Back on Earth
Jacob gazed intently at his status screen as L continued to impart all the fundamental information necessary for embarking on his journey. "As you can see, your system's functions are rather rudimentary. The path to enhancing your stats lies in the absorption of blood essence. The more adversaries you vanquish, the greater essence you can assimilate from their defeat to fortify and elevate your various attributes. The system has been devised to facilitate your journey by meticulously monitoring your advancement until you attain the strength required to unleash the full extent of your inherited power. It will be at that juncture when both I and the system will have fulfilled our roles and will fade into oblivion. My duty is to endeavor to prolong your existence and help you to actualize your utmost potential," L disclosed to Jacob.
Jacob pondered the information he had received and realized that his only path forward involved taking a life. However, he contemplated what exactly he would be capable of ending. It dawned on him that he would need to accompany his father on the next trip to the slaughterhouse when they would be processing livestock. L had explicitly mentioned that he could only assimilate the vital essence of any being that he had personally killed.
When the sun had disappeared from the sky, Jacob sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, bathed in the soft moonlight streaming through the window. With closed eyes, he breathed steadily, clearing his mind as per the guidance provided by L earlier to connect with his mana. L had mentioned that the speed of sensing mana for the first time depended on talent, but reassured Jacob that his entire being had been refined to harness his newfound bloodline power, ensuring he would have no difficulty in sensing mana.
He cleared his mind and continued with slow, rhythmic breaths. Gradually, he lost all sense of time until a sudden tingling sensation enveloped his skin. Instantly, he recognized this as the phenomenon that L had previously described to him. He concentrated on the sensation it evoked within him and commenced the endeavor of drawing that feeling into his being. Sensing the mana permeating his skin and infusing his essence, he gained heightened mastery over it, guiding its flow from his fingertips throughout his entire form, directing it to construct what L had referred to as a mana pathway.
As the mana he absorbed traversed through the various dormant nodes in his body, Jacob commenced drawing mana from the surrounding environment and enhancing its circulation with increased efficiency. L silently hovered in front of Jacob, a subtle smile gracing his countenance, while Jacob diligently focused on the intricate art of mana circulation as imparted to him. As Jacob manipulated the mana, his hair gradually began to elongate and undergo a chromatic transformation. His complexion grew paler, his ears subtly acquired a more pointed shape, and his eyes, although closed, commenced a shift in hue.
L observed as the tattoo above Jacob's heart gradually resurfaced, becoming more distinct from its previously faded state. When Jacob sensed he had reached his limit in drawing in mana, he ceased his efforts and instead circulated the mana he had already absorbed throughout his body as he had been taught, repeating the process twice more before finally reopening his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he perceived an enhancement to all his senses. His gaze met L's, prompting a surge of anticipation and confirming his success. Jacob hastened to the mirror at his dresser, where he beheld his reflection with profound satisfaction.
He yearned to shout to the heavens, but mindful of the late hour, he tumbled from his stool and gazed at the ceiling, chuckling in disbelief at the newfound abilities he possessed. He pondered the possibility of becoming the clandestine guardian of humanity, thwarting malevolent forces and safeguarding the world, which brought a smile to his face.
L instead had other intentions as he discerned the young boy's musings, yet he refrained from articulating them at present. He was cognizant of the fact that the child required ample time for maturation. L cleared his throat, "Ahem, why don't you attempt to check your status now?" Jacob excitedly opened his status menu.
Name: Jacob
Species: Human
Bloodline power: Crimson Sword
Title: Scarlet Sovereign (Inheritor)
Speed: 24 (15)
Dexterity: 26 (15)
Strength: 28 (15)
Perception: 30 (20)
Focus:17 (10)
Mana:3,000
Skills
Rulers Might (Active)
User utilizes bloodline power to increase all stats. Scales with user's strength.
Remark: "A monarch gazes down upon all others and stands unparalleled."
Explosion (Passive)
Whenever the user's life is in danger and is directly targeted, all stats are boosted by a multiple of 10 for 5 minutes. This places extreme stress on the body and will leave user incapacitated for an unspecified period of time.
Recovery (Active)
User utilizes the essence of those slain to recuperate and nurse injuries. The stronger the essence of the slain, the more apparent the effect
Crimson Sword (Active)
User utilizes the essence of the slain to cultivate and increase the strength of users bloodline ability.
Jacob stared at the changes to his status menu with a open jaw before he became giddy with excitement. L continued drilling Jacob on the basics of what he should know about his bloodline while Jacob smiled goofily the entire time. His life was about to become so much different, he could just feel it.
If only he really knew just how true that really was.