In the damp labyrinth corridor accompanied by moss clinging to its walls, a young man sat silently pondering several problems. The young man's eyes shone bright blue, like a beautiful ocean glowing dimly as the blue crystal beside him emitted a faint light.
"I have to quickly figure out how to eliminate every monster in this world," he thought, because now even monsters that were always considered the weakest like in games could easily kill him. First of all, he had to build a capable body as well as sufficient stamina to support every action.
Unbeknownst to him, Celis sank deep into his thoughts, very deep… only displaying darkness, darkness that should be considered frightening now felt more comfortable in his surroundings.
"Why am I suddenly here? It doesn't feel as scary as the usual darkness."
Before he could think further, small golden star-like particles slowly merged, forming squares with each different color appearing and uniting. Celis only stared as all those small particles merged. Not just one, the number that appeared almost simultaneously totaled 5, forming each foundation.
A rough outline of five boxes forming like cards began to give a rough visual. There were foreign symbols to Celis, but he immediately knew there was meaning behind it all.
In front of him now were 5 boxes or more precisely now cards: starting to display some descriptions regarding an ability that Celis would understand.
The young man stared at the card floating on the far right. The card depicted the silhouette of an assassin swallowed by dark shadows.
[Ability: Swallowing the user in darkness. Every increase in proficiency will unlock several other branching abilities.
MAX: 5 abilities that will be obtained if proficiency is successfully increased.
Skills will only be known after obtaining them over time.
Activation requirement: using sufficient mana / using magic items according to the existing provisions.]
Celis was a little confused with the short description without explaining the skill embedded in the initial card choice.
"I need to find out."
Celis took one step forward toward the first card, his right hand extended to touch the surface of that card. He felt nervous when seeing something that didn't make sense.
"Is all this just an illusion?" he muttered. This was not an illusion like a dream that would end at any time.
This was part of another world that he would explore to find the truth behind the secret.
The palm of his hand began to touch the surface of the card in front of him. But when he wanted to push one of his hands, there was something that would make him feel disappointed.
His hand passed through the card until he almost lost his balance. He thought the object in front of him was something solid, but it was merely a shadow projection of an ability.
Suddenly the card in front of him shattered like turning into star particles. The young man reflexively stepped back with full shock. However, warm light along with small particles began to be absorbed into his body.
In his head there was an echoing whisper.
[Ability Swallowing Shadow has been implanted on the new user. Remaining card selection opportunity: 1 chance.]
Celis was silent for a moment, but at the same time he made an unintentional mistake.
"Damn…" he snorted. "I wasn't careful enough. This is a big mistake as someone who is just seeing the world." He regretted his rash action after choosing an ability without knowing its aspects further.
This time the remaining cards numbered four, because of the limitation he could only choose one more time.
Celis observed every small detail of the images as well as the descriptions on the cards. He felt they didn't suit him using the remaining skills, because the shadow skill was different from the others. A clash between abilities would occur and reduce effectiveness. With the wrong combination of powers it would only result in even bigger mistakes.
The young man still skipped 1 card that hadn't been checked.
(Swallower of light and darkness:
Able to see someone's past, background as well as their origins, depending on the user's level.
Requires a very large cost depending on the target's level, the higher the target's level or surpassing the user—Their lifespan will be cut according to the cost.)
Celis felt somewhat horrified for a moment seeing the description of that ability. He analyzed every skill with a thirst for knowledge.
"I can't be rash. I will find a way to outsmart it."
"I'll take this, even though the price is terrifying at least there are still so many mysteries I haven't solved yet."
Celis stepped forward, choosing that skill with a firm decision. His right hand moved forward while the palm of his hand squeezed the shadow from that projection. The projection shattered and star particles began to seep in and take root in him.
"I'm ready to bear everything," he said with full determination and hope. No matter what obstacles he had to go through to reach his goal. And remember that his goal was to find the hidden secret records of Akashic scattered in every corner of this world.