As he began to prep himself for the inevitable act of violence that were to occur, he glanced over his status again to see whether he could increase his fighting potential before the battle took action. But rather suddenly, he was hit with a blue box to the face, inquiring whether he wanted to choose a skill upon arrival as of now. Without hesitation, Nicholas thought yes. The blue boxes before contorted into a larger version, a pop up notice notifying him that he had unlocked a shop of sorts meant for those upon arrival which he would be able to access for it today or until further notice. Those who came upon arrival probably referred to himself.

Shop Credits: 1000

Active Skills

Passive Skills

Stats

Weapons

Armour

Magic

The shop had a list of categories ranging from weapons to magic. At the top right corner was a number, notifying him of what he thought to be the currency used to purchase what he wished from the shop itself, credits.

He then began to look into Magic, as he believed he had stats that leant towards the use of magic and needed an offensive skill of sorts that would aid in the disposal of his new found foes. As the Shadow Demon skimmed through the vast collection of skills, he limited the search to magic that was of the Shadow element due to his own personal affinity and the price range of 1000 credits.

The list of magics cut down by size by at least three quarters as he checked over the display of magic. After having a minute or 2 of searching, he came upon what he believed to be a pretty useful list of skills.

Shadow Manipulation, Credits: 1000

Manipulate shadows to your very will, be it the ability to create and condense shadows into any form or shape such as swords, arrows, armour, it will heed your call.

Mana Cost: 5 per second, if condensed 10 mana per 5 centimeters squared

Type: Manipulation, Active Skill

Element: Shadow

Shadow Ball, Credits: 500

A ball of dark matter consisting of shadows. Upon contact, the debuffs weakened and cursed take place. Damage is based on variables taking place such as level difference, buffs, debuffs, etc.

Mana Cost: 25 mana per cast

Type: Offensive ranged magic, Active Skill

Element: Shadow

Blessing of the Shadows, Credits: 750

Provides an increase in damage output upon a critical hit (Surprise attack) if casted prior to the hit of at least 1.5x. Also provides a slight buff to agility after contact and works instantaneously when based in an environment of the shadow element.

Mana Cost: 70 mana

Type: Buff, Active Skill

Element: Shadow

As he looked further into the meanings of the skills, he couldn’t help but be drawn to the skill Shadow Manipulation, it’s potential looked limitless in Nicholas’ eyes, although the cost was quite frightening considering it was all he had, but no matter, he’d gamble on this skill for the potential it hinted at from it’s description.

As he purchased the skill Shadow Manipulation, a notification clarifying whether he wanted the purchase to proceed as it appeared before him, he thought yes as it disappeared, only to reappear before him.

Thank you for purchasing the skill Shadow Manipulation for the cost of 1000 credits, we wish you good luck on your future endeavours. Access to the shop is now closed.

As the brief but gladly accepted message left his sight, he began to feel the surge of knowledge flood his mind around the skill known as Shadow Manipulation. It’s basic use engraving itself into his body as he closed eyes. Soaking in the refreshing knowledge given to him.

After the knowledge regarding the skill Shadow Manipulation entered his brain, he began to check his status before experimenting with his new found power.

Status

Name: Nicholas Gray

Class: None

Race: Shadow Demon

Titles: The Last of the Shadow Demons

Level: 1

Health: 110/110

Health Regeneration Rate: 0.12 per second

Mana: 190/190

Mana Regeneration Rate: 0.11 per second

Strength: 10

Constitution:11

Vitality: 12

Agility: 13

Dexterity:15

Perception: 12

Charisma: 5

Intelligence: 19

Wisdom: 11

Luck:4

Unassigned Stat Points: 0

Active Skills: Identify (Active) lvl 2 (23%), Shadow Manipulation (Active) lvl 1 (0%), Mana Manipulation (Active) lvl 1 (43%)

Passive Skills:

Affinities: Shadow element

Unlike before where he had no mana to begin with, it seemed he now had access to it. Perhaps due to his newfound insight regarding the subject, in addition to that, a new skill called Mana Manipulation he had picked up off the bat after his experimentation. There also seemed to be an increase in intelligence, Nicholas also attributing this towards the experimentation with his manipulation of mana within his body that came in droves from his beating heart of mana.

He then activated the skill Shadow Manipulation with but a thought as he focused on condensing a combat knife similar to the weapons he had used on the field. In his left hand, a shadow began to writhe and turn as it condensed into a grip, the blade appearing thereafter. The Shadow Demons face had its mouth curved into a slight crescent as it stared down into his hand at the sight of such a familiar knife. The colour, however, varying in contrast to the real deal, although the similarity between it and the one he had used were quite real indeed.

He checked his mana to see it at 44/190, a slight headache attacking the borders of his mind as he steadied himself. It seemed to be quite a drastic drop for such a simple knife, he could only imagine what it would be like if he were to create and condense something of a larger size. Or perhaps to try produce a weapon like the Battle Rifle he used on the field, he could only dream of the potential!

A howl sounded out from below him, reminding him of the crisis at hand. The wolves began to become restless as they peered around the vicinity in search of the thing that had produced the scent of mana. The leader lying down on the cold ground, back resting against the thick and rough trunk of the tree. It seemed the wolf had became complacent and arrogant at the fact it had 2 subordinates and what it seemed to be a high level in contrast to the unknown opponent it wished to face.

The fact it was as complacent and arrogant as it was, would mean there would be no better time to strike then now. First, Nicholas waited for his mana to regenerate fully, which would take around 15 - 20 minutes. He then crouched down, approaching the area above the Alpha Gray Wolf. Positioned right above the wolf, weapon ready in hand, as his knuckles consisting of shadows condensed and blackened in turn as he gripped onto the weapon like his hand were a vice.

He fell.