บท 23: Novel 8-Preparations for the Competition Part 2
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"... Thank you for making business with us!"
"... Phew. That's done."
There wasn't anything special about the process of putting his items for sale.
He got inside, asked for directions, went to the auction house and inquired about the process. Soon enough, he had all of his items and materials put for sale.
Since he put them all in bulk, he was given a discount and the process fee will only be 11.5%, it seems he was wrong about it before as young awakeners like him are protected by laws, so the fee can never go past 15%
With the discount, it almost reached 10%
'They said they would sell everything in the upcoming days as the auction house is quite heated up with the festivities, so I can just focus on hunting and grinding in the meantime.'
'Once I fill my inventory again, I'll come back and repeat the process. This should do until the competition a year later.'
'With the money I've been gathering, I imagine my parents will get quite surprised, right? Just from the corpses and materials alone, it's enough money to buy a house… Multiple.'
'I should buy them something when I have the time.'
"Now… Where should I go?... Oh yeah, has any of those dunces replied to me yet?"
He opened his phone and checked his messages.
[... What? What Level area we talking about here? High like 10? Or like 40?]
[Maybe something like 35?...]
A long line of text appeared before him as his friends discussed his question, and as he finished reading it, he wrote:
[The highest possible, at least 60+]
"... It should take a while for them to reply again. That said… Hm?"
[Someone's typing…]
[If you come right now you can enter a Level 50+ Plane with us, we're at…]
"Oh! I can't believe it!"
[I'm going!]
Samuel hastened to his destination.
…
/Stop…/
"We're here sir." The cab driver said as he stopped the car
"Thank you, have a nice day."
"You too sir."
/Open… Close…/
/Drive…/
Samuel stepped out of the cab before a large mansion surrounded by a high wall.
On the wall next to the door was written: Orton Family's residence 409.
The land surrounding the Manor was quite large, being dozens upon dozens of meter wide. A small castle within this bustling city.
It wasn't the only one like that though as all throughout the street, dozens of similar large lands could be seen along its expanse.
He approached the entrance gate where two guards stood on duty.
Samuel would've checked their Levels, but given the difference between them, he decided not to risk it.
"Welcome young Lord Samuel, the others await you inside." One of the guards said as they opened the gate
"Thank you, have a nice day."
"You too young Lord."
One of the benefits of being friends with rich folk for years upon years was this kind of respect, something Samuel did not mind at all.
…
Inside the Manor was an extensive garden leading to a modern Manor, albeit clearly intended to be a large house and not an overly modern piece of overvalued crap.
There were no massive windows or sharp architecture. It was just a very large modern house with many expensive details, such as an underground playground, garage, a massive pool in the ceiling, a theater, and much more.
/Chatter chatter…/
/Knock knock…/
As he approached the door, he heard echoes from inside thanks to his sharp senses. And although it was hard to discern what was being said, he could at least tell how many people were inside.
/Creak…/
"Hey! My man, Samuel, in the flesh! I thought you had died."
/Dap!/
"I'm fine Troy, just had a few things to do and am now in action."
Troy Orton, the young master of the Orton household Clan. A typical rich teenager that was too naive and ignorant, and that despite sounding arrogant and discontent with the simple things, he was not an evil or detestable person at heart.
He had been friends with Samuel for well over five years at this point, having spent most of the teenager years together, be it training, studying, or just goofing around.
And although Samuel often did not goof a lot, He was still seen as a dear friend by Troy.
"That's what we like to hear, there have been some nasty things on those group chats… Just a bunch of losers trying to get some heat on you now that our grades don't matter as much… So? Let's get inside!"
"Let's."
/Clack!/
"Hey! Samuel's here!"
"What? Dude! What happened?!"
"I thought you had died."
"At least you look okay, good to see."
"What's your level?"
""...""
"What a way to ruin the mood Zhang!"
"Huh? I just… My bad…"
"No, it's okay. I'm currently Level 4." Samuel replied with a chuckle as he greeted his friends one by one
Five dudes in total, they could be say to be Samuel's main friend circle.
Troy Orton, heir to the Orton household. An old magnate family with a hundred or so years of history. Their dream was to create a Superhuman.
Kleim Portegast, fourth son of the Portegast Clan, an ancient family with over five hundred years of history and incredible prestige.
Kleim is also another old friend as he was there from the day Samuel managed to get inside the Academy, however, he knew Troy for a long period of time, given that thing called 'networking' high profile people did from time to time.
Damien Lau, oldest and sole male child of the FrostCraft Workshop, a famous workshop that made multiple legendary artifacts in recent times. They're also famous for only being composed of women, making Damien an abnormality…
And no, Damien is 100% a guy. A fact well proven by an "accident" at a pool party many years ago when they were younger…
Despite all the fun everyone makes of him, Damien did not enjoy his life as the sole male, as having five older sisters was not a happy experience.
He enjoys doing anything that does not involve him getting back home, and for that purpose Kleim has a Pc in a guest room just so Damien can stay there and play with them.
Last year alone, Damien spent over half of it sleeping outside home…
Meanwhile… It was the contrary for Polt Croft. As despite having five sisters, only two of them were older.
This made him the sole inheritor of the Croft's mega fortune.
Still, despite how one sided things were for him, throughout his growth, they were very supportive and friendly, and so was he to them.
He always eats with his family and despite the pressure from being the sole male after his father, he never saw himself dissatisfied with life.
Polt was the last one to join the group, but he had still been part of it for the last three or so years.
And lastly but not least, Zhang Tianfeng, son of the Ocean Breaker Titled Superhuman.
A Superhuman was a Title given to all who surpassed Level 100, and Titled meant he had a long list of achievements to his belt.
The metric system to measure the strength of Superhumans was a secret from the population to protect the secrecy of the country's best, so Titles and the like were the only way common folk could compare them.
Zhang was a man of few words and direct speeches. That's a trait he inherited from his father, his role model.
Contrary to everyone else, maybe not Damien, he was the most dissatisfied with his life due to all the pressure and lack of attention and care he received from his family.
He's also another old friend of Samuel. Although at first, they weren't good friends thanks to Samuel taking over his spot as the highest scorer in their year range, but they became good friends after a study session.
And that's about it for them.
"Level 4 is not that bad given you were alone, we're about Level 8, not that big of a difference really." Kleim said as he nodded lightly
"Yeah, but what happened? Why did you suddenly go dark? I thought the plan was for all of us to Level Up together regardless of what happened." Zhang said as he tapped Samuel's shoulder
"... It's a bit complicated, but I'm here to explain everything… If we still have time, that is." He said as he looked at Troy
"We do, my grandfather will take us to the Sky Fortress Dungeon to help us Level Up to ten. Of course, on our own, but we should be able to do it. With you, it becomes simpler, even if…"
"I won't hold you guys back, that much I'm sure of it." Samuel said with a chuckle as he pat Troy's back
"There's no need for you guys to beat around the bush, I know I'm a little useless as a Grade E Warlock… No, I am useless."
"Nah! Come on…"
"Stop it Polt, there's no need to sugarcoat it."
"... Your tone indicates it isn't like that anymore." Zhang pointed out as he sat down
/Smile/
"Let me explain myself since we have the time, but first… Can I get some water? I haven't drank anything for an hour or two…"
…
"... So, here's the story." He said after he drank a cup dry
Everyone had already sat down, waiting for his story.
Samuel's eyes sharpened as he grew serious.
"It is true that I awakened as a Grade E Warlock, that much isn't a mystery to anyone… But that wasn't all."
"Oh? So our star student has a hidden card?" Damien joked as he raised an eyebrow
"It's not that… I have an entire deck." Samuel added as he chuckled
"Confident in yourself are ya? Well then, tell us more!"
"Gadly… The thing is, when I awakened… I received multiple Skills, way more than average."
"And above all… They were all exclusive Skills."
""!""
His friends were surprised, Unique Skills are one thing, but exclusive Skills?...
"I searched far and wide but was unable to find even a mention of them anywhere, this led me to believe I have awakened with the first Skills of this kind in all of history."
"But that alone wouldn't change much… Or so I thought."
"The variant forms of my Skills were quite strong. Potent enough for me to act independently and Level Up. And eventually, as you all saw, I was lucky enough to get a Golden Chest, which gave me access to a brand new Class."
"You talk as if Leveling to 4 was a great thing…" Zhang said as he crossed his arms
"Zhang! Stop being a killjoy!"
"Not cool man."
"Sorry sorry, that wasn't my intention…" He replied as he touched the back of his head, a little embarrassed
"He's right, it's nothing… But I never said Level 4 was the most I could do, but let me continue from where I stopped."
"... Once I got it, as you all know, my previous exclusive Skills all evolved, becoming even stronger and also, unique versions not seen anywhere else in the world."
"My current Level is also not my real Level as it was reset following the usual Class Advancement procedures."
"As such, I'm not an E Grade Warlock anymore… I'm much, much stronger than that."
"... Woah." Kleim said as he eyes opened wide
"So? What's your real Level?"
"Does it matter? It reset anyway…"
"You think you're the only one that studied? You know full well that resetting a Class can often maintain certain aspects, it doesn't happen every time but it does in some circumstances."
"Are you one such case?" Zhang asked as his eyes sharpened
"It's almost as if you're interrogating him, Zhang…"
"Wh… Now that you say…"
"Guys, stop picking on Zhang, he's doesn't mean all that, he's just stupid."
"Hey!"
/Chuckle…/
"Yeah, that's just Zhang."
"Couldn't have said it any better."
"You guys…"
"Anyhow, if you want my real Level, before it… I reached Level 20."
""...""
"... Wait, why's no one laughing? You serious?" Polt asked as he looked round in a hurry
"I'm not. I reached Level 20 as a Warlock."
"When I said my Skills were strong, I meant to say they were strong enough to help me solo entire regions."
"Since Warlocks can regenerate their own resources, as long as I could snowball, there's nothing my enemies can do as I can continually fight. Like that, I reached Level 20 in no time at all and had the chance to challenge a Boss, dropping a Golden Chest in the process."
"Once I advanced, not only did my Skills evolve, but I kept all of my Skill Points and Upgrade Tokens, this means my Skills are as evolved as they were before, with the sole difference between the me of now and before being my Stats."
"But with the increase in my Grade, this is something I'm bound to surpass."
'... There were no lies in my story, but I kept things vague…'
'It's true I awakened exclusive Skills, but I didn't tell the reason. It's true I'm bound to surpass my past Stats, but there's essentially only two Stats left for me to surpass… Mental and Ether.'
'Not that I need to surpass them to be stronger anyway…'
"... You're not joking… You're really not joking."
"I'm not. Why do you think I asked for a High Level Plane?" Samuel asked as he put his back against the couch
"Because… You want to sightsee?" Polt asked as he gulped
"No. It's because I just came back from soloing a Level 50 Boss."
"There are no more monsters in ordinary Dungeons I can face anymore. If I want to Level Up faster and challenge myself, then I need access to higher Level Planes."
""...""
Everyone was in shock.
"L-Look man. It's not that I doubt you… You rarely ever lied, but you understand, right?" Troy said as he wiped the sweat from his face
"You're trying to convince us that a Level 20 defeated a Level 50 Boss… This is utterly ridiculous, more so than witnessing an Ant shake a tree!"
"It would've been believable if it were a Level 1 defeating a Level 30, as albeit excruciatingly hard, there were cases like this before amidst S Grade individuals… But as your level rises, so does the overall strength of creatures."
"It's a curve, not a line…"
"You're right."
"Aren't you…"
Samuel got up from his seat.
"Isn't it easy to solve this? Let's go to your parents' training room."
"What? Now? Grandfather could arrive at any minute and he's…"
"I'll just fight one creature and prove my point."
He then turned around and said:
"Guy's, I'm here to powerlevel you all, not the other way around. Trust me, I'm stronger than I look."
"We're going to become monsters and compete in the National Exam. That was the promise, wasn't it?"
""...""
"Just follow me." He said as he walked down the corridor
"Hey! You can't just walk around like that!" Troy said as he went after him
"... Damn…" Kleim said as he touched the back of his head
"This is getting fun." Polt added as he exhaled
/Step step…/
Damien just followed them silently.
"..."
And Zhang was momentarily stunned.
…
/Later…/
/Tap tap tap…/
"Look, you know how my parents are, right? Let's get this over with quickly so I can delete the Logs before they return, otherwise I'll hear an earful from using their training ground without permission."
"Don't you do it everyday anyway?" Samuel asked as he did some light stretches
"But they still punish me! I just take the blame because they already grew used to me being here, if they see us all here…"
"We did this before many times." Polt added as he looked around, his hands in his pockets
"We were children then!"
"As if, last time we got an earful… Wasn't it in the year Zhang transferred?" Damien asked as he looked at Zhang
"That was three years ago…"
"If you're in a hurry, stop talking and load in a Level 50 Boss."
"Urg… You sure about this? No coming back this time…"
"I'm not lying, just do it."
"... FINE!"
/Press!/
[Initiating Simulation… Loading Profile…]
[Loading target…]
/Shan shan shan!/
It was evident that the quality of this Virtual Dungeon was far greater than the shop he went to last time.
Even though it was simulating a much stronger monster, Samuel did not feel even the slightest vibration or movement of Ether in the atmosphere.
It was impeccable.
/Manifest!/
/Roar!!/
A mighty beast appeared before him.
[Mimicking Boulder Lion]
A gray lion with solid fur stepped on the arena, looking ferociously at Samuel.
/DASH!/
It immediately ran in his direction, making him raise an eyebrow.
"!"
'Attacking right off the bat? And this short distance… Troy, that stupid idiot mustn't have added a timer nor given me some distance…'
"You're a fucking idiot Troy." Samuel said before teleporting away
"What did I do?!"
""...""
/Teleport…/
"Humph."
'It's fast, but not agile… For a Level 50 monster that is.'
'The window is short, but I have enough time.'
/Raise…/
Samuel raised his right hand.
[Crescent Glaive Lv Max]
A large crescent moon formed above his palm, and just when the lion was about to pounce.
/FLASH!/
""?!""
A beam of light cut straight through the lion, too fast for any of the boys to see.
This included Samuel, as his attacks were also far too fast for him to see.
/Ploft…/
Due to the momentum, the lion's body fell to the ground as it slid, opening into two halves.
[Simulation ended, restarting…]
"Stop it Troy."
"..."
"Troy!"
"Ah? Yes!"
[Simulation aborted, system shutdown…]
Particles of light broke off from Samuel's skin as his character profile was unloaded, and with a light exhale, he turned to his friends.
"So? Is this enough? Or do you want me to face a Level 60 Boss?"
"Ahh… One hit… Man… Just… What are you?" Kleim asked as his jaw trembled
"What sort of ass question is that? I'm just a Warlock… A very strong Warlock."
"I want to try my very best and reach the pinnacle of my life. The question is, will you guys be with me, surpass or, or remain behind me?" He asked as he crossed his arms
"Just this morning, I spent some time killing Bosses to Level Up and I plan to do the same to where we'll be going."
"So what do you all think, you all with me?"
""...""
They looked at each other quietly.
/Thud!/
They all got on their knees, including the zealous Zhang…
""We greet our Lord.""
"... Stop making skits about that reality show… Actually, have you been practicing?"
"We binged most of the series these days, mostly in the time between Raids." Troy said as he shrugged
"We've been sleeping here so everyone was in synch." Kleim added with a nod
"..."
/Samuel rolled his eyes/
…
Back in the living room…
"Okay, so here's the plan." Samuel said as he put his Awakener's watch on the table
"Show them your calculations."
[Understood…]
/Shine!/
A series of numbers and graphs appeared on the air.
"What's all this?" Polt asked as he scratched his head
"My plan. Just listen to it."
[According to statistical data, a group of six S Grade Awakers with above average qualifications would reach Level 10 in about five to seven days]
"Hm? A calculation?" Troy asked as he read some of the data
"Correct, this is my plan for our future. What we should strive to reach at a minimum."
"Keep listening."
[Under the same premises, the group would take fifteen to twenty days to reach Level 20, and assuming most S grade awakeners chose to continue leveling as they complete their advancement exam, they'll reach Level 30 within forty days to two months]
Although Level 20 was the minimum to advance, it was possible to continue leveling until 30.
Once you complete your advancement, your Level would reset to 20 but you would keep all of your Skill points in the process.
This is a process done by most high Grade Awakeners as it qualitatively improves their strength. However, there was a catch.
Although your Level resets, it's still considered to be what it was before under an Experience and achievement criteria, thus, to Level Up faster, the Awakener would be forced to pursue even stronger foes with their Stats lowered.
This could be done every advancement or 20 levels, and if performed every time, those beings Level 20, 40, 60, and 80 before Level so 100. By the time they're Level 99, they would have an additional 40 Levels worth of Skill points to use, but that would also mean their Leveling requirements would be considerably bloated.
There was a fine line where someone had to accept defeat and stop doing such as Skill Points could only do so much and it wasn't any individual who could breach the gap of dozens of Levels in Stats.
However, once one stopped doing such a thing, they would forever be locked from doing so even if they grew confident in their Skills again.
It was the choice of a lifetime.
[Then, upon advancing, it would take at least another forty to two months for them to Level back to 30, resuming the process]
[To reach Level 40, three to four months are required, and to reach Level 50 under the same conditions, at least half a year]
[In those circumstances, most S Grade Awakeners chose to advance a second time rather than leveling up to fifty and resetting their Level again]
[In total, with a year, an excellent and well coordinated group of above average, S Grade Awakeners could reach Level 50 and be ready for their second advancement while overleveling twice]
[With the small time window they have, they could maybe reset their Level back to 40]
"... This is our target." Samuel said as he tapped on the watch
"We have a year to Level Up as much as we can and reach this state, this is the bare minimum I want to achieve."
"... That's great and all, but there's something you're forgetting Samuel…" Troy said with a scoff as he closed his eyes
"No one here is S Grade. Not even Zhang."
"..."
Samuel wasn't surprised, but nor was he disappointed.
"I'm still confident that we can, and above all, that we can find ways to enhance your Classes just as I evolved mine."
"You're being optimistic, but I like the thinking process." Zhang said as he took a cup of water and drank it all
"If I can help you guys defeat stronger foes, there's a chance you guys may gain Golden Boxes. If we get a few every day, there's a high chance of it happening here."
"Even if not S Grade, at least A Grade by the end of the year!... But since we're on topic, why don't you all refresh me on your Classes?"
"Huu… Fine by me. I'll start." Troy said as he got up from his seat
"Level 9, Battlefield Charger B."
"Level 8, Imperial Spearman B-." Kleim followed as he posed
"Level 7, Coldsmith A." Damien added as he made a hammering motion
"Level 7, Vault Master B+." Polt said as he pulled a golden coin from his chest pocket
"Level 10, Tide Caster A-." Zhang finished as he pushed his glasses back
"... You guys have the most dysfunctional team I've ever seen."
"Shut it Samuel! We've been doing just fine!"
"And I believe you, but it doesn't change the fact you're a dysfunctional group…" Samuel added as he sighed
"Let's study your composition…"
"Battlefield Charger is a frontline tank of sorts, specialized in deep combat and enemy disruption. It's an excellent frontliner to have in any party…"
"If they have the right support, otherwise they're just killing themselves."
"..."
"Imperial Spearman is a strong combat Class and it synergizes well with the previous one, but that's the end of it."
"Everyone else in the team is a backliner. You guys alone are under too much pressure. There needs to be at least one more vanguard to stabilize the situation and protect both sides of the Battlefield Charger."
"Urg… He's right." Kleim added as he dropped his head
"Now, this is where things get bad… Nothing against you, but a Coldsmith is a backline Class, not even a Support."
"Your role in a party is to remain at the far back and provide help for the team in the form of quick repairs and changes to a party's equipment as they advance through a Plane, if you wish to be in one that is. I heard most of the Lau household doesn't go inside Planes that often."
"You're right. We often Level Up to a certain stage and then begin working on a forge, usually in the family workshop block… My grandmother, mother, sisters, and other family members leveled Up until they hit their 20s before they stopped, focusing solely on working on their equipment."
"You may think that limits them, but as long as they can reach a sufficiently high Level, making equipment that surpasses their Level by the dozens is too easy of a task, especially for the FrostCraft Workshop." Damien said as he crossed his arms
"But I wanted to go on a different route, I want to prove that a Coldsmith can be more than that… To make my own mark in this family."
"I don't want to Level Up and receive the Frostsmith advancement from them, I want to evolve my Class, my own way!"
"... We can talk about that later, but my point stands. Even if you envision a different future, your present right now is that of a smith, not a warrior."
"Urg…"
"Then, we have a Vault Master…"
"There it goes…"
"... Don't be nervous, you're better positioned than that smith over there."
"Humph…"
"Look. A Vault Master is a Handling Class, you're a moving storage. No, you're much more than that."
"But little changes, the essence of a Vault Master is party play, unless you have a great dream like Damien, or a strange Skill like me."
"I… Don't have such large aspirations… My dream was to work hard, find a way to enhance Vault Master to S Grade, and eventually inherit my father's business, just as he did with his father and he did with his father as well…"
"But if there's the chance to go beyond that… I'm willing to put in the effort."
"... Great. That's what I like to hear…"
"So let's go over what we learned so far. We have two frontline fighters that are being overworked, and two backline extras."
"Hey! Calling us extras is a bit…"
"He's right, though. For our team to function properly, we would need to go from five to at least twelve or more individuals." Zhang added as he pushed his glasses back
"The only reason our team has worked so far is because I'm here."
"... You sure like to boast." Troy said as he looked at Zhang with squinted eyes
"Whatever…"
"... I won't agree with Zhang, but his presence here is what your team needed." Samuel said as he got up from his seat
"Zhang is a Tide Caster, a powerful mage Class, and one that synergizes well with the support abilities of a Coldsmith."
"This way, you guys not only gain a reliable backliner, but now, one of your teammates can more properly fight."
"Adding me, I can I could cover the position of a proper supporter by distributing resources, as a controller thanks to some of my Skills, and as damage dealer given my main Skills."
"But that isn't efficient, it's leaving too much to one alone."
"In the long run, and I said LONG run, if we want to have this party work with these Classes, then we would need to find an extra fighter to stabilize the vanguard…"
"And finally, a proper Supporter to control creatures, a Supporter focused on healing, and one ranged fighter to stabilize the backline."
"With this, we would have a proper party. Although this party is more than able to sustain itself… Without a Coldsmith and a Vault Master."
""...""
"I'm not saying this in bad faith, it's just how Classes are. It has always been like this to Life-type Classes not directly meant for combat."
"Samuel…"
"It's awkward to Level Up when you're not meant to fight."
"Now… We don't need to stick to conventional rules either."
"If we can't balance our group, then we restructure it."
"Like me, we can find ways to Advance your Classes and push them towards a stage where everyone can contribute one way or another."
"And that's what I believe we should do."
"... Are you done speaking, Samuel?"
"Yes."
"Great… Sometimes you just speak too much."
"My bad."
"Nah, at least it's over… But what now?"
"What else? We wait for your grandfather to arrive… Isn't he late?"
"He said he was coming from the frontier, so he may take a while."
"He's still working? I thought he had retired years ago…"
"Ha, he retired before I was even born due to many years of service, but he never managed to stop. He technically retired multiple times from all of the special positions he could've held."
"Now he's just there… As community service you could say. Not that he doesn't make any money, but you know… That's how the military is."
"... Guess so… Can we order a Pizza or something? I'm dying of hunger." Samuel said as he stretched his back before going to the kitchen
"We ordered a few earlier, there should few pieces left somewhere in the fridges, but don't ask me which since I don't remember." Troy replied as he shrugged
"Sweet."
"Grab me a slice as well." Polt asked as he turned to Samuel
"Go grab it yourself you lazy bum." Damien said as he pushed his friend aside
"Why should I when he's already going?"
"You know what? You're right."
"..."
…
/Later…/
The hour passed and the time finally came!
/Creak!/
/Step…/
A tall, burly old man stepped into the living room.
A trimmed beard, short hair, together with a green shirt full of medals and a beret, this old man walked around proudly displaying his many years of service to the nation.
He had a long scar on his right cheek that went behind his ear, it wasn't ugly, but it was certainly gruesome to imagine what caused it.
"Let's see here… Six kids. And your Levels…"
[Din!]
[Skill, Imp Eye has detected an attempt of intrusion!]
[Imp Eye successfully blocks the intrusion]
"One Level 9, one Level 8, two Level 7s, one Level 10, and… Ho?"
/Step…/
The old man stepped before Samuel, looking down at him stiffly.
Although Samuel had trained and stretched his entire life, he was still in his growth period.
He may be over 1.80 M tall, but this old man was almost a whole two meters…
"Interesting, I didn't try, but to think one of you could block me… Not bad."
/Tap tap/
He tapped Samuel's shoulder and pinched his left arm, causing him to grimace in pain.
His hands were rough and metal hard, as if he was being grabbed by a machine…
"Sturdy muscles, you've trained your life for this, haven't you?"
"Yes, Sir." Samuel replied as a bead of sweat fell from his forehead
"Hm… You're familiar… You must be the top scorer of your year, right? "
"Yes, we've met a few times in the past before, especially during Troy's birthday parties. As for your question, I've been the top scorer for the past five years… Sir."
/Tap tap…/
The old man tapped his shoulder lightly, saying:
"Ah, I remember you now. It's been some time and I barely recognized you. Kids grow too fast."
"Keep up the good work."
"Of course."
He smiled.
"Still, would you mind telling me your Level? It's important as I'll be submitting a document so we may get the permit to enter the Dungeon."
"I'm Level 4, sir."
"Enough with the sir, call me Alex, we're close enough for that." He said with a chuckle as he raised an eyebrow
"But Level 4 you say…"
/Smack!/
"Ghjas?!"
He 'lightly' touched Samuel's shoulder, causing him to wince in pain.
"You're too strong for that. And your Ether density is also… Are you a physical caster?"
"Also… You've been on a Plane today, haven't you?"
"Grandpa… We're late."
"Hm… Very well. I let my curiosity get the better of me."
"Get your things kids, we're departing!" He said as he walked through the door
"Huff…"
"Hey, you okay man?" Kleim asked as he approached Samuel, who held onto his shoulder tightly
"B-Barely…"
"He hit you that hard huh… He must've noticed your 'hidden' power."
"Stop… Huff… With the bullshit. Arg…" Samuel replied as he stretched his back, moving his arm slowly as the pain went away
He then noticed everyone's bags and said:
"Oh, I brought nothing with me…"
"No problem, we're going to a small town in the countryside so we can buy you whatever once we're there, so get a move on."
"Yeah yeah…"
Samuel followed everyone outside where a strange vehicle awaited them in the garden.
"..."
'A flying car.'
He wasn't surprised by it as he had seen many before, although he'd only seen one this close in parties or special events.
A flying car was essentially a vehicle employing top grade technology and items from the highest Level Planes and Dungeons, it wasn't expensive… As it had no price.
Its market value was zero because it was made on demand with the government's approval, it was a tightly kept secret.
The reasons for that may be not with the car itself but with its technology, as the principle behind it is the same for things such as flying fortresses and other kinds of 'floating' tech.
"Get in kids, we'll be reaching the Sky Fortress Dungeon before the sun's down."
"You heard him, let's get this loaded and let's roll." Troy said as he stepped inside the car
"Time to Level Up."
…
/Shaum…/
Its engine roared, and the flying car took to the skies, leaving a faint trail behind.
/Fwoosh!/
…
Beyond the city and the wilderness, they traveled across the country above the clouds.
It wasn't Samuel's first time leaving the city, as traveling around was easy, but it was his first time inside a flying car.
Calling it a car… Was quite the understatement. It was closer to a flying ship then anything.
A futuristic technology in this magical world.
…
/Fve hours later…/
As the sun began to set… They arrived.
A mountain range composed of very tall mountains surrounded by floating islands.
This was a forbidden zone, the Weightless Mountains.
"... We've arrived. Get up everybody." Alex said as he drive the ship down
"... Hm…? Are we there?... I can't feel my legs anymore…" Troy said as he opened his eyes
"... Hey… Hey! Stop stretching your feet into my face!" Kleim exclaimed as he looked at Damien
"Man… These couches are top class." He replied as he got back into posture
"Can you two speak any louder? I was getting the greatest dream…"
"... Zhang?" Samuel asked calmly as he turned to his friend
"I'm up… Yawn…"
"Seems like everyone's up. Good, get your things ready, they don't like it when you take too long around here." Alex added as he pulled a small device from a compartment box besides the steering wheel
Although the flying ship could steer itself, it was always good to have some degree of control.
/Shuuush…/
/Land/
"Haaa… Finally, solid ground." Troy said as he jumped out of the flying ship, only to be met with a very stoic soldier
"Erm…"
"Behave yourself, this place isn't a playground, we're at the frontier between territories… Now, I'll talk with him."
"... General!" The soldier said as he saluted Alex upon glancing at the medals on his shirt
"At ease. Here's the protocol." Alex said as he cut straight to business, giving the soldier several parchments for him to read
While the soldier verified the papers, the others began pulling their luggage from inside the flying ship.
They wasted no time in idle talk after what Alex said, it was best to leave such conversations for another time.
"... Everything's in order, we just need to verify their identities and file a temporary ID for use within the premises, this includes you, General."
"Is that okay, sir?"
"No problem Officer, besides, I'm no General anymore, been retired for almost three decades."
"You just sir, once a General, always a General. Come, I'll lead you guys inside." The soldier said with a smile as he led them inside
"... This place is so cool…"
"Before we go in, have any of you brought anything? They'll have to check your inventory once you're inside." Alex asked as he looked at them all
"You can see everything I brought, you told us to prepare after all. That was why we got these." Troy replied as he pointed at his technological backpack, an item meant to store System items in a small space, like the ring Samuel used inside the Planes
"I was just confirming with you, but my question was directed at that kid over there."
"Me?"
"I have no interest in your stuff, but it's procedure, tell me now so we don't have a problem later on." Alex said as he looked at Samuel
"Sure, it's not much anyway…"
'Thank God I put most of my items in the Auction… In fact, how will I get my money?... Haa… I'll think about that later…'
"So uh… Aside from my robes. I have my Class weapon…" He said as he took out Galala Kituxwa's Skull
"Ho?... A Class Weapon… !"
Alex's expression changed as he looked at the weapon.
"..."
He then looked at Samuel's and he immediately understood what the boy was thinking.
"Hey, let me see it too, stop hiding it gramps!" Troy said as he tried to look at the Skull
"Why didn't you tell us you had such a thing?" Kleim asked as he tried to get a look at it
"Stop it, now's not the place… Here, take it… Anything else?"
"Don't try to hide anything, they'll know."
"Yes. I have many consumables…"
'I also have my bow and a few other materials I've kept for my Schematic.'
"Leave those to the check in, we don't have the time. Show me the things you're afraid to show others."
"... So uh… I only have these left." Samuel said as he took out his recipe
"... A schematic? You're quite lucky kid… !"
As soon as Alex took a glance at the materials for the schematic, he realized its worth and level.
'The main material for this item is that Skull he showed me… That Skull is but a material for this?'
'Something of this grade on such a low Level Awakener… Could it be…'
He thought a few things before shaking his head, giving it back to him.
"Once we're inside, let's talk about this."
"... Alright…"
"Don't act like that, I'm not planning on taking it from you, I'm far from being that petty. In fact, I think I can help you."
"Take it as payment for helping my grandson not repeat a year." He said with a chuckle as he touched his chest
"Hey! I never had any issues with my scores!"
""...""
"Guys…"
"Ahem… Anything else?"
"..."
"..."
Alex noticed Samuel's tense expression, so he said:
"Let's get inside and continue this there then."
"Follow me sir." The soldier said with a nod after they were done
/Walk…/
They made their way towards a massive complex built at the edges of a tall mountain, like a secret base a cartoon villain would use…
…
/Inside…/
"... So, what's the item you've been trying to hide?"
"..."
"Just out with it. I'm far too old to play around."
Samuel frowned, but he trusted his friends and their family, most of them at least…
So he took out his Skill Stone, the last important item he had in his inventory.
"This… Is quite rare, A Skill Stone is… Wait, this one…!!"
Alex was immediately taken aback by the item in his hand.
"Where did you get this?" He asked as his expression turned grave
'The Taboo Stone… To think his last item would be this…'
"From a Platinum Box."
"... I won't ask how you got it, but I'll warn you here, take it as a word of advice…"
"You NEVER saw this item. I recommend you use it on one of those dunces without their knowledge."
"Given you got it from a Platinum Box, it's likely a low Grade Skill Stone, but it's still one regardless."
"It should work on all Levels, but someone of a considerable Level may notice it if you try to use it on them."
"Copying someone's Skill is a serious matter. A crime almost equal to treason and murder, if not higher in some cases."
"In this society, the only crime that can surpass it comes from utilizing… Forget it."
"Skills are the lifeblood of some families, they're passed down with Classes and they represent their identity."
"Be careful with what you copy, it's for the best you get rid of it as soon as possible."
"I'm aware…"
"... That being said, do you have an idea for the Skill you're looking for?"
"I'll help you get it, at least that way we can cross this off from our list. Forever."
"... Why help me?"
"Tche! Kid, do you take me as a monster? I'll help ya, but more so because it helps me as well."
"The mere fact I'm not taking this from your possession is a breach of conduct, but if society was too strict with what people got, there would've been riots everywhere."
"There is a margin of tolerance… Don't cross it."
"It's easy to dream about stealing some of those legendary Skills you see everywhere, but its another to use it. Don't become a public enemy solely for a meager power."
"... I didn't have such plans…"
"Then out with it."
"... I have a few options…" Samuel replied after he took a deep breath
His Awakener Watch had long written a list of Skills for him to base himself on, so Samuel merely shared them one by one.
It took just a minutes, but by the end of it…
"... Those are some solid choices. Albeit some of them are a no go. Not because its against the rules, but because it's impossible."
"Half of the Skills you shared with me have either been lost, or their whereabouts are unknown… That's the fate of most Skills in this world, they vanish without being properly recorded…"
"But amidst all of the Skills you shared with me, there's a few I could easily get you."
"I'm all ears…"
"The first would be Berserk. The bread and butter of all Berserk Classes. There are many variations of it and stronger versions, but I could get at least an Exclusive Skill Holder to share his Skill with you."
"The second one would be Frenzy. It's considered a type of curse, but given you're a Warlock, and that you chose it as a possibility, it'll likely end up as a strengthening Skill."
"The third one would be Onslaught. The fourth one would be Unleash. The fifth one would be Rampage."
"Wild Fury and Rampage are also two Skills I could easily get for you."
"... Can I make a decision at another time?"
"... As you wish. But never let anyone know of this."
"Also, you don't have to worry about me, I'm far too old for such an item, my days of continuous improvement are long behind me."
"Besides, don't underestimate the resources of the rich the Taboo stone is precious, but I see it pop up every once in a while, but people will still jump on the chance to get one if they can."
"Getting a Skill from a whole other Class can literally change one's fate, especially when the Skill defines said Class."
"The combinations of the right abilities can also bring forth unexpected power and evolutions within one's Class. So I recommend you think deeply about it before making the choice, but do make it soon… Before you meet someone that isn't as considerate as to not put their nose where they don't belong."
"... Unders…"
"Just get on with it. They're waiting for you. I'll deal with the rest, just tell them I have permission to overlook your inventory."
/… Nod/
Samuel nodded and left the side room, returning to the entrance of the complex where he put himself under examination.
Meanwhile…
'This Kid… Where did this little monster come from?'
'Level 4… He must've reset his Level, likely a hidden Class… Dual Class?'
'I heard he awakened as a Warlock…' What was his grade again? It was definitely low…'
'Something in him must be special. You can't achieve this much with pure luck. Even with a Golde Box.'
'That Schematic, Skull, and this Skill stone, they're all items even high Level Awakeners like myself would have some difficulty finding.'
'Although the items are low level, it doesn't mean they have low potential…'
'... A Platinum Box? That's the only explanation… Maybe even a Gemstone Box…'
'To explain his Stats, the kid likely has an S Grade Class.'
'How interesting…'
Alex smiled as he scratched his chin. And soon enough, he left the room, pensive and stoic as always.
…
.
.
.
Notes
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