NOVEL NEXT Chap 168: Sapphire Rank.
What was I doing? My mind is very confused, I feel vague memories of some things, but I can't fully focus to remember. Was I doing something important? My mind is still exhausted, my eyes heavy, and my body completely drained of energy. Can I move a little? I try, and yes, I can—I feel a slight pain when I attempt to move my arms.
I slowly open my eyes, a faint light streaming through the window, partially illuminating the room. When I finally manage to open them completely, everything makes sense—this is my room. Thirst and hunger invade me with a force I've never felt before. I grab a few water bottles and sandwiches placed beside me and devour them as if my life depended on it.
At last, with a full stomach, I can order my thoughts. "Am I already a Sapphire rank?" I immediately open my status to check my situation.
Maki: 12 years old – Intermediate Sapphire
ABILITIES:
Death's Sharpness (IV) – Level 9
Warlike Architecture (IV) – Level 3
Deadly Arcane Construction (IV) – Level 3
Personal World (IV) – Level 3
Thundersnow (IV) – Level 1
Electrifying Charged Steps (III) – Level 12
Vital Synthesis (III) – Level 19
Crushing Zone (III) – Level 7
Raging Electrifying River (III) – Level 3
Laws and Pseudo Laws:
Yin Yang Law: Life and Death
Celestial Domain Law: Space
Pseudo Law of Ice
Pseudo Law of Sharpness
Pseudo Law of Electricity
Standard (Special) – Rank 1
Shit! I'm an Intermediate Sapphire! I had already expected it, but it's still shocking news. I suspected it from the requirements, though I didn't know if they could vary for me, since I possess so many high-ranked abilities and Laws that shouldn't even be normal at my stage.
At the bottom of my status, I see something that wasn't there before. Standard? Special? Rank 1? Is this what my grandmother mentioned—that which unlocks for certain Sapphires after meeting specific conditions? A storm of questions fills my mind. Though my hunger and thirst have been appeased, I'm still exhausted. I lie back down to rest and think.
I glance sideways and see Glia sleeping peacefully beside me. For a moment, I consider waking her, but I don't. I'll let her sleep a little longer—and if she doesn't wake up on her own, I'll rouse her later.
Right! My cube. I immediately dive into my subconscious to check the fissures. They've improved significantly since last time; ascending has closed many cracks, and now the movements don't hurt as much. I try using magic and… the pain is bearable. I can begin slowly healing the damage.
Where's the Hero's Mark? I search everywhere but can't find it. After nearly panicking, I recall the words of the omnipresent voice. Did it fuse with my Standard? That must be it. Then, is that why my Standard is ranked special? It's the only logical explanation I can come up with.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
"I need answers." I inject a bit of mana into my body to try standing up and I'm stunned by the sheer volume of mana in my reservoir. Not only that—the ease with which I can manipulate it is on another level. "This is fascinating." I've never felt mana so light, so easy to handle and understand.
I test my Imra to be sure—and it's very similar. The amount I can manipulate is immense, and I can move it like an extension of my body, molding it with incredible delicacy. Before, my Imra had gained a weight or density, but now it feels like a natural part of me that I can freely send everywhere, only injecting it into spells when I choose.
I try picking up objects with my Imra, the control's precision flawless. I grab a bottle of water and… crush it. Oops. Looks like I still need to practice applying the right amount of strength. I can't help but smile as I look at my hands—I'm much stronger than before. Much, much stronger.
As I'm about to change clothes, I notice the strong smell coming from me. Before heading out, I need a bath. I sink into the tub, letting my muscles relax after being tense for so long. I still don't know how many days I've been asleep.
"Let's make good use of the time." My mana shifts into life mana, flowing directly to my cube as Sus taught me. It's time to treat the cracks little by little. At first, I feel resistance, but with more force I break through.
I frown at this. My cube is in much better shape—fortified enough for the pain to be tolerable during treatment—but that's also a problem. Its defenses are stronger now, and it took effort to push the mana through. After several attempts, I manage to adapt, and it becomes easier.
I cut my arm and attempt to heal it. This time, my life mana flows without resistance. "Weird…" Is the problem only my cube? Or is it related to the special Standard? Since I don't have answers, I set the thought aside and relax while continuing the healing.
Nearly an hour passes in the bath, and I've only managed to mend a few cracks. "This will take a long time." Maybe weeks if I balance it with other tasks—or just days if I dedicate myself to it nonstop. It'll depend on how much time I have left before leaving for school.
I focus on my body. Only now do I realize the changes. I feel stronger, lighter, faster—a very noticeable difference with my mind fully clear. Physically, I haven't changed, but the mana and Imra coursing through me feel far more powerful, fortifying me.
"This is wonderful." My body can now be empowered with all my mana without risk. Before, I feared losing control and bursting something inside me, but that's no longer a concern. The amount I can channel exceeds that of Emeralds by far, giving me a total boost in strength.
"Now I can finally test a few things." With this new mana pool, improved control, and enhanced body, I can attempt the technique I've been planning for so long. "But first, there are some things I need to settle."
I focus again on my cube. In the center, the Standard stands tall and imposing: a firm pole holding a white banner edged with golden trim. At the top of the staff, the same dragon figure from my Hero's Mark glimmers. A fusion, without a doubt.
"What should I call it? The Hero's Standard. That sounds right." That's how I'll present it to my parents and grandmother.
Then, another object catches my eye: the reward I obtained months ago from the Fallen Hero's dungeon. Ho and Gase told me it was best to wait until I ascended for maximum benefits. I wouldn't have understood it properly before, even if they explained.
Did I need my Standard first? Everything seems to lead to this new treasure inside my cube. The urge to use it is enormous—I almost lose to myself—but my willpower wins. I'll wait until my cube is fully healed before unlocking it. Once that's done, I'll use the dungeon's reward to deepen my understanding of my special affinity. Hopefully, it will let me enhance my movement ability; otherwise, losing such a chance will be painful.
Ready to find my family, I decide to finally wake Glia. She's been sleeping for two hours while I bathed and experimented with my new strength.
"Finally, you're awake! You've been out for many days." My little sister leaps with joy—I catch her midair and hug her tight.
"I missed you too, Glia. By the way… how many days was I asleep?" She looks at me with exaggerated seriousness, striking a proud pose that I'm sure she copied from Marga.
"I don't know. Many days." Her answer leaves me blank. My scatterbrained little jaguar—she doesn't care unless it's interesting. Being a child is troublesome sometimes.
She slips back into my cube to keep sleeping. "I stayed up many nights watching over you. I deserve to rest." She eyes her new resting spot, grumbles a little, then curls up like a cat.
I step out, renewed with energy. Having plans and questions buzzing in my head fills me with the drive to seek solutions, not problems. Walking through the halls of my home, I greet everyone. Once outside in the garden, I spot someone sitting in the distance. My heart warms at the sight of my brother.
"Sers? Is that you? What happened to you?" When I call him, Sers turns with a broad smile—but I'm left in shock at his state. The surprise nearly makes me collapse or run toward him to ask: What happened? Why hasn't he healed? Who did this to him?