Chapter 18: Soul Projection

Chapter 18: Soul ProjectionAs Fenric used the Soul Projection more and more, he started realizing what it truly was. It wasn’t just a display or a status panel—it was an advanced skill in its own right. Not only could he track his own growth, he can track others growth too, though they need to be at his level or weaker than him, And he could also observe and understand techniques used by others. If he saw a move or spell five times, the Soul Projection would start breaking it down, showing how it worked from the inside out. Not just a shallow imitation. But full comprehension. Like knowing the reason behind a sword swing, not just copying the movement. [Soul Projection – Status Display] Name: Fenric Vaelthorn Vareldis Age: 17 (18th birthday in one month) Bloodlines:→ Royal Vareldis Lineage (restored) → Silver Moon Goddess (restored) → Sloth Dragon King (new) Class: Sovereign of Stillness Tier: Mythic Designation: Crown of Sloth Rank: Soldier Status Condition: Perfect Fenric gave a small nod and accessed the deeper breakdown of his bloodlines. With a thought, the projection shifted, revealing more detailed descriptions in neat, glowing text: → Royal Vareldis Lineage A noble bloodline developed through many generations of conquest, divine contracts, and imperial rituals. It grants strong command over imperial-style magic, resistance to mental influence, and a natural aura of authority. Those who carry this bloodline have strong leadership instincts and can dominate those with weaker wills. Unique Trait – Imperial Dominion: Improves command effectiveness, strengthens buffs when leading allies, and gives a passive morale boost to followers. → Silver Moon Goddess Lineage A divine inheritance passed from the celestial patron of the Vareldis Empire. Shown by his silvery white hair, this bloodline gives strong harmony with magic, excellent control over moon-based powers, and a sensitivity to divine energy. Unique Trait – Lunar Pulse: Boosts healing and regeneration under moonlight. Increases the strength of Water, Ice, and Light magic, and cuts the learning cost for them in half. → Sloth Dragon King Lineage A newly awakened ancient bloodline tied to Duserdis, the Slumbering Sovereign. This power grows slowly but steadily and becomes overwhelming when released. It’s closely connected to time, gravity, and stasis-based magic. Unique Trait – Dormant Majesty: Increases strength the longer energy is conserved. Provides immunity to fatigue-type effects and greatly increases lifespan. Fenric stared at the screen for a moment, eyes following each glowing line. "I guess those Moon Flames or Duserdis’ blessing restored everything," he muttered. "Honestly, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they were destroyed. My body’s been under poison for seventeen years after all." He shook off the negative thoughts and went back to reading the bloodline descriptions more closely. "All three of them are powerful," he said under his breath. The connection between them was clear now. Each one opened a different path in magic—each one offered massive potential. He tapped the armrest thoughtfully. "Water and Ice are the easiest starting point... Light magic too, because of Lunar Pulse. I’ll begin with those." His eyes drifted back to the Sloth Dragon traits. "As for Time, Gravity, and Stasis... I’ll learn those later," he said to himself. Then he smiled faintly. "Or maybe," he added, "I’ll get spells like that automatically thanks to my class." With a flick of his wrist, the Soul Projection faded away like mist in the early morning. He leaned back into the chair, exhaling slowly. The divine glow pulsing in his chest slowly dimmed beneath his robes. Just in time. Footsteps echoed from the hallway. The heavy doors of the library opened, and three people stepped inside. Roman Kaiser entered first. He was tall, broad, and carried himself with strength. His sharp grey eyes swept the room before settling on Fenric. He stopped a few steps away and bowed slightly. "Your Highness. I’ve arrived." Myria Bloodrose came in next. She walked with ease and confidence. Her red eyes locked onto Fenric with a small, playful smile. "Were you looking for me, Your Highness?" she asked lightly. Elaine followed them. She walked quietly, hugging a bundle of old books to her chest. Her eyes looked up at Fenric, unsure of what to say. Fenric looked at the books, then at her. "You really like those books, huh?" he said with a smirk. "You’re holding onto them like they’re treasure." Elaine blushed and nodded, clearly flustered. Fenric chuckled softly, then looked over at Roman. "Draw the magic circle. Use the gold chalk. Copy this." He handed Roman a small note. Roman opened it, glanced at the diagram, then nodded. As he moved to begin, Fenric turned to Myria. "Help him out." Without hesitation, Myria joined Roman. It was a spirit summoning circle—complex and powerful. Roman started laying out the required materials Fenric had asked for earlier. He didn’t know what all of them were for, but he followed the instructions. With Myria assisting, the two knights drew the full circle with exact precision. In just under thirty minutes, it was complete. A faint glow pulsed across its edges—steady, controlled. Fenric stepped over to Elaine and handed her a small scroll. "Stand in the center of the circle and hold this. Then say, ’In your name, I call upon any spirit willing to form a bond with me.’" Elaine looked a little nervous but nodded and stepped inside the glowing circle. Roman passed her a small crystal. It was the one Fenric had prepared—a Six-Element Crystal, containing pure elemental energy from fire, water, earth, air, light, and darkness. Fenric folded his arms behind his back and watched closely. ’Alright, Elaine...’ he thought, eyes focused. ’Let’s see the spirit the book hinted at—but never named. Back when I was just a reader and you were just a character in a book.’ He took a slow breath. ’You had potential, but no one ever saw it. No one believed in it. Until after you were gone. They only realized what you could’ve been when it was too late.’ His expression hardened slightly. ’But now, I’m here. I’ve been reborn into this world. And I’m changing the story. This time, Elaine... you’ll get your chance.’ He watched as the summoning circle brightened, its magic responding to Elaine’s call. This was her first spirit bond—and it would decide everything: her element, her growth, and the kind of mage she’d become.