Chapter 70 Practice to Reverse a River with Telekinesis
The day was slowly edging toward morning, and Riverwood lay wrapped in a veil of dim, bluish twilight. The world felt half-asleep caught between night and dawn. A thin mist hovered above the ground, drifting lazily over the wooden houses and along the riverbank. From the distance came the steady, soothing murmur of the river as it flowed endlessly downstream. Somewhere nearby, the soft clink of armor echoed as guards continued their early patrols, their silhouettes moving calmly through the shadows. A rooster suddenly crowed, its voice sharp and confident, announcing the coming day a little earlier than expected.
Alex's eyes fluttered open.
For a moment, he simply stared at the wooden ceiling above him, listening to the quiet rhythm of the village waking up. Then he let out a slow breath and pushed himself up into a sitting position. His shoulders rolled as he stretched both arms high above his head, his back giving a faint crack. He covered his mouth as a long yawn escaped him, his eyes watering slightly.
"Hm…" he murmured sleepily, rubbing one eye with the back of his hand. "Even though I slept late… I still woke up early."
Turning his head, his gaze fell on Astrid beside him.
She was still completely asleep, her chest rising and falling in a calm, steady rhythm. Her golden hair was a chaotic mess, strands sticking out in every direction and catching the faint light of dawn that slipped through the window. At the corner of her lips, a tiny line of drool had formed, glistening faintly.
Alex froze for a second then his lips curved into a gentle smile.
"Hmm… cute," he whispered, his voice instinctively soft, as if afraid to wake her.
Carefully, he shifted his weight and swung his legs off the bed. Every movement was slow and deliberate. He made sure the mattress barely dipped, then quietly stood up. Before leaving, he glanced back once more, pulling the blanket up slightly to keep her warm.
Sleep a little longer, he thought.
As he straightened his posture, a familiar translucent window materialized before his eyes, hovering in the air. The soft glow of the status interface reflected faintly in his pupils.
Level up available.
Alex's expression sharpened just a little focused, calm. Without hesitation, he reached out and made his selection.
Status Update
Main Level: 36 → 38
Perk Points: 3 → 5
HP: 200 → 220
A warm sensation spread through his body, starting from his chest and flowing outward to his limbs. It felt as though his blood pulsed with renewed vitality. His muscles subtly tightened, his breathing became deeper and steadier, and the lingering fatigue from the previous night faded away.
Alex clenched his fist once, then relaxed it, feeling strength respond instantly.
"…Yeah," he muttered with quiet satisfaction. "That's better."
His body felt lighter, sturdier more alive ready to face whatever the coming day in Riverwood might bring.
Alex quietly stepped out of the room, carefully closing the door behind him so it wouldn't creak and wake Astrid. The wooden hallway of the inn was dimly lit, bathed in the soft orange glow of the dying embers from the hearth below. As he descended the stairs, the familiar scent of wood smoke, ale, and fresh bread filled the air.
Down in the main hall, the innkeeper was already awake and moving about with practiced ease. He dragged a bench back into place, the wood scraping softly against the floor, then leaned over a table to wipe it down with a cloth. When he noticed Alex approaching, he straightened up and offered a warm, knowing smile.
"Well now," he said in a low, friendly voice, "looks like you're up early. Want me to make you some warm milk, hmm?"
Alex didn't answer with words. Instead, he made a light agreeing sound with his mouth
"ckh, ckh"
and pointed casually at the innkeeper with two fingers, nodding once in clear approval.
The innkeeper chuckled.
"Got it. Take a seat."
Alex pulled out a chair and sat at one of the wooden tables. As he waited, his eyes slowly wandered around the inn. The large campfire at the center of the room burned steadily, its flames crackling softly and casting dancing shadows along the walls. The warmth seeped into his skin, chasing away the last traces of morning chill. Everything felt unhurried no loud voices, no clattering mugs just the quiet comfort of an inn waking up for the day.
He leaned back slightly, resting an elbow on the table, shoulders loosening as he took in the peaceful atmosphere.
A moment later, the innkeeper returned, holding a mug that released a thin trail of steam.
"Here you go your warm milk."
Alex straightened up, reached out with both hands, and accepted the mug with a small nod.
"Thank you, uncle," he said sincerely.
He brought the mug to his lips and took a slow sip. The warmth spread through his mouth and down his throat, soothing and gentle. He exhaled softly, his expression easing into quiet contentment.
"So good…" he murmured, almost to himself.
He continued sipping at a relaxed pace, enjoying the simple comfort of the drink and the calm stillness of the inn. Once the mug was empty, Alex stood up and placed it neatly on the table.
He returned briefly to his room to change clothes, adjusting his gear and making sure everything sat comfortably. Then, without lingering, he headed back downstairs and stepped outside, pushing open the inn's door.
Cool morning air brushed against his face as he went out, ready to greet the day and take in the fresh atmosphere of Riverwood.
Outside the Sleeping Giant Inn, the world was still cloaked in lingering darkness. The sky above Riverwood held a deep bluish-gray hue, with only the faintest hint of dawn stretching along the horizon. Lanterns near the buildings flickered softly, their warm light reflecting off damp wooden walls and stone paths. The morning air was cold and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of wet soil and pine.
Alex walked slowly along the riverbank, his boots crunching softly against gravel and grass. The river flowed endlessly beside him, water gliding over smooth stones with a gentle, rhythmic sound almost hypnotic. It was the kind of sound that eased the mind, like natural ASMR, washing away lingering sleepiness.
He stopped near the edge of the river, hands resting at his sides.
Then it came back to him.
Last night… the gold ring.
His fingers instinctively brushed against his hand, where the enchanted ring rested. Fortify Alteration. The faint magical presence hummed against his skin, subtle yet unmistakable.
A spark of curiosity ignited in his eyes.
I should train Alteration properly…
A dangerous, almost reckless thought surfaced.
Could I lift the entire river with this ring?
Before, his training had been limited to small objects cups, stones, weapons. Things that obeyed his will with manageable resistance. But the river before him was alive with motion, mass, and endless momentum. Water surged forward without pause, as if daring him to challenge it.
Alex swallowed.
"..."
He took a deep breath and raised his right hand toward the river. His fingers spread open, palm facing the rushing water. His posture shifted feet planted firmly into the ground, knees slightly bent, shoulders squared. His eyes narrowed as he focused, shutting out everything except the river.
Magical words spilled quietly from his lips as he began chanting Telekinesis.
"Okay…" he muttered, voice low and steady.
"…here goes nothing."
The air around his hand trembled.
At first, nothing happened.
Then the surface of the river rippled unnaturally. The flow hesitated, as if struck by an invisible wall. Alex pushed harder, his fingers slowly curling inward as if gripping something massive and intangible.
He tried to force the water to reverse its direction.
Instantly, a crushing pressure slammed into his skull.
It felt as though an iron vice had clamped around his head, tightening with brutal force. His vision blurred, sparks of light flashing at the edges of his sight. Veins throbbed at his temples, and a sharp, burning pain stabbed straight through his brain.
"Kghk!!!"
A hoarse cry tore from his throat.
Alex's hand snapped back as he instinctively released the spell. He staggered backward, boots scraping against the ground as he fought to keep his balance. One hand flew to his head, fingers digging into his hair as he gasped for air.
"Phew… hah… hah…"
He bent slightly at the waist, breathing heavily, sweat already forming along his brow despite the cold air.
"Looks like…" he muttered between breaths, forcing a crooked smile, "I can't last long when it comes to large masses."
He straightened slowly, wiping his face with the back of his hand.
"But with continuous training…" his eyes lifted back toward the river, resolve flickering within them, "…maybe my body will adapt."
The headache still pulsed fiercely, but Alex clenched his jaw and rolled his shoulders. He inhaled deeply, steadying his breathing. His hand trembled as he raised it once more toward the river, fingers shaking slightly but his gaze remained firm.
Gritting his teeth, he began to channel Telekinesis again, enduring the pressure in his head as he forced himself to push past the pain.
Alteration: 42 → 45
A faint golden glow brushed the edge of the world as the sun finally began to peek over the distant mountains. The dark blues of night slowly melted into pale orange and soft pink, casting long shadows across the riverbank. Morning mist drifted low over the water, shimmering as light touched it, and the chill in the air gradually gave way to warmth.
Alex stood near the river, his body drenched in sweat despite the cool morning breeze. His shirt clung to his back, damp and heavy. Every breath he took came out rough and uneven, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he forced air into his lungs. His legs trembled slightly, muscles screaming in protest after repeated casting.
"Phew… hah…" He bent forward, resting his hands on his knees for a moment before straightening up again. "Not bad…"
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and looked at the river, his eyes sharp with focus.
"I can hold the water still for about twenty minutes now," he muttered, nodding to himself. "Alright next stage."
His posture shifted. He planted his feet firmly into the ground, shoulders squared, spine straight. Slowly, deliberately, Alex raised his hand once more toward the river, fingers spread wide as if grasping something invisible.
"Bending the flow… against the current."
He inhaled deeply, gathering his concentration.
"Hiiiah!!!" he shouted, veins standing out along his neck. "Come on, baby!"
The air around his hand vibrated violently. The river responded hesitantly at first. The surface of the water shuddered, ripples clashing unnaturally. Then, inch by inch, the current began to resist itself. The flowing water twisted, hesitated, and if only slightly started to move against its natural direction.
Alex's entire body tensed. His jaw clenched so hard his teeth ground together. His vision blurred, edges darkening as pain exploded inside his skull.
After a few agonizing moments, his strength gave out.
" Fuah!"
He collapsed to one knee, his raised hand dropping uselessly to his side as the spell shattered. The river instantly returned to its normal flow. Alex clutched his head, fingers digging into his hair as a sharp, tearing pain tore through his brain.
"My… brain feels like it's about to rip apart," he groaned, voice strained and hoarse.
Without hesitation, he forced himself to focus again and cast Fast Healing, directing the soft green glow toward his head. The magic seeped in slowly, dulling the pain from unbearable to merely throbbing.
"…That's better," he muttered, exhaling shakily.
Even while kneeling, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Even if it was only for one minute… I made it flow backward," he said quietly. "That's progress."
He shook his head slowly.
"I can't push too hard… or my brain really will tear apart."
Exhausted, Alex let himself fall backward onto the grass. The sky above him stretched wide and brightening. He stared up at the clouds drifting lazily overhead, listening to the river's steady flow beside him.
If I keep training like this… he thought, breathing slowly, maybe I could defeat a dragon easily one day.
Memories surfaced how before, he could only freeze a dragon's movement for a fraction of a second. Back then, without the enchanted ring, his mana would run dry first. The strain hadn't been nearly this severe.
Now that mana isn't an issue… his brow furrowed, the burden is hitting my brain instead…
"Aaagh…" he groaned, covering his eyes with one arm. "Becoming invincible really isn't that easy."
After a moment, he lowered his arm and clenched his hand into a tight fist. Slowly, he raised it toward the sky, sunlight glinting off his knuckles.
"But I won't give up," he said firmly, voice filled with resolve. "With enough training, I'll master this. My brain will adapt to Telekinesis no matter what."
With a grunt, Alex rolled onto his side, pushed himself up, and stood once more. His legs wobbled, but he steadied himself and returned to his position by the river, continuing his relentless training.
Time passed unnoticed.
When he finally stopped again, the sun had climbed high standing at spear-length in the sky. Alex was utterly exhausted. His body felt heavy, his mind foggy but the results were undeniable.
Before, he could reverse the flow for only one minute.
Now five.
And when violently bending the river at high speed, he could hold it for nearly thirty seconds.
Alteration: 45 → 51
Alex collapsed onto the grass once more, laughing breathlessly as his chest heaved.
"Haha… see?" he muttered, staring up at the sky. "Progress."
He closed his eyes for a moment, smiling despite the exhaustion.
"Calm down, Alex… you'll reach the top eventually."
Opening his eyes, he glanced at the sun's position and suddenly realized how much time had passed.
"…I should head back to the Sleeping Giant Inn," he said, pushing himself up slowly. "Astrid might get worried."
With that thought in mind, Alex gathered himself and prepared to return.
Alex made his way back to the Sleeping Giant Inn, pushing open the heavy wooden door. A familiar wave of warmth washed over him the moment he stepped inside, chased by the comforting scents of cooked meat, fresh bread, and faint wood smoke. The inn was far livelier than it had been earlier morning light streamed through the windows, and the low murmur of voices filled the room.
Near the counter, Astrid was already seated at a wooden table, enjoying her breakfast. She held a piece of bread in one hand while the other rested casually near her plate. Across from her, the innkeeper stood behind the counter, wiping a glass with a cloth, his movements steady and practiced.
Alex's eyes lit up when he spotted her. He walked over with a relaxed stride and greeted her with a wide grin.
"Hey, sleepyhead," he said teasingly. "You're finally awake."
Astrid paused mid-chew and looked up at him. Her brows lifted slightly in surprise. She quickly swallowed, then raised her hand in a casual wave.
"Hey, Alex," she said. "Where have you been?"
Instead of answering right away, Alex's grin widened. He snapped his fingers sharply, the sound crisp in the air, and casually pointed at Astrid.
In the next instant, Astrid's body lifted from the chair.
"Whoa hey! What are you doing?!" she shouted, her arms flailing slightly as her feet left the floor.
Alex burst into a grin, clearly enjoying her reaction.
"I was practicing Telekinesis."
With a gentle flick of his wrist, he lowered her back down. Astrid landed softly in her seat, blinking in disbelief. She shook her head, then resumed eating as if this sort of thing happened every day. Alex pulled out the chair beside her and sat down, leaning back comfortably.
Astrid shot him a suspicious glance from the corner of her eye.
"But… weren't you already practicing Telekinesis before?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Alex nodded calmly.
"Yeah. But back then it was just small stuff cups, stones, things like that." He shrugged. "This time, I went a bit extreme."
He leaned closer and added casually, "I tried to make the river flow against its current."
Astrid froze.
Her eyes widened, and she nearly choked on her food, coughing as she slapped the table lightly. At the same time, the innkeeper stopped wiping his glass, staring at Alex in shock.
"What?!" Astrid exclaimed once she caught her breath. "You're kidding, right?!"
She stared at him in disbelief, then let out a long sigh.
"Huh… being with you, it's impossible not to be surprised all the time."
The innkeeper leaned forward, squinting at Alex as if reassessing him entirely.
"Hah," he muttered. "You monster."
Alex laughed and waved his hand dismissively.
"Hey, hey, I'm just a mage. Don't blame me, okay?"
The innkeeper snorted loudly.
"What kind of mage does something like that? Anyone who tries would either go insane or run out of mana!"
He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as if digging through old memories.
"Wait… I think I remember someone who could do something like that. An Arch-Mage, maybe? Hm… memory's a bit fuzzy. But what you're doing only a handful of people can pull that off, you know!"
Alex averted his gaze slightly, laughing awkwardly.
(Better not tell him I can push Telekinesis even further in the future.)
"Yeah, yeah relax," Alex said, scratching the back of his head. "The stronger I get, the safer Riverwood becomes, right?"
The innkeeper let out a long sigh. His expression softened as memories surfaced Alex standing against a dragon, protecting the village. His shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Yeah… that's true," he admitted. "But be careful, okay? The stronger you become, the more attention you'll attract."
Alex waved him off with an easygoing smile.
"Yeah, yeah don't worry."
With that, Alex reached for his breakfast and joined Astrid properly, the two of them eating together as the inn continued to buzz gently with the calm rhythm of a new day in Riverwood.
Status
Main Level: 36 → 38
Perk Points: 3 → 5
HP: 200 → 220
Alteration: 42 → 51
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