Monday came quick enough and Bryn's second week at the academy came to a start.

On Friday, the teachers had advised them as to what their lesson plan was to be today, they were to meet up at for their first class as normal, but instead of attending class, it would be the teacher leading them towards to the [Heroic Altar] located on the island.

Bryn and Armarni were talking about the weekend and what they expected the Altar to be like when professor Kane walked out of his classroom.

He did not say anything to the students but merely motioned for them to follow, they knew what was happening and where he would be taking them so there was no need for any words to be said.

The large group of students walked through the halls of the academy, from one side of the academy to the other, before passing the 'Farm' and turning off before they hit the road that led into Rosewater.

They followed a path deep into the forest that surrounded the academy before emerging next to a hidden lake, atop it was the Altar that the students had seen at the end of the academy entrance exam.

Even now, the bright column of light shining off the island illuminated its surroundings.

The professor followed the path and crossed the stepping stoned until he was stood at its precipice.

“Do not be afraid and step into the light, I will see you on the other side” The professor said before stepping in and disappearing in a flash of light.

One after the other they gathered up their courage before taking that final step, Bryn and Armani shared a reassuring nod before taking it together.

The two disappeared as soon as they stepped into the light but it was only for a moment, as in the next they were high up in the sky, above the atmosphere and within the cold embrace of space.

The two had stepped through the light, from a grass bank to a stone platform, they emerged into a room that was encased within stone and glass, overlooking the earth below.

“Welcome to the Stellar-Rose” Professor Kane called out once all of the students had arrived.

“As you can probably tell, we are no longer on earth, The column of light below acts as an 'orbital elevator', transporting anything that enters within its light to this installation high above the earth that it is linked too, and before you ask, no, not all of the Altars on the surface transport people to this installation, above every Altar is an installation similar to this, only this one belongs to the Black Rose Guild” Professor Kane explained whilst a number of student broke rank to look out of the window as it was a magnificent sight that that they had never seen before.

It took a few minutes for the majesty of what they were witnessing to wane, but even if it did, the sight that they saw and the emotion that they felt, would be with them for the rest of their life in the memory of that day.

The Professor gave a small smile when he saw this as he too had done the same when he first visited a Altar, so he was willing to indulge their curiosity for a few minutes.

Eventually it was over and the professor led them away from the Teleportation platform as there were other people waiting their turn to use it, but most of them felt the same as the professor so they were happy to wait.

Bryn got the felling from just a quick look around, that this place was half technology, half magic. Their place was lit up with candles and glowing magical arrays were carved into the stone, whilst consoles and interfaces made from technology dotted the room.

The Professor led them up the neo-Gothic grand staircase and moved to the side to allow people to pass before addressing the group.

“So, here is what you need to know, the Stellar-Rose Is a part of the headquarters for the Black-rose guild, it is where the majority of its members start their quests but it also where a lot of them live, so it is a place where you will want to show respect for your seniors, apart from that, it is very similar to the Altars that are controlled by other factions, you may have to look around and explore a few hallways but what you can find on this station is a system shop where you can buy directly from the [Guardian System], this is where you will get most of your skills and gear if you have the Hero points to afford them, there’s also an auction house where you can buy and sell goods, only unlike the system shop, you can use different forms of currency, you can even barter for what you want there”

“Carrying on, there is an actual Temple, and before one of you makes an inane joke about a temple being inside an Altar, I will politely ask you to shut it, this Temple is nothing like the which we have back on earth and if you ever have the chance, I advise you to go check it out for yourself, who knows, you may get something from it”

“Finally, for those that live on the station there is the Guild Hall, this is essentially a pub and restaurant, but this is also where you can find the Mission board and the testing ground, but what you will want to remember is that down in Rosewater you can use money to pay for goods, but here, if it has anything to do with the [Guardian system], then you will most likely have to pay with Hero points, or HP for short”

“Now, you have all probably awaited this day for years, the day that you can finally obtain real power, but I will reiterate what your teachers have probably already told you, think things through, don't just go for the immediate gain but don't focus on the long term as the lifespan of your average Hero is not as long as you would think it is” The professor said before remembering something.

“oh, I almost forgot, whilst you are here on the Station, you will have access to another skill, it is called [Status], through it, you will be able to get an in-depth overview of all your [Skills] and [Abilities], you will also be able to access the system and other services through it” The professor said but his words confused a few in the crowd.

“We can access the system shop, then what is the point in going to the one on the station” a student called out to which the professor gave a reaction as if he had expected it.

“I expected this question but I must warn you not to underestimate the usefulness of the system shop on this station, they are manned by wise beings, and seeking their advice before you purchase any future [Skills] is a smart choice” The professor said before dismissing them to explore the station.

A Few students could not wait and darted out of sight, whilst others were willing to take it slow and explore the station first.

Bryn and Armarni were a part of the later and whilst they had walked away from the main group, they had no direction in mind, they each had their own goals to achieve on this station and whether they were the same or not had yet to be seen.

“Are you ready to do this?” Armarni asked as Bryn with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

“yes” Bryn responded similarly.

“” STATUS”” The two of them said together and suddenly several blue screens appeared before them, circling them and giving them the option to flick and choose which one they wanted to view.

The blue screen were like the holograms projected from their Holowatch, but unlike them, these seems almost physical, it was almost as if they could reach out and grab them.

Bryn gave them a quick flick through, he skipped past the one for the shop and the auction house before he reached the one that he wanted.

General Information

Name:

Gideon Bryn Lockhart

Sex:

Male

Age:

16

Species:

Hybrid [+]

Mana Attunement:

Eldritch [+]

Hero Rank:

Common

Titles

Status

Soul Corruption [+]

Mana Deprivation [+]

Bloodline Seal [+]

Mana Seal [+]

Currency

Hero Points: 100

Tokens:

Emblems:

Tier 1:

3

Tier 1:

N/A

Tier 2:

1

Tier 2:

0

Tier 3:

0

Tier 3:

0

Tier4:

0

Tier4:

0

Tier 5:

0

Tier 5:

0

Tier 6:

0

Tier 6:

0

Tier 7:

0

Tier 7:

0

Tier 8:

0

Tier 8:

0

Tier 9:

0

Tier 9:

0

Tier 10:

0

Tier 10:

0

Skill Set

Techniques

Name:

Level:

Mastery:

Name:

Level:

Mastery:

Galadhrim Bow Arts [+]

Novice

90%

Galadhrim Knife Arts [+]

Intermediate

23%

Galadhrim Kiting Technique [+]

Intermediate

7%

Passive

Name:

Mastery:

Progression:

Name:

Mastery:

Progression:

Greater Physique [+]

N/A

N/A

Monocular Vision [+]

Novice

0.00%

Greater Sight [+}

Novice

0.00%

Spectrum True Sight [+}

Novice

0.00%

Active

Name:

Mastery:

Progression:

Name:

Mastery:

Progression:

Bond [+]

Intermediate

10%

Reapers Touch [+]

Novice

3%

It was as professor Kane had said, there was a lot of information here and whilst Bryn was happy for it, he couldn't help but wish that the information was a lot less worrying.

“You alright Bryn?” Armarni called out from the side as he saw the frown that had appeared on Bryn's face.

Bryn shook his head before responding, “There's a lot of information here, it's going to take a while to go through, Do you want to head to the shop first, I can deal with this later” Bryn asked as he tried to dampen his curiosity as to what his status held but Armarni could see right through him, but anyway, his plans were different to Bryn's In the first place.

“No need, I've got to go to the Auction house first anyway, need to pick up the [Tokens] and HP my family have sent me” Armarni said as if it was to be expected but Bryn was having another reaction.

“Your family is sending you [Skills] and Hero points, Why?” Bryn asked in confusion and whilst he would not admit it, a little bit of jealousy.

Armarni took a few steps in the direction he was going before stopping, “Bryn, I know that you haven't known me for long but you must have realised that me and my family are quite rich?” Armarni asked with a cocked eyebrow to which Bryn nodded.

“Then you must understand that they're going to do everything in their power to ensure that I don't die on my very first mission, hell, This is basic, practically everyone in our class is doing the same thing, if it isn't their family helping them then it is their faction, and if they don't have a faction to rely on then they have probably took out a loan” Armarni ranted but when he noticed the uncomprehending look on Bryn's face when he mentioned the loan, he realised that his friend hadn't been intending to visit one, he had actually been intending to attempt his first mission with what little the system had given them.

Armarni toyed with the Idea of inviting Bryn to join his faction but quickly decided against it, Bryn had too big of a target on his back and whilst he could use what little power he had with his faction to help here and there, there was no way they would allow him to do as he pleased if he pursued the matter further.

Armarni could imagine that would be the same for most factions, so that left only one option.

“Bryn, you do know that you can take a loan out, right, The Interests rates are extortionate due to the high chance they will lose their investment, but it’s either that or dying, I know which one I would pick” Armarni said before leaving with those words for Bryn to think on.

It had never really occurred to Bryn, to take a loan out, it simply seemed too mundane for a Hero to do, but as he thought about it, he could see its merits.

As for whether he would do it or not, well, he would have to wait and see as he had more important thing to tackle in the meantime, namely going through the information that his status had revealed about him, and it was a lot.

The first he was going to look at and figure out, was why the hell had the system not classified his species as Human.

Bryn brought his status back up and pressed on the small plus symbol on the side of his species to bring up more information on it, and as soon as he did he realised why his species had been classified as a Hybrid and not a human.

It was because of his [Bloodline].

Only, and this is what got Bryn, he didn't have one [Bloodline] like he had expected, he had three.

Human [Base Bloodline] [Tier 1]

A common humanoid bloodline found throughout the universe on low level planets, Beyond sentience and higher thought, the only noteworthy trait is the species ability to adapt to change over a period of time

Perks

None

Oni [Dominant Bloodline] [Tier 5]

The Oni, Cousins to Angels and Demons, are one of the few races in the universe entirely made up of Slaves.

At one point in their past, due to excessive consumption of a source of power, their physical bodies began to mutate whilst their minds were frayed and lost in the process, only those that have undergone the [Bloodline Seal] retain their sanity, although it comes at the cost of their unique physical power.

Now they and all their descendent are beholden to the being that created the [Bloodline Seal]

Perks

[Greater Physique] [+]

[Mana Attunement: Eldritch] [+]

Gazer [Suppressed Bloodline] [Tier 3]

Those species that possess the greatest of vision are usually among the greatest of hunters, and no other species represent this more than the Gazers.

Working alongside their Digitigrade legs to give them advanced manoeuvrability, their eyesight allowed them to tracker they prey no matter the environment, even when their species advance into the stars, their sight still proved to be their greatest asset.

Perks

[Monocular Vision] [+]

[Hyper Spectral vision] [+}

When the world at large first found out that Bryn was the son of Ryuto Asakura, they had been focused on that point, and Bryn was ashamed to say, that so had he.

The third and unexpected [Bloodline] that he possessed, was his mothers.

He hadn't only received the inheritance of his father, but his mother had left something behind for him as well.

Bryn didn't know why, but he felt a warm feeling spread within his chest, he didn't know why but he was happy to have a part of her in him, to know that he wasn't only his father’s child.

That feeling was tarnished a little in the fact that even to this day, his father was still screwing him over, his mother had left something behind for him and yet his father's [Bloodline] was suppressing it to the point that it was unusable.

Whilst it angered him, Bryn knew there was nothing he could do about it, he could only promise to try to do something about it in the future and move on to his next problem.

Eldritch Energy [Tier 4]

Mana Attunement

Eldritch energy is not of this realm but of a higher one, it is the base source of energy within that realm and all elements and beings are birth from it.

Eldritch energy can only be found within this realm at Dimensional breaches that connect out realm to that Higher realms, In these places the environment matches that of the other realm due to the leakage of Eldritch energy from the breaches.

The higher realm in question is chaotically aligned and is naturally empowered by negativity and attracts it as such.

Those that have been to the Eldritch realm and made it back, compare it to Hell and the being that lived there as abominations.

Perks

Base Mana Potency (+)

Base mana trait – Domination

Base mana trait - Corruption

Mental stability (-)

Skill – [Adaptive Form] [passive]

“Okay, So, If I lose control I turn into an Eldritch Abomination, Good to know” Bryn spoke to himself sarcastically as he finished reading the information before moving on as he did not even know where to start with that piece of information.

Soul Corruption [Urgent]

Due to a seal being places on you during early life, A powerful source of Mana has been sealed within your soul realm and corrupted your soul.

“Mana is similar to water, If you damn off a stream and let it pool, it will eventually turn poisonous if it is not released”

Effects

Natural Lifespan (-)

Mana Production (-)

Mana Control (-)

Intelligence (-)

Emotional Stability (-)

Mana Deprivation

Due to a seal being placed on you during Childhood, Host's physical body and mind are underdeveloped as a possessed [Bloodline] requires Mana for both to mature.

Effects

[Greater Physique] Locked

Physical body maturity progression

43.00%

Bloodline Seal

A Mana seal has been woven into the genetics of your species; Seal is designed to suppress the Mutation factor found within your body whilst making you comply to the orders of its creator.

Note: Skills that forces slavery to a being is against the treaty of the Gods which formed the [Guardian System], Compulsion has been removed from [Bloodline].

effects

[Adaptive Form] - locked

Mana Trait 'Corruption' - Suppressed

Mana Trait 'Domination’ - Suppressed

Mana Seal

A seal made of [Akashic Runes] has been placed within your body in an effort to limit the total amount of mana Flowing around your body at one time.

Effects

30.00% Total mana Flow

Bryn had been expecting one of the ailments ever since he had first entered into his own soul realm, so as soon as he had read through the description for soul realm he knew that it was just the name to what he had seen that day. It was worrisome that it was the only Ailment marked as urgent and the list of negative effects was disturbing, but it was information that he never had before today on a problem he knew he needed to fix.

Bryn told himself it was a step in the right direction.

The second ailment was a surprise, He had no idea that as far as the system viewed him, he was an undeveloped child that had yet to reach maturity, but from the way the ailment was described it sounded as if it was something that he could overcome in the future, and when he did, he would have access to another [Skill] that could help him live through another day.

As for the final two, well, to be honest, Bryn saw them as boons more than detriments.

The bloodline seal was literally what was keeping him from turning into his father, as long as that stayed in place, he was fine with forever being under it, as for the mana seal, he had known about it all along as he was with professor Blackwell when she had put it on him.

The only thing he really took away from this section of his status was that the guy who had placed a Seal on his mana all those years ago was a muppet that didn't realise how much damage he would be doing by placing that seal.

Moving on, he came to the last surprise of his status, but when he thought about It, he realised it made sense.

His Aunt wouldn't have spent all those years training him in something that wasn't related to the system, but as for the other skills he supposedly had access to, he thought that if he possessed them then why does he not know how to use them.

Galadhrim Bow Arts [Tier 1]

Developed by the Rangers of Galadhrim, This Technique is taught to all initiate as a basis on how to use the Bow.

Galadhrim Knife Arts [Tier 1]

Developed by the Rangers of Galadhrim, This Technique is taught to all initiate as a basis on how to Dual wield long knives.

Galadhrim Kiting Technique [Tier 1]

Developed by the Rangers of Galadhrim, This Technique is taught to all initiate as a basis on how to attack an enemy with ranged weaponry or abilities while maintaining a safe distance, and in the event that an enemy is able to close the distance, how to evade and create the distance lost.

[Greater Physique] [Passive] [Tier 5]

Inherent [Bloodline] ability of the Oni, This inherent skill came about due to the species 2nd inherent Skill [Adaptive Form] coming into conflict with the [Bloodline Seal] placed upon their race, with the skills effect limited by it being locked by the seal, it passively strengthen the physical form to which it has been locked to.

[Greater Physique] is a combination technique of [Greater Strength] [Greater Endurance] [Greater Agility]

[Monocular Vision] [Passive] [Tier 1]

Inherent [Bloodline] ability of the Gazers, ability allows individual eyes to act independently whilst being under full control.

[Greater Sight] [Passive] [Tier 2]

Inherent [Bloodline] ability of the Gazers, ability allows Gazers to see across fast distances and observe objects moving at impossible speeds.

[ Spectrum True Sight] [Passive] [Tier 2}

Inherent [Bloodline] ability of the Gazers, ability allows Gazers to cycles their vision through the electromagnetic spectrum.

Bryn took a breath, that was a lot to go through and yet Bryn hadn't been able to understand why he could not use three of the skills that his status said he should be able to.

There were Skills in his status that clearly said that he could not use, but these, [Monocular vision], [Greater Sight] and [Spectrum True Sight], they are displayed as him having access to them, even more so, they were passive skills.

Bryn should be able to use them even without him activating them and yet he couldn't.

As far as he remembered, he had never been able to see in the dark, he had never been able to look at two things at once or even be able to see further than any of his old pure blooded, human friends.

There was absolutely no reason to believe he had access to these skills and yet the system was under the impression that he did.

Bryn didn't know what to make of it and knew that in the near future, he would be asking someone with a bit of know-how in the area what it meant, but as the professor had already headed further into the station, he would not be getting the answers just yet.

Bryn moved further into the destination, passing active Heroes as they either headed towards their next mission, or bather in the glory of loss of quest they had just returned from.

It was obvious to Bryn who had met with success, and those that had suffered unimaginable loss whilst they answered the call for aid.

The station was large and several windows gave its occupants majestic and scenic views of both the world at large, and the rest of the facility.

After getting lost one or two times, and asking a passing Hero for direction, although Bryn asked the Hero had taken one look at him before giving him a look of disgust before moving away, Bryn was able to find his way to the shop.

Entering into the shop Bryn was amazed as he felt like he had entered into a completely different realm, whilst the station was half magic and made of stone, it had an ancient and cold feeling to it, it was like its namesake, a Altar.

However, the shop was very different.

The room was bathed in a soft warm glow whilst an old and used rug covered the stone floor, wooden shelves lined with items straight out of fantasy, or from the far distant future rested upon them.

Swords and shield hung upon the walls whilst coats of armour made from technology designed to enhance its wearer stood about randomly.

Bryn reached out to touch one of the items that had caught his eye only for it to burst into light when he fingers past through it.

A Quick inspection later and Bryn realised that there wasn't a single item in the shop, everything on display was holographic.

“Are you here to peruse my wears or is there anything I can help you with” The male shopkeeper asked as he suddenly appeared behind the shop keeper.

The man was styled like a hipster, wearing a Brown suit with a white shirt, slicked back hair and a handlebar moustache that sat upon a stubbly beard.

Bryn thought about it for a second before deciding to get the man's opinion, Professor Kane said that he gave out good advice and that was what he needed in this moment of time.

“Actually, I heard that you are good at giving advice” Bryn said as he walked over to the counter.

The shopkeeper nodded and moved to meet with Bryn, “Yes, Wisdom and advice were one of the option that the leaders of the Black-Rose Guild chose to base my programming around”

“You’re an AI” Bryn asked in surprise to which the Shopkeeper gave a firm nod.

“Yes, The [Guardian] System is simply too large and vast for any human to truly be able to peruse throughout all that it contains, but I prefer to be called Baldwin instead of AI” Baldwin said whilst giving Bryn the stink eye to which Bryn was suitably chastised.

“Ah, I apologies”

“No harm taken, now, how can I help you today” Baldwin asked whilst looking Bryn up and down, as if he already had the ability to see through his every caveat.

Bryn thought about it for a moment and tried to think how to word what he needed but also what he wanted.

He needed to know how to fix himself, but he also needed certain skills and items for his specialist class, but he also had to take what he had d learnt in tactics into account, of course he also needed something to ensure he survived his first mission.

“Erm, I need to obtain some skills, but I'm not too sure what to get and I could do with some advice” Bryn said sceptically but it was enough for the shopkeeper who now seemed to have the energy of a person who had injected pure coffee into their veins.

“Wonderful, most people know simply access the shop through the system and rarely need my help, but do not worry, now that you have asked for my help, I will be sure to help you to the best of my abilities” Baldwin said before stopping and giving an overly dramatic look, “Ah, I forgot to say, 'Welcome to my [Shop]” Baldwin said and suddenly The shop faded from existence and replaced with no end or beginning, there was only Bryn and Baldwin stood atop a black glossy floor.

“Shall we get started” Baldwin asked and several Screens Similar to the blue status screen appeared all around them, only instead of information pertaining to him, they contained skills.

Hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, Bryn could scroll the list on each page down so fast that he could not read the world and yet would not reach the bottom of it until minutes had passed, and this was only one screen, the amount of screens that Bryn could view were incalculable.

It was no surprise the Black-Rose Guild had installed Baldwin in the shop, it was simply impossible to navigate this mess with any sort of grace it without him.

Sure, people could still get what they want, but did they get it because they wanted it, or because they didn't know anything better.

“Now, what is it you need from me today, a [Skill], an [Item] or is it perhaps knowledge you seek” Baldwin asked to which Bryn decided that he would deal with getting his [Skills] sorted before dealing with the gear he required.

“It's a [Skill] that I'm after only I'm not sure what I need or want exactly”

“Ah, a very common issue for most people starting out as a Hero, if I may, the shop has a Filter system I can access, if you would, please describe in a key few words what is that you are after?”

“Erm, I'm aiming to be a Tamer, but there are a few things wrong in my status that I need to fix” Bryn said and Baldwin showed his interest.

“If you don't mind, with your permission I can have a look at your status for myself, I assure you your information will be kept secret and no one else shall be known of it, I will only use it to help me aid you in your choices” Baldwin sincerely said, and after a moment of hesitation from Bryn, he agreed.

A new screen appeared in front of Baldwin and the longer he looked at it, the more he seemed to be enjoy solving the puzzle that it appeared in his eyes to be.

Baldwin dismissed the Blue screen and started to manipulate the screens around the two of them as if they were a part of an orchestra.

One screen after another closed whilst certain skills and abilities from one screen were condensed down onto another before being discarded in favour of another.

“I hope you don't mind but I've taken the liberty of choosing [Skills] that not only suit your current needs, but also offer a certain amount of versatility for your future use” Baldwin asked to which Bryn happily accented.

This continued on for a few minutes before only five screens remain.

It may have only been five screens, but there were still thousands of [Skills] and [Abilities] on them so if Bryn was going to choose, then he still had a bit of difficulty ahead of him.

“Done” Baldwin said as he stopped and motioned for Bryn to look at the first four screens, “As you mentioned, I have Filtered the search to the skills that a Tamer would need at your level, I have taken into account the number and quality of [Tokens] that you have but as you can see, the amount of skills still available for purchase is extensive, is there anything else you would like to the filter”

Bryn thought about it for a moment and he wasn't really too sure, there wasn't anything that he really needed to add but if he had to put something, then two things really did come to mind.

“This may be a bit strange, but is it possible to filter by showmanship, and also, does it matter what magic system I am studying” Bryn asked and Baldwin gave an appreciative nod.

“Ah yes, Showmanship, if you are looking to seek any [Perks] from the channel system then this is a wise choice and as for filtering the available skills through particular types of magic systems, whilst this is possible and highly advantageous in the beginning of your heroic career as it gives you in-depth knowledge on a subject you are still learning, be warned that each magic system has both their positives, and then negatives” Baldwin said before adding to the filter and condensing the number of skills available to purchase down to a much more manageable number.

Bryn spent a long time looking through the various screens and it was as Baldwin said, the skills may have been different but they each achieved one of the five requirements in their own way.

For instance, in regards to the different types of [Taming] techniques that fit the filter, Some of them were designed around the Idea of stripping it's intended target of its sense of self, turning it into but a living puppet, whilst others were designed with making them loyal to an object, so they could be bought and sold with ease in the future.

It was the same for all the others as well, but as Bryn read through them, he would pick and choose between the different skills of the same type, weighing each new one that he came across against his previous favourite until his list was picked.

The difficult part was choosing which type of technique he was going to use his tier 2 [Token] on.

In the end, he was able to choose the five skills he wanted, although they were each picked because of different reasons.

This first skill he had picked was obviously for [Taming].

Zealots Heart Part 1 [Tier 1]

Mind Magic

The Zealot Heart Taming technique uses mind magic to influence creatures of lesser sentience into willingly offering their loyalty, companionship and obedience.

Effective on Tier 1 - 3

Bryn was a little shocked when he first read through the [Taming] Skill, he wasn't expecting them to essentially be Brain-washing techniques, but when he thought about it, he never really questioned what a [Taming] technique would be if not one that affects the mind. At least this one gave off the impression that it would bring about the same effect as raising a companion with love and care, only quicker.

The second skill that he obtained was similar to the first, it was mind magic as well but instead of changing something that was already there, it was imparting something, and in this case, knowledge.

The problem with this was that it meant that he needed to buy multiple [Skills] to use it, that meant that he would have to abandon buying one of the other [Skills] he required for a later date.

Impart Knowledge [Tier 1]

Mind Magic

Through the use of magic, share the knowledge of its wielder unto a designated subject

Effect

Enhanced Education

Galadhrim Rangers Companion [Tier 1]

Tactical knowledge Technique

Technique manual containing knowledge on how to train your animal companion according to the ways of the Galadhrim rangers.

Basic knowledge for a companion to accompany a range on missions

Bryn chose this particular knowledge technique because it was a part of a set to which he already had the majority, he had checked with Baldwin, connecting technique would bring out a [Skill] or techniques original power.

Finally, Bryn had to pick his final technique.

He had to choose between [Enhancement] or [Capture], it took Bryn a while to make his choice but in the end it came down to a single factor.

He could only use one of them as a means of offence and defence, Something that he had no doubt he would be needing in the future.

Ethereal Chain [Tier 2]

Materialisation magic

Skill grants the ability to materialise a chain made of magic, it will stay in existence for as long as it is supplied with magic, Users level of control is directly related to users mana manipulation level.

Bryn had chosen his new [Skills] and [Techniques] and whilst he was happy at the fact that he was on his way to becoming a lot stronger, he couldn't help but be disappointed in the fact that within the list of skills that he was getting, there was not a [Skill] that he could use to solve the problem with his soul.

There were [Skills] that could achieve this, but for the moment, they were currently outside of his price range.

The thought that he needed to have at least a [Tier 4] Token to get a skill that could even start to fix his problem sent a cold drop of sweat down his back, it was almost enough that he wanted to dash to the closest Loan shark to get the [Token] just so his problem was sorted but he was able to hold off on following that instinct for now.

With three new techniques Bryn was happy but he was not done with the shop, he still needed to see off the gear he had gotten from Trey and Gilbert, he also needed to buy a [Grimoire] if he was ever going to safely take Leena from the farm.

After a quick conversation with Baldwin, he showed an unfortunate face in response, “I'm only too happy to provide you with a [Grimoire] but I cannot buy the goods you wish to sell” Baldwin said before shrugging his shoulder.

“Why?” Bryn asked in confusion as what shop doesn't buy new goods.

“It's Simple, There is no profit in it” Baldwin answered but seeing the look Bryn gave him he realised that the boy wanted a better explanation than that.

“This is a system shop, when you want to obtain something you use Hero points to buy it and [Aegis] accesses the [Akashic Records] to recreate it using the power stored with each Hero point, this process is one way, the Shop cannot reverse the process so what you offer is of no use to it, but that does not mean that it is of no value, others like you may be interested but if you want to sell to them, then that is what the auction house Is for”

“Wait, Hero points are made from energy” Bryn asked in surprise.

“Divine energy to be exact, Its general knowledge that it was the gods who came together to create the [Guardian System] so it is no surprise that when they reward a Hero for completing a mission, they use a form of reward that continues to empower the system” Baldwin said to which Bryn nodded his head as he understood.

It made sense, a system of this size that affected the daily lives as many people as it did must have a power requirement that is unimaginable.

“As for the other thing you wanted” Baldwin said and as he did a book covered in glowing marking appeared in his hands.

“Are you sure you want it?” Baldwin asked with finality.

“Yes!” Bryn said and caught the book as Baldwin tossed it to him. Bryn looked over it for a second and before another screen appeared in front of him with its details.

Inheritance Grimoire [Item] [Tier 1]

Book

Grimoires can be found on most planets with beings that have access to mana, this version of a grimoire has been created by the system by drawing on the different version of Grimoires available throughout the known realm.

Abilities

[System link]

[Life-Bound Inventory]

[Enhance Learning]

Do you wish to Bond with this Grimoire YES / NO

Bryn pressed yes without a hint of doubt, and as he did the book in his hand started to glow and when it stopped, the book looked completely different.

Now instead of its cover being made of glowing words, the entire book had turned into white leather whilst on its front was Bryn's coat of arms sat above an ornately decorated background.

It had cost him the majority of the Hero points he was given for becoming a hero, but it was worth it.

Looking through the [Grimoire] Bryn could see that the first page contained his General information and status whilst the following pages were each given their own page that were similar in nature to the grimoire that he already possessed, only the contents were different.

The rest of the book was empty as Leena was still at the farm whilst everything he owned was stored within the two rings he wore, once he started storing things in his grimoire then the pages would begin to fill up quickly.

The space they were in reverted back into the shop and Bryn left the shop after giving his thanks to Baldwin, if he couldn't sell his goods at the shop then he would have to sell them at the auction house.

He knew that he needed to offload his goods as quickly as possible as he not only needed to equip himself with gear that may potentially save his life, but the longer that he held the goods on his person, the bigger of a target he became.

Bryn arrived at the Auction house a few minutes later and after a quick look around left.

The auction house was run by people, they inspected the items and set up the sales, and from the way the people in the room were looking at him as soon as he entered, he could tell they recognised him from the looks he was getting.

A quick trip back to the system shop and he was able to buy a black hoody to disguise himself, that in combination with his mask and no one would be the wiser as to who he really was.

Bryn re-entered the auction house and quickly spoke to one of the attendants, He told them what he wanted to do and they then told him the first problem he would have to overcome to get a hold of his money.

To sell something, you needed to know what it was you wanted to sell.

Currently, Bryn had no clue what any of the items he had gotten from Trey or Gilbert were, sure he could give basic descriptions, but in a world where a certain [Items] could be imbued with magical powers or made from advanced technology, it was good to know what one was working with so they did not lose out on making a profit, or accidentally killing themselves If they used it without knowing what it did.

Bryn was escorted to small side room and asked to put the items he wanted to have examined on the table.

Bryn quickly emptied out the contents of his rings and placed them on the table as well, he debated it for a second before placing his sword down as well, he wanted to know what had Arai and the rest of the yakuza so gun hoe about retrieving the sword but Bryn refused to get his gauntlet inspected.

He wanted to know more about it but he already knew that it was extremely precious and if information about it got out, then he would be having world powers coming after him to retrieve it.

It was a few minutes later when an attendant came in, it was a female in her mid-twenties that wore a business suit, she was fairly attractive and gave off the atmosphere that she knew what she was doing.

“Hello Mr...” She said when she came in but Bryn just shook his head and answered “No names”.

The attendant took it in stride as this probably wasn't the first time she had sold some ill-obtained goods.

“Fair enough, Is this everything?” she asked as she looked over the goods, picking up one or two of the items as she expected the items that drew her eye.

“No problem, My fee Is 25HP per item inspected, if there is an item beyond my level then you can request a member of staff with a high level then myself but you will have to renegotiate terms at that point in time, do we have an agreement” She Said to which Bryn blanched as he realised that whilst he may potentially have goods worth a lot of Hero points, he was currently broke.

The grimoire he had bought from the system shop had cost his 75hp, that meant that he only had 25hp left.

He could only identify a single item.

Bryn's mind spun though the various ways he could get around this but there wasn't much he could do.

“Question, does this armour set count as a single item” Bryn asked to which the attendant shook her head.

“Whilst we would sell it as a set, each individual piece would first need to be identified to confirm that the entirety of the set is there” She said before giving a merchants smile as she understood what was on Bryn's mind.

“If I may not be too bold, If you are currently lacking funds to have all of these goods appraised, then might I offer a solution”

“A solution, What did you have in mind?” Bryn asked as he practically bit at her offer.

Knowing that she had hooked him in, the attendant held nothing back, “I will inspect ever [Item] you have here without the fee being paid beforehand, but in exchange I want 50HP an item, of course, to be paid after all the items have been auctioned” She said without an ounce of shame and Bryn clenched his fists in anger, He knew that she was taking advantage of him but there was nothing he could do.

He only had two choices, to do as she said and pay her double or, he could risk it.

He could pick a single item; have it inspected and sell it with the hope that he could earn enough HP to have the rest of his items inspected.

With the thought that he could always take her deal if the risk didn't play out, he chose to gamble on success.

The only question that now remained was which items was he going to have inspected.

He looked over the goods and immediately ruled out the armour, it may be worth a lot as a set but individually, the price could be hit or miss, no, he would have to choose something else.

It would have to be something that had value in itself, something that could cover the cost of not everything, but enough items that he could then add on the profits from them, but once again, which item should he pick?

“Before I make up my mind on your offer, would you please appraise this item first” Bryn asked as he picked up Gilbert's Ring and passing it to the attendant.

It may have not been the most expensive item on the table, but an interdimensional storage device was still worth a pretty penny.

The attendant gave an unhappy frown but she was still a profession and would perform her job without fail.

She gave a quick look at the ring, appraising not only its design, but also the size and volume of space that it held within it.

After inspecting the ring, she put it down on the table before holding out her hand for Bryn to shake.

It was weird but Bryn went along with it as the attendant no doubt, had a reason for it.

Do you wish to Transfer 25HP

YES / NO

Bryn cocked an eyebrow as he transferred the points.

Rouges Spatial ring [Item] [Tier 2]

Ring

A low tier spatial ring that contains a limited stable space of 4 x 4 x 4.

Value: 250 HP

It was exactly what he needed.

Bryn left the room a far richer man several minutes later.

The attendant could have made things hard for Bryn and made him wait until he had obtained the HP from selling the item first, but with the attendant knew that the Auction house was connected to every other Altar worldwide and whilst it was only a low-level item, there was a constant influx of low-level heroes that would want to purchase it.

It was to the point that if they marketed it at the right price, it would only take several minutes for the ring to be sold.

Why risk pissing a client off, she may get the appraisal fee from the ring, but he still had an entire table full of items that needed appraising, she didn't want him going to another attendant and spending his Hero Points there.

Bryn was sat in the same room as before only the attendant had left to sell Bryn's Items, only he wasn't doing nothing with his time, he was going through the screens that still hung over the Items that remained on the table even after the attendant had left.

These were the items that he would use on his first mission as a Hero.

Gnomish Scouts long knife [Tier 2]

Long Knife

The favoured blade of the Gnomish Scout, used when an enemy enter close combat.

Blade is enchanted with [Enhanced Cut]

Value: 500HP

Gnomish Scouts long knife [Tier 2]

Long Knife

The favoured blade of the Gnomish Scout, used when an enemy enter close combat.

Blade is enchanted with [Enhanced Cut]

Value: 500HP

Crimson Moon Light [Tier 4] [Named]

Aura Sword: Katana

One of the eleven famed sword from the Forsaken Blacksmith Izaiah warpsorrow, it is made from strongest metal from the planet Aspen, Aspenite, a metal that is famous both for its ability to not only conduct mana, but enhance it.

Blade is enchanted with [Enhanced Cut] [Bloodletting][Anti-clotting] [Mana conductivity] [Mana Enhancement] [Crimson Light slash]

Value: 248000HP

Emergency Stim [Tier 1] x 5

Med-Pen

An emergency Stim filled with medical nanites

Value: 50HP

Modified plasma pistol [Tier 3}

Hand Gun

A standard plasma pistol modified by novice engineer. High energy bullets intended to stun or kill depending on which setting used. Highly effective against beings without the ability to use mana.

Plasma battery will recharge so long as it retains a charge.

Value: 1250HP

It was no wonder that Arai and the rest of the yakuza wanted that sword back, it was a named blade and the single most expensive piece of equipment that he owned, it was ten time more expensive than the entire armour set he got from Trey.

It all honesty he was tempted to just sell it, as far as he knew they still thought that it had been stolen from him but how long was that going to last, he was also worried about what they would do to him if he didn't have it on him.

Bryn was pleasantly surprised though by the value and quality of the gun he had gotten off John when everything first happened.

The Dual blades was a nice find, Gilbert had a selection with each doing their own thing, but he wanted something he could use as a basis and he had been trained to use knifes similar to this when he was learning from his aunt so it was a full gone conclusion that he was going to keep them when he first saw them.

The attendant came back in and with a wave of his hand, Bryn put away all of the items that were on the table into Trey's ring, it was the same as Gilbert's but he had decided to keep this one and not sell it.

He wasn't sure whether he kept it because he wanted to use it, he liked the design of it or whether he was keeping a memento of the first person he had killed.

He didn't know and it wasn't something he was ready to find the answer to.

The attendant transferred him his cut of the profits and the two went their own ways, only Bryn was significantly richer then when he first entered the auction house.

6400HP

The Combined total saving of Trey and Gilbert's life savings as a Hero was 6400HP.

Sure, they may have had some Hero Points put away in the System but they were essentially in a saving account, there was no way for him to get at it, so that was it, 6400HP.

He had sold both the armours, The excess weapons, the poisons and the random Items the two had collected over their time as Heroes.

Everything they had earn through hard work, death defying feats and risking life and limb in an attempt to save those who called out for aid...and he sold it all as if it meant nothing.

That thought was going to haunt him for a while but Bryn knew that he had to push it down, lock it up deep inside of him alongside the guilty thought he had over killing Trey and Gilbert, the bad thoughts over who his parents really were, whether his friends from back home got lynched because of their past friendship, he knew that he couldn't think about any of it because if he did, he wouldn't be able to do what needed to be done.

He now had the money; it was time to buy the gear.