NOVEL WEB Chapter 257: I'll Name You...
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[Affinity Resonance]
"What flows between kindred souls may be channeled, if only for a moment."
Type: Resonance Art (Upgraded)
Rank: ★★★★ / Tier 4
Effects:
1. Technique Replication:
- Upon maintaining physical contact (2 seconds) with a target of ★★★ affinity or higher, temporarily replicate one of their abilities/techniques.
- Duration: 5 minutes (sustained) or full effect (instant).
- Operates at 80% of original potency.
2. Synergy Boost:
If the target's affinity is ★★★★ or higher, replicated techniques gain +10% effectiveness and duration.
3. Dual Resonance (New):
When used on a target with ★★★★★ affinity, you may stack two techniques (with shared duration).
Requirements:
- Minimum ★★★ affinity with the target.
- Cannot replicate arts beyond tier 5.
Cooldown: 8 hours per target.
Upgrade Conditions:
- Successfully replicate 100 Tier 4 or higher techniques.
- Achieve ★★★★⯪ affinity with at least two individuals.
Note: "The line between borrowed power and your own grows thinner. Where does it end—and where do you begin?"
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Woah, the improvements were really high. Well, it jumped from 2 stars to 4 stars after all.
From 2 minutes and a 50-70% effect, it was now 5 minutes and an 80% effect. There were also two new effects, synergy boost and dual resonance. The cooldown also decreased by 4 hours.
But the upgrade conditions...
It would certainly take a lot of time, and there was also a question of whether I could 'borrow' them from the same people repeatedly.
But since the effects were worth it, I also added it to my massive training list.
And finally, the rewards ended. My eyes focused on the last lines of the system window.
[SPECIAL NOTE: This scenario had multiple failure conditions that could have resulted in permanent affinity loss or psychological trauma. Your approach of genuine empathy over manipulation has unlocked new future scenario branches.]
...I think I understand why the rewards were so big now.
This was probably meant to be a pivotal moment for Cassandra; that's why the system was so generous. But I still felt like it had been a bit too easy.
However, if we included the facts that I was the only person who got close to her at this level, our similar conditions, Inheritor status, and others, it was a unique alignment of fate, almost as if it was meant to happen.
Had I even misstepped once, Cassandra's affinity might have plummeted. Or worse, deepen her already worse trauma. I could never forgive myself if I did that.
And those ending words - new future scenario branches...
I get the feeling that I'll be involved in Cassandra's storyline somehow.
And the system doesn't give rewards without a purpose, so there's a possibility Cassandra is gonna be in danger soon...
...I'll have to train harder.
With a thought, I closed all the windows and opened my inventory.
I summoned Rime Weaver and that mysterious egg.
It was time to give him a name and feed the little one.
{Oh, should I try talking with it again?}
{Yes, I will start now.}
I held the egg in both palms and started to inject my aura into it.
At first, nothing happened; the egg remained as inert as before, its surface showing no reaction. But after a few moments, I felt a subtle shift. My aura began to be drawn into the egg at a slow, steady pace, just like water being absorbed by dry earth.
Rime Weaver hovered beside the egg in his usual small, furry snowball form. I could sense him carefully extending tendrils of his consciousness toward the egg, trying to make contact with whatever was inside.
But just like yesterday, he was rejected. Even after a dozen tries, he still couldn't connect with it. The creature inside seemed to repel his attacks using the egg's shell, creating an invisible barrier that prevented any mental connection.
Well, we could force our way through, but it would damage the one inside.
I squinted my eyes at the egg.
It's still on guard? I thought with growing frustration. After asking for help, it's not even willing to talk. Well, it's good to be cautious, but still...
It was getting a bit ridiculous. It asked for help, but refused to communicate all the whole absorbing my aura as nourishment. It felt like trying to help someone who kept their door locked while asking you to pass food through the window.
"Come on," I muttered to the egg. "You can't keep this up forever. We're trying to help here, you know."
The egg continued its silent absorption of my aura, giving no indication that it heard me or cared about my growing impatience.
I sighed and decided to keep trying. It had been only two days since I bought it after all. And I've learned how important it is to gain trust without forcing it.
Let's keep this up for about two weeks. If it still refuses, then we'll have to use the other ways.
"Alright, I will give you a little more time." I rubbed its icy surface with my fingers. "I hope you can trust us."
"..."
"Alright, it's time to focus on you now." I turned my focus to the rime weaver.
{...I'm ready.}
I smiled at called him forward.
Closing my eyes, I felt a cool sensation touching my forehead. Both of our heads were touching each other.
My smile deepened.
I felt his anticipation through our connection like a gentle winter breeze. All this time, he had been waiting patiently, helping me or others without complaint, never asking anything in return.
He deserved a name that honored both who he was and who he had become.
{I've been thinking about it for a long time,} I said through our mental link. {A name that represents not just what you are, but who you've chosen to be.}
Giving him a name felt like solidifying his existence, giving voice to his unwavering soul. It was a small gesture, yet immensely significant for both of us.
His consciousness pressed closer, eager but patient.
The perfect name crystallized in my mind - one that honored his icy origins, his past, and the second chance we'd forged together - our bond.
{I'll name you...}