Every monster is born at Class 3 minimum with an already formed soul core, unlike humans. When they are killed with precision, leaving their soul core still completely intact, Arcanists are then able to fuse the monster's Arcanum into their own soul core.
Fused Arcana are able to grow stronger with the Arcanist however they will not evolve, like their main Arcanum. For example, my [Essencewave Threads] at Class 3 allowed me to extend essence as threads around me. This extends and enhances my senses, letting me channel Fused Arcana and manifest those threads as real material. However there are limitations. I could only channel one Fused Arcana at a time, meaning I cannot enforce my weak thread barrier on my left to block projectiles with [Physiomancy] while creating a wall of fire with [Pyrokinesis] to prevent advances of a warrior.
Another limitation is that I must touch the threads with both hands to channel Fused Arcana. So, I cannot wield a sword while bombarding opponents with spreading fire. This is why my swordsmanship mastery is so low. It is only meant as a last ditch resort when I am dangerously low on essence.
But, once I reached Class 4, my Arcanum evolved. I can now channel two Fused Arcana by separating my threads into two groups. My right hand can channel [Senseless Fog] into one group of threads to obstruct the vision of an archer, while my left hand channels [Physiomancy] into another group of threads to strengthen them enough to bind an assassin.
I cannot channel two Fused Arcana into one thread though, so I can't use [Physiomancy] to make the threads sticky and [Pyrokinesis] to set them on fire. It would definitely be a nasty combo. While I can't pull it off now, I believe when I read Class 5 it will be possible.
The range of my threads also extended from a six meter radius to eight meters. I predict once I reach the peak stage of Class 4, it will increase to around ten to twelve meters.
My Fused Arcana? They got stronger, but they did not evolve. [Pyrokinesis] now creates stronger flames but it does not not change anything else. If it were my Arcanum, I would likely get flame manipulation or something else. This is the difference between Arcanum and Fused Arcana when you ascend.
I looked at my new status page.
===
Name: Kyryll Nocturne
Class: 4, Initial Stage
Arcanum: [Essenceweave Threads]
Fused Arcana [4/4]: [Physiomancy], [Pyrokinesis], [Senseless Fog], [Essence Absorption]
Stats: [Determined by comparing to the limits of the Arcanist's class and stage from F- to S+]
Constitution: [A]
Essence Capacity: [S]
Mind Strength: [S+]
Strength: [B]
Speed: [A]
Mastery: [Novice, Apprentice, Practitioner, Expert, Master, Grandmaster, Sage]
Fire: Expert, Upper Stage
Matter: Expert, Upper Stage
Swordsmanship: Apprentice, Middle Stage
===
After checking my new status, the veil of darkness created by Evernight began fading. I reextended my threads and immediately sensed a group of monsters approaching me. I smiled, realizing it was her doing in order to help me test my new abilities.
'Hmm, she really likes me huh? Well, that'd make sense. I'd like me too,' I thought as I evaluated the beasts headed towards me. Six in total, 5 upper or peak Class 3s and an initial Class 4. This should be one of the stronger hunting forces in this no name forest.
I would normally begin my preparations by emitting [Senseless Fog] to obscure vision and dull other senses. But, against these wolf-like beasts, they are bound to have good senses so I didn't bother. I also just wanted to fight without tricks like that to warm up. They approached the threads, slowing down and looking around, showing caution. I weaved more threads, some near them and some near me in preparation.
As the wolf-like monsters wearily looked at me, getting into formation, I quickly extended dozens of threads and channeled [Pyrokinesis] into some to attack the wolves. They jumped back at first, but soon realized the flames were weak. It seemed the leader sent a signal to attack somehow and they all began pouncing in my direction. However they realized an issue instantly, their legs were bound.
While they focused on the weak fire I channeled into some threads, there were many more threads that I had not channeled anything into had been ignored. After they attempted to pounce on me, ignoring the weak fire emitting from some threads, I channeled [Physiomancy] with my other hand to make the other threads strong and sticky to bind them. I then massively enhanced the intensity of the fire using my other hand, pouring a big amount of essence into them.
The Class 3 monsters were quickly burned to a crisp, fatally injured but the Class 4 monster was only slightly injured and dazed. After a very brief struggle, it broke free. And was impaled through the head by a throwing spear. It was made from many entwined threads that I prepared earlier and later enhanced by [Physiomancy] to be sharp and durable enough to penetrate the head when the monster broke free from the binding.
Just like that, the fight was finished. I didn't even figure out the Arcanum of the monsters, the battle was just too quick. But while the fight was fast and looked incredibly easy, it wasn't that simple for me. Manipulating dozens of threads while channeling my Fused Arcana was draining on the mind. And I did not have any ability or relic to assist me. Thankfully, because of my training since a young age, my Mind Strength stat was at [S+].
I only used around 20% of my essence in that skirmish, but with my new Fused Arcana [Essence Absorption], I restored around 15% in the battle. I then retrieved the intact soul core of the Class 4 monster. Class 3 monsters are very common and not worth much which is why I just burned them to a crisp without care. Class 4 soul cores can be sold for a decent amount of Talons, typically ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 based on the ability.
I dug out the soul core with a dagger. It was extremely easy, with my dagger being made of the remains of a Class 5 beast and the wolf-like monster dead, it no longer circulated essence through its body to enhance its body. I also enhanced the dagger with [Physiomancy].
I held the orb and closed my eyes, concentrating to see the runes.
[Corrosive Fangs]: Weakens and corrodes target bitten by the beholder. Fangs have enhanced sharpness and durability.
'I see, it's quite useless. Powerful for a beast, but for a human, I don't see it being useful. Getting within biting range for a fight is rare and going for a bite is a bad idea. The head is a vital part that is also one of the weakest parts of the body, exposing it to the opponent will go terribly in most scenarios. This will probably sell for 1,000 Talons at best. It's not even worth it to sell, I'll just absorb all the essence still inside for a minor boost to lower Class 4.