Chapter 747: Sharing Enhanced Cognition

Elion looked back at her with a deadpan expression.

"Didn’t you just tell me to stop?"

"That isn’t the point!"

He laughed, and Mira joined him while Isolde giggled softly. Tessa huffed, crossing her arms as she looked away.

"You’re all enjoying this far too much."

"A little," Elion admitted. "Anyway, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you... I’ve gained access to a feature that lets me share some of my abilities with you. Spells too, provided we have the same affinity."

Tessa turned back toward him. "Share them how? You mean teach us?"

"Something a little more convenient than that. You would receive the ability itself, though you’d still need to learn how to use it."

All three regarded him in silence.

Elion could understand their surprise. Learning a spell was one thing, but receiving someone else’s unique skill was another matter entirely.

"There are limitations," he continued. "I can’t give you everything, and you need to be strong enough to handle and wield whatever I share. But I’ve already confirmed that the ability I have in mind is suitable for all three of you."

"What ability?" Mira asked.

"Enhanced Cognition. It allows you to process information much faster than you normally could. In a fight, that means more time to perceive and understand an attack, and then decide how to respond."

Mira’s eyes widened. "Is that how you react so quickly?"

"It certainly helps... though thinking faster doesn’t mean your body will suddenly move faster too. You still need to act on what you perceive."

Tessa looked down at her hands, already considering the possibilities.

For someone who fought at close range as often as she did, even a small improvement in her reactions could make a considerable difference. Mira and Isolde seemed no less interested.

"It should also help with studying and understanding spells," Elion added. "But there’s only so much I can explain. You’ll understand it better once you receive it and try it yourselves."

"And you can give this to all three of us?" Mira asked.

He nodded. "That’s the plan."

Tessa glanced around at the traveling group before looking back at him.

"What, right now?"

"Yeah, right now."

"Will it hurt?" Isolde asked.

’System?’

[The transfer may cause brief discomfort as the ability integrates with their minds. No lasting harm is expected]

"A little discomfort, apparently, but nothing dangerous," he assured her. "Still, let’s stop for a moment."

He called for a short break, earning a few grateful looks from those behind them, then led the three to a flat rock beside the path. They sat together while he stood before them, wondering how exactly he was supposed to begin.

’What do I need to do?’

[Select the recipient and ability. Physical contact will establish the transfer.]

Elion placed his hand against Mira’s forehead.

"You first."

She smiled up at him. "I’m ready."

[Share Enhanced Cognition, with permanent partner Mira?]

[Cost: 180,000 System Points.]

’Yes.’

A faint light appeared beneath his palm. Mira’s smile faded as she closed her eyes, her fingers clenched around the rock’s edge. Elion kept his hand in place, watching her carefully until the light disappeared.

[Ability Sharing Successful.]

Mira opened her eyes and blinked several times.

"Oh..."

"How do you feel?" He could see a faint glow around her pupils, indicating the ability was active, though the same glow never appeared when he used it. That, or he simply never realized it.

She didn’t answer immediately. Her gaze moved from him to Tessa, then toward the people resting farther down the path.

"Everything feels..." She frowned, searching for the right words. "I don’t know how to explain it."

Elion picked up a small pebble and tossed it toward her. Mira caught it, then stared at the little stone in her hand.

"I could follow it so clearly, it’s almost as if it slowed down for me."

"It takes some getting used to," he said. "Don’t leave it active constantly until you understand your limits."

Tessa leaned forward. "My turn."

"Someone is eager."

"Wouldn’t you be?"

Elion chuckled and placed his hand on her forehead. Another confirmation appeared, and he accepted the cost. Tessa clenched her jaw as the light spread beneath his fingers, but the transfer ended before she could complain.

[Ability Sharing Successful.]

She opened her eyes, then lifted her hand and moved her fingers experimentally.

"This is strange."

"Good strange or bad strange?"

"Good." She looked up at him with clear excitement. "Very good."

Elion smiled before turning to Isolde. She had been watching the pair closely, and when he raised his hand, she tilted her head toward him without being asked.

The third transfer went as smoothly as the others. Isolde winced briefly, then let out a small breath as the light faded.

[Ability Sharing Successful.]

[Total System Points Deducted: 540,000.]

’There goes another fortune.’

Elion dismissed the notification before he could dwell on it. Watching the three test their new ability made the expense considerably easier to bear.

Isolde summoned her wand and studied it, turning it slowly between her fingers.

"I think this will help with spellcasting," she said. "Keeping track of the spell structure feels easier. The mana too, I can almost see the particles that make up the mana in the surroundings. The effect is even more pronounced around my wand, because it collects and stores mana! This is amazing!"

"It is," Elion replied. "But you’ll still need practice. Having more time to think won’t help much if you don’t know what to do with it."

Tessa suddenly threw a light punch toward his shoulder. He easily caught her fist without looking.

She clicked her tongue in annoyance, disappointed that her punch hadn’t landed.

"Don’t get ahead of yourself," he said, grinning as Mira laughed beside her.

"I was just testing something."

"And?"

"It works. You’re still annoying, though."

"Good to know that hasn’t changed."

Their little exchange had drawn a few curious glances, but Elion made no attempt to explain. He released Tessa’s hand and stepped back, allowing them a moment longer to adjust.

"Take it slowly for now. If you feel a headache coming on, stop using it."

Mira rose first, looking rather pleased with herself.

"You really can just give us abilities like that."

"For a price," he replied wryly.

Her expression softened. "An expensive one?"

"Expensive enough that I expect all three of you to put it to good use."

Tessa got up beside her, rolling her shoulders.

"That won’t be a problem."

Isolde nodded firmly, then reached for his hand.

"Thank you, Elion."

He squeezed her fingers gently.

"Just make sure you stay safe. That’s all I ask."

They had all received the base version of enhanced cognition, meaning level one; to level it up, they would have to master it on their own.

They continued their journey soon afterward, with Mira, Tessa, and Isolde occasionally testing their new ability as they walked. Elion answered what questions he could, though he eventually had to remind them to pay attention to their surroundings. Tessa had nearly walked straight into Mira while concentrating on something in the distance.

It was a while later that he noticed a familiar figure approaching through the sky.

"Kali?"

He stopped in his tracks, looking past her as he realized she wasn’t alone. A large cocoon hung beneath her, its pale threads stretching around several dozen people. Through the gaps in the silk, he could make out faces and limbs pressed rather uncomfortably together.

’What has she been doing?’