The Dawn of the New World



The X-shaped pattern appeared within Hao Xuan's vision as [Umbra] was activated to its full effect for the first time.

Hao Xuan felt a slight pressure building up behind his eyes but it was neither uncomfortable nor painful. He could even feel a faint aura surrounding him before extending outwards for several meters.

At first he looked past the 'Death Moss' to see how that affected it.

Through [Arbiter] Hao Xuan could see himself turn into a completely different person, one that he had never seen before. It was just a mishmash of physical features that didn't stand out in any way.

The changes weren't limited to his face anymore and shrouded the entire body from head to toe.

Then Hao Xuan turned his back towards the Death Moss and to his surprise the changes remained.

'What if I channel it directly?'

He turned back around to look directly at the herb. This time even the Death Moss was shocked as it started looking around in confusion because in its eyes Hao Xuan had completely vanished.

He canceled the ability and 'reappeared' in front of it.

Baracus could tell the test was over so he immediately spoke up.

*beep*

"Results?"

"It's not bad. Still depends on the target's mind but a lot more manageable now. If I use the ability like normal then an aura is released around me for several meters and anyone that is within its range will see the same general idea that I put out."

"For example, I can say 'an ordinary person that does not stand out' and the target's mind will fill in the blanks to replace me with their idea of an ordinary person. This is good because it doesn't put a lot of strain on me and the chances of the target realizing something is wrong are almost zero because they are the ones replacing me with an idea of their own creation."

"There are two downsides to this. One, anyone that is not directly within the ability's aura will not be as strongly affected and if their willpower or the power of observation is strong enough then they can realize that something is off."

"And two, it won't work on inanimate objects. So even the most simple talismans or arrays can pick it apart with ease. I think it should still work if the array is being controlled by a living being but I can't be sure just yet."

"Noted. Further testing is required, the system will set a reminder if an opportunity presents itself in the future. What is the 'abnormal' way of using the ability?"

"That...was an unexpected turn of events. If I focus my thoughts and use a lot more mental energy then I can 'erase' my existence from the target's mind. There is nothing more to it. You can say that the first method is more passive while the second one is a lot more intensive but in direct combat, the second method will be more useful."

"And I feel like if I can make [Umbra] even stronger then I could probably induce realistic hallucinations or illusions within the target's mind but that would take a LOT of cores to accomplish. It took 4 cores to break through to the second level of the ability and then 35 cores to break through to the 3rd Level."

"It feels like for the 4th level alone it could even take more than a hundred cores to reach. But I'd rather get used to this first and learn to use it at will, maybe even incorporate it within one of the weapon arts to get the most out of it. The two forms will simply be called 'gazes' from now on. The 'First Gaze' will be the aura and the 'Second Gaze' will be the vanishing act, make a note of that."

"Entry created."

[Ability name: Umbra]

[Use - Perception Manipulation]

[First Gaze: Creates an aura of....]

As ordered, Baracus quickly created the appropriate entries within his database for all of Hao Xuan's newly acquired abilities.

In the meantime, Hao Xuan picked up the spiritual herb that had helped him so much in just these few hours alone.

"I might have already been dead if not for you, thank you."

Several of its leaves unfurled to brush, poke and smack against Hao Xuan's face inquisitively, making him chuckle in the process.

"It won't change anymore, I was just trying something. Do you have a name? It feels awkward referring to you as your species. How about...Frons? That's what they call the healing herbs in some of the outer regions. Doesn't really suit your persona but who knows, maybe you can live up to it one day, huh?"

The light of the soul-bond suddenly illuminated the two of them as the name was assigned, giving another little present to Hao Xuan.