[Affirmative, Host]
The system chimed in, and the text across the panel shifted smoothly.
[System Benefits Granted to the Host:
1. Mind Shield — The Host is rendered completely immune to all forms of mental interference, including but not limited to mind reading, mind control, memory manipulation, illusions, empathic intrusions, and other psychic abilities.
2. Soul Guard — The Host's soul is fully protected by the system, rendering all forms of soul-based attacks and manipulations ineffective.]
Asher gazed at the system interface with a subtle smile. With this protection, he was no longer a walking open book. In this world, individuals capable of reading minds did exist, though they rarely spoke of such abilities.
After all, mental intrusion was a hidden trump card, guarded in silence. Still, such individuals were exceptionally rare.
'How does one even defend against soul attacks in this world? Are there truly individuals born with soul-related abilities?' Asher pondered, a faint crease forming on his brow.
He shook his head, brushing the thought aside. There was no point in dwelling on such things that didn't affect him.
'System, provide the details of the rapier,' Asher thought, his eyes drifting down to the weapon still resting in his grasp.
[Affirmative, Host]
[Name: ???
Description:
A soul-bound weapon, awakened through the Host's longing affinity for the sword. Unlike conventional rapiers, typically designed for speed and precision thrusts, this blade defies standard limitations. It exists beyond the boundaries of form and expectation, a manifestation of the Host's will and essence.
Abilities:
1. Position Marker — The rapier allows the Host to teleport instantly to any of three marked locations. No cooldown. Unlimited range. Requires no Astra. Immune to spatial interference.
2. Astra Veil — The rapier passively stores up to 30% of the Host's total Astra reserves, preserving energy for any moments.
3. Crimson Pact — The blade passively absorbs the blood of defeated enemies, using it to regenerate the Host's injuries without conscious activation.]
Asher's smile deepened as he read through the system's notification.
He examined each ability granted by the rapier, his expression glowing with quiet satisfaction. And why wouldn't he smile? Even the first ability alone was already overpowered.
He could teleport to any location marked by his rapier, no Astra required, no concern for distance. In moments of danger, this would be his ultimate escape route. Though limited to three marks, Asher felt no disappointment; he was content, not greedy.
The best part? Even spatial restrictions meant nothing. He could bypass them entirely. 'Simply too overpowered,' Asher mused, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes.
The second ability; Astra Veil, was another game changer. The rapier could passively store up to thirty percent of his total Astra reserves, effectively acting as a reservoir for emergencies.
Asher could sense the Astra stored within the blade; it was intimately connected to him. With a single thought, he knew the stored energy could be transferred instantly into his body.
However, he couldn't draw on it now, his Astra veins were already brimming, overflowing with Astra. What made this ability even more remarkable was its passive regeneration.
The moment any amount of Astra, be it a mere one percent, was used, the rapier would immediately begin replenishing that exact portion without delay.
Then there was the final ability; Crimson Pact, a passive effect that allowed the rapier to heal his injuries by absorbing the blood of his enemies. However, Asher quickly realized this ability wasn't as straightforward as it first appeared.
The effectiveness of the healing was tied to the quality and potency of the blood consumed. After all, one couldn't expect to regenerate a severed arm using the blood of mere rats.
The stronger the opponent, the more potent their life essence, and the greater the healing that followed.
Besides, this was Asher's favorite ability out of the three. He didn't know how often he might be injured in the future, but one thing was certain, he had no intention of placing his survival in anyone else's hands.
In this world; Crymora, there were no healing potions, no universal remedies, no so-called healing mages. Instead, healing was a rare, innate ability. People were born with it, not taught.
And even then, its effectiveness depended entirely on how well one honed it, what techniques or skills they could forge from their own unique potential and abilities.
Asher nodded in satisfaction, a quiet confidence settling over him. His rapier's abilities truly covered every essential aspect: teleportation for swift movement, or a timely escape; Astra Veil, a vital reserve of energy in a world powered by Astra; and healing, an indispensable skill in a realm where death could strike without warning. In Crymora, such an ability wasn't just advantageous, it was necessary for survival.
As if responding to his satisfaction, the sword hummed softly in his grasp, as though whispering, 'I know, I'm just that good.'
Asher's gaze lingered on the rapier, feeling the deepening bond between them. It was a known truth amongst Wargraves: every weapon awakened after their awakening always possessed at least one ability. There was no exception.
"I should give you a name," Asher murmured, sensing that simply calling it 'rapier' or 'sword' no longer did justice to the weapon's significance.
He paused, lost in thought, searching for the perfect name.
"Virelass," he finally spoke, the word rolling off his tongue with utter calmness.
"From this moment on, you shall be known as Virelass," Asher spoke with a heavy tone.
The rapier hummed again, and Asher felt the bond between them deepen. Suddenly, the blade slipped from his grasp and began to float effortlessly at his side. Asher watched silently, a calm acceptance settling over him as the rapier hovered there, steady and ready.
'System, what is happening?' Asher inquired, but the system remained silent, offering no response.
'Ah, of course, the system had already made it clear it would not address matters unrelated to itself,' he reminded himself.
'It seems our bond has grown stronger, granting the rapier the ability to float on its own,' Asher mused. 'Could it acquire even more abilities in the future?' But Asher wasn't sure about that since it would make the already overpowered Wargrave bloodline even more broken at this point.
Still, Asher couldn't help but consider the advantages of a weapon capable of independent movement. In the event of an assassination attempt while the wielder slept, the sword could act as a silent guardian, defending its master without hesitation.
And it needn't be limited to assassination, any sudden sneak attack could be met with swift, autonomous defense.