Reborn In Another World As A Spirit Familiar
Chapter 252: Just A Working Theory

Chapter 252: Just A Working Theory

Later that day, I told Elcrid about finally acquiring the First Hero’s |Skill|.

"So, how’d you do it?" [Elcrid]

We sat in the lounge room, with the fireplace and stuff. Elcrid had his stupid doctor’s coat on, playing cosplay again with a pen in hand. There was no paper for him to write on so it was an odd sight.

"Can’t tell you. Everyone needs their own enlightenment." [Solace]

Elcrid smiled.

"Feeling cheeky aren’t you?" [Elcrid]

"Yeah, I feel almost unstoppable." [Solace]

"Really?" [Elcrid]

I immediately sensed something, warning me of imminent danger. My body reacted on its own, avoiding a pen Elcrid threw at me.

"Woah!" [Solace]

"Hm. Seems to be working properly." [Elcrid]

"What was that for?!" [Solace]

"I was testing the technique you obtained. From my many questions to the First Hero and observations, it’s a passive skill that allows you to perceive and manipulate the unseen. From my guess, your body reacted to either the future, or intent of attack. It was never clear to me." [Elcrid]

That was a lot of words.

"...So I can see the future?" [Solace]

"You can. However, I don’t suggest you attempt it. Even the First Hero felt backlash to it. Though, he had other |Skills| active at all times so that may be a part of it." [Elcrid]

I was very tempted to try it.

"Before you try anything crazy, let me lend you my research notes. Or rather, the summarized version of it." [Elcrid]

I fished out a stack of paper out of thin air, dropping it on my lap with a loud thud.

"...Why does your lap sound like a hard object?" [Elcrid]

"Why is your summary looking like a dictionary?" [Solace]

With a pause, we answered each other.

"My research is at least twenty times larger than this." [Elcrid]

"My body is conditioned to be tough." [Solace]

We both shrugged.

"Sounds reasonable enough." [Elcrid] [Solace]

I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Elcrid, but didn’t expect us to be so synchronized. Putting that aside, I read the summary to find that there was a decent amount I needed to know.

("I have to figure out how to do all of this?") [Solace]

From the list, the First Hero was able to use |Time| manipulation perception, |Mana| manipulation, |Demonic| energy manipulation, |Divine| energy manipulation, |Causality| manipulation perception, intent perception, danger detection, presence detection, |Reality| manipulation perception, and a bunch of other stuff. Basically, I can see everything. If need be, I could also temporarily alter it as well.

("With the limiter I have now, what can I even do?") [Solace]

"Response: Available functions of the |Skill|, |Unbound Mortal|, is intent, presence, and danger detection." [Spirit Guide]

It took me around two hours to finish reading everything. Once finished, Elcrid made a proposal.

"Would you like to spar with me?" [Elcrid]

"Spar with you? I’d lose." [Solace]

Considering that I can’t even feel his presence with |Unbound Mortal|, I knew I was outmatched.

"The keyword is "Spar". It’s to get you used to your new technique." [Elcrid]

I lifted up my shirt and pointed at the stitches on my stomach.

"I don’t think I’m fit for combat at the moment." [Solace]

"Hardly." [Elcrid]

With a clap of his hands, we were transferred to a large white room. The walls were lined with weapons, some of which I’ve never seen.

"You’ve read my research notes, correct?" [Elcrid]

"That shouldn’t even be a question." [Solace]

"Then you should know that the First Hero was able to heal himself by intaking mana." [Elcrid]

"And you expect me to do that?" [Solace]

Elcrid crossed his arms.

"You can see the flow of mana, right?" [Elcrid]

I paused for a moment, inspecting the air. I could see a blueish hue floating around, like I could visibly see air.

"Pretty sure." [Solace]

"Then guide it into your body, and use it to heal yourself." [Elcrid]

I waved my hand, attempting to touch the blue hue. However, it passed through my fingers like smoke.

"Easier said than done." [Solace]

I tried imagining absorbing the energy, but nothing happened as well.

"How am I supposed to do this?" [Solace]

"I’ve no clue. The First Hero was able to use it before I met him." [Elcrid]

"You never asked?" [Solace]

"I did. He said he was always able to do it." [Elcrid]

It’s so hard dealing with geniuses, man.

("How do I interfere with something intangible?") [Solace]

To be able to touch and grasp what is untouchable is something that I never really thought about before.

("If mana is always here, what about mana inside?") [Solace]

I had a weird thought. If there’s mana outside of my body, what about the one inside? Where does it come from?

("|Kindle|.") [Solace]

I used a small spell, one that simply creates light. The familiar feeling of casting a spell and mana leaving my body came to me. Even so, I felt something new.

("This is...?") [Solace]

I felt my body trying to gather more mana in order to restore the amount I’ve already spent. It appeared that I was absorbing mana from the air.

("So that’s how it is...") [Solace]

The reason why the First Hero was able to do it easily was because it was already a natural element. Every person naturally absorbs mana from the air. It’s just that since the First Hero had |Unbound Mortal|, he was able to do it consciously.

("What a cheat code.") [Solace]

I chased after the feeling of absorbing mana, pulling it in. It was different from my other skill |Mana Breathing| where there was a limit to artificial mana absorption. It was more natural, making it seemingly infinite.

("The question is how do I heal using this? Do I use |Small Cure|?") [Solace]

As I had those thoughts, the stitches on my body were pushed out as my body began to heal.

("I see...!") [Solace]

The excess mana that I absorb gets supplied to my wounds, healing them quickly.

"Ah, looks like you’ve got the hang of it." [Elcrid]

"Took a minute, but I’ve got it down." [Solace]

"Good. Now we can begin." [Elcrid]

Opening a hand, a wooden sword levitated from one of the stands to Elcrid.

"Cool flex." [Solace]

Intaking mana from the air, I used it to summon my |Thunderbolt Lance|.

"You’d think using a metal spear charged with lightning is a bit unfair against my wooden sword." [Elcrid]

"Stop acting like the gap in skill between us isn’t as wide as a canyon." [Solace]

With a sly smile, Elcrid took a stance.

"Shall we begin?" [Elcrid]