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The Harvester

Chapter 362: Painful Backlog

Rakna was lounging in the living room, his now black scarf, with azure accents, folded on his chest for Pronos to sleep on. The little Hydra curled on himself comfortably while his master stared at the deluge of System windows that he had released upon himself.

Currently, Flavia and Evelyn were out in Black Steel, Kara had left to do what she had advertised to him, Allan and Marie were out hunting, Nyx and Ceresta were quietly bonding together over books on another couch, and Kaelith had gone to Old Eden to help with the situation of her clan.

Though, the vixen had ultimately used her powers to temporarily suppress Lucrecia's power, who was sleeping in one of the vacant rooms, before leaving.

Higure, on the other hand, was outside, doing something unusually tame; meditating. In her own words, she still hadn't fully adapted her soul and abilities to her half-undead body. According to her, it would eventually be possible to become fully alive with a high enough level, but until then, she would have to balance her death energy.

Therefore, the therian had plenty of time to go through every change to his status; and that started with every single update to his proficiencies. Since he didn't have Ceres to filter it anymore, he had used his Terminal to relegate what was once her duty to Eye of Symphony. He apparently could also request another AI to be assigned to him, but he had no desire to do so.

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Rune Smith has leveled up!

…

Soul Sense has Ascended into Wisdom of The Soul!

Wisdom of The Soul has leveled up! x3

…

Mana Sense has Ascended into Call of Mana!

Call of Mana has leveled up! x2

…

Mana Control has Ascended into Mana Rule!

Mana Rule has leveled up! x4

…

Magic Craft has leveled up! x2

Magic Craft has Excelled!

…

Flight has leveled up! x3

Flight has Excelled!

…

Arms Master has leveled up! x4

Arms Master has Excelled!

…

Sunken Ripple of Rupture has leveled up! x5

Pride is rousing the Host…

Sunken Ripple of Rupture has Excelled!

Arms Master is being incorporated into Sunken Ripple of Rupture…

Sunken Ripple of Rupture has Evolved into the Complete Internal Art; Rippling Ghost of Rupture. A new section will be added to the Host's status.

…

Congratulations! You have gained a new title; Martial Grandmaster!

…

Lunar Control has Ascended into Lunar Dominion!

Lunar Dominion has leveled up! x6

Due to Lunar Dominion, Lunae Cosmos' Lunar Points will be increased by 500 per tail.

…

Spiritual Intent Control has Ascended into Spiritual Intent Mastery!

Spiritual Intent Mastery has leveled up! x2

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Wisdom of The Soul ⋆⋆

The Demi-God Stage of soul awareness. At this level, the holder is capable of sensing the nature of souls, the balance of evil and good, and the color of their elements.

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Call of Mana ⋆⋆

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The Demi-God stage of mana awareness. The holder can perfectly analyze the flow of mana inside a living organism, and most importantly, hear the 'Voice of Mana'. A long time ago, it was theorized that mana had a will of its own, and had rebellious behavior; which mages naturally had to learn to control.

The 'Voice of Mana' refers to the unheard whispers of the energy, informing those who are able to hear it of the nature of the mana being sensed. The louder it is, the stronger and closer. It is also a much superior manner to sense mana at a long range.

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Mana Rule ⋆⋆

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The Demi-God stage of mana manipulation. With Mana Rule, the holder can extract mana from nature and even salvage remnants in the air caused by spells. This greatly increases efficiency in casting as well as improves mana recovery as long as the holder gives appropriate attention and focus to collect ambient energy.

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Lunar Dominion ⋆

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The Ascended stage of lunar energy manipulation. The art of lunar control is widely dependent on the potency of the receptacle and the speed at which it is siphoned from the surroundings. At the basic stage, lunar energy is used as fuel or raw power. At the Ascended stage, it becomes possible to borrow the power of the moon itself.

The Moon is a Sigil Celestial Body. It is classified as an environmental spell-caster and Lunar Dominion is the first step toward harnessing it.

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Spiritual Intent Mastery ⋆

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The Ascension to a new path. This is the beginning of the road to mastery of Intent; having graduated from the rank of an initiate. Reaching this level allows greater control and perception of Intent as well as the implementation of unique characteristics into it from the user's skill set.

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Well… that was a start. Frankly, Rakna had not even realized he could do half of what he had just read. Most of it, if not all, had broken through Excelled during his fight with Roias.

'Especially this one…' He thought as he focused on the new entry to his status.

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Internal Arts are referred to as a form of Martial Transcendence. It is considered as such because it implies a total remodeling of the user's Ki Pathways. Most attempts to do so end in failure; as dead or crippled.

However, even if succeeded, it is not enough. To complete and master an Internal Art, it must become one with the user's body. It is an Art that must be used as easily as breathing as well as possessing close to no flaws.

It is neither considered a skill nor a proficiency by the System. An Internal Art, once finalized and completed, can never be dissociated from its owner. Other techniques employing the force of the physical body in any way will be rejected by the Art.

Internal Arts are considered the peak of Martial Prowess, and the achievers become capable of amplifying their Attributes with nothing but technique.

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Internal Art:

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- Rippling Ghost of Rupture [SSS-Rank]

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An Internal Art of the highest tier, forged through Pride and Wrath.

It is built over extensive expertise in combat, an unbreakable body, a dimension-breaking trait, and astonishing physical qualifications as well as sensory abilities. The Art focuses on the accuracy of movements to the point reality bends to the user's will.

Like a ghost, the user's body blurs and attacks undetected and unpredicted. Stances flow and freeze in motion and the circulation of the Internal Force is such that momentum can be killed at any given time, moment, or position.

The footwork is akin to a spirit, erasing friction and resistance as one step can feel like a leaf swaying in between the fingers of any who tries to catch it.

Every movement carries precision, speed, intensity, and an unforgiving force that pierces through targets and ripples on impact, shattering the surface of all things. Time cannot stop it, space cannot stop it, and magic cannot stop it.

Skulls break apart with a flick, blades shatter at the touch of a finger, dimensions fall under a fist, bones are ruptured by the ripples, and spells become arrows to be snapped.

Wielded weapons shall also be granted its power. When converging the Internal Art outward, the user can channel the ripples through a weapon or tame it into an independent and raw force of rupture.

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Techniques:

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- Ripple of Rupture: The staple ability of the Art. It is a blow that ejects Internal Force into the target and then retracts it instantly, creating an undulating force over the surface of whatever was hit, spreading and expanding the damage. This technique is capable of contending with magic itself and inflicts severe internal damage.

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- Fist of Rupture: The ultimate technique of Rippling Ghost of Rupture. The user gathers all manipulable energies they possess and pours them into the Pathways. The Internal Force will reign in and guide these energies into releasing a reality-breaking fist.

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- Ghost of Rupture: It is the passive state of the Internal Art. It can be activated at a moment's notice without delay and will trigger the user's entire body to circulate the internal force inside its Ki Pathways as naturally as breathing. All attacks performed with Ghost of Rupture active will result in a Ripple of Rupture.

While Ghost of Rupture is active, the following effects also apply:

- All Physical Attributes Increase by 10%.

- Defense of Targets is Partially Ignored.

- All Defenses & Resistances of the User Increase by 50%.

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Note: Ghost of Rupture has no cooldown or duration. It cannot be interrupted unless consciousness is lost and will only stop at the initiative of the user or once all Stamina is depleted.

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'…that's OP,' Rakna blankly commented.

"{How self-aware,}" Fray snickered.

'So, this is what I developed during that fight, huh?' The therian mused. At the time, he didn't have the freedom to consider his abilities. Though, it seems his Sin Skills had worked well. Their effect of increasing the efficacy of all relevant motivations was no joke.

'I definitely need to practice wielding Sonata with it,' he thought. 'There's probably a lot of techniques that I can still learn from it. Something like an external manifestation of the rupture would be a good start,' he nodded to himself. 'Next… let's go with Cognitive Skills.'

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Mana Coils has leveled up! x2

Mana Coils has Ascended into Mana Helix!

Mana Helix has leveled up! x3

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Damage Resistance has leveled up!

Damage Resistance has Ascended into Battle Continuation!

Battle Continuation has leveled up! x2

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Fear Resistance has leveled up! x3

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Frost Soul Aura has leveled up! x4

Frost Soul Aura has Ascended into Triad Star Aura!

Triad Star Aura has leveled up! x5

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Primal Soul Core has Evolved into the Max Excelled Skill; Philosopher's Ardent Soul.

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Soul's Decree has Exceled!

Soul's Decree has Ascended into the Divine-Rank Skill, The Harvester's Soul!

You have gained 10 000 Exp for this achievement!

The Harvester's Soul has leveled up! x1

Your Divinity has increased!

---

Rage is overwhelming you…

Ireful Descent has evolved into a Tier 1 Curse!

Ego of Lucifer is nullifying the curse…

Ireful Descent is being consumed…

You have gained a new Ultimate Excelled Skill; Ire of Satan!

All Virtues Shall Yield has been updated to All Virtues Shall Fall!

Your Sub-Path, Nephilim, is growing stronger!

---

You have unlocked your Soul Marble!

Your Soul Power is increasing…

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Your soul is collapsing…

You are afflicted with Stele Inversion!

Your spiritual energies are scattering.

Spiritual Remnants are temporarily sustaining your survival…

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You have ingested a dose of True Elixir!

You have temporarily gained the Trait; First-Degree Immortality!

Your soul fragments are being contained…

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The Fallen Goddess of the Night, Nyx Nocta Regysnite, has initiated the ceremony of Essence Bonding with you. Divinity is filling your soul…

The Stele Inversion is receding…

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You have gained a new Trait; Wed of Essence!

Your Divinity has greatly increased!

You have gained a new Trait; Minor Divinity!

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You have gained a new Ultimate Excelled Skill; Caress of Asmodeus!

All Virtues Shall Fall has been updated to All Virtues Shall Kneel!

Your Sub-Path, Nephilim, is growing stronger!

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Your Infernity has greatly increased!

You have gained a new Trait; Minor Infernity!

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Minor Infernity and Minor Divinity are reacting…

Philosopher's Ardent Soul has swallowed Minor Infernity and Minor Divinity!

The soul flames are stabilizing the Obsidian Star…

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Stele Inversion has been completely reverted!

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Mana Helix ⋆

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The Mana Helix is the natural evolution of Mana Coils, a concept created on the basis of Magic Circuits. Instead of coils around the heart and stomach, the Helix connects both and spins around each in two opposite polarities.

The Heart Rotation pumps ambient mana in; transmits it to the Stomach Rotation to be processed by the body as if food; and the mana is then imbued into the rest of the body until it is finally ready to enter the Mana Pool at peak purity.

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Effects:

Current Increase in Mana and Stamina Capacity: 2 400 & 240

Current Increase in MP Regeneration: 3.4/Min

Current Decrease in MP and STA Consumption: 4% & 8%

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Note: These values will increase as the skill level increases.

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Battle Continuation ⋆⋆

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A rare skill acquired from relentless willpower and dedication. Those who hold this ability become greatly resistant to all forms of damage as well as capable of countering detrimental burdens from wounds or spells.

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Effects:

- 28% Reduction to All Sources of Damage.

- 50% Resistance to All Negative Status Affecting Statistics.

- 8% Increase to All Statistics When in Fatal Condition.

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Triad Star Aura ⋆⋆

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A mighty aura, unique to Rakna Xiorra, that burns akin to three mythical stars.

When releasing your aura, you can call upon either of the stars dwelling in your soul; Everfrost, Neverwinter, and Obsidian. Regardless of the choice, for as long as the aura is out, magic power directly trying to interfere with your body will be mostly nullified if weaker than yourself.

In Everfrost mode, all ice, water, and cold-related magic will be absorbed and the temperature around will drop considerably. Touching targets while channeling the aura will cause them to freeze.

In Neverwinter mode, all fire and heat-related magic will be absorbed and the temperature around you will rise considerably. Touching a target while channeling the aura will result in violent burns.

In Obsidian mode, every magic will be absorbed as long as it does not surpass the maximum capacity of the aura. The excess absorbed can then subsequently be shot back as a slashing force exponential to the total energy accumulated. Additionally, the Obsidian Aura will passively cut into whatever it comes in contact with.

Finally, the Triad Star Aura can be combined with Philosopher's Ardent Soul at will in order to create protection against spiritual attacks, or produce flames that freeze with radiation, burn on contact, and cut with its embers.

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Note: There is no calculation for this skill. The Aura will repel offending energies as best as it can for the user's body but it will be ineffective when an attack carries more power at once than the user's stamina and mana combined. Keep in mind that aura also gets weaker as you get tired during a fight.

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Philosopher's Ardent Soul [EX] ⋆⋆⋆

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A spiritual organ, unique to Rakna Xiorra, that has lost its form and fused with the user's soul power and taken the form of ethereal flames blazing inside the heart of the Obsidian Star.

The Philosophers' Ardent Flames are the hearth of the archetype Philosopher's Stone and are the only theorized energy capable of stirring the Universal Solvent into being structurally bonded with the container.

Rakna Xiorra's soul power has become an Ardent Fire that will guide his every action and establish a bridge between the physical world and his Soul Realm. It is possible to create physical manifestations of soul power with the fire, such as projectiles or shields.

The Ardent Flames are capable of burning and consuming all that is spiritual. Everything that it eventually burns will be converted into mana or stamina for the user.

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Effects:

- 100% Increase to Senses.

- 50% Decrease in Mana and Stamina Consumption.

- Steals ~50 MP when an attack hits a target.

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The Harvester's Soul ⋆⋆⋆

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The teachings of Soul Practitioners state;

"Those Who Seek Harmony With The World, Will Not Achieve Harmony With Themselves."

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The Harvester's Soul is a Divine-Stage Introspection of the Soul. It reflects complete understanding and acceptance of oneself.

With this skill, the user is officially entering the domain of divine achievements. Full harmony with one's soul is the most crucial aspect for a Celestial to be able to attain the rank of Heavenly God. Where Mortals attain Soul Manifestations through power, Gods must create a Domain first. As such, the Introspection of the Soul is one of the most highly valued breakthroughs.

This Divine Skill grants its holder a near-instant grasp of all tasks and techniques imaginable. It also greatly enhances the improvement rate by proxy. At this level, instinct becomes something closer to privilege than inherent talent. Only those with transcendental aptitudes can hope to go beyond it. The Harvester's Soul possesses that potential; the instincts of a thousand beasts.

Furthermore, the path of Soul Spells is opened. Pertinent examples are Astral Projection, the lowest tier of Soul Spells, and Soul Marble, the highest tier of Soul Spells.

The Harvester's Soul is shaped by Rakna Xiorra's identity, world, and power. The Host's Soul Realm shall become an inherent facet of his Soul Spells and the spells available to him for learning will depend on his personal enlightenment.

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Soul Techniques Available:

- Astral Projection: Eject your soul out of your body as an Astral Body.

- Vow of Accord: Establish an unbreakable soul contract.

- Spirit Invocation: Summon souls under your control as Ardent Spirits.

- Soul Gate: Summon a gate in the physical world that leads to your Soul Realm.

- Soul Marble: Overwrite the physical world with your Soul Realm.

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Effect: 300% increase in Senses.

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Ire of Satan [UEX] ⋆⋆⋆

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Ire of Satan is one of the Ultimate Skills of the Sin Series, assuming the epithet of Wrath. The bearer of this skill can walk to hell and back to defeat an enemy. The longer a herald of Wrath fights, the stronger they become, and the fiercer their rage grows.

The Sin of Wrath cannot be stopped, and its victims shall know vengeance.

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Effects:

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- Increases damage proportionally to the intensity of the user's anger.

- Killing a target of anger will reward the user with experience.

- Increases Damage & Defense by 1% for every attack landed or received, to a maximum stack of 100% for each. This effect lasts until the user is out of combat. Once the stacks reach 100%, subsequent actions will heal the user instead.

- Acquire the skill; All Virtues Shall Fall (Wrath + Pride + Sloth)

- If not awakened, unlock the Extra Magic, Wrath.

- Acquire the spell; Mark of Vindication.

- Acquire the consumed spell; Wrath Demon.

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Special Effect:

- Any act made for the sake of Wrath will have its efficacy raised.

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Wed of Essence

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A ceremonious bond commonly formed by Heaven-Born Celestials as a marital promise.

It is an unbreakable wed that anchors itself in the third layer of the soul, the Soul Chasm. An independent manifestation of Divine Essence ties itself to the life force of each party and unites their feelings and thoughts.

It is said that two people wedded by Divine Essence will love each other beyond death itself.

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Caress of Asmodeus [UEX] ⋆⋆⋆

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Caress of Asmodeus is one of the Ultimate Skills of the Sin Series, assuming the epithet of Lust. The bearer of this skill can make the world crawl at their feet in exchange for recognition. They possess weapons that prey on the mind and body.

The Sin of Lust is a devious force, seeking to bend your will.

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Effects:

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- Increases the positive impressions the user has on people proportionally to their beauty.

- Successfully charming a target will reward the user with experience.

- Mental or Soul Attacks made by the user will carry an arousing force as well as a compelling suggestion for the target to be more obedient.

- Individuals beguiled by the user's appearance will see their Senses and Swiftness decrease proportionally to how heavily they are affected.

- Acquire the skill; All Virtues Shall Kneel (Lust + Wrath + Pride + Sloth)

- If not awakened, unlock the Extra Magic, Lust.

- Acquire the spell; Charm.

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Special Effect:

- Any act made for the sake of Lust will have its efficacy raised.

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All Virtues Shall Kneel [UEX] ⋆⋆⋆

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Upon activation, become the herald of Submission.

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Effects:

- Demonize and double All Attributes (Luck Included).

- All beings that lay eyes on you will begin to feel the urge to prostrate and obey.

- Your Mana will be fully converted into Sinister Mana.

- Damage from and against Holy & Divine increases by 100%.

- You detect and control the Sins contained in another's soul.

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Cost: 10 000 MP. (Correction: 1 600 MP)

Cooldown: 666 Hours. (Correction: 559.4 Hours)

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Duration: For as long as the user can resist the call of sin. Multiple sins will require a balance to be kept by the user. If broken, the demonization will automatically fall out of control.

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Note: Breaking the limits of human understanding was once an aptitude possessed by only one kind of being; those known as the World's End Empaths. To imitate them, creatures of both evil and good began to awaken these Sins and Virtues as a facet of their souls, seeking to become rulers of humanity.

Currently Awakened Sins: 4/7

You have entered the path of the Nefis. You either finish the path or forever be incomplete. Once all sins are gathered, you will ??? for the ??? Crown. He ??? and grant you ??? of humanity.

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'This is a mess…' Rakna groaned as he tried to mentally organize the information with the help of Eye of Symphony. First of all, Battle Continuation and Mana Helix were pleasant bonuses among the plethora of irrational skills he owned; they were simple and useful.

Secondly, he saw the first clear signs of the Obsidian Star affecting his status. The Triad Star Aura was an adjusted skill meant to adapt to a total of three elements.

'Indiscriminate magic absorption, huh? Also… I had already understood, but the Obsidian Star seems to be… unbelievably sharp,' Rakna thought with narrowed eyes. 'It matches what the volcanic glass it epitomizes can do…'

The spell he had used against Roias was called Naṭcattira Pirippāṉ; Star Splitter. The sharpness it had exuded by bisecting the Téras' summoned creature, then cutting his arm, and scarring the walls of the Terminal Room, was enormous.

'I'll have to check the description afterward,' he mused and then raised his hand. With a thought, a purple flame danced around his palm. 'And this is the Philosopher's Ardent Soul, huh? I can make spells of Soul Power with this, is it? And Spirit Invocation… maybe I can summon them.'

The therian quietly extinguished the soul flame by clenching his fist. He skimmed Wed of Essence with a hum, already aware of what it did. Though, he couldn't help but smile when he saw the last line.

He glanced to his right where Nyx was gently chatting with Ceres. Through their bond, the goddess immediately noticed his gaze and looked back at him with a curious tilt of her head. Rakna smiled impishly and sent something similar to a kiss in nature through the bond.

Nyx's face immediately stiffened and reddened in embarrassment. She huffed in annoyance at him before turning away.

'Haha,' Rakna laughed quietly. 'This bond has lots of teasing potential,' he commented internally.

"{Poor girl,}" Fray sighed. "{You're taking advantage of her bashfulness.}"

'I have to enjoy it while it lasts. She might get used to it one day. And don't talk as if you wouldn't do the same thing if you were in my place.'

"{…well, it would admittedly be amusing.}"

The therian snorted and turned his attention to the remaining System windows. Wrath and Lust were predictable for the most part. Though, he had been a bit surprised to know that the former had been created through the assimilation of Ireful Descent.

Would he have awakened Wrath without it? He didn't know. However, what he knew for sure is that Ire of Satan was a superior version of his former Nirvana Skill. Caress of Asmodeus was not so bad either, mostly for its debuff effects, but it wasn't something he'd be using much…

'Then, there's the demonization…' Rakna squinted. Until now, that skill hadn't changed much. It had essentially been the exact same whether it was for Sloth or Pride. But now, a new effect had been added and the Note had been filled up generously. Though some interrogation marks remained.

'World's End Empaths…'

"{It's a relatively niche yarn,}" Fray chimed in. "{The Empaths of The World's End are rare humans born with the ability to feel the pain and emotions of others coursing through their souls. As such, they learn to detach themselves from humanity and find unparalleled understanding in its study.}"

'Any reason why they're mentioned in this skill?'

"{Well, there is a small tale associated with World's End Empaths… It is said that when they die, it is not rest they find, but the Devil himself. Not because they must be punished… but because their services are sought in Hell. They are the advisers to the torture of sinners.}"

'Is that so…?' Rakna hummed as he read the Note. Clearly, achieving the status of 'Nefis' involved one step more than gathering all of the Sins. 'There was that story about how those who assembled all seven could sit on 'Hell's Throne' as well… but that's most likely inaccurate.'

While thinking that, he glanced at the mana cost correction of the skill and almost laughed. At this moment, his total consumption reduction was 84%. Even to him, that was a ridiculous number.

Of course, most spells had a limit to how much their cost could be reduced, otherwise, how would the spell even have the minimum power to manifest? Koschei's' Needles, for example, was a spell that could never go below the cost of 1% of the mana pool for each needle created.

However, skills, on the other hand, had a much lower ceiling. Their cost could be peeled that much more because they relied on the System more than magic did.

'I certainly have mana to spare now,' he snorted and then closed everything, only for a new batch of notifications to replace it. 'Now… Spontaneous Skills, it is.'

SEE?! This is why I was scared of doing this crap!

AAAAAHHHHH!! Fuck!

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