While Zeke could’ve been more calmer about the situation, he couldn’t help but keep ranting at the absurdity of it all. Still, rather than telling him to ease up, the others followed his opinions.
Mikella especially took his words to heart, though he was still suspicious on whether she would actually do as he says. But the fact remains that she gained not one or two, but three maxed skills today.
The one was what she wanted to increase–Sword Mastery. But surprisingly her Kinetic Perception jumped two levels to max, and her Acrobatics, being stuck at level 9 for so long, finally made the jump.
So before she chose her new Class Skills, which he would have to do as well as he also leveled up.
> Level Up! You are now Level 40. You gain 2 free points (2 FP total).
>
> You have gained +3 DEX from your class.
> You have gained +3 INT from your class.
> You have gained +3 SPI from your class
…..
> Class Skill Choice available upon reaching Level 40.
He ignored his own class skill choices as he eagerly awaited for Mikella’s new improved General Skills and Acquired Skill respectively.
> Skill Evolution has commenced.
>
> Your skill Kinetic Perception (Uncommon) has evolved into Kinetic Manipulation (Rare).
>
> Your skill Kinetic Manipulation has been reset to level 1. You will still retain the stat bonuses you have acquired before the evolution.
…..
> Kinetic Manipulation (Rare), Level 1
> Evolved from Kinetic Perception, your control over kinetic energy has surpassed into the physical world. Your control over kinetic energy as well as the potency of all physical aspects of your body, including other skills, increase according to the level of the skill and the current Endurance stat.
The first was Kinetic Manipulation, which took a similar path as Zeke’s Mana Manipulation. It seemed mundane at first until he read the line where it also affected other skills. It made him wonder whether she can actually use this manipulation even for skills meant for magical purposes.
If so, then it proved dozens of times over why everyone kept insisting for him to learn Kinetic Perception. Being able to further control magic with your body’s natural energy was, in a sense, pretty efficient.
Her next skill upgrade came after.
> Skill Advancement has commenced.
>
> Your skill Acrobatics (Rare) has advanced into Acrobatics (Epic).
>
> You gain points based on the advanced rarity:
>
> +9 STR
>
> Your skill Acrobatics has been reset to Level 1. You will still retain the stat bonuses you have acquired before the advancement.
The next upgrade was what she truly wanted to get.
> Skill Advancement has commenced.
>
> Your skill Sword Mastery (Uncommon) has advanced into Sword Mastery (Rare).
>
> You gain points based on the advanced rarity:
>
> +9 DEX
>
> Your skill Sword Mastery has been reset to Level 1. You will still retain the stat bonuses you have acquired before the advancement.
This was the one that truly made Zeke curious, as apparently reaching Rare in any weapon mastery, one can attain techniques called Arts for that weapon. In this case, Mikella can use something called [Lightning Strike].
An Art was something Val taught Mikella that she could learn, and something that she hadn’t really thought much on since she already had so much on her plate. But now it was obvious just how powerful Arts can be. Unlike magical spells, Arts are entirely stamina focused, using one’s Endurance stat to truly bring out the power of their weapon.
What was also interesting is that the art itself was flavored with Mikella’s attunement, which was obvious to anyone after watching her slash that Hunter with a lightning blade from the heavens.
What he also found incredibly daunting is that she used her lightning attunement to actually lift the creature up like it was a crane. Zeke couldn’t help but imagine that she was using the lightning’s properties outside of its destructive element, but also think that it’s due to it being a higher form of electric attunement and Mikella’s own powerful willpower that made it work.
Still, it was a great way to gain experience. The other two also gained a few levels from the fight, but none have advanced as well as Mikella did. Then again, she was the one that dealt the most damage at the end. When they got over to the corpse and looted it, they received quite the boon.
> You have received:
> -Crystal Hunter Heart
> -Flame Earrings
The first on the list looked more like a component for smithing, or perhaps a reagent for alchemy. It was a glowing orb that was tinged red, the inside showing a dim light of pink and orange. It felt hot to the touch, but not scalding enough to burn their hands.
The last one was obviously equipment to wear, and they were quite dazzling. Twin earrings with a design of a blaze, small hints of gold and silver on the edges of the tips. They were as small as a finger tip, but they shone rather well under the lights of the crystals.
The effects, on the other hand, were more incredible.
> Flame Earrings (Rare):
> Earrings made by the essence of a once proud wolf engulfed in flames. It provides the wearer that same passionate fire, imbuing them with power.
>
> Enchantments:
> Great Fire
> Average Fire Resistance
These work the same as the Staff of Undying Flames Philip had, but with Fire Resistance being Average than great. Being that it was useless on Mikella and Piker, it was decided that Myra would take them. Though she did look hesitant on taking them.
“I don’t think I really did anything in that battle,” Myra said, but Mikella quickly pushed her shoulder, surprising her.
“It’s that or we give it to Philip. And he didn’t do shit against the monster–you did. So who do you think needs this more?”
Faced with the conundrum known as facts, Myra reluctantly picked them up. Despite how she felt, there was a smile on her lips as it was clear her Fire Mana has increased after putting them on.
After taking the loot of the creature, it was decided to continue hunting for a while to get as many mobs as they could. However, it was also decided by unanimous decision that should they spot another Hunter, they’d run instead of fight. They had enough of a dangerous battle without a barrier.
They were actually surprised that during the battle, Zeke put up a barrier around them, large enough that they could fight with ease. This was so that other creatures won’t get in the way and that the Hunter wouldn’t run and waste all their time and energy. He was surprised they thought he didn’t do jack shit while they fought with their lives on the line.
Still, that didn’t mean Zeke was content with just staying by the side. As the hours passed on, he watched the three fight together against the bisons and the birds should they come close enough. With their range attacks, they could easily deal a blow or two. Watching them, he realized that he can do something else other than casting barriers, which helped him immensely to get over his anxiety of not being able to protect anyone.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
During this time, Mikella had made her choice with her Class Skill for Level 40. She picked the one that was the most obvious as she relayed it to everyone around her.
> Class Skill: Forced Regeneration
> A Dragon Berserker is not the type to slow down when on a momentum. Heal your wounds and injuries as you deal damage against your enemies. Increases healing rate according to the level of the skill.
A powerful regeneration skill, something that she would definitely need without relying on Zeke’s healing all the time. He should’ve been happier for her, yet now it felt more and more like he was losing his role there.
Still, his Runic Spells picked up the slack, often taking down the birds easily enough with a well-timed Rock Shot to the center of the torso where their gems were. However, the bisons were tougher to take out even if he used good elemental spells like ice or fire to deal consistent damage.
The worst part was that he had completely forgotten the stuffy collar around his neck. As his mana closed in to near depletion from his spell slinging, the collar acted up, sending ripples of electricity throughout his body. It wasn’t a painful one, but it definitely disturbed his casting to the point that he disrupted the spell entirely, leaving him utterly drained from the mental shock to his soul.
Everyone got worried at first, but soon realized that it was just a warning sent by the collar, so Zeke had to once again take the backseat while everyone else had their fun.
Despite the accomplishments, and the praise he got from the others with his aid before the collar acted up, he felt… anxious. Fidgety, really.
Throughout this whole time, he felt that he was lacking. Compared to Mikella who had maxed out three skills, what does he have to show for it?
A single level. Just one measly level. He could cast all his favorite spells at once, yet his mana disallowed him thanks to the stupid collar. All he could do was just watch without getting in anyone’s way.
He couldn’t understand it. He knew he loved magic, and that’s what he wanted to specialize in. That’s what he’s good at. But he felt that he was lacking something. Something vital for him. But he didn’t know what.
All in all, he watched the fighters endangering themselves against the monsters, taking on more numbers than usual. Mikella especially had full control of the battlefield as she used her attunement to the fullest, a smile on her face that looked as joyful as it was feral.
That ache returned again, back from the training course days. He felt envious again. Though he had a hard time accepting what it actually was.
He wanted to go out there–to fight. To go hand in hand with the soldiers on the front line. But at the same time, he wanted to help them and be their supporter.
Biting his lip, he forced himself to accept the reality. It was too late for him to make such a drastic change. Even so, that ache became stronger as he soon realized the cause.
Before long, they ended the day with several levels for Myra and Piker, and not much else for the rest. Though Mikella’s improvement in her skills was worth it all. It proved more and more as she was able to call out the energy from before, if only a little bit at a time.
Meanwhile, Zeke felt as though he couldn’t do a single thing. He let out a breath before they returned back to the base, their energies well spent and the hours passing closer to the nighttime up above.
…..
When they returned to the base, the group found that the Lords were currently away back to the town again for re-supply. Zacharia remained here in charge of the soldiers while the rest have been boasting about their gains and troubles amongst each other.
While Mikella was nearly gushing with extra energy, Zeke was a mess of nerves. Throughout the time together, Zeke had been forced to rely on his runes and healing rather than barriers while Mikella went all out with her powered up skills and abilities.
Myra looked back at her in both awe, joy…and frustration. She knew she should be happy for her new friend. After all of her crap-filled events caused by the general and the others, including being subjected to blackmail for her sister’s life, she went above and beyond and conquered her walls with a flourish.
In the meanwhile, Myra got a little bit better with bashing her spear at an enemy, and received a priceless earring built for her attunement and current abilities. It made it obvious that her accomplishments, including attaining the very attunement she needed the earrings for, were only gained with those two’s help.
They went away for their own business, so Myra was left alone in the base. She went ahead to check up on the others, only to find that they were currently busy building more of the necessary places for the base, such as a working bathhouse, sanitary stations for food supplies and other things.
That left her alone with her thoughts, the last thing she needed. She knelt down near the pillar supporting one of the buildings, a complex made for the female soldiers she was staying at, and sat down on her ass.
She gazed at the base, within their town’s very own biodome, and she can’t help but feel like she was wasting all of it. Her motivation was in the pits, and she knew why.
In the small span of her new life here in this world, Mikella was able to advance to such a degree that it left Myra, who has been training for years under Captain Valorie’s tutelage, in the dust. How can she call herself a soldier, a proud warrior under Valorie’s teachings when she couldn’t even level up her own Spear Mastery for over a year?
She felt bitter, thinking that it was only due to Mikella’s special circumstances as well as Zeke’s support that she was able to advance so far, so fast. At the same time, she noticed that Mikella’s drive and zeal outpaced even her own. Myra was considered a ravenous beast amongst the soldiers, constantly training and defeating monsters to reach her own Expert stage first, even getting a Fire attunement potion from Valorie instead of Philip as she was the hardest working of them all.
Yet Mikella could trounce her in combat should she choose to, perhaps even kill her outright in a few seconds if Myra messed up even once. Back when she first met her, she actually thought her acting like she was above her was just an illusion, rather than some embarrassing memory of judging the new visitors prematurely. More than half a year passed and Mikella could easily beat her.
Before she realized it, her eyes were closed and she felt walls enclosing in on her. Just as she was about ready to just head up, take a short wash, and sleep the day away, she heard a voice.
“It’s rare for you to look so down.”
Looking up, Piker stared down at her. His usual stoic expression and dour look encompassed his entire personality. She always hated how he always looked condescending to her and her comrades, but now it looked like he just looked like that all the time. A defect, perhaps?
She shook her head. Now she was insulting Piker when he didn’t deserve it.
“It’s nothing,” Myra spoke up, her voice clipped. “I’m just resting. I’m about to head up to sleep anyways.”
“Don’t you wanna spar a little?” Piker raised a finely trimmed brow at her. “It’s still quite early, at least according to the clock Cloud made for us.”
Piker turned to the single clock, signifying the time from the outside through the use of Cloud’s runes. Zeke didn’t have to always do the runes as a Runist, and it was such a minor thing that even someone with a Runecraft skill can accomplish it. It was a great way to know the time since they were underground and had no way to see the studded star.
“What’s the point?” Myra suddenly said, unable to hold back her bitterness. “It’s not like it’s gonna change much.”
“...You’re talking about Mikella’s vast improvement, aren’t you?”
Myra widened her eyes. It didn’t feel like she was that obviously disappointed. Not even Zeke and the others noticed that was her plight. However, to her surprise, Piker sat near her, a couple of feet between them, looking over to where she was gazing.
“I know. I feel the same,” He said, not looking back at her when he did.
“Do you?” Myra asked. Now she was curious.
“Of course. Who isn’t?” Piker said, now sounding like he was treating her like an idiot. “A woman a few years younger than us initialized into the system for the first time in just a year, and she got maxed skills already. That’s bullshit, no matter how you spin it.”
Myra hung her head back in shock. “Dude…”
“Don’t get me wrong,” Piker said, looking at her and raising a hand. “I respect her, and I value her as a teammate. I’m just grumbling to another teammate who feels the same way. Years and years into our own training, and we can’t even get our own skills to level as fast. I’ve been focusing on my own Sword Mastery and Kinetic Perception for so long, even the general told me to take a breather back in the kingdom. Yet, I couldn’t max the skill no matter how hard I try. She only just got them about a year ago and now has three maxed skills, including a Rare rarity Acquired Passive skill of all things. Even if you just call it luck or simple talent, that’s too much.”
Hearing it from Piker now, Myra truly did feel like Mikella was cheating somehow. But the both of them knew firsthand that Mikella is the honest sort who would never cheat.
So there was only one way to explain.
“Because she’s a genius,” Myra said, getting Piker to nod.
“A prodigy in the making,” Piker said, his tone sounding defeated. “If she was born here with that kind of talent, she would be picked up by the nobility and fed so many expensive tinctures and treasures that she would be a beast of a soldier in the army. Perhaps she would even be a commander in her future. Most likely she’ll be pushed into dungeons after dungeons, conquering them with ease, all with a smile on her face. When you think about it like that, there’s nothing much for us to do.”
Myra lowered her head. Even though Piker was just stating the obvious if that was the case, her fingers grasped onto her armor harder. She hated this. She hated this reality they were born in–where the talented outpaced the hard-working no matter what.
But his next words surprised her.
“But it’s our duty as veteran soldiers to keep up with her. If we don’t, who’s to say she won’t get herself killed and bring Zeke along with her? There’s only so much Zeke can do as a support mage. That’s why we gotta train hard, take every single second of free time we have to train. Since we’re bunched together, I suggest we learn each other’s movesets, and figure out our weak points. It’ll be perfect, since we have opposing elements in attunements.”
Myra looked back at him now. Despite his usually stoic expression, he looked determined, almost like a child egged on by his parents that he can’t do a task right, so now he’s determined to prove them wrong.
“Huh… I’m surprised to hear that from you, Piker,” Myra smiled. “I didn’t take you for a motivational speaker.”
Piker scoffed. “If you don’t wanna go, don’t want to ascend beyond your station, that’s fine. I’ll just ask the other soldiers then. Perhaps Philip can help with it instead.”
Piker got up from his seat, seemingly done with the conversation. Rather than being forced, Myra leapt up to her feet.
“Nah, you ain’t going anywhere without me. I ain’t gonna let that baby chick beat me on where it counts!”
She knew it all, that this was just Piker trying to cheer themselves up, that this was all just a small gesture to get themselves motivated. Even so, she never felt so revved up before, her normally fiery Mana now blazing with determined ferocity.
At this point, she set up a goal, and spoke loudly.
“How about it, Piker? A gold coin on who reaches their maxed mastery skill before the next week?”
Piker scoffed again. “Seriously? A week?”
“Not confident, big boy?” She teased.
Piker only tilted his head in annoyance. Then he answered back, raising two fingers.
“Two gold.”
“You’re on!”