Chapter 10- Offer And Deal
The two stared at each other silently. Rein's expression changed from surprise to suspicion and then to hostility. He didn't expect Astrid to not only talk to him out of nowhere, but also know that he had awakened.
His senses alerted him to that, but he decided to remain calm for now.
Astried blinked slowly before she sighed and pointed at him. "Your Life Essence… It's leaking everywhere." She said. "It is very easy to notice that."
"Leaking?" Rein raised an eyebrow as he instinctively looked down at his body. He could certainly sense Life Essence in him, but he didn't realize it was that exposed. 'So, she can sense it if I don't keep it inside me?' He frowned.
"I would assume you're new to it and don't know how to retract your Essence."
"... Somewhat," Rein replied.
Astrid seemed to think for a bit before she replied. "Just focus on your Essence and imagine pulling it back in. That should do it."
He was a bit hesitant for a second, not knowing if it was some kind of trick or actual helpful advice. But, he still decided to give it a try. Closing his eyes for a second, he felt the Essence coursing through his veins. It was incredibly rich and powerful, pumping his muscles with immense energy.
Surprisingly, he immediately felt a connection with it, a very deep and profound one. It was as if he knew this Essence for a very long time. Controlling it, was quite simple. The moment he thought about pulling it back in, the Essence abided and slowly retracted inside him.
"..." After a few seconds, he felt all the energy had already penetrated his skin and disappeared, so he opened his eyes. "Is it hidden now?"
Astrid nodded her head.
"Thanks. I didn't know that was a thing."
'I'm really still clueless about all of this after all.' He sighed inwardly. 'Not a good sight. I'm exposed to being a complete idiot regarding this.'
"..."
Astrid remained silent for a bit before she asked. "Are you going to take the test?"
"... And why does that concern you?" Rein asked coldly. The last thing he likes are people who are too curious for their own good.
"Simply a question." She said.
"..."
The atmosphere grew a bit tense between the two. Rein was suspicious of her behavior, while Astrid seemed unbothered.
'Hmmm, she seems knowledgeable.' He thought to himself. 'Should I ask her?'
It was one of the main things he was looking for: more knowledge. The internet wasn't helping, and he wouldn't come across an awakened until the test. So, in a sense, this was a big opportunity. Even if there was a risk, he had to take it.
"Yes." He eventually sucked a breath and replied. "I awakened yesterday, and I intend to take the test."
"I see," Astrid replied as she started reading her book. "Combat Awakened?"
"If possible. I'm still working on that."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Say, Astrid." Rein finally spoke after a moment of silence. "Can I ask you a few things about Life Essence?"
"Hmm, you want help?" She asked.
"More or less. What do you want in return?"
"And what makes you think that I would need you in anything?" She whispered as she stopped reading and turned to look at him.
"Considering this test won't be easy. It wouldn't harm you if you made an ally, no?"
"I don't want allies." She said sharply.
"But you need them. Even my clueless self is aware of how important connections are in this world. Being from a rich family, you should know that." Rein smiled. He knew exactly how to guide the conversation. "I might not be of use now, but you know if I make it, I could be helpful, no?"
"..."
"So, how about that? You answer a few questions, and maybe you will find me helping you when the time is right."
'This person…' Astrid was quite surprised. The way this boy was behaving felt completely odd. She felt like she was talking to a cunning man with decades of experience and wisdom, and not some timid boy. All she remembers about Rein is that he was a timid, quiet boy with no friends. This was not the kind of personality such characteristics would fit.
Even though she could just run him down, her gut feeling told her that this was not as simple as it seemed.
"What kind of questions do you want answers to?"
Rein's grin widened. She took the bait.
"Well, a few." He said as he pulled his notes out where he had written everything. "First one. What is the definition of Life Essence?"
"You don't know that?" She asked.
"No, I do. But I want to learn the official and detailed definition. Just to make sure we are on the same page."
"... I see." She muttered. "Life Essence is a form of energy born within every living being. It also exists within this world, in the atmosphere, the ground, and the air you breathe. It is the main trigger for the awakening of human beings and the main catalyst for their powers."
Rein took those notes down. "Mhm, mhm. Ok, that sounds fair enough. Second question: Does Life Essence grow on its own?"
"Yes, and no," Astrid replied.
"Can you elaborate?"
"While Life Essence grows naturally. It is extremely slow and impractical. So, to hasten the process, we do what is called 'Channeling'."
"Channeling, huh?"
'That's new information. I didn't know that.'
"Yes, channeling your Essence constantly strengthens it and increases its quantity and quality. The better you can channel that energy, the faster you grow stronger."
"I see." Rein nodded his head. "And how do I channel this energy?"
"Exactly how you retracted it right now. You control it and make it move around your body, like blood being pumped through your heart."
"Is that the main way of getting stronger?"
"No, it is one of the safer ways. Naturally, the fastest way is to kill monsters and absorb their essence."
"Right…"
'Of course, the riskier method gives the better reward. Sounds about right.'
That explains why the awakened fight these monsters. Each monster they kill gives them more strength. It's a great incentive aside from the 'heroic' goals they possess.
"And, what do you know about the test? Like the location, what we would undergo, and all those things?"
"Hmm, well, not much. Each year, the test's location is different. The test itself is also different year by year. It is impossible to predict what would happen."
"They don't want people to know beforehand?"
"Yes, one of the most important aspects of an Awakened is their ability to predict the unpredictable and be ready for it. That's the entire point."
"I see…"
Taking everything she said in, he nodded his head. This knowledge was very useful. He now has a clear method to get stronger, learned more about Life Essence and how to control it, and he now also knows that nobody in this world can predict the test itself.
'I need to start doing this Channeling tonight. I will implement it with the rest of my training. It could hasten my progress even more.' He mused to himself.
"You…"
"Hm?"
As he was thinking about how to move forward, he heard Astrid speak to him.
"What happened to you?" She asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Excuse my question, but… You seem different."