章節 3: Ch3

[Ability 'Phytokinesis A' Detected. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful A-S. Use 1 potential points to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Elemental Manipulation B' Detected. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Spiritual Guidance B' Detected. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Necromancy B' Detected. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Shapeshifting B'. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Longevity B'. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[Ability 'Healing B'. Proceeding with replication...]

[Ability Replication Successful. Proceeding with optimization...]

[Ability Optimization Successful B-A. Use 1 potential point to proceed with integration? Y/N]

[David Howlett]

[16 Years old]

[Human]

[Health 100/100 (Healthy)]

[Energy 98/100 (Vigorous)]

[Abilities: Regenerative Healing Factor S, Heightened Perception A, Longevity B, Superhuman Physique A]

[Potential Points: 22]

After these years of collecting potential points from small and big animals that can be hunted in the surrounding forest David managed to gather this much points so he did not hesitate to integrate Greene's abilities.

As the integration process concluded, David felt a surge of knowledge and energy coursing through him, he felt full of a tangible power that pulsed beneath his skin. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the knowledge and abilities now woven into his very being. Each ability resonated with him, amplifying his innate potential and awakening senses he hadn't fully realized he possessed.

With a steady breath, David opened his eyes, the dimly lit study of the Howlett manor seeming to shimmer around him. The shadows appeared deeper, and the flickering flames in the fireplace danced with a strange vitality. He could feel the pull of the earth beneath him, an awakening connection to the natural world that whispered secrets only now began to unfurl in his mind.

David took a deep breath, centering himself. He glanced at the ornate clock on the mantel, time was slipping away.

[Abilities: Regenerative Healing Factor S, Phytokinesis S, Heightened Perception A, Superhuman Physique A, Elemental Manipulation A, Spiritual Guidance A, Necromancy A, Shapeshifting A, Healing A, Longevity A.]

[Potential Points: 15]

"Ah, young Howlett," Greene greeted, his voice smooth yet thick with menace. "I see you've come prepared to welcome this old man. Good. This will be… enlightening."

As it turns out, Mr. Greene intended to siphon his vitality to maintain the barrier that separated their world from a realm teeming with ancient monsters. David's ancestors, the pioneers, had once aided a powerful Cheyenne shaman in trapping these creatures in another realm and through a pact, the Howlett became the guardians of this seal. Now, Mr. Greene, the descendant of the shaman sought to use David's bloodline to uphold the seal.

David replied, shaking his head defiantly. "You should know that I won't let you do whatever you want right?"

Greene's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "You don't understand the magnitude of what's at stake. The ritual will mark you yes, it will siphon your life force to ensure the barrier holds, that is true. Your blood is the key. And in exchange, your family and those after you will enjoy the riches of these lands for your entire life! Isn't that the deal?"

"No deal! Nobody is siphoning anything if it can be helped!" David declared, he could feel his abilities bubbling just beneath the surface. "I refuse to be a pawn in this game of yours!"

Without warning, David lunged at Greene, summoning a surge of energy to launch himself forward. Greene albeit shocked reacted swiftly, conjuring a translucent barrier of energy that shimmered like the moonlight. The clash of their powers sent shockwaves through the ground, the force of their confrontation echoing in the stillness of the night.

"Foolish boy! You will regret this!" Greene spat, retaliating with a wave of force that sent David tumbling back. He landed hard, but the impact only fueled his determination. Rising to his feet, he felt the sting of his Regenerative Healing Factor mending his injuries almost instantly.

David steadied himself, focusing on the energies around him. He tapped into his Elemental Manipulation, conjuring a gust of wind that spiraled toward Greene, attempting to knock him off balance. But Greene was quick, channeling his own powers to dissipate the gust and counter with a torrent of energy that surged like a wave.

'What the hell's with this kid. His innate power is extremely strong. Even I had to train for a long time in order to get at that level of power.' Greene wondered while deflecting a lightning bolt that was heading for him.

The two clashed again in a furious exchange of blows and energy. David fought with everything he had, pushing his limits as he wielded his abilities as best as he can.

"Your power is impressive, no wonder you dared to defy me. What I still don't understand is how you are able to wield shamanic abilities." Greene acknowledged, but his tone was laced with arrogance. "Well, I guess that doesn't matter since you lack the wisdom to wield it effectively."

David surged forward, channeling the earth's energy into a single powerful blow that connected with Greene's chest, sending him crashing against the trunk of the ancient oak.

Greene staggered but quickly regained his footing. "Damn it! You think you can defeat me?" he hissed, eyes narrowing with fury. "Come on boy! Let me see what else you've got!"

With a surge of strength, David pressed forward, summoning bolts of lightning that left Greene no choice but to dodge due to David's advantage in raw power. One hit would penetrate his shield and severely injure him. But then vines ensnared Greene's arms and legs.

"Enough!" David shouted, staring into Greene's eyes. "This isn't the way. You can't sacrifice me to maintain the barrier. There should be a better solution!"

Trapped in the vines that he was supposed to be wielding Greene's expression shifted, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he realized the true power David wielded. "What do you propose?" he spat after hanging for a few minutes, still defiant.

David took a breath, the adrenaline beginning to ebb, replaced by clarity of thought. "I want to first understand what were dealing with here. Explain it to me."

Greene sighed and began to explain how the pact came to be in more detail. In reality, monsters have plagued this place for a very long time in the past. The monster king Garth led a legion of his kin to a reign of terror that burned these very lands. Taqui Ingri, Greene's ancestor forced the Howlett to a binding oath on the guardianship of this seal with the promise of prosperity.

This oath would only be effective for those who are in direct line with the original settlers and the siphon would reduce their lifespan by a few decades under normal circumstances. Due to the fact that James ran from home, he could not inherit the seal when he came of age and thus the duty fell to his younger brother.

Greene delivered as promised and took care of the Howlett manor's welfare as he awaited his coming of age (16 years old) which is the ideal time for him to inherit the seal and to make sure that the ceremony would not just kill him from the siphoning of life force.

If the seal is left for a few more years, the monsters will be able to breach the barrier and who knows how much destruction they will cause to mankind. Greene once again stressed out how important it is for David to follow the oath and receive the seal. Under his persistent pleading, David realized that Garth may just be out of his league so he agreed on the condition that Greene will personally train him as a shaman.

'It's just dozens of years anyway.' With an omega level Regeneration Healing Factor, and an alpha level Longevity David was sure he would outlive most of his peers anyway.

"I David Howlett/Victor Greene agree to renew the oath of the ancestors."

The two stood beside two pillars of stone with runic markings. The two drew blood in their hands and marked the stone pillar under the basement of the Howlett mansion with their own blood. The basement shook and red light are released from the runes that covered the stone pillars.