Chapter 28: Appraisal
In the quiet embrace of the infirmary, bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight, Alaric sat alone. The room was draped in a soft ambiance, the laces allowing the celestial radiance to create patterns on the walls. He had requested the lights to be turned off after the doctors left, seeking solace in the silent communion with his thoughts.
As he stared at the information displayed before him, Alaric noticed some welcome changes. His principality origin had granted him an ability, evolving from the ominous-sounding "Abyssal Antireality" to the more celestial "Celestial Antireality." The transformation heralded the manifestation of his first ability, named "Shroud of Shadows."
Name: Alaric Astraeus
Race: Human*
Age: 16
Titles: Worldwalker, Treacherous
Soul Core Rank: A
Elemental Affinities: Lightning, Aether
Abilities: [Shroud of Shadows]
Attributes: Cosmic Eyes, Mental Fortress, Lesser Ascended Physique, Abyssal Bane, Grand Soul
Heritage: [Sylvan Oath][Aetherblade Nyx][Atlas' Promise][Glacial Seraph]
Principality Origin: Celestial Anti-Reality
Focusing his attention on this newfound power, Alaric accessed its description.
Ability:[Shroud of Shadows]
Description: [The Principality Origin grants the ability to cloak the surroundings in a Shroud of Shadows, concealing objects or individuals within an ethereal void. This shroud disrupts conventional senses and conceals the true nature of the environment.]
It wasn't an offensive ability, but rather a supportive one. Despite its nature, he felt a surge of satisfaction—finally, he could harness the potential of his principality origin.
However, not all changes were as straightforward or welcome. Two titles, World Walker and Treacherous, adorned his cosmic status. The origin of World Walker was clear, a consequence of his transmigration across realms. However, the latter, Treacherous, left a bitter taste in his mouth. Alaric was convinced it was another one of the universe's consciousness tricks, a manifestation of its unpleasant sense of humour.
The title's description unfolded before him, revealing a narrative laden with ominous implications. "Once a lost soul found its way into the abyss, and before the ruler of the abyss, corruption was laden onto the soul. The powerful soul was sent on its way to carry out its mission of destruction. However, treachery ran deep within this soul, and like a slave broken free, it has become the demise of its former master."
Alaric's jaw tightened as he absorbed the words, a cold realization settling in. The universe's consciousness had woven a tale of treachery into his very essence. The weight of the title pressed on him, a burden of implication and suspicion. It felt like a dark irony, a label that carried echoes of betrayal.
In the solitude of the infirmary, Alaric couldn't contain the surge of frustration and resentment. Uttering a silent curse to the universe's consciousness, he hoped, in that quiet moment, that somehow it could hear the echoes of his displeasure. Alaric stood in the aftermath of his vehement curses, feeling the lingering energy pulsating through his being. As he shifted his focus from the outburst, he found himself immersed in contemplation over the alterations to his own existence.
Awareness dawned on Alaric as to why these powerful abilities were granted. Nothing came without a cost, especially not from his arrangement with the universe's consciousness. The Cosmic Eyes, surpassing the capabilities of their predecessor, now bore the added ability to recognize corruption or at least trace remnants of it. A valuable asset in the ongoing struggle against the encroaching darkness.
Another bestowed attribute caught his attention—Abyssal Bane. Alaric understood the dual nature of this gift. While it rendered him a formidable anti-corruption force in the face of abyssal adversaries, there was a precarious balance. The longer he chose to ignore anything related to the abyss, the weaker he would become. It was a paradoxical strength, a double-edged sword that demanded careful consideration.
The Grand Soul attribute emerged as a consequence of the soul merging with the body's previous owner. This bestowed immunity to corruption, a safeguard against the insidious influence that sought to corrupt and control
The newly acquired Aether affinity, a potent force within this world, was another addition to his arsenal. While effective against a broad spectrum of entities, its true potency revealed itself when faced with corrupted entities. Alaric recognized the strategic advantage in this, a weapon specifically tailored for the battles against the forces that sought to subvert and destroy.
Alaric weighed the changes within him, acknowledging the undeniable strengthening of his capabilities. However, his understanding of the universe hinted at a balance—an equilibrium that demanded a price for the power bestowed upon him. The concept of causality lingered in his thoughts, reminding him that every enhancement, every attribute, was tethered to a greater cosmic plan.
The prospect of becoming much stronger was enticing, but he was not naive. His understanding, gleaned from the pages of the novel he had read, reminded him that causality governed the universe. There had to be a significant price exacted by the universe's consciousness for empowering him so explicitly against the abyss.
In this cosmic chess game, Alaric found himself a pawn moved by forces beyond his comprehension. The ebb and flow of power, the intricate dance between order and chaos, demanded his participation. He wondered about the threads of destiny that bound him to this grand narrative
With the cosmic transformation still echoing in his consciousness, Alaric's scrutiny extended to the arsenal bestowed upon him. The first weapon that caught his attention was the Sylvan Oath, a sleek black recurve bow that curiously lacked its string. However, this was by design, for the string materialized from aether, a manifestation conjured by the wielder, along with its ethereal arrows. The synergy of the bow with his affinity to aether promised a formidable ranged capability, a deadly dance between his cosmic eyes and the Sylvan Oath.
The Aetherblade Nyx, the second weapon in his newfound repertoire, presented itself as a powerful black tachi with a distinctive handle guard adorned with a delicate flower. The blade resonated with aetheric energy, a formidable addition to Alaric's firepower. Its sleek design and aether attunement hinted at a lethal grace that would undoubtedly prove valuable in the battles to come.
Last in this impressive arsenal was the Atlas' Promise, a simple yet dark armor adorned with an intricate array of runes. Alaric surmised that these runes bore the essence of warding magic, acting as a protective barrier against corruption. The armor, a fusion of mystic symbols and material strength, stood as a sentinel against the insidious forces that sought to corrupt and consume.
Yet, amidst these formidable weapons, a surprise awaited Alaric. The revelation that surprised Alaric was the presence of the Glacial Seraph, a powerful familiar type of heritage that, according to his knowledge, was supposed to reside in their mountain range. Yet, here it was, residing within Alaric's soul. This unexpected gift hinted at the vast capabilities of the universe's consciousness and left Alaric pondering the mysterious connections between the cosmic entities and their designated guardians.
The universe's consciousness had intricately woven these gifts into his cosmic being, reshaping his destiny. Yet, one purpose remained clear — the heritage he now possessed was destined for Elena. It had been that way in his mind from the start.
With a sigh he plopped back down on the bed.
"What have I gotten myself into..."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Croppedtrolley
Croppedtrolley Thank you for the power stones once again.[karthyaveeryarjuna] Here are today's Chapters. Enjoy.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Cover :)
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