Bab 19: An Egg

The phoenix tried to move its head after hearing Kyle's impatient voice.

['It's because your bloodline is too powerful. Creatures like me usually awaken their bloodline after reaching adulthood. I'm not sure about humans, but I think you will awaken your bloodline when your body is fully mature.']

After hearing the phoenix's words, Kyle calmed down a little. There was still a way for him to awaken his bloodline! He wasn't sure when his body would fully grow up but he had a question that he had been wanting to ask for a while now.

"Why are you telling me all this?"

['It's because my time is running out, and I don't trust humans due to their greed. But I sensed something different in you, something powerful that draws me to you. That's why I want to ask for a favor.']

After that, the phoenix lifted its only wing to reveal an egg to Kyle.

"This..."

['It's my child, I thought it would die with me today, but if there's any hope, I don't want to let it go.']

Kyle was shocked once again. Seeing a phoenix was already a rare sight, but now he was looking at a phoenix egg! However, his expression quickly turned serious.

"What if I didn't care for it? What if I sold it to someone? Why are you trusting me? There are many kind humans out there!"

['Human, if I end up making a mistake by trusting you, I can only blame myself.']

The phoenix slowly pushed the egg toward him.

['Put a drop of your blood on it to establish a connection.']

Kyle hesitated for a moment, but after contemplating it for a while, he looked at the phoenix and let out a deep sigh.

He had heard stories of humans forming mutual connections with monsters, where both parties relied on and helped each other. However, he never imagined he would have an opportunity like this. And to top it off, he was certain that once the egg hatched, it would at least have the potential to reach (S)-Rank!

Taking a step toward the egg, Kyle pricked his finger to put a drop of his blood on it. As soon as his blood touched the egg, it trembled slightly, and a faint, almost invisible red fire mark appeared on the back of his hand.

Examining the fire mark, he carefully picked up the egg, which was small enough to fit in his hand. Through the mark, he could sense a subtle connection with the egg.

He attempted to place the egg inside the storage ring, but he quickly realized that living things couldn't be stored there. After a few unsuccessful attempts, he pulled out a small bag and carefully placed the egg inside. He then securely tied the bag to his waist.

The phoenix hummed softly and displayed a relieved expression.

['Thank you.']

Suddenly, a small drop of glowing blood appeared in front of the phoenix and floated toward Kyle.

['This is a little something I want to give you as a gift.']

"What's this?"

Kyle gazed at the glowing drop of blood floating before him. It didn't quite resemble ordinary blood. He wondered why the phoenix considered it a gift.

'If it's a gift it's probably useful!'

['It's my blood essence. While it may not directly help you with your bloodline awakening, it can reduce the suppressing effect of your bloodline.']

After uttering some final words, the phoenix closed its eyes. Instantly, bright red flames materialized out of thin air, engulfing its entire body.

Startled, Kyle watched as the flames consumed the phoenix. He wanted to offer help, but before he could react, the glowing drop of blood entered his forehead.

Instantly, Kyle felt a sharp pain in his head. The last thing he remembered was witnessing the blazing red flames before losing consciousness.

...

"Ugh..."

Kyle groaned, he tried to move, only to feel pain in almost every part of his body. As he surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was still in the same spot as last night. Doubt filled his mind as he questioned.

"Was it all just a dream?"

How could so much have happened in just one night? But when Kyle noticed the egg tied to his waist, he realized it wasn't a dream. However, there was no sign of the phoenix, not even a trace of its body.

Also strangely, Kyle no longer felt the intense heat he had experienced before. After mustering the strength to stand up, he stepped out of the cave and was greeted by the bright morning sun.

"It's already morning... Ugh, why does my body hurt so much?"

He began stretching his body to alleviate the pain. As he stretched, he noticed that his muscles felt stronger than before. The phoenix's last words echoed in his mind, and Kyle muttered in disbelief.

"No way!"

His heart raced with excitement as he pondered the possibilities, nervously stealing glances at his stats from the corner of his eyes.

_______

Stats:

Name: Kyle

Bloodline: Celestial (Locked)

Rank: F+

Strength: F

Mana: F+

Agility: F

Talent: SS Rank (suppressed)

Luck: A

Skills:

#*Fireball (F)-Rank:

User can use mana to create a small fireball. The more mana used the bigger the size of the fireball.

#*Ice Dragon inherited skill; Ice Domain (S)-Rank:

User can call upon a Domain in a specific area, locking and freezing the area.

Inside the Domain;

All stats of the user will increase by a sub-rank, water type and ice type attacks would be ineffective against the user, enemies will have all their stats reduced by a sub-rank.

To use this skill at least (C-)-Rank mana is required.

#*Fire Phoenix inherited skill; Fire resistance (B)-Rank (Passive):

Provide resistance against weak fire type attacks, and because of the inherited effect user will be less affected by the surrounding temperature.

______

Kyle couldn't believe his eyes as he thought he was dreaming. He shouted with excitement.

"My rank jumped! Not just one, but two sub-ranks!"

Looking at his talent, he was struck with shock once again.

"(SS)-Rank! No way... and it's still suppressed!"

He was already happy with (SS)-Rank talent, but he wondered what his rank would be after awakening his bloodline!

He also noticed the skill he received from the phoenix, which maximized his happiness. Jumping with excitement, Kyle wanted to shout and tell everyone, but he calmed his racing heart. He knew he still had a long way to go before becoming truly strong.