Chapter 7: Isaac's Talent
Isaac grunted.
The power from the Awakening Crystal was forcefully stirring his potential.
It started to hurt.
'I don't think... this is supposed to happen...?'
He had heard the rumors that Awakening Crystals were made from the hearts of Overlord rank monsters. It was why some people refused to use them, afraid they would become part monster themselves by using its power.
They often rallied that Awakening Crystals were dangerous.
Isaac never believed those cultists.
Now, though, he wasn't sure anymore. Pain was a great eye-opener. Even if Awakening Crystals weren't made from the heart of monsters, they were dangerous.
A screen flickered before him when he felt the power surge within him from the depth of his soul.
Talent: Unawakened → Genesis Farmer
Rank: SSS
The pain disappeared leaving behind a soothing feeling.
Isaac was surprised when he noticed the name of his Talent.
Genesis Farmer.
In the apocalypse, food was the most precious resource. It made Farmer one of the most coveted Talents.
Their city was currently being supported by a B-rank Farmer.
Isaac had heard the B-rank Farmer was receiving better benefits than S-rank Talent Explorers. That was how valuable a farming Talent was.
First Talent Skill: Seed of Providence (Unlocked when user reaches Lv. 5 Initiate rank)
Skill Level: 1
Effect: Can instantly germinate a seed, and make it sprout. (24-hour cooldown)
Cost: 5 Mana (Scales with rarity of seed)
The skill pleasantly surprised Isaac.
Instantly sprouting a seed was too overpowered. Moreover, the skill would grow stronger as it leveled up!
His train of thought broke when he heard Emily's voice.
'Isaac...'
'It hurts...'
Isaac grabbed the pendant and looked into it. He realized the Talent Awakening Machine was affecting Emily.
'It looks exactly like how my Talent Awakening looked. How can ghosts awaken Talents? Aren't they monsters?' He couldn't help but wonder.
'Emily's status screen said she died at 19 years old, so maybe she was a human and can awaken a Talent because of it?' He thought to himself.
Since he could control which thoughts to transfer to Emily, he spoke his next thoughts to her, 'Emily, just hold on for a bit. It looks like you are awakening a Talent.'
'O...okay.'
The Awakening Crystal's energy rushed into Emily like an avalanche.
It stirred her potential and awakened it forcefully.
Emily was left drenched in sweat, and she was breathing heavily.
Isaac checked her status.
He focused only on the parts that had changed.
Name: Emily Warren
Title: None
Species: Netherborn Phantom Empress
Talent: Unawakened → Spirit Conductor
Rank: Initiate, Lv. 9 (Share)
He focused on her Talent, and another screen popped up.
Talent: Spirit Conductor
Rank: SSS (Share)
First Talent Skill: Phantom Parade (Unlocked at user Lv. 5 Initiate Rank) (Share)
Skill Level: 1
Effect: Allows the user to summon up to three ghost types that can follow simple commands. Each ghost has a unique trait:
Wisp – Emits a soft glow, illuminating dark areas. Can harmlessly phase through walls.
Ember – Can release small ghostly flames, dealing minor spirit damage.
Zephyr – Moves swiftly and can create small gusts of wind to push objects or disrupt enemies.
(Summons last for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 6 hours. Mana cost: 5 per ghost, scales with summoned number and strength.)
Isaac saw he could share the rank of Emily's SSS-rank Talent. He wondered what that would do.
He was not too bummed out for not being able to share her Talent, since he could share the skills she gained from the Talent. It would bring the same result.
Isaac grinned.
'Emily, congrats! You got an SSS-rank Talent!'
'T-thank you?' she answered, still disoriented from the events. 'What about Isaac?'
'I got something good too.'
Isaac wanted to talk more, but the door of the machine was opening.
He quickly used his SSS-rank appearance upgrade card.
He had just awakened his Talent and could chalk up his improved appearance to it.
Or so he hoped. After all, it would be weird if he suddenly became handsome with no reason.
He stepped out of the Awakening Machine and noticed everyone staring at him in silence.
Shock, envy, admiration.
The students had a myriad of expressions on their faces.
His results had not been announced, but the brightness of the Awakening Crystal was far higher than Peter, who awakened an S-rank Talent.
Clearly, Isaac had awakened something infinitely more powerful.
The principal approached Isaac with a hearty laugh.
"Good, good, as expected of an honor student like you, Isaac!"
He placed his hand over Isaac's shoulder and turned to the crowd with a beaming smile.
"Genesis Farmer, Life Talent, SSS-rank!"
The students erupted in cheers and chaos.
"SSS-rank Farmer Talent? Wasn't A-rank the highest recorded rank for the Farmer Talent in history!"
"Dammit, why did only he awaken an SSS-rank Talent? I wanted it too!"
"Isaac, please let me bear your children!"
"Is it me, or does he suddenly look more handsome?"
"My mom was right! Successful people always look more handsome!"
"This is big news! I bet Isaac and our university will be in the news tomorrow!"
The appearance of a high-rank Farmer Talent brought immense happiness to most.
With an SSS-rank Talent, the food quality in their city would see a tremendous rise.
It would allow them to barter better goods from other cities, which would lead to overall growth.
"Now, now, calm down. The Awakening Ceremony has not ended," the principal said, regaining his composure. "Isaac, you can return to your seat, but remember to stay back after the Ceremony.
"Our Academy has an offer for students like you. It would help you level up quickly for the United University Exam."
Isaac nodded.
He left the stage and walked towards his friends.
On the way, he thanked the students congratulating him.
However, his mind was on something else.
He wanted to know what would happen if he shared the Talent rank of Emily.
He looked around. As far as he knew, Talent awakening would not create shockwaves or anything like that.
It should be safe to share the Talent rank here.
He opened Emily's status and clicked on the option,
'Share!'