With everyone back on their griffins, it was time to finally continue their journey east. The sun was still blazing hot above, leaving multiple shadows of griffins on the ground as the group flew on.
Spes, at his usual position at the back of the griffin formation, was sitting cross-legged. The young man was already quite proficient.
"It's briefing time," Liber said, sending multiple panels in front of Spes.
"During the critical moments of our fight with Crystal, I reached a breakthrough, obtaining the seed's Authority lvl2."
[[Authority lvl1]]
>>Single-task computing only
>>General analysis (objects, enemies, environments)
>>Language decoding and symbol interpretation
>>Requires manual prompting / no auto-feedback
[[Authority lvl2]]
>>Real-time combat assistance (warnings, counters, targeting help)
>>Improved deep analysis (faster and more detailed)
>>Multi-tasking (can run several functions simultaneously: 3 max)
>>Surroundings detection and mapping (terrain, enemies, hazards)
>>Auto-prompt activation during critical situations
>>Vital monitoring (user and allies if linked)
Spes nodded, no longer confused by the new weird words in front of him, as Liber transferred in advance each of their detailed meanings.
"We have three task slots available. I recommend allocating one to real-time combat assistance in case of sudden engagements, and another to surroundings detection for situational awareness."
"Mn," Spes nodded again, having no objections as everything Liber had said was completely rational.
"Next one. The Tome of the Magician has been completely analysed, the seed and I both having full comprehension of it."
"Wait, I'm a bit confused here. The seed and you are two separate entities, or not?"
"My soul has completely fused with the seed. But that does not mean we are one. It's like two consciousnesses sharing the same body. Just like you and I before I fused with the seed."
"So, the seed... was it always inside me?"
"With Authority lvl2, I can now access some data on the seed's origins. You'll be surprised at what point it came attached to you," Liber chuckled.
"I really don't know..." Spes said, after thinking for a while.
"The ritual... it was successful! It did not summon a hero, but it did summon this seed, that immediately latched onto the closest host!"
"Of course! The seed is not of this world! Now it makes sense with all these weird words it has been spouting!" Spes's eyes widened, wondering how he hadn't thought of this before.
"Anything else that ritual put on my body?" Spes asked, slightly chuckling.
"I've already done a full body analysis on you. Other than the seed and I, you have no other parasites."
"You're no parasite. You're me! That makes us family." Spes frowned, berating Liber for the word he used to describe himself.
"..."
"You're right... family..." Liber softly mumbled, the two of them staying quiet for a while.
"L-Let's continue where we left off," Spes coughed twice, interrupting their silent moment.
"Right, the Tome of the Magician."
[[Liber / Spes's other self]]
[[Race: Soul (fractured / 50% mended)]]
[[Job: Novice Mage]]
[[Mana Pool: 500 U]]
[[Spiritual Sense (Seeing Sense): Lvl 2]]
[[Mastery]]: >>Tome of the Magician: Full Mastery (Limited to Job's Tier)
"Basic spells like Minor Fireball cost around 100 Units of Mana." Reading Spes's mind, Liber immediately responded to his incoming question.
"And finally, your updated Status based on the newly received information."
[[Spes]]
[[Race: Human]]
[[Job: Apprentice]]
[[Mana Pool: 5 U]]
[[Spiritual Sense: Lvl 2]]
[[Physique: LifeStream Physique (Mortal Stage / Early Phase)]]
"It's serious then, we're doing the Magic/Physical duo." Spes smiled, seeing 5 units on his Mana Pool.
"I'll do my best to become a stronger mage."
"And I'll do my best to be a stronger knight."