Elias waited for ten minutes then opened the book. The force split and coated the pages. The stone's pressure reduced, and the Calamity Beast outside probably felt the difference.
Elias could assume what the creature was thinking. It feared the stone creature was stronger than it but also not believing that wholly.
It might think that its ice had almost woken the creature, which is why it stopped in wariness.
Elias skipped pages after pages, seeking for a particular skill that allowed gravity users to lift and move something while they were inside.
On Skill 67, he came across it. Not quite but similar. The sketch explained it using specific material that was very susceptible to gravity energy.
But there were explanations on normal materials, and it was hella hard. It required the use of minor skills and standard skills in a way to make the movement easy.
Not to mention one had to levitate and then push back while they were at it.
'I can't do this. I don't have time!'
He then flipped back to other skills, the ones required to achieve this one. They were Gravity Force applications but in different angles, power application and control coming in good succession at the same time.
Elias flipped forward till he reached Skill 70, and from there it was careful description with some sketches about Black Hole making. However, it was filled with speculation and assumptions.
It turned out even Rand Grimhammer, the patriarch, didn't develop the black hole through gradual mastery but on a whim after he amassed many Noble Skills.
The book explained that he was about to die in a war three decades ago, and he decided to go kaboom, and he did go kaboom but survived because the black hole he created beneath his hammer came under his control.
Seeing that, the president ordered his immediate rescue, but he also spent half a decade trying to replicate that feat.
As Elias read through the decade-long summary of dedication to creating black holes, he realized his family would do anything to have him back.
He is a living description of how to do it. They would never let that chance go away just because they feared him.
'Maybe they know I'm alive through this book, and they are on their way already!'
That made him smile; his hope increased. If that was true, he had to survive.
He still didn't learn anything from their Black Hole experience. He reached the last page. There was a glowing pattern on it, filled with energy. Gravity energy.
He blinked; a hopeful smile rose from his lips. He knew this; he recognized it. A Rank 4 Noble Skill Branded onto the book.
It was this skill that made the stone and protected him.
'It was filled with my energy when I first activated my black hole talent. And still full!'
A soft chuckle left his mouth. 'I see what you did there, grandpa. And I have to say I'm happy for it!'
The brand covered the whole page, and it was complex. With a smile, Elias reached to it with his Gravity Perception.
Different shades of silver, flowing with power, intricate patterns and designs, each with purpose and intent. It was a machine that Elias could control if he knew how to.
Elias laughed. Rank 1 wouldn't dream of touching Noble Skill until they were at least Rank 2 or above. That also depended on one's Talent Rank.
Even he would have struggled to do so, certainly he should have; what changed was he had glimpsed his Majestic Talent, which made this one less intimidating.
Though complex, he was like an ignorant man entering into a vehicle he knew nothing about riding.
However, he was the fuel; all he had to do was feel the movement of the energy and see if he would luck out.
Reaching out, sharp pain stabbed his head; intricate imagery came to him as the stone was being altered.
The Noble Skill didn't need his guidance, only his intent to continue what it had started. If Elias was a bit more skilled or experienced, he would have controlled the shift of the stone or even changed something. But he wasn't.
Drenched in his sweat, Elias sat on a solid, smooth floor; air now flowed in through the winding tunnels that ended with holes to the outside.
The spikes, some sharp, some blunt, but all hardened beyond compare. The stone craft was long now and levitating.
Elias hand reached for the hardened floor; his energy seeped inside. Now this craft could be used to move. The very thing he was racking his brain about how to do.
The book closed, sealed even. Placed before him as the carrier and conduit of the Noble Skill.
Only one thing was needed from Elias: intention and guidance.
'Man. I don't know what to say.'
One time he was desperate, and another time the solution was on his lap. He wholeheartedly recognized the importance of the book and it guidance.
At first, he couldn't read subsequent pages until he mastered a skill. But after finishing with the foundational skills, the book no longer limited him.
'There was deep wisdom and experience from the person that created this book. He knew I needed to learn External Gravity Push and Pull Skill, which was basic and fundamental, he also knew I needed Internal Gravity Core to be able to grasp the Noble Skill and even pilot it like this!'
This was the first time he was having positive thoughts about the man. He was beginning to like him, or just not hate him.
Though he knew the man wanted something from him, it didn't matter; everyone wanted something from anyone.
This world couldn't be survived alone.
Elias spread his perception, but as the stone craft wasn't on the ground now, he didn't perceive the earth vibration vividly, only the wind, and also, the beast was nowhere to be seen.
The book was firm on the floor of the stone craft; its aura spreading out made the Calamity Beast run away.
Like a flying car, the stone craft moved forward toward the water. Some small holes with closed lids allowed Elias to look around.
Tall but scarce trees swayed in the wind; short and numerous trees adorned with fruits and flowers. Hidden within, chirping and insects were ever-present.
The stone craft was half a meter above ground, drifting softly; the bushes beneath bent to a degree until it passed, and the river came to view.
It was red in color, boiling and bubbling. Warm wind blew towards the stone, passing through the burrows. Elias felt its stench and heat. Making his heart to have the familiar skip of beating.
He carefully and hurriedly turned the stone craft around, but the river bubbled up, something emerging and a jet stream of water blasted toward them.
And blasted they were!