As the light subsided, two skills floated above Haru's head. One read [World Knowledge] and the other [Minus Strength].

"He has two skills!" Tanna exclaimed in surprise. The crowd quickly erupted in chatter. It was already rare for the Skill Revealing Scroll to reveal even one innate skill, but to reveal two was exceedingly rare.

No one in the guild had seen these skills before, and they were curious as to what they did. Haru, however, knew exactly what they were. Not only because they were his old skills, but also because [World Knowledge] displayed their descriptions right in front of him.

> World Knowledge

> Skill: World Knowledge

>

> Description: You are capable of drawing out every bit of information regarding anything within the world.

>

> Level: 1

>

> Potential: Incalculable

> Skill: Minus Strength

>

> Description: Apply a de-buff on any living creature, reducing their strength by 15% for a short amount of time.

>

> Level: 1

>

> Potential: B

For the Summoned, all skills start at level 1 and can be improved through continuous usage and understanding. However, there is a fundamental difference between the skills of the Summoned and those developed by the natural-born inhabitants of Kladin. The unique skills that the Summoned possess can level up with use, while learned skills cannot. As these skills level up, they have the potential to evolve and offer additional perks, becoming greater than before. This ability to grow and adapt makes the skills of the Summoned incredibly powerful, allowing them to unlock abilities that transcend the capabilities of native inhabitants.

The potential of a skill dictates how far it can grow and evolve. The theoretical highest grade, known as S potential, means that at its highest level, a skill could be world-shattering in what it can do.

In his previous time he had never revealed the true potential of his [World Knowledge] skill to anyone. It was more due to no one believing him and he never stood to correct them. The [World Knowledge] skill has an incalculable potential, meaning that it has the ability to transcend the logic of the world. Unfortunately, he had never been able to reach that level before.

Becker's eyes widened as he read the names of Haru's skills. "World Knowledge, Minus Strength... I've never heard of these skills before. From the names themselves, I can guess what they might do, but..." He turned to Haru, "We won't know until you test them out. Try your skills on me."

Acting out the part, Haru looked bug-eyed and asked, "Are you sure? I don't know how these skills might affect you."

"Haha, after being so cocky and greedy before, you're only now showing concern for others? Don't worry, I'm pretty strong. I can handle anything you throw at me!"

Haru hesitated for a moment before nodding. He focused on Becker and activated his first skill, [World Knowledge].

Information appeared before Haru's eyes:

> Name: Hidden (insufficient level) / Alias: Becker Zoller

>

> Race: Hidden (insufficient level)

>

> Occupation: Guild Leader of the Crown City Branch

>

> Age: 34

>

> Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Haru immediately furrowed his brow. 'Hidden? Why is he hiding his race? And an alias... It seems there's more to this guild leader than I thought. I'll have to be more careful with him.'

Starting out at level 1, the information Haru received from his skill left much to be desired, but for now, it was enough.

Haru continued his act, eyes widening in surprise as he spoke, "Your full name is Becker Zoller, guild leader of the Crown City branch, age 34."

Becker rubbed his chin, intrigued. "Interesting. It gives the name, occupation, and my age. It's similar to the skill [Analyze]. Does it say anything else?"

Haru shook his head. "No, that's all it reveals."

Becker stroked his chin, considering. "In that case, it's a bit weaker than [Analyze], which can also reveal strengths and weaknesses. That being said, [Analyze] is a very rare skill, and having this [World Knowledge] means you can identify both objects and people. We have a lot of gathering quests that would benefit from such a skill."

Haru nodded, but a sense of intrigue and apprehension lingered. 'I'll need to keep an eye on this guild leader. There's definitely more to him than meets the eye.'

"Alright, hit me with your next one."

Haru nodded and activated his second skill, [Minus Strength]. The effect was immediate; Becker's muscles began to weaken, and his movements became sluggish.

Becker's eyes widened in shock as he realized what was happening. He tried to resist, but it was no use. "I can't dispel it?" Genuine shock appeared on his face. However, the effect only lasted a couple of seconds before dissipating.

Becker turned to Haru, who was now gasping for air. He looked at him strangely, lost in stunned silence.

Seeing the look on Becker's face, Tanna turned to him and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Th-That skill, it..." Becker's words caught in his throat as he remembered the entire guild hall was paying attention. He turned to Haru and Tanna. "We'll talk inside."

"What, you're not going to tell us?!" the crowd protested.

"Booooooo!"

"Guild leader is unfair!"

There was quite a bit of whining, but Becker didn't feel like playing. He headed into his main office, followed by Tanna and Haru.

Inside, he immediately erected a barrier to close off sound to the outside. Only then did he finally feel safe to talk.

"Guild Leader, what is it?" Haru asked.

"That skill. It's similar to the skill [Weaken], which applies a physical debuff to creatures."

"Oh, that's a pretty rare skill as well. You would be perfect in support roles in parties," Tanna added.

"Except," Becker continued, "the [Minus Strength] skill applies not only to physical strength but also to magical strength."

"What?!" Tanna exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. In the world of Kladin, there was no skill that could decrease magical strength. Creatures who could utilize magic had always been a sore spot for adventurers who found it difficult to handle them. If a debuff could be applied to such creatures, it would cause a major stir.

"I can see why you wanted to talk privately," Tanna said. "If the others were to find out, they would certainly try to recruit Haru to their parties. It could lead to a lot of fights within the guild."

Becker's expression remained grave. "[Weaken] applies a small debuff based on the strength of the user, but [Minus Strength] uses a different formula."

"A different formula?" Tanna asked, intrigued.

"I think it goes by a percentage," Becker explained. "I have good control over my body, and I could feel that my overall strength dropped by at approximately 15% when you applied that skill."

"Fifteen percent?!" she practically screamed.

Haru narrowed his eyes, thinking, 'He really isn't normal.'

"Is that a lot?" Haru asked, feigning ignorance.

"Is that a lot? Are you crazy? There's no skill in the entire world that can do something like that. If someone were to find out about this skill, it could cause a major uproar. The other kingdoms would go to war to have you!"

"No, it wouldn't cause that much of a stir," Becker replied, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced of his own words.

"Not a stir?" Tanna questioned frantically. "It's fifteen percent! I can already see poor Haru being chained and forced to use his skill on high-class monsters every day. He would be a debuff slave."

Her words struck a chord within Haru, bringing up painful memories from his past. He forced a smile and nodded, trying to push the emotions aside.

Becker looked at Haru to confirm. "It seems unlike [Weaken], you can't use your skill as often."

Haru nodded. "After I used the skill, I felt like I had nothing else to give. My legs almost gave out."

"The skill you have, [Minus Strength], has a high consumption cost and only lasts for a few seconds. While it would give an advanced party a significant advantage in a fight, the drawback of being useless and needing protection immediately after makes it less appealing," Becker explained. He sighed and shook his head. "Let's forget about it for now."

Becker opened a drawer and retrieved a card-shaped plaque. He infused magic into his finger and wrote Haru's name on the plaque before tossing it to him.

"As promised," he said.

Haru caught the plaque excitedly and thanked Becker. The plaque carried both his name and his current adventurer's rank: F.

"If there's nothing else—"

"Just one more thing," Haru quickly interjected, a wry smile on his face.

"What is it?"

"I can't really go out on adventures with what I'm currently wearing, and as I've mentioned before, I don't have a single coin on me. So, how about giving me a loan?" Haru asked, looking at Becker with hopeful eyes.

Becker sighed, wondering what kind of life Haru had led in his own world to have such a thick skin. He reached into his drawer and pulled out some funds. "How much do you need?"

"Not much, just 1,000 Klador."

"…"