Chapter 7: Effects

Leo's anticipation bubbled as he clutched the upgrade stone in his hand. He couldn't wait to find out it's effect, so he hurriedly used it.

He had expected it to stone crack like the power stone, but instead, a simple notification materialized before him.

[Would you like to use the stone on Exploding Touch?]

“Hmm...Yes,” 

Leo mumbled awkwardly, embarrassed he had tried to break it. As if responding to his consent, the upgrade stone in his hand disintegrated into a radiant burst of light.

[Exploding Touch is now upgrading]

[Upgrade Successful]

[Exploding Touch is now Rank D]

Leo didn't check it's effect though, he swiftly took out the second upgrade stone and used it as well.

[Exploding Touch is now Rank C]

Once it was done, Leo then scrolled down to his ability section to see what kind of effect his ability got for jumping two ranks.

Not surprising the changes were remarkable. The countdown had been reduced to 20 seconds and the cost of mana had diminished to 3. Along with it came perks that promised better manipulation of the ability, and Leo was eager to test them out.

He picked up a small rock his ability on it, watching as the bluish circular light appeared. The countdown began, steadily ticking away at 20.

Leo then hurled the rock forward and crotch low hiding beside a tree. He'd learned his lesson the first time, when he tested his ability with the tree, and Leo didn't doubt the force of the explosion wouldn't have risen with the upgrade. 

Once the timer reached one. Leo didn't let it explode and halted the countdown, this the effect of the upgrade. Leo could stop and resume the countdown whenever he pleases.

Leo then approached the rock and picked it up, using another one of the upgrade perks.

As he touched the rock, the bluish light dissipated, and the timer disappeared, leaving behind nothing but an ordinary rock.

Leo eyes widened with excitement and his heart began to race. He could wreak havoc with this upgrade he's gotten.

“Haha"

Leo laughed, the Oracle calling it a privilege didn't make it sound like much, but on experiencing it, was nothing short of mind-boggling

“A super ability crazy cheat title haha.” he uttered to himself, unable to contain his exhilaration.

Leo then look upwards and noticed it was getting visible dark. 

He dismissed the idea of hunting at night, as he couldn't see in the dark. If he ran into a beast who can, cheat or not, he was going to get himself killed.

Leo valued his life more than ever, especially now he thought himself lucky. If he died now, his story will just be too painful.

Leo then took refuge on a nearby tree, getting himself comfortable amid the branches and leaves.

Overall, Leo was satisfied his growth. Tomorrow was another day to grind and thought of testing out his ability on the poor cockatrice made him excited. 

He would make use of this advantage, abuse it, so anyone---be it beast, gods or humans---who tried to mess with him will regret it. But one thought lingered on his mind though

The treasure chest. 

It was just laying there, almost too conveniently and had given Leo a massive boost for free. Leo hoped he could find more of the same treasure chest.

If Oracle was there he would have coughed blood. The amount of golden chest in the tutorial were less than five and where hidden in secret location. Leo was just lucky to find one lying in his path.

*

The next morning, Leo woke up with a loud yawn, and then wiped the drool on his mouth. 

He didn't think he would sleep so deeply. It was like he woke up a second after he closed his eyes and it was morning. 

Leo ate a couple piece of cockatrice meat taking it with a bottled water.

Though he had enough coins to browse through some food, he decided he'll consider using it when he defeats a hard to beat monster.

Feeling refreshed, Leo climbed down the tree, an evil grin on his face as he scoured for his first prey. About an hour later, his grin turned into a frown, he had been walking for almost 30 minutes and hadn't spotted any single beast.

“Where did they all go?”

Leo muttered, furrowing his brow as he scanned the empty woods. There was no trace of monster anywhere.

“Did they perhaps know I've upgraded my ability and have fleed in terror?”

Leo questioned but then shook his head. Their bizzare dissappearance was only making him assume things.

Leo didn't the time waste though, as he walked he picked stones and used his ability on them, storing them in his inventory.

 Once he ran out of mana he just gathered more stones and stored them, till his mana refilled so he could turn them to bombs using his ability.

As Leo walked a few more meters, his sharp ears caught an unusual commotion in the distance – the shrill cry of a cockatrice and animalistic grunts. 

It sounded like a ruckus, and from what he could hear, it was getting closer to his location

Leo then took cover behind a tree to observe. He felt it was wise to see what he was up against, before jumping right into action and putting himself in danger; the last thing he wanted was to lose his head.

As he watch from the cover, a group of greenish creatures burst out of the dense shrubbery, sprinting frantically as if pursued by something.

Leo eyes widened in surprise on seeing this creatures, he didn't even need the system to identity them to recognize what they were.

“Goblins!”