章 25: Chapter 25: Foreshadowing?
After talking with Gat back on the fifth floor for a bit. Venture heads back to the basement to rest after having a good meal made by Fare personally. Making Venture not wanting to leave the faction even more.
Name: Venture
Title: [Gambler of Fate] - You are fate's gambler and making the impossible possible.
Hidden Titles: {Visible}
Health: 100/100%
Physical Fatigue: 0/100% | 1% Reduction per second
Mental Fatigue: 0/100% | 1% Reduction per second
Unique Skill: [Everything Is A Gamble] - The user is able to use anything to gamble with fate. [Price]: The medium used will disappear afterward.
Hidden Unique Skills: {Visible}
Modifier: [Energy Conversion Storage] - Able to absorb and convert one form of energy into another form, then store them away for later usage. [Energy Unit: 9]
The [Modifier: Energy Conversion Storage] is a little weird at first, but Venture finds it's useful since 1 [Energy Unit] is equal to 1% in either physical fatigue and mental fatigue. Yet, at the same time, completely different. For one thing, the moment Venture recast [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] by using a single [Energy Unit] is enough to support the [Spell] for exactly 10 minutes compared to just relying on both physical fatigue and mental fatigue. This made Venture realized how much he could do with this [Modifier]. In fact, the [Modifier: Energy Conversion Storage] might be the key to giving Venture the ability to do much, much more.
Therefore, to Venture, the [Energy Unit] became the main power source, and while at the same time it's something he can't reveal to anyone at all as well. So, Venture quickly searches for a [Spell] that aims to attack people's minds like the original [Modifier: Mind Attack]. Then, stop for a moment and realized he didn't have to aim for the mind at all and could just use the [Unique Skill: No Explanation] instead to do the same thing. In fact, the [No Explanation] can manipulate the mind of others; nonetheless, this one problem quickly solved and to remind Venture, that he doesn't have to rely on [Spells] for everything since [No Explanation] can be used forever and doesn't require anything to power it. Since the price is only required Venture not to explain anything about the effects of the [Unique Skill].
So with that out of the way, Venture uses 10% physical fatigue and 10% mental fatigue to convert into 20 [Energy Units]. Giving him 29 total [Energy Units], then use another [Energy Unit] to recast the [Idle Simulation Accumulation] to continue working on the [Flowing with Time Spell]. This will give Venture even more time for the [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] to keep on working instead of waiting for both physical fatigue and mental fatigue to reduce back to 0%.
-LIABG-
Once used up all 29 [Energy Units]. Venture discovered a big mistake or more like accident benefits found. Where instead of just extending the duration of the [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] by using [Energy Unit] compare to relying on both physical fatigue and mental fatigue. The [Energy Unit] changes itself to match the best possible type of source of energy for the [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] and get the best result from it.
10 minutes was just the maximum of a single [Energy Unit] could go for while at the same time giving the same benefits of the previous usage of [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] by a hundred times. Even higher when Venture uses more than 1 [Energy Unit] for a single [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] cast. As a result, Venture has reached the point of using [Flowing with Time Spell] instantly and freely change the time perception easily without requiring using extra [Energy Units] to continue to do so.
Now, Venture is for sure, that he made the right choice upon gaining the [Modifier: Energy Conversion Storage]. Since if he can't find the right types of source of energy to use some of the special [Spells] with specific requirements to cast along with the [Magical Formulas] to go with them. The [Energy Units] pretty much solve those problems, but at the same time will require Venture to steady pour both physical fatigue and mental fatigue into the [Energy Conversion Storage] without an end. Due to how much the [Energy Unit] is very important to Venture's [Unique Skill: Magical Manifestation].
Onto another note; Venture switch his [Title: Scholarly of Magical Formula] to active mode and found many, if not, numerous [Magical Formulas] became available the moment he applies the [Energy Unit] to power them. Some of those [Magical Formulas] that even require physical materials to use them are no longer needed, thanks to how well various the [Energy Unit] could be by converting itself into another source of energy without any problem.
Venture picks up his phone, where he found out its Firm that's calling him right now. Answering it, "Hey, Firm. You need something?" Venture wonder why Firm called him. It's a good thing Venture no longer needs to physically train anymore and just fully rely on [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] to give him both the training he needs and experiences to go along with it as well.
"Yeah, out of everyone in the faction. I think you're the best one who could help me with my current problem." Firm said from the other side of the call. "I kinda need your help here, Venture. Like a lot." Firm said in a tone, that filled with worry and helplessness.
"What do you need from someone like me?" Venture asks in a confused tone. Though, he got a feeling this might be one of those scenes the main characters would find themselves in a situation, where they need to protect the innocent or something.
"Well, the [Poison Fang Faction] didn't like how they lost in the [Faction War] and decided to get even with us via hiring people to do their dirty work since it's against the rules for factions to attack each other after the [Faction War], but that doesn't mean they can't let others do it instead. So yeah, I'm kinda in a pickle. Currently, I'm hiding and need help before I get the life beaten out of me at best and being 'accidentally' killed off at worst." Firm explained through the phone.
Venture frown at this, "Is there no way for Gat to come help you out? Since she could help you right away from the rooftop of the apartment."
"She asleep right now and won't be picking up her phone anytime soon in the next few hours unless she turns the alarm on her phone for a certain time, for something important." Firm replied, where his voice is becoming quietly now. Hinting Venture, that his problem is about to get worse by the seconds. "Anyway, I need you to come here quickly. I've already sent you the coordinate to the phone. Please hurry." Afterward, Firm hangs up. Not waiting for Venture's response.
Venture blankly stare at his phone, where a notification pops up and knew right away. This must be coordinate to where Firm is currently.
Debating for a few seconds before deciding to go help Firm out. Even though Venture is still a bit annoyed with Firm for using something similar to a [Curse-Type Skill] on him without his notice nor his permission. But, Firm did help him join the [Dark Star Faction] as he got money and a smartphone out of it. Along with a free [Modifier]. Okay, it's mostly because of the phone that's made Venture feel a bit guilty for even thinking about not helping Firm out.
Therefore, switching his [Title: The Cunning One] to active mode. Venture put away everything in his bedroom back into his pocket dimension and rush out of the basement, then to the outside of the apartment.
-LIABG-
It took around, maybe less than half an hour before Venture reaches the destination. Venture found himself in a street filled with people armed with weapons. Some even have bodysuit armor that fits in a futuristic theme world. And Venture realized he was in the same street he seeks out for a job before joining the [Dark Star Faction].
However, that only stays in Venture's mind for only a second or two before refocus on the main task at hand. So, Venture quickly looks for the area where Firm should be hiding or potential be hiding at. And with the help of the [Title: The Cunning One], this task shouldn't be hard for Venture.
Sure enough. It didn't take Venture that long before noticing a few places that people unconsciously, or not, would avoid due to some of them being the worse places to go to. Making Venture curious if Firm took one of these places due to the crowd not going near them. If so, Venture might have to lower some of his respect for Firm just for this alone. Even before coming into this world, Venture knows enough that it's best not to go crowdless areas unless it's near impossible not to.
Yet, this might lead Venture to find Firm easier since the coordinate didn't include which building Firm is hiding nor a description to help Venture out.
Just to be on the safe side. Venture head to an area with fewer people before bringing out his phone, to reopen the text message from Firm and cast [Judgement of Stars]. Lucky for Venture. The [Tracking Spell] still works even by using something digital related to Firm to make the [Spell] work.
A white star size of an adult human eyeball form in front of Venture, which he uses a single [Energy Unit] to power the [Tracking Spell]. Making the white star even more detailed, but not important right now as Venture follows after the white star as it soars through the crowd while avoid touching anyone with ease. Something would have been hard for Venture to do the same if he hadn't used the [Idle Simulation Accumulation] on the [Serene Assassination Style] in the past.
In a matter of seconds; Venture head into one of the countless alleyways and finally found Firm, who is hiding inside a trashcan from what Venture can tell with the white star hovering over the trashcan for a few seconds before fading from existence after it finishes its job. Either way, there are a bunch of people in this back alley, with a count of 4 males and they look like thugs with those worn-out, dirty clothes they're wearing.
Venture didn't bother to say anything to these people and rush at them.
Taking the one closest near him. Venture slams his left elbow directly into the guy's right ribs, causing the thug to scream in pain while being launched off his feet and crashing into the two of the other thugs. Not stopping there and be like that last remaining thug, who standing there like a fool at the display of his friend taken down so easily.
Therefore, it wasn't such a surprise for Venture to take down the last thug with a good kick to the face, swiftly knocking the guy out cold. Overall, it only took a few seconds to take down all 4 thugs without them being able to do a single thing, let alone being able to fight back. Once again, making Venture loving the [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] as technically this is his first fight without using guns. Also, taking the thugs down without killing them.
Venture carefully listens for the sound of the thugs groaning in pain. Okay, they are alive and not dead. In pain, but not dead. So, Venture counts that as an excellent job on his part.
But, just to be sure that these thugs won't try to attack him and Firm while they're distracted. Venture cast the [Distortion of Courage Spell] on these 4 thugs thrice, causing them to let out a horrifying screech before fainting.
"Okay, maybe I overdid it." Venture mumble to himself, forgetting that unlike the people he used the [Distortion of Courage] on before. These thugs weren't mind-controlled or anything and must have a weaker will, making the [Spell] have a stronger effect. Though, Venture also just realize that he used [Energy Unit] to cast the [Spell] too, making it much, much stronger than normal when not using the [Energy Unit].
Walking over to the trashcan, where Firm should be hiding in. Venture pick up the trashcan lid, where he sees Firm looking back with frightening eyes before it turns into relieved eyes.
"Venture! Thank goodness you came!" Firm yelled in happiness and quickly get out of the trashcan, spilling trash everywhere and making Venture back away a bit to not get hit by some trashes. "You have no idea how long I was on the run. It's a good thing I work out a bit or else I might have already been captured or killed by now before I could even contact you." Firm wipe the sweats off his forehead, then regret it instantly when he discovered his forehead is covered with a small bit of trash that stuck to his sleeve still and now it's on his forehead.
"So, I don't know if the other informed you yet about my lack of common sense. But, is this whole hiring people to attack us not against the rules or something?" Venture wanted to be sure, because if so, then with him staying in the [Dark Star Faction] have now become a bit riskier for him. But, that still won't be enough to make him quit, with his phone and food on the line. No matter what, Venture will just have to improve his fighting abilities further and with all the [Unique Skills] and [Titles] will make Venture's survival rate much higher compared to the average people in this world. "Also, why don't you carry any weapons? Would have made your chance of defending yourself higher."
"Yeah, there are no rules of other factions using a third party to deal with each other after a [Faction War]. A loophole that was purposely placed for others to exploit." Firm gives Venture a sad smile. "As for carrying a weapon on myself; well, I didn't really need it at the time. But, it looks like I miscalculated when the [Poison Fang Faction] would take action." Firm noticed the look on Venture's face about why he would still not carry any weapon at all. "My [Normal Skill] is [Resistance Control], where I can manipulate the resistance of something has to anything, making them more resistant or become less resistant instead. However, my limitations made it so I can't use it on more than one person at a time and only last for a minute or two. Less if my luck is bad." Firm didn't mind revealing what his [Skill] is since many people know it.
"Huh." Venture can see how useful the [Skill: Resistance Control] could be overpowered if there weren't limitations placed on it. "Wait, did you use this on me while recruiting me?" Venture narrow his eyes on Firm. [The Cunning One] have already started coming up with many theories for the reasons why Firm might have used his [Skill] on Venture.
"Didn't have to, really." Firm grin. "After all, anyone that lives in Miss Cope's apartment would usually don't have enough money to live in a better place. So, I just tested my luck with you, and sure enough, you joined the faction. Besides, I knew that if I had used it on you and you find out later on. I'm pretty sure you would end up beating me up. Haha..." Firm let out a nervous chuckle, while secretly sighing in relief, that he didn't use his [Skill] on Venture at the time. "And before you ask about how you would know if I did or didn't use my [Skill] on you. Well, I know many people with [Resistance Control] would always cause their targets' to glow in purple whenever they use their [Skill] on the target. This includes me as well. Watch."
Firm glance over to one of the 4 thugs and activate his [Skill], causing the one of the thugs' body to glow in purple, and soon both Firm and Venture can hear the thug mumbling and moving their body. A sign the thug that Firm using his [Skill] on is about to wake up soon before the purple glow fade.
Venture's eyes widen a bit. "Oh."
"Yeah, I was trying to make the guy wake up, but I guess I was unlucky because my [Skill] cancels out just a few seconds of usage." Firm shrugs his shoulders. "Anyway, thanks for the rescue."
"No problem. So if there isn't anything else you need my help for. I'm going to head off." Venture said to Firm while at the same time checking for any signs of Firm lying to him about his [Skill]. If that is truly his true [Skill], that is.
"Nah, it's fine. You go on and do your business. I was just caught off guard and won't make the same mistakes." Firm smile at Venture since what he said is true. Firm did had worse, where he was hunted down by many assassins before and it's only due to his smart thinking that allows him to survive up to now. So as he watches Venture leaves the back alley. Firm lost his smile, then slowly walk over to the thugs.
One of the thugs that were barely able to wake up and almost let out a loud scream of fear, for the thug woke up to seeing such cold eyes. But, instead, have his face stomped, busting his lip open and causing some teeth to break.
"I must say. You guys have caused me to be ashamed of myself for forcing me to call out to my newest comrade out to help me. Such a thing shouldn't have happened if you guys didn't try to push your luck. Honestly, to find one of you guys actually having the [Normal Skill: Suppression Force] to suppress my [Skill] must be one of the reasons why the [Poison Fang Faction] picked you 4 fools out of the others to hunt me down. Nonetheless, I can't have people, even the [Poison Fang Faction] to look down on my [Dark Star Faction]." Firm put a bit more force into his feet while using his [Skill] to lower the resistance on the thug's face until it caves in. Killing the thug in the most painful way. "Now, to remove these leftovers." Firm said in a bored, yet strong voice. As he finishes the job with these thugs and Firm is glad that Venture didn't outright kill them right away since he wanted to do it personally to remove this humiliation.
Once done. Firm pulls out his phone to call his leader, Gat. To report that Venture is someone who might not be a spy, but will require further watch.
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