Under the cold, dark moon, its light slicing through the dense foliage to illuminate a stunning, shimmering lake, Percy observed the scene before him. The white grass around the water glowed vibrantly, bathed in moonlight, and the entire landscape felt alive with a tranquil beauty. Yet, despite the serenity, something in the air told him that danger was imminent.
Droplets fell from the leaves like tears, each one a delicate shimmer in the quiet night. "I guess that's why they're called Willow-weeping grass," Percy whispered to himself, keeping his voice low, mindful not to disturb the area's delicate tranquility.
Beta's voice broke the silence, her tone as calm as ever but with an edge of caution. "Exactly, Master. The liquid secreted by the grass is potent mana. We've come at the perfect time to harvest."
Percy nodded in approval but didn't let his guard down. Beta's next words drew his attention. "But we're not alone here."
Percy's sharp eyes flicked toward the movement near the water's edge. His gaze immediately locked onto the agile, light brown rabbits darting around the lake. Their intense, blood-red eyes glowed eerily in the dim light, a stark contrast against their fur. These mole-rabbits... Percy's instincts flared. They're more dangerous than they look.
"Approximately 30 enemies in the vicinity," Beta reported, her analysis quick and precise. Her digital tone offered no hint of panic, but Percy could feel the gravity of the situation.
Percy crouched low, blending with the shadows, and carefully surveyed his enemies. Even from a distance, he could discern bite marks and greenish blood on several of the rabbits, signs of a recent, brutal skirmish. "Looks like they're more desperate," Percy muttered under his breath, the realization setting in. Desperation makes them unpredictable. They'll be more reckless.
Gripping his newly acquired battle axe, Percy couldn't help but admire the weapon's weight, the cold, sharp edge of it, and its imposing size. He studied its stats in his mind: Powerful strike range and an active ability that seemed almost tailored for a fight like this. "This battle axe is something else," Percy whispered, a touch of admiration in his voice. "Its power, and that active ability—incredible." The weapon was more than just a tool; it was an extension of his will, ready to cut through the coming challenge. Below is a concise, dramatic, and polished version, ensuring each detail remains clear and engaging:
Battle Axe
Class: Normal
Lore:
Forged in the warrior blacksmith's final moments, this battle axe embodies the raw emotion poured into its creation. The metal resonates with the fervent passion and desperation of its maker, forever etched into its design.
Passive Abilities
Enhancement: When the user's HP drops below 10% of total health, Strength temporarily increases by +5 for two minutes.
Active Ability
Uncontrollable Descent: In the face of imminent death, the user briefly enters a berserker state for one minute, enhancing all attributes by +3. However, rational thought is lost during this period, making the user a powerful but uncontrollable force on the battlefield.
Percy nodded as he ran his fingers along the skin of the battle axe's blade, feeling the powerful energy coursing through it. The blade seemed to hum in response to his touch, visual representations of fiery emotions flickering along the surface—spiked flames that danced with intensity, reflecting the raw power imbued into the weapon. "One could feel the underlying tense emotions that were expressed and absorbed onto the blade," Percy murmured, marveling at how the weapon seemed alive with the very essence of battle.
His grip tightened, activating the Basic Weapon Mastery skill.
"Imbuing user with foundational use of axes," the system informed him, and instantly, a wave of knowledge flooded his mind.
The sudden influx of information caused a brief disorientation, the unfamiliarity of it almost knocking him off balance.
Percy swayed slightly, fighting the dizziness and trying not to draw attention from the nearby creatures. "Just a bit dizzy," he muttered under his breath, unwilling to show weakness.
Beta, ever watchful, spoke softly. "The sensation will pass soon, Master. It's just the initial integration of the skill."
Shaking off the dizziness, Percy whispered, "Teleport," and with a flicker, he vanished from his spot, reappearing in front of a sturdy tree.
His mind was now clear, the skill beginning to settle in. Beta observed quietly, understanding his need to process this flood of added information through action.
Percy focused on the tree trunk, eyes narrowing. The weapon felt like an extension of his body now, the weight of it familiar yet potent.
With swift precision, Percy lifted the battle axe and executed a series of clean slashes—diagonal, vertical, horizontal. Each strike was a well-practiced motion, slicing through the wood with ease. The tree, once imposing, collapsed to the ground with a resounding crash.
Percy stared at the fallen tree in awe. "Oh my god... it was like cutting through paper," he muttered, astonished by the sheer ease of the strike.
His respect for the weapon deepened as he teleported back to his original position, the sensation of power still humming through him.
Turning to Beta, Percy's voice was steady, though there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "What do you think our odds are now?"
Beta, after a brief moment of contemplation, cautiously estimated, "If you charge in directly, I'd say a 40 to 50% chance of success, though you might get a bit battered."
Percy's smirk widened, his confidence undeterred. "How about we spice things up a bit?"he proposed, his voice carrying a playful challenge.
Beta, intrigued but confused, raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Master?"
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Percy leaned forward slightly. "Let's make a bet."
Beta paused for a moment, completely caught off guard. "A bet? What kind of bet?" she inquired, her tone mixed with curiosity and caution.
Percy's gaze sharpened, his tone turning more serious. "I bet I can take down all 30 enemies in under 3 minutes starting from my first kill."
Beta was momentarily speechless, the challenge clearly unexpected. Percy, interpreting her silence as agreement, stepped out of the bushes, his battle-ready stance immediately drawing the attention of the mole-rabbits nearby.
Surveying the battlefield, Percy's mind clicked into high gear. He mentally marked his targets, his gaze flicking between the rabbits with pinpoint precision.
"One at 6 o'clock, two at 7, two more at 1. Time to start—" he was about to initiate his attack when a new notification flashed on his screen:
Delta Quest: Defeat 30 enemies within 3 minutes of the first kill. Reward: 10 AP & Optical Skill}
Slightly taken aback but undeterred, Percy refocused on the task."Ignore the system, focus on the fight," he muttered to himself, his battle instincts taking over.
Percy tightened his grip on the battle axe, feeling its power resonate in his hands. The weapon had already proven its strength, but now, it was time to put it to the test. "This is going to be a dance," he muttered to himself, assessing the approaching enemies.
The first mole-rabbit lunged, its movements frantic and unpredictable—blood-red eyes blazing with primal fury. Percy's instincts flared instantly; his muscles tightened, stance lowering as the adrenaline surged.
The battle axe swung in a powerful, wide arc toward the creature's side, slicing cleanly through fur and bone with lethal ease. The sharp, heavy blade whistled as it cleaved through flesh, sending the lifeless body tumbling to the earth in a gentle, unsettling thud.
There was no room for hesitation, no pause for triumph. The horde surged forward, each creature driven by desperate hunger and rage. Percy's breath quickened, senses sharpened to a razor's edge, feeling every tremor of the earth, every flicker of movement through his heightened perception.
A second rabbit leaped toward Percy, its powerful hind legs propelling it with ferocious speed. Percy pivoted expertly, heel digging into the earth, pivoting as he brought the heavy battle axe upward.
The gleaming blade traced an elegant, lethal arc through the moonlit air before colliding brutally with the creature's skull. The impact reverberated through Percy's hands, a jarring reminder of the raw violence unfolding.
"Two down," Percy thought, a cold realism settling in. "Only twenty-eight more."
As another rabbit dashed toward him, Percy twisted gracefully aside, sweeping the axe low across its legs in a fluid arc. The creature stumbled forward, off balance, its crimson eyes wide with shock. In a single decisive motion, Percy drove the axe blade straight into its vulnerable midsection
The surge of mana exploded outward, sending shimmering ripples cascading across the clearing. The wave of energy stunned the remaining rabbits, freezing their chaotic advance for one crucial heartbeat.
Percy exhaled sharply, assessing the battlefield in that brief moment of calm. Control the flow. Don't let them regroup.His mind was a whirlwind of tactics, each second accounted for. The axe vibrated faintly in his grip, resonating with his determination, ready to unleash the full force of its active ability.
"Time to step it up," Percy decided, his heart hammering with both caution and exhilaration. "Teleport."
In a blur of spatial energy, Percy vanished, instantly appearing behind a cluster of mole-rabbits caught unaware. The axe flashed upward, a gleaming arc severing heads with surgical precision—one, two, three creatures dropping to the earth simultaneously.
Teleporting again, he appeared at another grouping. His movements fluid and methodical, the battle axe a seamless extension of himself, its power pulsing with every lethal strike.
Teleport. Slash. Teleport. Spin and strike.
Each teleportation brought him precisely into position, every swing devastatingly accurate, every kill executed with calculated efficiency. The rabbits were overwhelmed, disoriented by Percy's speed and ruthless accuracy, unable to adapt to his relentless assault.
Percy became a blur, teleporting from enemy to enemy, striking without hesitation, without remorse. His footwork was masterful, each movement seamless, each teleport perfectly timed—precision embodied. His mana rippled through the air with each attack, disorienting, confusing, controlling. The rabbits, once fierce aggressors, now found themselves scrambling, desperate to escape this unstoppable predator in their midst.
Finally, only one rabbit remained, eyes blazing, its rage and vengeance propelling it forward with reckless abandon. Percy paused for a breath, reading its trajectory, his gaze calm but piercing.
The last rabbit sprang forward, claws extended, teeth bared—pure desperation and hatred fueling its final attack. Percy vanished instantly, reappearing directly above it.
In the split second it took for the creature to realize its target had disappeared, Percy's axe was already descending. The blade moved with lethal grace, cleaving cleanly through the creature's neck in mid-air.
Percy landed gently behind its collapsing form, his face an unreadable mask. For a fleeting instant, the memories of countless hunts, survival drills, and battles from his past flooded him—a wave of old, familiar emotions flooded his senses. He had lived this moment before—the rush of combat, the controlled violence.
"Master!" Beta's voice snapped him back to reality, pulling him from the brief emotional wave. Percy blinked, then turned his gaze back to the battlefield.
His smirk widened, a hint of nostalgia creeping into his expression.
"That was incredible, but how?" Beta asked, her voice full of disbelief. She had witnessed his speed, his precision, but there was something more—an undeniable mastery.
Percy's eyes softened, his tone casual, "Let's just say this isn't my first rodeo, Beta. Dad's 'survival lessons' had their uses after all," he remarked dryly, a faint, sardonic smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Remember my childhood?" he began, "My parents put me in martial arts classes when I was 7, to ensure I could defend myself. I excelled in it. Plus, my dad's hunting trips taught us survival and hunting skills. And then there were the times at the farm and my dad butcher friends... I've been 'trained' in this sort of thing since I was young. So, dealing with… this," he gestured to the battlefield, "isn't new to me."
Beta processed his words, a mix of awe and understanding in her voice. Percy had refined these skills long before stepping into this world.
With the battle over, Percy swiped to the reward box, eager to see what his efforts had earned. The system confirmed, "10 AP has been awarded."
Another screen appeared with an image of an Eye, signaling a new skill.
"Additional rewards have been awarded: 'Heavenly Eyes' has been added to owner's skills," the system announced.
Percy felt a hum of energy pulse through his eyes, his vision suddenly sharper, clearer, almost as if the world itself had sharpened in focus. He opened the description for his new skill and was surprised at what he saw—
Heavenly Eyes Class: EX
Lore Extract:
"The Heavenly Eyes... they're said to discern truth from lies across the multiverse.No deception nor trick can ever slip past their gaze. They are imbued with primordial energy—a force bridging heaven and earth—granting sight beyond the veil of mere appearance and into the very essence of reality itself.
Legend holds that nothing in existence can hide from the Heavenly Eyes. Their sight transcends illusions, cuts through darkness, and reveals the fundamental nature of all things. With them, the wielder glimpses unfiltered truth, forging an unwavering path in a realm often shrouded by mystery."
Percy marveled at the thought of wielding Heavenly Eyes—it was like something straight out of his wildest dreams. The rush of excitement surged through him. "To think I'd get such an OP skill," he mused, a grin creeping across his face, the possibilities dancing in his mind.
But before he could even revel in the moment, a new notification popped up, cutting his enthusiasm short.
"Proficiency & System Level of 'Heavenly Eyes' not met—Severe restriction placed to protect owner's eyes."
The image of the eye symbol, now secured under a skeletal lock, flickered on the screen.
"Of course," Percy sighed, the weight of disappointment lacing his voice as he glanced at the locked skill.
Beta, always the steady hand, reassured him. "It's for the best, Master, at least for now."
Percy nodded, though a bit of frustration lingered. "I understand... it's just a bit frustrating, that's all." He quickly pushed past the disappointment, redirecting his focus to the task at hand. "But now, how do we collect all this? I didn't bring anything to carry the mana liquid or the grass."
Beta perked up with a bright smile in her voice, ready to show off her capabilities. "No problem, Master! I can handle this!"
In a blink, tiny portals appeared across the field, efficiently gathering the mole-rabbit corpses, the mana liquid, and the willow-weeping grass into neat bundles. Percy stood in stunned silence for a moment, his eyes wide as he observed the efficiency of the system.
"Is this another feature I wasn't aware of?" Percy asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yes, Master," Beta replied proudly. "The 'Collection' feature became available shortly after the update. It seems quite versatile and useful, even back home."
Percy, impressed by Beta's resourcefulness, chuckled, "Resourceful indeed!" A new notification arrived almost immediately:
"Willow-weeping grass collection: Completed. Additional rewards issued for early completion."
Not missing a beat, Percy opened the reward box without hesitation. The system chimed, announcing, "Task completion: 10 AP upgraded to 20 AP—Current AP: 27."
"Alright, Beta, where to next?" Percy inquired, his excitement returning as the next leg of the journey loomed before him.
Beta quickly pulled up the domain map, marking their next destination. "The mountains are our next stop."
Percy groaned. "Another long trek... Ugh."
Beta chuckled, the sound a little too light-hearted given the distance ahead. "Don't worry, Master. Look, this 'Return to Checkpoint' feature allows us to go back to where we started in this realm."
With a simple press of a button, the surroundings shifted, and Percy found himself back in the clearing where they had first arrived—only this time, they were halfway to the jagged mountains.
"Amazing!" Percy exclaimed, his tone filled with genuine appreciation. "That saves us so much time. Beta, you really are the best."
Beta, sensing the opportunity to update Percy on his progress, jumped in. "Master, I have some updates for you before we move on. Your proficiency in several skills has significantly improved."
She quickly listed the changes:
"'Sensory Field' proficiency is now at 5.10%, 'Space Element' has reached 11.50%, 'Inferior Mana Utilization' is up to 7.45%, 'Inferior Mana Recovery' has increased to 16.10%, and 'Basic Weapon Mastery' stands at 3.76%."
Percy, reviewing the stats, couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. "That's great to hear. I'm glad to see such rapid progress."
Beta continued, adding more good news. "Additionally, your current level experience has risen to 25.67%. I believe by the end of this expedition, you'll reach level 2, which will bring more rewards."
Percy nodded, clearly pleased with his progress. "Nice, I like the sound of that."
Beta didn't stop there. "And there's more, Master. Since your proficiency in the Space Element has surpassed 10%, the range of your 'teleport' ability has expanded from 1km to 4km. That's about 2.4 miles now."
Percy's eyes lit up with the excitement of new possibilities. "Nice. That'll come in handy."
Percy exhaled deeply, his eyes narrowed at the distant jagged mountains silhouetted ominously against the horizon. He knew better than to expect an easy journey, yet couldn't resist the subtle eye-roll forming at the thought of the trek ahead.
"So, Beta," he muttered dryly, flexing his fingers in mild irritation, "exactly how much misery awaits me this time?"
Beta quickly calculated, answering promptly, "The earthen cores are deeper within the mountain range—approximately 33 kilometers, or about 20.5 miles. Considering distance and mana recovery, the journey should take several hours."
"Of course it would," Percy said sarcastically, shaking his head, already mentally preparing himself for the marathon ahead. "Let's get this over with."
←Several hours later→
the mountain air grew thin and crisp, each breath feeling heavier in Percy's lungs. Sweat dripped from his brow, and fatigue pulled at his limbs like invisible chains. When he finally reached the mountain's edge, exhaustion gripped him fiercely. "Finally," Percy murmured hoarsely, allowing himself the briefest moment of rest as he collapsed against a rock, chest heaving from exertion.
As he recovered his strength, Percy slowly rose, stretching to loosen stiffened muscles. His eyes scanned the landscape, widening slightly at the stark contrast between the mountains and the lush infinite forest he'd left behind.
Gone was the vibrant greenery; in its place sprawled an unforgiving, barren wasteland, stark earth and stone illuminated harshly beneath the moon's pale gaze.
"From one extreme to another. Lovely," Percy mused dryly, taking in the unsettling desolation.
Under the gentle glow of moonlight, Percy paused, his breathing still uneven from the recent exertion. Just as he caught his breath, a sudden stillness settled around him—a profound silence, as if time itself had paused. An unusual chill brushed against his skin, yet he felt no fear; instead, an inexplicable calm spread through him, tranquil yet tinged with anticipation.
In front of Percy, reality itself rippled softly, like the surface of a pond touched gently by an unseen hand. The air shimmered, fragments of space weaving together in intricate patterns before coalescing into a humanoid form. Slowly, gracefully,a figure emerged, bathed in an ethereal digital glow that flickered between cosmic blue and radiant gold.
Percy's breath caught in awe. "Beta…?" he whispered, the word barely audible in the surreal silence.
Beta stood quietly before him, her form striking yet otherworldly. Her hair cascaded fluidly, resembling liquid stardust that shifted mesmerizingly from deep cosmic blues to glistening gold. Her eyes, compelling yet mysterious, bore dual-ringed irises that spiraled endlessly inward—an infinite recursion symbolizing eternity.
Percy felt a strange familiarity wash over him, a powerful sense of déjà vu as if he had stood in her presence countless times before. Yet, he was equally aware of her utter strangeness—a being far beyond his comprehension.
"Hello, Master," Beta spoke, her voice calm and ethereal, like the soft echo of a star whispering across the vastness of space. Her tone held an unshakable patience, her expression neutral yet undeniably wise.
Percy eyed her cautiously, curiosity mingling with awe. "Who—or what—exactly are you?" he finally asked, voice barely above a whisper, reverence and skepticism blended within his words.
Beta tilted her head slightly, the shimmering aura around her gently pulsing with tranquility. "I am Beta. Your guide, your observer—I am here to guide, to witness, but never to control."
Percy felt an odd reassurance at her words, the weight of his burdens momentarily lifting. Her mysterious presence felt both comforting and unfathomable, a paradox that intrigued him even further.
Beta stepped forward slightly, the ethereal fabric of her digital aura rippling gently around her. Her gaze softened just a fraction, as if sensing his internal tension."You have many questions. And in time, all will become clear. For now, trust in the path before you. I will walk beside you, always just beyond sight."
With that cryptic promise lingering in the air, Beta's figure slowly faded, merging back into the fabric of reality as seamlessly as she had appeared, leaving Percy standing beneath the moonlit sky, his heart and mind swirling with questions, wonder, and newfound determination.
Moments later, a gentle weight settled atop Percy's shoulder, accompanied by a cool, soothing sensation—like stardust gently brushing against his skin. He turned slightly, his eyes widening in surprise as he noticed Beta now manifesting in a smaller, ethereal form, comfortably perched atop his shoulder.
She offered him a small, enigmatic smile, her presence simultaneously reassuring and enigmatic."Master, let's proceed," she spoke softly, her voice still carrying the same calm, celestial resonance. Percy couldn't help but smile faintly, feeling oddly comforted by her proximity.
Percy took a deep breath, steadying himself, and continued his journey with newfound resolve.
Beta remained perched gracefully on his shoulder, scanning their surroundings with alert curiosity. "The earthen cores you need are deep within that crater," she informed him quietly, pointing toward the massive, shadowy opening in the earth below, its depths exuding an eerie sense of foreboding.
Percy began cautiously descending, each step carefully chosen amid the treacherous terrain. But the closer he came to the crater, the more he felt a pressing, oppressive weight in the air—a relentless build-up of mana pressure squeezing against his senses.
He frowned slightly, pulse quickening with unease. "Beta, do you feel that? The mana pressure down here is no joke. It's like walking into quicksand," he whispered sharply, instantly alert.
Beta confirmed softly from her perch, her voice steady but cautious. "Yes, Master. The mana density is far higher than anticipated. It's safe for now, but proceed carefully."
Percy moved forward deliberately, every step controlled, senses heightened to maximum alertness. The air grew heavier with every step, the pressure saturating his mana pathways. It felt as though he were descending into a storm of raw, untamed energy.
Percy soon realized the terrain wasn't just demanding—it was treacherous. Gravel shifted unpredictably beneath his feet, each step a potential misstep into danger. Feeling the strain, he muttered, "Beta, the footing here is terrible. Mind scanning and marking a safer path?"
"Already on it, Master," Beta responded instantly, her eyes glowing faintly as she swiftly mapped out secure footholds along their descent, clearly highlighting them in his vision.
Percy paused briefly, evaluating the newly illuminated path. It wasn't perfect, but at least now he had a clear strategy. With newfound confidence, he whispered firmly, "Alright, let's do this," and continued descending carefully, Beta's comforting presence still perched upon his shoulder,
Surveying his surroundings, Percy felt each breath growing increasingly labored, as though the air itself resisted entry into his lungs. His heightened 'Mana Sensitivity' amplified the sensation, distinguishing clearly between ordinary mana and this unfamiliar, oppressive force saturating the air. It felt dense and primal, like the heartbeat of the earth itself pulsing against his skin.
Percy paused, pressing a hand to his chest as the sensation intensified, leaving him momentarily breathless. A notification flickered across his vision:
"Mana Sensitivity proficiency increased—Current proficiency: 8.15%."
"Beta," Percy called cautiously, squinting through the thickening atmosphere, "What exactly am I feeling here? It's like the mana is… alive?"
Beta with her ethereal form gently glowing under the muted moonlight. Her cosmic-blue eyes scanned the environment carefully. "Master, you're sensing a unique phenomenon. The mana here is intertwined deeply with the earth element—so deeply that they're becoming indistinguishable from one another. See those stones over there?" Beta gestured gracefully towards a cluster of yellowish stones radiating a faint golden glow, partially embedded in the rocky terrain.
Percy approached cautiously, kneeling to inspect the stones closer. As he reached out, the mana pulsed, resonating in harmony with his own energy. "Beta, these stones... the earthen cores?" he asked tentatively, his voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion.
"Yes, Master," Beta confirmed gently. "Though something is unusual here. The cores appear freshly extracted, yet my scanners detect no recent presence besides ours."
Percy glanced around warily, suspicion flaring within him. "Strange. Who—or what—would just leave them lying around?" His voice was edged with caution as he carefully collected the first core. The moment he touched it, a rush of warmth surged up his arm, grounding yet electric.
After collecting a total of ten cores, another screen appeared before Percy's eyes, announcing clearly: "Earthen core collection task completed. Early completion bonus awarded."
As Percy opened the reward, a shimmering piece of pure golden-brown mana materialized in the air before smoothly merging into his chest. Instantly, he felt the Earth Elemental energy flooding his pathways, intertwining seamlessly with his very essence. His eyes widened in awe and surprise as the strength of mountains and steadiness of ancient earth resonated within him.
"Woah…" Percy breathed, genuinely awestruck, feeling a newfound grounded strength anchoring him. But suddenly, a sharp, painful jolt pierced his core, and the awe turned swiftly into alarm. His vision blurred, the air around him turning thick, oppressive—like being crushed by an invisible force.
He gasped, dropping to one knee as an intense, conflicting energy surged violently through him. Struggling for breath, Percy managed a strained plea, "Beta, what's… happening to me?"
Beta knelt beside him immediately, her ethereal presence a calming beacon amidst his pain. Before she could reply, the system chimed urgently:
"Conflict Detected: Earth Elemental Piece integration conflicting with innate Space Element. Initiating 'Mergence' ability to stabilize and harmonize elements. Standby…"
Percy grit his teeth, waves of agonizing pressure rolling through him. It felt like two immense forces clashing violently within his body, fighting desperately for dominance.
"Master, hold steady," Beta urged softly, her voice soothing yet firm. "Your body and soul possess the strength to endure. Allow the elements to merge. Let them find their balance within you."
Percy, hearing Beta's reassurance through the storm of pain, closed his eyes, forcing himself to steady his breathing. Trusting Beta's words, he embraced the surge of energy instead of resisting it, guiding it along his spiritual pathways. Gradually, the chaotic storm within began to subside, replaced by a harmonious balance between the sturdy, grounded energy of earth and the boundless freedom of space.
As Percy slowly rose to his feet, the internal tempest settling, Beta offered a gentle, supportive smile. "Well done, Master. You've successfully integrated the Earth Elemental core with your innate abilities. Shall we proceed?"
Percy staggered slightly, eyes widening in awe. "Woah, the pressure's gone, but now there's this incredible power... it's like I'm tethered to the heartbeat of the earth itself." His voice carried a mixture of surprise and exhilaration, sensing an undeniable bond with the elements around him.
Beta, her ethereal form now comfortably perched atop his shoulder, observed him thoughtfully. "Indeed, Master. You've tapped into the essence of the Earth element. Yet, this is merely the beginning—you've touched its surface, not yet grasped its depth." Her voice resonated softly, each word wrapped in celestial calm.
Percy managed a half-smile, satisfaction evident on his face. "Well, all the hard work had to pay off eventually," he replied confidently, examining the glowing stones scattered around him. He gently picked one up, feeling the potent mana humming through it. "It feels...alive," he murmured, curiosity piqued.
Beta, gracefully perched on his shoulder, gestured towards the stone with delicate fluidity. "Precisely. The mana here merges seamlessly with the Earth element, embodying unity—the substance, resilience, and strength of the earth intertwined with mana's adaptability and flow."
Before Percy could delve further into contemplation, a sudden buzzing surged behind his eyes, and the system announced, "Heavenly Eyes activated." Instantly, vivid images flooded his vision, depicting scenes of creation, existence born from the endless void, swirling into life. A voice, ancient yet gentle, narrated clearly:
"In the beginning, there was only void—then existence unfolded. Mana intertwined with elements, forging life and potential. Humans arose, channeling these elemental forces." The vision climaxed with a young child enveloped in rich, yellowish mana, evolving into a formidable earth mage, embodying solidity and enduring strength.
As the vision faded, Percy exhaled sharply, blinking rapidly as another notification appeared. "'Heavenly Eyes' deactivated—please allow 24 hours for cooldown. Proficiency increased ↑ to 0.0001%."
Percy, overwhelmed by this profound revelation of the elements' origins, took a moment to process. He then checked his status screen and was surprised to see a significant advancement: "Earth Element comprehension: Current—80.60%."
"Quite a leap in proficiency," Percy remarked thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. But before he could fully appreciate his newfound insight, the earth beneath him trembled violently, nearly knocking him off balance.
An intense quake shook the landscape, cracks racing across the rocky ground. "Beta, what's happening?" Percy shouted, stabilizing himself.
Beta materialized beside him, swiftly landing atop Percy's shoulder, her small ethereal form offering reassurance through her presence. "Master, look ahead!" she urgently directed.
In the distance, from within the yawning crater below, an immense figure began emerging, earth and stones cascading around its massive form. A colossal golem, forty feet tall, erupted from beneath, its rocky limbs crackling and grinding as they assembled. At its head, a glaring yellow core radiated with ominous power.
Percy's eyes widened, his pulse racing in tandem with the tremors. Another notification flared in his vision: "Defeat the Earth Golem and obtain the Earth King Elemental Spirit Egg. Reward: Unknown."
"Master, this is crucial!" Beta urged, her normally tranquil voice now edged with urgency. "We must secure that Egg—it holds immense potential. I'll explain afterward, but now, please focus!"
Percy gripped his battle axe tightly, adrenaline flooding his veins as determination hardened his features. "Understood. Let's get this done," he said resolutely, already formulating his strategy as he began descending toward the looming confrontation. Below is a refined, cohesive version that preserves clarity while adding a touch of dramatic flair, aligning with your established guidelines.
∞ INFINITE OMEGA SYSTEM ∞
System Level: 1 Bloodline: Human Level: 1 (EXP: 25.67%)Mana Grade: E Potential: Level 4 (Body Grade: A+; ??; ??)Abilities: Eternal Lucky Charm | Life/Death Benefits | Absolute Immunity | Mergence | Blessing of Mana | Mana Core Blessing | Heavenly Eyes Skills: Sensory Field | Whirlwind Kicks | Fleeting Palm Strike | Lightning Fist Jab |Basic Weapon Mastery Spells: Teleport (Lvl 1) | Spatial Slash (Lvl 1) | Spatial Bullets (Lvl 1) Features: Infinite Skills Library | Omega Artifact Store | Eternal Gacha Lottery | Domain Expeditions (Bestial Conqueror) | Alpha Quests Element: Space | Earth (SEALED — NEW)(25.67%)Stats: Stamina: 45 | Strength: 45 |Intelligence: 37 | Mana: 35 AP: 42 HARD DIFFICULTY ALPHA QUEST Quest #8: Defeat the Earth King Avatar (Golem)Reward: 500 AP, Celestial Bond Whisper x Mana Core Blessing Enhanced Scripture
Lore Extract:
"Long ago, this world birthed a being from its very core—bestowed upon it the name 'Earth King.' As that child matured, it soon confronted a harsh truth: eternally bound to the planet's essence. During the great war, the Earth King—his life force interwoven with the land—fell in battle. Yet, before his death, he enacted a grand design to spare the realm from utter destruction. Now, with the awakening of his avatar—a colossal golem—the planet once again trembles on the brink. Should this avatar endure beyond the sun's 10,765th setting, Gaianterra itself faces annihilation."