Chapter 44: System Factory
"The... pressure, like a mountain sitting on your chest? Master Von walks in, and it’s like the room’s gonna crush us! How’d you not feel it? I know you’re weird, but come on!"
Karl continued to push, earning a blink from Adrian.
"Oh," he said with an understanding tone. "I see." Internally, he reached out to the system.
’Tech Core, what’s he rambling about?’
The system’s response was instant, its voice clear in his mind:
[Aura is a manifestation of a powerful individual’s mana or soul strength, often radiated by high-ranking mages or knights. It can induce fear, pressure, or submission in others. Intensity increases with rank and intent.]
Adrian nodded slightly, absorbing the explanation. "That’s new," he murmured, then asked, ’Why didn’t I feel it?’
[You have a stronger soul,] the Tech Core replied in matter-of-factly tone.
Adrian’s lips twitched, unsurprised but curious. "So I won’t feel pressured from his aura?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
[No. Only at deeper intensities,] the system confirmed.
Adrian nodded and his focus returned to his plate.