A Wanderer's Lies

Pain.

That's the word which Isaac would use to describe the next several minutes. Or maybe it was an hour.

He didn't know.

All he could focus on was Ava's fingers being plunged into his eye sockets as she yanked his eyeballs out, the ligament holding the eye in place snapping as she did.

Then blindness in his left eye.

Isaac had thought the Zobae would help heal the wound, which it did, but it did nothing to numb the excruciating pain he was feeling.

As he tried his best to repress the urge to scream, he felt a faint touch on his right eyeball, his mind quickly realising what was to come next.

"HGRRRR!"

Isaac was unable to keep quiet as a loud groan escaped from his lips, echoing through the quiet forest as his vision had completely disappeared.

Other than the void of darkness he'd expected, instead he saw…nothing.

No darkness, no heightened senses, just the feeling of a part of Isaac disappearing with his vision.

Of course, Isaac was too preoccupied to have such detailed thoughts.

The pain soon somewhat subsided, due to his healing, however, it wasn't until Ava held her palm over Isaac's eye, shoving something in.

Once again, Isaac repressed his pain by tightening his fists as it soon bled.

Instantly, the emptiness he'd been feeling had been restored, as a warm feeling pressed on his eye socket, dulling the pain considerably.

This was most likely Ava's healing.

Doing the same to the remaining eye, Isaac felt something being wrapped around his skull, covering his eye with multiple layers.

Bandages, most likely.

And so, shortly after, Isaac was able to regain a shred of his sanity as he lay on the ground, facing the sky, breathing heavily and his chest moved up and down.

"It's done." Ava commented.

"Yes, I can tell." Isaac replied in between breaths.

[Congratulations!]

[You have unlocked the Perk 'Tolerance'. You're able to tolerate physical pain, poisons and mind attacks to a certain extent.]

'Tolerance, my foot. I felt every last bit of that.'

Despite Isaac not being able to see, the system didn't count. He wasn't surprised upon seeing the screen amidst the nothingness either. After all, that was the least the status was capable of.

"Impressive. Any normal person would have passed out due to the pain. You only managed to limit it to girly screams." 

Isaac could hear Ava take a seat beside him as she tried to rejuvenate her lost chakra.

Despite her words urking Isaac, he couldn't help but agree with her after pondering for a few seconds.

It was true. Isaac from a few months ago would surely have passed out due to the pain, maybe even suffered a form of PTSD.

Meanwhile, Ava stared at Isaac as he lay quietly on the ground, his eyes wrapped in bandages.

Despite her mocking words, the truth was, she was dumbfounded. She didn't think it possible for any person to willingly withstand such pain, and definitely not someone like him.

'F-Rank…really?'

A sudden wave of emotions washed over Ava as she couldn't help but reveal a wide grin.

Excitement, pressure and perhaps a slight hint of fear. She couldn't help but think, 'Who would win?'

Now that he had the Scarlet Eyes, she knew his strength was nothing to scoff at.

"Your sight will start to return in a few hours, at least."

Isaac stayed quiet.

"My last demand…is that you never speak about anything that happened between us tonight, to anyone." Isaac spoke his last demand.

"I keep your secret, you keep mine." 

Rather than addressing his last demand, Ava changed the subject.

"Why are you hiding yourself? You aren't an F-Ranker, are you?" 

If it were anyone else, they would never jump to the conclusion that Isaac was hiding his strength.

They'd assume he'd stolen the Scarlet Eyes way before they believed he was secretly overpowered.

But for Ava, she could tell.

Why?

Because she was doing the exact same thing.

"I could ask you the same." 

Ava paused, soon clicking her teeth.

"Whatever." Isaac already knew enough about her. Ava would take a knife to her gut before giving him anymore leverage over her.

"And what of my demand?"

After a slight pause, it's as if Isaac could feel the atmosphere change, as Ava spoke, however, sounding like a different person.

"That's great! I'm so glad we could come to an understanding." Ava cheered in a high and innocent voice.

"Now, if you don't mind, I'll head back to my dorm. I hope you reach yours safely." With a slight bow, Ava walked out from within the forest, a slight hop in her step as if she were a carefree bunny.

Or so, at least Isaac thought she bowed and walked like a bunny.

He was blind, after all.

All he had to base his assumption off was his hearing.

And so, as soon as he could tell Ava was far enough away, he got up off the ground, sitting straight and tearing the bandages off his eyes. 

Isaac blinked a few times to adjust to his new vision.

Unlike previously, where the space around Isaac's eyes were bruised and bloodied, now he showed no sign of his eyes being replaced, looking completely normal.

'I can still feel the pain lingering, but other than that, I feel completely…normal.'

Looking to the side, Isaac found a sack. Without needing to open it, he could tell from the structure, they were his regular eyes.

With a thought, his bracelet hummed as a mirror had appeared in his hand. He'd bought it just for this occasion.

Looking into the mirror, he found his new eyes looked exactly the same as his old ones.

Amber pupils.

'This can't be a coincidence. What are the chances my new eyes are the same colour as my old ones? How many people have Amber Eyes?'

Isaac pondered.

'Perhaps it has something to do with it being a reward from my scenario. One of the Perks of it is they are identical to my old, other than the Scarlet factor, that is.'

As Isaac put away his mirror, a thought crossed his mind.

'How do I activate it? Status!'

[Name: Isaac ???

Status: Intense Hungry

Stage: 1

Inherited Character: Wanderer 

Race: Human

PS: Nen (Proficiency Level: 3)

Hatsu: N/A

Perks:

Immortality (Lvl. MAX)

Zoldyck Genes (Lvl. MAX)

You possess an innate talent and potential for the art of assassination, hunting, and covert operations. This genetic gift allows you to learn and develop your skills at a rapid rate.

Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl. 2)

You are a skilled Hand to Hand fighter, able to use your body as a weapon.

Vital Strike (Lvl. 1)

You now have the knowledge and skill to precisely target and shut down your opponent's pressure point.

Tolerance (Lvl. 1)

You're able to tolerate physical pain, poisons and mind attacks to a certain extent.

National Treasure:

Scarlet Eyes (Mastery Level: Beginner)

One of the 7 most beautiful colours in the world, the Scarlet Eyes of the Kurta hold immense power and potential. (Eyes will change to Scarlet only when emotions are intense)

Arts:

N/A

Curse:

Zobae Disease

Haunted by Calamity.]

'Only when emotions are high? Hm, I guess I need to increase my Mastery to break through the drawbacks.'

Additionally, looking through his status, he noticed his Intense Hunger.

And upon reading it, he did indeed feel a churning and twisting feeling in his abdomen. Worse than usual. As if he hadn't eaten in days.

With a hum, he summoned a few familiar pills from his Dimensional space, tossing them into his mouth and swallowing instantly.

As he did, he could feel an energy wash over him, travelling to the Thing in his abdomen as his hunger lessened quite a bit.

Although, he was still hungry.

'Woah, these Vitaflow pills are great.'

Vitaflow, otherwise known as pills which contained a portion of any power system. And upon swallowing it, rejuvenated their PS.

They were one of the two items he'd stolen from Silver's sack, the other being the Mage's Nucleus.

'Although, most of them were imbued with something called 'RC Cells'. I guess they're beneficial for Ghouls.'

The pills Isaac had just eaten were imbued with Nen, showing a clear airy substance inside, contrary to the RC Cell's blood red and the Chakra's blue.

He only had a few, and learning that each costs around 5,000S, Isaac would only use it when absolutely necessary.

After all, Isaac wasn't rich. Well, not yet at least.

'With the deal I've made with Ava, the cash should be rolling in pretty soon. Woah, is this how it feels to do an honest man's work? Not bad.'

Isaac nodded in satisfaction, looking at the time.

'I better get to sleep. I have an early day ahead of me tomorrow.' 

He didn't need it, but he'd feel better if he did.

With this thought, Isaac quickly left the forest and paced toward his dormitory.

***

Early in the morning as the birds sang and morning breeze travelled down the shirts of countless individuals, a long line of students could be seen in the middle of Aurelius, the most shocking sight being the large yellow portal in the middle of a small shrine.

[Artifact (Forged): Warp Gate (C-Rank)

Description: A simple portal that connects to another of its kind, no matter the distance.

Requirements: N/A]

'No Senkaimon?'

Isaac was amongst the students forming the line. 

Usually, on weekends, it was common to see the students going to the city, or even visiting home. But for Isaac, he had other plans.

'Two days. I have two days to get as strong as possible.'

The students before Isaac could be seen entering the portal one by one, and soon, Isaac stood before the man responsible for keeping check of all individuals coming in and out of Aurelius.

"Your name, and the purpose for leaving Aurelius." The large and rather unkind looking man asked, without sparing Isaac a look.

"Isaac. I want to familiarise myself with Spawn."

Isaac found this excuse to be sufficient. He was an Outsider, after all.

Besides, he wasn't lying. He wanted to familiarise himself with Spawn.

More specifically, the Hearts Guild and Ravenwood. But he was interested in the city too.

The man clicked his teeth as he turned his head, glaring at Isaac.

"Full name!"

"Just Isaac."

"Are you stupid or something…oh, you're right here." To the large man's surprise, he found the boy's face and single name without having to search for the full name.

"Ugh, whatever. You're obligated to be back by noon. If not, you must contact the academy, explaining why you've spent the night away. But under all circumstances, you must arrive back before Monday. If not, you will be penalised. Go." The man explained the rules, to which Isaac nodded.

"What a weirdo. Who doesn't have a full name." The man mumbled under his breath.

Isaac stood before the portal as he could feel the energy exuding off of it.

Without him knowing, he smirked. Perhaps it was the excitement of seeing the city for the first time, or maybe for the experience he'd gain in Ravenwood.

But one thing was sure to Isaac.

'Two days. I will get stronger.'

Thinking this, he finally stepped through the portal.

***

In a dark room, a man with a scar traced upon his forehead, and a large ginger beard sat before what seemed to be a laptop, resting his chin against his fist.

Unknowingly to him, he grinned as he watched three individuals fail to even touch the single boy they'd been attacking, as the boy danced around them, taking them out one by one.

"Interesting." Harrison mumbled with a grin, watching a paused video showing a boy with bright amber eyes and messy black hair.

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Next chapter title: Ravenwood [1]

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