"Water is water, fire is fire."
I grumbled, staring at the skill description. "[Sophi], I can tell that just from the skill's name. You don't have to show me such a useless description."
[Noted.]
"So, what can I do with this skill?"
[Host can combine different skills to create a completely unique skill, although there is a cooldown time.]
"Well, that does sound interesting," I muttered as I walked out of the dock.
Just then, a cold mechanical tone suddenly rang in my ears again.
[Congratulations, Host has gained a new skill:
My eyes glossed over the panel, but I wasn't surprised anymore. If I could gain a skill from something as simple as breathing, then of course, I could also gain a simple skill from something as basic as walking.
"So, how long is the cooldown period?"
[One day.]
'Hmm, if it's such a short cooldown, then I can test it out right away,' I thought to myself. Without hesitation, I told [Sophi], "Combine the
[Very well, host.]
Sophi agreed in her cold tone, and a new panel appeared before me.
[Merging skills
I watched with anticipation as the countdown began from "10," a thrill bubbling up inside me that I couldn't quite put into words.
[10… 9… 8…]
"I wonder what it'll be… something like 'Breath Walk'?" I shook my head, trying to suppress the excitement.
[1… 0]
[Successfully combined both skills. Congratulations, you have gained the skill
…
You can step on air.
Speed: +2
…
Even without looking at the skill panel, I felt a strange heat pulse through my body, lasting only a brief moment before fading away. At the same time, unfamiliar information began to flood my mind, details I couldn't have consciously known.
The data explained the basic usage of the skill and its consumption.
First of all, the skill could be activated in two ways: by using stamina or mana.
Using stamina was fine for now, but Mana seemed inherently better, the skill would be stronger, and I wouldn't get exhausted from it. Unfortunately, I was currently Manaless; in fact, I didn't even have a name, at least, according to the system.
"Let's try it."
Muttering to myself with excitement, I took a deep breath and activated the skill naturally, just by thinking about it.
Almost immediately, a faint exhaustion crept into my mind and body. It was subtle, but definitely there.
Then I took my first step, in mid-air, I could feel the air solidify beneath my feet. My heart raced as I took another step, and once again, the air hardened, as if an invisible staircase was guiding me upward toward the heavens.
I continued stepping on air itself, each movement sending waves of weariness through my body. The exhaustion crept on.
By the time I had climbed twenty meters high, my breaths came ragged and shallow.
Then I looked around and was immediately stunned.
Behind me was the ocean, but in front of me was a breathtaking sight of a magical forest. It truly felt magical, with different twinkling lights flying around it, a giant tree far away in the distance; I could barely see the edges and shadows of it.
My eyes lit as I couldn't help but shout:
"This world is beautiful."
Then I started laughing like a madman, something that you did see in the background image of your computer was right in front of me. The place felt magical, and my reality, that I was experiencing this beauty up close and in person, only filled me with excitement.
[Yes, Host, the mortals have not been able to live in peace for long because of the cruelty of the god. I urge you, Host, to take immediate action.]
"Let me think about it." I barely spoke between ragged breaths; my stamina was seriously draining, and I was almost completely exhausted because of it.
Finally, I couldn't hold it any longer and collapsed to the ground from the air, face-planting myself. I let out a grunt and barely managed to stand again.
Then I sat down on my butt to rest.
Once I calmed down and my limbs brimmed with renewed energy, I quickly sat up and entered the forest in front of me.
I spoke to [Sophi] in my mind:
"So, I don't have any mana or spirit power. How do I get any?"
[You will need a Mana Awakening Herb for Mana. As for spirit power, it's not something you can randomly gain, those who have it are usually born with it.]
"Well, with a forest right ahead of me, surely there must be a Mana Awakening Herb somewhere?" I mumbled, looking around. Greenery stretched in every direction.
"Do you know where we are?"
[Negative.]
I simply shook my head and continued onwards.
While searching, I spotted a bush with unfamiliar purple berries, "What's this?" I muttered, curiosity getting the better of me.
[Scanning the item for the host… found: purple berry.]
…
[Name: Belladonna
Species: Poisonous Shrub
Description: A highly poisonous berry that can take the life of its consumer quickly and effectively with just a drop. However, if used wisely, it has the effect of strengthening the user.]
…
"What does 'used wisely' even mean?" I stared at the description, stunned. How could something so deadly also make you stronger?
Suddenly, a green panel popped up in front of me.
[Congratulations, you have gained a new skill:
My ears twitched in annoyance.
'[Sophi], can I remove the green panel every time I gain a skill? This is worse than pop-up ads.'
[Very well, host.]
'Good. Now tell me, how do I use this Belladonna wisely?'
[Well… you'll have to use it in combat. If you can endure the pain of consumption and the fight itself, then your stats will increase.]
"Hmm, that does sound interesting." I rubbed my chin thoughtfully.