Capítulo 16: Outside of Academy [1]

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Astral Profile

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Name: Jab abitch

Age: 18

Rank limit: A+

Nexus Affinity:

frightful knight ★★★☆☆

(Certainly. The user possesses the ability to manipulate and influence the emotions of others, particularly their fears and nightmares. This power requires a certain level of concentration and focus. By tapping into their own mental state and understanding the emotional triggers of their target, the user can project and amplify these emotions, creating an experience akin to their worst nightmares. It's important for the user to exercise caution and ethical considerations when using this power, as playing with others' emotions and fears can have profound psychological effects. Responsible and empathetic usage is crucial to ensure the well-being of those affected.)

Nexus Affinity Mastery: (frightful knight): F

Nexus Affinity Skills:

Fear's Embrace (Active): With a sinister focus, the user delves into the depths of their victim's mind, conjuring their darkest nightmares to life. The victim becomes ensnared within their own terrors, forced to confront their deepest fears and anxieties in a nightmarish manifestation. The user wields this power as a weapon, inflicting psychological torment that leaves the victim paralyzed with fear, rendering them vulnerable and powerless. The user's mastery over this ability grants them a chilling dominion over their victim's psyche, a power that feeds on terror and fuels their thirst for control. cooldown: 6 hours, duration: 10 seconds, mana cost: 70

Overall Rank:F+

Strength: F

Defense: E

Stamina: F+

Endurance: F+

Agility: G+

Intelligence: G+

Charm: G+

Mana Power: F

Mana Control: F

Mana Capacity: F+(125)

Bloodline Abilities: none

Soulbound Abilities: none

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kean's pov

''Does anyone here know what a skill book is?'' The teacher's gaze swept across the room until it landed on a random student, who hesitantly responded, ''The skill books are extremely rare and extremely valuable they can be found in rifts, gates, dungeons and caves, the tiers are categorized as common, rare, super rare, epic, legendary, and mystical. There is a higher chance for a skill to be alike your nexus affinity and element, a skill book grants you a random skill it ranges from passive to active, they are different from nexus affinity skills because the 'skill' can also change ones element. it can make element fire alter to the element of neverending fire and unlike nexus abilities they dont require alot of mana.'' A hint of satisfaction played on the teacher's face before he posed another question, ''Now, who among you can tell me how we can acquire more nexus affinity abilities?'' A surge of pride welled up within me; this was a topic I had studied diligently. Raising my hand with confidence, I waited to be acknowledged. The teacher's eyes finally settled on me as he said, ''Alright, Kean, go ahead and share your answer.'' Taking a deep breath, I stood up, determined to explain clearly, ''By progressively advancing our nexus affinity mastery, we can enhance our ability to manipulate our nexus affinity. Additionally, whenever we attain a higher mastery level, we gain access to new abilities that align with our affinity.'' A nod of approval from the teacher affirmed my response, though he was quick to add a caveat, ''However, it's important to remember that a higher mastery level doesn't always guarantee new abilities. It follows a random code.'' With the class soon coming to an end, the bell rang, and excitement reverberated through the room. The teacher's announcement of a two-day break leading up to the duel exams was met with jubilant cheers from all corners of the classroom. Amidst the euphoria, there was one noticeable exception: Cian Eldwood, ranked 1568. He appeared disinterested, almost asleep, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere around him. Over the past couple of weeks, I had observed him diligently training in the room, an enigmatic presence that piqued my curiosity.

''Hey there, lost in thought? Who's caught your attention now?'' I spun around to find Luka approaching, a friendly grin on his face. Our friendship had been growing over these past weeks, and his playful banter had become a familiar comfort. With a playful chuckle, he continued, ''Are you daydreaming about your secret crush, Elowen or maybe Erica?'' Rolling my eyes, I replied, ''Luka, cut it out. It's not like that. I've been noticing the student ranked 1568. He's been different lately, but I can't quite figure out what's changed about him.'' Luka gave me an amused grin, ''Ah, that guy? Yeah, he practically lives in the training room. People are calling it '1568 Room' now, thanks to him.'' ''But has something happened to him?'' I asked with a raised eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. Leaning in, Luka lowered his voice, ''Word on the grapevine is, Jab gave him a hard time. Used his affinity ability to sow fear.'' Shock surged through me at the revelation, ''What? He used his ability on a fellow student? Doesn't he realize that's a severe offense, one that could get him expelled?'' Luka's grin widened, ''Not many people are aware of it. Seems he was willing to risk everything just to get at 1568. Pretty foolish, if you ask me.''

As the conversation shifted, Luka asked, ''Who are you dueling against?'' I pondered for a moment; being ranked 1 meant I could only challenge students in the top 100. ''I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll pick someone at random. Adrien did ask for a duel, this time using mana, but I'm not interested in fighting him again. How about you, Luka? Who are you planning to duel?'' Luka looked at me with a mischievous grin, seemingly unaware of the slip he was about to make. ''I'm thinking of choosing someone who counters my affinity—'' The words hung in the air, and a look of realization crossed Luka's face. It was too late; he had accidentally revealed his part of affinity power, something most students tried hard to keep hidden. I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at his surprised expression.

Departing from my usual classroom routine, I decided to break away from my path to the training room. Today held a distinct purpose in mind. Over the past couple of weeks, my publish of chess had rewarded me with a reasonably padded wallet. It was high time to channel these earnings toward something meaningful. The prospect of immersing myself in the intricacies of hand-to-hand martial arts intrigued me, and the day also carried a tantalizing potential – the acquisition of a soulbound ability. However, before embarking on martial arts training, a specific and compelling objective occupied my thoughts – the quest for a gem of extraordinary power.

In my bank accout there was a sum of 300,000, with this money normal person can live without ever touching a job, but for awakeners 300,000 wasnt really alot, with this financial reservoir i would go and venture into the hunting area, where the extraordinary gem was i knew this because i made that gem, ahem. gems were like shiny stones it can be found in dungeons, rifts, gates and underground. we can check what can the gem do by using special scanner, they are expensice but pretty useful.

The gem's aura-shielding capability and the astonishing ability to metamorphose the wielder into an entirely different identity piqued my interest. Yet, my aim wasn't solely to bask in its transformative glory. My grander aspiration was to convert this gem into a tangible item, a process demanding a considerable investment of around 6,750,000 nions. The real conundrum, however, was locating a craftsman of unparalleled skill who could sculpt the gem into the item I envisioned. To embark on this endeavor, I would need to traverse the path to the dwarves' enclave, accessible only through their enigmatic rift portals.

While my vision was set on the future, the attainment of this goal necessitated careful orchestration, as nefarious characters with ulterior motives might seek to procure the gem before I did. Hence, my agenda for the day consisted of dual ambitions – securing the enigmatic gem and if i had time left i would get perfect hand-to-hand martial arts.

Following a revitalizing shower within the confines of my dormitory, I indulged in a sumptuous serving of steak that satisfied both my palate and my ambition. This fuelled my energy as I strode purposefully toward the academy's exit. The cityscape that greeted me was an embodiment of modern vibrancy, with towering edifices and bustling guilds adorning the landscape. Among the guilds that punctuated the skyline, the illustrious Ruby Guild, Nexus Warden, reigned supreme. The very mention of its name carried an air of grandeur that resonated through the city. The guild's leadership, lineage tracing back to the hero who vanquished the lord, imbued it with a legacy that radiated strength. My mind briefly wandered to the guild leader's daughter, but I promptly reined in such musings, refocusing my thoughts on the tasks at hand.

Driven by purpose, I went to the magnetic train and navigated my way to the designated point of convergence for the clandestine black market. As I arrived at the door, my knuckles met its surface, initiating a resonant knock. A voice from within sought to ascertain my presence and intentions, prompting me to respond with a practiced and composed tone, ''Black Clover, code: 5 leaf.'' There was a gratifying sensation as those words left my lips – a culmination of the preparations that led to this moment. The voice on the other side acknowledged my code, ushering me into the enigmatic realm of the black market. This code system was elegantly simple – 1 leaf for the auction center, 2 leaf to solicit the aid of an undercover agent, 3 leaf for dungeons and 5 leaf for the clandestine allure of the black market.

Authors Note: finally cian touched some grass! isn't this a great accomplishment?