NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: Ankush’s First Legendary Creation
[Date: March 10, 2025 | 12:30 PM | Ankush's Bedroom, Kolkata]
As the clock struck noon, a gentle breeze fluttered through Ankush's open window, bringing the subtle sounds of bustling Kolkata streets to his ears. Ankush carefully closed his bedroom door, the soft click echoing with a finality that resonated deeply within him. Today was different—it was a moment of transformation, his very first step from a mere awakened individual into something far greater: a creator.
He placed the materials purchased earlier on his sturdy desk, their subtle glow reflecting gently against the polished wooden surface. The basic mana crystal cores gleamed softly with an inviting azure hue, and beside them lay neatly bundled pieces of mana-infused alloy. Ankush's heart fluttered with anticipation. This wasn't just raw material; it represented possibilities—endless possibilities he could bring to life through his knowledge and newfound powers.
Ankush took a deep breath, gently calming his racing thoughts. With a quiet mental command, the golden interface of his legendary system materialized, illuminating the room gently with its serene glow. Immediately, the intricate, completed blueprint of his Mana Control Laser Sniper appeared before him, rotating slowly, awaiting his instructions.
The rifle's detailed structure shimmered, every intricate circuit, carefully designed rune, and precise internal mechanism clearly visible, a mesmerizing display of his engineering brilliance. Ankush stood in awe for a moment, silently appreciating his own masterpiece, fully aware this design, though only F- rank for now, possessed potential that could reshape the battlefield dynamics significantly.
"Begin construction," Ankush instructed firmly, excitement thrumming through his voice.
The interface gently pulsed in acknowledgment. "Blueprint confirmed. Please position materials on the crafting circle."
Suddenly, a circular formation of softly glowing runes appeared across the desk, forming a complex, radiant pattern of interconnected lines. Ankush carefully placed the materials onto the intricate crafting circle, arranging them methodically according to the precise indications given by the system.
First, he positioned the mana-infused alloy frame at the circle's center. Next, he meticulously aligned the basic mana crystals, situating each exactly as indicated. Once satisfied, he took a deep breath, focusing intensely.
"Activate crafting," he commanded decisively.
The system responded with a gentle hum. Immediately, golden rays emerged from the rune circle, enveloping the materials. Ankush felt a gentle tug on his mana reserves, a faint but distinct sensation indicating that the creation process had officially commenced.
The materials began levitating slowly, floating gently upward as Ankush's extraordinary mental processing abilities allowed him to oversee every tiny detail of the formation process with astonishing clarity. He carefully monitored the seamless integration, ensuring each material precisely matched his specifications.
The alloy frame reshaped itself gradually, slowly morphing into the elegant body of a sleek sniper rifle. Simultaneously, the mana crystal cores gravitated toward their designated chambers, aligning themselves flawlessly in the triangular configuration he meticulously designed. Ankush watched closely, noting every minute detail—the slightest misalignment could compromise the integrity of the weapon's mana flow.
His mental prowess was unmatched, effortlessly tracking thousands of minute adjustments occurring simultaneously. Moments passed, each second filled with tense anticipation and exhilaration.
Finally, after an extended breathless wait, the golden glow subsided, leaving behind the completed Mana Control Laser Sniper, hovering gracefully above the desk, bathed in gentle golden radiance. The rifle's flawless structure gleamed softly under the golden glow, its intricate runic circuits beautifully etched along its slender barrel, resonating subtly with latent magical energy.
Ankush reached out slowly, feeling a surge of pride as his fingers closed around the weapon's polished handle. The grip felt perfect in his hands—exactly as he had imagined—balanced, firm, and reassuring.
As he gently raised the rifle, his vision was immediately filled with detailed mana status information, provided directly by his enhanced Mental attributes. The rifle's performance statistics flashed clearly:
- Weapon Name: Mana Control Laser Sniper (Growth Type)
- Rank: F– (Growth-Type Weapon)
- Damage Output: Low (due to initial rank)
- Range: Extremely Long Range (up to 5 kilometers, exceptional for an F– weapon)
- Accuracy: 99.99% (Precision Engineered Lens Array)
- Mana Efficiency: Exceptional (Low consumption, rapid recharge via passive mana absorption)
- Materials: Basic Mana Crystal Core (x3), Reinforced Mana-infused Alloy, Basic Rune Circuitry, Mana Conductive Alloy
Ankush carefully inspected the finished weapon from every angle, amazed at how perfectly his theoretical creation had materialized. Yet, even in its current basic state, its capabilities surpassed any conventional sniper rifle available to novice awakened.
"It's perfect," Ankush whispered softly, excitement clear in his voice. "But this is only the beginning."
---
[First Activation Test – Mana Resonance Verification]
Determined to validate its practical performance, Ankush moved toward the window, slowly raising the weapon, pointing it toward the clear night sky outside. He gently injected a tiny pulse of mana into the sniper rifle. Instantly, it responded with an almost inaudible hum, internal rune pathways flickering to life, glowing softly as they channeled energy from the crystal cores outward through the precisely aligned mana channels.
A soft beep resonated gently, indicating the weapon's readiness. Ankush smiled in satisfaction.
He slowly aimed, staring through the scope at a distant, abandoned billboard nearly three kilometers away. The mana-infused lenses immediately adjusted, clarifying and magnifying the image with breathtaking clarity. Ankush's vision narrowed to a pinpoint, his Mental stat ensuring absolute concentration and unshakable stability.
With a gentle, controlled mental command, Ankush activated the trigger.
Instantly, a thin azure beam shot from the barrel, silent, precise, and instantaneous. A faint blue streak of mana energy flashed through the air, striking the target precisely. Within moments, a clean, perfectly circular hole appeared effortlessly through the steel billboard.
Ankush's heart surged triumphantly. "Flawless."
The mana drain from the shot was minimal, barely even registering. The sniper immediately began replenishing mana passively, pulling gently from the ambient mana in the air. Within mere seconds, it was fully charged once more.
---
[System Notification – Blueprint Finalization]
As Ankush admired his creation, a gentle notification appeared before him:
[Mana Control Laser Sniper – Prototype Verification Complete]
Rank: F– (Growth-type)
- Growth Potential: Weapon evolves alongside user's expertise and mana control.
- First successful test grants the sniper minor permanent improvements:
- +1 km Range (Total: 6 km)
- Mana Regeneration Rate +5%
Ankush exhaled deeply, satisfaction resonating deeply within him. His creation had already begun evolving, a direct manifestation of his profession's unique growth trait. He lowered the sniper, feeling immense pride surge through his chest.
He carefully placed the rifle onto his desk, watching as it gently hummed with latent power, absorbing ambient mana passively. It felt alive, eager to grow further, hungry for future upgrades.
A sudden knock interrupted Ankush's thoughts, drawing his attention toward the door.
"Ankush?" came his mother's soft voice. "Still awake?"
"Yes, Mom," he responded gently, quickly concealing the sniper in his inventory. "Just finishing up."
She opened the door slightly, peeking inside with a gentle smile. "Don't stay up too late. Remember, you need proper rest to adjust fully to your awakening."
"Of course, Mom," he reassured softly, smiling warmly back.
She nodded approvingly, quietly closing the door behind her as she left. Ankush sighed gently, leaning back in his chair, heart filled with quiet pride and satisfaction.
Tonight, he'd taken his first true step toward becoming not merely awakened but legendary—a creator whose designs would forever alter the world.
And tomorrow, he would begin testing the weapon in earnest.
For now, however, he allowed himself a rare moment of rest, falling into peaceful sleep, the blueprint safely secured within the depths of his Legendary System.