The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Chapter 101 Essence Condensation

[> 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 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].

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.