The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

[> Project (Upgradeable Sub-Skill)]

[The Project Skill gives one the ability to create silver projections of themselves to carry out duties, strenuous tasks and objectives that would be rather difficult or dangerous]

Its three Tiers intrigued him:

[Tier 2: Project Basic – Create translucent projections for simple tasks. Cost: 50 Skill Points.]

[Tier 3: Project Genuine – Create an exact physical copy capable of combat and stronger tasks. Cost: 200 Skill Points.]

[Tier 4: Project Supreme – Create physical copies to perform leveling tasks independently, with the Player reaping the benefits. Cost: 400 Skill Points].

Aeric's eyes widened. 'Hold on a minute. Would you look at that! So Project Supreme could create clones that can cultivate and clear dungeons while I gain the rewards doing nothing.'

He chuckled, impressed. "Tier Four could make me the laziest prince alive."

Placing a hand on his chin, he thought. 'You know, [Project] is the only Skill that I haven't tested out yet. Let's see exactly how it does.'

Using his will, he navigated through his five present Sub Skills and found the [Project] Skill. Aeric activated it.

In response to that, a surge of silver-blue energy coursed through him, and before his astonished eyes, a shimmering figure emerged from his body. It solidified partially, sitting beside him on the bed.

Aeric raised a brow, surprised.

The projection resembled him perfectly, though faintly translucent, like a reflection in still water. It also seemed to have no facial reaction, like it was a robot or a statue. Must be the lack of a soul.

Aeric blinked. 'How do I make it do stuff? With a simple command I guess. Easy tasks... nothing too complicated.'

He looked around, then grinned. "Alright… take that tray to the kitchen," he ordered, pointing at the tray he had used to eat.

The projection moved seamlessly, picking up the tray and walking out of the room, with no expression on its face.

Aeric's excitement bubbled. He followed it out of his room and stood on the staircase as it entered the kitchen. Hopefully none of the maidens were awake.

He watched as it returned moments later, climbing up the stairs. Aeric entered his room and it followed suit, now standing dutifully before him.

"This… is incredible," he whispered, his mind racing with possibilities. He started walking around the projection, inspecting its head, eyes, hair... bum.

'How many Projections can I make?' he thought. He activated the Skill again and two other silver blue clones of him appeared out of his body.

Aeric grinned, really excited. 'Is there a limit?' he thought, wanting to explore more. But before he could experiment further, a soft chime echoed in his mind — his system's reminder. Time for cultivation.

Aeric sighed, glancing at the projection. "Alright, we'll continue later." He dismissed the Projections, watching as they dissolved into a silvery mist.

Rolling his shoulders, he stepped onto the mat laid out in the center of his room. "What was it again that I was going to do tonight? It can't be Body Tempering since I'm finished with that. I think the system said it was Essence Condensation."

Aeric sat cross-legged on the mat, the silver-blue glow of the moonlight from his window spilling across his room.

His breath steadied as he cleared his mind, trying to chase away every other thought as he readied himself to take on the next challenge. The system interface floated before him, shimmering like a spectral guide.

[Cultivation Exercise — Essence Condensation]

[Technique — the Dragon Breath Technique]

'Dragon Breath,' Aeric thought. 'That's one of the cultivation techniques Ms Cresttla taught us.'

The system continued, explaining the exercise in detail.

[Essence Condensation focuses on strengthening the Divinity flowing within. Mastery allows the user to manifest physical Divinity, enabling offensive blasts and non-skill-based attacks].

Aeric raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Manifest Divinity into physical form? I remember..." His mind raced and he brushed a hand through his disheveled hair. "I remember doing something like that back in the Dungeon. When I saved Alzera. I struck that beast with a red blast of energy. Was that it? Was that Divinity in its physical form?'

The system didn't have an answer to his question, but rather continued with its lecture.

'This technique is best practiced after Body Tempering and Meridian Cleansing, both of which you have successfully completed. Commendations].

[Begin: Assume the Dragon's Pose: kneel on one knee with the other leg extended forward, arms curved like a dragon's wings at your sides, and hands forming claws.]

'Well that sounds uncomfortable,' Aeric frowned.

[Channel Divinity through your core as though breathing it in and out, mimicking the rhythm of a dragon's breath].

Aeric stood, mimicking the pose displayed on the interface. He lowered himself onto his right knee, stretching his left leg forward. His arms curved outward, fingers tensed into claw-like shapes.

"Ugh... yeah. Pretty uncomfortable."

The position strained his muscles slightly, but he found balance after a while.

[The flow of Divinity must pass through every Divine Vessel in your body]

[Visualize your Divinity as a river once again, coursing through you. Now, imagine the river circulating into a sphere. That sphere is your Divine Core, the reflection of your Divine Body].

Aeric's eyes stayed close, following as the system said.

[Condensation occurs when the river pools into a single, concentrated sphere at your torso. Visualize your Divine Core through the visualization of your Divinity itself. By creating the core with your mind, you will successfully condense your Divinity. The clearer the imagination, the stronger the condensation]

Aeric continued to exhale slowly with eyes shut. He imagined the glowing crimson current rushing through his meridians, ebbing and flowing like a tide. With each dragon breath, he sought to gather it at his center.

At first, it felt like trying to catch smoke. The imagined river refused to gather, instead dissipating into a haze that left him frustrated. Sweat beaded on his brow.

[Flow disrupted] the system stated bluntly. [Retry].

Aeric groaned. 'Okay...'

He adjusted his posture and tried again, his mind chasing the elusive flow. Each breath seemed to gather fragments of Divinity, but they scattered before forming a sphere.

[Blockage detected] the system chimed. [Clear the mind of every other image, or memory. Focus on the river, gather the waters, form the sphere. Manifest your core. Continue].n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Aeric clenched his jaw, opening one eye. 'You're being very bossy today.'

He inhaled deeply, determined to force the current through the blockage. 'Stop thinking about Celestia. Stop worrying about mother and her relationship with your father. Forget about the poor villages for now. Just focus on the sphere.'

[Flow disrupted]

[Flow disrupted]

[Your imagination is being interrupted]

[Clear your mind]

[Focus]

[Flow disrupted]

[Try Again]!!!

After multiple failed attempts, Aeric began to get a little bit of frustration, though naturally, he was too stubborn to let it get to him and it slowly began to morph into quiet resolve.

He adjusted his breathing, letting go of the tension in his body, letting go of the thoughts in his mind. Clearing it, like taking the books out of a shelf. "Relax," he muttered to himself. "Let it flow in your thoughts."

On his next breath, the crimson river gathered more easily, pooling at his chest. Slowly, steadily, it began to swirl into a concentrated mass. His entire body tingled as the flow smoothed out.

The imagination appeared splendidly in his closed vision, and his Divine Core fully manifested.

[Condensation successful] the system announced.

[Condensation levels: 25/100]

When Aeric opened his eyes, he was met with a stunning sight. Illuminating his room, right in front of his face, was a glowing ball of crimson light.