and dark, evoking a sense of dread akin to that of a demon.
The three star orbs that Ethan Bell had previously absorbed were all of the lowest rank, mere White Spirit orbs.
Yet today, perhaps in a gesture of apology, Elena presented him with a star orb from a White Spirit Sorcerer.
In comparison to their common cousins, the White Spirit Sorcerers are considerably rarer, with typically no more than one existing within a given group of White Spirits.
Ordinary White Spirits rely on their sharp teeth and claws to dominate, while White Spirit Sorcerers possess a higher degree of magical prowess, which is uniformly referred to as “star skills” by Earthlings.
At this moment, Ethan, who had previously gazed at an empty star skills section, finally acquired his very first star skill in life.
No, to be precise, he attained not one but two star skills: Blessing and Decoy.
As Ethan activated his star map, an ethereal version of himself appeared as the backdrop.
At the very heart of this ethereal figure, the star map of the “Big Dipper” emerged, with the initially dim first star now illuminated.
Countless twinkling lights danced around the stars, akin to fireflies flitting through the night, creating a truly enchanting spectacle.
Star Power: Stardust Period Lv.2.
Still at Lv.2 for star power? Absorbing a star orb is the most effective means to enhance one’s star power, yet even after absorbing a star orb, why hasn’t my star power increased at all?
Here, it must be clarified that while star orbs can indeed consolidate the star skills within one’s body, they can also elevate the upper limits of star power. However, there is a linkage between star power and physical fitness.
An increase in star power can promote the enhancement of one’s physical condition, making individuals stronger and faster, facilitating an all-around boost in physical capabilities.
The human body is akin to a bucket—only by continuously improving physical fitness can one accommodate more star power.
These two elements are mutually reinforcing: star power enhances physical quality, while improved physical quality allows for the absorption of even greater amounts of star power.
However, Ethan currently faced an issue with his physical fitness. If his body could be likened to a small bucket, at this moment, it was already brimming with star power, unable to hold any more. This was the reason his star power reflected no improvement on the star map.
Right now, Ethan should focus on physical training to digest and absorb this star power, increasing his bodily strength, essentially creating a larger bucket.
Simply lounging around the house, waiting for the overflowing star power to automatically transform his physical constitution without exercising? If he continues this way, it could take him ten years just to advance one level.
But all that aside.
Ethan shifted his gaze to the second section.
Star Skills:
1. Blessing: Gradually restores target vitality. {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}
2. Decoy: Creates an illusion to confuse enemies. {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}
Indeed, by illuminating one star, he had obtained two star skills!
Ridiculous! Who said that my "Big Dipper Nine Stars" could only possess nine star skills? Not only can I have nine, I might even be able to acquire nine more!
What’s more astonishing is that when a person finally absorbs a star skill through great effort, that skill is usually confined to Bronze Quality throughout their life. Meanwhile, Ethan possesses the ability to elevate the quality of his star skills!
One prevailing principle in this world is that once a star slot is illuminated, the corresponding star skill cannot be changed, upgraded, or dismissed.
In other words, even if a divine being had a thousand star slots in their star map, the first star skill they absorbed, regardless of its initial quality, remains forever fixed at that quality.
Bronze, in its stubbornness!
Ethan, concentrating, gazed at the “Upgradable” option behind the star skills: "Upgrade Requirement: White Spirit Sorcerer Star Orbs {10} or Skill Points {10}."
Wow,
Now that gives me some motivation!
Ethan redirected his focus to his second star skill: Decoy.
This too required similar star orbs or skill points for an upgrade.
Now, the pressing question arose: How does one obtain skill points?
Ethan found himself perplexed. Shouldn’t the system have explained this when this inner star map was tethered to Ethan Bell?
"System?" Ethan tentatively called out.
"Mm?" Elena watched Ethan quietly, noticing her younger brother, usually so unruly, exhibiting unusual behavior today—perhaps this slap had indeed cleared his mind, but why was he now spouting nonsense?
Ethan promptly refocused his thoughts and continued examining the third section.
Basic Techniques:
Basic Combat {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}
Abundant Star Power {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}
At last, Ethan recognized a difference.
Basic Combat {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}, Upgrade Requirement: Self-Improvement or 10 Skill Points.
Abundant Star Power {Bronze Quality Lv.1, Upgradable}, Upgrade Requirement: Self-Improvement or 10 Skill Points.
If star skills can be upgraded using corresponding types of star orbs, then basic techniques can only be upgraded through personal training or using skill points.
Just as Ethan was about to close the inner star map, he noticed a small line of text in the bottom right corner: "Skill Points: 1."
Goodness, this is incredible.
What a tease!
Why is the text so small?
Isn’t this reminiscent of those television ads selling medication?
They enthusiastically promote how effective the product is, only to hide a half-transparent disclaimer in tiny print: This product is a health food and cannot replace medicine.
Who could possibly notice that?
...
Among the three sections,
the first, Star Power, and the third, Basic Techniques, can be upgraded through self-training and skill points.
Meanwhile, the second section of Star Skills may be enhanced using matching star orbs or skill points.
Even a fool could discern the significance of skill points; however, Ethan still had no notion of how to acquire them.
After much contemplation, Ethan decided against using that solitary skill point just yet; after all, he wasn’t in a rush and could afford to wait. He wanted to thoroughly understand the situation before making any upgrades, especially since he faced no immediate peril.
“I’m talking to you.” The cool voice before him rang out again, laced with an edge of sternness, her dark eyes glinting with intensity.
Snapping back to reality, Ethan turned his attention to the girl seated opposite him.
Wow, she certainly exuded an impressive presence! Though she had just turned eighteen, perhaps due to the existence of star power in this world, this young woman had been exposed to battles that ordinary people could not fathom, granting her an undeniable charisma and aura.
Yet, Elena's authority held no power over Ethan.
“Show me your star map,” Elena commanded, her brows furrowed.
With a shrug, Ethan summoned the energy within him, and the star map of the “Big Dipper” quietly materialized upon his chest.
“Mm.” Elena nodded slightly. Despite her icy demeanor, she was inwardly thrilled.
Indeed, the first star had brightened, radiating the copper hue it was meant to possess!
“What star skill do you have?” Elena asked with a façade of calm.
Drawing upon the energy within him, Ethan highlighted a few wisps of stardust that flowed gently, and with a flick of his right hand, a beam of white light enveloped Elena.
Star Skill: Blessing!
The next instant, bathed in the radiant glow, Elena, clad in pristine white, emanating an ethereal beauty, unexpectedly let out an exquisite sigh: “Mm~”
Ethan: ???
Five seconds later, Elena's hazy expression cleared, her beautiful eyes shimmering with waves of emotion. Her alabaster face blushed a delightful shade of pink, reminiscent of a tantalizing peach.
Ethan was utterly bewildered. What on earth was this unexpected benefit?
Is this skill... that pleasant?
Alright, Elena, allow me to continue blessing you!
Ethan once more summoned his star power, a flash of white light cascading over Elena once again.
Elena: “Ah~”
Ethan: “......”
End of Chapter
- Writer
