he library doors creaked as Sako stepped in, brushing off the late-day sun like dust from her cloak.
"Alright, 3 hours are up. What's the report on the books?"
Saki turned with a radiant glow, her wings now faintly shimmering.
"Oh, sis… I came to see you. Look—I'm an Archangel now."
Sako's jaw dropped.
"Twin sister, what a surprise! A pleasure I wasn't prepared for."
Just then, the divine presence of Sword God Lizato Viaterino echoed through the hall.
"Sako, nice to meet you. And Saki… I came to check on Edward, my student's progress."
Sako nodded.
"He's doing well—completed 4 quests. The fifth one, the Library Trial, is underway."
Team E-D-W perked up and approached.
"Sako-sis, we finished the quest today! You told us to take 3 hours at the café... but it's been 15 hours!"
Sako blinked, then chuckled with embarrassment.
"Ah… I made a mistake. I went home and fell asleep after too much work. Sorry, kids!"
She turned to Saki, her expression softening.
"Looks like my sister took good care of you. And now we've got a newborn god—Mr. Lizo, or rather… Lizato Viaterino."
She smiled playfully.
"Alright, what's your current status update?"
A quiet hum fills the library's "talking zone" as Winston steps forward, eyes gleaming with pride.
"Status: Open. Show update."
System Alert: Quest Complete – Library Depth Trial
Objective: Read 100 books ⏱ Time Limit: None 🚀 Record Broken: Completed 1.5 days faster than Dark Void's benchmark
"New skills acquired," Winston continues.
Skill: Read
Grants fluid, absorbent reading Improves retention and clarity
Skill: Concentrate
Deepens mental focus Stabilizes thoughtflow during long sessions
Job Skill: Hunter Aura
Emits slow-target aura ⚔️ Debuff: -20% speed to affected target
Hunter Job Skill Set: Activated
Requires 3 Hunter-class skills to unlock full Set Effect
Winston's voice holds steady as he turns to address the gathered team: Sako, Saki, Sword God Lizato Viaterino, Edward, and David.
In the soft gleam of the library's afternoon light, David took a step forward, voice bright with anticipation.
"Status: Open. Show update!"
Library Quest Cleared!
ojective: Read 100 books ⏱ Time Limit: None 🚀 Record Broken: Completed 1.5 days faster than Dark Void's benchmark
The team leaned in, already smiling.
Skill: Read
Clean, absorbent reading Instant clarity and comprehension
Skill: Concentrate
Stabilizes mental flow Deepens focus for extended tasks
New Skill: Wizard Feast
Grants ability to prepare a magical feast once a day Effect: Increases chance of earning rare or synergistic skills for David and allies
Wizard Skill Set Activated
Needs 5 more unique Wizard-class skills to unlock full set bonus
As the team's laughter settled from David's feast reveal, Edward stepped forward with calm confidence and a playful grin.
"Alright. Status open… show update."
Quest Cleared: Library Reading Trial
Read 100 books — Time Limit: None 🕐 Achievement: Beat Dark Void record by 1.5 days!
New Skills Unlocked:
Read: Enables neat, clear, and absorbent reading Concentrate: Deepens focus and stabilizes thoughtflow
Battle Skill Gained:
Asura Fist – Can strike non-physical objects Stack Level: 0 Effect: Begins spiritual fist progression
Lucky Triumph Bonus effect ;
Card: Coarse Create an educative card with trap capability Can seal powerful targets for 1 month or 1 year Stack: 0 (Max 3 cards, usage limited)
Card Master Skill Set Activated
Progress: 1/3 skills collected to unlock full set effect
Hidden Skill Updated:
Power Up (Stack) Every new skill boosts cumulative force Bare fists gain intensity as stacks rise 💥 Current Stack: 8
Curtain Falls EX (Revamped)
Grants random top-tier skills Stack Build: 3/18 ⚡ When full, grants 1 permanent skill
All stacks successfully updated
The cozy hum of chatter filled the campus café as the trio tucked into warm food after the intense library challenge. Steam curled from cups of herbal tea and curry bowls, the sunset painting amber across the sky outside.
David wiped his mouth and chuckled.
"Oh, I left one skill update from my status—Calm Water. Whenever I drink it, it gives Calm Points. Reaches 5, and—poof—stress resets. It's automatic under pressure."
Skill: Calm Water Grants Calm Points while drinking Mental stress resets at 5 points Repeats cycle under stress Stack Level: 7
Sako leaned in, her eyes gleaming.
"Alright, let's lay it out. After five quests—Sit, Dig, Mine, Pick Up, and Library—let's hear your total skill count and job set progress."
Winston – The Precise Hunter
Total Skills: 15 🏹 Hunter Job Set: 6 skills acquired 🎯 Needs: 3 more to complete Hunter set 🔒 Other Sets: None unlocked yet
David – The Tactical Wizard
Total Skills: 14 🔥Wizard Job Set: 4 skills acquired 🎯 Needs: 5 more to complete Wizard set 🔒 Other Sets: None unlocked yet
Edward – The Strategic Card Master
Total Skills: 16 🃎 Card Master Set: 6 skills collected 🎯 Needs: 2 more to complete the set 🔒 Other Sets: Only Card Master unlocked
Sako clapped lightly, energized by the team's growth.
"Nice progression, Team E-D-W. Tomorrow's quest is Farm. It's one of the key quests for basic set skills—be ready by morning."
In the quiet of his academy dorm, Edward held a leaf etched with subtle aura runes. He closed his eyes, speaking softly:
"Activate status."
The system pulsed. A gentle blue shimmer formed a seal around him, and the leaf ignited with spiritual clarity.
Secret Skill Activated:
"All Things From Me, I Am All Things"
The leaf transformed into a golden-link rune.
"Connect to Maxililus."
Link Established
Maxililus — Edward's loyal assistant from his former role as the Protector, now stationed at the academy where Edward continues learning.
A soft glyph shimmer appeared. Maxililus's voice sounded through:
"Lord Protector… though the world now calls you student, your spirit still commands me."
Edward nodded.
"Maxililus, I've appointed Sword God Lizato Viaterino as my new right hand. Sako archangel
remains my left hand. You continue as my assistant.
But now… I need your help."
Maxililus bowed respectfully in the link.
"Speak your request, Lord."
Edward's eyes sharpened.
"Investigate the truth behind Dark Void's Golden Mask. Every fracture, every hidden order, every false death—trace it."
Maxililus responded instantly.
"Understood. I've already prepared my archives. However, note that while three days passed here at the academy… one month has already passed in Questeria's realm."
Edward smiled faintly.
"Yes… the time splits between quest zones and reality. Don't worry. I'll call again after three days."
The leaf dimmed, reverting to a glowing mark in his palm—a symbol of command and memory.