Chapter 36: The amber hive
[The choice is logical,] the System commented. [It has the highest synergy with your current skill set.]
Rhys felt a sense of satisfaction. The System agreed with him. He had thought about it a lot during their hunt.
He was not just picking a random powerful element; he was choosing the one that would make all his other skills stronger.
His mind went over his abilities. His Shadowed Dive Skill Core was all about moving through the darkness. His Ash Veil Profession Core was about hiding his presence.
His Silent Step lifeskill was about moving without a sound. All of these skills were about stealth.
Then there was his weapon, the Shadow-Sting Dagger, and his fighting style, Viper’s Kiss. Both were designed for swift, silent, and deadly surprise attacks.
Choosing the Shadow property was the final piece of the puzzle. Shadow is a form of darkness present in every environment, except in absolute darkness itself.
Bonding with the Dark element would neutralise that limitation. It would literally allow him to utilise his element without any drawbacks.
He could become a true ghost, a perfect assassin. Rhys explained his thoughts to the System, knowing it had already guessed them.
’This first build is not about raw power. It is about perfection. I am creating a specialised dantian just for being a thief and an assassin.
All my stealth skills will be linked to it. When I bond it with the Dark element and choose its Shadow property, it will become a perfect engine for that one purpose.’
[A sound strategy,] the System played along.