I towered over her, gripping her shoulders with ferocity. Every fiber of my being was consumed by the situation. "Tell me where the money is!" my voice demanded. I could feel the pulse of adrenaline coursing through my veins as I stared into her defiant eyes, searching for any hint of weakness. Her response was as defiant as ever, a spitfire retort. "I ain't telling you jack." The fire in her gaze... That's not normal. I couldn't afford to back down, not now. I propelled her further towards the wall, the impact powerful. Pain etched across her face. "Just tell me, damn it!" My voice cracked with frustration, the words tumbling out in a torrent of pent-up emotion. I couldn't bear the thought of remaining in this suffocating limbo any longer.
Once again, she spat in defiance. With a surge of frustration, I seized her once more, this time slamming her to the unforgiving ground below. A small cry escaped her lips as her body collided with the floor, the sound echoing through the room like a mournful lament. Her head bounced off the ground with a sickening thud, but she remained stubbornly conscious. Despite the pain wracking her body, she refused to yield. But I knew that this was far from over. I would use whatever means necessary to extract the information I sought, even if it meant delving into the darkest depths of my own soul.
The bank bustled with an eerie stillness, the air thick with anticipation and the faint scent of fear. As I prowled through the dimly lit corridors, my eyes scanned the room with a predatory focus, searching for any sign of resistance. The patrons cowered on the ground, their heads bowed in submission. But my attention was drawn to a figure shrouded in shadow, a menacing silhouette that seemed to emanate an aura of dark power. Clad in a nondescript gray cloak, the man stood with an air of quiet confidence, his features obscured by the veil of darkness that surrounded him. Despite the lack of clarity, I could sense the underlying threat that he represented, a formidable obstacle standing between me and my objective.
I leveled my gun at him, the cold metal glinting ominously in the dim light. "Kneel." I commanded. But to my surprise, the man simply waved his arm dismissively, as if daring to defy my authority. "Your fault." I muttered under my breath, a flicker of irritation igniting within me. Without hesitation, I unleashed a barrage of gunfire, the shots ringing out in rapid succession as I tapped into my enhanced speed. But to my astonishment, the man deflected every bullet with a casual sweep of his forearm.
He was a gifted, like me. There was no room for hesitation or doubt. If anything, it only fueled the fire burning within me, driving me to prove my worth. No need to toot my own horn, but I'm strong. As a candidate for deputy rank, I had trained tirelessly to harness my abilities to their fullest potential. And now, faced with a worthy adversary, it was time to unleash the true extent of my power.
I charged forward. I adopted a defensive stance, my body low to the ground as I launched a barrage of punches towards his midsection. Each strike was my very best, the force behind them amplified by the intensity of the moment. "What about this?!" I bellowed, my voice a fierce challenge. "You should've just given up!" The moments stretched into seconds, it became painfully clear that my efforts were in vain. Despite the relentless assault, the man remained eerily still, as if impervious to the blows raining down upon him.
Panic began to gnaw at the edges of my consciousness as I realized the futility of my actions. A torrent of curses escaped my lips. It was then that he spoke, his voice cutting through the chaos with a quiet authority that demanded attention. "You too." he murmured, his words laden with a cryptic warning that sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could react, he lashed out with a sudden burst of speed, delivering a devastating blow that sent me spiraling through the air. Pain exploded through my body as I crashed to the ground, the sickening crunch of my own bone comprehended by even me. Who.. is he?
Ten days left.
Heart pounding in my chest, I sprinted down the deserted street, desperate to put as much distance between myself and the unknown terror that had decimated our squad. Panic clawed at my throat, threatening to suffocate me as I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the threat we faced. Glancing over my shoulder, I recoiled in horror as I caught sight of it—whatever "it" was—casually stalking me with an unsettling sense of purpose. My fear lended strength to my legs as I pushed myself to run faster, driven by sheer instinct to survive. No matter how fast I ran, it seemed to effortlessly match my pace, a relentless specter haunting my every step. With a surge of desperation, I veered sharply to the left, darting into a narrow alleyway in a last-ditch attempt to elude my pursuer.
Collapsed against the cold brick wall, I gasped for air, my chest heaving with exertion. The effort of running had left me drained, every muscle protesting against the punishing strain. And yet, there was no time to rest, no respite from the relentless pursuit that dogged my every move. As I struggled to catch my breath, a small object fluttered down from above, catching my eye with a glint of reflected light. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized it—a familiar emblem, unmistakable in its significance. An Alliance badge. A shiver of dread coursed through my veins as I glanced upward, to be met with the chilling gaze of my relentless nightmare. There was no escape, no hope of outrunning the inevitable. With silence, it leapt down from above, a brutal stamp landing right on my skull. Pain exploded behind my eyes as darkness enveloped me, the last vestiges of consciousness slipping away as I crumpled to the ground It's a monster..
Five days left.
"The Crusader of the East is heading here. We have to fight." Andrew's voice rang out. His words were a grim reminder of the impending danger that loomed on the horizon, a threat that we could no longer afford to ignore. But William, ever the voice of reason, offered a dissenting opinion from my left. "Just surrender! He's taken out thousands of us!" His words carried a weight of defeat, a an acceptance. Andrew's response was swift and sharp, his tone laced with frustration and defiance. "You fool! The Alliance will kill us anyway! We have to prepare. Grab the last weapons from the Armory, Joseph." he commanded.
With a nod, I turned towards the door of the Armory, my heart pounding. Inside lay our last hope—a cache of weapons forged from a material capable of piercing even the defenses of the strongest gifted. It was a slim hope, but it was all we had left. "If we all rush him, we may..." I began, my voice trailing off as I swung open the door to the Armory, my words lost in the sudden rush of adrenaline that surged through my veins. There he stood, the embodiment of divine wrath incarnate—the Crusader. His gaze bore into me with an intensity that stood me still, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly yellow light that spoke of everything that has ever existed.
I realized the hopeless insignificance of our defiance in the face of such overwhelming might. And then, with a swift and merciless motion, my head was torn from my body, joining the grim chorus of those who dared to oppose him.
One day left.
"Aroha, I know it's uncomfortable, but I'm here for you. What happened inside that truck?" I asked gently, the weight of concern truly rushing through me. The memory had been gnawing at me, a persistent ache that refused to be ignored. She placed her knife on the table, its sharp edge glinting in the dim light. "You really want to know?" she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and reluctance. "Yes." I affirmed. "You've been down ever since then. Maybe if you get it off your chest, you can feel better."
Her response was a quiet refusal, a shield of stoicism erected around her fragile heart. "Whatever happened is staying with me. I don't even want to remember those times." she insisted, her words filled with trauma. I fought the urge to push further, knowing that it would only cause her more pain. Instead, I conceded, "Alright. Don't feel forced. I care, you know." As she twisted the knife, its sharp edge now turned towards the kitchen, a heavy silence settled between us. "I know. I appreciate you." she murmured, her gratitude a fragile thread connecting us.
Taking a bite of my corn, I savored the simple comfort of the meal, the mundane act a temporary respite from the weight of our shared burden. "I love you." I whispered, the words a quiet reassurance of my unwavering devotion. And in that moment, her face softened, a flicker of light returning to her eyes as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "I love you too." she replied, her voice infused with a newfound sense of hope. With a gentle smile, I reached out to her, my hand finding hers across the table. "Like I said, nobody will hurt you again. It's time." I declared.
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Quest 13: Alliance Abolishing (COMPLETED)
You successfully defeated 5065 Alliance members.
Rewards:
506500 points
5 Lvl. 3 Skill Roulettes
Tips:
Do not relent. You still need to be on guard.
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I summoned the Book, feeling its weight materialize in my hand by magic. It was a repository of knowledge and power, a tool that had served me well in countless endeavors. But this time was different—this time, I sensed the potential for a lack of potential. My final dues. Taking a moment to center myself, I opened the Book, its pages unfolding. With a steady hand, I began the delicate process of upgrading its capabilities.
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Book Level: 5
Name: Oren Hashigana
Health: 5700
Strength: 470
Speed: 500
Defense: 11%
Soul: 400
Skills:
Lvl. 2 Skill Combination
Lvl. 3 Lazarus
Lvl. 1 Hard Slam
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster
Lvl. 1 Triple Strike
Lvl. 1 Cross-Arm Guard
Lvl. 1 Critical Hit
Lvl. 2 Danger Sense
Lvl. 1 Sledgehammer
Lvl. 2 Divine Might
Lvl. 1 Stealing Skills
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Lvl. 2 Guaranteed Dodge
Lvl. 2 Peeking
Lvl. 2 Sword Power
Lvl. 1 Passive Healing
Lvl. 3 Roulette
Lvl. 3 Solomonic Adaptability
Lvl. 3 Protection
Lvl. ??? Infinite Growth Limit (Passive) - No growth limit.
Points: 456738
Shop:
Stats: 80p
Lvl. 1 Nullify - Nullify one ailment or status. 20 soul to use, one week cooldown. 1000p
Lvl. 3 Weapon Mastery - Any weapon that you pick up is able to hurt Gifted. Consequently, you are able to use it at an expert's level. 50 soul every minute of use, one day cooldown. 6000p
Lvl. 3 Skill Master - Combine up to three skills into one permanently to increase their effectiveness and combine their effects. It costs 10000 points per use. As well as 100 soul to use, one day cooldown. 20000p
Lvl. 2 Acceleration - Increase the speed or strength stat slowly over time. This lasts for one hour. The more time passes, the higher the stats rise. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. 5000p
Lvl. 3 Perfect Counter (Passive) - Perfectly counter any attack that would've killed you once. 0 soul to use, one day cooldown. 3000p
Lvl. 1 Reflexes (Passive) - Enhance your reflexes whenever you enter a battle, increasing your dodging capabilities. 15 soul to use, two minute cooldown. 1500p
Lvl. 3 Eternal Onslaught - Channel your inner strength to unleash an endless onslaught of strikes upon your opponent. This skill forces your opponent to oblige. Consumes soul continuously while active. 100 soul upon use, then 20 soul per three seconds, one hour cooldown. 15000p
Lvl. 2 Momentum - Build up momentum, boosting both your speed and strength with each consecutive attack landed. The longer you maintain the momentum, the greater the bonuses become. 30 soul to use, five minute cooldown. 6000p
Lvl. 3 Unstoppable Force - Tap into your maximum potential, granting a 250% boost to your strength. During this time, your motion cannot be stopped. 100 soul to use, one hour cooldown. 15000p
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Excitement surged through me as I shared the news with Aroha, "I'm buying skills and stats right now. This is great news. I'm going to buy them all." I exclaimed, unable to contain my enthusiasm. I rose from my seat, the Book cradled securely in my hands. Its surface shimmered with an otherworldly glow. It has changed—the Book had shifted in color, its once vibrant hues now muted to a rich, earthy brown.
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Book Level: 5
Name: Oren Hashigana
Health: 20000 (+11400 Max)
Strength: 2000 (+1530)
Speed: 2200 (+1700)
Defense: 30% (+19%)
Soul: 750 (+350 Max)
Skills:
Lvl. 2 Skill Combination
Lvl. 3 Lazarus
Lvl. 1 Hard Slam
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster
Lvl. 1 Triple Strike
Lvl. 1 Cross-Arm Guard
Lvl. 1 Critical Hit
Lvl. 2 Danger Sense
Lvl. 1 Sledgehammer
Lvl. 2 Divine Might
Lvl. 1 Stealing Skills
Lvl. 2 Guaranteed Dodge
Lvl. 2 Peeking
Lvl. 2 Sword Power
Lvl. 1 Passive Healing
Lvl. 3 Roulette
Lvl. 3 Solomonic Adaptability
Lvl. 3 Protection
(+) Lvl. 1 Nullify
(+) Lvl. 3 Weapon Mastery
(+) Lvl. 3 Skill Master
(+) Lvl. 2 Acceleration
(+) Lvl. 3 Perfect Counter
(+) Lvl. 1 Reflexes
(+) Lvl. 2 Momentum
(+) Lvl. 3 Unstoppable Force
Lvl. ??? Infinite Growth Limit (Passive) - No growth limit.
Points: 105998
Shop:
Stats: 80p
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The yellow electricity crackled and surged around me, I felt an exhilarating rush of power coursing through my veins, electrifying every fiber of my being. Bolts of energy danced in the air, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of light and sound. I flexed my arms, feeling the muscles ripple beneath my skin with a vitality that surpassed anything I had ever experienced before. It was as if every cell in my body had been infused with a surge of raw energy, propelling me to heights of physical prowess previously unimaginable. Turning to Aroha, I couldn't suppress the grin that spread across my face. "Perfect." I declared, my voice triumphant. But her confused expression gave me pause, prompting me to offer an explanation. "I'm unsurpassable." I added, a note of satisfaction coloring my words.
However, her reaction was not what I had expected. Instead of sharing in my excitement, she gave me a look that bordered on disbelief, as if she couldn't quite comprehend the magnitude of what I had just said. Undeterred, I summoned the Skill Roulettes, and used them all at once.
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We are immensely proud of you. We sped up the spinning process. Here are your skills:
Lvl. 3 Alpha-Omega Impact - You are the Alpha and the Omega. Close your eyes for five seconds to charge the skill, then open your eyes to unleash a straight that will signal the beginning and the end of any foe. 150 soul to use, one month cooldown.
Lvl. 3 Adamant Resolve - Steel your mind and body against all obstacles, temporarily becoming immune to crowd control effects and mental manipulation. 10 soul to use, five minute cooldown.
Lvl. 3 Blazing Fists - Ignite your fists with intense heat by rubbing them together, causing your strikes to burn upon impact, dealing additional damage to your opponents. 100 soul to use, one hour cooldown.
Lvl. 3 Martial Mastery (Passive) - Achieve true mastery of martial arts, unlocking the full potential of your combat skills and techniques.
Lvl. 3 Dragon's Roar - Channel your inner spirit, unleashing a deafening roar that instills fear in your enemies, momentarily paralyzing them and lowering their defenses. 190 soul to use, one hour cooldown.
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I addressed the System with a clarity that belied the intensity of my intent. "Combine Alpha-Omega Impact, Critical Hit, and Unstoppable Force." I instructed, each word slow and meticulate.
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Points: 102998
Combined Skill:
Lvl. ??? Unstoppable Omega Critical Hit - Harness all of the power in the galaxy to deliver a formless attack that breaks reality. 500 soul to use, one month cooldown.
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With my excitement reaching fever pitch, I basked in the realization that this was my prime—a moment of unparalleled might and boundless possibility. The fusion of skills had unlocked a level of power that surpassed anything I had ever dreamed possible. The thought of saving my points for future upgrades and skill combinations crossed my mind. After all, there was always more to learn, more skills to master, more heights to ascend. I realized that I had already surpassed the need for such caution. I must seize this moment. The time for hesitation was past; now was the time to embrace my destiny and push the boundaries of what was possible for a gifted. I directed my focus towards upgrading myself one final time.
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Book Level: 5
Name: Oren Hashigana
Health: 20000
Strength: 2486 (+486)
Speed: 3000 (+800)
Defense: 30%
Soul: 650
Skills:
Lvl. 2 Skill Combination
Lvl. 3 Lazarus
Lvl. 1 Hard Slam
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster
Lvl. 1 Triple Strike
Lvl. 1 Cross-Arm Guard
Lvl. 2 Danger Sense
Lvl. 1 Sledgehammer
Lvl. 2 Divine Might
Lvl. 1 Stealing Skills
Lvl. 2 Guaranteed Dodge
Lvl. 2 Peeking
Lvl. 2 Sword Power
Lvl. 1 Passive Healing
Lvl. 3 Roulette
Lvl. 3 Solomonic Adaptability
Lvl. 3 Protection
Lvl. 1 Nullify
Lvl. 3 Weapon Mastery
Lvl. 3 Skill Master
Lvl. 2 Acceleration
Lvl. 3 Perfect Counter
Lvl. 1 Reflexes
Lvl. 2 Momentum
(+) Lvl. 3 Adamant Resolve
(+) Lvl. 3 Martial Mastery
(+) Lvl. 3 Dragon's Roar
(+) Lvl. 3 Blazing Fists
(+) Lvl. ??? Unstoppable Omega Critical Hit
Lvl. ??? Infinite Growth Limit (Passive) - No growth limit.
Points: 118
Shop:
Stats: 80p
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My body pulsed and convulsed with the energy coursing through my veins, a searing agony unlike anything I had ever experienced clawed at every fiber of my being. It was as if my very essence was being pulled and contorted, twisted in on itself by the overwhelming force of the upgrades I had invoked. Unable to withstand the onslaught, I crumpled to the ground, the pain too intense to bear. On my knees, I clutched desperately at the floorboards, my fingers digging into the wood seeking an anchor amidst the storm raging within me. "This will not happen!" I bellowed.
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Soul: 640 (-10)
Skills:
Lvl. 3 Adamant Resolve - Steel your mind and body against all obstacles, temporarily becoming immune to crowd control effects and mental manipulation. 10 soul to use, five minute cooldown. (Activated) The five minute cooldown has commenced.
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My mind cleared, banishing the chaos and pain. In that moment of stillness, I focused solely on the positives, allowing gratitude to fill my heart for the incredible gift I had been bestowed. Negativity dissipated like morning mist beneath the rays of the rising sun. The agony melted away, replaced by a sense of calm and serenity that settled over me like a comforting blanket. Aroha moved to my side, concern visible. A reassuring smile washed her worries away, "I'm fine." I assured her. I stood up, facing upward at my creator. I.. have arrived.