Chapter 7 Training 1

  --The next day--

  Sitting in my apartment, it was apparent I was too cocky from my hunting trip, not knowing the insides and out of my system, let alone all my skills. My system's new customization now had tabs for each function, as three new functions were visible: quests, crafting, and titles.

  [System functions]

  [Stats][Skills][Storage][Quests][Craft][Titles][Quests]

  were pretty simple. It was any current quest I've taken or given by the system or anyone else. [Crafting] was a tab. I could craft items with the help of the system, but it would only be low basic things if I took up actual crafting jobs like smithing, alchemy, sigil craft, or the like.

  While [Titles] were something I could equip that could do some crazy things like stat boost, immunities, or even affect others to a degree, to unlock them, I'd have to task to get it like if I hunted over a hundred of a monster id get the slayer tag of that being giving me bonus effects when facing them.

  There was also a change to my [Skill] menu as now I could obtain skills from the system itself that would be completely compatible, as well as some only it could teach me. I could also use my skill points to upgrade my skills instead of leveling them over time and just using them over time to increase proficiency. Opening it up, looking at it, I looked at it for a bit, looking at all the expensive skills and abilities before going to my [Storage]

  I swiped my hand on the interface before pulling out the aura manual I was rewarded with. Taking a calming breath, I opened up the book and read it. It wasn't a skill book per se, but if one could comprehend what was written, one could learn many skills from it. As if in a trance, the words I was reading started to blur, as well as the sigils and runes, as everything faded away in a dark gray light.

  Suddenly, I was standing in a vast, endless sea and night sky filled with stars and a permanently eclipsed moon and sun. Looking around, I saw nothing but my reflection in the water I stood on, the floor of water under my feet rippling before going calm to mirror the sky."I...Is this...my soul...space?"

  My voice resonated through the stillness, gradually fading into a soft whisper that danced on the breeze. As I began to stroll through this tranquil space, I acclimated to the serene silence enveloping me. I closed my eyes and placed my right hand gently over my heart, where an intense warmth surged within, like the glow of a hidden ember. When I reopened my eyes, I lifted my left hand, clutching tightly to that vibrant sensation. I felt it pulse and extend from my fingertips as a radiant blaze of gray and white ignited around it. This was no ordinary flame conjured from mere mana; it was a manifestation of my very essence, my soul’s aura unfurling in the world.

  Gradually, the flame began to shift and transform, transitioning from a rigid square to a sphere before ultimately settling into the shape of a diamond. This new form resonated deeply within me; it felt as if it were an extension of my very essence. According to the book, one must create their aura from a blank canvas to construct a core—a tangible anchor that allows for a deeper connection with both the soul and the aura. The shimmering purple diamond seemed to embody the ideal representation of my soul core, embodying the potential for growth and transformation.

  As I concentrated, pouring more thought and energy into it, the raw gem began to chip and fracture, releasing tiny shards that fell into the surrounding water, causing it to glow with an ethereal light. I surveyed the remnants of the gem, now an intricately cut piece, marred yet undeniably beautiful in its imperfection. While it might not appeal to everyone, I found a unique allure in its fractured state—this was something I deeply desired, an expression of my heart. With reverence, I cradled my soul core—my heart—in my hands, savoring its warmth and the connection it represented. Slowly, I released my grip, watching as it floated into the vast emptiness around me, a delicate and radiant symbol of my inner self, searching for its place in the universe.

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  It pulsed and expanded gradually until it reached an impressive height of 8 meters, looming majestically above me and radiating a gentle, flickering warmth against the chill of the stunning, expansive darkness. With a serene smile, I felt a profound sense of completion enveloping me in this sacred realm of my heart and soul. I closed my eyes one final time, surrendering to the tranquility that filled the air around me. Waking up, blinking my eyes away, I saw that the book was still on my lap, the pages empty as it had served its purpose. It faded back into the Aether from which it was made. Looking at my phone, I saw I was only asleep for 5 minutes at best. Talk about surprising. I assumed I'd been out for hours. Well, it doesn't matter, as I'd be taking these next few days to be training. There are many things I'd need to learn about this new body of mine, as well as use and get familiar with all my skills before I use any of my ten stat points or five skill points. First on that list was mental and spiritual training. I may know how to use my aura now, but it still needed to be faster to use in the heat of battle. Crossing my legs and putting my hands together in an open circle, I focused on all my enhanced senses, staring at my wall and trying to see all I could before closing my eyes.

  Everything was black, and a soft ringing of the lack of sound went through my ears as I meditated and tried to push all my senses. Soon, everything was buzzing. A light, almost invisible aura flame ignited as I felt, heard, saw, smelled, and even tasted everything around me, everything being sent to me by my aura. This new way of processing info was indescribable before I was flooded with notifications.

  ~~[Predators Body] has leveled up now lv2]~~

  ~~[Predators Body] has leveled up now lv 3]~~

  ~~[Predators Body] has leveled up now lv 4]~~

  ~~ User has generated skill [Aura senses]~~

  ~~[Aura senses] has leveled up now level 2]~~

  ~~ User has generated skill [Meditation]~~

  Swiping away all the pop-ups beside one, I was already aware that [Aura senses] were a skill that lets me sense others from my aura and relay them back to my body or just a sensory skill, but [Meditation] was more interesting.

  ~[Mediation ] is an active skill and does not require any cost. It can be used to help the user recover lost mana and stamina at a faster rate. Additionally, this skill can enhance mental awareness and clarity and help channel one's energy.~

  With this new information, I activated [Mediation], as my main goal was to feel my mana and be able to use it to enhance my body, like once before gaining the system, before heading to the guild to train my body. I had a long way to go and a lot of catch-ups to do better to start now than never. I grew serious in my resolve to be stronger and have a life I could control: no more pain or betrayal.

  My mind ignited with the image of a striking woman, her hair a captivating blend of deep ebony and fiery crimson, cascading like a waterfall of flames against her light chocolate skin. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of blood-red, sparkled with an intensity that held a universe of emotions. In this vivid vision, we stood together, our faces bright with joyful smiles, enveloped in the warmth of love that radiated between us, a moment frozen in time where nothing else mattered... Before, it soon went to scenes of me being run through with a spear, and my heart just barely missed the fatal wound, only to see the face I trusted. I loved. to betray me and walk away with another look in her eyes different from what was. At that moment, two years ago, I swore off love and my weakness, unable to keep the one I love, only for her to be stolen by someone stronger. She did love me, but her love for him and his power was far more significant. My right fist clenched so hard that my nails quickly drew blood, and gray flames blazed from my bloody hand. I will cast out my weakness and my despair. I Will Change This fate of mine that always takes and takes. No, I will take it will.

  I WILL DEVOUR IT ALL!