Kyle sat on the edge of his bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the blue glow floating in front of his face.
It wasn't his status, nor was it one of his skills—it was the shop screen.
Kyle glanced at the number in the corner of the screen.
[Shop Points: 410]
He breathed slowly. "Good."
410 points was the highest amount he had ever collected. Although the shop's prices were unusually high, this amount was enough for him to improve himself significantly.
His gaze drifted across the shop screen, and his jaw tightened.
`Mind control is great... until it isn't`
What if a monster resisted? What if he was alone? What if someone got close before he reminded himself to activate the skill?
One mistake, one ambush... and he'd die on a random roadside like a nameless extra.
Kyle rubbed his jaw. "I need another trump card besides mind control."
He already had an option in mind—the assassin class.
The system couldn't change his [Mind Controller] class, nor did he want it to. But nothing prevented him from building a second style around it.
There were many other secondary classes Kyle could train in. But he chose this one because it complemented his primary class [Mind Controller].
Speed to escape. Stealth so he can get close without being noticed. And a way to kill that doesn't just rely on "please obey me," which might be answered with "no."
He could also deliver fatal blows to his opponent while fighting creatures controlled by Kyle.
Although the system cannot assign him a second class such as assassin and grant him the relevant skills and rewards for free, that doesn't mean it can't help him.
He tapped the weapon section and filtered it with a quick thought.
[Category: Weapons → Daggers]
A list of blades unfolded in neat rows, each with a name, price, and glowing description.
Kyle's eyes narrowed. `A dagger fits me.`
He'd used one more than anything else. It was quick, quiet, and didn't demand strength like a sword or a spear.
In addition, it was the most suitable weapon for the assassin's class.
Kyle began scrolling. He had specific requirements for the dagger he wanted.
The price must be 410 points or less, the dagger must be enchanted, and most important—its effects must be commensurate with its primary class.
[Dagger of Calm Waters — Common Grade]
[Effect: Increases cutting power by 10% when soaked in water.]
[Restriction: The blade itself dulls faster than normal.]
[Price: 180 Shop Points]
`What's the point if it dulls? It'll just be decoration! Next.`
[Whispersteel Dagger — Rare Grade]
[Effect: Thin blade reduces noise when stabbing by 50%.]
[Restriction: Requires Agility stats above 20.]
[Price: 230 Shop Points]
`Good effect, but not useful for me right now... and I haven't achieved its restrictions.`
[Echo Fang — Common Grade]
[Effect: Each cut causes the target to hear distorted whispers.]
[Restriction: The whispers can be heard by nearby minds—including allies.]
[Price: 140 Shop Points]
`So it can freak out my party too.`
And worse... it could attract attention. Give away what he was doing. Make someone suspicious.
[Gloomneedle — Rare Grade]
[Effect: Reduces clotting and increases bleeding for 8 seconds.]
[Restriction: The blade must be fully inserted into the target's body for the effect to work.]
[Price: 375 Shop Points]
`It's very powerful... but it's not useful to me. I want something that fits my primary class.`
Kyle continued scrolling, slower now, more picky.
After a while, his eyes stopped on a particular dagger.
The dagger was short, matte black, with faint red lines carved into it like dried veins. No jewels. No grand ornament. The grip was black and sturdy.
It wasn't particularly distinctive, but it was the effect that attracted Kyle.
[Fear Blade — Rare Grade]
The effect text hovered beneath it.
[Effect: When the blade draws blood, it disrupts the target's mental state. The more blood it contacts, the worse the disruption becomes.]
[Restriction: It must be fed with a quantity of blood in order for the effect to work.]
[Price: 400 Shop Points]
Kyle's eyes sharpened. `...That's perfect.`
He reread it carefully. "The more blood it contacts..."
So shallow cuts aren't useless—they build pressure. And if he landed a serious strike, the target's mind would collapse faster.
Its effect was very appropriate for his skill [Mind Control]. The weaker the mental state of the target, the easier it is for commands to infiltrate their mind.
This dagger didn't replace his class—it fed it.
`It doesn't look like something a hero would carry.` Kyle leaned forward and grinned slightly. `Good.`
Without hesitation, he purchased it. The points vanished, and the screen flickered.
The dagger appeared in his hand—cold, lighter than it looked.
He rotated and examined it. It wasn't very beautiful, but the red engravings on its blade were distinctive.
Kyle nodded once.
"Fear Blade..." he murmured. "Welcome to the team."
He tucked it away carefully. Then exhaled.
Now he had something that could help him even if mind control failed. Something that could turn a fight into a psychological collapse.
He was still staring at the last remaining points when—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Kyle's eyes narrowed. He glanced toward the door.
Another knock came, lighter this time, like someone was trying to sound innocent.
Kyle stood and walked over, opening it.
Mira was there.
Her hair was styled differently than usual—looser, more casual. She wore a normal dress that made her look more like a normal woman than an adventurer.
"Finally," she said, grinning. "I was starting to think you'd fall asleep again."
Kyle leaned on the doorframe. "As if you would let me."
Mira rolled her eyes. "We're going out. Celebration night, remember? Come on."
Kyle scratched his head. "Oh, right... Okay, wait for me. I'll get dressed quickly."
Mira looked at him, then smiled teasingly. "Do you need my help getting dressed?"
Kyle's gaze slid over her face. She looked smug.
He brought his mouth close to her ear and whispered. "Still feeling brave after this morning?"
At the same time, his hand slid down behind her, grabbed her ass, and squeezed it.
"Ah~!" Mira let out a moan and immediately blushed.
She stared at him like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words fast enough.
"I'm—w-whatever," she stuttered. "Just get dressed... I-I'll wait downstairs."
She turned and walked off quickly with her shoulders stiff.
Kyle watched her go, amused. He shut the door, stretched his arms, and grabbed his clothes.
He began to change, preparing for the celebration.