Just as I got the notification, a wave of fire energy spread to every cell of my body. This spread was one of the strongest, as my muscles drowned under this fire elemental energy, along with the burning pain; I also felt my muscles strengthening.
It was like my muscles were maturing, becoming stronger and more flexible. One more notification appeared.
[Due to the perfect formation of the Fire Affinity ring, you have received a +15% increase in strength stats.]
[You can now use skills that require Fire Affinity.]
A smile bloomed on my face; all this cultivation and enduring and going through pain was because of this.
Forming an affinity ring not only allows you to use skills of that particular affinity but also gives extra stats based on the nature of the element and the stability of the ring formed.
"System, there was an S-rank skill from a free pull related to fire, wasn’t there?" I asked.
– – –
[Name: Solar Breaker]
[Rank: S]
[Type: Skill/Hand-to-hand combat]
[Description: A short-range straight punch that causes fire eruptions on impact inside the target’s body. There’s even a chance of causing staggering in larger foes.]
[Effects:]
– Damage: 200% Strength + 150% Fire
– Burn Duration: 4 seconds
– Cooldown: 10 seconds
– Mana requirement: Manual
[Requirement: Fire Affinity]
– – –
[Would you like to learn the skill?]
"Hell, yes," I agreed immediately.
The skill book turned to particles and was absorbed in the chest. Next, I focused on using the skill; immediately, both my fists and half of my forearms were covered in bright yellow fire.
The fire didn’t burn, but I could feel the power of my punch; anybody below Grandmaster rank is getting pulverized by this punch. It’s a shame; I have nothing to test it against.
My eyes darted towards the Eternal Tree; I thought about punching it for a second but decided against it. I knew my punch wouldn’t do any significant damage, but it still felt wrong somehow.
"If only there was something to hit on," I lamented while my fist burned; keeping them on didn’t require much mana.
Suddenly, the trunk of the tree showed slight movement. I became alarmed, but the next second, an almost dead-looking trunk appeared in front of me, pushed forward by the tree itself.
’Was this tree sentient, but I didn’t feel anything for about a month?’ I thought.
"Thanks, buddy," I commented as I raised my fist and shot straight at the trunk.
For a second there was only impact, which almost broke the trunk. But the next moment, the trunk imploded from inwards, causing splinters to fly in the air.
"Now that is what you call a freaking punch," I remarked at my own attack.
Opening the system panel, I glanced at my strength tab.
[Strength – 700 (+42) (+105)]
{AN: Base (+6% from open nodes) (+15% from affinity ring)}
Satisfied with the result, I stopped the skill and used Insight Eye on the tree. I hadn’t used this because there was no reason for it, but now I felt curious.
"Complete results, system," I stated as I used the Insight eye.
– – –
[Name: Eternal Tree]
[Race: World Tree]
[Rank: Eternal-Rank (an existential being, depends on the realm)]
[Threat: None]
[Emotional state: Happy & Sad]
[Description: Born from the last branch of the world tree, surviving the extinction, and earning the name "The Eternal Tree."]
– – –
"Oh, this is much more than I thought. I didn’t even feel it; guess you really are good at surviving. And here I was worried about damaging your trunk." I smirked at my earlier thoughts.
"System, can I talk to him?" I asked.
[Not yet; you need a skill to talk with tree species. But you can try by putting your hand on the trunk; you may be able to feel his emotions.]
"Okay, because I want to reason behind such a contradictory emotional state," I stated as I pressed my hand against the trunk.
A wave of emotions passed over me; I immediately understood the reason behind his emotions.
"You are happy that I stayed and sad because I will leave," I said.
"Don’t worry, I will come visit you from time to time, even when I am not cultivating," I reassured.
Suddenly, the trunk parted like before, but instead of a trunk, a bright, shining green orb appeared in front of me. Just as the orb got in my hands, a panel appeared.
– – –
[Name: Wooden Elemental essences]
[Rank: SS]
[Type: Resource]
[Description: A cluster of vitality of the Eternal Tree, it could be used to evolve any dryad or tree spirit. It could also be used to create affinity ring.]
– – –
"Ohh, thank you for this gift. I will make sure to use it wisely," I expressed my gratitude.
"I don’t have anything particular to give you. But I can make you promise that I will never let anything happen to you and make sure that you never feel alone." I promised in return.
The branches swayed and leaves started fluttering; my hand was still in touch, so I could clearly feel the happiness of the tree.
"Okay, I have a few hours; I should sleep because I haven’t slept particularly well in the last 29 days." I stated as I moved towards the cultivation mat to get much-needed sleep.
Just as I lay down, I fell asleep as exhaustion finally caught up to me.
The next day, I woke up amidst the soothing smell of the tree. After washing and saying goodbye to the Eternal Tree, I deactivated the time dilation and made my way towards the settlement made by Britany and others.
In a few minutes, I reached the place. Seraphine was first to notice me this time.
She hurriedly came towards me. "Good morning, Master Aiden. I hope your cultivation time was fruitful," she said with the same respect.
"It was productive. How’s your recovery coming along? About a week more before complete recovery," I asked.
"Yes, master, please come; we were just about to have breakfast," she invited.
Nodding positively, I followed her. Upon reaching, as always, Felicia greeted me with her cheerful smile, while Thane quipped from the side. Damien turned into a silent devotee and didn’t speak much.
During breakfast, I shared my plan to travel to Roxaban City, the place where the tournament would take place. I decided to take Damien and Thane with me; nobody protested. However, Seraphine did present the argument to watch the tournament.
Felicia seemed to understand most of them all, and she obediently agreed to all my demands.
However, looking at everyone’s eager eyes, I agreed but only for the finals. As we finished our morning meal, I opened the portal and exited the Dominion.
Just as we set foot in the room, I asked Thane to turn into his cloak form; he complied immediately.
"Master, is this necessary?" Damien objected, looking at me wearing Thane.
"It’s better this way; now let’s reach Roxaban City as quickly as possible," I stated as we exited the room.