To grow stronger, to evolve, to survive—everything must awaken. Even planets must do so to fend off the myriad creatures that feed on them, such as the devouring space worms and the Broodmothers that haunt the vast expanse of space. Planet Jurun, as the higher races call it, was no exception. It awakened its conscience core and connected with the universal system that planets create, ensuring that its natives grow strong enough with the system's gifts to protect them.
One of these gifts is the Oculus. It manifests as pieces of glass or gem-like objects, dropped by hunting monsters. These pieces contain spells and skills that can be absorbed directly, sparing individuals the pain of years spent learning simple skills. Moreover, it serves as the primary means for people to awaken, as they learn to control mana and create a mana core through learning the skills.
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Zolma thought about the information in one of the books his mother brought home While seated alone in the waiting room, he brought the first of the two H-Rank spells he had purchased to his neck and pierced his skin with its pointy end.
[inscribed mana detected]
[Awakening is starting]
A slight headache greeted him the moment he activated it, signaling the awakening of his core in response to the inscribed mana running in his vines. Then, intense heat surged in his lower abdomen, replacing the pain as wild mana in his body began flowing in its normal course. The inscribed mana found its way to his brain, infusing him with the knowledge of the fire spell, he also felt his mana core coming into existence with the heat receding.
[Awakening complete]
[You received your exclusive skill]
[You learned a new spell: H-Rank Fire]
"Huuu," a long sigh escaped his lips as he wiped away the blood that had started dripping from his nose. Then, he smiled and uttered:
'Status!'
[Status]
[Zolma Ghorab]
Race: Human
Rank: G
Attributes:
Strength: 11
Health: 8
Mana: 4
Agility: 5
Skills:
Exclusive: [Synchronization]
Non-exclusive: [H-Flame]
Equipment: (none)
Titles: (none)
"Synchronization?" Zolma murmured, feeling his heart rate quicken as he scrutinized his exclusive skill. Every living being received only one exclusive skill in their, and since the one he got has no rank its effectiveness could vary from that of an H-Rank to even an S-Rank, depending on its utility and his luck.
He focused intently on the skill to see its description.
[Synchronization]: (Passive) Allows the user to use and contain different or contradicting elements and powers at the same time without backlash.
"That's it?" Zolma's heart sank as he read the underwhelming description of his skill.
'Sigh, couldn't I at least get a skill that boosts strength or copies other skills?'
He sighed in disappointment and turned his attention to the other Oculus, using it to dispel his sour mood.
[You learned a new spell: H-Rank Water]
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he read the description of his new spell.
[Fire]: (Active) Allows for creating a small flame using mana.
[Water]: (Active) Summons water using mana.
After reading the descriptions, he focused his mind and activated his fire spell in his right hand by reciting it. He felt mana gathering and transforming into a fist-sized flame.
With a sense of satisfaction, he canceled the spell and activated the water spell. Water began gathering in the palm of his hand, and he took a sip.
'Better than the water they supply in the outskirts' he thought, a glimmer of optimism breaking through his disappointment.
He looked around to see if anyone else had entered the room, contemplating the idea of testing the effects of [Synchronization] by combining both water and flame in one point at the same time and in one hand.
Normally, such a feat would be impossible, as the skills would cancel each other due to the difference in elements and the lack of knowledge of the wielder. Mastering the simultaneous use of two skills required years of study and practice. However, Zolma's skill should allow him to do so effortlessly.
As he focused, he felt mana leaving his core and rushing towards his right hand. Soon, a small cloud of hot steam formed swirling gently and covering the space around him. He deactivated his spell when he felt that someone was coming.
'Mmm... it's like I've created a new skill' he murmured to himself. 'This should allow me to hide from weak monsters. With flame and water spells, I can create fire to cook my food and water to drink.'
As more people who received the relocation notice began to fill the room, Zolma observed them quietly. Like him, most seemed prepared to venture beyond the safety of the barrier and try their luck. And, of course, there were those who were subdued by the city guards for refusing to accept their relocation call, even the slave market won't accept them anymore for their behavior.
Hours later, the transport finally arrived to ferry them towards the gate and beyond the safety of the barrier protecting the city. Though the city boasted better transports, they couldn't afford to waste mana stones on their use, especially not for people living on the outskirts.
With a deep breath, Zolma boarded the carriage along with the others, bracing himself for the unknown challenges that lay ahead beyond the city barrier.