Chapter 498: Realize The Difference
Clicks and taps sounded through the room. A man sat in a poor posture with a furrowed brow over a computer screen.
"I really don't understand."
This person was Travis, currently in his room reviewing some footage. He paused, moved the footage frame by frame, reviewed again and again the same still image. Scratching his head furiously he pushed his chair back and swung off it. Moving through his home he poured himself some water and chugged it.
Determined to figure out what Averoth meant Travis had been spending the past week reviewing the footage of Wrock's fight with him. He had managed to record the battle, a lesson he had learned after the loss against Akiol. Since he was unable to review the video he couldn't quite understand how he lost that battle, so he made a mental note to record any encounters against strong enemies.
Wrock was certainly one of such enemies. Travis hadn't felt such helplessness in a long time. Thinking back he could only remember the time before he regressed. If he had his current strength back then, what would be different?
He quickly shook away these pointless thoughts. Half of the opportunities he took were already taken back then. One such example was the Lower Eight swords he had, they had all essentially been found at that time. It was thanks to his obsession he even got this far.
Taking a moment to think back on his journey, Travis thought of his path to his current position. Constantly learning, constantly shattering his limits. Time and time again Travis broke through impossible scenarios with his will. Various fruitful encounters allowed his growth to skyrocket. Reaching higher to heights he hadn't been able to dream of. Further broadening his views he trained under Dimitrin to fully wield his swords. . .
Remembering Averoth's words at this moment Travis frowned. Moving back to his computer he closed the video and rapidly searched on the internet for a specific video. Finding it he quickly downloaded it and searched for another. Upon gathering all available videos he could find he then organized them on his screen to view simultaneously. Pausing at certain pointer, overlapping the videos in editors with various opacity, syncing up some of the moments.
Travis leaned back, "This. . ."
He had found several videos of Wrock and Akiol on the internet, after all they had a sudden spike in popularity a few times. The early war against hundreds of players, the domination in the arena, the professional tournament, the battle against Travis on both occasions. Rather Travis was shocked to find a video existed of the battle between Akiol and him. To think someone recorded it. Sadly the quality wasn't good enough to review, for a lot of the time the two were moving faster than the video could properly show. There was an official release, but that was more of a highlight, and its actual use was limited due to the heavy editing.
Yet taking some of the moments and putting them together, Travis came to a rapid and startling conclusion. Despite their constant evolution, the way they fought stayed relatively the same. Although Akiol seemed to be an exception to the case, there was some stark similarity as he progressed. Wrock's footage only amplified this idea.
It was like they were following some outline. A method of fighting they had already known. To Travis this seemed incredibly odd. Perhaps to others it might be a matter of Akiol and Wrock already training with weapons. Thus they applied their knowledge and adapted with the game. However to Travis, who had witnessed Dimitrin's vast experience, it wasn't the same. Especially since that logic applied to him.
His previous fighting in A World's Legacy, before he regressed, was what he based his combat style off of in the beginning before meeting Dimitrin. Afterwards he adjusted it several times to match with his rapid ascension in power. This logic didn't make sense with Akiol and Wrock. Rather it seemed like they already knew what to do. As if they experienced everything before and were merely redoing a process.
Travis' thoughts began to spiral. Could they also be regressors? After all it happened to him, what about others? But that didn't make sense! Akiol's weapon was never found in his past timeline. There was simply no hiding the presence of a higher ranked weapon. Moreover that blue flame wasn't common among pugilists. Surely an Azure flame fighter would be known somewhere? Especially if it was powerful, Travis spent an unholy amount of time researching for anything to improve the strength of his guild.
His mind began to move closer to more extreme theories. Perhaps they were regressors, but came from a time farther in the future than he? When more of the game was discovered and people rose higher? Armed with more knowledge than Travis they were able to rise to this extent?
No! That can't be right! Their first few meetings Travis was significantly stronger! Surely information regarding the best possible starts was already announced in the future, right? Although Travis was certain his start was the best one in theory, he shouldn't have outmatched them to such a large degree if they had regressed.
"A difference in foundation. . .", Travis murmured to himself.
Perhaps through a stroke of luck Travis managed to brush against the answer to his questions. Fighting like they had an outline. Perhaps this was a wrong look at it. A more correct vision would be fighting towards a specific outcome. From the start they were reaching for this point. Moves designed to be so similar to the other.
"I. . . got lucky?", Travis remembered Averoth's words more.
From the start his style was ever changing. He never worked on a single focused goal in terms of fighting style. As he gained more tools he had to change.
"This. . . is the difference in foundation? It's what allowed him to grow to a higher point than I? How do I fix that. . . ?"
Travis had stumbled across the reason, but was still lacking a clue on how to fix the situation. After pondering it for a while he decided on a different route. Instead of mindlessly bashing his head against the wall until it broke, why not gain some advice?
Thus he logged on for the first time in a week.
Travis returned to the game and felt the air. Spending a minute to immerse himself in the feeling of the game he spoke, "Averoth?"
"You really almost took a month! I hate that place of limbo."
"Limbo?"
"No matter. You called?", Averoth walked from the corner of Travis' vision.
"This foundation difference. I reflect upon it and have to ask for advice."
"Well like I said I can't give you the answer. Tell me what you think."
"Wrock, that guy. . . if what I think is true, he was fighting in a specific style from the start? Although there are some differences, I feel like he's been following a specific path. As if he knew what came next."
"Hmm, and this specific style you mention. Expand on that."
"I. . . was able to view his previous battles in lower Stages. Comparing them with the others the basic forms remained the same. Every punch, kick, dodge, and block remained had the same feeling. As if coming from the same source.", Travis frowned, "This is hard to put into words."
"Which was part of the reason why I couldn't tell you. Everyone has their own perspective on foundations and whatnot.", Averoth fell backwards and relaxed while floating, "Not bad though. For three weeks of work? I suppose your talent is average."
"It wasn't three weeks that I found this. I just met a wall on how to correct the issue myself so I'm here."
"Oh? How long did it take you to notice this difference?"
"A week. . ."
"Ha! Not bad then. So! You've come to me, the guy who noticed this issue from the start, to ask how to fix this?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, there is a few methods, but most of them would take a significantly long time. First let me expand further on this."
Averoth reached in the air and paused, "Ah, that's right. I'm not alive. I can't draw with mana. . ."
Rolling his eyes he stood back onto his feet, "Okay so, this Wrock fellow. From the start he had a specific style, movements tailored to keep the general image alive with some modifications for those of lesser strength. This kind of benefit is why various large organizations can make such powerful warriors. By handing them the framework for a foundation, all it takes is hard work and perseverance to create one. I can assume he's from a powerful or long lasting organization from the complexity of his foundation. Something like that would be considered a treasure to most. . ."
"Like how sects have their treasured techniques?"
"Sects huh. . . that term sources from the Western side of the world. I'm surprised you know of it. However that is a correct comparison. The foundation Wrock built is from a technique passed on after, at least I can only assume, generations of work. This does more than build a fighting style however, this also prepared his body for the acceptance of greater power. So his strength could rise rapidly without worry about shaking his foundation. Additionally his physique is something else. Makes me kind of jealous."
Travis' ears perked to the final note. Suddenly he wished he viewed Wrock's status with his Eyes of Trinity. He made a mental note to do that next time they met.
Averoth waved a hand, "Anyway, that physique just means he's a natural born genius. His hard work fully showcases the might of his physique, which is why I praise him so highly. A man who holds both talent and effort. Wish I could see how high he's going to reach."
Travis coughed, "So how do I fix mine?"
"I'm getting to that! So impatient! Basically, while Wrock worked hard to prepare himself to launch into greater heights, you completely skipped that step and overdosed on Stat Crystals. A steroid to boost your strength above everyone else, and because of it your foundation became shaky. It's a miracle you're still fine. You owe whoever taught you a massive thanks, their efforts managed to stabilize your foundation."
"I got lucky. . .", Travis understood the meaning of these words now.
"Exactly. The luckiest person I've ever met. Moreover you went and continuously pushed yourself beyond what you were capable of. Which kept throwing any stabilization out the window!"
"Then I ruined myself?"
"No, count yourself lucky that you have me and that teacher of yours. Your style is manifesting, all you have to do is stabilize your foundation and steadily climb upwards. No massive power boost acceptance okay??"
Averoth watched Travis, reading the mood from the subtle movements Travis made. After a while he spoke, "You're going to need a mediocre ascension to Third Stage."
"I'm. . . sorry?"
"It's an investment. Your ascension up the Stages gave you a huge boost in power, ruining your foundation further. So the only way to fix this is to accept your ascension now and reduce the power boost you'll obtain."
Averoth could immediately sense some concern and disbelief coming from Travis, "It's worth mentioning your power exceeds anyone of the same Stage already. It's not like this ascension is going to put you on the same level as the common Third Stage. These mediocre rewards are still substantial, we just have to make sure nothing extra happens. After that, if we take in the time it takes to ascend to Fourth Stage, your foundation should settle and you can accept a crazy boost in power."
Lifting a finger Averoth quickly added, "This means no additional power gaining for at least two months! You'll need time after your ascension."
"A mediocre ascension. . . how would I go about that?"
"Well that bit is easy. All you have to do is will it."
Travis couldn't help but feel Averoth didn't fit the image of a mysterious unparalleled fighting genius sometimes. It was clear he could see through a lot of things, a testament to his abilities, but then he turns around and speaks in such a simple way. Travis sometimes wondered if he was being looked down upon, as if Averoth was speaking to an idiot. Or if maybe Averoth was the idiot. . .
"Hey. I'm not an idiot."
Travis snapped out of his daze, "What?"
"I only made it sound simple because you already fulfill the qualifications. You've been intentionally avoiding it right? Since you wanted to maximize your benefits. It's a common strategy. You should already fulfill the conditions, although your mana control is a bit lacking. . . Whatever, should be enough."
"I see, should I start now?"
"Might as well. What's holding you up?"
"Just needed to make sure."
Travis took a deep breath and focused. A mediocre ascension to the next Stage. Although it was disappointing, he took Averoth's words as comfort. This was an investment, he will rise higher.
Suddenly he felt the weight of a pressure push down on his shoulders.
<You're approaching the realm of Third Stage!>
<The World notices your ascension!>
<The World judges your 'Prominence'!>
<The Eyes Of Trinity stare defiantly>
< |Monarch's Rule| harrumphs>
<Harbinger of the Abyss crosses his arms>
<Verum Lumen shines brilliantly!>
<The Title =One Man Army= shrugs away a single entity's might>
<Your Titles bear the pressure!>
<The World is thinking. . .>
<The World finds it odd, but it accepts your 'Prominence'!>
<The World claims your 'Prominence' is equal to your potential!>
<The World deems you a candidate!>
<Your ascension to Third Stage progresses!>
<Calculating bonuses. . .>
Travis closed his eyes. This was the last point of progression he could remember. He had just barely made it into Third Stage in his previous life. Now he was casually ascending to stabilize his foundation.
<The World is finding a suitable Epithet. . .>
<Your bonuses are being calculated!>
<The World considers your journey and Titles>
<The World finds another thing odd, but considers it nonetheless!>
<The World has decided!>
<Due to your ascension to the Third Stage you are granted access to The Framework!>
<Your Epithet will be revealed to those in The Framework!>
<The Settings of The Framework can be modified anytime>
<The Framework acknowledges your existence!>
<The Framework announces your Ascension!>
</Bearing Two Worlds\ raises his eyebrow?>
<The Framework has 13 new messages!>
"Mute the Framework.", Travis didn't bother with the early spam.
<The Framework has been muted! You can undo this anytime>
<Your Epithet is being revealed!>
<Your Epithet is /Dualistic Inheritor\>
<Your bonuses have been calculated!>
<The bonuses are as follows:
- Limitations placed upon you have been further removed!
- Your Stats have drastically increased!
- Your Titles have merged with your Epithet! (They can be viewed in The Framework)
- Your 'Prominence' becomes more known!
- Access to The Framework!
- A position as 'candidate'
- Several Skills have become available to you
- A Unique Skill is being born to you
- The Scaling of your Stats drastically change
- The power of Verum Lumen skyrockets!
- The power of Harbinger of the Abyss skyrockets!
- Wielding Two Lower Eight swords gives new rewards!
- Please check your rewards when available>
Travis exhaled. The rewards were certainly superb, but compared to the potential he could have had. . . it was a bit disappointing. Regardless this was an investment to his future. Once he adjusted to this new level of power, his next target was the undead.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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