[Blind Spot Removal Skill mutated into Detect Malice Skill at level 1]

[Domain Control Skill obtained at level 1]

[Household Magic Skill obtained at level 1]

With the three new skills came information on their use from the Akashic Record. While a mortal mind may have been overloaded from such a massive amount of information striking all at once, the mechanical mind of Mud had no problem processing multiple data-streams simultaneously. Having become more familiar with the realm of the soul, Mud noticed that raw information was indeed the only thing coming from the Record. An actual source of power that might allow for new abilities did not accompany the data. The actual power, it seemed, was coming from someplace else.

Mud had no more time to ponder the underlying nature of skills as it came to understand its new acquisitions. Detect Malice was a skill which used a constant, small amount of focus to sense any hostility towards the user. Even now, the golem could feel an icy pick of hatred driving into it from the nearby Jabrax. This method of spotting enemies would likely be very difficult to hide from, although not impossible. Mud itself was perfectly capable of controlling its own mind and thoughts thoroughly enough to launch a surprise attack against such a skill. Similar to past skill mutations, the change did not remove the ability to use the replaced skill. Mud could continue to visually scan its surroundings as it did before.

Domain Control skill would allow Mud to exert greater influence over its existing domain. While the Household Master skill had granted a powerful tool, Domain Control was the method to utilize it. Merely knowing what was occurring within the Domain was not its true purpose; it was merely a side effect of making the land part of Mud's own vision of self. At this time, the muscles used to influence the domain were still weak within the golem. At best, it could cause minor changes like shifting ambient temperature slightly or increasing air pressure. One major problem was that the domain itself was still weak. Household Mastery needed to be improved so that Domain Control could truly shine.

Alongside the new abilities, Mud came to understand the Ideal of a Home. A home was, at its most basic, a place to stay. In its Ideal form, a home had many more aspects to consider. The Ideal of Home was safe and secure against unwanted intrusion. A fortress against all that would do harm to the occupant, be it weather or beast.

[Ward Structure Spell obtained]

The Ideal of Home was sturdy and immaculately maintained. The paint was fresh and unblemished, it did not leak, and the floors didn't have a single scratch or scuff. If ever the Ideal Home was damaged, repair would come swiftly.

[Repair Structure Spell obtained]

Overall, Mud was satisfied with these new skills. Household Magic would be extremely useful if they could establish a temporary base during the festival. Domain would not help directly, but would likely be vital as a long term source of power. Detect Malice was a straightforwardly useful for any combat.

"Jabrax, I have spent my Skill Points. I now wish to become stronger. What is the best available method?"

The demon, who was now sewing something together on the table, continued her work without looking back. "Training your skills would be good now but we don't really have time. It will be troublesome for me too if you can't pull your weight."

Jabrax used her jagged teeth to cut the thread, tieing it off before reaching to the side for a mass of meat. Placing it on the table, she began sewing again. "Training in combat would be best. You've been exploring a lot lately, right? See any strong beasts in the nearby area? Stronger than Goblins and Wolves."

"I fought a Goblin General and spotted a Kobold Scout."

The human on the table began to stir slightly and moan. After a short blast of smoke from Jabrax he stilled, asleep once more. "Do you know where the Kobold base is?" The demon continued to sew.

"I do not."

"It's too risky, we might end up searching for days with nothing to show for it. Finding that Goblin camp was a stroke of luck... well, it's hard to ever consider finding Goblins lucky." As she spoke those last words, Mud felt a small, almost imperceptible twinge on its Detect Malice skill. In addition to the constant hatred directed towards itself, it felt a separate thread of malice emanating from the demon. Considering the context, perhaps it was directed towards Goblins in general. The fact that this skill could be used in such a way was an unexpected boon.

[Detect Malice Skill increased to level 2]

[Bodyguard Skill increased to level 4]

Jabrax finished her work and set aside the needle and thread. Once again wiping away blood with the now soaked towel, she walked over to Mud. "I suppose the only choice is to check out the famous Geltheas Dungeon. Hopefully it's not too overcrowded with the wave coming up."

As the pair left the estate once more, she let out a sigh. "Going back and forth so often is annoying. Couldn't this old man just build his house in a more normal place, like inside the city walls? Now we need to suffer because of his idiocy."

Mud preferred the secluded location. It was farther from other Sapients, and easier to do what it pleased without being detected. The demon, too, had benefited from the remote location. Perhaps she simply enjoyed complaining about things, Mud thought.

Before, when Mud had clung to Jabrax as she flew, the golem's weight and awkward shape had slowed her considerably. Thanks to Mud's greatly improved statistics, it was now faster for the golem to simply swing through the treetops as the demon flew alone. While they traveled towards the city, Mud focused on an area of strength that had stalled recently.

Psionics hadn't improved for some time. Mud needed a new understanding of the Ideal of Control to make a breakthrough. Thinking back over its recent memories, it reflected on how it had utilized Psionics, searching for a hint. Recently, it had been using Telekinesis to control its cloak ends. It wasn't a particularly useful ability in Mud's opinion, though. Ultimately, the controlled coat tails were just an inferior replacement for its own amorphous body. As the golem considered the similarity between the ribbons and its own tentacles, it came to a realization. Why was it not controlling its own body with Telekinesis in the same way? In hindsight, it was obvious. The most important control of all was the ability to control yourself.

[Psionics Skill increased to level 3]

[Skate Spell obtained]

Using a minuscule amount of Mind mana to form the spell, Mud felt its own weight become lighter. Having activated the spell mid-swing, Mud flew in a much higher arc than it had planned. Grasping wildly for a nearby branch, Mud discovered the second aspect of the Skate spell. The friction of its body was reduced to nearly nothing. Unable to get a grip as it had expected, Mud slipped off of the tree and landed on the forest floor with a wet thump.

From now on, Mud vowed to itself, I will always check a spell's description before using it.