"System, why didn't you warn me before?" He asked, his voice course.
[I thought Host already knew because as you'll remember from last night, my knowledge directly comes from Host so I thought that since I knew then Host knew as well.]
"Fair enough. It hurts like a bitch though." Lucas said.
[It is suggested that Host purchase a healing potion from the shop to heal the damage caused to your body.]
"Ahhh yes. Open the shop and sort by what I can afford.." Lucas said.
[Ding!]
=====
[SYSTEM SHOP]
Villain Points Balance: 23
AFFORDABLE ITEMS:
• Basic Health Potion - 10 Villain Points
• Smoke Bomb (Single Use) - 5 Villain Points
• Lock Pick Set - 8 Villain Points
• Caltrops (Set of 10) - 6 Villain Points
• Voice Modulation Candy - 7 Villain Points
• Basic Stamina Recovery Pill - 9 Villain Points
• Somewhat Sharp Dagger - 15 Villain Points
• Traceless Gloves - 20 Villian Points
=====
"System, purchase the healing potion," he said.
[Purchase Confirmed: Basic Health Potion - 10 Villain Points]
[Remaining Balance: 13 Villain Points]
Item will materialize in 3.....]
[2...]
[1....]
The potion quietly appeared beside Lucas without much fanfare.
His right arm moved slowly to the side, elbow shaking. His fingers scraped the floor until they touched the smooth glass.
The vial rolled with a soft clink as his trembling hand barely grabbed its edge.
He slowly put it to his mouth afraid that moving any faster would cause his already damaged body to become even more unusable than it currently was.
Gulp!
Gulp!
Gulp!
Gulp!
The potion went down thick and warm, sweet at first like really ripe berries. A sharp bite hit next, metallic and bitter, leaving a faint taste of iron.
Behind it was a sour herbal aftertaste, dry and earthy, that stuck to the back of the throat.
The sweetness was the last to go, sticky and heavy, like syrup that's been sitting in the sun too long.
He could feel his body already start to recover. The cuts slowly closed, turning red and forming thin scabs.
Bruises faded from purple to yellow, and swelling went down. Muscles twitched as they healed, sending a small shiver through his body.
Soon, Lucas was laying on the floor completely drained and covered in blood, grime and sweat but all the injuries had been healed.
"System, just know that I am never ever doing that again." Lucas said.
[I wouldn't make hasty judgements like that, Host. Would you like to see your status?]
"I guess so. Show me my stats."
=====
[STATUS]
Host: Lukas Estellan
Villian Level: Novice Villain – Rank F
Age: 17
Race: Human
Rank: Common (Basic)
Villain Points: 13
Health: D
Mana: D-
Strength: D-
Intelligence: C+
Agility: E+
Charisma: E+
Luck: F-
Overall Grade: D-
=====
Holy sh*t! Most of my stats have jumped by at least one level. The pain was totally worth it. I can't wait to drink the elixir again tomorrow.
[Ding!]
[Did Host also forget that a major reason the elixir was limited to only two spoonfuls a day was because it would put a lot of strain on the body and if it was consumed at any larger amount over a short period of time, it would kill the user.]
[Also, in case Host has forgotten. The reason the elixir is so effective is because it forcefully stimulates the Mana in the users body causing it to spiral out of control and forces the other organs in the body to wildly absorb the Mana and strengthen themselves in a bid to stay alive. ]
"And?" Lucas said.
[This process damages the body so much that eating more than a certain amount in your lifetime will almost certainly kill you. An amount that Host is dangerously close to passing.]
"How do you know so much?" Lucas asked, annoyed.
[I learnt it from host's memories. The real question is why Host knows so little. It seems you were only skimming the lore notes and not reading them.]
"Take that back! Of course I was reading them. Very carefully in fact." Lucas said.
[If you say so.]
"You know what, I'm not arguing with you. I'm getting ready for class because unfortunately, my body is in no state to train right now. By the way, can I now form the Dragon Core?"
[Now? No. But if you're talking about after you have recovered. Yes.]
Perfect! Lucas thought in his mind as he headed to the shower to clean off himself.
----
After his shower, Lucas spent about half an hour studying while lying down in bed
When it was time for him to get to class, he quickly threw on his uniform and headed out the door. As he passed the library, he ran into an unexpected face.
"Hey, Lucas. Over here!" Marie said, as she spotted him.
Beside her was a girl who looked just enough like her to be obviously related but not enough to be a sibling.
As Lucas approached, he got a closer view of the girl.
Her hair was a soft honey-blonde, cut into a blunt bob that just touched her shoulders, with little waves at the ends.
Her eyes were a pale green, round and wide, with hints of amber near the pupils and her skin was fair, smooth, and almost like porcelain, with a light flush on her cheeks.
Her nose was small and slightly upturned and her lips were a soft rose color, full and naturally curved.
She wore tiny pearl studs in her ears. Her hands were small and delicate, fingernails neatly trimmed and shiny.
She was petite, with a slight frame, and moved with a gentle grace that only nobles had.
"Leyla, this is my friend, Lucas. Lucas,this is my cousin, Leyla. You're in the same year as her so be sure to take care of her if you ever see her around. Okay?" Marie said.
"Hi, I'm Leyla. Nice to meet you!" The girl said as she extended her hand towards Lucas and had a broad, cute smile on her face.
Of course, even if she hadn't said anything Lucas would have known who she was.
Leyla Zellivan, youngest princess of the Noclies Kingdom, fiancee of Zacard Tosin and possibly, the most disgusting and despicable person to have ever walked the world of Aquestius.