CHAPTER 33.

Amber distributed her attribute points and immediately began to recover. She was excited, multiple of her skills reached 3rd Rank from that fight. However, she didn’t instantly take a close look at them given her advancement would likely change them. Instead, she only took a look at the kill notifications and her level ups.

[You have defeated a [Fireblessed Velstalker. Lvl. 120.]

For defeating an enemy 20 levels above your own, you have received bonus experience!

So the boss was level 120…

[You have reached level 100. 5 stat points awarded. +10 stat points to every stat.]

…

[You have reached level 106. 5 stat points awarded.]

Oddly enough, there was no Core Skill offered, but Amber suddenly had a feeling that it would happen at level 110 instead, which excited her. She took a breath and turned to the Legacy Branch notification, deciding that that was the first thing she wanted to acquire. She still felt somewhat dizzy but was fine aside from the cuts marring her body.

[You have broken past the limits of your humanity!

The stars themselves have blessed you.

You may now acquire a Legacy Branch.]

Amber stared at that, and spoke.

“I want to acquire a Legacy Branch.”

[Very well.]

Amber blinked at the System downright replying to her. That was vastly different from the Class Advancement. However, before she had time to ponder about things further she saw the room begin to literally fall apart. Chunks collapsed and turned into nothing but a void, and yet for some reason she instinctively understood that this was part of the process.

So she watched the walls fall, the rocks disappear and even the floor melt into nothingness. And after a whole minute she found herself standing in a black void of nothingness. However, that didn’t last long. Two dots appeared before Amber, and they slid down making two lines. Then, the lines split forming the shape of one door within the immaterial darkness.

Amber wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but she heard the voice speak again.

[Your feats have been taken into account to gain access to Legacy Branches:

Defeat an enemy that bears a Legacy Branch.

Defeat an enemy at least 75 levels above you.

Have a class that hasn’t been acquired by anyone in multiple centuries.

There are two Legacy Branches that are offered to you. A Legacy Branch is not a different class, or a secondary class, but an aid to you. These branches have been offered based on your battle records and what would complement you best. So pick carefully.]

You don’t need to tell me to pick carefully when giving me options, Amber thought. The requirements for Legacy Branches seem quite hard… That said… an aid? How does that work?

Of course, she knew that she wasn’t going to get a direct answer, so instead she waited. The two doors remained unmoving for about five seconds before one of them came her way. In an instant, she passed through the door and the void turned white.

Amber blinked and she stood before a pale pedestal made of marble, and embedded within it was a longsword, similar to the Sword of All Mortals. However, it was golden in color. She stared at it for a moment before reaching for its hilt and grabbing it, and in an instant Amber saw⁠—

Death.

She saw thousands of sword techniques, numerous ways to execute people, she saw what the true essence of swordsmanship was. However, this swordsmanship wasn’t refined; instead it was raw and brutal. It happened so fast, that she stumbled back and a moment later a notification came.

[Would you like to receive the Legacy Branch of Savage Swordsmanship?

You have recklessly fought with a sword most of your life and now you will be enlightened to those secrets in order to advance further beyond the limits of humanity. Due to your high level body enhancing skills you are a perfect recipient for this Legacy Branch.

Acquiring this Legacy Branch shall propel your swordsmanship to new levels. Levels that others cannot reach no matter how hard they try.

Nothing will be uncuttable or unreachable for your sword.

You will receive +5 Strength +5 Dexterity +5 Endurance every level up after taking this Legacy Branch.]

Amber blinked. She wasn’t huge in swordsmanship, but she could feel that this Legacy Branch would provide a qualitative change to her fighting. In fact, she knew that the Legacy Branch would apply to any weapon that had a blade. The idea of being able to stab or break through anything greatly excited her.

However, her eyes remained glued onto the stat bonuses.

No wonder the guy felt fucking unkillable…

The idea of getting 3 level ups worth of points every level up felt absolutely disgusting to her. And now more than ever she was excited to take a look at her other option⁠— wherever it was Amber turned and⁠— to her surprise saw a different pedestal was right behind her.

On it, she saw a goblet of iridescent glass and within it there was a crimson liquid that reminded her of wine; however Amber could tell. It was blood.

What kind of Legacy Branch was fucking blood…? Granted, she didn’t even understand what a Legacy Branch actually was; perhaps it would let her control the blood within people’s bodies or something crazy like that⁠—

Well that sounds a bit too much…

She took a deep breath and extended her hand. She submerged her index finger into the crimson liquid, and for a moment nothing happened⁠— until she closed her eyes anyway.

Amber found herself submerged in a sea of blood, bubbles of air forming. She could hardly see anything other than the color red, but soon it turned to orange⁠— and crackling entered her ears. She vividly imagined the scenes of raging fires and screams entered her ears, and yet she couldn’t see anything.

Instead, a feeling came to her. One of excitement, one of defiance, one of desire.

And instinctively, she understood what the blood represented.

The world returned and she stared at the goblet.

The blood represented pure unbridled destruction. It represented excitement from its presence, it represented bloodlust, it represented a lack of control and blind rage. Amber swallowed and a notification came.

[Would you like to receive the Legacy Branch of Crimson Fervency?

You have recklessly fought most of your life and have been surrounded by carnage. This carnage now empowers you and pushes beyond the limits of humanity. Due to your high level body enhancing skills and Berserker class you are the perfect recipient for this Legacy Branch.

Acquiring this Legacy Branch will enhance your battle capabilities in the presence of blood. The longer a battle goes on the more unmatched and uncontrollable you become; to some this is a blessing and to others it is considered a curse.

Your physical limits will be like never before.

You will receive +5 Vitality +5 Strength +5 Dexterity every level up after taking this Legacy Branch.]

Amber blinked. “Well, if those are not some mental modifications going on then I don’t know what they are.”

She turned back to the Legacy Branch of Savage Swordsmanship. The choice was obvious, one had no strings attached, one didn’t essentially brainwash its user into a beast that only cared for shedding blood. Surely, she shouldn’t struggle to make a decision. And yet⁠—

Amber looked back at the Legacy Branch of Crimson Fervency. It had the word curse in it; but that wasn’t the main draw.

Surely it’s not impossible to control the bloodlust, right? Amber stared at it.

On one hand, she could very much regret it, but on the other hand if she was eligible for it and complemented her…

Actually…

“Can the Legacy Branch of Crimson Fervency be controlled?” she asked the air.

There was a silence as the white void remained unperturbed. Considering the System had answered to her earlier, she thought that she would obtain an answer but it seemed like that wasn’t the case.

Amber sighed⁠—

[These Legacy Branches have been chosen specifically for you, they are not meant to weaken you,] the System interrupted.

Oh… Amber blinked and snapped to the cup with blood. Then the choice is obvious isn’t it?

She grinned and grabbed onto the cup, and then⁠— drank it. Amber fully gulped the gross tasting liquid, and a moment later she fell to the ground in pain. She could feel her body changing⁠— moving to accommodate whatever kind of fucking thing the Legacy Branch was. She felt like death, and for a moment she thought she would actually die.

The white void began to fall apart, and the first notification came.

[ You have gained the Legacy Branch of Crimson Fervency

Vitality +30

Strength +20

Dexterity +20

Endurance +15

Intelligence +10

Wisdom +10

Natural recovery has increased by 200%.

Your physical stats increase by 20% in battle.

Wounds heal three times faster in battle. ]

Suddenly Amber felt a lot better; the Natural Recovery instantly helped her. However, the effects were slightly underwhelming in her opinion⁠— then again obtaining 15 points per level up is insane. She shook her head, still feeling pain going around her body.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

[New Legacy Branch Skill! You have learned Crimson Fervor — level 1.

You have been in the presence of blood and entrails to the point you've grown numb to them. And now, they are your fuel to grow. The longer you are in the presence of blood, the stronger, more durable and agile you become. This skill reaches its peak at twenty minutes increasing your stats by 250% (100% before class bonus).

This skill takes twice the time in comparison to normal skills to level.]

Amber gulped.

That's fucking strong… She didn't pay attention at the level up time, because she knew she could keep it permanently active. There were a multitude of ways for her to do it, and if it worked with her own blood…

“First skill and I already think it's ridiculous…” Amber muttered.

And then another notification came.

[New Legacy Branch Skill! For obtaining your Legacy Branch at level 100 you have learned. Crimson Fuel — level 1.

You have been in contact with blood time and time again. Now you can use it to fuel you. When in contact with foreign blood you can extract its life-force to increase your regeneration. When in contact with your own blood you can burn it to enhance your physical attributes by 125% (50% before class bonuses).

This skill takes twice the time in comparison to normal skills to level.]

Amber smiled. It wasn't as ridiculous but it was still strong. Legacy Branches were much stronger than she imagined. That said, Amber knew that this was the end of her Legacy Branch notifications. But at the same time, this was just the beginning of her power up.

She turned to her Class Advancement notification.

[Class Advancement is now Available!

You may now evolve your class.]

“I want to evolve my class,” Amber declared.

Much like expected her vision went instantly dark, a different thing in comparison to the Legacy Branch. She waited for a moment before the first vision began.

Amber watched as a burly man broke into a building and dozens of mages pointed their staff at them. Then, a moment later dozens of spells went off and the man took all of them. Every. Single. One.

Amber found her heart beginning to rush in excitement.

And even though he was getting injured, he was also regenerating. However the man didn't move, instead he took everything for what felt like forever.

Amber was beginning to wonder what was going on before the man crossed his arms to his chest, fists against his shoulders and— screamed.

A light exploded from him — a powerful magical attack wiped the room. It was an accumulation of all the attacks the man had suffered.

The vision faded and a notification came.

[You have met the requirements for Class Advancement: ‘Cursed Chosen Absorber' You have taken hits from all kind of foes, have all resistances at 2nd Rank and all Core Skills at 2nd Rank, have reached level 100 as a Cursed Chosen Berserker and have been blessed by a Primordial Spirit.

The Cursed Chosen Absorber is a Cursed Absorber that has been chosen by the gods themselves. The Cursed Chosen Absorber has followed in the steps of the Cursed Chosen Berserker but toying with their enemies and testing their durability. They specialize in unleashing the damage they have taken.

You may change class if requirements for a better class are met.

Would you like to acquire this class? Bonuses to stats will be applied, Cursed Chosen Absorber skills will become available on future level ups. Current Skills may see change. Class Advancement paths may be lost.]

Amber found it to be an exciting advancement. The idea of just sitting there is great. Pushing an enemy to their limits in an attempt to kill me. She smiled at that and waited for the next vision. If this was just the start, she wondered what the other classes offered would be like.

A second later the darkness was shattered with the sound of broken glass. Amber looked down to see a figure falling, she was standing on the edge of a church's rose window, and greenery surrounded her. She was in some kind of ruins it seemed.

However, Amber wasn’t able to appreciate the surroundings much because the figure landed a moment later. They stood there for a second before a moment later monkey-like monsters attacked them. They were wearing a cloak so their gender was unclear to her, however she paid that no mind. Instead, she watched as the figure raised their fists and jumped into the chaos.

For a moment, nothing was happening but she saw one of the monsters collapse mid fight, then another fell and began to spasm⁠— one after another the horde of monsters began to fall suffering some kind of issue, meanwhile the person fought with greater and greater strength and speed.

Eventually all it took was one punch for them to fell their enemy, and even though the battle continued from the monsters continuously showing up, the vision ended.

Amber blinked, she touched her chest which was rushing.

I want to be able to do that… is what she immediately thought.

And a moment later, a notification came.

[You have met the requirements for Class Advancement: ‘Cursed Chosen Brawling Berserker' You have fought all kind of foes and even lost your weapon while doing so! You have all your Core Skills at 2nd Rank and two at 3rd Rank, have reached level 100 as a Cursed Chosen Berserker and have been blessed by a Primordial Spirit.

The Cursed Chosen Brawling Berserker is a Cursed Brawling Berserker that has been chosen by the gods themselves. The Cursed Chosen Brawling Berserker has taken it upon themselves to enforce fighting with their fists, applying curses and destroying the Supernatural with great momentum. They specialize in long and lasting battles, they will always come out on top.

You may change class if requirements for a better class are met.

Would you like to acquire this class? Bonuses to stats will be applied, Cursed Chosen Brawling Berserker skills will become available on future level ups. Current Skills may see change. Class Advancement paths may be lost.]

Amber had to stop herself from choosing it immediately; she had first used her fists in the tower for the longest time and given she had just lost her sword she actually didn’t mind the idea. However, Amber waited for the next vision. Just like before; she had to see all the classes before making a choice.

The darkness soon turned into a different vision. Amber saw lightning in the background and a moment later an explosion resounded. A distant mountain top exploded, pieces of rock streaked through the pelting rain. Amber blinked and found herself staring at two people fighting. However, their hits on each other tore the landscape apart. One person was wielding a sword just like the Sword of All Mortals, the other had two dual swords.

Amber watched as the landscape was torn and fires exploded, however the person with the dual-guard sword eventually began to win and push back, their attacks increasingly more destructive as the other person gradually lost momentum. And Amber witnessing everything, intently stared.

The build-up of destructive power reminded her of Cursed Momentum as well as the Brawling Berserker, but somehow she also felt like it was different. Amber found herself excited, trying to guess what their skills exactly did, it felt like something familiar yet different.

The figure broke through the man’s swords and with a final attack, they killed the other person; tearing a hole through the ground. Amber felt more excited than ever before, and as the vision faded she waited with great anticipation.

What will the description be like?

She didn’t know, but Amber was waiting with trepidation.

[You have met the requirements for Class Advancement: ‘Cursed Inevitable One’ You have acquired a Legacy Branch, all your Core Skills are at Second Rank and at least five are at Third Rank, you have been blessed by a Primordial Spirit, defeated an enemy 100 levels above you, and reached level 100 as a Cursed Chosen Berserker.

The Cursed Inevitable One has been chosen by the gods themselves. Not only do they hold immense potential, the stars themselves favor them. They are inevitable, their will is a rule in the world. They are destined for greatness, reaching horizons never seen before. A Cursed Inevitable One is seen every one thousand years.

You may change class if requirements for a better class are met.

Would you like to acquire this class? Bonuses to stats will be applied, Cursed Inevitable One skills will become available on future level ups. Current Skills may see change. Class Advancement paths may be lost.]

Amber’s mouth opened and then closed. The description sounded ridiculous and yet it just felt right. However, before she could even accept the class another vision started, vanishing the window right then and there⁠—

“Wait⁠—”

And thunder echoed. Amber blinked, finding herself staring at a familiar scenery, once more she saw two people fighting. This time it was a woman fighting against a man; both of them had dual-guard swords, however she could tell she was supposed to be looking at the woman.

For a moment, Amber wanted nothing to do with it, but as soon as the woman’s momentum sped up and sliced the man, her attention was caught⁠— What? She didn’t understand what had happened, however the woman would momentarily speed up, get faster and stronger at random intervals before returning to an ever-increasing baseline.

Her strength was building up, but at the same time, she could push it past that temporarily.

Amber found herself enthralled by the effect, and watched as the man was defeated. Of course, the opponent put up a great fight and even tore the woman’s arm off but in the end it proved to be worthless because she regrew it. Then, with that same hand, she caught the man’s sword and stabbed him, killing him right then and there,

The woman dropped her enemy onto the ground, and Amber just stared. She thought back on the battle, and then the woman turned and met her gaze.

Amber shivered and the vision ended, a moment later a notification came.

[You have met the requirements for Class Advancement: ‘Cursed Supreme One’ You have acquired a Legacy Branch, all your Core Skills are at Second Rank and at least five are at Third Rank, you have been blessed by a Primordial Spirit, defeated an enemy 100 levels above you, and reached level 100 as a Cursed Chosen Berserker.

The Cursed Supreme One has been chosen by the gods themselves. Not only do they hold immense potential, the stars themselves favor them. Their authority is a rule, controlling their surroundings as if they owned the world. They are destined for greatness, reaching horizons never seen before. A Cursed Supreme One is seen every one thousand years.

You may change class if requirements for a better class are met.

Would you like to acquire this class? Bonuses to stats will be applied, Cursed Supreme One skills will become available on future level ups. Current Skills may see change. Class Advancement paths may be lost.]

“It’s like…” Amber was shocked. “So similar…”

If she compared her excitement at base value, she found that she couldn’t even tell which one she preferred, and if she compared by requirements⁠— she also couldn’t tell. Rarity wasn’t a way to choose either. Both classes looked absolutely amazing to her, however she knew she could only pick one class.

And she had to make a decision.

Amber began to think about their differences, mainly theorizing about their skills, and after a few minutes of pondering she finally had a rough idea; Cursed Inevitable One would gain great momentum and power from attacking their adversary, while Cursed Supreme One would gain momentum when they desired, but it wouldn’t last forever.

Just thinking about it, she couldn’t really make a choice.

One requires me to hit my target and with the other I can just force it on my own… That was the only difference, but at the same time; hitting a target wasn’t a problem nor would be a problem in most scenarios.

Amber found herself thinking, thinking about multiple scenarios where each of the classes would shine or lose out on. And after a few minutes she found that a small majority of the time she would choose Cursed Supreme One.

“So is this it?” Amber asked herself.

Making the decision had been hard enough, but now she was actually going to get the class?

It was a bit hard to believe, but even then she chose the class and the disbelief turned into sheer excitement as she returned back to reality. Amber tried to stay composed while she waited but she couldn’t, her eyes were glued straight ahead and her breathing was rushing.

And a moment later the notification came.

[ You have gained the class: Cursed Supreme One

Vitality +40

Strength +25

Dexterity +25

Endurance +20

Intelligence +10

Wisdom +20

Natural recovery has increased by 100%.

Body enhancements are 250% more effective.

Wounds heal three times faster out of battle. ]

That body enhancement increase was just amazing, however, even though she was excited her feelings waited with trepidatious anticipation.

What skills will change?

Even though the wait was about a second, she felt as if it was taking an eternity. She had a feeling of which skills would be upgraded, but she still wanted to see it with her own eyes.

And a moment later, the results did not disappoint.

Both of the skills are 3rd Rank too…

[Cursed Momentum ⁠— 3rd Rank level 1, becomes Cursed Supreme Momentum — 3rd Rank level 1]

[New Core Skill! You have learned Cursed Supreme Momentum 3rd Rank ⁠— level 1

You’ve mastered the art of exploiting momentum to your advantage. If you are affected by a curse you will apply it to your target, and now you will be able to modify this momentum at will at the cost of your stamina. You may consume momentum to restore your stamina or consume it to increase it. This skill reaches its peak at ten minutes in battle, increasing your stats by 262.5% (75% before class bonus).

2nd Rank ⁠— Taking damage speeds the momentum build up.]

3rd Rank ⁠— You can consume stamina to increase your stats up to 350% (100% before class bonus]

Amber felt nothing but joy seeing the notification, however, another skill had also changed too.

[Berserker’s Body ⁠— 3rd Rank level 1, becomes Cursed Supreme Berserker’s Body — level 3rd Rank level 1]

[New Core Skill! You have learned Cursed Supreme Berserker’s Body 3rd Rank ⁠— level 1

You’ve embodied what it means to be a Cursed Chosen Berserker and have become a Supreme One. Your body absorbs curses better. You feel half of the pain you’re supposed to feel and your body is 105% stronger. (30% before class bonus).

2nd Rank ⁠— By adapting and abusing your body it has gained a unique constitution. Your body is 30% tougher.

3rd Rank ⁠— You can consume mana to apply the body enhancement bonus to your unique constitution. Your body will become 105% tougher (30% before class bonus).]

“This is just fucking amazing.”

Amber distributed the remainder of her attribute points. She couldn’t believe she had undergone such a qualitative change in strength in the span of like one hour. She hurriedly opened her status to take a look at what had changed. And her eyes went wide.

[Name: Amber | Level: 106

Class: Cursed Supreme One | Unspent Stat Points: 0

Legacy Branch: Crimson Fervency

Stats:

Vitality: 305

Strength: 250

Dexterity: 230

Endurance: 100

Intelligence: 62

Wisdom: 114

Free Core Skill Slots: 0 | Core Skills:

[Cursed Cleave - 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [Quick Dash - 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [General Weapon Mastery - 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [Cursed Supreme Momentum - 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [Cursed Supreme Berserker’s Body - Lvl. 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [Cursed Stomp - 3rd Rank Lvl. 1], [Recovery of Curses - 2nd Rank Lvl. 10], [Curse Battery - 2nd Rank Lvl. 8], [Cursed Rage Synergy - 2nd Rank Lvl. 6], [Curse Manipulation - Lvl. 2nd Rank Lvl. 4]

Legacy Branch Skills:

[Crimson Fervor. Lvl. 1], [Crimson Fuel. Lvl. 1]

General Skills:

[Supernatural Nullification], [Identify. Lvl. 2], [Toxin Resistance ⁠- 2nd Rank Lvl. 8], [Elemental Resistance - 2nd Rank Lvl. 1], [Physical Resistance - 2nd Rank Lvl. 1], [Magical Resistance - 2nd Rank Lvl. 1], [Sharp Instincts - 2nd Rank Lvl. 9], [Quick Recovery - Lvl. 10].]

“I’m so fucking strong now…” she muttered in excitement.

Quick Dash, General Weapon Mastery, Cursed Stomp⁠— all of them had reached 3rd Rank right then and there. She felt a bit dizzy thinking about it. She actually didn’t want to see what they did in their Third Rank, or rather⁠— she didn’t want to read it. She wanted to see for herself⁠— she wanted to see the effects of the advancement now.

Amber turned to the exit of the room and her eyes paused where the Fireblessed Velstalker had been, in its position there was a double-guarded sword embedded in the ground. It was reminiscent of the Sword of All Mortals, however its tip was an incandescent yellow, as if it had just been taken out of a burning furnace.

Amber stowed away the broken Sword of All Mortals and excitedly approached the heated sword, and Identify soon told her something truly wonderful.

[Relic Grade ⁠— Firecursed Sword ⁠— Superb Quality

This Firecursed Sword bears the Curse of Consuming Flames. This sword will ignite whoever it comes in contact with and the flames will continuously burn on the target unless the bearer desires to extinguish them. The bearer cannot extinguish flames on themselves.

Ability: Flamethrower: at the cost of mana summon a deluge of flames forward]

Amber of course, grabbed it, uncaring for its curse. She now had a new sword that seemed incredibly promising and a whole damn advancement to test out.

“It just keeps getting better doesn’t it?” she asked herself, grinning.

Then she cut herself with the dagger and Crimson Fervor immediately activated⁠—

Just like I thought.

Amber couldn’t stop herself from maniacally laughing as she ran towards the next floor.

It was time to test her new-found powers!