Chapter 356: Seeking Information (4)
"Likewise, the racial affinity brings appropriate result upon collaborating with the innate affinity. If opposite affinities are present, like Fire and Water, then the result would be unsatisfying. If both affinities are the same, like Fire and Fire, then the explosiveness increases by many times.
But, if the innate affinity and racial affinity are complementing each other, which is rarer, like Water and Ice, and Strength and Agility, then it makes the most powerful combo. A point to note, the racial affinity only attributes its characteristics to innate affinity unless the racial affinity is an attribute type. Then the audience will witness the hybrid form of an element and an attribute.
An example is the Fire and Wind affinities which can create firestorms. Ice and Water create flexible Ice needles that switch between solid and liquid states. Defence and Stone affinities make up the best and impenetrable walls."
Jonathan went on reading and his eyelids did not blink the whole time. His unflagging attention powered by interest to know more was the fuel behind his expedition.
Seconds became minutes and almost half an hour went past as he continued to read about the elements and their powers. Though he doesn't need to know about Fire, Water, Ice and Wind, he thought it might be useful to read them.
And he finally landed on the page which spoke about Nature affinity. He quickly remembered the deviation of his Stone element towards Nature affinity. Eagerness fired up and his eyes slowed down for clarity and concentration.
"Nature element is the representative of flora. The secret of the element lies in the plants and trees around us. It is said to be the very vitality that leads all lives to live and perish and keep the cycle of sustenance stable.
Yet, it is the weakest power on the list. Those with this affinity can take the role of healer which is still at an advantage in terms of ability. But there rarely have been people who use the Nature element for offence and defence by invoking their skill.
The race of elves or those with an elvish predecessor is rarely known to house this as an innate affinity. As an element known to provide feeble amounts of vitality to the user, this element is at a disadvantage in battle."
The description ended and Jonathan was depressed. What he just read conveyed that the Nature affinity is the weakest and is of no use in a battle.
But he was not discouraged. It is his innate affinity. It is something that he did not even ask for.
Thus, Jonathan turned the page and his eyes fell on the diagram of a hill. It was beautiful and on it was a word written.
"Lithos!"
Jonathan mumbled to himself and his heart was satisfied. At the very glance, he comprehended the magnanimity of the element. His eyes moved downward and began to go through the lines.
"Lithos or Stone affinity is the most powerful element in the list in terms of sturdiness. The boulders and stone wall are the manifestation of this unmoving element. When used properly, it can withstand Fire, stop Water and Ice and can be unyielding in front of Wind affinity. This element is the best in putting up a defence.
But it can not be used for offence."
Jonathan blankly stared at this sentence for a minute as his head became an arena for debate. Nothing controversial, but he was conflicted about whether he should just quit the academy or not.
When he learnt that his racial affinity Nature is incapable of offence or defence, he was not dispirited. But when he read that his innate affinity is as useless as a stone wall, fate threw a wet blanket on his last sliver of hope.
Though felt hopeless, something murmured in his heart to continue to read. Heeding to this feeling, he went on reading.
After the Stone element came Electro AKA Lightning. Then came the special elements called Gravity, Space, Light, Darkness and Time. Jonathan read them and took notes on their advantages and disadvantages, but he was feeling hollow.
Pages after pages, he read and went beyond. As he was nearing the last ten pages, he had an urge to close the book and just retreat to his room and have a nap. Yet, the feeling that insisted to read more was not fading.
Two pages after, Jonathan stumbled across a piece of information that illuminated his dull heart. As soon as he read 'Skill Activation', his mind suddenly assured that he can pull off a skill even from these two useless elements.
The spirit was back and Jonathan read ahead. The next two pages went like a breeze and a smile had bloomed on his face. Though he could not understand anything straight away, he pondered on the words multiple times and was able to comprehend the underlying meaning and the trick in awakening the skill inside a person.
Jonathan thus concluded the fourth book and closed it. The book proved highly informative than the other three books he read. He then stacked the four books he had read and took the page in his hand to give it back to the librarian.
The process went smooth and he came back to the table. The setting stars had been caught in his sight and he understood that a whole day had been spent in the library.
Jonathan took the books and placed them where he had found them. Packing his bag with his water pouch, pen and notepad, he greeted the librarian before exiting the library.
The time was around 5 PM and the sky was lit with an orange hue. Taking peaceful slow strides, he walked toward the hostel. His hands were behind his back and his eyes were fixed at a distance. Yet his head was conducting a series of arguments and counter-arguments.
"So, to awaken the skill, I need to feel both of my elements. I need to be thorough about its presence, pros and cons."