Chapitre 6: Discipline
Adam dreamed of a scene that was unfamiliar to both sets of memories that blended in his head.
It was a fight with a giant Beast.
A serpent that seemed strong enough to annihilate the entire Bloodlust Clan with a breath of poison.
Green scales as solid as swords used friction to cut trees. Each cut lacerating when used as a tail whip.
The young boy was in someone's perspective.
But his thoughts weren't connected to the person.
Only able to see through the dream figure's eyes without being able to do anything to fight back.
He was running away… Trying his best to survive.
But nothing was working.
The giant snake was coming closer without being stalled by the trees. A body moved unimpeded.
"Don't worry. I'm here." Then, as if hearing the voice of a hero, the dream figure stopped running.
Letting out a sigh filled with relief.
Who was this person? They didn't seem that old or experienced, so why was the figure relieved?
"Hey!" The newcomer took the attention of the giant snake. His body suddenly erupted with Mana.
Only to create a scene that left Adam disappointed.
Those magical flames externalised barely covered the upper part of his body. Unlike the giant snake.
Its body covered in black flames in response.
Even though Adam wasn't there, he could tell the difference between their power was night and day.
There was no way this young man could win.
Still, why was the dream figure not shaking?
There seemed to be an unshakable trust the dream figure had towards this person. Complete faith.
Something Adam had never experienced before.
"Get back!" The young man jumped off of a branch and created an icicle needed as small as a thumb.
It was such a weak magic being used.
'Conjuration'… Adam had heard that Humans had the ability to conjure up elements and bend them.
Was this person a Water Specialist?
No… Why was the dream figure running away?
The answer came when the dream figure manifested a blue screen in front of his eyes.
Seemingly having analysed the magic being used.
[Combination Release: Reverse Flame + Wind + Water + Gravitation= 'Ex Threshold Ice Pick']
A blue gravitational barrier seemed to be surround the small needle of ice being shot at the serpent.
The speed was beyond what even Adam's eyes was capable of grasping. Piercing into the snake.
Unbreakable scales or not, the needle drilled into its body and crunched the spine of the serpent.
An ear-piercing screech resounded…
The Beast couldn't even struggle in its last moments. A white texture covered the scales.
Spreading over the body like messy colouring.
The dye made the giant snake suddenly look like wet paper. A gut of wind cracked the frostbite.
Causing the serpent to disintegrate into nothing.
This… wasn't something Adam could just accept.
The terrified scream of the Beast haunting. The struggle and desperation just before it died…
And yet, the dream figure was fine.
"A hero? No, don't call me like that." The young man who killed the serpent seemed awkward.
Turning his head away and walking off.
The dream figure followed behind the man almost like he was possessed, but Adam closed his eyes.
Hoping the dream would end.
It was too scary… How could someone not be scared? This youth… His power was unfathomable.
Unable to measured by the standard metrics…
It might have been a nonsensical dream, but Adam couldn't help feeling scared by this strange person.
'Monster…' That was his name for that creature that took human form. Pretending to be average.
Insecurities started to pile up in his heart, but he chose to courageously open his eyes once more.
Only to have abyssal darkness greet him.
A blood red message appeared in front of him.
[Factory reset of status is commencing…]
[Success…]
[Incomplete status details now accessible…]
[The unique Title, 'Game Master', is applied. You now have access the physics engine of reality.]
[Error… Unable to apply physics engine…]
['Gamer Body' has failed to awaken as a Skill.]
['Gamer Mentality' failed to awaken as a Skill.]
[Title 'Game Master' could not be applied…]
[Reshuffling the Skill Index and randomising the Skills attained through the unique premium Title…]
Adam saw a list of Skills endlessly stretching in pitch darkness. It seemed to move by his emotions.
And what he was feeling was that it wasn't right.
This wasn't how 'Skills' and techniques were supposed to be created. He know how life worked.
[Applying the user's viewpoint of reality… Avatar alterations decided by 'Adam Graham' is applied…]
The young boy felt the Mana running through his veins was acting strangely in this dark space.
[Players Chosen:
-Faith Earnest White (Sixth Sense)
-Simon Rainglow (Universal Specialty)
-Wesker O'Brian (Seventh Sense)
-Sapphire Swordwick (Skill Tree)]
[Translating 'Chosen Players' to 'Mate Bonds'…]
[You have earned the Intrinsic Skill: 'Sixth Sense'.]
['Universal Specialty' can only be applied to Humans… Finding new method of application…]
[Method found…]
"Urgh…" Adam suddenly felt the Dark Mana that had been flowing through him was now evolving.
His physical frame was altering because of that.
When he was born, the surname his father had given him, 'Black', was embedded into his spirit.
Names were quite significant to werewolves.
It signified what 'Pack' they originated from and the kind of abilities they could use with Mana.
Red Werewolves with 'Red' as their last name we're fire user. Those surnamed 'Blue' were water users.
And those of the Moonlight Pack, who were all surnamed 'White'… were the antithesis to 'Black'.
Which was the reason his father feared them so.
Darkness was slow yet expansive. Able to beat the five elements, yet susceptible to users of Light.
All while Light Users had no weaknesses at all.
They may not be particularly powerful against other elements, but they had a balanced power.
For humans, being born with these different Affinities only affected their magic… but it had a completely different nuance when it came to werewolves. Their flesh was pumped with Mana.
Which was why werewolves of a dual affinity or triple affinity had never been born naturally.
Because even if they changed their surname to be called 'Rainbow', the colours of Mana would ruin their bodies beyond salvation. The influx of Mana would make each cell of their body burst open.
This was exactly what Adam was feeling.
[Acquisition of 'Seven Universal Supreme Body' Intrinsic Skill has failed… Vessel is too young…]
[Creating an alternative solution…]
[Simplifying the acquired Skill… Creating derivative based on the current qualifications of the user…]
[Intrinsic Skill: 'Seven Forms' has been created.]
[Mastery level has been reset to lowest rank.]
Adam sighed in release when the burden on his body vanished. The next two Skills were learnt well.
[You have acquired the Intrinsic Skill: 'Seventh Sense'. Improves user's grasp of self perception.]
[You have acquired the Intrinsic Skill: 'Skill Tree'.]
[Your 'Alpha Gene' has been awakened. Your innate Strength has improved by one Rank in response.]
[It is now possible to improve one Personal Skill by sacrificing other Skills. Caution in use is preferred.]
The young boy finally opened his eyes to see the list of Skills that had appeared on his status screen.
[Name: Adam Ocelot Black
Titles: Game Master (-In Progress…-)
Personal Skills: Spirit Union, Intimidation
Growth Characteristic: -Unavailable-
Intrinsic Skill: Sixth Sense, Seven Forms ('Strong Body' is applied), Seventh Sense (Grasp of self in relation to the environment), Skill Tree (Improves Personal Skills by sacrificing other Skills), Alpha Gene (-Unawakened-), Spirit Wolf (-Unavailable-)
Magic Affinity: Universal (Dark)
Power Tier= B-A (Rare)
Agility Tier= B-A (Unique)
Speed Tier= C-B (Rare)
Defence Tier= C-B (Rare)
Magic Tier= D (Common)
Combat Prowess= ??? (Unknown)]
He could barely understand what any of these details meant… Other than some key details.
Even though he hadn't used 'Seven Forms' at this moment, he could tell from the name of his Magic Affinity that he could now shift between different werewolf types. The Skill wasn't that useful at all.
As of right now, he had barely built up much of a repertoire of Skills. Even if he changed his form right now, his family would likely oust him out of the Clan as a freak, and would have no Skills to rely on.
If he learnt a Wind Skill in his Green Werewolf form right now, it would disappear after changing again.
He'd need a lot of time before it was useful.
As for Sixth Sense and Seventh Sense, they were actually way more useful the way he was now.
The former allowed him to sense the world in relation to himself, while the latter was the same…
…only that it sensed 'himself' in relation to the world. Allowing him to have better body control.
Even though his senses didn't expand, Adam felt his grasp over perception had been improved.
That still left him with a few things to do…
[What Skills would you like to choose?]
[Would you like to open a premium Loot Box?]
There seemed to be a special 'present' for him waiting for him here, but Adam felt cautious.
He didn't believe there was no strings attached.
Moreover, it looked like he could open the Loot Box at any time. So there wasn't any need to rush this.
He instead looked at the list of skills…
Adam realised that as he was now, he didn't have anything that could be considered a combat Skill.
He needed to find a useful one quickly…
The Skills seemed neatly organised into different categories within a standard search engine.
There wasn't need for much browsing at that point since all that was required was a few details.
He clicked on 'Attack type', 'Personal Skill', 'Dark Attribute', and 'Physical'. Finding what he needed.
The two choices that appeared 'Magic Strike' and 'Basic Strike'. Their descriptions being quite easy.
[Magic Strike: Infuse fist with Mana to strike.]
[Basic Strike: A normal attack that will always do the same amount of damage as long as it hits.]
'Are these really it?' It was a bit disappointing, but he soon decided to choose what was necessary.
Adam took a while before picking two Skills…
They had been chosen with great deliberation amongst the thousands listed in that search bar.
Then came his final choice:
[Your Gift shall be reawakened…]
[The Gift Type shall stay the same…]
['Innate Semblance' is the Gift Type.]
[Choose between the following: Cruelty, Discipline, Love. What is the emotion that most defines you?]
Rather than thinking logically, Adam followed his heart in picking between these different options.
Cruelty… A part of him wanted to become much more colder after what had happened recently.
Perhaps this was why this existed as an 'emotion'.
Though it wasn't exactly the right term for one, the word itself held an emotive nuance just for Adam.
To harm…
He didn't want to be weak whatsoever. Thrown around by the destiny that was given to him.
Moreover, that 'monster' made him more scared.
If he wanted to directly gain strength, it was only natural to choose cruelty over everything else.
But he hesitated in choosing this Gift.
Adam remembered his fight with Chela not that long ago. How he ridiculed her for being cruel.
Because only the weak needed to be violent.
The strong were those who didn't put on a farce to hide weakness. They were strong spiritually too.
Wasn't this the same for that 'Monster' he saw?
Even though he had the worse talents, that young man was able to confidently traverse with friends.
If he put on a face of cruelty, could he do that?
The answer was obvious.
Thus, 'Cruelty' was discarded. Leaving only 'Love' and 'Discipline' as the emotions for his semblance.
Love, the yearning he felt. Perhaps it would give him an ability to help him achieve his dreams.
Discipline, the path he rationalised. If he wanted to maturely take his life step by step, he needed to be disciplined. It was more closer to an ideal, but this became a feeling that had taken root in his heart.
Which should he choose?
Adam's heart made him feel that 'Love' would be the better choice. The more correct option.
It was the option closer to his heart.
He shouldn't rush this… There was so much to consider. Not only in its effects, but meaning.
As a young werewolf, he had heard that Humans had Gifts vaguely without much understanding.
By combining this with the fantasy logic 'Adam Graham' knew of, he could infer its significance.
The more someone gives something, the less precious it is. The less of it also measured worth.
Since he was only able to choose one 'Gift', and that it didn't seem like something he could attain as easily as Skills, one could guess that whatever he chose would impact his future greatly.
Much more than the option of two Skills earlier.
With that in mind, 'Love' and 'Cruelty' were two opposing Gifts that'd likely change him deeply.
If he chose to empathise on his yearning, then he may find himself unable to harm others in future.
While if he chose violence, he may accidentally hurt those he cares about in the process of it.
The only thing he needed now was…
…..
….
…
..
.
I really hated fighting.
But if I had to, I wouldn't hesitate to put everything on the line. That much was certain.… I was a man.
And a man needed 'Discipline'.
It was quite unfortunate that this thought of mine while waking up was greeted by a certain scene.
Estelle, who had become humanoid for some odd reason, had me laying on her legs in a lap pillow.
This could've been wholesome, but…
"Oh? You've finally woken up?" Even though it was a human face, that smile was definitely Estelle's.
Maybe it was just me who could find the relation between a human and a wolf, but there was a big problem that needed addressing. My lips started quivering though. I couldn't put it into words.
"Hmmm? Why is your face red?" She patted my forehead gently, and I shivered in response.
I never thought she could look so pretty…
No, wait… That wasn't the damn point!
"Can you transform back into a wolf now?" I tried to regain some composure, but she broke it instantly.
"Sorry, I don't know how." Estelle was making me lose my mind. Why…? Why was she acting calm?
"You're naked." I pointed it out just in case she hadn't noticed. Her breasts were fully exposed.
Maybe because the 'Game Logic' of my newly awakened Alpha Gene was in effect, but there seemed to be a black screen stopping me from being able to see her vital parts. Still… Still…!
"Oh, looks like I am." (Estelle)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN? OF COURSE IT 'LOOKS LIKE' YOU'RE NAKED, BECAUSE YOU REALLY ARE!
I was holding back myself from exploding mostly because she was looking at me with innocence.
It wasn't hard to grasp what she was thinking.
'So what…?' That was the thought written all over her face. Almost like this new form meant nothing.
"…When you're in this form, you have to take care of yourself." I controlled myself and took off my jacket. My trembling heart calmed down since she was different from something like a close friend.
She was my Spirit Wolf. My companion…
It may sound romantic, but the word 'romance' couldn't quite grasp the nuance of this relationship.
The symbiotic codependence we had.
Even though my heart heart had been flustered for a moment because of her beauty, I was able to remember who she was to me. She was more than just a woman. More than a friend who liked me.
Using my newly improved strength, I stopped hesitating to touch her. Following my own feelings.
I picked her up and held her in my arms.
"You don't have to hide it from me. I'm guessing you feel uncomfortable." I spoke while moving my head close to her own. We were so close that it seemed like our lips would touch, but it just didn't.
In fact, both of us didn't have that romantic attachment anymore after I'd regained composure.
There was only unfiltered intimacy…
"I'm cold… Everything feels too weird now." Estelle didn't hide it. She must have had it rough until now.
"Don't worry. I'll get you some clothes." My companion catch a cold if she stayed like this.
I kept our bodies close to each other to share warmth and headed towards a certain direction.
There was someone I wanted to meet.
Judging by the time it was, there was a high chance the patrols would change to night shift.
He already knew the layout of their moments.
Avoiding them while holding Estelle in his arms wasn't difficult. The real challenge started after.
"Where are you going?" Estelle looked at me with innocent eyes, and I smiled in response to her.
"Just visiting a 'friend'." A warm smile plastered on my face while asking her to hide nearby a cottage.
The blueprint of this building was well-made.
It had the werewolf touch of being something that was more akin to a small residence than a home.
Made of trees and whatever they could transact with other Packs and Clans outside our species.
I knocked on the door. The parent of the person living here should be on watch duty right now.
Meaning only one person could open the door.
The carved wooden door opened, and the familiar face of someone with a bruised cheek arrived.
She tried to close the door on me, but I immediately held it open and spoke to her gently:
"Hello, Chela… Can I borrow your clothes?" (Adam)
Maybe because my tone and face was dark under the lighting of the moon, but she her face twitched.
Then hyperventilated and fell unconscious.
She plopped on the floor in front the door without making a sound. Not even a confused shout.
"You're such a criminal." Estelle came out from her hiding position and leaned her chest on my back.
I couldn't tell anyone if I enjoyed it or not.
"She's just overreacting now." Since she couldn't say anything, I merely walked in and close the door.
Since she owed me one, we could call it even if she let me borrow some clothes for my companion.
…I seemed to have become shameless now.
With all that finally out of the way, I made myself at home in the residence of this former bully of mine.
I better wake her up after we're done.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone