Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 19 - Training and Trails

The successful Mirewood mission earned Kael a sliver of grudging respect in the dormitory, mostly manifesting as fewer outright sneers. The brawler who’d initially confronted him still eyed him suspiciously but kept his distance. Kael knew the rumors likely painted him as recklessly lucky rather than skilled, but it was better than being accused of deception – for now.

He used his earnings wisely. He replaced the basic Guild sword with a slightly better quality, balanced blade from a Dwarven smith. He bought several reference books on basic swordsmanship techniques and scouting principles from a Guild vendor – plausible study material for someone trying to 'understand' their artifact-granted classes. Most importantly, he paid for access to the Guild's private Tier 1 training rooms.

These rooms offered advanced training constructs, illusionary obstacle courses, and analytical systems that provided feedback on technique. Here, away from prying eyes, Kael could unleash his *real* power. He practiced integrating his leveled-up skills – the seamless transitions of [Flowing Strikes Lv. 3], the precise timing of [Riposte Lv. 3], the heightened awareness from [Detect Presence Lv. 3] and [Enhanced Hearing Lv. 2]. He worked on controlling his bursts of speed, making them look like intentional maneuvers rather than panicked surges.

He also practiced Elara’s suggestion: attributing improvements to technique. He’d run drills focusing on basic footwork and parrying, then check the analytical feedback, mentally comparing his near-perfect execution (thanks to high stats and skills) to the expected curve for a Lv. 11-12 [Swift Blade]. He needed to know what *looked* like believable progress. He also experimented with his [Mana Weaver] skills, particularly the [Enhanced Mana Bolt], noting its increased power and slightly different energy signature. Could he perhaps reveal *this* as a new 'artifact-discovered' skill later? A minor ranged attack might be less suspicious than his speed.

Between training and taking minor quests for income (still meticulously logging pitiful EXP gains on his fake status), Kael explored Riverbend more thoroughly. He visited the Grand Library, awed by its sheer scale, though access to deeper knowledge vaults required higher Guild Ranks or specific permissions. He browsed the Market District, marveling at the exotic goods – glowing ores, rare herbs, enchanted trinkets – recognizing some from his high-level [Gatherer] knowledge base.

One dusty antique shop caught his eye. Run by an ancient, blind Torton (turtle-like humanoid) named Master Oog ([Antiquarian Lv. 65 (Tier 4)], [Historian Lv. 62 (Tier 4)]), the shop was crammed with relics, scrolls, and curiosities. Kael, hoping to find something to bolster his 'artifact' story, browsed carefully.

"Looking for something specific, young one, or just letting the currents guide you?" Master Oog rasped, polishing a multifaceted crystal that hummed faintly.

"Just looking, Master Oog," Kael replied respectfully. "Interested in... old things. Especially things that might interact strangely with the Weave."

The Torton paused his polishing. "Ah, the echoes of power. Many objects retain fragments of intent or event. Some lie dormant for centuries, only to awaken for a new hand." He tapped the crystal. "Like this Resonance Stone. Amplifies latent mana, sometimes unpredictably."

Kael felt a jolt. *Amplifies mana? Unpredictably?* Could something like this be used to explain his 'surges' or the 'buffering' Lyraelle sensed?

"How much for the stone?" Kael asked, trying to keep his voice casual.

Master Oog named a price that was steep, but barely within Kael's accumulated savings from hazard pay and quest rewards. It felt like a necessary investment in his cover story. He purchased the Resonance Stone, a milky white crystal that felt cool and faintly pulsed with energy in his palm. He wasn't sure if it actually *did* anything significant, but possessing it provided a tangible prop for his ongoing deception.

He left the shop, the Resonance Stone tucked securely away. He had survived the Mirewood, gained valuable experience, improved his skills, and now possessed a potential tool to solidify his fragile cover story. But Lyraelle’s words about the Weave feeling 'quiet' around him still lingered. He felt like he was walking a path parallel to everyone else's reality, the Echo of Infinity isolating him even as it empowered him.

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Publishment Date:  8/4/2025