As the extravagant meal drew to a close, Sucura savored each bite, eating with a respectful and composed demeanor.
His stomach swelled with satisfaction, filled by the scrumptious dishes that exceeded his expectations.
The unique spices from another world, combined with the presence of mana, had undoubtedly contributed to the delectable flavors.
Sucura stealing a surreptitious glance at Nicolette, 'I found her visage hauntingly familiar, like a stubborn piece of gum stuck in the recesses of my mind. Regrettably, I could not recall any specific memories or associations with her from the game.'
[Lvl. 23]
He ruminated further, 'Her level is modest, yet I sense a danger akin to Shalanta. There must be multitude factors contributing to this sensation. And why do I detect something awry about her?'
Nicolette remarked, "I never imagined that after all these years, my father would accept a new disciple."
Sucura responded serenely, "I'm honored to be Master Kalinski's apprentice, albeit for a fleeting moment. I'm certain I'll acquire valuable knowledge, skills and sharpen my weapon expertise."
Nicolette pondered for a brief moment before apprising him, "My father is presently away, as he is engaged in a covert assembly with the Kingdom's emissaries. He mentioned that he would return shortly, but the duration hinges upon the meeting's proceedings."
As she casually divulged her father's whereabouts, both Linda and the female guard, who stood behind Nicolette, involuntarily tensed and exhaled a muted sigh.
The female guard, standing behind Nicolette, admonished gently, "Miss Nicolette, I must advise against disclosing such sensitive information so freely."
Nicolette responded with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Kristine. I am well aware of the implications and have faith in my judgment."
Recognizing Nicolette's resolve, Kristine opted not to press the issue any further.
Sucura expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for the information, Nicolette."
Sucura contemplated silently, 'Indeed, I am here to obtain the Angel's Quill and seize the chance to learn from a master without cost. I still can't fathom why the old man accepted me, though. He must have an ulterior motive that I can't quite discern.'
As they partook in a formal discourse, a sudden surge of mana swirled around Sucura unexpectedly. Kristine, Linda, and Nicolette directed their attention toward him.
Linda eyes rippled slightly as she observed the sudden increased of strength and subtle aura. Kristine arched an eyebrow with a mild astonishment. While Nicolette slightly tilted her head slightly in curiosity.
[You have leveled up!]
[You have leveled up!]
[Warning!]
[You have leveled up!]
Maintaining his composure, Sucura rose to his feet and addressed the group with a courteous gesture. "My apologies, ladies and Nicolette, but I must withdraw to my room at once to address the disconcerting fluctuations in my mana core."
Beads of sweat had already formed on his forehead, betraying his underlying apprehension.
Nicolette offered a discreet nod of understanding, and Sucura wasted no time in excusing himself and making his way to his quarters.
Linda inclined her head slightly, "I shall take my leave as well, Miss Nicolette. I believe I may be of assistance to him," she stated before departing.
Nicolette sensed the stupefication behind her and inquired with genuine curiosity, "Is something amiss, Kristine?"
Kristine replied thoughtfully, "Earlier, I observed the mana swirling around him. It was absorbed into his body almost with remarkable swiftness, as if it had been eagerly awaiting its arrival. Quite intriguing, indeed."
Nicolette nodded in agreement, "I sensed the mana transference appeared to draw every ounce of his energy through his veins and into his mana core. Sucura is undeniably a mysterious individual," she remarked with a knowing smile.
Kristine couldn't help but reflect inwardly, 'Miss Nicolette, you are quite the peculiar one as well,' before her thoughts dissipated.
Inquisitive, Nicolette probed, "Were you just pondering something?"
Kristine responded with a touch of amusement, "Oh, it's nothing of importance, Miss Nicolette."
***
Ulrich Casimir [Manipulator Route]
Ulrich's keen eyes locked onto the bizarre bird creature, a monstrous being with three red eyes and four wings, as it hurtled towards him with lethal intent.
Whispering the incantation, "[Fire Blaze]," Ulrich unleashed a searing sphere of flame from his outstretched hand, aimed directly at the oncoming avian menace.
The bird was instantly consumed by the flames, its body nearly liquefying under the intense heat. Emitting a piercing shriek, the creature plummeted to the ground, defeated.
Concerned, Susy asked, "What's wrong, Ulrich?"
Ulrich responded with a furrowed brow, "As I killed that avian creature, an unsettling sensation coursed through my body. However, let us not dwell on such matters and let's keep moving."
Susy gave a subtle nod and followed him, trusting his judgment.
***
Luke Pearce [Hero Route]
With lightning fast reflexes, Luke Pearce deftly sidestepped the ferocious charge of a massive brown boar.
The beast, measuring over a meter in length, brandished an array of deadly, razor sharp tusks that could easily eviscerate any unfortunate soul who crossed its path.
Gathering his strength, Luke took a decisive step forward, gripping his sword firmly with both hands.
As he whispered the incantation, "[Heavenly Strike]," a surge of translucent azure mana enveloped his weapon, accompanied by a palpable, oppressive air pressure.
With a swift, powerful slash, he cleaved the fearsome boar in two.
*Swoosh!*
The boar's halves fell to the ground, its final, agonized shriek punctuating the silence. Dark cerise blood splattered across the ground, the creature's organs spilling out in a gruesome display.
Despite feeling an odd sensation within his body, Luke pushed the distraction aside, determined to maintain his focus on the mission at hand.
***
Seated elegantly in the lotus position, his upper body bare, Sucura glistened with perspiration as he focused intently, his eyes closed. Veins throbbed across his chiseled body, a testament to the immense concentration demanded by the task at hand.
Few hours had slipped by since he embarked on this arduous endeavor.
Behind him, Linda offered her unwavering support, her hand pressed gently against his back. A translucent magical sphere shimmered between them, aiding him in regulating his erratic mana flow.
Finally, Sucura opened his eyes and calmly assessed his current level.
[Lvl. 6]
Leech Experience (Epic Rank) (Active):
- Leech Experience is a skill that allows the user to siphon experience from up to 5 individuals, up to a maximum of 50% of their total experience. This skill also grants the user the ability to track the location of the affected individuals, providing valuable information on their whereabouts.
Current Leech:
Ulrich Casimir - 50%
Vyn Conrad - 50%
Shaine Levada - 50%
Luke Pearce - 50%
Shalanta Ianqirelle - 50%
[Warning: Continuously siphoning the experience of affected individuals to 50% may result in them becoming aware of the spell.]
He immediately reduced the current leech to twelve percent below the maximum and mused, 'It appears that my skill enables me to steal their experiences when they slay creatures. Evidently, they have bested adversaries far superior to my own, thus granting me an immediate levels. I can distinctly perceive the augmentation of my physical strength and the expansion of my mana reserves.'
'This is quite an exceptional skill; it's truly beneficial for me since I used rebirth, but sooner or later, it will slow down, and I won't be able to siphon continuously.'
'I wish to see my present attributes or something similar. That's how other players gain motivation, after all - through seeing the growth. Perhaps it's merely wishful thinking to believe that such a feat is attainable,' he mused with a quiet sigh.
Sucura gazed at Linda, who had helped him, and expressed his heartfelt appreciation. "Thank you for your assistance, Instructor Linda."
Linda's body subtly trembled upon hearing her name. "It is my responsibility as your mentor," she responded with poise, rising to her feet. "I shall take my leave now," she added as she walked out of the room.
Sucura watched her calmly as she exited, and he sighed.
Afterward, he indulged in a soothing, warm bath, allowing the water to cleanse his body.
Finally, he sank into the plush embrace of his bed, his thoughts meandering into the vast expanse of his dreams.