I formed a tight circle with my team, ensuring no outsiders could overhear. The others around the hall were scattered, whispering, scheming, pretending they had control. But control came from knowledge and I was gathering it.
"Listen carefully," I said, eyes scanning their faces one by one. "This phase is crucial. We need to plan everything to survive. I've prepared questions for the Goddess. You'll ask them exactly as I say. Focus, listen, and remember."
I turned first to Erica.
"You'll go first. Ask her about the forest-specifically, its zones. Where do weak and strong monsters appear?"
Erica nodded silently.
Next, I looked at Masha. "You ask her about the best way to grow stronger. Not some vague concept—something practical."
Jin stood tall beside me. "You're up next. Ask about hidden artifacts or items in the forest."
Edgar adjusted his glasses as I turned to him. "Your question's simple but important. Ask the Goddess what the final challenge is-the last obstacle we'll face before escaping this place."
I paused, taking a breath.
"That's all for now. The rest of you-wait. Once these four return, we'll proceed. Now go."
They walked off toward the Goddess's chamber. The rest of us waited, tension thick in the air.
Erica returned first.
"I asked what you told me," she said, her voice soft but sure. "She explained the forest layout. Monsters are ranked from E to S. As we travel deeper, we'll face stronger ranks- E first, then D, and so on. But some areas are abnormally dangerous. She said certain zones house monsters that surpass even ten S-rank threats combined. I memorized the coordinates so we can avoid them."
I nodded, impressed. "Excellent. We've just gained a major head start. Now… what about your skill?"
She blinked, then smiled with nervous excitement. "I got Pyrokinesis."
My eyes widened. "Give me the description."
"I can manipulate and conjure fire- for both offense and defense."
A grin tugged at my lips. "That's monstrous. No, inhumane. You've got one of the most versatile and deadly abilities. With this, you'll be a core asset to the group. Don't hold back, Erica. What awaits us… is beyond horrifying."
Before she could reply, Masha stepped into our circle.
"Your turn," I said.
She folded her arms. "To grow stronger, we must hunt. Kill monsters- or even humans. Their bodies release mana upon death. If we focus, we can absorb that mana. It makes us stronger. I don't fully understand it, but I repeated her words exactly."
I nodded. "That's enough. Now, your skill?"
"Cryomancy. I can harness the power of ice- to freeze enemies or shape the terrain."
'Fire and ice,' I thought. 'We're stacking elemental supremacy already.'
"Incredible," I told her. "Just like Erica, you're a pillar of our survival."
Jin came in next, holding a newly acquired sword.
"I asked what you said," he began. "She gave me coordinates for hidden artifacts and items scattered across the forest. I couldn't memorize all of them, so I asked her to help make a map. Here."
He handed it to me. My eyes skimmed over the ancient symbols and paths.
"You did well. And that sword? I assume your skill is weapon-based?"
He nodded. "Swordsmanship. I've gained mastery over blades, with enhanced combat techniques."
Finally, Edgar returned.
"She said the final trial… is a Bone Dragon. A colossal monster. Not even a group can kill it easily. Not alone."
I inhaled sharply. "I had a feeling it would be something like that. Good work. Now, what about your skill?"
He shrugged, looking disappointed. "It's Appraisal. Pretty lame, I know. But I'll train harder to make up for it."
I stared at him. Then I laughed—not mockingly, but in surprise.
"You think that's lame? Tell me the description."
"It reveals detailed information about a target—health, stats, current condition, skill list. Just by saying 'Appraisal,' I can scan anyone."
"And you called it useless?" I shook my head. "It's one of the most powerful tools we could ask for."
His brows furrowed, confused.
Only I understood what we had now: real-time intelligence. And I was about to put it to use.
"Scan the hall," I ordered. "Check what powers people got. Don't be obvious. Just feed me keywords."
He nodded and stepped back into the crowd. A few minutes later, he returned.
"Got a bunch of them. Some highlights:"
Electrokinesis – Wields electricity to shock, paralyze, or boost movement speed.
Terrashaping – Shapes earth, stone, and metal for defense or attack.
Umbrakinesis – Manipulates shadows to strike, hide, or bind.
Sanctification – Channels divine light to heal, purify, or destroy evil.
Maleficium – Forbidden magic: curses and destructive dark spells.
Phantasms – Creates illusions to deceive or obscure.
Toximancy – Uses poison and venom to weaken or kill.
Graviton – Bends gravity to manipulate enemies or movement.
Wardcraft – Casts protective barriers or sealing magic.
Soulbind – Links souls to share fate, power, or pain.
Warpstep – Instant short-range teleportation.
Then he paused.
"There's one more you'll want to hear."
I tilted my head. "Go on."
"Mimicry – Copies and temporarily uses any skill seen or experienced."
A chill ran down my spine.
That was the wildcard.
Someone in this group had the potential to mimic our strongest skills—and use them against us.
My eyes scanned the crowd. 'Whoever has that… is either our greatest ally—or our deadliest threat.'