(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they mean a lot. As usual, please don't hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)

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[Your girlfriend is rather unique, you got your work cut out for you.]

'Shut it system.'

"No you're not being pushy, not at all, I was just surprised." Orion said, trying to console her.

"Perfect!, then you'll have to tell me" She said, regaining her excitement.

"Of course, I'd be happy to share, if you're prepared to tell me yours" Orion said.

"Nice, so we're friends." She said.

'How did we get to that' Orion thought.

"We're friends," Orion replied, bringing his hand out for a shake.

She pushed his hand away and hugged him.

Orion reluctantly hugged her back, a wry expression on his face.

[Wow]

'No another word or I'm going to De update you or whatever the word is.' Orion said internally.

'I should probably use ETF on her.' He thought.

They broke the hug and Orion took the chance to use the skill.

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STATUS

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NAME: Seris Chronos

AGE: 10

GENDER: female

RACE: HUMAN

ATTRIBUTES:

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STRENGTH:44

AGILITY: 55

ENDURANCE: 48

VITALITY: 47

INTELLIGENCE: 58

MANA: 80

CHARM: 90

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RANK: (Peak) ACOLYTE RANK

TALENT: HIGH

BLOODLINE: Spatial Axis

AFFINITY: Space

ABILITIES:

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Innate Skills:-

Spatial Anchoring– Seris embodies stability within the ever-shifting tides of space. Her ability centers on controlling fixed points in reality:

Passive – Anchor: She cannot be forcibly displaced by spatial magic (teleports, pulls, warps) unless vastly overpowered. Even in unstable dimensions, her presence "pins" her to reality.Passive – Lattice Sense: She can feel and outline stable and unstable nodes in space — sensing distortions, rifts, or weaknesses long before they rupture.Active – Anchor Point: She can designate a location within short range as a personal "anchor." She can instantly pull herself back to that point, regardless of external interference, once per activation.

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Trained skills:

*Kairos step (Mid proficiency)

Acts at the perfect moment, improving dodges and counterattacks.

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Acquired skills:-

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Orion kept his expression neutral as the translucent screen flickered in his vision.

Her mana was the first thing that drew his attention. Eighty at just ten years old, he hadn't seen others yet but he reckoned that was beyond what most of his peers would usually manage.

For a moment, he simply observed the flow around her. It was steady, calm, not wild or uncontrolled like most Acolytes. Her body almost seemed to breathe with it.

'It's not just quantity,' he thought. 'Her affinity is letting her stabilise it early. Most people at this stage still leak mana all over the place. She's… anchored.' He chuckled at that last thought.

It fit her ability. Orion had read about innate space skills before, but Spatial Anchoring was new to him. The passives were subtle, not flashy like teleportation or bending space, yet he could see how dangerous they might become.

Someone who could not be displaced or caught in dimensional tricks would always hold their ground. And the "Anchor Point" skill… that was more versatile than it looked.

'She's hard to pin down, and she can return to safety whenever she chooses. Defensive, but practical. Perfect for someone in our family line.'

He closed the screen with a thought, hiding it before Seris noticed his distraction.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Nothing," Orion replied casually.

"Just thinking about how annoying you'd be to fight." He said.

Her lips curved into a grin. "Good. Then you already understand how special I am."

Orion only gave a small chuckle, though inwardly he couldn't deny she was right.

The conversation drifted back to lighter ground, just as Seris had pushed for. She leaned in with an expectant look, eyes glittering like she wouldn't let him escape this time.

"So," she said, arms crossed. "Likes, dislikes, hobbies. Don't dodge."

Orion sighed, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Fine. I like reading. I don't like pointless noise. I enjoy sparring when it's… useful, not when it's just two idiots swinging sticks. And as for food—"

Seris immediately leaned closer.

"—I don't really have a favorite yet," Orion admitted.

"Lame," Seris declared, falling back against the bench dramatically. "Absolutely lame."

"You asked, I answered," Orion replied simply. "What about you?"

Her mood bounced back quickly. "Easy. Favorite food? Roasted quail. Hobby? Beating people at any kind of game. Dislikes? Sitting still for too long." She ticked them off like they were obvious.

Orion chuckled. "Then you'll like this."

He stood, brushing his hands against his trousers. "Wait here. I'll get something from my room."

Seris raised a brow.

When Orion returned, he carried a small polished board under one arm. The surface was neatly engraved with alternating light and dark squares, and a pouch of carved pieces dangled from his hand.

"What's this?" Seris asked, curiosity instantly pulling her upright.

"It's called chess," Orion explained, setting the board on the bench between them. He arranged the pieces carefully. "A strategy game. Two sides, equal forces. You win by cornering the king."

Her eyes lit up. "Strategy? This sounds perfect."

Orion smiled faintly. "We'll see. Most people find it frustrating the first time."

He explained the rules slowly, patient as Seris leaned in, studying every move. Soon the first game began, Seris fumbling with the pawns but catching on quickly.

"You really made this up?" she asked midway, glaring at the board after losing her rook.

"In my family estate, I needed something to pass the time," Orion said casually, moving his knight. "This kept me occupied."

Seris muttered something under her breath, then focused harder. She lost the first game decisively.

"No fair. You've played this before," she accused.

"I did warn you," Orion said, resetting the board.

The second game went longer. She adapted quickly, anticipating his tricks, and even managed to put him on the defensive once or twice. By the end, Orion still won, but it wasn't as clean.

Seris smirked despite her loss. "Next time, I'll crush you."

"I look forward to it," Orion said evenly,

They continued their game and banter for hours.

The light had soon begun to dim when they finally stood.

"Well, friend," Seris said, stretching, "this was actually fun. More fun than I expected."

Orion nodded. "Agreed."

They exchanged a brief wave before heading in different directions, Seris back toward her quarters, Orion toward his.

[Nice day?]

'Wonderful day'.

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