__
Taking multiple deep breaths Sekou's eyes would again look at his system messages in utter disbelief. He had almost died whilst being utterly unaware of it… Perhaps that was the downside of entering his mind when his body was going through a risky procedure.
Being utterly unaware of their body's condition was a pretty big downside—a terrifying one, if Sekou was to be honest.
'Fallacia didn't even warn me. That most likely means that she also couldn't tell what was going on… I hoped it would be the opposite.'
Sekou slightly hoped that Fallacia telling him nothing meant that nothing serious was happening to his body but instead it turned out to be the opposite.
She was completely unaware of what happened to the young man's body, meaning that in the future he'd have to figure out a way to monitor his body even when inside the mental scape.
'This is gonna be so much work… for future me that is.'
At that moment his thoughts would stop there as his mind was more focused on something else.
[Achievements have been detected!]
[Would the host like to view their achievements?]
"Achievements? T.S.A. did mention something about achievements being a thing. Maybe I got something good from almost dying."
Nodding he'd interact with the system and confirm that he wanted to view his achievements.
[DING!]
[Congratulations on being the First Human Hero to fuse with a newborn Manuz & attune to the essential energy behind Magic.]
[You have gained the Traits "World's Child" & "Manuz Essence"]
"Oh, so these are what allowed me to survive." He'd say as he read the notifications he received.
'First human hero to fuse with a Manuz? What the hell is a Manuz? That golden light which entered me? Was that it?' He'd frown slightly.
'Why did I have to put my mana in the ring? Was it to awaken the creature? Get it to react? I really don't know enough about what's going on around me and it's so goddam confusing.' He'd think before lightly shaking his head.
That aside, focusing back on what was happening in front of him, his thought process would change.
If he hadn't been rewarded he would most likely be dead right now which is… he didn't know how he felt about that. Next time instead of retreating into his mind maybe he should try and tank the pain to see if he can do anything.
"Although preferably there won't be a next time since this is way too risky."
Scratching the back of his head he'd just sigh and decide to check on his Traits. 'I'll have to check how good these traits are… hopefully they were worth it and also- WHY WOULD FRAUS PUT SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN THE RING?' Sekou would think.
He didn't even know what exactly had been put in there. All he knew was that it was dangerous and that he had risked his life the second the ring took effect.
"This better be worth it."
[Manuz Essence
Type-Trait
Description: After the absorption and fusion with a newborn Manuz and the energies which it contained you seem to have fundamentally changed. Your soul seems to resemble the creatures who have been dubbed as the "World's Favourite and Most Hated Child." Naturally, your body will take after your soul and show these changes. Few in the world possess the same connection to the essential energy behind magic. You are lucky to be one of them.
Effects:
Favoured Body: Your body is naturally loved by mana. Wounds heal at a heightened speed in areas with a high concentration of magic energy and you can create lesser magical phenomena by utilising your connection to the raw essence behind magic.
Hated Body: Your body is naturally weaker than the average human. Wounds naturally heal more slowly, your muscles are weaker and when away from a high concentration of magical energy you will generally feel more tired at times even downright sick.
]
'Hmm, I don't know how I should feel about this. I mean it's good that I can heal from high concentrations of magic energy. Since it doesn't specify which type I guess any type?' He'd think to himself.
Sekou had just managed to survive due to this trait so he wasn't exactly going to complain. At the end of the day, it could be better but it was just good enough to keep him alive.
"At least acting like a sick and weak guy will be easy… now onto the next one." Sekou would mutter.
He'd check the second and final trait he had gotten.
[World's Child
Type-Trait
Description: You are a being favoured by the world of Eden due to your connection to the essence of magic. You have formed a sort of makeshift bond with Eden itself. Perhaps you'll find a way to directly communicate with Eden later on but right now? It merely sees you as one of its many children.
Effects:
Loved by Eden: Most if not all forms of magic energy originating or based in Eden are attracted to the host. The same can be said for other beings connected or subordinated to the world of Eden as they will instinctively like if not adore the host.
]
'This is also pretty useful. It seems like whatever I absorbed connected me to Eden which is pretty neat.'
"Fallacia, do you know what happened? To me?" he'd mutter as he moved quickly to get himself prepared.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says she doesn't know.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says it thinks the host somehow absorbed a Manuz.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says Fraus may have been intending to connect the host to the world.]
"Why would he tho?" Sekou would mutter to himself while quickly finishing getting ready. Checking his phone once more he realised it was at 53%.
"Hm, I already deleted all my info… I just don't know how to get rid of it without the possibility of someone getting hold of it."
Quickly getting out of his room he'd close the door behind him and look around the hall.
It was empty. He had expected to see at least a maid or something like that but he wouldn't complain.
'The fewer eyes the better.' He'd think to himself as he started to move towards the entrance area of the dormitory. He was still about 8 to 9 minutes early as he had to spend about 20 to 25 minutes getting ready in his room before moving.
"As long as I'm not late that's all that really matters." Sekou would say as he arrived at his designated location and started to look around.
There were people but none of them were who he had told to come and meet here so he'd just shrug and go sit down in one of the nearby couches. Instinctively tapped his hand on one of the armrests.
'Am I moving fast in my progression or slow? I still don't have a single offensive ability… all I got is persuasion skills and now things that make the world and its various types of energies like me.' He'd think to himself.
He really didn't even know if he had good potential or not and until the bird reached the capital all he could really do was wait around and hop in the library every now and then to increase his knowledge of his surroundings.
'Maybe I should go hunting and increase my level… but how I once again literally have no offensive abilities and now with my new traits I'm even more physically weak than before.' Sekou would relax his back against the couch and just sigh.
"I'm really in a hard spot here…" he'd mutter to himself. After further talking with Fallacia it turned out that it took the people of this place a lot of training to create a magic circle and although Sekou himself was a hero he didn't know if he'd be able to be quicker than that.
'Maybe heroes improve quicker… but that may be specifically for the people with a mage class and I don't have something like that.' He'd think to himself once more whilst continuing to tap his fingers against the armrest.
"Maybe I'm not meant to be strong…" he'd mutter to himself.
Maybe he should just be one of those types who sit in the back and make plans. What were they called again? Logistics? Maybe he should just be doing that instead of trying to get actual fighting power.
A lot of doubts were overtaking the young man as he pondered what his future path would be. Before quickly releasing a sigh and shaking his head.
"It's still too early to think about this-"
"Think about what?"
He'd hear a voice coming from the side and upon turning his head he'd realise it was Emma. It would seem the time he had given had just come and right before he could answer he'd see another person also arrive right next to them.
It would seem like Kim had also arrived which made him raise an eyebrow. The dude had slightly torn clothes and minor cuts and bruises all over his body.
"It seems like you both arrived in time? Although I'm confused as to why you are covered in scratches Kim." He'd mutter whilst slightly tilting his head.
"Went to raise my level obviously?" He'd say whilst looking at Sekou as if he were an idiot.
Meanwhile, Emma would smile to the side noticing that Sekou had indeed gone and talked to the young man as he had promised which brought her a slight sense of relief.
"Glad to see you actually talked to him, Sekou." She'd say with a slight smile as she nodded at Kim.
"Yeah… haha that aside, aren't the introductions in order?" Sekou would say.
To which both Emma and Kim nodded.
"Emma Slackford. Just call me Emma." She'd say with a "bright" smile? Although it felt more tired than bright.
"Kim… just call me Kim." He'd say whilst scratching the back of his head with slight awkwardness.
After that, a slight silence would overtake the area where the three of them sat. It was kind of awkward which made Sekou act.
Getting up he'd pat Kim's back whilst using his healing skill the wounds in the red-haired boy slowly closing as Sekou smiled brightly.
"Well let's get rid of this awkward atmosphere! We can definitely find something we can all talk about!" He'd say as he acted more extroverted than he had any right to. Although due to the effects of Poker Face, this all looked rather natural.
The attention of his two "teammates" would turn towards him as they waited for him to say something. Slight social anxiety would start to build up within Sekou but he'd quickly bury that feeling.
"Shouldn't we talk about what's happening around us? I heard that some people are advancing pretty damn quickly! And it's only the second day! Make it make sense!" He'd say with almost an exaggerated mannerism.
"That's true! Some groups of people seem to be moving really fast and I'm still level 0! Shouldn't we do something?" Emma would say.
"I'm barely level 2 after all the work I went through hunting. Are people moving even faster than me?" Kim would ask as he slightly tilted his head.
Both Emma and Sekou would look at Kim, one with a raised eyebrow and clear curiosity the other more so with surprise.
"You already levelled up?"
"Yes. It was one of the first things I did after overhearing that it can make us stronger. Probably one of the only ways I can beat up Vin-"
"Oh! I see that makes a lot of sense. It seems that you are moving pretty fast Kim! You are among the ones who are moving fast!" Sekou would cut him off once again.
He was trying not to alert Emma. He didn't think she'd approve of him helping Kim beat someone up and would obviously try and dissuade him.
Meanwhile, Kim thought that Emma was also willing to help him get his vengeance otherwise he saw no point in getting acquainted with her as well.
'They gotta get close enough to where Emma won't mind doing something bad if it's minor.' Sekou would think. It was possible to just help Kim while Emma remained unknowing but it would simply be easier if she was also willing to help.
He also doesn't know how she might react if he succeeded in helping Kim do such a thing. 'Eh, future me will deal with it.'
"It seems like we have quite a few talented people with us. Mainly the ones that buried themselves in games and fantasy stuff back on Earth!" Emma would say.
"So the nerds?" Kim would reply whilst tilting his head slightly.
Sekou didn't know what to say in such a situation as he also loved fantasy and magic yet all he did after he came here was lie and almost die two times to his own system-given items. He was starting to wonder if perhaps he just wasn't built for this.
"Hey, that mean! Don't call them nerds, they are more like… um.." Emma would look up at the ceiling as she tried thinking of an alternative name.
"That's what they are? Or do you prefer losers? Geeks? Failures? Weirdos? Maybe shitheads?" Kim would start listing off possible names for said group and he was clearly not holding much back.
As that happened Emma looked at him with a frown as she shook her head in what seemed to be disappointment.
"No. You shouldn't call people that just because they have different interests from us."
"Are you really gonna complain about the appropriate names I'm giving them?"
"Hey, hey, hey! How about just calling them Geeks? It's not an offensive term and it sums up their interests pretty well." Sekou would try to find a middle ground to stop their argument.
"Hmm, we'll I guess that works…" Emma would mutter although it was clear that she wasn't pleased with this arrangement.
Kim on the other hand would just nod as it was one of the names he had said. Not really caring about how they were addressed at the end of the day.
Walking back to the couch Sekou would sit down before looking at them and asking.
"Have y'all heard of any specific people that really stand out? It would be good to put those people in memory and possibly forge connections later on." He'd say.
"There are a few people, mainly someone named Dae from my previous group, Eva from the "Geeks" and then… um…" Emma would sneak a glimpse at Kim as she was speaking.
"And then?" Sekou would press.
"And then there's also Vincent who seems to be moving pretty fast." She'd say.
"How fast?"
"How fucking fast?"
Sekou and Kim would both ask one in curiosity the other in seeming anger.
"I-I don't know I never got any details all I know is that people think he's pretty strong and that he's moving quickly." She'd say.
"Hmm well we don't have details but even just knowing he's moving quickly can be useful," Sekou said whilst slightly stretching.
"How so?" Emma would ask.
"Does that even matter? Shouldn't we be focusing on getting stronger ourselves so we can go bea-" Kim would speak but before he could finish.
"Knowing what happens around us is also important. We will all get stronger in time as there is no rush. Let the others stand out and gather attention whilst we stay in our corner and grow steadily." Sekou would say as he interrupted Kim.
"Everything has its time and place although that doesn't mean that you have to be complacent. Grow stronger steadily but don't force yourself to do too much." Sekou would finish his little speech before sighing.
"God I feel like some side character explaining some nonsense…" He'd mutter.
"Don't say that you sound kind of wise," Emma would answer.
"Hmm", Kim would just hum as his eyebrows twitched slightly.
"Well thanks I guess… is there anything you all are tryna do?"Sekou would ask.
Kim would just shrug whilst Emma shook her head.
"Hm well, we could move somewhere more private and talk about our classes." Just as he said that Sekou would open his status window.
Status
[
Name: Sekou Oshiro
Race: Type 1 Human (+)
Home World: Earth (+)
Registered World: Eden (+)
Level 0
Class: Saint of Deceit (+)
Title: The Last Liar
-Vital Info-
Mind> 5 (+)
Physical> 1.4 (+)
Energy> 30 (60) (+)
Spiritual> 10 (+)
Mystique> 5 (+)
Abilities:
Poker Face Lv6
Skills:
Veil of Lies Lv5
False Revelation Lv0
Saint's Image Lv0
True Visage Lv0
Arlua Language Lv3
Barion Language Lv1
Elios Language Lv1
Drumben Language Lv1
Heal Lv2
Prayer Lv1
Inventory (+)
Traits:
Patron (+)
World's Child (+)
Manuz Essence (+)
]
'What? What the hell is going on with my energy stat??? Everything except physical moderately went up but my energy stat is more than ten times as much as it was before?'
Sekou's eyes visibly widened upon realising this. He hadn't really checked his status window in a while and noticing this he couldn't help but be shocked which just resulted in Emma and Kim getting curious.
"Did something surprising happen?" Kim would ask as he turned around trying to see what Sekou could be looking at.
Meanwhile, Emma who was a bit brighter would just hit the mark with her question.
"Is something off with your status?" Her curiosity was extremely evident and as Kim heard it he'd also turn around looking at Sekou.
"Hm, how to put this? Let's just say one of my stats experienced an unexpected jump… that aside I have a question." Sekou would say.
"What's up?"
"What's the question?"
His teammates would ask in what was practically unison.
"Ahem are any of your stats in the double digits?"
"Oh um.. only Mystique, some others are close tho." Emma would answer.
"Physical and Mystique for me as well but energy is also pretty close." Kim would answer.
"I see…" Sekou would mutter.
It would seem that the absorption of the Manuz whatever that thing was had more effects than he originally thought. Not that this was necessarily a bad thing.
"Never mind…"
"Is there a place where a lot of people gather? I'm curious to see how others are faring." Sekou would ask.
"The pool! People gather there!" Emma would say.
"There's a pool?"
"There's a pool?"
Sekou and Kim would both ask one after another in genuine confusion.
"Yeah, it's where I gathered my information. Some people seem to be doing pretty well while others seem to be either breaking down mentally or lazing around." She'd say
"Well, it's to be expected." Sekou would say.
Kim in the meantime would just furrow his brows slightly and watch from the background. Seems like he didn't have my h to talk about.
"Let's go to the pool then!" Sekou would say.
"It's late… most people are already headed in for the curfew…" Emma would answer as Sekou's eyes twitched slightly.
"So we have to go back in even though we just…"
"It was horrible timing."
"Yeah, really bad timing."
They'd both say whilst looking at Sekou. Which made him all the more irritated at the ongoing situation.
"Do you still want to talk about classes?" Emma would ask.
"There are a lot of people around and I'm a bit paranoid about all of this…" Sekou would mutter as he looked at the two people next to him.
"Don't really wanna risk someone finding out this early on the exact abilities we possess. Of course, it's impossible to hide everything like the fact that Kim uses fire… but the less people know the better." Sekou would say whilst looking at them.
"I can get behind that."
"Makes sense."
They'd once again agree simultaneously. Sekou was starting to feel like he had just gotten a bunch of yesmen instead of people. Not like it was something to complain about.
"That aside, do any of you have any ideas before we are each forced to go back to our rooms?" Sekou would ask.
"Except for hunting together not much." Kim would say.
"Maybe trying to expand our group even more and trying to find out what exactly others are doing to improve?" Emma would say.
"There are always people who find out things sooner than the rest and I don't believe they'll exactly immediately share what they know as I wouldn't either… I see it as all the more reason to find such people in advance and add them to our little group so they have a reason to inform us." She'd continue.
"That's smart." Kim would say.
"I agree." Sekou would also say.
"Having more allies is always a good thing." Sekou would continue.
"Anyone from your old group that you'd like to join us Kim?" Emma would ask.
"Them? Let them rot for all I care! Matter of fact I need to go give them a beating as soon as I'm strong enough." Kim would say as he was clearly getting pissed just by thinking about them.
"Tha-That's not something you should do! Or even think of doing!" She'd say with slight resignation.
"I mean… they kind of attacked him first so… an eye for an eye right?" Sekou would say with a slight shrug.
"Sekou!"
"He gets it!"
A slight chuckle would escape Sekou upon seeing their extremely different reactions.
"Ok well, tomorrow we can talk in the morning then! I hope you all have a nice night. If you are even gonna sleep or follow the curfew." He'd say as he started to walk off.
The other two just looked at each other before also heading in separate directions.
…
Back in his room Sekou would just sigh. He really just set the worst possible time for their meeting and he rushed over there just for them to talk about stuff he was already planning on doing.
'It's impossible for me to stay at level 0 forever. My stats won't just constantly increase without levels… and I don't know if achievements are worth all of this.' He'd think.
Shaking his head he'd just decide to do something else to distract himself from such thoughts.
"Manuz Essence said I could create lesser magical phenomena… what is all of that about?" Sekou would wonder as he raised his hand.
Deciding to just start simple he'd command mana to gather in his hand yet even just that action had a rather surprising result. Unlike before where he had to exert his will to make it happen this time mana just moved before he even tried it.
Just his intent to move the mana caused it to move and this wasn't just the mana in his body but also the one around his hand as an orb was formed. Sekou's eyes would widen as he saw this.
"So I can move and communicate with mana much more fluidly than before…" He'd mutter to himself as he raised his hand slightly.
The mana orb in his hand shifted and Sekou wondered how far he could push this. Thinking of fire the orb of mana seemed to suddenly shine in an orange light before it burst out in wonderful flames.
"Hmm, I feel like I'm instinctively doing something that shouldn't be possible. Fallacia." He'd mutter.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that the host is completely skipping the spell making or casting stage.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that the host is just directly causing magical phenomena which shouldn't be possible for a human.]
"Well, that's neat!" He'd say in what seemed to be excitement.
"Let me guess, it is a never-before-seen feat!" Sekou would say.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax rejects the notion.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says Fraus could also do it.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that it's probably a natural ability that all Manuz possess.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax is also sure that Archmage and above level beings can cast spells so fast that it may as well be the same thing the host is doing just better.]
"…"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that the firepower of the spells created in such a manner is also extremely low.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that any competent opponent wouldn't even see this as a threat.]
"…"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says-]
"Enough! I get it." Sekou would say cutting off what Fallacia was saying.
"I get it, I'm not special and the ability isn't that impressive from another standpoint." Sekou would say.
'Why does she have to crush my dreams so quickly and efficiently? Could have just said that others also have this.' Sekou would sigh.
The flames, long since having disappeared. Sekou would just sigh and decide to sleep.
He'd learn more about his abilities tomorrow.
.
.
.
…
Sekou would open his eyes not in the room at the palace but in a white void. Floating around in a rarely ceasing motion.
'Am I? Am I having a lucid dream?' Sekou would wonder as he turned his head around or at least tried to only to soon find out that he couldn't move his body at all.
'Hm? Aren't you supposed to be able to control your dreams when lucid dreaming' He'd think in a questioning manner.
Currently, he was just forced to look above him at a completely white and drifting void. Unable to move a single muscle or even access his skills.
'This is slightly terrifying. I am not going to lie…' Sekou thought once more.
Closing his eyes he'd try to feel something… anything… and something was there. Just not what he was expecting to find.
He didn't feel any mana but he felt a strange connection to something far away from him. He couldn't elaborate further as it was such a strange connection.
As if he were weakly tethered to something a great distance away from him.
Time would pass as seconds turned into minutes and minutes into hours. He had nothing to do except speak to himself and watch the oddly white void.
This wasn't healthy for his mental health and if it continued for extended periods of time he felt like he'd go insane.
'I can't even speak…'
He felt like he had been moving like this for hours if not straight up days unable to tell when this would end.
His eyes would be starting to twitch as he considered starting to scream. This "lucid" dream was starting to drive him mad and he found himself unable to control or change it no matter what he tried.
'WHAT THE HELL! I CAN'T EVEN SCREAM!' He'd yell out in his mind. At this point, he was starting to hope that someone would wake him up.
Just as he had such a thought however he'd see streaks of blue blitzing past his vision as if entities were quickly moving somewhere at enhanced speeds.
'What was that? Something blue just passed by me.' He'd think as his mind tried to focus on the new thing that had just appeared.
Shortly after he'd also notice that the speed at which he was drifting had also increased and not by a small amount.
His speed had increased to such an extent that Sekou would compare it to a moving car. A really fast car.
'Something is finally happening! About damn time!'
Turning his head he'd see-
Wait a minute. Did he just move?
"About damn time felt like I'd be stuck in that position for all of eternity." Sekou would say as he was now able to speak.
"Should I scream to relieve the irritation I felt whilst stuck? Nah too risky… what if something hears me and comes to my location?" He'd mutter to himself.
Turning around he'd see that he along with dozens of other blitzing blue lights was quickly heading towards a massive white wall.
He didn't know what he was looking at all he knew was that he along with dozens of other lights was approaching the wall and remained unable to switch the trajectory.
If Sekou had been able to look at what was happening from a third perspective he'd have realised that what he was heading for wasn't a wall but a ginormous white orb. The size of the orb is nearly impossible to comprehend.
From a third perspective, thousands upon thousands of blue streaks approached it forming a rather beautiful but archaic sight. The young man seemed to possess a light blue aura surrounding him as he was one of the blue streaks.
Sekou didn't know what was happening or why he was suddenly being pulled towards the giant white orb.
All he could really feel was a faint connection with it and an estranged feeling of familiarity.
'So this is the connection which I felt before. What is the wall tho? What am I looking at?' He'd think.
'I can feel that it's something great, I just can't tell what exactly it is.'
"I feel like I should be freaking out a lot more about this… ain't no way this is a normal lucid dream…" Sekou would say aloud as he came closer and closer to the orb.
He wasn't an idiot and could understand when something was clearly mystical in nature and even if it wasn't he'd still rather choose believing it was due to the simple fact that it wasn't as crazy as being dragged to another world.
'Option A it's something magical and I'm doing well by giving this attention and possibly researching it later on down the line.'
'Option B this is not something magical but just something my subconscious randomly came up with. In which case paying attention to this is harmless and whilst researching it I might find something completely unrelated but cool'
"Either way it's a win-win. Wait-"
"Am I going to remember this when I wake up? I hope I do… maybe I can question Fallacia about it." He'd mutter as he kept on getting closer and closer at this point he seemed to be less than 100 feet away from it.
Looking around he'd see that other streaks of blue light seemed to also be approaching the orb. Upon trying to focus on one of the other streaks Sekou would be able to make out the faint outline of another humanoid creature.
"What? No who is that-"
Before he could finish his sentence however he'd quickly turn his head as he made contact with the white orb of light. Energy? He didn't know.
All he knew was that as soon as he made contact with it he'd awaken back in his room, sweat running all over his body and heavy breaths coming from his mouth.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax asks why the host seemed so distressed.]
[Skill. Fallacia LvMax wonders if the host is perhaps having a nightmare.]
"N-no… it wasn't that.. - I'll tell you later." Sekou would say before shaking his head. Getting up he'd just sigh and ask.
"How long have I been asleep for?"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says the host has been asleep for approximately 6 hours.]
"Damn, I must have woken up real early… Since I went to sleep at like 10PM it's 4 AM right now."
'This is 2 hours earlier than I planned for. Nothing I haven't experienced before tho.'
Scratching the back of his head, Sekou would wonder if he should go back to sleep but just shook his head instead getting up and sighing.
'I probably won't be able to fall asleep again as fast plus I'm already awake anyway so…' Sekou would just sigh and instead decide to go out and get a bit of fresh air.
The truth was that he didn't want to fall asleep and risk going back to his dream floating around for apparently six hours.
He didn't know the exact time that he spent in the dream but he'd assume that they were six since that's how long he's been asleep.
"Can use this opportunity to use the Robe of Dolus. Haven't used it since I got it…" Sekou would mutter before clicking on his inventory and summoning it.
[Item: Robe of Dolus.
Description: A white and black priestly robe that possesses the symbol of a snake coiling into itself creating the ♾️ sign with a cross-like shape in the background. This very priestly robe is said to have been possessed by Dolus the Third Cardinal of the Church of *****. Legends say that whilst wearing this robe the old man couldn't be found.
Effects: The user can become invisible whilst inside a shadow or dimly lit area. Not only does their body become unseen but their very presence seemingly disappears.
"That bastard needs to stop scaring the Priests and Deacons."
Note: The user's mana will constantly be consumed whilst this effect is in place. ]
"Yeah, it's definitely pretty neat." Sekou would say after quickly putting it on. A certain priestly and sagely air came off of him as he wore it.
Strangely enough, the size was exactly his which made him raise an eyebrow.
'Maybe Dolus had a pretty similar build to mine who knows?' He'd think before going to his bed and stuffing his clothes under the sheets and near the pillows.
He moved carefully yet hastily as if he didn't have much time but at the same time wished not to do this half-assedly.
"Ight at least now it looks like someone is sleeping under those sheets."
Nodding to himself he'd then move his mana into his robe as he slowly went completely invisible. That along with his presence seemingly ceases to be a thing altogether.
Sekou would smile. Due to it being 4 AM most lights were out making most if not all the halls count as dimly lit areas. This made it incredibly easy for him to exit his room and walk past unknowing maids.
The halls were fairly large and although he could see some weird crystal-like lamps which shunned light they were not bright enough to completely remove the shadows.
And as long as there were shadows and dimly lit areas Sekou couldn't be found. At least not by normal humans or entities of a slightly higher level who weren't actively looking for him.
Where exactly Sekou was headed he didn't know. All that he currently knew was that he wanted to get some fresh air. The lucid dream experience had creeped him out more than he cared to admit and he saw this as the perfect opportunity to go do something relaxing unbothered.
His body moved but his mind wandered not paying attention to where he was headed except for the slight occasions in which he almost bumped into an unknowing maid or guards would step nearby.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax tells the host to be careful as some of the stronger guards could still sense the host's presence.]
Sekou would just lightly nod as he kept on walking. Even though he could go pretty much unnoticed he still decided to move with caution and attempted to make as little noise as possible.
The knights and guards were far stronger than him and if he somehow unluckily managed to openly cross their path or alert one of his presence he felt like he'd be in trouble.
Making a couple of turns he'd find himself once more on the outskirts of the forest. Where he had previously met Kim.
"This is a pretty nice spot." He'd mutter to himself.
He had been lucky and had met none of the purple knights with red streaks. That definitely helped him sneak out of the neat palace.
'Can truly never be too careful.' This is what Sekou would think as he sat on the nearby rock he had sat on when he first spoke with Kim face to face.
Releasing a short sigh he'd move his hands as a small refreshing breeze would come through. Making the whole experience a bit nicer.
"Lesser magical phenomena are pretty neat." He'd mutter as he started to think.
'Fallacia how strong am I right now?'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says the host would lose to a beginner first circle mage in a fight.]
'Well, that stings… Um, am I really that bad?'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that any commoner with basic military training could beat the host.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that the host has worse physical endurance than most normal commoners.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that firepower-wise the host barely qualifies as a beginner mage with no circle.]
"…"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that the host genuinely has no talent in the path of magic or at least not offensive magic.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that even after somehow fusing with a Manuz, a pure magical being, the hosts' only major gain is being liked by mana and various energies.]
'You act as if that's not something big! Can't I like to take mana away from someone before they cast a spell? Or just make the mana not want to hurt me?'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that mana liking you and mana doing what you want are two different things. The host does not possess absolute control over mana, especially one that another mage is using.]
'But-'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that at most the host can make the spell casting speed half a second longer and even that is on a particularly good day against a particularly bad and incompetent mage.]
"…"
Sekou would just look at his hand as wind whooshed around it moving at increasing speeds. Of course, nothing that could actually harm anything bigger than a baby mouse.
'So… I have magic… but purely for convenience and I can't do anything actually meaningful… Mana likes me but not enough to where it will step in to protect me from others…' Sekou would think communicating with Fallacia.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax affirms the host's train of thought.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that it originally thought the host would have a great talent for magic after learning they were a hero and what it meant.]
'Me too…'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that her thoughts about the host's talents were reaffirmed during the fusion with the Manuz but when it realised that after the fusion the host was still below a first circle mage in terms of combat power-]
'I get it! I get it! I'm a fraud!'
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax reaffirms this notion.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says the host is a fraud with a fair amount of more mana than average.]
Sekou would look up at the sky and frown. He was physically weak and seemingly possessed absolutely no talent for magic or the path of the mage.
That along with the fact that none of his magic phenomena could even reach the strength of a proper first circle spell would just make his frown grow.
'I am literally a fraud.' He'd think to himself.
On the outside, if a mage were to see him they'd see a being that seemed to inexplicably be loved by mana already able to create magical effects without learning a single spell or having basic training.
Yet if they'd known that he somehow assimilated with a Manuz and that those were his only gains they'd frown with disgust at the waste of such an opportunity on such a talentless fellow. Had it been a proper mage or anyone with a decent affinity for magic they'd have at least increased in circle rank or been brought to the threshold and limit of their current rank.
Of course, this is only if they somehow survived the fusion process which was extremely unlikely.
He himself has likely only survived it because heroes could gain skills and traits more easily. Without them, he'd be dead.
Luckily he didn't speak any of this aloud although he was certain he wasn't followed or that anyone had noticed him leave.
"Can never be too certain though. " Sekou would mutter.
A frown would overtake the young man's face as he realised that he might start to struggle to keep up when the other heroes actually start working hard.
He couldn't allow this.
He'd need to figure something out before people realised that he wouldn't be as good as other heroes.
"Haaa" another sigh escaped the young man as he got off the stone he was sitting on and started to move deeper inside the forest. The trees cast a lot of shade so he was able to remain utterly invisible and unseen.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax asks where the host is heading.]
"I don't know, I'm just moving."
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax asks why inside the forest.]
"I don't know, it was just in front of me."
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax tells the host it could be dangerous.]
"Heard the only real monsters in here were rabbits. Now unless you think I'm unable to kill rabbits I don't think I'm in danger."
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that's because no one has gone deeper into the forest. There could be bigger monsters.]
"Aren't you just being paranoid?"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that most other students are asleep and that the host could get in danger.]
"Even if the others were awake it's not like they could do much. Maybe Emma would try and help but I can't imagine Kim doing much. Plus I'm pretty sure the guards can come and help if I scream loud enough."
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that the guards only act when the heroes could lose their lives or get crippled.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that the host could very well receive damage and if they don't deem said damage as high enough no help would be provided.]
"Okay. I'll just not go deep in the forest then. You are too paranoid… I value my safety above all else but even I don't just think of the worst case scenario."
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax states that prevention is better than cure.]
"That's… a saying from earth?"
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax is confused.]
"Never mind… just tell me when the-" he'd stop his words.
'Never know when someone might be listening. I was saying just tell me when the bird gets to the capital.' He'd think to himself.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax agrees with the host.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that it's gonna take time as it left not too long ago.]
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says to give it some time.]
Sekou would just sigh. He knew that he was being a bit impatient and chose to just keep on walking.
[Skill, Fallacia LvMax says that it would be better if next time the host wanted to do some shenanigans they'd do it in a safer place…]
"Sure, sure whatever."
…