Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?

Chapter 356: Damaged Reserves

Time passed.

Alaric withered under the technique integration. His body spasmed involuntarily as the knowledge forced itself deeper into his essence channels, reshaping them, rewriting them to accommodate.

Slowly... agonizingly slowly, the pain began to subside.

His breathing, which had been ragged and desperate, started to even out. Became more controlled and deliberate.

Sweat formed at his temples. Rolled down his face. Soaked through his shirt until the fabric clung to his back and chest.

But the worst had passed.

Alaric opened his eyes and exhaled.

Deeply.

The breath that released tension he held for far too long.

He clenched and unclenched his fists experimentally. Felt his essence reserves, disturbed, roiling like stirred water, but present. Still aching and damaged. But manageable.

"I need to fix this soon," he muttered. "Otherwise—"

Before he could finish his words.

[DING!]

A translucent panel materialized directly in front of his face.

[System Reboot Complete!]

[Gathering Information...]

[Processing host status...]

[DING!]

[Rank Up!]

[All Stats +5]

[Free Stat Points +10]

[+10,000 DP]

Alaric blinked. "I ranked up?"

Well... he did fought demons at the academy, survived dungeon and also killed the bandits recently.

"Status," he commanded.

The panel shifted. Text cascading across the blue surface:

[STATUS]

Name: Azhrakhel Kharzeth / Brandon Crimsonveil (Past Life: Alaric Noir)

Race: Draconic-Vampire

Age: ______

Bloodline: [PARTIALLY AWAKENED - FULL DATA LOCKED]

Title: Prince of Blackthorn | Architect of Ruin | The Fallen King

Essence Path: The Path of #$#&##@##

Sub-Paths: Flame, Lightning, Wind, Earth, Shadow

Rank: B- [TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED TO D+]

EXP: 12,020 / 32,500

STATS:

STR: 165 [Temp: 48]

AGI: 165 [Temp: 52]

END: 165 [Temp: 45]

WIL: 165 [Temp: 50]

INT: 165 [Temp: 51]

CHA: 279

Free Stat Points: 243

DP (Darkness Points): 96,400

SKILL TREE:

Scorchblade Arts (S+):

1st Form: Flame Blade 2nd Form: Flame Slash 3rd Form: Blazing Mirage

Gluttony (S+)

Subjects (S+)

Advanced Fire Spells (S): Host can manipulate fire essence with extreme precision and creativity.

Immolation Aura (S)

Dominion’s Gaze (S)

Regnant Strike (S)

Obedience Chains (S)

Umbral Inferno (S) [NEW]:

[Fusion technique combining fire and shadow essence into black flames that burn both physical matter and essence simultaneously. Flames cannot be extinguished by conventional means as they exist in dual states. Advanced mastery allows selective targeting, burning essence without harming physical form, or vice versa. Warning: High essence cost. Sustained use will deplete reserves rapidly.]

Intermediate Lightning Spells (A): Lightning Bolt, Static Shock, Spark, Jolt Step, Static Field, Chain Lightning, Volta Flare

Intermediate Wind Spells (C): Gale Burst, Aerial Step, Wind Shield, Wind Blade

Intermediate Earth Spells (C): Stone Wall, Earthen Spikes, Tremor

Intermediate Shadow Spells (C): Shadow Cloak, Umbral Bolt, Night Step

Scanner

Shop

DP Exchange: Available

System Level: 4

Next Upgrade: 100,000 DP

[???] - System Level 5 Required

Alaric’s eyes tracked down to Umbral Inferno’s description.

He read it carefully.

Burns both matter and essence. Can’t be extinguished conventionally. Selective targeting at advanced mastery.

His lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but satisfaction. "That’s... actually incredible."

Then his eyes caught the temporary restrictions. His expression hardened.

"Why is my rank restricted?" He directed the question at the system. "Why are my stats suppressed?"

The panel flickered. New text appeared.

[Host has accumulated critical damage to essence reserves and channels. Current physical state cannot safely support B- rank output without risking permanent damage or death.]

[Temporary restrictions implemented to prevent catastrophic essence backlash.]

[Restrictions will lift automatically upon full recovery of:]

[Essence channels (Currently 43% functional capacity) Core stability (Currently 56% optimal) Physical injuries (Multiple moderate wounds detected)]

[NOTE: Experience accumulation continues normally. Host may still advance primary rank through combat and meditation. However, actual combat capability will remain restricted until healing is complete.]

[RECOMMENDATION: Seek proper medical treatment and allow minimum 7 days recovery time before attempting B-rank essence techniques.]

Alaric stared at the text. His jaw clenched.

"So I’m stuck at D+ rank despite actually being B- rank." He said it flatly. "Until I heal properly."

The system didn’t respond. Just displayed the information passively.

He leaned back against the bed, closed his eyes and processed what’s just happened.

On one hand I ranked up, broke through to B-. That’s significant.

On the other hand, I can’t actually USE that power. I’m operating at maybe a quarter of my actual capability. Any serious fight and I’m—

He cut the thought off. Opened his eyes and looked at the stats again.

At least his charisma wasn’t suppressed. Whatever good that did him.

What good can I do with it? Maybe with women, but what if my opponent were men?

He closed his eyes, imagined. And immediately regretted the idea.

"Eww..."

He opened his eyes and sighed.

"So... I need to find a healer first. Since it’s not my kingdom, I don’t know much about it, and also I need to lay low for now until I figure out is this kingdom hostile or not, revealing myself bring good or bad."

Then he straightened and stretched his arms.

"Good thing I met them before coming here like a fool."

He looked at himself, the bandages.

He wasn’t fully healed, and he needed a place to stay.

The Valcieri home was safe and comfortable. Vanessia had offered shelter without strings attached. He could rest. Let his body heal properly instead of pushing through damage and hoping it didn’t kill him.

And then I need to figure out how to get back to Vedgard. And what happened after the Academy attack—

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Azra?" Vanessia’s voice. "Dinner’s ready if you’re hungry."

Alaric dismissed the status window with a thought. "Coming."

He stood. Pulled on a clean shirt one of the servants had left while he’d been absorbed in technique integration.

Opened the door.

Vanessia stood there with Anya beside her. The girl’s face lit up. "Big bro Azra! We’re having roast chicken! Do you like chicken? I love chicken!"

"Anya, don’t yell," Vanessia said gently. But she was smiling and looked at Alaric. "You look better. Did you rest?"

"Something like that."

"Good." She gestured down the corridor. "Come on. You need proper food in you. Can’t recover on empty stomach."

And moved.

Alaric followed them downstairs.