Prime Evolver System

Before Lucien could voice his confusion and argue further, suddenly the sound of a notification rang in his mind and ears. In the next instant the dark, translucent illusive screen appeared in front of his eyes.

The bloody letters appeared one after another, rapidly flying into their designated spots, formulating a surprising message, causing Lucien to barely be able to contain his shock and surprise not showing over his face.

[…::: The Host's understanding has deepened. The related Comprehension Talent [Sword Mastery: Katanas] in the skill's Essence Pool has been automatically added. The corresponding Entropy Cost has been deducted. :::…]

[…::: Current EP Balance: 30 EP (-10) :::…]

[…::: Due to the host's deepened understanding and comprehension the Technique section has been unlocked! :::…]

[…::: The Technique: [Sword Style: Absolute Spirit Sword] has been synthesized. :::…]

Just like the messages displayed, Lucien could suddenly feel as new, strange images, short visions appeared in the back of his mind. He only needed to focus on them, to bring all of these memories up to the front, and display them and merge these invading scenes with his own subconscious memory.

One by one as they appeared, they depicted a shadowy, faceless humanoid figure holding a bright platinum-colored sword, similar in shape and size to his katana, but made out of similar energy that itself. The figure was displaying various stances holding the words, poses, and even a few attacks, slashes with the weapon it was holding.

From the outside, Sera could see as the boy's vision turned hazy. She smiled, seemingly aware of what was happening, she took a step back, giving the boy a bit of space.

She didn't speak a word, there was no need to. The boy was already gone, deep in his own world. His hands moving on their own, the boy copied the various forms of the shadowy figure as he saw them.

His body moving on its own, he perfectly mimicked the movements. Various stances, poses were showcased one after another. His body glistening with the heavy sweat, Lucien kept the movements, unaware of everything happening on the outside.

Eventually, however, his movements ceased. With a heavy, tired sigh, he plopped down the ground, heaving heavily.

He felt his head aching, he was unable to process any more of these mysterious scenes, he couldn't comprehend any more of the technique that appeared in his mind mysteriously.

As he came back to his senses, he realized how incredibly spent his entire body was, surprising him once again. His entire body was burning, his muscles were aching as if they were strained way over their limits.

He couldn't help but gasp for air, he was thirsty for air. With a shocked expression, he gazed to the side, looking at Sera and hoping to get some answers to what had just happened.

Looking at him, Sera was gently smiling, nodding as their eyes met.

"What did you learn, Lucien? It seemed to be something related to your current weapon. I have to admit though…" Her smile increased, her tone carrying a cheeky undertone as she added. "…I have never seen the style you practiced just now."

Lucien didn't know how to respond to her question. In front of him, the system's window was currently floating visible only to him, displaying his current progress in this mysterious newly unlocked subsection.

[…:::Current Progress: Technique: [Sword Style: Absolute Spirit Sword] - 2.5% comprehended. :::…]

[…::: Accumulating Energy… Updating Power Rank Progress… :::…]

[…::: Current Progress: Rank: 1 ::: 53.5% :::…]

[…::: Energy increased by 5! :::…]

[…::: The change in Maximum Energy is stored in the System Bank and is not assimilated with the Host's Body currently. :::…]

'Where are all these coming from? Is it because of those images? Did the technique progress give these gains? If so… how, I haven't consumed any mass…' Lucien looked in front of himself, staring at the screen with an incredulous gaze.

What he was seeing, although it was incredible and obviously very welcome… was strange… How could he grow more powerful without absorbing flesh, the mass of other creatures? Wasn't this how the system worked?

Understanding his concerns, a smaller window appeared atop the current one, with a seemingly already prepared response.

[…::: The upgrades are qualitative upgrades coming from the host's current comprehension of the technique. As the host hasn't absorbed any additional mass there are no changes to the host's physical attributes. Comprehending Techniques are beneficial to the host's Power Stage. :::…]

Reading through the System's response, Lucien was barely able to contain the deepening frown he felt. Once again, the discussion related to that still unknown Power and Rank has come up, however, he still couldn't understand what they were and how it could help him. Whenever he tried asking the system about it, he was told that once he was ready, everything he needed to know will be explained.

Besides that, he just knew that they would be beneficial to him in some way and would make him more powerful.

Deep in his thoughts, he was suddenly startled, almost jumping up from his spot, when he suddenly felt a hand touching his right shoulder suddenly. Turning his head, he was met with Sera who was now sitting next to him on the ground, looking at her with a gentle, warm smile stretching across her face.

"Are you okay Lucien? You were spacing out…" She asked smilingly. "If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask me. I hope I have proved that you can trust me by now."

"N-no… It's nothing." The boy shook his head. "I was just thinking about our duel… You said I won?" He asked, matching the woman's gaze, changing the topic. While he did trust the girl he still didn't want to reveal every little secret about his situation. Not yet.

"Yes, I did. You forced me to use my power, otherwise, your last attack would have hit me." She spoke with the same smile, not minding the fact that she was seemingly almost slashed. Looking at his blade thoughtfully she continued. "You know, I have to admit I didn't expect you to be this good with handling that sword. You truly surprised me there!"

"So this means, I can go by myself in the afternoon?" Not minding her praise, Lucien asked with an expectant glint in his eyes.

"Yes. We did agree to that, didn't we?" Sera nodded, her gentle smile turning crooked at the thought. "However, you shouldn't wander too deep. Although this place is safer than other similar sub-worlds, at the same time, there are some dangerous magical beasts deeper inside. You should be careful, they aren't like the ones you have seen so far!"

She stood up, dusting off her attire as she added with a stricter tone.

"I will be staying close by. I will let you go on and explore alone, but I will not leave you completely by yourself."

Seeing that the boy's face twisted into a displeased frown, she added.

"Don't worry. Unless you meet a creature you have no hope of defeating or escaping, I will not interfere. You need to experience some hardships, but I can't let you die. You are the sole inheritor of the Master after all."

Lucien could only nod and accept Sera's conditions. Even if he was proud and wanted to solve all of his problems alone, he had to accept the fact that he wasn't strong enough to do so.

However, this just ignited his will, his burning desire to grow stronger. Although he was truly thankful that she saved his life and all her efforts, his pride just couldn't accept being the one protected.

Especially by a girl.

Anyway, although he had to compromise, Lucien couldn't help but smile with expectation as he looked towards the depths of the forest.

He could finally go out and explore!