Valen sat in quiet contemplation, his mind still reeling from the sudden transformation he had experienced during his cultivation.
The new energy coursing through his veins was nothing like mana—it was more potent, more raw.
He couldn't yet comprehend its full scope, but even with his limited understanding, he knew that it was a force far beyond anything he had ever encountered.
His calm expression betrayed none of the turmoil inside as he called out, "Nyx."
The familiar presence of the system stirred, her voice resonating softly within his mind.
[Yes, Host?]
"Analyze what's happening to me during the cultivation. This energy… it's different."
There was a brief pause before Nyx responded, her voice imbued with a subtle hint of surprise,
[Indeed, Host. The energy you're now connected to is far beyond conventional mana. While my authority is still limited, I've managed to gather some information about this foreign energy.]
Valen remained silent, waiting for Nyx to continue.
[The energy flowing through you is called Void Essence. Unlike mana, which is universal and tied to the natural elements, Void Essence is a far purer form of power, capable of altering the very nature of reality around it.]
[In essence, Void Essence is the raw force that exists between the known and the unknown, and it's linked directly to your physique and bloodline.]
Valen absorbed the information, his sharp mind already making connections. "Void Essence…" he whispered to himself, the name carrying an undeniable weight. "And this energy is tied to my physique and bloodline?"
[Correct. Your transformation during the ritual has unlocked powers that are unique to your body now, allowing you to draw on Void Essence to strengthen yourself.]
[Furthermore, the Void Essence is what's allowing you to form a new core. However, this core will be unlike any other—it's made entirely from Void Essence, which is far more potent than mana.]
[The process will take time, but the results will far exceed what anyone else using traditional mana could achieve.]
Valen's eyes gleamed with a dark satisfaction as Nyx's words washed over him. The power he had lost in the ritual, the destruction of his Primordial Core—none of it mattered anymore. He was gaining something far greater.
"And the purification?" Valen asked, recalling the moment when his body had effortlessly expelled impurities during his cultivation session.
[That's another property of Void Essence,] Nyx explained.
[It eliminates all impurities within your body as it circulates. As a result, you no longer need the purification function of your Mana Breathing Technique. You can fully maximize the absorption aspect instead, enhancing your growth.]
Valen nodded. "So, I can now focus entirely on increasing my power."
[Precisely, Host.]
He could already feel the subtle changes within his body. Despite not yet having a core, the Void Essence circulated through him, strengthening him in ways that mana never could.
Even without his cultivation, Valen knew that this energy would elevate him to heights no one else could reach.
"Show me the abilities tied to my physique and bloodline," Valen commanded. He had already sensed their existence but wanted to know the specifics.
Nyx responded immediately, and a detailed list appeared in Valen's mind.
[Physique: Origin Voidborne]
[ Passive Abilities ]
[ Eternal Base ]
[Host foundation is flawless. Any elixirs, potions, or cultivation techniques he uses will not harm or destabilize his foundation. He can grow without the risk of internal imbalance or poisoning.]
[ Fatebreaker ]
[Host is no longer bound by fate. He can no longer be influenced by destiny, prophecies, or any force that seeks to control his path. He is fully in control of his life and his future.]
[????]
[ Active Abilities ]
[ Void Empowerment ]
[Host can boost his overall strength by twofold for a limited time, fueled by Void Essence. This enhancement increases his physical and combat abilities without side effects. The only limitation is the amount of Void Essence available. When it depletes, the ability can no longer be sustained.]
[ Void Mastery ]
[Host any Battle Arts you practices, allows you to master them much more quickly. When activated during combat, this ability increases the power of his Battle Arts by twofold, making them significantly more lethal.]
[????]
[Bloodline: Emperor of the Nihility]
[ Passive Abilities ]
[ Blood of Rebirth ]
[Host regenerative abilities are enhanced. Regenerating from a single drop of blood, as long as Void Essence is present.]
[ Void Suppression ]
[ Valen can weaken the power of opponents within his domain. Opponents at the same realm lose 100% of their strength, those one realm above lose 50%, and those up to three realms higher lose 25%. Beyond three realms, the effect is not applicable.]
[????]
[ Active Abilities ]
[ Blood Mirage ]
[Host can create a clone of himself, identical in strength and power, capable of using his skills and Battle Arts. The clone is sustained by Void Essence and can fight autonomously. For now, Host can create only one clone, but as his realm increases, he will be able to create more.]
[????]
Valen's eyes scanned the list, his mind racing as he took in the immense potential of each ability.
These were powers beyond anything he could have imagined, each one designed to give him a significant edge over any opponent.
"What are these question marks?" Valen asked, noticing that several abilities remained unknown.
[Those abilities are beyond your current realm, Host. They will unlock as you grow stronger and progress through the realms of cultivation. For now, your power is too weak to access them.]
Valen didn't mind the answer. He had already been given more than he could have hoped for.
The ritual had stripped him of his old life and his old limitations, but it had given him something far greater in return.
After taking a moment to reflect on the information, Valen felt a deep sense of satisfaction settle within him.
He was no longer just a simple man. He was something far more, something transcendent.
The power of Void Essence was his to command, and with it, he would forge a path to the ultimate strength he had always craved.
Still, the journey ahead would be long, and the world would not wait for him to grow. He needed to master these new abilities and begin laying the groundwork for his future.
"Nyx," Valen said, a dark smile creeping across his lips. "It seems the ritual cost me much, but the return... it's beyond anything I could have expected."
[Indeed, Host. You have only just begun to tap into your true potential.]
Valen's gaze darkened with intent as he stood from the cushion, his mind already working on his next steps.
His previous goal had been to free himself from fate's control, and now he had done just that. But power was never static, and there was always more to seize.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, a question that could change everything. Valen narrowed his eyes, his thoughts sharpening.
"Nyx, I need to ask you something," he said, his voice filled with an intensity that even surprised himself.
The real game was about to begin.
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