Chapter 74: Opportunities

Chapter 74: Opportunities

Chapter 74 - Opportunities

His body was tired, but not as much as his mind. To squeeze Steady Runner for all it was worth had been more challenging than he thought. He had to split his focus on both how the skill affected his body and trying to avoid slamming his head into a tree.

Still, he had been looking forward to Blessed Swimmer the most. And that gave him the strength to jump straight into the sea.

With his head peeking out of the water, Kai turned toward Elijah. Any brilliant suggestions to test this skill?

He might as well get them out of the way before he exhausted himself trying his own.

Start swimming and tell me what you notice.

Thats all, oh wise teacher?

Swimming skills arent as common. Ive never heard of Blessed Swimmer before.

If not even the butler knows about this skill, it must be something rare.

Wait, did you already know how Steady Runner worked?

Naturally.

Then, why didnt you just tell me what it could do, instead of wasting my time?

And let me make a fool of myself. Damn, I already got my answer.

Do you expect me to nanny you forever? What will you do when you dont have anyone to ask? Start blubbering about your new skill to the first stranger you meet?

Not finding a proper answer, Kai dove amidst the waves and started swimming.

Spirits, its so annoying when hes right

Leisurely gliding between the waves, Kai focused on Blessed Swimmer. The passive aspects of a skill were hard to grasp, like an invisible hand gently nudging his movements in the optimal direction. Meditation helped him become aware of the smallest changes, but it didnt make it easy. From what he had been told, it took years to master the technique.

If there was a difference after evolving Swimming, it wasnt big enough for him to perceive. His form was perfect, his body angled to incur the smallest drag possible. Increasing his speed, Kai's senses were keen on anything out of the ordinary.

Ive always been a good swimmer, but it never felt this effortless.

It was a feeling. A murmur at the edge of his consciousness. Like he had found his place in the world, everything was as it was meant to be. He could continue swimming forever and never get tired.

Blue motes of mana flowed towards him on their own, swirling happily as if they were greeting an old friend. They didnt join his mana, but with them so close and willing, Kai knew it would be easy.

Swimming, basking in that sensation, losing his sense of time.

He would have continued for longer, but his peaceful strokes were abruptly interrupted. His instincts screamed at him, his body lurched to the side, as a stone skipped on the surface of the water.

His head jerked out the sea, glaring at the culprit on shore. Right then, a smaller pebble ended its long arc in the sky and landed on his head. Kai massaged the offended spot.

Asshole.

What was that for?

Just trying out a theory. Elijah said without any shred of guilt. Can you tell me what it is, or do we need more testing?

Kai snorted. I felt the first stone coming before it hit me.

But not the second, The butler pointed out with a smirk.

Its the first time I use this skill.

Elijah remained silent for a moment, giving him an expectant look.

Kai looked back.

What does he want me to say? I was distracted, okay!?

The man shook his head with false disappointment, juggling with more stones. Seems like we need more testing.

Wait! The first stone was skipping on the water, while the second didnt touch it.

Seems like two years of training werent completely wasted. Thats my working theory. Now keep swimming, we need more data to be sure. It might only be a coincidence.

There was no way of winning, was there?

Kai sighed. Nothing bigger than a pebble, the first stone was too large.

I was confident my disciple would dodge it. Are you not confident in your abilities?

Im not seven, that doesnt work anymore.

Virya showed her white teeth. Blood magic.

His eyes shot up to hers as she covered her mouth laughing. Truly nothing like speaking with you to raise my mood after a hard day.

Kai crossed his arms; he could feel his ears burning in embarrassment. So, what is the right answer?

"Blood magic, Virya repeated, turning dead serious.

Not going to get me twice with the same ploy.

The silence stretched. Are you really a blood mage?

Among other things. It always came easy to me. Virya confirmed, breaking her stone facade.

Dora appeared carrying a silver platter with a teapot and two pretty cups. She placed them down on the plant table without batting an eyelid.

What do you think, Dora? It has been a while since I practiced Nature magic. I never had your knack for it.

The alchemist gave the living construction a brief scan. Aptly executed, my Lady. However, I fear these plants will not last more than a week. She indicated some spots. The rapid growth puts stress on them, and their roots do not go deep enough.

Virya looked where Dora had pointed. Youre right. It seems I am more rusty than I thought.

Kai had no idea what they were looking at, but he sagely nodded along.

I can see that too. Its so obvious.

The alchemist left soon after leaving a fuming cup of jasmine tea in front of him.

Virya took a sip, savoring it despite the scalding temperature. Going back to your initial question.

Which was

Most gods dont bestow their favor without expecting something in return. This is why its commonplace that people swear an oath to make the terms of the exchange clear. Your case is rarer, but not unique. One spirit bound you with a loose oath the other not even that.

It might be just the creed of these particular spirits. Every divinity has its own peculiarities, you cant judge them through a mortal lens. But Im not well versed enough in the religion of the archipelago to be certain.

Maybe theyll expect something in return. Maybe they wanted to make a good impression hoping youd offer to serve them willingly. Or maybe your actions are already in line with what they need. One of the ways gods grow in power is through the faith and the actions of their believers. By giving you a blessing, they bound themselves to you. The stronger you become the more theyll earn in return.

Today Virya was in a chatty mood and continued teaching him about divine politics. The conclusion? To stay as far away from them as possible, trying to understand their thought process literally led to madness.

What about feats? Kai asked after she finished a lengthy explanation of the relationship between the merfolks Pantheon and the Seven Moons. How do I get more?

Remember child, being told can be considered a form of helping by the Guide. It could reduce your rewards if were you to obtain a feat.

I know

You always use that excuse to avoid the topic.

But can be means its not necessarily so. If a feat doesnt become any easier by learning of its existence, then it shouldnt matter to the Guide.

Touch. It looks like youre learning something from my lessons. The only feats you should worry about are the ones obtained by improving your status. Focus on upgrading your race and raising your skills. Orange is the standard grade for humans. Each step beyond is rewarded by the Guide.

Is there not anything else more within my reach?

Yellow grade felt a hundred miles away.

For now, that is your best option. Naturally, while Orange is the average for humans, if you were to advance very quickly, it would still be noteworthy.

A race against time, yay! I suppose that means before fourteen.

That night, the clang of blades resounded in front of the estate.

Elijah wasnt pulling any blow to make up for this morning. His metal blade flashed under the moonlight. Kai was on the back foot. Empower had already flooded his body. He could barely follow his opponent's sword.

When the butler added Shadow magic, his blade became impossible to track, blending in the night.

Heavily pressed, Kai lost his balance and fell on the beach. I give up.

He heaved on the sand, glad Elijah had stopped hitting him now they both used metal blades.

You could do that too if you applied more to Shadow magic.

Ill try harder, Kai said to appease him and avoid another round. Could I ask you a question?

After his conversation with Virya, he realized there was a particular feat that didnt have to do with growing his status.

Im going to regret asking Elijah to help me with this. I already know it.

Kai went ahead anyway.