James reached into his bag, pulling out the monster cores he had purchased earlier—the mid-tier ember wolf core, two low-rank frost lizard cores, and the shadow serpent core. He set them in front of him, their faint glow pulsing steadily in the dim light.
Closing his eyes, he exhaled slowly, centering himself as he activated the Basic absorption technique—a standardized method issued by the Federation upon awakening. While it wasn't the most refined technique out there, it was effective, designed to ease a hunter into core refinement without unnecessary strain.
He placed his palm over the EmberWolf core, feeling the heat radiate beneath his fingers. As he focused, the energy within the core began to unravel, flowing into his body in slow, measured waves. His muscles tensed as the raw strength embedded in the core integrated into his form—a subtle but noticeable enhancement.
Next, he moved to the Frost Lizard cores, their cold energy contrasting against the heat of the wolf's. He absorbed them carefully, feeling his speed and reaction time sharpen slightly as the icy energy settled within him.
Finally, he turned to the Shadow Serpent core, the energy within it smooth and adaptable. As he absorbed it, he felt his movements grow more fluid, his balance subtly refining itself—not an overwhelming power boost, but a steady improvement in control and agility.
The process wasn't instant. Absorption took time, effort, and focus. By the time James finished, his breath was heavier, and a light sweat clung to his skin. But despite the exertion, he could feel the difference—his strength had risen, his body responding to the refined energy now coursing through him.
He exhaled, leaning back against the cold stone wall, staring at the faintly flickering lantern.
James exhaled, letting his body settle into the worn-out couch in the orphanage's living room. The dim lantern flickered nearby, its light casting shifting shadows against the cracked stone walls. The night was still, offering him a rare moment of quiet—though his body still hummed with the lingering aftereffects of core absorption.
His fingers curled slightly, testing the changes within him. The ember wolf's strength, the frost lizards' speed, the shadow serpent's fluid grace—they had all fused into his being, a quiet but undeniable improvement. The feeling wasn't just physical. It was deeper, as if something in his very essence had shifted.
James inhaled. Time to check his status.
Status Window—Open.
A translucent screen flickered to life before him, bathing the dimly lit room in a soft glow. His eyes immediately scanned the changes.
Status Window
Name: James Smith
Class: Arcane Ranger (Hybrid – Archer & Rune Master)
Level: 10
Experience: 0/12,000
Stats:
Strength: 18 → 24
Agility: 22 → 30
Endurance: 17 → 22
Arcane Power: 18 → 26
Perception: 23 → 31 Dexterity: 20 → 27
Abilities:
Arcane Infusion – Basic Tier – Temporarily reinforces arrows with arcane energy, increasing penetration and elemental impact.
Steady Shot– Focuses energy to enhance accuracy, reducing environmental interference on projectiles.
Silent Step – Muffles movement, assisting in stealth and positioning during ambushes.
Runic Imprint (Locked) – Allows basic rune application onto arrows, enhancing tracking, piercing, or impact force. (Requires formal rune mastery training.)
Hunter's Precision – Passively increases projectile trajectory calculation, making long-distance shots more reliable.
Hidden Trait (Unknown):
Elemental Convergence (??? - LatentAbility)– Residual energy from absorbed cores has begun subtly interacting with James's arcane power. Sparks of unintentional elemental influence appear in his attacks—flickers of heat, cold, or static energy without conscious control.
Status Effects:
Energy Residue: Body adjusting to absorbed monster core energy. Mild fatigue present.
Growth Potential Unlocked: Level-up process complete. Foundation set for rune mastery development.
Instability Detected: Unusual energy fluctuations recorded during absorption. (Further investigation required.)
James let out a slow breath, the last remnants of energy settling in his bones. His mind still hummed with the changes—his heightened agility, the newfound strength, the mysterious flickers of elemental influence—but exhaustion was catching up.
He pushed himself up from the worn couch, stretching out his limbs before making his way toward the orphanage's sleeping quarters. The quiet halls felt familiar, comforting in their stillness. As he reached his bed near the far corner of the room, he allowed himself to sink onto the mattress, the rough fabric doing little to ease the tension in his muscles.
Still, his mind buzzed. His Class, his abilities, the strange instability—they all weighed on him. But there was no point in worrying now. Answers would come, in time.
For now, he just let his body rest, his breath slowing as sleep finally claimed him.
The soft calls of morning birds filtered through the cracked window, their melodies weaving through the quiet orphanage. James blinked awake, the remnants of sleep still clinging to his thoughts as he sat up, stretching out his stiff limbs. His body felt different—more refined, sharper, though the sensation had become familiar overnight.
He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling as he swung his legs over the side of the cot and rose to his feet. The morning air carried the scent of lingering embers, the orphanage's kitchen likely stirring to life.
James moved through the halls, heading for the worn-out bathroom near the end of the corridor. Splashing cool water onto his face, he let the refreshing chill ease his mind.
He dried himself off and stepped into the kitchen.
Amelia, Claire, and their guardian were already gathered at the small wooden table, simple bowls of breakfast prepared before them. The scent of warm bread and herbal tea drifted through the air, a comforting contrast to the chilly morning.
James approached, settling into the seat across from Amelia.
The moment his gaze met hers, he recalls the scene of her and her sister, sitting in the tub in the bathroom as drops of water glistened on their luscious mounds , and how charming the tips were. His fingers tightened slightly around his cup.
Amelia caught his look, as her face turned as red as a ripe tomato, and she looked away immediately.
James felt his blood rush to his head as he saw her act like this, he thought , "how cute she looks acting like this".
He tried to act normal, he took a bite of his bread, letting the moment stretch as he watched her reaction.