[Ding! Your wish has been granted.]
[A random reward is being generated…]
[Error…]
[Re-generating…]
[Ding! An appropriate skill has been selected!]
[You have acquired skill: Concentration (?)]
[Would you like to view skill details?]
[Yes / No]
"Oh? I didn't know the window had a detail function too. That's unexpected."
According to the novel, Fade's system could provide extensive information thanks to his appraisal skill. But it seems that the standard window,shared by everyone in this world,can also provide information, though only about one's own acquired skills.
That's still useful.
"But let's get out of here first. I'll check the details back at the dormitory."
As soon as the wish was completed, a portal opened inside the hall, clearly urging Rio to leave. Seeing this, he fell into thought.
The essence of an SS-rank individual is terrifying… even after death, it can still enforce the rule of one wish per person.
In the end, Rio didn't hesitate. He walked quickly and entered the portal.
He had no intention of ending up like Fade,forcefully thrown out and slammed face-first into the ground, humiliated by the lingering essence of a dead powerhouse.
Every time I remember that, I can't help but smile…
Fade had been greedy. Even after receiving his wish, he tried to extract more. With his system feeding on the essence of dead creatures, he believed that absorbing even a fraction of Ivan's essence could earn him enough points to jump straight to B rank.
Power. Revenge. Pride.
Those thoughts clouded his judgment.
Fade convinced Kira to leave first, then ordered his system to absorb the essence. The system, unlike him, was cautious,it attempted to extract only a tiny amount.
That was enough.
The essence reacted instantly.
An SS-rank essence was no joke, especially against a low-rank human. A portal opened beneath Fade's feet and flung him out mercilessly. He landed face-first into the dirt, utterly humiliated.
Enraged, Fade cursed the place, swore vengeance, and declared that he would one day absorb the essence completely,classic protagonist behavior.
What he didn't know was that he had already angered Marik.
Bound by treaties that prevented SS-ranks from freely entering other races' territories, Marik couldn't act directly. Instead, he sent his snake subordinates to harass Fade repeatedly.
It continued until the day Fade killed Marik, destroyed the Lake of Wishes, and absorbed all its essence.
That's what happens when you offend a Son of Heaven.
"Those snake subordinates were a real headache for him though… some of them even targeted his harem."
Rio shook his head.
Now that's the greatest sin a villain can commit against a protagonist.
As these thoughts passed through his mind, Rio emerged from the portal, returning to the very spot where it all began,the forest near the beautiful lake.
He didn't linger.
Rio sprinted out of the forest as fast as he could.
The traps weren't finished yet, and staying too long risked being caught in Marik's illusion again. This time, Marik wouldn't be nearly as forgiving.
Let's not take unnecessary risks.
Illusionists were among the most hated combatants on the battlefield. Prolonged exposure to illusions could permanently damage the mind, which is why illusion-based fighters were often targeted first.
By the time Rio exited the forest, evening had arrived.
He returned straight to his dormitory. After a long bath, he collapsed onto his bed and finally opened his status window.
Name: Rio Flash
Class: Swordsman
Rank: C
Max Rank Potential: No Limit (X)
HP: 2000 / 2000
MP: 1400 / 1400
STR: 50 / 100
SPE: 50 / 100
AGI: 50 / 100
DEF: 50 / 100
INT: 50 / 100
Talent:
Limitless (X)
Sword Aptitude (X)
Techniques:
Basic Swordsmanship (C)
Elemental Sword Art (C)
Ultimate Skill:
Concentration (?)
Skills:
Body Strengthening (C-)
Lightning Sword (C-)
Sword Aura (D-)
Handling (D-)
Passive Skills:
True Immunity (X)
Evaluation:
You are an absolute anomaly. Your growth rate is terrifying, and your potential is unlimited.
Items:
An Unknown Fragment (???)
"Hm… two new slots."
"This Concentration skill is an Ultimate Skill… that's unexpected."
Ultimate skills were incredibly rare. Only a handful of people in recorded history had ever possessed unique or ultimate abilities.
Fade was, of course, an exception. At his peak, he had three ultimate skills.
Overkill.
But he rarely used them. After all, how could a protagonist shine if he killed his enemies too quickly? Struggling dramatically was part of the act.
"Such a troublesome life…"
Rio shook his head and focused.
He hadn't checked the detailed descriptions of his skills before, and understanding them fully would be crucial in combat.
He concentrated his mind.
Soon, a notification appeared:
[Generating skill information panel…]
[A separate panel has been created!]
[You can access detailed information about your attributes.]
[Open panel?]
[Yes / No]
"Yes."
A blank panel appeared. After a brief pause, Rio focused on his techniques.
Basic Swordsmanship (C):
A foundational sword skill every swordsman learns.
While simple, it is essential for becoming a true swordsman.
Normally capped at D rank, but your sword aptitude has surpassed this limit.
Effect: Deals 25% extra damage when using a sword.
Elemental Sword Art (C):
A unique sword art created by a legendary swordsman.
Combines multiple elements at a high level.
Several techniques remain locked and will unlock as understanding improves.
Effect: Deals 40% extra damage per attack.
"That's… far more detailed than I expected."
Next, Rio checked his skills.
Body Strengthening (C-):
Enhances physical durability.
Normally capped at D+, but your talent pushes it beyond limits.
Effect: Increases defense by 45%.
Lightning Sword (C-):
A high-speed elemental sword strike.
Effect: Increases damage and speed by 40%.
Sword Aura (D-):
An evolved form of sword energy.
Allows elemental attacks such as Fire Strike.
Handling (D-):
A defensive sword technique.
Redirects enemy attacks and disrupts balance.
True Immunity (X):
Passive skill that blocks abnormal and intrusive effects.
Concentration (?):
An Ultimate Skill with extreme potential.
Boosts all stats, reactions, and senses by 2x.
Incomplete. A second component is required.
Required Skill: ???
Rio froze.
"Two times… everything?"
That meant his stats would jump from 50 to 100 instantly.
Even with the heavy mana cost,limiting usage to roughly five minutes,it was devastating.
Only peak A-rank individuals possessed stats at that level.
And I can reach it at C rank.
This skill was tailor-made for him.
"But it's incomplete…"
Rio frowned.
When will I find the other half?
Finally, he checked the last item.
An Unknown Fragment (???):
???
???
Requires additional fragments (1 / ???)
"…What is this?"
There was no mention of this fragment in the novel.
Worse, it was stored directly in his soul space,impossible to discard.
A bad feeling crept in.
Why does it feel like I've stepped into something far bigger than I expected?
With no answers, Rio pushed the thought aside.
He was exhausted.
Moments after closing his eyes, he fell asleep.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window. Rio stood quietly, teacup in hand, watching the sunrise.
A peaceful beginning.
"For now."
"New Year's approaching… and a new event with it."
He sighed softly.
"Can't an extra live peacefully?"
"…Still, I'm looking forward to it."