Thanks to his increased intelligence Michael was fortunate to get three new skills.
[Acid Ball (Basic Mastery) – Proficiency: 2.0%]
Acid Ball allows the user to conjure and launch a small sphere of corrosive energy.
Current range is ten meters.
[Death Ray (Intermediate Mastery) – Proficiency: 2.0%]
Death Ray fires a thin, focused beam of necrotic energy that saps vitality from its target.
Current range is fifty meters.
[Mana Arrow (Basic Mastery) – Proficiency: 2.0%]
A staple spell for ranged casters, Mana Arrow creates a solid projectile of condensed mana that flies toward a target.
Current range is fifteen meters.
Michael thought for a bit and went to a clearing.
His two undead followed him from behind.
He wanted to test out his new skills.
Taking a deep breath, Michael extended his hand.
His mana surged, responding to his will.
A magic circle appeared.
In front of it, a small swirling sphere of greenish liquid formed.
The Acid Ball wobbled slightly before stabilizing—a testament to his Basic Mastery level.
Michael controlled the power and narrowed his eyes at a nearby tree.
A raw sight in this mountainous range.
The sphere shot out, covering the ten-meter distance in an instant before splattering against the bark with a faint hiss.
The effect was immediate.
The bark sizzled, darkening as the acid ate away at it, leaving behind a bubbling, corroded scar.
Michael stepped closer, examining the damage.
The damage seemed like what Acid shot, his other skill would do but there was a difference.
The difference was in application.
One shot out like it came from a hose, and the other worked like a true projectile.
Nodding to himself, he stepped back and raised his hand again, this time focusing on his Mana Arrow.
Another magic circle appeared as pure mana condensed into a sleek, glowing projectile.
Michael took a moment to steady his aim while also controlling the power to the minimum before releasing it.
With a sharp hum, the arrow flew through the air, cutting a clean path toward its target.
The impact was sharp and decisive, opening a huge hole in the tree and dividing it in two.
Acid Ball weakened defenses, and Mana Arrow delivered a precise, penetrating blow.
The combination had potential.
More than anything, Michael was happy he now had two more means of attack.
Michael stood in the clearing, contemplating whether to use Death Ray.
While Acid Ball and Mana Arrow had already shown their usefulness, he had yet to test the necrotic beam.
The skill seemed like it would work better on a living target.
As he considered his new skills, his heightened senses picked up movement in the distance.
Commander Rachel and Master Yuan had at some point appeared and they approached with a group of knights.
Michael turned to face them, his undead standing silently behind him like eerie sentinels.
Rachel and Yuan stopped a few paces away, their gazes assessing him before Rachel spoke. "Sir Mic, we're here to transport the bodies of the two mountain apes on the command of the grand mage. The flying ship is prepared to receive them."
Michael gave a slight nod.
He had expected something as Mage Lian had already hinted at this to him.
According to the other party's tone, it was as if it was beneath them to collect the loots of a battle.
Something Michael didn't think he would be able to relate to.
The corpses of the beasts were valuable, whether for research, resources, or something else entirely.
"Understood," he replied. "Do you need assistance?"
Michael turned to his undead griffin and felt it could probably carry something as heavy as the Mountain Ape.
Master Yuan responded politely as always. "No need. The knights will handle the heavy lifting."
Michael nodded and didn't force it. He thought for a moment and decided to head back to the flying ship.
"Okay then, I'll be going."
He waved to Master Yuan and Commander Rachel before jumping onto his undead griffin, dismissing Lucky to the netherworld—a sight that shocked everyone present.
What Michael didn't know was that just as he had envied Mage Lian's ability to fly, his current action had caused others to feel the same—and more—towards him.
Michael landed a short distance away from the flying ship, the wind from his undead griffin's wings scattering dust and leaves across the ground.
Once his feet touched solid ground, he reached out and stored the griffin in his storage space.
As he approached the ship, the remaining knights standing guard took notice of his arrival.
A few of them exchanged glances.
One of the knights stepped forward and gave a slight bow.
"Sir Mic, welcome back. I will guide you to your quarters."
Michael simply nodded, following the knight as they ascended the ramp leading into the massive flying vessel.
The hum of magical energy resonated through the ship's structure, and the interior corridors were sleek yet sturdy.
The knight led him through a series of hallways before stopping in front of a door. "If you need anything Sir, just ask."
Michael nodded and stepped inside, taking in the simple yet well-furnished space.
A bed, a small table, and a storage chest.
With a final glance at the knight, he closed the door behind him, finally allowing himself a moment to rest.
Of course, Michael didn't just drift off to sleep.
He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, but it wasn't because he was resting.
Instead, his consciousness was in his soul.
It sounded strange, but that was exactly what was happening.
Michael could still feel the heightened sensitivity of his soul, a lingering effect of the treasures he had consumed.
However he could tell that even when the effect fades, he'd still be able to access his soul freely.
Right now, he 'stood' within his soul, staring at the red cauldron—his 'talent'.
As he observed it, countless thoughts raced through his mind.