The ability functioned in a manner that imposed limitations to prevent the user from becoming addicted to its utilization.
After all, the power to unmake a being’s existence with a mere snap of one’s fingers was not something to be taken lightly.
Without restraint, he could devolve into a deranged fiend going about callously destroying lives and objects simply because he possessed the ability to do so.
‘At that point, I suppose I’d be nothing more than a depraved bastard enslaved by chaos.’
Northern paused, scrutinizing the panel intently for a few moments.
‘This power… it’s going to bring me a great deal of trouble,’ he could discern.
Most likely, the Chaos Prince himself had implemented the limitation to prevent overindulgence in its use.
‘If this Chaos Prince indeed wielded such an ability… then it’s no surprise he could destroy a sun.’
However, it also prompted Northern to question why the prince never retaliated and instead allowed himself to be shackled by the seven maidens, embarking on a forced pilgrimage to his demise.
‘Is he even dead…’ Northern pondered. ‘…that was merely the mural’s culmination. It may not have been the finale of his chronicle.’
He sensed he was simultaneously right and wrong.
The reason being, within the statue’s eyes resided those orbs: the Vestige of the Chaos Prince.
Most likely, he either left something behind at that juncture or perished there.
It remained a mere speculation – there was no certainty to be had…
‘Honestly, this is such a hassle. I wish I don’t continually encounter these occurrences.’
As much as Northern wished it so, if he was truthful with himself, he could sense he was destined to cross paths with remnants of the Chaos Prince again.
Although, he couldn’t quite articulate how he knew.
Perhaps fate?
Shaking his head vigorously, he dismissed the notion.
‘Stop overthinking it. Let’s just revel in the present.’
Fact was, Northern was now mightier than he had ever been… stronger than most drifters had ever become at this rank.
It would be no understatement to declare him the most formidable [Drifter] in the entire realm of Ul’Tra-el.
And most likely, even Ul remained oblivious to it.
‘Otherwise, she would have tried her utmost to diminish my capabilities.’
An uncharacteristic surge of brash confidence permeated his being.
‘Is this the composure power bestows…’ Northern mused inwardly, a faint smile playing across his lips.
And he hadn’t even finished reaping the full extent of his rewards yet.
This newfound might stemmed solely from the Chaos Prince’s Vestige, yet he was already this formidable?
‘In fact, I still need to examine my other attributes and uncover what active abilities they grant. Now that I’m a drifter, they should all be revealed, right? Including the attribute from the talent I copied.’
A series of new dark-blue panels materialized before Northern’s eyes.
Name: [Formless]
Rank: [Fated]
Description: [A demon of development, flexibility, and adaptability. These attributes enable you to adapt effortlessly to anything – natural phenomena, states of being, mentality, or physicality… you can become anything while applying unparalleled flexibility to reshape yourself. Your formlessness absorbs others’ forms into its own.]
Passive Ability: [Demon of Change]
Active Ability: [Demon of Emulation]
Name: [Demon of Change]
Type: Passive
Description: [You are a monstrous, formless being – a demon that will not cease growing.]
Name: [Demon of Emulation]
Type: Active
Description: [You can emulate anything as long as you can perceive its true essence.]
Northern nearly fainted upon reading the last part of that description.
This ability would ordinarily pose no issue, as perceiving a true essence is an impossibility for anyone.
He had heard his mother speak of it once. That everything possessed a true essence – for humans it was their soul core, the same applied to monsters and abilities, martial and spell arts, even nature itself.
The reasons behind our actions embody the most rudimentary and comprehensible manifestations of true essence.
Why do we cough?
Why do we speak the way we do?
Why is someone limping?
Why does one prefer fighting with their right hand over the left?
Those explanations represent the most mundane interpretations of what a true essence entails.
However, to truly perceive it required seeing with one’s eyes.
Yet it was ostensibly impossible to visually discern those truths – they merely governed the boundaries of common sense.
Sadly, common sense became useless in this case… because, mere days or moments ago… Northern had unlocked an integral aspect of his eyes.
[Li’ae’l: Eyes of the Unseeing]
More information: [Eyes of the Unseeing is the ability imbued within [All Eyes] that transcends common sight to peer into the ethereal strings shrouded by reality’s cloak. With these eyes, perceiving weakness and discerning the true essence of something is just the beginning of what you can accomplish.]
Northern covered his face as his shoulders began to tremble.
Peering into the ethereal strands veiled by reality’s shroud. Perceiving weaknesses. Discerning the true essence.
What other explanation did he need to offer himself?
At this point, he felt an urge to jump and shout in jubilation.
‘I’m certain Ul bestowed this ability upon me of her own volition… or perhaps I received it due to [Perfect Body]. Either way, I don’t care… this may very well be my most potent ability!’
If it was indeed Ul who granted him this trait, then even she was unaware of the grave mistake she had made. This was an ability meant to be a failure.
From conversing like a human to walking like them, fighting like them, effortlessly copying spell arts and martial techniques.
Northern had just become overwhelmingly overpowered!
“I wonder what other surprises await me… hehee…” Northern licked his lips eagerly as he continued examining the panels.
Name: [All Eyes]
Rank: [Divine]
Description: [An extremely rare genetic trait appearing once every ten generations. As of now, not much is known about your esoteric blue eyes.]
Passive Ability: [Eternal Gaze], [Perfect Body]
Active Ability: [Li’ae’l: Eyes of the Unseeing]
‘Indeed… I remembered correctly,’ Northern carved a sly smile as he verified it matched his recollection.
Then he scrutinized the next panel:
Name: [Spawn of Void]
Rank: [Mystic]
Description: [You are a Spawn of Void, enabling you to detect and manipulate Void essence to an immense degree.]
Active Ability: [Void Force]
Name: [Void Force]
Type: Active
Description: [You can materialize an invisible defensive field around yourself using Void essence. This field renders all attacks useless.]
Name: [Limitless Void]
Rank: [Mystic]
Description: [Limitless Void is a metaphysical realm existing within your soul.]
Active Ability: [Limitless Void]
Name: [Limitless Void]
Type: Active
Description: [Within your soul dwells a metaphysical world. You can store items and individuals in this realm. Furthermore, you can manifest this world to temporarily or permanently occupy a plane of reality.]
Additional Information: [Souls consumed by Void come to reside in this world. You can summon them by uttering their names. Currently, two souls inhabit the Void:]
[Koll – Alter]
[Dark Terror]
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[A/N]
What do you guys think about Northern’s abilities.
Keep the comments flowing.