A Clearer Existence | Day 2 Part 2

Ein gasps, awakening in the void once more. His panic sets in as he touches his chest, or more accurately, his now lack of one. In its place was the gaping hole that Grimm made.

[CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR DEATH. IN YOUR LAST RUN, YOU:

KILLED 9 RAZORWINGS

KILLED 4 BEOWOLVES

KILLED 1 A. BEOWOLF

WALKED 9300 M

RAN 5000 M IN 26 MINUTES.

WENT A TOTAL OF 22 MINUTES WITHOUT BEING DETECTED BY GRIMM

TRAPPED 2 GRIMM

OUTSMARTED 10 GRIMM

DODGED 33 TIMES

LIED SUCCESSFULLY 1 TIME

CLASHED HEAD TO HEAD WITH 1 POWERFUL FOE

COMPLETELY DOMINATED 1 FOE

SURIVED 1 DAY

CALCULATING XP GAINED...]

The panel opened in front of him, snapping him out of his panicked state. He breathed heavily, but slowing down gradually. Eventually, he calmed down from his stupor, much thanks to (Calm Mind).

"Fuck…" He placed his face in his hand and slumped down. He felt he was on the verge of crying. That pain. He's gonna experience it so many more times, isn't he? He shook his head. He's never gonna get used to it, but he can at least use it to his advantage.

As he waited for it to finish its calculation, he recalled the few things he he did in that life. Even if he only survived a day, he got a lot of valuable information.

Firstly, his STP is directly linked to his actual stamina. For as long as his STP doesn't go down, his actual stamina doesn't either. 'Meaning that STP's just that much more important now.' 

Secondly, things that have hidden information can be revealed if he's either told about it, in the case of the Oak Wood when Artie told him about it, or if he reads about it, like the name of the village when he saw the Convenient Store's name. However, that's not the case if the item was made by Ein or (Rebirth).

[CALCULATION FINISHED. HERE ARE YOUR RESULTS:

KILLED 9 RAZORWINGS ... 5 x 9 = 45 XP

KILLED 4 BEOWOLVES … 10 x 4 = 40 XP

KILLED 1 A. BEOWOLF … 20 x 1 = 20 XP

WALKED 9300 M ... 0.01 X 9300 = 93 XP

RAN 5000 M IN 26 MINUTES ... (0.1 x 0.74) x 5000 = 370 XP

WENT A TOTAL OF 22 MINUTES WITHOUT BEING DETECTED BY GRIMM ... 22 x 8 = 176 XP

TRAPPED 2 GRIMM … 2 x 10 = 20 XP

OUTSMARTED 10 GRIMM … 10 x 3 = 30 XP

DODGED 33 TIMES … 33 x 1 = 33 XP

LIED SUCCESSFULLY 1 TIME … 1 x 5 = 5 XP

CLASHED HEAD TO HEAD WITH 1 POWERFUL FOE … 1 x 30 = 30 XP

COMPLETELY DOMINATED 1 FOE … 1 x 10 = 10 XP

XP GAINED: 872

SURVIVED 1 DAY … 872 x 1.1 = 959 XP]

[ACCEPT XP?]

[Y/N]

Ein widens his eyes. So much XP in front of him… And there's a survival bonus as well… "Works for me. That's one more reason to survive." He accepts the XP with eager delight, the XP count distracting him from his haunting death.

[PLEASE STANDBY FOR SKILL CALCULATION]

The panel in front of him read out. He supposed there's nothing much else to do but look at his system. He hasn't seen any other notifications since he tried to run back to camp and died. The notification he saw made him go wide eyed and involuntarily grin.

[CALCULATION COMPLETE.]

[RECIEVING REWARDS...]

[RAZORWINGS x8: +71 RAZORWING FEATHERS, +20 RAZORWING POULTRY, +9 RAZORWING TALONS, +12 RAZORWING EYES, +3 RAZORWING SOUL.]

"So I can still get the items when I die?" In response to his question, a (Rebirth) panel popped up before his eyes.

[YES. HOWEVER, UNLESS THEY ARE USED, THEY WILL BE DESTROYED UPON REBIRTH. JUST LIKE ANY ITEMS YOU AQUIRE AFTER YOUR LAST SAVE.]

Ein clicked his tongue, he supposes that's fair enough. That didn't matter though, since at the end of the day, he still got what he wanted. The last piece of the Research Table. 

"Wait, unless they're used? I can craft things in here? Also, 8? I took out nine of them though?" He asked in surprise. 

[JUST AS YOU'VE SEEN FROM THE OVERKILL BONUSES, SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET AN OVERKILL BONUS OF GUARANTEED DROPS. SOMETIMES, IF YOU'RE UNLUCKY ENOUGH, THE ENEMY WON'T DROP ANY ITEMS. THE DROP RATE CORRELATES WITH YOUR LUCK.

TIER 1: 10% PER LCK LVL

TIER 2: 5% PER LCK LVL

TIER 3: 2.5% PER LCK LVL

AND SO FORTH. AND YES, YOU CAN CRAFT IN THE VOID, BUT THE MOMENT YOU LEAVE, ANY OBJECTS LEFT IN THE VOID (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESEARCH TABLES) WILL BE DESTROYED.)

"Why just the Research Table Specifically?"

[YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS RESEARCH IN THE REALM OF THE LIVING. HAD YOU CREATED THE RESEARCH TABLE IN THE REAL WORLD, IT MERELY WOULD HAVE TELEPORTED HERE.]

"Oh." Now that he's thinking about it, yeah that does make sense. Research needs XP, and XP can't be taken to the real world. He just shrugs in acceptance of the situation.

He extends his hand to create a LVL 1 Worktable with his spare wood. Then he uses a bit more wood to craft a short oak wood handle so that he can use THAT to make a Wooden hammer. "Damn, this process is way too long!" He shouts in exasperation.

[CRAFT:]

[WOODEN HAMMER x1 (COST: ANY 1 SHORT WOOD HANDLE, ANY 3 WOOD, ANY 4 FIBER)

He confirms the crafting process. The materials on the table begin its process. In perfect timing, his skills finally finish calculating.

[CALCULATION FINISHED. HERE ARE YOUR RESULTS:

OUTSMARTED 10 GRIMM

(PASSIVE SKILL GAINED:

PLOTTER. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-WHEN IN ANY FIGHT, THIS SKILL GRANTS +2 INT

-PERMANENT +10% AP/MP

-PERMANENT +2 INT

SKILL COST: NONE 

COOLDOWN: NONE

SKILL LVL: 1/10 |0/30 XP|)

DODGED 33 TIMES

(PASSIVE SKILL GAINED:

DANGER SENSE. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-YOU CAN SENSE IF AN ATTACK IS 0.1 SECOND AWAY FROM STRIKING YOU.

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: 2 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 1/20 |0/100 XP|) 

CLASHED HEAD TO HEAD WITH 1 POWERFUL FOE

(PASSIVE SKILL GAINED:

GIANT'S EQUAL.

-IF YOU'RE FACING A FOE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU ARE, +10 TOTAL DAMAGE

-IF YOU'RE FACING A FOE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU ARE, +5 STRENGTH

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: NONE

SKILL LVL: 1/5 |0/150 XP|)

(ACTIVE SKILL GAINED:

FLASHING STRIKE. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-WHEN ACTIVATED, MOVE FORWARD UP TO 5 METERS IN A FLASH AND DEAL DAMAGE TO ANY FOE IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

-THE STRIKE ZONE IS 5 METERS IN LENGTH AND 1 METER IN WIDTH BEHIND THE HOST

-+5 ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO ANY FOE IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

-THIS SKILL CAN'T PASS THROUGH WALLS

SKILL COST: 6 STP

COOLDOWN: 5 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 1/10 |0/75 XP|)

COMPLETELY DOMINATE 1 FOE

(PASSIVE SKILL GAINED:

SADISM. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-ABSORB HP BY 0.5% OF DAMAGE (1 HP MINIMUM)

-THIS SKILL CANNOT BE OVERWRITTEN BY (CALM MIND)

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: 10 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 1/100 |0/50 XP|]

[ACCEPT SKILLS?]

[Y/N]

"Jeez, talk about a wall of text." Ein chuckles as he pressed the yes button. A bunch of new skills, a lot more power. A better chance to survive the Grimm. 

[STAND BY FOR STAT CALCULATION]

"Ah, the big one." He awaits his stats. The REAL big thing, his real power spike.

But it seems that he'll have to check up on that later since his hammer is finally done crafting.

[WOODEN HAMMER

QUALITY: HORRID (TIER 1)

DURABILITY: 100/100

STATS: +1 TOTAL DAMAGE

DESCRIPTION: A HAMMER CREATED BY REBIRTH AND ITS HOST. IT'S NOTHING SPECIAL.]

Ein chuckles. That's about what he expected. Its stats don't matter to him much though, since it's got a greater purpose. He takes out the necessary materials from his inventory. "Create… Research Table."

The wooden hammer, alongside the materials, went up to the sky. The void almost sounded like it made a cartoony sound effect, leaving Ein dumbfounded. "…What." He couldn't ponder for too long though, as from the sky, he saw a glimmer. As the meteor like object came down at an incredible speed, he realized what was going on. Just like last time a Research Table, albeit a higher tier, was delivered, it was coming to him the same way.

"Oh god!" He quickly uses (Sprint), saving himself just in time as the table crashed down alongside his hammer in a cloud of dust, causing him to cough.

A few seconds later, the dust clears. The LVL 1 Research Table from the tutorial was before him once again. He holds his hand out towards the table. "It's gonna do that every time I upgrade, isn't it? Interact." 

[RESEARCH TABLE {LVL 1}]

[DURABILITY: UNBREAKABLE]

[DESCRIPTION: THE LOWEST TIER OF RESEARCH TABLE. THIS RESEARCH TABLE CAN RESEARCH UP TO TIER 3 SKILLS. SKILLS THAT ARE TIER 4 AND ABOVE ARE BLOCKED OUT FROM THE HOST'S VISION.]

The skill tree opened up before him. Unlike last time, the skill tree was more of an actual skill tree instead of an incomprehensible horror. "What changed?"

[FOR THE HOST'S SAKE, REBIRTH HAS AUTOMATICALLY DECIDED TO SORT THE SKILL TREE.]

"Oh, you can do that? Then can you automatically press yes to the calculations?"

[YES. AUTOMATED ACCEPTANCE INITIATED.]

"God, if only I knew earlier." He chuckles before looking back to the skill tree. Now that he could actually SEE what was going on, it was definitely unfortunate that he missed such essential skills.

The skill trees were divided into three tabs. Production, Combat, and General.

In the Production skill tree belonged the (Craftsman) skill, but also a number of others. The craftsman skill branched out into three separate skills. Blacksmith, Woodworker, and Alchemist, and from those were other skills that branched out from those. Up until Tier 3, they were visible, but the Tier 4 skills were completely blackened out. Just as the description of the research table said.

In Combat skill tree he found the (Combatant) skill, which branched out into 5 paths. Hunter, Fighter, Bard, Mage, and Rogue. Once again, they all branched out into other paths, yet unlike Production, Combat was much more reminiscent to the web-like pattern before it was sorted by (Rebirth), being plentiful in how many skills there are in the tree.

Lastly was the General skill tree. It was barren, and extremely so. It only had 13 total skills From Tier 1 to 7, including the (Survivor) skill which branched out into 4 skills which were absolutely essential, one of those skills branching out into something he desperately needs. Grimm Encyclopedia, Magic, and last but absolutely not least, Aura. The latest of which branched out into one skill. Semblance.

Of course, like a normal person, he immediately gunned for it. Hovering his hand over the (Aura) skill.

[AURA]

[DESCRIPTION: AURA IS THE PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF THE SOUL. ANYONE CAN USE IT, BUT NOT EVERYONE CAN MASTER IT.

[UNLOCKS RESOURCE: AP]

COST TO UNLOCK: 20 XP]

[UNLOCK?]

[Y/N]

"Obviously yes!" He says excitedly and bracing for impact.

Yet nothing happens.

"Why's there n-" If the timing couldn't be worse, the installation process begun the moment he let his guard down.

[NOTICE: THE (AURA) SKILL IS BEING INSTALLED. PLEASE WAIT.]

Unlike with the last few skills, this one was different. Instead of feeling like a bomb of knowledge exploded in his brain, words were being spoken into his mind, thousands of voices chanting a familiar yet unfamiliar mantra, and it hurt.

"A hell one is bound to is a hell one must break free from."

"With a will never broken, a mind always whole. You shall overcome even death."

Yet what is the use of his will if he were to just die again and again anyway? He survived, but through his time in the world of Remnant, he could never say her truly lived. He doesn't think he ever will 'live', either.

"Despite tribulations, a torture that will never be known to anyone but you."

"Like a snake that eats its own tail, the cycle of rebirth shall perpetuate your soul."

'That's right…' Ein thought, gripping his head, the splitting headache getting worse by the second. 'No one will ever be able to know my pain… The suffering of death… Over and Over again…'

"Through your downfall, you rise higher than ever before."

"Through death, you live."

As the chanting stopped, so too did his headache. His breathing was labored. If he had a heart instead of a gaping hole in his chest, it'd definitely be beating real quick.

That chant… It gave him a lot to think about.

[AURA UNLOCKED.]

[939 XP REMAINING]

The window distracted him from his thoughts. He slapped himself gently on the face, fully getting him out of his trance. "Now's not the time to get depressed, Ein." He said to himself. He noticed that his body was emitting a dark forest green, well, Aura. His body felt invigorated.

[AURA (AP) IS A SPECIAL STAT THAT ACTS AS HEALTH, ARMOR, AND A RESOURCE. YOUR SEMBLANCE WILL USE AURA UPON ACTIVATION. UPON TAKING DAMAGE, YOUR AP WILL ALWAYS DRAIN BEFORE YOUR HP DOES. WHILE YOU HAVE 25% OR MORE AP REMAINING, YOU GAIN A PASSIVE +5 ARMOR. WHILE YOU HAVE 50% OR MORE AP REMAINING, YOU GAIN +3 VIT. UPON HITTING 0% AP, YOUR STP LOSES 50% OF ITS REMAINING QUANTITY.]

It worked just like how it did in the show, and then some more! He pumps in fist in excitement at this. Finally, about time he got SOME semblance of armor! No pun intended.

He hovers his hand over the (Semblance) skill in the skill tree.

[SEMBLANCE]

[DESCRIPTION: ALL PEOPLE HAVE AURA, EVEN IF ONLY INNATELY, BUT ONLY FEW CAN MANIFEST THEM TO GREATER HEIGHTS. THESE ARE SEMBLANCES. THOUGH, THERE IS GREATER HEIGHTS… PERHAPS THAT'S WHY IT'S MERELY A SEMBLANCE.

(UNLOCKS ACTIVE ABILITY: SEMBLANCE.)

(PREREQUISITES: AURA)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

[UNLOCK?]

[Y/N]

Ein sucked air in through his mouth and teeth. It may not have hurt physically, but his XP wallet would hurt a LOT from getting it. It was a necessary sacrifice. He presses yes to unlock his Semblance.

[NOTICE: THE (SEMBLANCE) SKILL IS BEING INSTALLED. PLEASE WAIT.]

This one was instant. Painless too. Much unlike the last time a voice invaded his head. "What is a weapon to you?" The gentle voice said in a serene grace. The gentleness of the voice compelled him to answer. "A partner to never leave my side. The same way goes the other way around." The voice humms joyfully.

"Are you satisfied with yourself?" That a question that cut deep. Even before he was transmigrated to Remnant, he never could truly be satisfied with himself. He was never happy with who he was. His parents cared a lot, he could tell. Yet, they never noticed his problems. It felt infantilizing. He had friends, but they always felt fake. Is it his fault? Maybe, or maybe not. "No…" The voice acknowledges his answer with a sorrowful hum.

"Last question. If you had the chance, would you earnestly change not just yourself, but everyone and everything around you for the better?" Is this a call to action? Probably, Ein thought. Though, thinking about it, if he was given the chance. He probably would 9 times out of 10. For the sake of others? Maybe. One thing to be guaranteed though. He'd do it, if only to have his parents acknowledge his talents. If only to have friends who truly care.

He didn't have to answer. The voice already understood what he said. His face was solemn. Anyone would be able to tell what he was thinking. "In that case… Yes… You shall obtain a semblance of enhancement. Not just of yourself, but of others too, whether it's animate or otherwise. Live on, Death's Conqueror. One day, death will not haunt you anymore. Just wait for that moment." Ein looked down on the ground, no longer answering, but rather just listening to the voice's reassuring words. Maybe it was just a hallucination, but he felt as if the owner of the voice petted and ruffled his hair gently, before he was once again alone in the void.

Yet, it was a comforting silence.

Within the darkness, the echoing of dripping water could be heard.

[SEMBLANCE UNLOCKED.]

[DESCRIPTION: THE ABILITY TO TAKE AND THE ABILITY TO GIVE. THE USER OF THIS SEMBLANCE, (HOST OF REBIRTH), HARBORS HATRED TOWARDS BOTH HIMSELF AND THE WORLD. IT IS ONLY THROUGH A SELF REALIZATION CAN THIS SEMBLANCE TRULY BECOME WHOLE. 

-WHEN USED ON AN ITEM THAT HAS 'A HIDDEN POTENTIAL', AWAKEN THAT ITEM AND USE UP ANY GRIMM SOULS. 

-WHEN USED ON THE HOST, REPLACE ONE VALID PART WITH A GRIMM PART.

-WHEN USED ON ANOTHER, REPLACE ONE OF THEIR VALID PARTS WITH A GRIMM PART.

SKILL COST: 75% MAX AP, GRIMM SOUL

COOLDOWN: 5 HOURS

SKILL LVL: 1/100 |0/10 XP|]

[839 XP REMAINING]

…

…

…

[CALCULATION FINISHED. HERE ARE YOUR RESULTS:

WALKED 9300 M ... (1 AGI/1000 M) = +9 AGI (YOU HAVE REACHED THE STAT GAIN THRESHOLD FOR THIS ACTIVITY) 

RAN 5000 M IN 26 MINUTES ... ((5000/26/30) x .5) AGI = +3 AGI

WENT A TOTAL OF 22 MINUTES WITHOUT BEING DETECTED BY GRIMM ... +1 DEX/5 MINUTES = +4 DEX (YOU HAVE REACHED THE STAT GAIN THRESHOLD FOR THIS ACTIVITY)

TRAPPED 2 GRIMM … +1 INT/2 GRIMM TRAPPED = +1 INT

OUTSMARTED 10 GRIMM … +1 INT/3 GRIMM OUTSMARTED = +3 INT

DODGED GRIMM 33 TIMES … +1 AGI/5 DODGES= +6 AGI

CLASHED HEAD TO HEAD WITH 1 POWERFUL FOE … +3 STR +2 VIT/FOE CLASHED = +3 STR +2 VIT

COMPLETELY DOMINATED 1 FOE … +2 STR +1 INT/FOE DOMINATED = +2 STR +1 INT

TOTAL STATS GAINED: +5 STR, +2 VIT, +4 DEX, +18 AGI, +5 INT]

Ein had long since ceased crying and calmed down. That's twice now he cried his eyes out, but at least this time he cried for a happier reason. He breathes in deep… And exhales. He lets out a whistle, seeing the gap between all of the other stats and AGI. "Damn... Agility's pretty easy to raise, no?" He chuckles in amusement. "Stat gain threshold, though?" He asked (Rebirth).

[YOU CAN ONLY GAIN SO MANY STATS FROM DOING AN ACTIVITY SO MANY TIMES. THERE WILL COME A TIME WHERE THE ACTIVITIES YOU DO WILL NO LONGER BE EFFECTIVE.]

"I see…" He says before opening his (Menu) to check his current stats.

[MENU]

[AVAILABLE XP: 839]

[HOST INFORMATION]

[NAME: EIN VALESTEIN 

AGE 17 

GENDER: MALE

HP: 0/70 ((VIT + STR) x 5), (REGEN: VIT/minute)

STP: 6/56 ((VIT + AGI) x 2), (REGEN: AGI/ minute)

MP: N/A 

AP: 112/112 ((INT + VIT) x 7, (REGEN: (VIT+INT)/2/minute)

CLASS: NONE 

STATUS EFFECT: NONE

SEMBLANCE: [ABSORB AND INFUSE] 

[EQUIPMENT] 

[HEAD ARMOR: NONE

TORSO ARMOR: REGULAR T-SHIRT 

LEG ARMOR: SLACKS 

SHOES: RUBBER SHOES 

GLOVES: NONE

[vvvEXPANDvvv] 

[STATS] 

STR: 2 (+5) 

VIT: 2 (+2) (+3)

DEX: 3 (+4) 

AGI: 6 (+18) 

INT: 5 (+5) (+2)

LCK: 6 (0/60 XP)] 

His mind became two times clearer as the INT boost really settled in. His mind was racing at a thousand kilometers an hour. Figuratively, of course. "Oh yeah… I can definitely work with this." He marvels at his stats, eager to test them out. He does a sideward kick to test out his now 24 agility. He feels it. The force behind the kick. The wind rushing around his legs as kick travelled along the air. He grins. Next he tests out his running speed.

He didn't expect to get THAT fast though.

He ran for only a few seconds, but he was already extremely far away from where he first ran. He turns around in a quick motion, activating (Sprint) and wasting the little STP he had left.

As quick as he departed, he was back even quicker. He was pretty damn confident in his speed now. He was confident he was faster than Usain Bolt at this point.

To be exact, he was going about 36km/h

Without (Sprint). With (Sprint), he was going just above 43km/h. 

"Scratch what I said earlier. I'm not just working with this, I'm making speed my bitch!" He exclaimed, pumping his fist upwards. That too, was so much more powerful than before. "Not even Alpha Beowolves will be a match for me!"

And to make that point even clearer, he also unlocks (Magic) and (Grimm Encyclopedia).

[GRIMM ENCYCLOPEDIA]

[DESCRIPTION: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. TO KNOW YOUR ENEMY MEANS TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP AGAINST.

(UNLOCKS SKILL: GRIMM ENCYLOPEDIA)]

[PASSIVE SKILL GAINED:

GRIMM ENCYCLOPEDIA.

-REVEALS INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING GRIMM:

-BEOWOLF ALL VARIANTS 

-BOARBATUSK ALL VARIANTS 

-CREEP ALL VARIANTS

-KING TAIJUTU ALL VARIANTS

-NIGHTMARE ALL VARIANTS 

-LANCER ALL VARIANTS

-RAZORWING ALL VARIANTS 

-SABYR ALL VARIANTS

-URSA ALL VARIANTS

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: NONE 

SKILL LVL: 1/3 |0/3000 XP|]

However, when he unlocked (Magic), something odd happened…

[MAGIC]

[DESCRIPTION: A POWER LOST TO TIME. PERHAPS WITH YOUR HELP, THIS POWER CAN BE REUNITED WITH HUMANITY.

(UNLOCKS RESOURCE: MP)

(UNLOCKS MAGIC SKILLS.)]

[MAGIC (MP) UNLOCKED.]

[THIS MYSTICAL POWER HAS A MUCH LESSER DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY, HOWEVER IT IS MUCH MORE VERSATILE AND AT TIMES, MUCH MORE POWERFUL. IT'S AN ANCIENT ART LOST TO TIME AFTER HUMANITY REBELLED AGAINST THE BROTHER GODS.]

[ACTIVE SKILL GAINED:

[FIRE BOLT. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-DEALS FIRE ELEMENTAL DAMAGE

-HAS A 5% CHANCE TO BURN

-QUICK CAST

SKILL COST: 5 MP

COOLDOWN: 3 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 1/10 |0/40 XP|]

[LIGHTNING SPEAR

-DEALS ELECTRIC ELEMENTAL DAMAGE

-HAS A 50% CHANCE TO STUN

-THE LONGER THIS SPELL IS CHANTED, THE GREATER THE BONUS DAMAGE (+1/s of chanting) (+5 max)

-LONG CAST, EARLY CAST CAPABLE

-"A power that travels at the speed of light, o holy thunder, heed my call. Appear before me to strike true all those who oppose me. Bless me, for it is through me that lightning shall reign. Lightning Spear.

SKILL COST: 20 MP AT STARTUP, 2 MP/S

COOLDOWN: 1 MINUTE

SKILL LVL: 1/10 |0/60 XP|]

[639 XP REMAINING]

[THE WORLD HAS DETECTED THAT YOU POSSES BOTH AURA AND MAGIC. YOU HAVE BECOME A TIER 1 EXISTENCE.

YOUR EXISTENCE HAS BECOME CLEARER.

THE WORLD RESPONDS TO YOUR EXISTENCE.

THE GRIMM HAVE LEVELED UP TO LVL 2.

GRIMM +50% STATS.

GRIMM NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO MUTATE.

GRIMM PATRIARCHS NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO SPAWN.

THE CYCLE HAS BEGUN ONCE MORE. THE PIECES HAVE BEEN SET. ALL IS LEFT TO DO NOW IS DEVELOP NOT ONLY YOURSELF, BUT OTHERS. DESTINY WILL LEAD YOU TO YOUR FELLOW HOSTS. WHERE YOUR PREDECESSORS HAVE FAILED, YOU SHALL HOPEFULLY SUCCEED. GOOD LUCK.]

"A clearer existence?" He asks in vein, for (Rebirth) has no answer. No matter how long he waited. He sighs. That's just another mystery too solve one day. 

Now that Ein's done with unlocking the General skills he wanted, he moves on to Combat. He can only unlock one thing in the Combat Skill Tree. He hovers his hand over the icon of the skill.

[COMBATANT]

[DESCRIPTION: TO BE A COMBATANT IS TO FIGHT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. BECAUSE ONE DAY, IT MAY JUST BE YOUR LAST.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: COMBATANT)

(PREREQUISITES: NONE)

COST TO UNLOCK: 50 XP]

[UNLOCK?]

[Y/N]

A class! He had enough for it last time too! "I'm so dumb!" He berates himself. He could've had a much easier time against that Alpha Beowolf. He clicks yes and braces himself for the installation. He was ready.

[NOTICE: THE (COMBATANT) CLASS IS BEING INSTALLED. PLEASE WAIT.]

He wasn't ready.

Instead of knowledge being injected into his brain, he whited out.

…

…

Ein(?) opens his eyes and looks around. It was a boxing ring. In front of him was a buff man with a set of boxing pads. Ein(?) has never met this man in his life, yet he knew instantly why he was there in front of him.

"Alright kid, one more!" Ein(?)'s body moved on its own. A jab, a right hook, an uppercut. All in quick succession, yet the man remained unfazed. "Is that all you got, Sam?! Hit me with all your strength!" 'Sam?' Ein asks himself before realizing the implications. 'Oh. These are Sam's memories.'

…

The memory cuts ahead. Once again, Sam is in the ring. This time however, it's not a mere practice match. No mentor, but rather an foe. An obstacle in his journey to become the strongest boxer.

"Looks like we're nearing the end, ladies and gentlemen. Both fighters are tuckered out." One of the two commentators said tensely. "This finals match is matching up to be one of the most historic events in boxing history." Compared to his Co-Commentator, this one was much more energetic. "This is a fight between two titans of the ring. Who do you think will come out on top, Joey? Samuel Graham or Romani Fisher?"

…

Ein could sense it. This'll be the last time the memory skips ahead. It showed Samuel Graham. He was smiling, looking at his protégé. The child trained and punched, looking towards Sam every now and then. Sam acts like he doesn't notice, but he does. He's very proud of his protégé.

His son

"Dad! How'd I do?! Pretty damn good righ-" The child was interrupted by Sam gently tugging on his ear. "O-Ow! Dad!" "Upup! No swearing, Rio!" "Sorry!" The child exclaimed as the father playfully tugged at his ear. They were both laughing. As Rio was giggling, Sam was reminded of his late wife. They had the same laugh.

…

…

…

Ein wakes up, taken back to the void, looking outward aimlessly. He looks at his hand, gripping. His hands were more powerful now than ever before. His grip, stronger. Veins running through and pumping blood. His body also changed to a slightly more athletic form. He reminisces a bit before sighing.

"I'll honor your memory, Samuel Graham."

[NEW CLASS UNLOCKED:

(COMBATANT)

-+1 TO ALL BUT STR AND ARMOR

-+2 STR

-+5% DAMAGE

CLASS LVL: 1/10 |0/10 XP|]

[589 XP REMAINING]

He hovers his hand over the branching skills to inspect them.

[HUNTER]

[DESCRIPTION: STALK YOUR PREY. LAY DOWN TRAPS. DRAW BACK YOUR BOW. BE PATIENT. WAIT FOR THE PERFECT MOMENT TO STRIKE. THAT IS A HUNTER.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: HUNTER)

(PREREQUISITES: COMBATANT LVL 5, TRAP 5 FOES TOTAL|2/5|)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

[FIGHTER]

[DESCRIPTION: A FIGHTER NEVER YIELDS. A FIGHTER IS ONE WHO CAN FACE THEIR ENEMIES HEAD ON. TO BE A FIGHTER IS TO BATTLE WITH NO REGRET.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: FIGHTER)

(PREREQUISITES: COMBATANT LVL 5, AURA)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

[BARD]

[DESCRIPTION: COME AROUND, LISTENERS. FOR THIS SONG IS A TALE, REMINISCING THE SACRIFICE OF ONE NOBLE HERO. FOR I AM A BARD, AND A BARD SHALL SPREAD JOY TO THE PEOPLE.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: BARD)

(PREREQUISITES: COMBATANT LVL 5, INSTRUMENTALIST)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

[MAGE]

[DESCRIPTION: A MERE STUDENT OF THE ARTS. THOUGH THEIR MANA RESERVES ARE SMALL AND ARE RELATIVELY WEAK IN THEIR PHYSICAL ASPECT, THEY HAVE THE BENEFIT OF BEING YOUNG AND SPRY. MAGES HAVE SO MUCH AHEAD OF THEM. SO MUCH TIME TO LEARN.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: MAGE)

(PREREQUISITES: COMBATANT LVL 5, MAGIC)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

[ROGUE]

[DESCRIPTION: AN OUTCAST OF SOCIETY, BORN FROM AND RAISED BY THE STREETS OF POVERTY. AS SUCH, ROGUES DEVELOP A CERTAIN SET OF SKILLS.

(UNLOCKS CLASS: ROGUE)

(PREREQUISITES: COMBATANT LVL 5)

COST TO UNLOCK: 100 XP]

"Oh. They need (Combatant) on LVL 5?" He thinks about it. He's got 589 XP left. Getting combatant to LVL 5 would cost right about…

"310 XP?!" He exclaims, doing the calculation for how much XP it would take. He could feel his XP wallet disintegrating from the mention of the cost alone! "Well, I guess I'm not getting another class for a while…" He sighs in resignment before moving to the production tab. The good shit, as one would say.

He already has a pretty good list of things he wanted to get

[BLACKSMITHING]

[DESCRIPTION: A (BLACKSMITH) IS A MASTER OF FIRE, FORGING BLADE AFTER BLADE IN PURSUIT OF MASTERY. THROUGH ENOUGH PRACTICE, AN (ALCHEMIST) AND A (BLACKSMITH) MAY COMBINE THEIR POWERS TO CREATE A POWER DARK ART LOST TO TIME. THROUGH ENOUGH PRACTICE, A (WOODWORKER) AND A (BLACKSMITH) MAY COMBINE THEIR POWERS TO CREATE SOMETHING WHICH CAN GIVE PEACE TO ALL WHO KNOW IT.

(UNLOCKS RECIPE: METAL TOOLS, WEAPONS, AND ARMORS TO TIER 3, ANVIL AND FORGE {LVL 1})

COST TO UNLOCK: 50 XP]

[ALCHEMY]

[DESCRIPTION: ONE WHO DABBLES IN THE DARK ARTS. AN ALCHEMIST ONE WHO CREATES CONCOCTIONS AND BREWS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ALLIES OR WEAKENS THE ENEMY. AN (ALCHEMIST) AND A (BLACKSMITH) MAY COMBINE THEIR POWERS TO CREATE A POWER DARK ART LOST TO TIME.

(UNLOCKS RECIPE: ALCHEMY TABLE {LVL 1}, UPTO TIER 3 POTIONS.)

(DISCLAIMER: UPON DISCOVERY OF YOUR ABILITIES, GREAT POWERS MAY TAKE INTEREST IN YOU.)

COST TO UNLOCK: 50 XP]

[DARK FORGE]

[DESCRIPTION: A DARK ART LOST TO TIME. WITH THE COMBINED POWER OF A GREAT BLACKSMITH AND AN GRAND ALCHEMIST, THEY FORGE WEAPONS OF DARKNESS, CREATED FROM THE GRIMM'S VERY ESSENCE.

(UNLOCKS RECIPE: DARK TOOLS, WEAPONS, AND ARMOR UP TO TIER 3. DARK ANVIL AND FORGE {LVL 1})

(PREREQUISITES: BLACKSMITHING, ALCHEMY)

(DISCLAIMER: UPON DISCOVERY OF YOUR ABILITIES, GREAT POWERS MAY TAKE INTEREST IN YOU.)

COST TO UNLOCK: 150 XP]

For a grand total of 250 XP, it hurt his soul so see so much of it go, yet it was all so worth it. Without hesitation, he unlocks the three skills. The knowledge was injected into his brain painfully, yet through the pain mastery is unleashed.

Concoctions of power, techniques to mold the very earth to his will, and assembling of grim, dark weaponry. All of it was now known to him. He had everything he needed, there's only one thing to do now.

[339 XP REMAINING]

Go on a spending spree!

From the skill list he received earlier, he already had an idea of what he wanted to do. He levels up (Sadism) and (Danger Sense) once and puts 25 XP into (First Blood), leveling it up.

[SADISM HAS LEVELED UP]

[DANGER SENSE HAS LEVELED UP]

[FIRST BLOOD HAS LEVELED UP]

[SADISM. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}]

-ABSORB HP BY (0.5%) -> 1% OF DAMAGE (1 HP MINIMUM)

-THIS SKILL CANNOT BE OVERWRITTEN BY (CALM MIND)

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: (10) -> 9 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 2/100 |0/100 XP|]

[DANGER SENSE. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-YOU CAN SENSE IF AN ATTACK IS (0.1) -> 0.2 SECONDS AWAY FROM STRIKING YOU.

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: 2 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 2/20 |0/200 XP|]

[FIRST BLOOD. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-WHEN IN A FIGHT TO THE DEATH, THIS SKILL GRANTS (+4) -> +5 TO EVERY STAT EXCEPT FOR LUCK.

-WHEN YOU HIT FIRST IN ANY FIGHT, YOU GAIN (+5) -> +7 TOTAL DAMAGE FOR THE REST OF THE FIGHT.

SKILL COST: NONE

COOLDOWN: NONE

SKILL LVL: 3/100 |0/200 XP|]

[164 XP REMAINING]

Those were the passive skills he leveled up for a few specific reasons. For (Sadism), having life steal will be incredibly beneficial, especially since there's no cost to using it. In the case he runs out of AP, this skill will greatly enhance his chances of survivability.

Next was (Danger Sense), which was leveled up for the same reason as (Sadism). Survivability. With the AGI and INT he has now, 0.2 seconds feels like a minute of warning time.

Of course, he wouldn't skimp out on offense. As they say, it is the best defense. Hence why he leveled up First Blood. It was only 25 XP away to leveling up anyway.

Next up, his class.

CLASS:

(COMBATANT)

-(+1) -> +2 TO ALL BUT STR AND ARMOR

-(+2) -> +4 STR

-(+5%) -> +15% ALL DAMAGE

CLASS LVL: 3/10 |0/40 XP|]

[134 XP REMAINING]

For only 30 XP, such a massive benefit was gained. He would've leveled it up more, but he wanted to spend the rest of his XP on some of his active skills. Especially his Semblance.

[ABSORB AND INFUSE {UNAWAKENED}]

[DESCRIPTION: THE ABILITY TO TAKE AND THE ABILITY TO GIVE. THE USER OF THIS SEMBLANCE, (HOST OF REBIRTH), HARBORS HATRED TOWARDS BOTH HIMSELF AND THE WORLD. IT IS ONLY THROUGH A SELF REALIZATION CAN THIS SEMBLANCE TRULY BECOME WHOLE. 

-WHEN USED ON AN ITEM THAT HAS 'A HIDDEN POTENTIAL', AWAKEN THAT ITEM AND USE UP ANY GRIMM SOULS. 

-WHEN USED ON THE HOST, REPLACE ONE VALID PART WITH A GRIMM PART.

-WHEN USED ON ANOTHER, REPLACE ONE OF THEIR VALID PARTS WITH A GRIMM PART.

SKILL COST: (75%) -> 73% MAX AP, (GRIMM SOUL) UPTO 3 GRIMM SOULS.

COOLDOWN: (5 HOURS) -> 4 HOURS 50 MINUTES

SKILL LVL: 3/100 |0/40 XP|]

[FLASHING STRIKE. {AVAILABLE TO EVOLVE AT MAX LVL}

-WHEN ACTIVATED, MOVE FORWARD UP TO (5) -> 6 METERS IN A FLASH AND DEAL DAMAGE TO ANY FOE IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

-THE STRIKE ZONE IS (5) -> 6 METERS IN LENGTH AND 1 METER IN WIDTH BEHIND THE HOST

-+5 ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO ANY FOE IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

-THIS SKILL CAN'T PASS THROUGH WALLS

SKILL COST: (6) -> 5 STP

COOLDOWN: 5 SECONDS

SKILL LVL: 2/10 |0/150 XP|]

[29 EXP REMAINING]

He was satisfied with his spending. This death, as much as he didn't want to admit it, was incredibly lucrative. He spends the rest of his EXP on luck just to not lose it all. Before he went out, he had one last thing he wanted to do.

He gets his (Flint Spear), holding it in his hand. Next, he gets 3 (Razorwing Soul)s from his inventory.

[RAZORWING SOUL]

[QUALITY: BAD (TIER 2)]

[DESCRIPTION: AN IMPOSSIBLE ITEM CREATED BY THE HELP OF (REBIRTH). THE WEAK SOUL OF A SOULLESS BEAST WHICH ROAMS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, SWARMING ITS PREY WITH ITS BRETHEREN.]

It was a fiery, yet calm thing. The soul wished to lash out at him, yet it can't. It merely swirls around his hand. Cutting it slightly as razor sharp blades of wind erupt from it.

Then he focuses. He activates his aura, breathing in and felt the warmth of his weapon in his left hand, and the cold, cutting of the souls in his right.

The souls travel to the (Flint Spear), swirling around it before completely enveloping it in darkness. The spear's silhouette gradually changed form as his aura was getting drained. The soul coat was slowly taking form, enveloping his arm as it begins to solidify into a singular wing, wrapping around his arm. The tip of the spear became sharper. Deadlier. It was as if it was made of the Razorwing's bones. Just below the spearhead, two ribbons were being formed. On ribbon, red and black. On the other, red and white. They were both wild with a tempest energy as the element of wind flew wildly. The shaft was the last thing to take form. From top to bottom, the spear's once uneven and rough handle was replaced with one of regal feel. Intricately and beautifully done, the white, black and red handle felt natural to his skin. Like it was another limb.

The weapon's transformation was complete. It was a beautiful work of art. 

[GALEPIERCE]

[QUALITY: COMMON (TIER 3)]

[DURABILITY: 1250/1250]

[STATS: +20 TOTAL DAMAGE (WIND ELEMENT), +4 AGI & DEX. SCALES OFF AGI AND DEX]

[DESCRIPTION: A POWERFUL WEAPON CREATED BY FUSING THE SOUL OF 3 RAZORWING GRIMM AND THE HOST'S SEMBLANCE, (ABSORB AND INFUSE). THROUGH THIS PROCESS, THE HOST HAS BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO THE WORLD. HAS MULTIPLE SPECIAL ATTACKS.]

Even with the world's level up, he was confident that he was significantly more powerful than most things at his level. Even then, with his new production skills, he can potentially get even stronger.

With the exception of Artie, of course. That man was a beast of another level. He could only wonder how many times he needed to die for (Rebirth) to make him that powerful.

He checks his stats one last time. Before setting out. He was nervous, yet at the same time confident.

[MENU]

[AVAILABLE XP: 0]

[HOST INFORMATION]

[NAME: EIN VALESTEIN 

AGE 17 

GENDER: MALE

HP: 0/100 ((VIT + STR) x 5) (REGEN: VIT/minute)

STP: 6/70 ((VIT + AGI) x 2) (REGEN: AGI/ minute)

MP: 70/70 (INT x 5) (REGEN: INT/minute)

AP: 44/161 ((INT + VIT) x 7) (REGEN: (VIT+INT)/2)/minute)

CLASS: COMBATANT 

STATUS EFFECT: NONE

SEMBLANCE: [ABSORB AND INFUSE] 

[EQUIPMENT] 

[HEAD ARMOR: NONE

TORSO ARMOR: REGULAR T-SHIRT 

LEG ARMOR: SLACKS 

SHOES: RUBBER SHOES 

GLOVES: NONE

[vvvEXPANDvvv] 

[STATS]

STR: 7 (+4) 

VIT: 4 (+3) (+2)

DEX: 7 (+2)

AGI: 24 (+2)

INT: 10 (+2) (+2)

LCK: 6 (+2) (29/60 XP)]