NOVEL WEB Chapter 23: Nexus Eye
Author's thought
If you have any suggestions or if you are curious about something, do write in the comments. I will definitely consider it.
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Ethan's POV
This was the feature unlocked after the Eterna Nexus had recharged for three long years. Its name was Nexus Eye, a remarkable ability capable of identifying anything by drawing upon the vast knowledge archives and the discerning power of its Omni Veil Observer. Excitement surged through me, this was the thing I had been desperately waiting for. Over the past three years, the inability to recognize the true nature of creatures, plants, and objects of this forsaken place had been one of my greatest obstacles. Whether it was determining if a herb or fruit was poisonous or beneficial to my ascension, or understanding the abilities of a monster, I had been navigating in the dark literally.
Eager to test this newfound ability of the Eterna Nexus, I focused on the corpse of the panther-like beast. Instantly, a dense line of letters appeared within my soul space, glowing with clarity.
[Night Stalker - Grade 1]
A darkness-attribute beast known for its exceptional stealth abilities. It lacks magical powers, relying on its robust body, razor-sharp claws, incisive fangs, and superior night vision. Originates from the Dark Forest and is considered one of its weaker denizens.
After reading the detailed analysis, I understood that the Night Stalker was, indeed, one of the least threatening creatures in this forest.
Suddenly, an idea struck me. I transmitted my thoughts, including the vivid imagery and memories of my earlier encounter with the monstrous tree, to the Eterna Nexus. Its response arrived almost instantaneously,
[Nightroot Terrors - Grade 2]
Plant-like creatures that resemble ancient, gnarled trees. Their limbs are composed of twisted roots, and their "faces" appear as hollow knotholes emitting a crimson glow. These beings possess the ability to camouflage seamlessly as ordinary trees, lying in wait to trap unsuspecting prey with constricting roots. Once captured, they drain the life force of their victims.
The revelation left me both impressed and horrified. The resemblance between the normal trees of the dark forest and Nightroot Terrors was so uncanny that distinguishing them by sight alone seemed impossible. It was no wonder these creatures had almost ended me during my earlier encounters. I recalled my first brush with a Nightroot Terror vividly. Its roots had encircled me, squeezing with bone-crushing force. I had barely escaped with my life.
It was in that moment of desperation, under the immense pressure of imminent death, that I had instinctively forged my Umbral Shackles. This invention, born from sheer willpower and necessity, had allowed me to manipulate chains of darkness to fend off the Nightroot's grasp and escape.
The Eternal Eclipse Ascension Art I practiced was profoundly enigmatic, brimming with untapped potential. However, it lacked low-level, ready-made magic techniques, forcing me to create my own spells through relentless experimentation. By studying the art's intricacies and attuning myself to the essence of darkness, I had gained the ability to wield shadows as naturally as I moved my limbs.
This ability had proven invaluable, allowing me to survive in this perilous environment. Perhaps my innate talent played a role in my rapid adaptation, but I couldn't afford to rely on talent alone. I had clearly understood in these three years that complacency meant death.
My only regret was my inability to practice the Arctic Sovereign Immortal Body Technique, which required an environment rich in icy energy as its most basic catalyst. The Dark Forest, with its oppressive darkness and absence of such elemental energy, rendered this technique inaccessible for now.
Yet, there was one significant milestone to celebrate, I was on the brink of becoming an Elemental Sea Mage. However, the ascension process for someone practicing a peerless ascension art like mine was far from straightforward. Forming my magic dimension demanded a potent catalyst, something extraordinary to match the profound power of the Eternal Eclipse Ascension Art. Though the resulting magic power capacity and purity would also be much greater. Fortunately, the dark forest's unique environment was perfectly suited to my affinity with darkness, allowing me to train extensively within a fifty to hundred-kilometre radius around the towering mountain where my cave was located.
Years of experience as an operative had honed my instincts for survival. I understood all too well that venturing deeper into the Dark Forest meant confronting exponentially greater dangers and challenges that would overwhelm even seasoned mages, let alone an acolyte like me. Survival in the outer regions was challenging enough, further exploration demanded both preparation and caution.
Still, my plan was clear. I intended to venture into the deeper parts of the forest to seek out the perfect catalyst to aid my breakthrough. Once I succeeded, my next goal was to leave this wilderness behind and journey to the society of the Blood Veil Continent. During these years of solitude, I had ample time to consider my future, that is strategizing my path to grow stronger and searching for a way back home.
As I finished the last bite of the Night Stalker's roasted meat, its savoury taste a small reminder of my recent victory.
Rolling out the sleeping bag Grandpa had carefully prepared and stored in my spatial equipment ring, I retired myself for the night. It was one of the few remnants of home, a tangible connection to the life I had been torn away from. As I lay down, the oppressive darkness of the cave wrapped around me like a shroud, but I felt no fear as this was my new oyster and the weapon with which I would gain power and everything.