Chapter 28: Small Test

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"Ahem, you shouldn't find yourself in a stupor so easily. What I handed you was a simple cultivation tool. It is a basic requirement for anyone to advance within the realm of a Zul Warrior in addition to normal cultivation. Granted, it was an almost perfected version. But even then it's not that surprising," remarked Irauk as he called out to Apollo. He interpreted Apollo's current state to be the result of the pill.

"Oh. That's not what happened. I was just surprised by certain things," responded Apollo while he approached the skeptical Irauk who continued to examine his body with his eyes.

'It's very odd. With my cultivation, there shouldn't be an issue inspecting this lad's inner conditions. Yet, I'm unable to discern the state of his talent. Could it be he possesses the Saint-Grade Inner Talent found only in one in ten million children? If so...he'll become my saving grace!' inwardly thought Irauk while his expression remained unmoving. His training throughout the year resulted in a trained manipulation of his emotions. Or as they called it in their world, a Serene Heart.

"Nonetheless, that was nothing short of an exemplary performance. As I said, this was a test so needless to say; you deserve a reward," chuckled Irak while removing a violet pouch from seemingly nowhere. Adorned with strange symbols, it possessed golden drawstrings holding it closed.

"What's this?" asked Apollo as he held his hand out receiving it. Of course, as he asked, the system relayed information.

Item Name: Minor Spatial Pouch

Rank: Rank 2 Holding Artifact

Information: This spatial pouch was made by someone with a slightly decent understanding of the elusive Spatial Laws. Contains a tiny space which enables one to store items. Its current capacity is 4 cubic meters.

'Oh it's a storage item!' thought Apollo as he glanced at the size of the pouch. It fit comfortably in his hand. So he found it rather shocking that description told him it possessed 4 square meters of space.

"This spatial pouch contains enough resources for someone of the Spirit-Grade talent to advance to the Zul Warrior stage within 3 years. That is your reward. I expect you to be able to accomplish at least this much in light of your earlier feats," stated Irauk as he turned around proceeding forth in a leisurely manner.

His gait was more of a saunter as he continued through the damaged area of the forest. From his direction, it was clear he was intent on returning to the area he came from. However, Apollo on the other hand was confused.

'Is that it? We're only slaying one monster? After I recover I can slay more…' thought Apollo while glancing at his nearly full stamina bar. It was only in need of 5 more seconds at most before he was fully healed.

"Are we done here? We aren't going to hunt anymore Spirit Beasts?" questioned Apollo as he gazed at the halting figure of the distant Irauk.

"Oh, silly me. Do you want to fight more? Let me warn you now, that was a lucky case. You won't find many lone cubs without their parent beasts. If you want to be tested, I won't be rendering aid in the event that you find yourself in a perilous situation. With that being said, make your choice," sternly stated Irauk while gazing straight into Apollo's eyes.

The change in aura slightly shocked Apollo as he couldn't understand the abrupt shift in the situation. At this moment, Azridan chimed in offering his own insight.

[He is testing you. Don't be overly greedy. Harvest this beast's remains and follow him. It isn't wise to seek danger beyond your capabilities. No, let me change that. It isn't wise to enter catastrophic situations whilst your current cultivation is inadequate. You must remember, the presence of your tool is the sole reason you were able to prevail.]

'Okay I understand,' replied Apollo as his thirst for battle dampened. The look in his eyes mellowed as he nodded to Irauk, "I'll just harvest this beast's remains and follow you."

"Wise choice. I'm glad to see you aren't a foolish lad who believes he can handle anything thrown at him. That battle was to your advantage and even then you just barely managed to slay the beast. However, this isn't to dishearten you. I admire your spirit and control over yourself at this stage. I believe you will venture far down your path should you remain intuitive," replied Irauk as he tapped his foot landing on a branch above.

Focusing, he caught sight of each of the other 5 youths he picked up along the way in other locations embroiled in battle causing a slight smile to appear before murmuring, "It would appear this generation contain plenty of talents…" throughout his words, his expression became increasingly solemn, "however, is that really a good thing?"

Working quickly, Apollo skinned the beast and dealt with its meat. During the process, he came in contact with a small yellow gem embedded in the beast's chest cavity. Throwing it in the pouch, he saved it for a later inspection. It wouldn't be long before the cub's parents caught wind of the scent of their offspring's blood.

Dashing Apollo, caught up to the leisurely traveling Irauk. Despite his efforts to catch up, it seemed every time he did so, Irauk increased his speed ever so slightly. But what shocked Apollo was his new speeds. He was traversing distance much faster than earlier.

'Is seems an increase in over 3.0 stats at once makes for a suitable enhancement,' thought Apollo. Meanwhile, he took this time to divide his attention in half and check the contents of the unlocked traits as well as the pellet.

«Increased Essence Affinity» - «Basic Trait»

Information: Natural Essence is a vital foundation in life. Due to your entering of the Earth-Grade Inner Talent, your affinity with this energy has increased. Upon reaching Rank 5 Mortal, this trait will present its usefulness.

Level: 1/5

Effect: Increases the absorption rate of Natural Essence by 5%.

Item Name: Demonic Essence Pellet

Rank: Unranked

Information: This pellet doesn't originate from the world of Astarat but instead where Azridan came from. However, it possesses its purposes.

Effect: Contributes to the advancement of your Demonic Change.

'Demonic Change? Azridan what does this mean?' asked Apollo as his split attention allowed him to dodge between trees. As his Intelligence increased, so did the abilities of his mind. Things such as cognitive functions were continuously improving.

[It's in the system. You'll need these to complete the change into a true Demon. After all, you can't expect my voice to change you right? I could only initiate the process.]

'Ah, so how many will it take?'

[No idea. It's not within my knowledge. Where I come from, the environment alone was capable of changing any and everything into a demon. Of course, there remained a large divide in powers one was capable of achieving based on certain things.]

"Shape up lad, we're enclosing on where we came from. But it seems like there's a small surprise that I'll allow you to deal with," smugly smirked Irauk as he remained high above in a tree.