NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: The Art of Mimicry and Monster Tools
Kael's journey to master his time manipulation and mimicry abilities had reached a critical point. After his encounter with Darius the Devourer and the growing recognition of his feats, he realized that raw power alone wasn't enough. To truly become a force to be reckoned with, he needed to refine his abilities, expand his understanding of mimicry, and learn how to integrate the tools of the world into his arsenal.
This chapter delves into Kael's meticulous study of mimicry magic and his introduction to the world of **monster tools**—items crafted from the remains of powerful monsters that grant their users unique abilities. These tools are the backbone of humanity's fight against monsters, and Kael's exploration of them reveals a deeper layer of the world's mechanics and the struggles of ordinary humans.
Kael's time manipulation had always been his greatest asset, but its potential was far from fully realized. After a vivid dream in which **Chronos**, the Primordial God of Time, appeared to him, Kael awoke with a newfound clarity. The dream was brief but profound—Chronos stood in an endless void, his presence both overwhelming and comforting. He didn't speak, but his smile was enough to convey a message: Kael's potential was limitless, and his understanding of time was only beginning.
When Kael woke, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. His range of control had expanded from 1 meter to **10 meters**, a monumental leap that opened up countless possibilities. With this newfound power, Kael dedicated himself to perfecting his mimicry magic, exploring every conceivable scenario in which he could replicate abilities.
Kael began by cataloging the abilities he had already mimicked:
1. Superspeed: By accelerating time around his body, he could move faster than the eye could follow.
2. Enhanced Durability: Slowing time around his skin made it as hard as stone, mimicking the durability of Rock Sprites.
3. Freezing Breath: Manipulating the air around his breath to create a localized cold effect, similar to Frost Wyrms.
4. Shockwaves: Compressing air molecules to create explosive bursts of force, mimicking the Thunderbirds' lightning strikes.
But Kael knew these were just the beginning. He needed to explore more complex applications of his powers.
1. Healing Mimicry:
Kael observed healers using mana to repair wounds and realized he could mimic their abilities by reversing time locally around injuries. While he couldn't fully heal himself or others, he could slow the progression of wounds and reduce bleeding, giving healers more time to work.
2. Invisibility:
By bending light around himself using time manipulation, Kael could create a crude form of invisibility. It wasn't perfect—he still left distortions in the air—but it was enough to confuse enemies in combat.
3. Energy Absorption:
Kael experimented with slowing time around incoming attacks, effectively reducing their kinetic energy. This allowed him to absorb or deflect blows that would have otherwise been fatal.
4. Time Echoes:
Kael discovered he could create "echoes" of himself by briefly accelerating his movements and leaving behind afterimages. These echoes couldn't deal damage, but they were excellent for confusing enemies.
Despite his progress, Kael quickly realized that mimicry had its limits. His time manipulation required immense focus and energy, and overusing it left him exhausted. Additionally, some abilities were too complex to replicate perfectly. For example, while he could mimic the freezing breath of Frost Wyrms, he couldn't replicate their full-scale ice magic.
Kael also learned that mimicry was most effective when he had a clear understanding of the ability he was trying to replicate. This led him to study monsters and adventurers more closely, observing their techniques and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses.
While Kael's mimicry magic was powerful, he knew he couldn't rely on it alone. During his time in the capital, he discovered the existence of **monster tools**—items crafted from the remains of powerful monsters that granted their users unique abilities. These tools were the backbone of humanity's fight against monsters, and Kael was fascinated by their potential.
Monster tools are items created from the bones, scales, and other remains of monsters. These items are imbued with the essence of the monsters they came from, granting their users abilities related to the monster's nature. For example:
- A dagger made from the fang of a Flame Hound might allow the wielder to summon small bursts of fire.
- A shield crafted from the shell of a Rock Sprite could provide enhanced durability.
- A cloak woven from the feathers of a Thunderbird might grant the wearer increased speed or resistance to lightning.
These tools are highly sought after, and their creation is a dangerous and specialized craft.
Monster tools are not just for adventurers. They are also used by soldiers, hunters, and even civilians. However, the quality and effectiveness of these tools vary greatly. High-ranking soldiers and adventurers often have access to tools made from A-rank or S-rank monsters, while commoners make do with tools from weaker monsters.
Kael learned that money plays a significant role in acquiring powerful monster tools. The best tools are expensive, and only the wealthy or highly skilled can afford them. This creates a divide between the powerful and the powerless, as those with access to better tools have a significant advantage in combat.
Kael visited one of the capital's prestigious **Monster Crafting Schools**, where he observed students learning the art of creating monster tools. The process was grueling and dangerous, requiring precise knowledge of monster anatomy and the ability to extract and refine their essence.
The students were ordinary humans, lacking the innate magical abilities of adventurers. Their work was a testament to human ingenuity and determination, but it came at a cost. Many students suffered injuries or even death while handling volatile monster remains.
Kael was struck by the dedication of these students. They risked their lives to create tools that would protect others, and their work was a reminder that strength wasn't just about raw power—it was also about knowledge, skill, and sacrifice.
Inspired by what he had learned, Kael decided to acquire his first monster tool. He purchased a **Frost Wyrm Scale Gauntlet**, crafted from the scales of an A-rank Frost Wyrm. The gauntlet enhanced his durability and allowed him to channel a small amount of ice magic, complementing his time manipulation abilities.
Kael also learned how to integrate the gauntlet into his combat style, using it to block attacks and create openings for his mimicry magic. The combination of his innate abilities and the monster tool made him even more formidable in battle.
Kael's exploration of monster tools gave him a new perspective on mimicry. He realized that by studying the abilities granted by these tools, he could improve his mimicry magic. For example, by observing how the Frost Wyrm Gauntlet channeled ice magic, he was able to refine his own freezing breath technique.
He also began to experiment with combining mimicry and monster tools. By using his time manipulation to enhance the effects of the gauntlet, he could create more powerful ice attacks or extend the duration of its durability boost.
Kael's journey to master mimicry and monster tools was far from over, but he had taken a significant step forward. He had expanded his understanding of time manipulation, refined his mimicry techniques, and gained a deeper appreciation for the tools that allowed ordinary humans to fight against monsters.
As he stood on the training grounds, the Frost Wyrm Gauntlet gleaming on his hand, Kael felt a sense of determination. He was no longer just a boy from a remote village—he was a warrior, a scholar, and a legend in the making.
But the challenges ahead would be greater than anything he had faced so far. The cult manipulating monsters was still out there, and the mysteries of the gods and the Primordial Ones loomed large.
Kael clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. He would continue to grow stronger, to uncover the truth, and to protect the people he cared about.
He looked at the sky with craziness. and said"Come and take me on"