Chapter 792 - Adjusting the objective
Following Noll, we reach a door that slides open automatically as we approach, leading into a massive circular room.
The ceiling is a half-sphere structure dominated by windows, separated only by a frame of white metal. These windows offer a view of a space crowded with stars and what looks like an asteroid belt in the distance. One half of the circular wall is the inner side, containing multiple doors leading deeper into the spaceship or the base or whatever this is. The other half consists of similar windows. However, these panes are blackened and constantly turned toward the sun we are orbiting, which is, in my opinion, too fucking close.
A single tree grows in the exact middle of the room. It isn't particularly tall, but it has a wide crown full of green leaves that sways constantly as if caught in a perpetual breeze.
Under that tree, a man sits on a bench. He is slightly taller than I am, with hair of an even more vibrant shade of blonde than Tess’s that reaches just below his shoulders. Only now do I notice he is already looking up at me from the book he was reading. He wears circular, thin-framed glasses, which he removes slowly. The motion somehow makes his violet eyes even more piercing, highlighting the golden circles shining around his pupils.
Professor Elian, just as I remember him. I was once his Assistant Professor at the Academy, back on the floor tied to the Ruler of Envy, Tyven. Now he sits here in front of me, not as a replica from the tutorial but as a real person. He looks like he hasn't aged a day since the events that the floor was based on.
"I find I am disappointed by your handler. It is your first day, and yet you arrive late, treating our agreement with a most unwelcome indifference." God knows how many gazillion years it has been, but he still talks in that same tone I totally enjoyed during my time on that floor.
"I accepted the quest just a few minutes ago."
"The details of our agreement were settled between your handler and myself two days ago."
I blink and swear at Ruby in my mind.
"I want to hear no excuses." Elian places the book on the bench and stands up to fix his suit. "What is your current level?"
"That is something I want to keep to myself," I answer.
"I find it remarkably foolish that you believe me incapable of discerning your level by sight alone." He turns to the lumoran who led me here. "Noll, what is your estimate of this man?"
The lumoran perks up, standing straight as if someone had permanently glued a metal rod to his back. He intently looks at me as if seeing me for the first time.
"I can make one based on his mana-displacement, Master Elian," Noll begins, his eyes scanning me. "I’ve been tracking his footprint since the airlock. The local mana flows around him in a way that suggests high-density saturation."
Noll tilts his head, his voice clinical. "His conduction pathways are silent, there is not much leakage or noise. Calculating the ratio of his internal mana pressure against this ship’s artificial atmosphere, and taking into consideration his achievements in Beyond and the rumors we have heard, I estimate him within the Level 370 to 380 range."
Elian hums, his violet eyes narrowing. "A fair assessment, Noll, though remarkably imprecise. I requested an estimation, not a range so broad it becomes meaningless. Remind me, Noll, what level were you when you finished your tutorial?"
The lumoran remains unfazed and answers swiftly, "Level 416, Master Elian!"
"Well above the average. Still, I must inform you that Mister Gwyn here is currently level 402." The Magi turns back to me. The glow of his eyes intensifies for a moment before he shakes his head. "Such a pitiful body. Still, the fact that you survived and Disciple Noll failed to grasp your mana proves you possess some talent. You have been marked as a disciple by Absolute Lissandra Hawthorne... or rather, that shadow of hers currently ravaging the Beyond. Did she truly allow you to fall into such a state?"
"I mostly do things my way. Why would I follow the path of someone who died in the end?"
"This," Elian emphasizes, "is the most arrogant thing I have heard in quite some time. Further emphasized by the fact that you actually mean it. While some of her techniques are ancient and..." he hesitates, "let's say, rather crude and dangerous to their owners, Lissandra Hawthorne was someone that none but a few could ever hope to match."
I just look at him, "Honestly? I think she would kick your ass." There are a few more things I want to say, but saying them might end with me being thrown out of the spaceship.
"That much is obvious. I have no illusions of my ability to face her in direct combat. Am I correct that you came here to earn Everwood?" Elian asks.
"Yes," I confirm.
"Excellent. You just reaching level 400 is a welcome surprise. We can adjust the objective of your quest accordingly. As I see it, you have yet to select your third trait. You will disclose your options to me, then make your selection so that I may observe the process as it applies. In exchange, you will receive Everwood," he says, laying it all out as if it’s a foregone conclusion.
"No. I won’t be disclosing to you my trait offers and my selections," I say. My words make him pause and turn back toward me.
"So you are not entirely dull. But it matters little, in that case, you may leave. I am not interested in..." he begins, but he is interrupted.
"Master Elian, I apologize for interrupting, but if I may, Nathaniel might not be aware of the fact that you always give a vow to keep that knowledge to yourself, just as you did with so many other people."
"He wouldn't be that stupid."
"I am that stupid," I say.
Both the Master and his disciple turn to look at me. Elian exhales as if he is looking at something pathetic. "Such a waste of time." He glances at his disciple. "You won't need him in the lab? I should understand that much?"
"We might need him only maybe for a day or two, Master. I can take on some of the tasks you wanted him for so you can observe his trait etching."
"Very well. Continue your work, Noll, and you follow me." Even before finishing the sentence, Elian begins to walk away, taking my compliance for granted.
Yup, there is no way I’m going to get along with this guy. He is likely much older than his replica in the tutorial was, so I had a small hope he might have changed. But this guy is exactly the same.
For a moment, a memory flashes in my mind, Elian hovering in the air, my black mana trapped by his ability, and then three cubes forming behind his back, each one capable of erasing the entirety of the Academy floor.
I begin to follow him through the hallway a bit more enthusiastically, even starting to enjoy the design of this place. Silver metal, glass windows with thin metallic frames, black-tinted panes, the sun burning way too close, and plenty of greenery. There are more trees as we pass, vines artistically climbing the walls, flowers, and more. It is a twisted mix of sci-fi with a medieval feel and a lot of plant life. Honestly, it isn't bad at all.
Maybe I should give this guy a chance, I wonder. I could try to get some nice stuff from him.
Magi Elian and I enter another circular room after ascending a twisted stairwell with railings ornamented by vines of green leaves and violet flowers. We find ourselves in what looks like an observation room, a cupola made entirely of glass with seats lining the edges. The seats are crafted from wood and covered in fur. In the middle of the floor, there is something akin to a fireplace. Multiple logs of white wood are piled there, and over them burns what I recognize as a Fragment of Eternal Flame, a shifting fire of blue, green, and purple.
"You have my word that I shall keep your trait offers, and your chosen trait, to myself alone. Should my mind ever be corrupted or breached, that knowledge shall be destroyed, as is the case with many other secrets I hold through similar vows. As with the others, the destruction of that knowledge shall be prioritized over my own survival. Should we ever engage in combat, whether initiated by my side or yours, that knowledge shall be erased as well."
I listen closely, and there it is, that unmistakable undertone of a system given vow. It still feels weird to rely on this kind of stuff, but if Rulers and even Absolutes do it, it should be good enough for me.
"That is acceptable. What do I get in exchange?"
Elian looks at me with what I consider graceful, noble annoyance at my mere presence and the question. He takes his glasses out of his pocket and puts them back on, causing his Mana Wavelength Iris to dim. It makes me wonder... just how many strengthenings has that trait gone through? The base is three, but there’s just no way. Even I have four and might get more through some System fuckery. So, five? Sounds like too few. Six? Eight? Ten? Is it even still a Mana Wavelength Iris? Maybe his trait evolved and just kept the same "look," similar to my Preeminence Eyes.
"What do you get in exchange?" he repeats in a measured tone. "Well then, first, let us make certain things clear, so I may avoid tedious conversations regarding what I already know."
Elian gazes at me. "Through my own ability, and not by information from anyone else, I can tell you these things. You possess a Mana Physique. You obviously possess an evolved version of a Mana Wavelength Iris. While it is not one whose name I would know, I can deduce its abilities quite accurately. You are level 402, and you are an Amplificator with a base Mana stat over 1700, which, in my personal opinion, I consider an extremely foolish thing to do."
His eyes become even more piercing. "I can tell you possess an Empyrean skill. Your low constitution is a sight to behold as well. I personally am aware of people under level 50 with a higher one. According to my estimation, based on what you have done to your body and all other factors, you have no more than five to ten years to solve these issues. What I can offer you in exchange is everwood and a consultation on how to solve that problem, using my very extensive knowledge."
"I have my own plan already, so there is no need for that. Check up on me in five to ten years, I think you will be impressed. But anyway, I want Everwood and a lesson or two on my eyes. I think I could get more out of them."
"At least you realize how pathetic your use of your eyes has been. Very well, your offer is acceptable. Now, tell me the traits you have been offered."
His voice almost makes me want to throw him out of the spaceship and watch him fall toward the sun, but I graciously decide to be a better person today and name my four offered traits to him.
Predatory Mana Parasite - A parasite capable of ravenously siphoning ambient mana particles through your pores to fuel its existence. Further, the parasite consumes a constant portion of your mana pool, but it can’t digest it all at once. To store the volume it can’t digest, it packs your remaining mana into a hyper condensed state you can use. The parasite protects itself by reinforcing its host, channeling condensed mana through the body to greatly increase physical stats and durability. Any attempt by an enemy to drain or disrupt your mana triggers an instinctive, violent retaliation as the parasite lashes out against anything threatening its food source.
Mana-Absorbent Gastric Lining - The lining of the stomach is modified to break down mana-saturated matter, such as mana stones, materials, or even items. It allows you transform gained energy into a significant temporary stat boost, restore your body using mana, expand your mana pool, or condense your mana. The more powerful the digested object, the stronger the effect; some may allow for permanent boosts.
Empyrean Ichor - An ancient blood that carries a unique Empyrean frequency that predates modern system governance. It remains fundamentally dissonant with the established laws of the current mana system. The blood possesses the ability to absorb the user’s mana and hyper-compress it into a liquid state as it circulates through the body. In addition to that just the circulation of the blood through the body generates a field within that rejects any foreign mana.
Immutable Halo Frame - No matter how much damage the user takes, the Frame remains perfectly intact. Invisible to most, but perceptible to a few, the indestructible golden halo provides absolute stability against spatial warping. The Frame acts as a foundation, allowing other abilities or effects to be connected to it, and any such connections gain the Frame’s stability and coherence.
Comments (115)
Predatory mana parasite, I wonder if redacthanial will just call it black mana. Cuz after rereading the last 50 chapters it seems pretty obvious. Also it explains the, let it in comment about black mana i think by kindness. Nat has some seriously wicked cool trump cards developing. 🤩 tftc!
All the options are ridiculous honestly. The Halo looks like the worst at first glance but when you think about how it becomes a foundation for other abilities... That makes you pause. A creepy ass parasite sounds pretty fun... The ability to devour anything made out of mana is cool but it depends too much on your intake so I'd rule it out... Now the one that takes the cake is the Empyrean Ichor - I mean what else is there to say? Something that predates the system?!?!? Just grab it quick!
The frame feels like the only contender. Ichor converts mana to blood, the parasite feeds on his mana and can react for him, losing control. The stomach lining is useless unless he is finding things to eat with more mana infused than he has. The Frame provides further protection from getting teleported into space. The main draw for ichor seems to be that it works outside of the system boundaries, which is something he's interested in.
I disagree. The ichor converts his blood into hyper condensed mana. That's literally a step towards making his body even more mana conductive, and empyrean skills were already described as being incredibly strong.
Holy hell I love those last 2 option! ^__^
I think he will choose Empyrean Ichor for three reasons
Ichor, literally for the rejects foreign mana part.
Okay but with halo, he can make a mana crown, and even learn how to do a thermal crown, kinetic crown, and even (heaven forbid) a crown for every stat (with manifestation, should he try?) To end up beating Pride and his "Highest stats out of any being ever" thing he has going on
How do I join the discord
time to decline the trait for improved champion rewards, tournament style
So the Halo Frame sounds really good. It protects from spatial warping like what Io did to him, and I'm sure it would seriously buff his ley lines and vessel manifestations. It also mentions being compatible with "other abilities", presumably including Primordial energies. There's a good chance he could even move his constructs to the Frame to avoid them clashing with any future body upgrades. However, if he acts on the advice Trait Grandpa gave him, Empyrean Ichor is obviously the best. Preeminence Eyes turns his sight into "a conduit of raw mana", where "every fiber of the body aligns with the user’s gaze". Mana Physique turns his physique into "a finely tuned vessel for mana", and Empyrean Ichor would essentially turn his very blood into liquid mana. Just as Trait Grandpa suggested, all the traits would feed into each other, all toward the goal of supporting more mana. Which we all know is Nat's dream. Not only does it fit perfectly, but the blood flow itself produces a field that rejects outside mana/influence. It's not explicitly said, but it seems likely that the more mana Nat manages to compress into his blood, the better that field will be. Your average Beyonder might think he already has too many ways of suppressing outside influence, but any normal person like Nat surely knows otherwise. At one point Nat had a thought about how his body would look if it were 60% mana instead of 60% water, and while it was said kinda jokingly, I think that's basically what he's aiming for. Likely much, much higher than 60% though. All of that is not even getting into whatever the hell being "fundamentally dissonant with the established laws of the current mana system" would bring. Mostly we've seen Empyrean effects come with higher damage and a better ability to pierce other mana constructs. Plus this being an effect centered in the blood makes it a prime candidate for something Lily might be able to replicate to a lesser extent in herself and others of their group.
Hard to find a less lethal combo then eye, physique and blood for the trait synergy like the tyrant grandpa said tbh, only thing I can think of is Nat thinks active skills are the best path to dominate like Lissandra & this might influence him for the halo as it can stabilise every thing he will do via those skills hence he can go wild to a more extreme degree
Smh couldn't be who has to pick a trait lmao these sound official ichor and parasite and halo lol dont want to start being like biscuit and eating everything.
Oh also we can safely assume that whatever Elian recommends Nat will choose something different
Was thinking the same he prob think Elian has hit a ceiling already saying Liss will trash him 😭
Damn those are all so sick anything you choose you’ll regret missing out on the others! Good prob tho
The last 2 options were crazyyy. I feel like the Ichor sounds more badass one way or another, it made me think of how Lissandra had superior mana to all, even if it was due to totally different reasons. Talking about Lissandra, I'm always getting so excited every time she's mentioned, she's a true badass.
Soooo, he has to take frame right? Or does he think he has a good enough foundation and the frame doesn't really add to it? Feels like the frame is more metaphysical than physical and so would be the last step in his forever limiting his con, and not an anti to what he was doing with con. Empyrean Ichir seems like a trait he gets for black mana, so insanely good, but not the one he was "going for"
the halo seems like a flexible op buff he can apply to other things whilst the ichor just seems most thematically appropriate for someone so mana obsessed, I can see how linking skills or manifestations to the halo can make the indestructible but hyper compressed mana blood that others cannot take away for a mana obsessed individual, also it falls outside of the system so what can he do with it that isn't intended Nat won't give up or share his mana with a parasite and the eating one seems too situational with having to find mana objects to eat for buffs or regen
If he gets Frame, he could tie his janky-ass constructs to that so his body doesn't blow up. Obviously, putting that stuff on his own body is not going to work in the future.
Immutable, well we have a Winner
Frame would make dealing with the black hole Kindness is in easier.
I think the ichor will not be the pick ... but that would be smart for black mana as he could then not have his mana absorbed ... but I don't think he will want to get rid of mana cycling...
I have always wondered if Nat could treat these offers like a tournament: “Can I forgo my [lvl 400 trait options] to improve my [future] rewards for the [Tutorial] and the [lvl 450 upgrade]?”
Not seeing parasite on the menu or Nat acting like Zac from DOTF and eating crap for Mana when there are better choices. Halo sounds interesting but Im sure he is going to make his own janky version of it, The blood that predates system and allows him to actually turn his blood into Mana and reject foreign Mana which would help with Cristoph says Nat all over it.
What’s DOTF?
Be honest Cerim, how many traits did you break off until next chapter? What are you hiding from us?! "I'm watching you Wazowski, always watching." 👀
I feel like he can do all those things but the last one himself given enough time
1 - nobody can have my mana.. So pass 2 - items, who needs items.. So pass 3 - any mana needs to be my mana.. So pass 4 - i'm gonna look like a saint. I am the most normal here. Also future use.
The potential for permanent stat boosts is the only reason I thought the lining had a chance.
I want to see his reaction, second chapter please!
Biscuit would go for the Mana stomach, Nat will curse at the parasite for even thinking of touching his Mana, he will avoid the Ichor because it rejects foreign Mana and he already can just will any mana under his control, so I'm willing to bet Nat is thinking of the Halo with a brief moment of remembering some of the Frameworks from previous floors.
My guess is either the frame or much more likely, unknown trait option number 5. Ichor could be pretty cool too. I'm sure Elian will tell him what to take, and Nat will struggle with his pride in obeying as its what he wants to take as well. Poor Nat. He's gonna need to beat up so many demons and monsters to vent his frustrations after biting his tongue so much.
Man I really like the sound of Empyrean Ichor (especially cause it feels a little bit like screwing with the system) but Immutable Halo Frame seems like it suits Nat so well and addressed so many of his current needs. Maybe we'll see a change in options once he's done with the quest that combines the best of both of them but I feel like there's always a tradeoff with the system (unless Nat can do a sneaky little subversion).
Immutable Halo would be powerful when tied to Eclipse I think.
His avatar too. Even his constructs would become indestructible if I understand it correctly. Could help with his next body upgrade too. All options except the parasite seem decent, but this one seems the most interesting in my opinion. I’m sure this totally normal person will find a way to replicate empyrean blood on his own by etching some constructs onto his veins or something.
Ichor all the way!!!!!
I think Empyrean Ichor sounds the coolest. I think it even fits the “current”, “conductivity” concept pretty well with his body being a mana system and the liquid transporting it. Immutable Halo Frame seems to have its own connection properties that seem cool as heck and fits Nat’s theme as well. Everything connects together to work together. This is some theory headcannon shit but it feels like Pride’s skills are just ten powerful skills (Sword, Mirror are the ones I remember) but Nats skills are kinda looking like parts of one package. Very system like? Hmm.
I'm so mad he could literally get a mana venom syboite but I dont think he will choose it
Honestly the mana parasite seemed like the least appealing one to me.
Thank you for the chappie!
The obvious choices are either Mana-Absorbent Gastric Lining (infinite growth) or Immutable Halo Frame (overall improvment to other skills and stuff, and resistance to gravity, teleportation, and other shennanigans). I have a feeling that he won't like the idea of eating money, so Frame it is. Fuck the parasite in the body (hostile takover and creepy), plus he can do what it does on his own when he's stronger, similarly with the Empyrean thingy. But the Empyrean thingy could make his future choices work against him as they are system-given. I wonder if the Empyrean one gives a higher chance of getting Empyrean skills though? Another benefit, do system-skills work outside the system? If not, then Empyrean could be great in the future, if he goes to the borderlands.
He's not into snacking, though. So, got to be frame.
Like nath has said many times before he is sprinting down a hill hopinh he wont fall going faster and faster, only empyrian ichor i feel follows thst here. The halo would help fix his body but it's too safe for him. I feel like the ichor one will make him go even faster downhill.
I can't help but notice that parasite quite clearly shores up a weakness (low durability) which we've been told the system almost never does. It prefers to improve strengths. Either Nat is uniquely lucky, or even the system is concerned about his weaknesses 🤣
I’m fairly certain he’ll choose the Ichor. Before that, though: since he himself said “my four traits”, either a fifth exists that hasn’t been revealed yet, or there are only four options—which would make sense, as there’s no clear reason to hide one. Of the options, the Parasite seems weak because it still means depending on an external factor, even if technically internal. The Gastric Lining could synergize with his crafting, but it’s too situational and still relies on outside resources. The Halo also feels inefficient given his current skill set, as it mainly benefits ley lines and his vessel—the vessel being something he’s trying not to rely on heavily. That leaves the Ichor. It’s Empyrean, so inherently powerful, and its origin predating the system could have major, unknown advantages. Mana rejection also shouldn’t be a major issue since he can still convert mana into his own. The key question is practical benefit: could this effectively replace the DIY mana crown he currently uses, providing a permanent and more efficient version of that function?
I agree that it's gotta be one of the last two. Blood sounds awesome and is my first pick, but Halo honestly sounds more like something Nat would choose. It lets him make bigger and more stable mana forms, maybe even linking in constructs and his avatar
It’s going to be the frame because it’s the only one that allows Nat to build on what he has and not replace one of his other abilities
Maybe he can build a mana body or store part of his consciousness in the indestructible halo.
Thank you!
Gastric lining = Palate of the Malafic Viper
Weird-Ass Gall Bladder of the Malafic Viper. No way!
1. Mana parasite would be one of my faves… possibly fixing his weak body? Though Nat’s pride might not allow him to depend on anything external for this such as the parasite, and his love for mana might not allow him to share it either. 2. Mana gastric lining would be cool. Since he studies all them items anyways and doesn’t want to rely on them, having the ability to later eat them after he’s done with them and gain permanent boosts ( probably with pristine level equipments,) could be well worth it. I don’t think Nat cares about a lotta stats other than Mana though, so it might not be worth it for him. 3. Ichor sounds insane. First because it has empyrean in the name, and second because it implies another level of compression. Currently the highest level of mana compression allows for black mana, I wonder if there any synergistic effects with that. A con could be not being able to rely on Lily for healing though if the trait rejects any foreign mana… but how crazy that girl is or Nat, either one of them should be able to change the frequency/ other of qualities of her healing mana to trick his body into accepting it? 4. Halo frame also sounds pretty good, just because of potential synergistic abilities. It has “absolute stability against spatial warping” and can confer that to other skills. Just that sounds pretty impressive. But it kinda also sounds pretty niche. Nat hasn’t really had to struggle against spatial warping yet so just from the description it doesn’t sound something he terribly needs. Parasite would prolly round up his weaknesses (mana reinforcement) but Ichor sounds like the move Nat’s going to choose
He was kinda defenseless against the thylarin with the body swap skill during his beyond mission where he met the last elf, even tacita was defenseless halo frame might help fix this flaw
It’s definitely the gastric lining. It lets him increase his mana pool. He doesn’t need the frame he can just focus his way into that. And black mana is better than empyrean. He doesn’t need another lil buddy he already has biscuit
Hmm.. only 4 options? Usually it is an odd number. My guess is the 5th/5-7th will be revealed tomorrow and itll be a brain trait, maybe more. Tbh im not impressed with these so i sure as heck hope so.. Edit: a parasite sounds awful, stomach lining is only good because he could increase his mana pool, the halo frame is redundant and the ichor resists other peoples mana (reminder. He commandeers other peoples mana A LOT).
To be fair, it does specify that it is an internal field, implying it protects from external mana influencing him. It says nothing about commanding other mana externally. And, an easy loophole, is that he commandeers the external mana and claims it as his own. It doesn't specify how the mana is generated/wavelength, just the ownership. The field generated could easily be opened to external mana that Nat perceived ownership of.
Is it possible to get a new, 5th trait option, if Elian does some shenanigans? Or maybe he might interfere in the assimilation to upgrade one of the traits, who knows?
Halo frame it is. Long term benefits are too good
Interestingly, the Halo and Ichor are opposites. The Halo creates stability and coherence, the Ichor creates dissonance. I think Ichor would be a sick way of training actually. The question is, could he eventually create that effect via Empyrean Lance + Current manually?
"Predatory Mana Parasite" should be called "Predatory Mana Symbiote". Parasites provide no benefits.
Why not, it could be an actual parasite that helps in the short term, but when it grows and becomes powerful enough, tries to take over his body.
I can't believe Cerim didn't hide the choices from us for the next twenty chapters. Is he maybe not a complete sadist?
There's still time, maybe he will hide which one he chooses. 🥲 But seems kinda unlikely, given that Magi will observe him. Who knows.
I like the ichor myself. But I'm sure we are being tricked. Bet at least one more skill that he hasnt listed yet and will be dropped tomorrow with him saying something about it being terrible and no use.
The Halo being indestructible Nat would use as a limitless mana battery , would work with Eclipse and Mana Crown
The Ichor is the only viable option, with a trigger like Empyrean, and predating the system it's the only thing Nat can't get on his own in this list.
It could interfere with the system-given abilities?
I want my money- I bet tree reader that we will know his traits before chapter 800
🤣
I think for shits and giggles parasite is probably what is taken at the end, even if I like Empyrean and Halo more
What if black mana real name was empyrean mana ?
I like how you think, but if that were the case his lance would be black
Wow, such totally normal options.
I like Empyrean Ichor. If Nat aims at destroying the System, this will be the way to do it. 🤔
I don't think the system would offer it if it were a way to destroy it.
Tftc I'm guessing there will be a better one tomorrow.
Nats mana is his and his alone so no parasite. His poor teeth will break trying to eat anything worth digesting so no on the tummy. (Could be awesome for Jean.) Blood seems like a boring safe choice. So nat will never take that. Framework sounds awesome to link his healing passive to but thats also boring and safe so nat wont take that either. Will Elian make a 5th choice available for him??
Do Nat's bones count for the Gastric Lining trait? Like he can regrow his arm and shit. Free Mana Conductive food.
Second option will be the one chosen, cuz MORE MANA, though the halo is interesting Edit: saw some comments on the ichor, which i do find interesting, i'm greedy enough to like that option too
Halo or Emperian are the only choices
Halo is the best individually, but also has the least synergy with his other traits, so it might not be the best choice.
Reminded me of the trait grandpa warning, could still have some synergies although much more active
Basically primordial mana for blood or a Halo. Obviously mana as blood wins especially since it predates the system
I think ultimately it's going to be Empyrean Ichor because Nat dislikes the system and his lack of trust towards it, he fears one day his mana might be taken away from it, but from the description of this trait, he might truly wield his mana as his own, outside of the system's interference.
This is Nat listing them, so obviously he is going worst -> best in order.
Doubt he takes the parasite one because he knows and Liss reminded him not to let anything else bear his mana in his place. Low chance of being The Gastric one because Nat doesn't like to rely on tools, and not sure how the empyrean ichor one unlocks more dominance than black mana when his black mana seems superior to his empyrean skill so far. The Halo one seems like it will unlock crazy synergies with everything else and stabilise that wild black mana. Either way Cerim is cooking gud 🔥
TFTC
Thanks for the chapter
Mana-Absorbent Gastric Lining -> literally mana stomach haha. He could become a discount, janky Savant :D
It’s the last two traits for me especially the last one halo frame but the empyrean blood is crazy
Pretty boy angel Nat, I need art
Ichor! Ichor! Ichor!
For me, it's a toss up between Empyrean Ichor and Immutable Halo Frame. Obviously leaning towards the Halo but the Ichor being "fundamentally dissonant with the established laws of the current mana system" sounds fucking rad.
Until it blocks his system given skills or healing from others.
I noticed something while reading this chapter. HDT... can be categorized under many genres, but isn't it also a comedy book in a sense? I'm usually laughing so hard my stomach hurts while reading the chapters :D
Damn he’s gonna pick the halo. Interesting thought though: since his avatar also has his traits can he have numerous halos? And as a follow-up can he cocoon himself in his myriad halos? Can we have cocooniel?
“allowing other abilities or effects to be connected to it, and any such connections gain the Frame’s stability” potentially stable black mana? Indestructible mana-bloc?
Bet my ass its gonna be Halo. Everything else sounds too..mundane? Normal? The effects are kinda straightforward and there are no interesting gimmicks. Halo sounds like something cool, unique, and cheat-like the most from all choices
TFTC! He's definitely taking the Frame 😅
Disgustingly powerfull traits. So Ichor or Halo?
The system is fair and generous!
No chance he chooses the blood, since it would reject foreign mana. Half his strategy is just swiping other’s mana. He’ll probably take the frame and start transferring his manifestation and constructs onto it, and likely once it’s fully evolved it’ll become the base of his new body
He transforms foreign mana into his own frequency, so I think it'd still synergize.
Thank you for the chapter!
The ichor sounds really cool
Ohhhh, these are some tough choice. I think my favourites are enpyrean blood and immutable halo frame. The blood could be very useful for his ongoing mana tyrant mana dominations. However I could see him using the halo frame alongside his ley lines.
Empyrean Ichor combined with Nat's low constitution would be an interesting mix.
TFTC, my guess is the blood, it's the only thing that will screw up his body even more
i was thinking Halo, but hell, your reasoning makes so much sense
<3
Tftc. As cool as the Ichor sounds being pre-system and all, Halo is gonna be so broken. Stable black mana, stable manabloc items, all types of fragments and primordial energies that can be stabilized. It will also provide some stability for his body before his mana control is precise enough to not ever bother with constitution.
But Nat can get all of that by himself, why take a redundant trait?
TFTC
TFTC!!!