Chương 5: Shorter But Stronger
As I reveled in my newfound ability to control Sunny's body, I took a moment to appreciate the freedom and mobility that I had been granted.
I could feel the weight of the body, the way muscles moved under the skin, and even the slight fatigue from the day's events. It was exhilarating and a bit overwhelming.
Looking around the room, noticing the simple yet functional furnishings.
A bed, a small desk, and a wardrobe were all that adorned the space.
It was a far cry from the lavish quarters I had once envisioned for a prestigious academy, but it was a start.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to test out the body's capabilities.
I started with simple movements, walking around the room, stretching my arms, and doing a few squats.It felt strange, yet oddly satisfying.
The body was well-conditioned, and I could feel the potential for strength and agility within it.
I then decided to try something more challenging.
Concentrating on the memories I had crafted in my soul sea, I summoned one of them.
A faint glow enveloped my hand as I summoned the [Covetous Luggage].
The metal chest appeared before me, its heavy lid creaking open to reveal rows of massive triangular fangs.
(What the hell is that?!) Sunny's voice rang in my mind, filled with shock and confusion.
[Just one of the memories in my possession,] I replied nonchalantly, admiring the intricate design of the chest.
[It's called the Covetous Luggage. Pretty handy, right?]Sunny's surprise was palpable.
(How many memories do you have? Didn't you say you were a sleeper?)
[Quite a few,] I said with a grin.
[But thoes can wait, i wanna try using... uhhh... SORCERY! Yes sorcery.]I dismissed the chest and tried an ability for the first time, activating [Worms of Spirit].
A transparent maggot-like creature appeared in my hand, its three-dimensional patterns pulsating with a faint glow.
(That's... unsettling,) Sunny commented, clearly taken aback by the eerie appearance of the worm.
[It's incredibly useful, though,] I assured him.
[This little guy can make someone your servant if it stays in their body for long enough.]Sunny was silent for a moment, absorbing the implications.
(That's... wow. That's powerful.)
[Exactly,] I said. [And that's just the beginning.]Feeling confident, I decided to venture out of the room and explore the academy.
As I stepped into the hallway, I noticed a few other sleepers milling about, some conversing in hushed tones, others simply going about their business.
I kept my head down and moved with purpose, hoping to blend in and avoid any unnecessary confrontations.
(What are you planning now?) Sunny's voice echoed in my mind, a hint of curiosity mixed with apprehension.
[Exploring,] I replied nonchalantly. [Gotta get a lay of the land, see who's who and what's what.]
Sunny grumbled but didn't protest. I could sense his unease, but he was willing to let me take the reins for now.
(Well, since you have so much free time, it's about time you start explaining the other two important people,) Sunny commented as I turned a corner.
I stopped in my tracks and began to look around.
The hallway was empty, but I decided not to take any risks.I needed to get outside, away from prying eyes.
Activating my [Door Opening] ability, I concentrated on the wall.
An ornate wooden door appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and I opened it to reveal the outside.
(What the hell is that... a memory?) Sunny's question made me a little nervous. I wasn't ready to reveal everything about myself yet, so I just went through the door, emerging into the open air.
Using my ability to locate specific areas, I searched for a forest that was outside the academy's surveillance.
Almost instantly, I knew where to go: about a hundred meters to my right.I moved swiftly, avoiding any potential observers and surveillance spots.
As I made my way to the forest, I thought to myself, 'I really should make a scouting ability.'
Stopping briefly, I focused on creating a new ability. To my surprise, I felt the sensation of forming it without needing to enter my soul sea.
This proved I could craft abilities on the fly. I conceptualized two perfect abilities:
Ability Name:Black Bird
Description:The user is capable of manifesting ravens from their body, which they can control and use for various means. User can see through the eyes of these ravens, allowing him to spy on others. He can also use ravens to attack his opponents, especially since these manifested ravens are far stronger than standard ravens.
Ability Name:Antithesis
Description:Allows the user to designate any two targets and completely reverse anything that has already occurred between the two of them. For example, if The User were to be greatly injured while fighting an opponent, he could reverse what occurred between himself and his enemy, simultaneously healing himself while grievously wounding his opponent. This ability can also be used with inanimate objects.
(What are you doing?) Sunny questioned as I squatted behind a wall, eyes closed, focusing on my new abilities.
[Sorcery,] I replied.(And how do you know how to do that?) Sunny's curiosity was tinged with suspicion.
[I understand that you aren't aware of my situation... but I really can't tell you. You'll learn soon enough.]I let the words hang in the air for a moment before opening my eyes and stretching out my hand.
From it emerged a black beak, followed by the body of an avian creature.The bird soon manifested fully—a black raven that flew out of my hand and perched on my shoulder.
"Hi there, buddy, mind helping me for a bit?" I said to the raven.It cawed in response, and I sent it a mental command.
It flew toward the forest, and I connected with it, seeing through its eyes.
The massive roof of the academy passed below, replaced by the dense foliage of the forest.
The raven perched on the ground, looking around before picking up a small pebble with it's beak as I commanded.
It threw the pebble into the air, and I activated [Antithesis].In an instant, my body shifted, and I heard Sunny audibly yelp.
Suddenly, I was in the air, before safely landing on the forest floor.
The raven flew back to my shoulder.
"Very sweet of you, you were a big help. Go on and fly around the academy, send me a message if you see anything strange," I thanked the raven.
It cawed again and took to the sky.I smiled happily, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Sunny's voice echoed in my mind.
(That was... impressive sorcery i guess,but i still don't believe you) he admitted grudgingly. (So, about those two important people you mentioned...)
I took a deep breath, deciding it was time to provide some context.
[Alright, listen carefully. There are two individuals we need to be particularly mindful of: Nephis and Cassie. They're not just powerful; they're integral to the future of this place. Nephis, is an ambitious and driven by revenge for her fallen clan, while Cassie possesses the rare gift of divination. Nephis is incredibly skilled in wielding the sword and also possesses the incredibly potent aspect i explained to you earlier, while Cassies divination is probably the strongest there is currently]
Sunny processed this information silently. (And you know all this how?)
[I have my sources,] I replied cryptically.
[Just trust me on this one. We need to align ourselves with them if we're going to survive—and thrive—here.]
(Alright,) Sunny conceded. (I'll follow your lead. But I'm watching you, and I expect some answers eventually.)
[Fair enough] I said, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation.
(Wait, you still haven't told me about the other person. You said three, right?) Sunny's voice broke into my thoughts.
"Oh right, Caster," I replied.
[Well, he isn't important in the long run, but I guess he will be for a little bit. He's one of the legacies that humored your antics before. It's Caster of the Han Li clan. His aspect allows him to move faster than the eye can see, but his flaw makes him age rapidly while using it. His clan provided him with a charm that helps him use his aspect without killing him as fast as it should. And you thought your flaw was bad.]
As I finished, I looked around, sensing Sunny's deep contemplation about what I had just shared.
(That is definitely one hell of a flaw, but why isn't he important in the long run?) Sunny inquired.
[That information will cost you an extra hour for me to use your body,] I responded cheerfully, which Sunny promptly shut down.
I sighed, considering my next move.
Reflecting on my abilities, I activated [Fool's Gambit]. A black tentacle emerged from the ground, stretching higher and higher until it reached above the trees.
I then activated [Hachi], and an invisible slash cut through the tentacle and several trees beyond.
(Hey... wanna teach me sorcery?) Sunny asked meekly, surprising me.
I burst out laughing, then dismissed the tentacle, which turned to dust and blew away.I stopped laughing as I sensed Sunny's embarrassment.
[I'm afraid that sorcery takes many, many years to learn, but you should first consider the power of names.]
(Alright... and what about you answering my question?) Sunny pressed.
[Which one? You asked like a thousand questions just today.]
(... about if you knew about my True Name.)Sunny's tone was hesitant, filled with caution and a deep sense of fear.
My heart ached at his vulnerability, and I couldn't blame him for his fear of being enslaved.
[I... I do... but I promise you that I won't ever say it to anyone. Hell, I won't even say it just to be safe. I care too much about you to do something like that.]
(And how do I trust that! You've been nothing but suspicious since the moment we met?! So explain why you care about someone you met only a few hours ago?) Sunny's voice was filled with frustration and mistrust.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm the storm within.
[Sunny, I understand why you find it hard to trust me. I've been keeping secrets, and it's natural to be wary. But the reason I care is because... I've seen your struggles, your strength. You have a pure heart despite everything, and that resonates with me deeply. It's not just about the time we've spent together; it's about the connection we've formed. I know it sounds strange, but I feel like we're kindred spirits. I promise you, I'm here to help you, not harm you.]Sunny remained silent for a moment, processing my words.
(Kindred spirits, huh? Alright, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt... for now. But any sign of betrayal, and this partnership is over.)
[That's what i like to hear, deal] I agreed, feeling a mixture of relief and determination.
This was just the beginning, and I was committed to proving my loyalty and earning Sunny's trust. With my abilities and newfound knowledge, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
I summoned ten worms of spirit, letting them disperse to find hiding places. These little guardians would ensure my survival as long as they remained alive.
Then, I connected with my raven, commanding it to fly to Sunny's room window.
The raven complied, and I saw through its eyes, scanning the room's contents.
[Hey, Sunny, do you need three pillows? I think two should be fine.]
(What are you saying? Do you need a pillow for sorcery?) Sunny's voice was tinged with confusion.
I chuckled. [I do, so can I use it? You know, don't wanna betray you and all that. God... Gods forbid I take away a precious pillow.]
(Haaa... sure, you can have it. Who needs three pillows anyway?)Smiling, I activated [Antithesis], switching my position with the pillow.
I found myself lying on the bed, resting my head on the remaining two pillows.I opened the window and allowed the raven to enter.
It flew onto the wardrobe and looked at me expectantly. I sent it a mental message, granting it permission to take a nap.
Feeling restless, I approached the desk and rummaged through the drawers.
I found a small notebook with a pen attached to it and took out some paper.
Using a very weakened [Hachi], I cut the paper enough times to form a small figurine. Letting it fall to the ground, I activated [Paper Figurine].
The paper cutout began to shift, contorting and expanding.
Within seconds, it transformed into a perfect copy of Sunny's body.
(What is that? It's so... eerie.) Sunny's voice echoed in my mind, filled with a mix of fascination and unease.
[This is a paper figurine, a construct that can mimic my body, or well the body i'm residing in i guess. It's a useful tool for diversion or deception.]
(But why do you need a copy of me?) Sunny asked, his suspicion resurfacing.
[Relax, Sunny. This figurine is just a precaution. I can switch places with it, it can also take any fatal attacks that are aimed at me.]
Sunny hesitated before responding, (Alright, but keep it away from me. It gives me the creeps.)
[Scared at your own apperance? Well im not one to judge so alright.] I replied, and then remembered [Damage Transfer].
I decided to test it, but I first needed Sunny's permission.[I want to test something real quick. Do you mind if I injure myself? I promise it's only to test it on the figurine. Pinky promise.]
(How badly are you planning to injure me? If it's repairable, then I don't mind.)Nodding, I pointed my right finger at my left hand and activated a weakened version of [Hachi].
An invisible slash created a deep gash on my hand, which spurted blood.However, I felt no pain, noting that [Pain Nullification] was working passively as intended.
(Wait, it doesn't hurt?) Sunny questioned, and I jolted in surprise.
It seemed that abilities directly connected to the body worked the same for Sunny.I put that thought to the back of my mind and activated [Damage Transfer].
The blood immediately disappeared back into the wound, and the gash healed instantly.
On the paper figurine's left hand, a gash appeared, though no blood spilled from it.
The figurine gave me the same blank stare, devoid of life and the usual intellect that should have been there.
(That's impressive and a bit unnerving) Sunny commented, his voice tinged with awe and discomfort.
[It's a useful sorcery. We can transfer damage to these constructs if needed. It'll be a good way to keep us safe without drawing too much attention.] I examined the figurine, ensuring the gash had transferred completely.
[And don't worry, I'll keep the figurine out of sight. It's just a tool, nothing more.]
(I get it. Just... keep me in the loop, alright? We're partners in this.)
[Absolutely, Sunny. We're in this together.]I happily whisteled and lay on the bed, i tested out everything i wanted to so i just decided to take a nap, i could test everything out tomorrow.
Thus i began to drift off to sleep.
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