Chapter 58: Changes |
“Nightmares belong to the Night, to the darkness. Voidlings that embraced the power of the dark might have become stronger, sometimes unstoppable, but they will never see the light of a star again if they wish to live. It is the price they will pay until their dying breath, and not even the System can change that.
Beware of the Nightmares that stalk the Night, my young friend, for they will never leave you alone once they spot you in the darkness. They will pursue you for as long as they can, and sometimes, they will dare to risk the searing burn of a star to finish off their prey, even if it means their death…”
~Conversation between a master and a student, Uncharted Lands, 57th Outbreak
As his request reached the System, an onslaught of notifications flooded his sight. However, before they could completely drown him, he pushed most of them aside, allowing the messages to filter in gradually. He had learned the hard way not to grant the System unrestricted control—it only led to headaches.
No need to add any more suffering for my mind to bear, Leo thought, still feeling the dull ache across his entire body. Devouring the two policemen might have healed his worst injuries, but he was far from fully recovered.
Gonna need to drain a few Voidlings on my way back.
After all, who knew how his group would react to his new, very friendly appearance.
Leo snorted and shook his head, focusing on the text hanging in front of him. I can worry about them later. For now, let’s see.
Awakened Human (Ranger LVL: 6) slain | Experience awarded | 34 Ether absorbed
His eyes grew wide. He expected some Ether from the duo, but nothing like this. Although, in hindsight, he probably shouldn’t be surprised. There was, after all, a major difference between notifications when he killed other survivors and Voidlings.
Absorbed instead of gained. It was the same with the man in the shack, but I had completely ignored it back then.
His mind flashed to that day, to his first human kill. Now he had two more to add to his list.
Don’t go there again. Focus on what’s important.
He shook his head. Hopelessly trying to make himself feel bad about the policemen’s death would help no one. Not that it worked anyway.
Killing survivors apparently absorbed some—if not all—of their Ether instead of providing an already determined amount from the System. While a welcome surprise in this case, this information could create a bunch of problems in the future. If it didn’t already.
Leo sighed, looking at his own Ether counter that appeared in the corner of his vision.
Ether: 97
The more you have, the better. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if survivors started killing each other to gather more. Humans are violent and greedy creatures, after all. I doubt that has changed in the face of extinction.
Perhaps it was a grim perspective, but it was still a hard truth. People were killing each other long before the Outbreak. Now add to that the dangers of this new world, and he could only imagine the lengths some would go to in order to ensure their survival and accelerated growth.
The only positive in this whole mess was that no one knew how much Ether another survivor could provide until someone actually killed the person. Not exactly something to be happy about, but it was still better than nothing.
And apart from self-defense, I doubt most people would actively try to kill others. But after this information becomes public knowledge? Yeah, then the shit will really hit the fan.
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His own mind drifted to the trio waiting for him. While they seemed like a good bunch, Leo couldn’t possibly know how they would react if they found out what he had done. The same applied to any other survivor, as in the end, survival was all that mattered. How other people wanted to achieve it depended wholly on them.
I just hope it won’t become a bloody battle royale.
He finally dismissed the kill notifications and pulled up the next set. He could worry about people slaughtering each other later.
Progression blockade disabled. May you flourish and reach new heights, User.
Level 11 reached. Class and Racial attributes have been distributed. Please assign your 3 free attributes.
Wait, what? Already? Leo blinked, rereading the notification to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. It just didn’t make any sense. Either my experience gain wasn’t really locked, or somehow, those two gave me an entire level.
He really, really hoped it was the former. If just two kills—against Level 6 and 7 survivors—were enough to push him up a level, then Ether wouldn’t be the only thing driving people to kill. Attacking others on sight could quickly become a norm if that were the case.
I would love to pick your brain right about now, Nikra, Leo called out, not even caring that he was trying to depend on the Old One’s knowledge. This wasn’t just about him anymore. If this got out of hand, this could become a bloodbath.
Yet, no answer came. Whatever link existed between him and the Old One was fully closed now, and he feared it could be a while before that changed.
Should have expected that, he scolded himself. It would be way too easy if she could speak to me right away. She most likely tired herself out by bringing me into my Soulscape and watching over my body in the real world.
That was the only possible reason for the radio silence that he could think of. After all, right before the evolution, Nikra spoke to him a few times over the span of one day. With his connection to the shard and Void improved, it should be even easier now if what she told him was true.
That must be it. I just hope you won’t be resting for long, Nikra.
He let out a sigh and focused on the end of the last message.
Three points, hmm? I didn’t really have a chance to check yet, but if my control got worse, then I might as well fix it right away.
As Leo confirmed the assignment of his three points, his body ignited in a familiar rush of power. Soul, Body, and Mind, everything came alive, absorbing the energy of a level-up.
Oh, I have missed this…
This thrill, this rush of power, was a dangerous feeling, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Yes, it had the potential of being addictive, but this was also the new way of life. So as long as the rush of power didn’t completely take over his mind, it shouldn’t be too bad.
And I guess I just jinxed it, but what’s new? He shrugged and summoned the following notifications.
Full description of your new species unlocked. Displaying updated information now.
Prime Night Hunter (Stage II)
Hunt. Kill. Consume. Never stop, little Akirian. You are the Hunter that stalks the Night. You are the Prime that leads your kind. As the first and the last, be ready and fight until there is nothing left.
Effects:
Tainted evolves into Void-borne. Grants Low-end Akirian Physiology trait. The potency of your Essence has been enhanced at the price of slightly lowered control. Heavy physical evolution involved. All Effectiveness: +15%. +1 Might, +3 Grace, +1 Vision, +1 Soul, +1 Mind, +3 free attribute points per level. Natural Mutations: Unlocked
That’s much better, he thought. Next!
Low-end Akirian Physiology (Rare):
Whatever you were before, forget about it; you are an Akirian now, little one. Raise your head and enjoy the benefits of a species with no equals. This is just the beginning of a very long road.
Effects:
Natural resistance against the Void’s harsh conditions slightly improved. Your body is now capable of withstanding Void Storms below C-Grade. Basic body functions enhanced. You can now sustain your body with Essence and the flesh of your enemies. Due to your unique physiology, you are now more vulnerable to Ether weapons.
Holy shit, that’s a lot, Leo admitted, eyes wide. Natural resistance is always welcome. And I have no idea what a Void Storm is, but thanks anyway. Body functions improved, great, whatever that really means. I’m gonna pass on eating the flesh of my enemies, but Essence? Why not?
At last, his gaze fell to the final listed effect. He gulped.
Even though he probably shouldn’t be, the new vulnerability surprised him a bit. He might not know where one could get an Ether weapon, but it definitely added even more value to the mysterious energy.
However, despite this not-so-welcome information, Leo still couldn’t help but be a bit amused.
Ironic. Vulnerable to the energy I’m collecting. Gonna need to find out if only Ether weapons are my weakness or if any exposure to it will screw me up…
“More and more questions…” The words came out low and gravelly, almost like a growl.
What in the… Who the hell replaced my vocal cords with a demon?!
He cleared his throat and tried again. “Hello?”
Nope. Same deep, raspy tone. His voice was never special, and he definitely couldn’t sing, but this? This was like a sound straight from a horror.
Well, couldn’t even leave my voice alone. Thanks a lot, System…
Leo sighed heavily.
Explaining this to Dylan, Tyler, and Laura is gonna be so much fun.