After adapting to the new strength conferred upon me by my status as a star awakened, now that I had ascended, it was time to delve into the arts and spells. Unlike skills, these are knowledge that can be learned and honed. As I reviewed the spell memories stored in my mind, I discovered to my surprise that there were notable gaps: I could not access spells beyond the arcane elemental level (6 stars).
Confused and unsure how to proceed, I turned to Gaia for clarity.
"Gaia, why can't I remember, or even visualize, spells beyond the arcane elemental level?".
Gaia's response was enlightening and, in a way, logical.
[[SORRY USER, DUE TO YOUR YOUNG BODY AND YOUR LACK OF RANK AND STATISTICS, THE SYSTEM HAS DECIDED TO SEAL THE KNOWLEDGE OF SPELLS THAT EXCEED THE ARCANE ELEMENTAL]].
Listening to his explanation, I understood the reason behind this security measure. Spells, unlike abilities that are activated almost instinctively, require deep knowledge and detailed handling of complex energies. Attempting to access spells designed for higher levels could be dangerous, not only because of the intellectual demands involved, but because my current body and mind, still developing and with limited capabilities, might not withstand the stress of handling that kind of information.
I understand that higher level spells, those beyond the arcane elemental, are linked to significantly higher intelligence statistics, which I possessed in my previous life. Remembering and processing those spells with my current stats could result in irreparable brain damage, or worse, could be fatal. This thought had never crossed my mind before, but now I see that I should be grateful to the system for implementing such a safeguard.
This revelation leads me to reconsider my approach to learning and practicing spells. Although I am currently limited to those of elemental arcane level and below , there is much I can do within those confines. I can strengthen my understanding of the fundamentals, hone my technique, and prepare for the time when my rank and abilities will allow me to safely access those more powerful and complex spells. In addition, this limitation imposed by the system reminds me of the importance of proceeding with caution and respect for the natural laws that govern our world.
For now, my goal will be to maximize my mastery over the spells that are within my reach, ensuring that when the time comes to unlock superior spells, my mind and body will be fully prepared and able to handle them without risk. This situation caused me to ponder the possibility of other memories that might be similarly sealed.
I was at a point of uncertainty, not knowing what other information might be hidden or locked in my mind. But knowing that if there is such a thing they must be sealed for some reason is not that I give my blind trust to Gaia, but it has helped me a lot so far not to mention that it is the most likely cause of my regression.
Still, to experiment I tried to see the memories of the higher ranking spells that I still keep as proof, but let alone use it I can barely visualize the processes and usage before I am overcome with a severe headache due to the amount of information, so I realized that these spells are extremely difficult to use, just trying to visualize the runes brings me trouble.
It was a stark physical reminder of my current limitations and the risks associated with trying to access knowledge that is beyond my current ability.
The experience was a stark but necessary warning about the potential danger of digging too deeply into memories that my mind and body are not yet equipped to handle.
With this painful lesson, I decided it would be wisest to focus on the knowledge and skills that are within my grasp. This would allow me to strengthen my current foundation, ensuring that, when ready and safe, I could access those higher levels of magic with greater preparation and stability.
Aware of my restrictions and the risks involved, I chose to focus my energy on strengthening the skills that were within my reach. Finally, satisfied with the progress and limitations tested, I decided to leave the forest.
It was time to go back and tend to the situation of the children I had left behind and begin to structure my own force. As I walked away from the forest, a journey that took a full day due to the depth to which I had penetrated, when I finally emerged I tallied up my gains: I felled over 800 unawakened beasts, about 170 one-star, and approximately 60 two-star beasts.
In addition, I dared to challenge my own limits by taking on 11 three-star beasts, finding that, although each battle presented a significant challenge and tested my dexterity and endurance, they were still manageable within my current capabilities.
Each confrontation with these powerful three-star creatures was a true test of fire. These battles were not only physically demanding, but also tactically complex, demanding astute use of my skills and meticulous planning. The ferocity and endurance of these beasts forced me to push my limits, adapting and learning in every encounter. Despite the intensity and danger, I increased my resolve to move forward and become even stronger. This week of intensive hunting was a crucial reminder that, in this brutal world, only by continually improving can one aspire to survive and thrive.
I checked my system points (SP) and noted that I had accumulated 2467, a respectable sum considering the initial expenditure on equipment. My main goal, however, was not to accumulate SP but experience, and I was halfway to the second star.
Once I reached the capital I used my teleport ability (D) to cross the city walls and headed towards our secret base.
I was walking down a dark alley when I noticed something unusual. Despite it being almost noon, the darkness was thicker than normal, even for the slums. My alertness increased when a voice echoed.
[child, you want power].
The voice, Although it tried to sound imposing, its youthful tone barely disguised authority, the voice became familiar to me and I noticed it was a voice I heard a lot, but it felt more childlike and as I came to recognize the owner of the voice I understood the situation and a joy flooded my inner self, recognizing the situation I was in I couldn't help but smile at the situation.
[I didn't say anything funny, if you cooperate with me I will give you all the power you want.]
insisted the voice, clearly frustrated by my lack of seriousness. I decided to play along, responding with feigned fear.
"I'm sorry."
[...]
"but how can a little boy dream of such great power, just being able to eat my fill is enough for me."
[...this is weird, it wasn't supposed to be like this]
This seemed to puzzle her even more, as she muttered to herself out loud as if this was not in her plans. Hiding the amusement inside me I continued to play with the voice in the dark and with a straight face I said.
"besides I don't want to be strong I want to be a merchant and make a lot of money."
[...]
There was an awkward silence as if the voice didn't understand what I was talking about.
[does it open wrong for me.... but it looks so much alike and I could never mistake its aura?]
The voice seemed to doubt that the person I was talking to was the right one so it decided to ask
[boy what is your name]
"Lucien."
It seems that his doubts cleared up when he heard my name and he continued with his attempt to convince me.
[Young man, you don't know the opportunity I'm offering you, you can become an awakened, you can have everything you want, you won't have to worry about anything else, much less food]. Despite his efforts, I kept deflecting the conversation, maintaining a skeptical tone, until finally, irritated, the voice decided to use force.
[Damn brat, enough with the games! I wanted to start our relationship in a good way this time, but since you won't cooperate, I have no choice but to use force].
After saying that, everything went dark.
YOU ARE READING
Dawn Architect
Fantasy"Why struggle, you ask? What drives people forward, what is valuable enough for one's will to prevail? Have you ever stopped to reflect on the weight of your decisions, on the exact moment when things began to fall apart? You may never know where yo...
