Chapter 794 - New trait

“It is simple. I will pick the blood,” I say.

Elian doesn't show any reaction, but he gestures for me to continue.

“I think that out of all the traits, it works the best with the ones I already have, so they should sync well. That blood would flow through the entirety of my body, there are veins in my eyes and my brain, too. So, let’s say it isn’t the absolute best of my offers, but the second best. With how high the chance is that it will make my other traits stronger, it is well worth the trade.”

For a moment, this guy seems disappointed. I guess he really wanted me to pick the parasite so I would have to constantly fight for my own mana with an intruder in my body, or the stomach, so I could cosplay as Biscuit. Though I really did want to eat the Sword of Aeons.

“That is correct,” Elian says almost unwillingly, fighting between his impulse to be a teacher and his weirdo scientist side. “With Empyrean Ichor, your blood will turn into something many would pay a high price to obtain. It will likely be more conductive than most mana-conductive paints. Though I would have preferred if you had chosen Mana-Absorbent Gastric Lining, Empyrean Ichor is also interesting. There is even one of my disciples attempting to make something akin to a potion that would replenish mana reserves after drinking. It is an interesting concept.”

“O-okay.”

Elian isn't bothered at all. “As the description mentioned, a constant flow of such mana-rich blood will create a field within you that strengthens your natural barrier. Furthermore, the very same blood fills your Physique and flows through your eyes. It would be silly not to expect it to influence them in some way. Additional possible strengthenings, forced evolutions, and further options. I wonder, have you planned it all out with such synchronization in mind?”

“Not really. The eyes and physique are mostly what I got, though I did a lot to make them as powerful as possible. Before level 400, I did my best to gain as many achievements as possible to get the best possible trait. The System always says that it rewards according to previous performance, so I tried to influence that a bit and then hoped. I learned a bit from the trait grandpa, I forgot his name. He was from the Academy floor. Without knowledge from him, I would likely have picked the Halo.”

“You likely mean Hywel the Tyrant.”

“Yes, that guy.”

“In such a case, it makes sense. Very well, you can proceed with your selection. I will stay here with you to observe the process and offer assistance in case the pain becomes too much, considering your low constitution and how powerful this trait could be.”

I nod and read the notifications again. I hesitate a bit. Once I select the blood, the others will be gone, and I just can’t stop thinking about how powerful each of them could have been. That is my nature. I already have plans for how to abuse each of them to the utmost: black mana orbs to eat, the Halo used with [Manifestation], [Ley Lines], and [Eclipse], or a shift in my combat style that would force the parasite to work for its rent while I constantly lured my opponents into triggering its lashes.

I can probably mimic some of these to an extent, but likely not in a way comparable to a fully strengthened and evolved trait. I just want them all. My greed for them and the arrogant thought that I can do some of it on my own fight each other constantly.

Before confirming the option, I look at Elian, who observes me the whole time. I question how much I can trust the guy. Then, I select the Empyrean Ichor and close my eyes.

***

The following 24 hours become a blurry mess as I sit there hunched over, elbows on my knees, and palms pressed against my eyes. My entire body feels as if someone is pulling a red-hot razor wire through every inch of me. It feels as if my blood has been set afire, the flames spreading through my veins as the pain rapidly increases.

It is almost easy to endure. After the hell that was my body upgrade during the tournament, this feels familiar.

So, with my eyes closed, I observe the changes happening to my body. Someone like Lily could probably see much more, but I can still learn a thing or two. I also begin to work on changes to my Mana Cycling and the thermal one.

I start thinking about how this might affect Lily’s healing mana, Sophie’s Thought Acceleration, or the telepathic link the twins create. I’m sure these things will become more difficult, but at the current strength of my new trait, it shouldn't be too much trouble. In the future, it surely will be.

For now, I’m sure I can find a way to allow Lily’s mana or the twins' link through. It will weaken the effect of the trait and require active effort, but I expected as much.

***

By the second day, the pain becomes duller but still carries that burning feeling. I feel as if my brain and eyes are swelling to the point they might explode, and my hearts beat violently against my ribs.

Once in a while, I cough up clots of blood, as if my body is getting rid of what remains and clearing the way for the new supply. Gradually, the coughed-up blood contains bits of the new blood, which I notice right away. It is mostly because of how it looks to my eyes. Empyrean Ichor is so saturated in mana that it surprises even me.

And I’m not the only one.

I sense movement from Magi Elian. As I lift my head from my palms and look at him, he is staring at the bits of blood with eyes glowing in interest, holding his glasses in his hand.

For a faint moment, something akin to a smile twists his lips before he slowly puts his glasses back on and returns to his usual expression.

***

The third day, though the pain remains and the trait continues to finish its application, I feel that I am back to about 90% of my capabilities, so it shouldn't hinder me that much.

With interest, I watch a drop of my new blood fall from the tip of my finger. It is still a deep red, though in the right light and to the right eyes, there are visible, tiny white and golden particles glowing inside of it. In a way, it is pretty.

Just from the sight of it, I can deduce how saturated it is with mana. It is incomparable to before, even when it was saturated by the effects of my Physique. It has now reached the point where I wonder if it could be put into a vial and serve as a mana source instead of filled mana stones.

Then, there are notifications I did not expect, which I leave hovering in front of me.

Due to the latest enhancements to your body, additional adjustments have been applied to your status to reflect your current state more accurately.

Preeminence Eyes 2/4 > Preeminence Eyes 2/5

Mana Physique 2/4 > Mana Physique 2/5

Insanity. I had hoped for this, but did not dare to expect it.

Pure, fucking insanity.

Then there is also the Empyrean Ichor itself with five possible strengthenings.

And, for some goddamn reason, this as well.

[Empyrean Lance - lvl 40 > Empyrean Lance - lvl 41]

[Empyrean Lance - lvl 41 > Empyrean Lance - lvl 42]

[Empyrean Lance - lvl 42 > Empyrean Lance - lvl 43]

...

[Empyrean Lance - lvl 48 > Empyrean Lance - lvl 49]

At this point, I don’t know what to think. I just decide to roll with it all.

I look at Elian. "Was my part of the deal fulfilled?"

The Magi takes a moment to look up from the droplets of my blood, finally meeting my gaze. He nods. "More than that. I thought I knew what to expect, yet I have proven myself to be a fool. It seems even after all these years, there is much I can still learn about arrogant confidence, even when it is most of the time rightfully placed."

"I don't even know if you are putting yourself down or bragging."

He ignores me. A simple cube of mana forms over his hand as he speaks. "As for your promised lesson, I have thought on it. To do something like that properly would take months that we do not have. Instead, I will create a learning tool for you."

As he talks, the cube begins to shift and stretch. I feel a wave of lightheadedness until Elian creates a barrier that blocks some of my Preeminence Eye senses.

"You must be feeling it, your new trait made your eyes more potent even without an evolution. It wasn't that long ago you strengthened them, either, so currently, something like that is too much for you. Here, I was able to make changes to the surrounding wavelengths so as not to overwhelm you."

The cube shrinks and stretches, turning into a pair of round glasses not dissimilar from his own. They have a thin, silver metal frame and glass lenses.

When he hands them to me, I take them. No matter how deeply I observe them, I can’t tell that they aren’t made of glass and metal without breaking them. The System doesn't even treat them as an item, so it is likely just his skill, pure mana shaped through either illusion or a surface treatment imitating different materials.

I feel no change, even as I put them on.

"They will help you filter out some of the information to resist the backlash. If you send a bit of your mana into them, it will trigger a training method I have created. As for the Everwood, I will make sure your handler receives it as per our deal. So, I must ask as well: have I fulfilled my part of our deal?"

Something about his tone puts me on edge. My attention shifts to him fully, and I stop paying attention to the glasses.

"Yes, you have," I say slowly.

"Very well then. I like to be upfront, so I want to inform you that I have decided to further study your Empyrean Ichor. Your trait proves to be too fascinating, with impressive potential and many possibilities. I underestimated what would happen to it within your Mana Physique and such a low constitution, highly mana saturated body."

"And if I say no?" I ask, thinking of how Kyralon once told me someone called the Magi had tried to kidnap him because of his Parallax Eyes.

Elian stands up and fixes his suit. "I do not think you have a choice in this matter. While your Beyond quest is only for a week, I believe I can destroy the connection you have to Beyond and the Tutorial. Of course, the System will notice and continuously attempt to restore it, but I can block those attempts, even if only for a week or two. In any other case, I would probably offer to let you study under me after your Tutorial or any other more peaceful way. But judging by the state of your body, there is a high chance you won't survive, or you'll die throwing yourself into danger. I won't lose a subject that-"

He stops talking as the entire place shakes violently.

For the first time, Elian moves hurriedly. He removes his glasses and lifts his hand, and a golden spherical barrier surrounds what feels like the entire base we are on.

In the next moment, stones from the asteroid belt I have seen before begin to smash against that barrier soundlessly. Many of them are several times larger than the base and move at incredible speeds, yet the base endures without its surface so much as wobbling as the enormous stones break apart.

Elian’s focus fully turns away from me, his movements losing their arrogant, noble grace in exchange for a raw, predatory efficiency. He swings out with a flat palm, carving a miles-wide horizontal rift into the cold of the space. The tear opens with a scream audible even though the vacuum, a jagged white scar of pure force that bleeds a light so intense it makes the nearby star look dim in comparison.

For a heartbeat, the sun itself seems to pale. Then, the rift collapses into a single brilliant white orb that continues to scream as it hovers over her palm.

In the sudden shadow of the dimmed star, a single figure remains. She hangs suspended in the void, a mere speck of dust compared to the celestial object behind her, yet she exerts a presence that feels as if she is physically overwhelming it. The massive flares of the star seem to recoil and bow in her presence, making the gargantuan celestial body look like nothing more than a flickering candle behind her back.

"Elian, how dare you try to take what’s mine." Her voice reverberates as if she is speaking from everywhere and nowhere at once. It is quiet, but audible. And threatening.

"Lady Greed, please exclude yourself from this situation," the Magi answers in a similar fashion.