The teleporter in the central city of Voz -Luanda was quite the eye-catching thing.
it wasn't large but its surroundings were what gave it a good view. The teleporter was a circle which was mainly composed of symbols which looked Greek to the average person - magic symbols, the symbols themselves were craftily painted on the ground.
The teleporter took a maximum of 12 people to Azania per trip , the magic would be activated by two advanced mages not so far from the circle , holding specific staffs for the magic activation, immediately after the magic circle would absorb the right amount of mana from the surroundings needed to use teleportation on the individuals in the circle itself, that took 11 seconds to activate the teleporter and for it to absorb mana , and then it instantaneously transported the people in the circle after the right amount of mana was obtained.
But for some reason, today of all days, there was a long queue of people waiting to go to Azania compared to the previous day - the place was totally packed.
Vincent had gone ahead to Azania first to prepare a place for them to stay and to present all the necessary paperwork to the officials and government in order to ensure their stay in Azania was peaceful and they wouldn't be considered illegal immigrants.
He left with Hanks as a burden of course, Jain felt sorry for the robed mage.
Hanks was quite the outspoken guy, While Vincent was more of an introvert guy who loved his space and privacy. It wasn't that hard picturing the torture Vin would have to endure travelling with Hanks.
though it'd be interesting to see how long Hanks would actually last before being incinerated to the ground by Vin , Heh-
At the moment Jain was in one of the long queues, However, this was different than your ordinary queue because some organized food and weaponry stands were arranged along the pathway to the teleporter and to the sides of the queue. Clothing stands were rarely seen.
The teleporter itself had a special building uniquely built for it, it was quite similar to a mall with multiple entrances leading to one destination.
It had been an hour since Jain entered this building called Horizon; him, Elizabeth and Shawn were in the 3rd group which would board the teleporter, Hindriad was coming alone later on.
Thankfully one of those blacksmiths stand was the last they'd encounter before they entered the actual teleporter - and Jain saw Shawn had his eyes locked on it ever since it met his line of sight. They were now quite very close to it.
Jain didn't see the whole purpose of Shawn picking a weapon, as he already had two uniquely crafted dual swords crossed on his back.
Elizabeth was staring at the various weapons arranged on the stand with awe , this was the first time Jain had seen a little girl such as her interested in sharp and dangerous weapons instead of fluffy dolls, he did keep an eye on her though just to make sure she didn't hurt herself trying to touch one of them. Their luggage had already been taken by the volunteer - Hanks.
" Remind me again Shawn, why are we here again? "
Jain asked , he himself wanted to pick a weapon but he didn't see any suitable weapon for him to wield as most of them were your average weaponry and so were really weak and would undoubtedly bend or break beyond repair if Jain used them with his monstrous strength. Plus, he was still loyal to the platinum sword his father had left for him before dying - Saber, that's what Jain called it now.
" Because I need to get myself a dagger, I can't be waving these swords at close range opponents. Unlike you, I can't occasionally punch my way out of things. "
Jain's mind froze in that instant.
How does he know how my power works? I don't remember telling him how it works?
Jain sunk his eyes deep on Shawn hoping he would shed some light by what he meant by stating he couldn't punch his way out of things like Jain - maybe it was a coincidence and Shawn was not some kind of big organization spy Jain was now having some suspicion to be. After all , Jain didn't have any weapons on him so it wasn't out of the ordinary for someone to assume he was a hand-to-hand combatant.
But then again it was also a coincidence too to have met Shawn back in the dungeon and to coincidentally bump into him on his way in - coincidences didn't just happen repeatedly and still meant nothing even after.
Could Shawn really be a spy? He can't be an assassin because he could have killed me in the dungeon if he wanted to.
Jain internally sighed.
speculating about it wouldn't help him - however interrogating Shawn would at least shed some light.
" How do you know that? "
Shawn turned his head to face him, he had a 23cm long black dagger in its sheathe on his hands. it was eye catching , especially how its hilt shined in a unique redness.
" Oh , I used the
Shawn answered casually , not giving Jain's question that much thought.
What ?
" Eh.... Appraisal skill ¿ "
The entire thing felt foreign to Jain , like being introduced to a complex mathematical concept in school.
He had never heard of such a skill, in fact he didn't know what skills were. He did know a bit about magic - that it was a method used to interfere with natural laws to cause a specific effect using some sort of medium, like mana for an example.
But skills - they were a whole new different thing to Jain, what on earth were they ?
" It's basically a skill that allows you to analyze things , giving you the basic information of the things you analyze - such as the name and status. "
Jain sheepishly nodded, pretending as if he was getting what Shawn was explaining to him. Appraisal was probably some sort of magic that allowed someone to see the powers of others as Shawn explained it , but he didn't know exactly what a skill was.
" You aren't getting a single thing I am saying, are you ? "
" Well....not really. "
Shawn sighed.
" Skills are like magic , they also allow you to interfere with natural laws to get what exactly that skill is capable of, but they use a different route to do so , instead of focusing on several effects like a branching tree as Magic does, Skills instead focus on one. Well , normal skills do so anyways. it's less energy consuming too. But some skills can be harder to learn that magic. Skills come in several types, would you like me to tell you about them or you'll pass? "
Jain's eyes were focused on Shawn, his ears were sharpened to get catch each and every word he said.
He was slowly beginning to understand what skills were. He couldn't miss this chance to know about skills , this was the first time he had been interested in something
" YES ! "
Jain quickly replied.
" well, there are normal skills which even the most untalented of fools can possibly learn , wait I think Appraisal falls under that category is If I rem- "
" Yeah yeah , I get it ! Carry on. "
" Right. Before I forget , skills come in different categories and thus different power levels , Appraisal is at the level of a normal skill. However, It's completely possible for a skill to outperform or degrade based on who is using it , and also just because you have the capability of learning a skill doesn't mean it'll be easy to learn it - "
Shawn carried on explaining what skills were, giving a brief and basic but slightly scholar level education of skills.
Basically, skills came in 4 types ; normal skills , extra skills , unique skills and finally elite skills.
normal skills were your basic skills you'd see right about anywhere , 13 in 20 people had it. Extra skills were skills derived from normal skills , they were basically upgraded versions of a particular normal skill. Unique skills were quite self-explanatory and also rare, 8 people in 20 had it. It was basically a skill only a single individual could possess and was the only one of it's kind, people couldn't learn someone else's unique skills by normal means neither could the unique skill be passed to further generations unless certain circumstances and conditions would favor that to happen.
And then finally , Elite skills. An Elite skill was basically the strongest type of skill there is, standing up to its name, and with its reputation comes its shortcomings - the long time needed to achieve them. Calling Elite skills rare would be an understatement, it took more than mere decades to attain an Elite skill, at a minimum , one could attain an Elite skill after three centuries.
Obviously no normal human had a lifespan that long and since Elite skills could only be derived from unique skills , not that many people had the chance to awaken it nor was there anyone known to the public to possess an Elite skill.
Shawn then also explained how Unique skills used a different energy system, ' 𝗬𝘂𝗸𝗶' he called it , and one who had it had the full potential to awaken a unique skill , but it was impossible for a 𝗬𝘂𝗸𝗶 user to use magic as mana and Yuki were different energy systems. Elite skills didn't have much data collected from them since it took hundreds of years for a person to have one, and thus it was unaware whether a person who had an Elite skill could use magic or not. But unique skill users couldn't, that was for sure. Another thing was that unique skills were awakened when the right amount of Yuki was stored and absorbed inside the body. A unique skill would then manifest according to a person's intense desire and emotions at a moment.
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" Okay , I understand. Please tell me, do you have one of those skills because I've been having some weird power lately. "
Jain asked - This an opportunity to know about the weird 'miracle' power which had made him defeat the dungeon boss, singlehandedly take on an army of ants and attain victory without a single scratch after.
" You're quick to catch on, you have a unique skill. "
" A what ?! "
" A unique skill, eh. I thought I explained to you what unique skills are. "
Jain didn't exclaim out loud because he didn't know what they were, but because out of disbelief that someone so incompetent and a lazy bum such as him could attain something that rare.
" You did , I am just... Surprised ! "
Jain replied , the shock evident in his voice.
Shawn smiled , as if in expectation.
" Instead of telling you about the unique skill , why don't I show you? I'll teach you Appraisal, how about it ? "
" OF COURSE YES ! what are you waiting for?! Go on with it ! "
Shawn didn't seem to find displeasure in Jain's shouting , but rather looked prideful like a master teaching a disciple.
" Come on now my disciple , I'll teach you the ways of the world. "
Shawn said in a master-like tone , looking quite pleased with himself.
" Oh cut the crap ! "
Jain shouted, once again Shawn didn't cower at the words , but rather was motivated by it.
***
" Oh , I see something! "
5 minutes had passed , and Shawn had just given Jain a guide to how to use Appraisal.
Basically, it was envisioning a blue floating pamphlet with your details in it like your name , age and race. The rest would naturally appear by their own. There was a tingle on Jain's eyes and a blue pamphlet appeared before him.
As if timing the whole thing , Shawn gave further details about the
" You should see a rectangular screen Infront of your eyes. other people can't see the information shown to you. You can also use
Name : Jain Mcguire
Age : 19 years old
Race : Human
[ HP : 5 000 ] [ ATK : 5 000 ] [ MP : None ] [ SPD : 5 000 ] [ DEF : 5 000 ]
Resistance : Cold , Poison , Fear Inducement , Aura Inducement , Status ailments = Paralysis.
Magic : None
Skills :
Skill Type : Unique Skill
Sub Skill
- END -
Jain was beyond amazed.
As he stared at the light blue screen before him, he understood everything. . Why he had gotten the 'power' he thought came from God , it was a unique skill. apparently he wasn't the only person who awakened a unique skill ,but he was one or those rare ones which made him feel , a bit special. He stared at Shawn who was looking quite impressed to how he had managed to teach Jain.
" Don't look so smug about it! Hey, let me try this on you too to check something, hehe... It's too late to run away now. "
Shawn had told him if the target was out of vision, the analysis wouldn't happen and thus the pamphlet containing the target's information could not appear, which was why he told him it was too late to run away. Even if he tried a way to, with the analysis itself being instant. It didn't matter if he got out of vision, the Information would already be presented.
Instead of the scared and shocked expression Jain was expecting, Shawn looked quite confident in his abilities.
" Knock yourself out. "
Jain did exactly just that.
Name : Shawn Lupesfreude
Age : 19 years old
Race : human
[ HP : 7 000 ] [ ATK : 4 000 ] [ MP : None ] [ SPD : 6 500 ] [ DEF : 3 000 ]
Resistance : Cold , Perception Disruption , Aura Attack
Magic : None
Skill :
Skill Type : Unique Skill
The hell , his speed is higher than mine ! His health points are also over the chart !
Jain gasped at the sight. Even though Shawn had higher speed than him, his attack level was lower than his. Jain didn't even want to think much about the Health points between him and Shawn , as comparing them would just be an insult.
Skilled knight ? I wonder what that unique skill does.
. " Hey , how come I can see what my unique skill does but not yours? "
" That's because the skill Appraisal when working on somebody besides yourself, at best it can only present to you the name of the target and also the name of their skills not what they do. "
Shawn cheerfully answered.
" Oh , I see. May I ask what your unique skill does? "
" Of course , only if you tell me yours. "
" Wait , I thought you knew what my unique skill does from earlier , when you said I could just punch my way out of things. "
" That was a deduction based on the name of your unique skill , unique skill names can actually say a lot about what a unique skill does , if you know enough grammar of course. "
" Oh , I see. "
Jain replied.
" Deal then ? "
" Deal ! "
Jain shouted without thinking much about the consequences.
" Alright , I'll go first. "
Shawn announced before continuing -
" My unique skill
" Woah, your unique skill is quite similar to mine , well , to some degree. While mine boosts my power and strength every time I receive damage, yours increases your hand to hand battle-ship "
" Ah I see, but in terms of combat power yours is superior. "
Shawn commented back.
" Is it too late to ask about your sub-skill ? "
Shawn asked.
" You know about it ? "
" Lucky guess , since I have it too and stuff. You can't see the name of a sub-skill that isn't yours since it's hidden beneath the unique skill itself. "
" Well , my sub-skill is called
Jain casually replied.
" What an awesome skill , mine is called
" That's a cool skill too ! Hmm, but to be honest... I don't know how to use my unique skill.. "
Jain sheepishly said, how could he be able to though? He had awakened this unique skill in under 2 weeks and it probably took at least a month or two to fully adjust to using a unique skill, if you were untalented like him.
" You don't ? When did you awaken your unique skill? "
Shawn asked , interest visible in his eyes.
" Eh - just a week ago.... "
" Holy sh....... are you trying to say you gained all of that power in under a week ?! It took me at least a year and some months to get to this level ! "
Shawn exclaimed, it was a bit unnatural how Jain gained that much strength in under a week's time - The hunters back at the Hunter's association had their eyes peeled open when they saw Jain who was considered the lowest level of trash suddenly rise and become a B+ ranker.
Jain however was sure that if he could properly control his power , he could attain A-rank if he did a rank re-evaluation again.
The ranking test to re-evaluate a Hunter's ranking was split into two parts ; number one was where a dummy was placed in front of the one applying for the re-evaluation and they'd shoot try to damage it with their strongest attack. Based on how much damage the dummy attained , their ranking would be given, but this alone couldn't be trusted since there was the possibility of the test itself being rigged in some other way.
The final part was fighting an examiner , who would be an A-rank.
It was similar to the dummy test , but instead one would have to fight a target that moved and obviously wouldn't just let you one-sidedly attack, so it was a lot harder than the more accurate dummy testing. However , It was completely within a possibility for an examiner to favor or dislike a person in the test and therefore could purposely degrade the performance of the hunter so the accuracy of the examination couldn't be fully trusted as well. The two parts of the rank re-evaluation were originally separate and only one of the two could be used - but both of them had holes in them which could potentially allow people to cheat , after all it was far easier to bribe an Examiner than to actually get stronger yourself.
Eventually both of the parts were chosen , it was too much of a headache to think of something better in a country like Voz.
" Well, what can I say I am just lucky I guess ? "
Jain sheepishly laughed, staring at the surprised Shawn.
" But seriously though Shawn, I don't really know how to control my power. "
Shawn quickly regained his composure, he looked like he was thinking of something.
" Hmm. I've got an idea, would you like to hear it ? "
Jain quickly jumped to it.
" Of course ! "
" You'd normally learn to better control your own unique skill after using it several other times, right? "
" Uh. Yeah ? "
" Then it would be sensible to put you in a situation where you'll be able to use your power without limitations , that would allow you to have a better insight to how it works when you are in combat. "
Basically Shawn was saying Jain would adjust to his power the longer he used it , Jain was too desperate to bother worrying about the pros and cons about this method and he didn't have a better idea so he could only stick with it. In these few days he had spent with Shawn , he knew that he wasn't the type to sign him up for something he wouldn't come out of with good results, after all Jain felt that he had finally met someone he could call a friend.
I am so relieved Shawn isn't some spy for a big organization.
" I am listening. "
Jain said , his eyes focused on Shawn.
" I am sure you can see how the teleporter here is full of waiting people to travel to Azania - unlike other days. "
" Yes , I've noticed that. Even though I don't really go to the teleporter that much ,I don't usually see this many people waiting outside the teleporter building in a long queue. "
" Yep , there's a tournament that's going to take place in Azania in the following days and everyone is rushing to see it , it's one of the greatest with strong fighters all over the world. It's a great environment for you to learn how to better control your unique skill, which is exactly why I am going to sign you up for it. "
" Hold up, what? Strong fighters over the world? How do you even expect me to stand a chance to win? "
Shawn chuckled at Jain's question.
" You're not in it to win it, you're simply there to learn how to control your unique skill. If you're lucky , you might even meet someone who sees your potential and trains you. "
Jain breathed a sigh of relief, he would never have a chance against the world's strongest fighters if Shawn alone Infront of him was a challenge and didn't consider himself to be strong - Wouldn't the world's strongest fighters be absolute monsters in power ?
" Alright then , I'll join the tournament if you put it in that way. What is it called anyways? "
" The Tournament Of Artists. Mostly abbreviated as T-O-A. Magic artists , martial artists and even unique skill users , they're all in there. It's a diverse program which accepts each and every type of fighter in the world. To top it off , one who wins the tournament shall not only be given the 'Tournament Master' as a title, they are also allowed access to a treasure room from which they can pick any Nation level treasure or artifact of their liking."
" What ! I'm definitely joining now ! "
Jain exclaimed , no one could really judge his reaction; Nation level weaponry were quite one of the strongest types of special crafted weapons. Some had special abilities just like Hanks' and others were just stronger than your average weapon by large levels. It would be foolish to miss a chance like this.
" It happens thrice a year, so you don't have to worry much about it being one of those once in a life opportunities. Look it's finally our turn to go , are you ready ? "
Shawn asked casually, that childish and innocent smile on his face. Jain couldn't help but bring out his own smile as he looked at his friend.
" I am ready. "
Elizabeth returned from her adventure of exploring the shops, as if sensing that they were about to leave.
Jain grabbed Elizabeth's hands , making sure not to grab too hard as he could crush it from underneath , Who knows what could happen if Jain actually lost her amongst the crowd of people who had crazed looks. Shawn moved closer to the two as they neared the teleporter, as they all finally landed in the teleportation circle.
A bright light erupted minutes after from the circles' magic symbols , almost blinding them, but it still didn't stop Jain from smiling sincerely as he left Voz and teleported to Azania - The Land Of Golden Dreams.