After eating I practiced with the ink cells. I drew a doppelganger of myself, ordered it to workout whilst relying only one finger. Testing it’s capability it seems they are pretty durable. I punched it multiple times. Kicked him on the stomach, too. Still no budging or emotional reaction. I do find that they are able to independently think and move, so long as I allow them to do their own task. I was fine with it. Conjuring up an attack is a little tricky. I would need to picture a certain way the attack is formed.
I don't know if it's because of my stance, stroke, or mental state which is causing mis sparks that only last a few seconds.
I was thinking to myself since I couldn’t fire at range. Potentially I can infuse the shape with my sword. I have witnessed others infusing their blade with ink cells, so who is to say that I can't do the same as well?
I recall a book about ink cells. Apparently they are black colored cells that can mimic the properties of any object or thing. You can almost say they are the originator for the creation of life itself. I'm not able to recall other information I read about ink cells, due to language barriers. I will need to take a look into that when I get back.
With a little practice I was able to image the shape of fire onto my sword.
It's been a week since I got here, when will the Trials begin. In fact I have no idea what the trials are to begin with.
I go to the proctor for more information. He doesn't seem to be too busy now, is he?
“Ahh yes, what seems to be the matter, young man?”
I gave a nervous smirk and a sigh response “Actually…”
After explaining to him the situation, he was reasonable to explain to me what awaits for the trials.
Every participant will begin their trials at different times. The participants summoned will showcase their creation capability.
Then once evaluated, we will be sent to fend for ourselves in the out lands. Normally participants would group up with their own households. Seeing as how I am the only one of my household. I was a little disappointed to hear that I would need to survive alone.
The proctor was also generous enough to explain to me that there is a time limit to this trial. Although he didn't tell me the time duration. He did explain to me that there would be a messenger in the near vicinity to pick you up.
Easing my worries, with the new found knowledge of this trial I thank the proctor and bide my time.
When the time had come for me to be summoned. I was given a number zero sticker. Apparently Selyne had vouched for me to skip the first trial, although I don't understand what the sicker represents or the number.
An old Proctor examined me, and explained that under the request of my Master I would need to have an early start when in the second trial. Giving me a pendant, the old man told me to keep it with me at all times.
“What is the pendant for?” I asked curiously.
“This was gifted to you by your master. Think of it as a way to keep track of time.”
Removing the top I saw that under it was a clock. Looking at it, it seems that currently right now it is 3:27 pm. Geez it's almost noon.
Opening a portal, I was sent outside with my weapon, a canteen, and a torch.
“AAaaah!!” falling from the portal to the ground I hit my face smack hard on the ground.
“Oww…” I think I just injured the spines of my back.
Tic toc tic toc*
The sound coming from the pendant, put me back on my track.
If all I am doing is surviving in this area, then I guess first things first is a place for shelter.
Unsheathing the sword, I quickly drew a moundable base. Covering traces of my footprints with leaves, I patched the entrance with dirt to cover the front so it's not out on the open.
Securing my shelter I created a hammock for sleeping. Tying two ropes on a long piece of cloth I attached both from one end to the other wall. Giving me a bed in the process.
Drawing two doppelgangers, I made orders for free roaming and hunting. Thanks to Selyne I am able to survive at a higher rate. I would say 15 percent survival rate.
Honestly I don't even know how capable I am, I haven't even fought with anyone or anything. Letting the two doppelgangers I decide to strengthen myself for the time being.
Learning how to multitask made it easier for me to focus on each of the clones visions. I self learnt that I can connect myself to other parts of my clones when I dozed off while learning how to use ink cells.
Apparently the ink cell can also be affected in my sleep…
Taking control of the surveying clone, I drew a map, and noted the very locations. Noted all the inhabitants of the land. Then I gathered supplies for the night while my clones gathered for food.
Looking at the map I drew with the clone it would appear that the nearest river is located south of where I am. Luckily it isn't too far, I'd say about twenty three kilometers run should get me there in no time.
Things seemed good to be true right now. I got food, water and a place to sleep.
Not wanting to jinx it, I decided to refrain from that thought. “Hehe…” I sighed.
Still though it is pretty lonely here. Wonder what Selyne and the others are up to? I haven't been there for so long, yet everything feels like a long time.
Before falling asleep I glanced at the clock in the emblem it would seem that it in fact was rightfully time to sleep. Feeling sleepy I slept on the hammock while slowly fading from consciousness.
I took charge of one of the clones, and started to survey the area. In the night my only light source was the moon. I can see in the woods predatory creatures on the hunt. Taking the opportunity I wanted to test my combat capability.
Jumping to the top of the trees I go from tree to tree, attempting to catch up I made sure to go undetected. Sadly I did not make it in time, they already caught their prey. I still jumped into the fray stabbing my sword into the creature.
Honestly, I shouldn't have done that, because as soon as I did. The creatures all scattered in fear. Oh well at least I know they are weak creatures, once their numbers are down.
Observing the creature, it would seem like the creature I stabbed had a chicken like body, but for some reason its legs are muscular.
Why are almost all of the creatures I encountered, muscular. What the hell…?
Well I guess this must be the next course of evolution for the food chain. Even still it's amazing how these creatures would still be considered weak despite their appearance and features.
Looking at the head, the bones seemed to protrude itself. It would seem their bone structures must have increased their muscle mass. At least I was able to piece this logically…
Looking at the tail, it seemed that it was a baby chick.
Hmm, this doesn't seem good.
“Skraweeeeeee!!” an echoing howl can be heard behind me.
Oh boy I wonder what the adult looks like. They seem to be agile, for walking on two legs.
Readying my blade, I await to hunt the creature presumed to be its mother.
As the screeching comes closer to me. I begin infusing the ink cells and my sword together.
The screeching stopped. The grounds begin to stop trembling. It's here!
Diving from the darkness it screeched at me. I avoid its slow attack. Taking a better look, I can see the adult form is more distinct. Its tail, a bright long curved end. The head is even larger and bulkier from the beak. Its fur feathers are almost as hard as steel able to cut down trees by just moving forward.
Turning back towards me, it howled louder. Looking at its fallen child, it rushed at me wildly. I'm lucky their weight seemed to have slowed their movement down, thanks to this I would never be touched by the blade of the bird creature's fur.
Evading the charge, I counterattacked with a slash.
shink*
“Drats.” it's too thick to wound the flesh. It would appear the fur is acting like an impenetrable armor.
Going for one of the legs, I was able to make a deep cut. It screeched in pain.
Limping towards me I take the opportunity to injure its other leg. However, it faked their injuries and attacked me with their wings.
“Ughh” It pierced me, deep in my torso. Crap it hurts so bad. I didn't know the clones had pain receptors.
Raising me in the air with its wing it begins to fly into the air.
I needed to do something quick, this wouldn't be good for me at all. I attempted to hit the creature's wings, alas I couldn't reach the blade of the wings.
Not able to free myself, I decided to make a gamble and throw my sword at the birds face.
“Aackk!!!” Crap blood spewed out of my mouth. I need to hurry…
Woosh~* It landed!!
“SCreeeweeeee” yes its descending back to the ground.
“Uwaagh!!” Its blades slipped off my torso, I was able to breathe again somehow.
The bird just kept screaming in pain, attempting to remove the sword out of its eye sockets. Each time it moved the hilt with its wings, the wings would just cause the blade to move.
My clone's body is beginning to lose consciousness, I need to end this quickly before it disperses. Morphing another bladed weapon, another capability of ink clones. I stabbed the chicken creature's throat.
“Scrawwwwweeeegh” it began struggling to breath.
“Erghh.” I was struggling desperately for survival. The sword began curving the neck, and I took advantage of the momentum.
“Just freaking die already!!” putting all my strength I was able to cut the neck of the bird clean off.
As its head fell off, out came gushes of blood. Falling down with the body of the chicken, I took a breather.
“Gasp, Huuuhhh oomm shhsh” My clones body definitely is about to go down. It's losing blood at an extreme rate. Sadly this clone won't make it, at least I know that I have a chance for combat.
As the blood continuously gushed from the chicken creature, my clone just died staring at the sky. Thank you clone number one you will be missed. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
Congratulating the clone on its task, I was there with it til its last moments. As the clone began dispersing back into ink cells, the clone spoke back to me.
“It was a pleasure to have served you my liege~"
Waking back up to my actual body I had to strategize how to prevent my injuries if I were in actual combat.
Apparently the ink cells have feelings and self awareness too. I'm sorry, I didn't know you guys were alive...
Chapter 12 End
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