[Learning 'Quick Slash' requires consuming 3 skill points.]
Ding—
[Mid-tier profession 'Sword Master' successfully acquired!]
Sakeer stared at the new information glowing on his status panel, a flicker of realization crossing his face.
"So even in a world unlike a game... I can still find 'employment.'"
But...
His expression darkened slightly as he lowered his gaze.
Acquiring a profession automatically, with no option to refuse?
At present, there were two main ways to acquire combat professions:
Interacting with related weapons or equipment.
Advantages: Easy access to basic professions.
Disadvantages: Much harder to attain mid or high-tier ones. Learning skills by consuming skill points.
Advantages: Greater flexibility. If you have the skill points and a clear target, you can learn a profession's skills by observing others.
Disadvantages: Once you learn a skill, the associated profession is unlocked immediately—no take-backs. This requires strategic forethought.
Sakeer carefully weighed both methods. Compared to the second approach—which allowed more flexibility for a Genius-type—using equipment to unlock professions felt far more limiting.
He returned his attention to his status panel.
With the acquisition of Sword Master, his overall level had risen to Level 2, and he'd gained three additional skill points.
"With this kind of progression speed, it's no wonder players in games always rushed to unlock level 100 professions."
Sakeer let out a slow, thoughtful breath.
So just unlocking professions could raise his level.
A powerful revelation—and one that stirred bold new possibilities in his usually careful mind.
"The rule of gaining three skill points per level hasn't changed."
Sakeer mulled over the familiar mechanic.
"Logically, I could theoretically accumulate up to 300 skill points. But if I die, lose a level, and then level up again… could I keep gaining skill points repeatedly?"
The wild idea flashed through his mind.
In YGGDRASIL, that sort of exploit was impossible. But in this otherworld? Sakeer couldn't rule out the presence of bugs—or loopholes.
He shook his head, brushing the thought aside. Now wasn't the time to test such a dangerous theory.
Before the information on his status panel disappeared, Sakeer quickly spent two skill points, unlocking Instant Reflex and Four-Light Combo. He chose to reserve the remaining point for emergencies.
His status panel had undergone noticeable changes:
[Status Panel]
Name: Sakeer
Alignment Value: 0 (Neutral)
HP: 23 (1.7%)
MP: 13 (1%)
Physical Attack: 23 (1.7%)
Physical Defense: 13 (1%)
Agility: 23 (1.7%)
Magic Attack: 13 (1%)
Magic Defense: 13 (1%)
Overall Resistance: 0 (0%)
Unique Properties: 0 (0%)
Total Stat Increase: 9.1%
[Abilities]
Natural Superpower: [Player]
Overall Level: 2Lv
Experience Bar: 0/100
[Professions]
Basic Profession: Genius Lv1
Mid-tier Profession: Sword Master Lv1
Skill Points Remaining: 1
[Passive Skills]Item Box
Slash Damage (+1%)
[Active Skills]
Warrior-type:
Instant Reflex
Four-Light Combo
Quick Slash
Profession: Sword Master
Rank: Mid-tier
Description: Specializes in slashing weapons—swords, axes, claws, etc. Each level increases Slash Damage by 1%, up to a maximum of 10%.
Level-up Bonus: +10 HP, +10 Physical Attack, +10 Agility per level.
Skill: Instant Reflex
Cost: None
Description: Instantly resets the body's stance after an attack.
Skill: Four-Light Combo
Cost: None
Description: Executes four simultaneous slashes. Attack power may be divided, and accuracy decreases.
Skill: Quick Slash
Cost: None
Description: Delivers a rapid slash forward, dealing 110% physical damage. (Cooldown: 10 seconds)
"Only HP, Physical Attack, and Agility increase, huh?" Sakeer muttered. "So, profession stat growth varies. And mid-tier ones only grant ten points per level… basic professions must be even more modest."
He considered it for a moment.
"Luckily, the 'Genius' profession let me skip the need for a basic class."
Then his gaze settled on the passive skill: Slash Damage.
"A passive skill from a mid-tier profession? Interesting."
A maximum bonus of 10% to Slash Damage wasn't overwhelming, but it was consistent and reliable.
"It's… decent, I guess."
He paused, thoughts turning inward.
"Still, what surprises me most are the skills themselves. There's a big difference between this world's combat techniques and the game-like profession abilities."
For instance, Quick Slash came with clear numerical values and cooldowns. But Instant Reflex and Four-Light Combo had vague descriptions—no cooldown, no damage metrics.
"No wonder high-level warriors in YGGDRASIL preferred martial techniques over system-based skills," Sakeer mused.
In the game, there was a sharp contrast between magic and warrior systems. Magic-users could cast most spells freely, limited only by MP, hence the saying:
"Mana is the true lifeline of mages."
Of course, high-tier spells came with their own cooldowns or specific requirements. In contrast, warrior skills didn't consume mana but were gated by cooldowns or other constraints. Some unique abilities even did require MP.
Here in this otherworld, martial techniques seemed to rely on a different resource—focus.
But Sakeer's panel didn't display any "focus" stat.
"Another mystery to unravel…"
Suddenly, a rustle of movement surrounded him. The sound of people rising from their seats filled the air.
Startled, Sakeer glanced around—everyone nearby had stood up, and a few were casting curious glances his way.
"Ahem."
He cleared his throat and stood as well, schooling his expression into calm neutrality.
He had no idea what was going on, but copying the crowd felt like the safest choice.
As he stood, a brief moment of imbalance caught him off guard. His body, newly enhanced by stat increases, hadn't fully adjusted. He stumbled forward and instinctively grabbed the shoulder of the person ahead of him.
The man—a large, rugged fellow with brown hair and a face that had seen many brawls—turned sharply. His expression was fierce.
"Kid, what's your problem?" he growled, fist clenched.
"My apologies. I lost my footing," Sakeer replied coolly, withdrawing his hand with a polite nod.
The man gave a threatening snort, glaring as though memorizing Sakeer's face for later retribution.
Sakeer frowned inwardly.
He wasn't in a position to attract unnecessary attention—or unnecessary enemies.
The stumble had likely come from the sudden boost in strength. His body had yet to acclimate, but the odd sensation passed quickly.
Above them, nobles and royals began filing out of their box seats. The air filled with excitement and chatter about the match's outcome. Admirers buzzed with admiration for both warriors, especially since they'd both been invited to the royal palace—winner and loser alike.
Amid the swelling commotion, Sakeer quietly slipped away into the crowd, avoiding any further interaction with the hostile man.
The man, noticing his absence, cursed under his breath.
"Tch! You better hope I don't catch you later, punk!"
(End of Chapter)