Chapter 44 - Last Bastion [2]
The Ichor, the hailed blood of the gods. An artifact born from Eclecia and the primary power source that fueled the entire nation.
Since it was the main energy source of the fallen nation, the Ichor was left untouched, waiting to restore Eclecia to its former glory.
But because two idiots took it, the nation inevitably fell into ruins, leaving its fate in my hands.
Under the control of Noah Heavenfall, the main protagonist of the novel, the Ichor possessed three remarkable abilities:
It could [Form] to create objects and manipulate them as the user desired, adjusting their volume, shape, and size, provided one was proficient enough.
[Conjure] enables the creation of replicas of artifacts registered in its database, specifically those belonging to Eclecia.
These artifacts can range from something harmless, like a hoverboard, to a devastating weapon capable of destroying a nation, the Sword of Destiny, Insignia.
Lastly, the third ability is called [Copy], which replicates the absorbed object and can upgrade it based on the quality of the original material.
Due to the Ichor's exceptional affinity for mana, it could theoretically enhance the object's original potential exponentially.
However, this comes at the risk of consuming mana in amounts that could be lethal for a normal person.
All of this was possible with the Ichor—provided it was under Noah's control.
Since the Ichor and an Exitium Stone merged with my body for unknown reasons, its functions have altered somewhat.
The ability to [Form] changed significantly.
I can still perform the same functions as before, but now the Ichor serves as its own mana source within my body, allowing me to use it in a more flexible manner.
I can adjust its volume with great precision, making it larger or smaller at will, and grant it colours as well.
Unfortunately, I have lost the ability to [Conjure], which was a setback considering my extensive knowledge of the artifacts in this world.
However, if I gained a power that suited me better, it was a small price to pay.
The [Copy] ability remains unchanged, with one exception: I now have a separate power source.
In other words, my mana storage has effectively doubled. The first source I consume is Ichor, which I can easily reabsorb into my body.
If I deplete that, mana converts into Ichor, allowing both to coexist harmoniously within me.
My body functions like a work of art, with each component perfectly complementing the other.
There are additional functions I still don't know how they work, such as the ability to regenerate limbs and exchange them for Ichor, but I don't want to experiment with my life force again, do I?
In summary, I have become one with the Ichor, the blood of the gods flowing through my veins, which in itself could be considered a miracle.
Although I'm still a talentless hack who barely has any mana, the fact that I have a pure mana core and an Ichor within my body signifies an immense potential that I have yet to understand fully.
From finding more efficient ways to use Libera to learning new Magic Arts that enhance my application with magic.
It feels like I'm running a niche build that can only succeed with the right choices.
If I were to provide a stat screen for myself, it would look something like this:
=======================================
[Aria Cyth]
Former Names: □□□□□□ □□□□□□□□, Kuro Historia
Age: 17
Strength: 0.8
Dexterity: 6
Endurance: 5
Agility: 3
Mana Capacity: 0.5
Mana Control: 13
Magic Arts:
[Fire] [Wind] [Ice] [Water] [Earth] [Telekinesis] [Heightened Senses]
Unique Abilities:
[Ichor] [Memory] [Pure Mana Core] [Cleanse]
=======================================
Now that I see it all in one place, that's one giant mess. What the fuck.
A number of 1 would represent an average adult male.
I would give myself a lower strength stat to make it more accurate, but anything below that would hurt my self-confidence.
Since I have practiced my mana control my entire life and improved even further after learning how to form Libera, I'm confident with my dexterity, which I’m glad to have still.
The other stats are self-explanatory. My endurance remained the same, while my agility had increased, likely because I have a more nimble body.
And my mana capacity is... still insufficient.
Which was horrible, considering it actually improved when the Ichor assimilated into me, going from 0.3 to 0.5, I think.
—Thump...
"I think that's good enough," I told myself as I closed the notebook where I had written everything down.
This information will be helpful once I start optimizing the Ichor, but for now, I'll take a small break.
"Nom nom... you know, this isn't so bad once in a while."
—Nibble...
I savoured a delicious slice of apple, a luxury after eating nothing but canned goods and hardtack.
Unknown patient room, daytime.
If I stared at the window, I could see birds chirping, bringing a sense of peace—the complete opposite of what I had experienced back in the capital.
I should be gathering information about where I am and how Camila was doing, but I... uh—spent the last two days slacking off.
I mean, yeah, I was desperate to know if Camila was okay, but I figured she could handle herself.
She hasn’t visited me yet either, but the reason behind it must be that she also suffered major injuries.
Thank goodness the quack—I mean, the nurse told me about Camila's condition.
She was fine, just resting in a room like mine.
Whenever I asked her other questions, she would look at me with her baggy eyes, leave the room, and bring me my medication.
“What a weird person." I thought to myself as I stood up from the bed.
Truth to be told, I fully recovered, but my introverted instincts urged me to keep up the act and spend the rest of the day doing nothing.
It’s been a while since I've gotten proper rest, after all.
Unfortunately, great things must come to an end, and it was time for me to get moving.
"Hnng…! Mgaaah… I guess that's enough." I stretched and did some light exercises.
This squeaky voice of mine no longer bothered me. It wasn't because I had accepted that I had become a girl, but more because I had given up and embraced it.
My body felt as agile as a cat, allowing me to stretch in ways I never thought possible.
I did make sure to work out now and then as Kuro Historia, but this body inherited everything but strength, dammit.
So while I was doing casual exercises to pass the time, that wasn’t my true intention.
Everything felt wrong the moment I woke up, anyway.
—Voom...
Silently, I created small cables of Ichor, slithering toward the surveillance cameras that watched my every move.
I didn’t know who they were, but it was clear they were keeping an eye on me—even going so far as to install a camera under my bed.
To a young girl (old man) like me, as well. How repulsive.
—Voop…!
Successfully connecting the Ichor to each camera, I expanded it to block the lens, ensuring they wouldn’t see what I was about to do.
This way, I could keep my powers a secret, even if it meant facing a scolding later.
Spending three days doing nothing was an excuse. The truth was, I had been brainstorming ways to use Ichor going forward.
—Voom…!
Closing my eyes, I formed threads all over my body except for my head, starting with my left hand.
'If I knew this sooner, then I wouldn't have gone through the shame of posing in front of the mirror back then…' I sighed in frustration.
Now that I could use the Ichor confidently, I decided to create clothes from thin air.
As I mentioned before, Ichor can manipulate or create things—whether rubbery, tough, or as smooth as silk.
Everything was possible.
—Ving…!
Threads formed on my fingertips, weaving a smooth fabric to wear.
Since I was wearing a patient’s gown, I was practically naked inside, and I didn’t want to go out like this.
"Mm..." I felt a bit strange as the thin strands of Ichor wrapped around my body, touching every inch of my body.
The first thing I created was black gloves for my left arm to hide the markings etched on it. I left my fingers exposed so I could use the Ichor as smoothly as possible.
Still unsure how to create complex clothing, I went for a simple oversized white t-shirt and white jeans afterwards.
It was nice to be able to adjust the size freely, especially since I wasn’t planning to go out much; this would be enough.
"…Did it work?" I hesitated to open my eyes, worried I might have messed it up.
Forming clothes wasn’t as complex as creating Libera, so this part was much easier.
“Whoa, it did work." I flexed my glove and looked at myself in the mirror I had made while creating some clothes.
The clothes were comfortable... too comfortable, actually.
The only thing I have to get used to is that I'm basically wearing my own skin...? Which kind of means I'm still naked. But before I delve too deeply into this thought, I'll try to avoid overthinking it.
The Ichor’s threads were incredibly durable, too, so I wouldn't have to worry about them tearing like before.
“Ah, right…” I glanced at my wrist.
The new markings given to me by that mysterious voice stood out like a sore thumb. It was clear that the nurse noticed them when she kept looking at it.
—Ving…!
“I think this will do.” I created bandages with the Ichor and wrapped them around my left arm to make it look more natural.
It would serve as a decent cover-up for now. Since I don’t know how to make clothes properly, this was a temporary solution.
One day, I’ll create an outfit that truly fits me.
Just thinking about it makes me a little excited for some reason.
"Hehe... ah." I snapped out of it, as if I had lost something inside me again.
...No, I am not excited about dressing myself up, I swear on my soul.
"Ahem… h-how useful this power is, haha..." I nodded my head in satisfaction to dismiss my previous thoughts.
The more breakthroughs I made with Ichor, the more indispensable it became to me. I honestly don’t think I could live without it now.
“Enough of that, it’s time for me to head out.” I took a deep breath and approached the door.
After being abruptly pulled into Aleph with Noah, I spent months in isolation with no one to talk to.
It felt as though I was living on an entirely different planet—a world where only I existed.
—Then I met Camila, another person like me who had suffered through isolation for years.
The despair I felt faded away when I realized I wasn’t alone anymore. Having been betrayed countless times, I decided to trust others once more, even if it was foolish.
—Creak…!
Slowly, I opened the door and stepped into an empty hallway. It struck me in ways I hadn’t anticipated because I was in a hospital, not a deserted building.
“Is there no one here…?” I said nervously.
The hospital's uncanny silence was deafening. What if there really was no one here and I was hallucinating?
I took small, heavy steps, continuing to walk despite being barefoot.
—Vooom…!
Finding it uncomfortable, I eventually made myself a pair of slippers to compensate.
“I’ll… I’ll try going outside.” I nodded my head and attempted to navigate my way to the exit.
Relying on Libera to create craters wasn't advisable—it can be a bit too destructive, that’s for sure.
Even if I encounter something threatening, I ran out of bullets during that fight in Arcadia.
If what greeted me at the door was an Eldia, then I would have no means to defend myself.
—Tap... Tap... Tap...
"Hello...! Anybody there!" I raised my voice, hoping to draw a response from someone.
The hospital was so large that I got lost, but that was okay.
I was closer than ever to seeing what the ultimate fate of this world would be without the protagonist.
Before I had second thoughts, I spotted light streaming through a window.
“There…!” I patted my chest and rubbed my eyes. I was nervous.
Honestly, I don’t even know how I survived.
I was just a regular, average guy who liked to play around with documents. Who would’ve thought I’d endure all of this?
I was supposed to live a life I was content with, enjoying good food, sleeping in a comfortable bed, and hanging out with friends.
It was the little things that made me happy.
But ever since I took this path, such a life would never happen again, and I would have to live with the consequences of my actions.
Just knowing that I had made it out alive, my feelings were indescribable.
—Whoosh…!
Six years have passed since then.
What would be the fate of this world without the Protagonist before it even began?
Did humanity perish because no one was strong enough to face the great evil?
No, that's wrong—it was my fault for underestimating them.
At the beginning of time, humans survived even in the harshest conditions. It was their primal instinct to do whatever it took to live.
So, what happened after a great catastrophe?
“They... lived.” I gazed at the view from a distance.
Against all odds, humanity continued to thrive.
Buildings weren’t destroyed, but were under construction with the collaboration of many.
People weren’t galloping in despair, but smiling, hand to hand.
This was the result of humanity's cooperation—the last bastion of hope for a harmonious existence.
“Ha… hahaha.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
I could hardly think straight at this moment.
“Thank god… thank god I didn’t lose all hope.” Tears filled my eyes as I crumbled to the ground.
Every day, I feared that Camila and I are the only ones alive, but I was wrong.
I’m truly glad… that I'm not alone in this world.
