《Ex-Rank Awakening: My Attacks Make Me Stronger》 Chapter 1: EX 1. Summoning Chapter 1 - EX 1. Summoning The room was sleek, with warm wood panels, and soft ambient lighting that gave the space a golden hue. A minimalist painting hung above the bed, its strokes subtle but expensive. The polished stone floor was softened by a thick navy rug, and a discreet screen on the wall displayed the time in gentle white text. It was modern elegance¡ªrefined without being cold. Lying on the queen-sized bed, tangled in silver-blue sheets, was a young man¡ªLeon Kael. His long white hair spilled across the pillow like silk, his face carved with such absurd perfection it could make even nuns question their vows. Or worse¡ªmen their preferences. Without warning, his eyes snapped open. Piercing blue, cold and clear. For a second, he just stared at the ceiling. Then, slowly, he turned to the other side of the bed but there was no one there. Only a letter that was on top the neatly fluffed pillows. Leon blinked once, before he reached for it. The handwriting was unmistakable. > "Morning, sleepyhead. Sorry for leaving like a dramatic mistress in a typical romance novel. I would''ve stayed, but you looked too peaceful to wake up¡ªand honestly, I didn''t want to go another round this morning because I knew if you asked for it again I won''t have been able to say no. And we both need to be in good shape for today. But don''t worry, I''ll make it up to you after the Trial Summoning. Assuming you don''t die. With love (and just a little regret), Elizabeth." Leon stared at the note. Then, with a sharp gasp, he blurted out, "Shit! That''s today." He shot up, hair a mess of silver threads, as he stumbled to his feet. The summoning arena wasn''t exactly known for being forgiving of late arrivals. "Why the hell didn''t she wake me up?" He paused halfway through pulling on his boots¡ªthen sighed. Right. It was Elizabeth. Of course she didn''t. She probably thought it would be funny. He disregarded the excuse she gave in the letter he knew her to well already. "Why," he grumbled, slinging his coat over his shoulders, "couldn''t I have just fallen for a normal person?" With one last muttered curse, Leon Kael shoved open the door and dashed toward destiny¡ªor at least toward the most important summoning of his life. .... Leon arrived at the summoning arena just in time, his coat half-fastened and his silver hair slightly disheveled from his mad dash towards the Arena gates. The guards gave him a passing glance but didn''t stop him¡ªtrial candidates had priority today. Inside the massive arena, hundreds of young men and women stood in neat formations, tension thick in the air. All of them were the same: candidates on the brink of becoming Trial Takers, summoned to another world where strength was law and survival was not guaranteed. Outside the high security gates surrounding the arena, crowds had gathered¡ªfriends, lovers, families¡ªwatching from designated observation platforms. Their faces were a collage of pride, fear, and forced smiles. Leon''s sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd and landed on his family. His mother stood at the front, her hands clasped tightly but her expression calm. She hadn''t slept last night either, he guessed. His father and older sister were beside her, faces unreadable as always, like statues carved from stoicism itself. Leon lifted a hand, about to jog over and greet them¡ª But A sudden hush fell over the arena. The Overseer had arrived. Leon mouthed a silent apology. His mother gave a soft nod in return, eyes warm with understanding. His father barely moved, and his sister didn''t blink¡ªbut he was used to that. He slipped into formation with the other candidates just as the Overseer stepped forward. That''s when he saw her. Elizabeth. Standing at the far end of the line, her black hair cascading down her back like midnight silk, catching the sun just right. Her clothes hugged her curves with tailored perfection¡ªfunctional yet impossible to ignore. Her lips curled slightly, like she knew exactly what she was doing to the poor souls trying not to stare. Leon, tragically, was not immune. Then¡ª Ahem. The Overseer''s cough echoed across the arena, snapping the entire crowd into stillness. Leon blinked, his eyes flicking back toward the podium like a guilty schoolboy caught mid-daydream. "You all have spent a year preparing to enter the Trial World," the Overseer began, voice booming with practiced authority. "And now, the time has come." Leon zoned out almost immediately. They''d heard all this before. A hundred times, maybe more. Warnings about danger. Reminders that death in the {Trial World} was permanent. Hints that they were humanity''s last hope, and all that dramatic fluff. It was filler. The Overseer was just killing time. Leon''s attention drifted, eyes flicking back to Elizabeth, then to the crowd, then to the sky above, wondering if it would be the last blue sky he saw for a while. "...remember, you do not only fight for yourselves," the Overseer was saying now, reaching the final stretch, "but for the Federation! So give it everything you''ve got!" Every candidate stood straighter. Together, they shouted: "Yes, sir!!" The Overseer gave a sharp nod. "Good. Then let the summoning... begin." The arena trembled. A low hum filled the air. Arcane runes lit up beneath their feet, glowing in vivid gold and violet as energy surged through the formation. Leon turned one last time toward Elizabeth. He grinned and blew her a kiss. She rolled her eyes but didn''t look away. Then, in a flash of blinding light¡ªhe was gone. --- Silence. Then whiteness. Leon found himself floating in an endless space, untouched by gravity or time. His feet touched nothing, his body weightless. Then, before his eyes, a translucent screen appeared with a soft ding. > [Welcome, Trial Taker.] Initiating Class and Talent Scan... Searching for talent... ... Talent Found. Talent: [Attack] Leon wasn''t surprised he awakened a talent. Coming from a noble family where both parents were talented¡ªhis mother with an Extraordinary-rank healing talent, his father with an Extraordinary martial talent¡ªit had always been more a matter of when than if he''d awaken a talent. In fact, not awakening one would''ve been the real shocker. So when the screen before him calmly displayed that he possessed a talent, he didn''t so much as blink. But then he saw the rank. > Rank: EX His breath caught. "...EX rank?" ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 2: EX 2. My Attacks Make Me Stronger Chapter 2 - EX 2. My Attacks Make Me Stronger Talents. The stuff that made the difference between just surviving in the Trial World¡ªor thriving. Less than one percent of Trial Takers ever awakened a Talent, and those who did instantly boosted their odds of completing trials by a significant margin. Enough that the Federation kept very close tabs on every single one of them. Talents were ranked, too. From weakest to strongest: Ordinary, Extraordinary, and Supreme. Even an Ordinary Talent was enough to catapult a no-name household into minor nobility if used well enough. Extraordinary? That usually came with land, titles, and an invitation to those snobby gatherings Leon hated. As for Supreme... There was only one known family in the entire federation that boasted a Supreme Talent¡ªthe Yakomoto Family. But nowhere, in all the teachings, records, or even drunken old man tales, had there ever been a whisper of something called... EX Rank. Leon stared at the glowing letters floating in front of him. > Talent Found Rank: EX Talent Name: [Attack] He blinked. Then blinked again. "For a Talent rank never seen before," Leon muttered, mouth twisting into a wry smirk, "the name sounds kinda... bland." He shook his head and chuckled softly. "Guess I''ll see what features it''s packing." Without wasting another second, he tapped on the hovering text, opening the Talent''s full description¡ªand immediately felt the air sucked out of his lungs. Blown away didn''t even cover how he felt. Today had been nothing but one bombshell after another. First, getting a never-before-seen Talent rank. And now this. His heart thudded against his ribs as he thought, This talent... it''s just like that plugin I used to cheat at games back on Earth. Back when he was just another unlucky orphan, wasting away his life in an internet cafe?... before fate had graciously slammed the "Reincarnate" button and dropped him into a noble family in another world. Honestly, being born into a house of power alone would''ve been enough to carve out a solid future with a little elbow grease. But now? Now he had a Golden Finger that would make the protagonists of those old isekai novels cry tears of jealousy. "At least the novels didn''t lie," Leon mused, grin widening. "If You reincarnate into another world, you get a cheat." Still, as amazing as it was, this Talent wasn''t just a lazy copy-paste of his old-world plugin. It had extra features¡ªadjustments for a reality where death wasn''t just a respawn timer away. He focused on the Talent''s feature list: --- [Critical Master] Critical hits have a flat 10% chance to occur, dealing x10 damage. Every time a critical hit lands, there is a random chance to trigger a higher multiplier, increasing the critical strength by an additional x10. (E.g., x20, x30, etc.) After achieving a x100 critical, multipliers increase by x100 instead. --- [Attack Store] Each successful attack grants 1 Attack Point. Up to 10,000 points can be stored per day. If the maximum is not used, the overflow from previous days still counts toward the daily cap, encouraging continuous use over hoarding. --- [Stat Increase] Spending 100 Attack Points permanently increases any chosen stat by 1 point. Burning 1 Attack Point grants a temporary boost of 10 points to a stat. (Boost duration depends on stamina and combat conditions.) --- [Evo Points] Evolution Points are earned whenever a critical hit above x10 is achieved for the first time at a new highest critical multiplier. Evolution Points can be used to evolve skills, weapons, armor, and even certain rare resources. However, only criticals surpassing the user''s current record will grant new Evo Points. **** Leon took a deep breath and started going over the features one by one, the system interface hovering in front of him like a digital altar. "Critical Master, huh..." he muttered, eyes narrowing in thought. He''d seen this mechanic before¡ªback in those PvP-heavy RPGs where landing a critical hit could turn the tide of a fight. "It''s familiar... but this?" He gave a slow, appreciative nod. "In a real scenario, this isn''t just about more damage. It''s about timing and Surprise." A grin crept onto his face. "A sudden spike in power right when your enemy thinks they''ve got you figured out? That''s very lethal." He scrolled down to the next feature. "Attack Store..." He gave it a glance, then smirked. "So no hoarding, huh? Guess this talent wants me to go full grind mode every day." "Not like I ever liked saving up stat points anyway. What''s the point of power if you don''t use it? I''ve always been a spend-now, worry-later kind of guy." Then came Stat Increase. "This one''s clever. Two ways to boost my stats¡ªone permanent, one temporary." He clenched his fists, feeling the raw potential burning inside him. "The temp boost is great for clutch moments, especially with Critical Master backing it up... but the real game-changer is the permanent increase." His voice dropped, almost reverent. "If I stack that long enough, I can reach a level no Trial Taker''s ever touched." He finally turned to the last feature¡ªEvo Points. And for the first time, he was quiet. Then, slowly, he whispered, "This... this alone could be its own golden finger." The ability to evolve not just his skills, but weapons, armor, anything that had growth potential? That was a path to endless scaling. He could take basic skills and turn them into divine ones. Trash loot into legendary gear. And it all hinged on doing what he already planned to do¡ªhit hard. He leaned back slightly, letting it all sink in. "This talent..." he said, eyes gleaming, "is more than game-breaking." His grin returned, wider than ever. "It''s heaven-defying." He looked up toward the endless white space above. "With this... the sky won''t be my limit¡ªit''ll be my starting point." But then, his gaze dropped, focus sharpening. "Still... it all depends on how well I use it." A pause. Then a quiet, steady declaration: "But if I do..." His fingers curled into a fist. "My attacks... will make me stronger." After finishing his analysis, Leon''s focus shifted toward the next prompt blinking before him: [Please Select Your Class] Two options floated into existence, each framed in faint silver light: [Warrior] [Mage] Leon blinked once, then twice. "There are really only two." he muttered, arching a brow. It wasn''t that he was being forced to pick between just these two ¡ª no, he knew better. These were simply the two broad categories available. The foundation classes. The real core of the Trial World. Warriors were the brawlers ¡ª the ones who wielded weapons, forged aura into destruction, and relied on overwhelming physical prowess. Mages were their mystical counterparts ¡ª manipulators of mana, nature, and the elements themselves. Leon chuckled to himself, finding he didn''t mind the simplicity. In fact, he preferred it. "Thank god it''s not one of those ''Dragon-blooded Sword Saint'' or ''Demonic Phoenix Assassin'' kind of things," he said dryly. He could already imagine the headache if dozens of overly specific classes had been thrown at him. Not to mention ¡ª in those complicated systems, choosing something like "Archer" would lock you out of "Swordsman" or "Berserker" paths forever. But here? You just had to pick between Warrior or Mage. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 3: EX 3. The First Trial Chapter 3 - EX 3. The First Trial It was Simple, broad and flexible. Leon gave a short, approving nod. "This way, I''m not boxed in by some fancy title," he said, smirking. "If the only thing I can''t do is cast fireballs. Fine by me." Honestly, the choice had been decided the moment his talent had been revealed. Attack, criticals and raw brutal power. There was no world where a mage''s robe would suit him. Leon smiled and said aloud, "The choice was set in stone from the start." Without hesitation, he selected [Warrior]. Instantly, a brilliant white light enveloped him. The system chimed one last time in that neutral, almost cheerful voice: [Class Confirmed: Warrior.] Just after Leon selected the Warrior class and the bright light enveloped him, stabilizing his new identity, the system buzzed again, a new prompt appearing crisply before his eyes: > [System Notification] Please select the desired Trial Difficulty: Tier I [Easy] Tier II [Moderate] Tier III [Hard] Tier IV [Elite] Tier V [Nightmare] Tier VI [Cataclysm] Tier VII [Apex] Leon crossed his arms as he floated in the endless white space, his expression thoughtful. "So it''s finally here..." he muttered. Everyone knew that Trial Difficulty heavily influenced rewards ¡ª skills, weapons and even rare treasures. Choosing a higher tier meant risking death but also receiving returns that could catapult a Trial Taker to legendary heights. Originally, Leon had already made a cautious plan: Tier V ¡ª Nightmare Difficulty. Dangerous, but survivable with his equipments and caution he had a chance of clearing it. But now? After seeing what his EX-Rank {Attack} Talent was capable of? Leon smirked, the glint in his blue eyes sharpening like drawn steel. "If I stick with Tier V, it would be like putting a racehorse in a backyard." His voice was calm but carried a reckless excitement. "With this talent... playing it safe would just hold me back." Without another moment''s hesitation, Leon pointed directly at the bottom option. > Selected: Tier VII [Apex] Difficulty The system didn''t delay ¡ª the moment his choice was confirmed, the white space shuddered, and a low rumble echoed all around him, as if the Trial World itself had acknowledged his daring choice. Leon''s body tensed slightly, instinctively ready for anything. "No regrets," he muttered, a crooked smile pulling at his lips. "If I''m going to break the sky... might as well aim for the stars while I''m at it." The system gave a final chime. [Good luck on your Trials.] The next moment, the world beneath Leon''s feet gave out. He gasped slightly as he was pulled downward ¡ª a sensation like falling through an endless void. The white space faded, dissolving into pure nothingness. And then¡ª He crashed into his new reality. **** Three hundred years ago, life on the Blue Planet was just... normal. Peaceful, even. But that fragile peace shattered when the Demons came. The first assaults were brutal and relentless. Humanity fought back with everything they had ¡ª guns, bombs, missiles, even nuclear weapons ¡ª but none of it mattered. Their technology might as well have been children''s toys against the nightmarish invaders. The humans were losing. Losing land. Losing lives. Losing hope. Until the Trial Resonance was discovered. It began as a whisper, a strange pulse felt by a handful of survivors ¡ª a call from another world: the Trial World. Desperate and cornered, the remnants of humanity pooled their resources, determined to use the Resonance as a lifeline. And after countless trials and errors they succeeded. The first group of humans entered the Trial World, carrying humanity''s last hopes on their backs. Not all of them returned, but those who did came back different ¡ª stronger, faster, wielding abilities that could finally stand against the Demons. With their newfound power, humanity pushed back. They reclaimed a portion of the planet. And this time, they did it right: Mandatory one-year training for all those chosen by the Trial World to increase their survival rate. Special care and resources for those lucky enough to awaken Talents. It was a brutal reality, but it was proof of humanity''s spirit ¡ª their refusal to die out and their desire to survive. --- Leon floated high above the Trial World, the wind rushing past him. Below, a sprawling forest stretched out endlessly. Towering trees with thick canopies blocked the view of the forest floor, only broken by the glitter of a winding river cutting through the woods like a silver snake. The entire forest was cradled inside a vast valley, surrounded by rocky cliffs. At the valley''s heart, Leon spotted a village ¡ª or at least something trying to be one. Crude huts made from sticks and mud. Smoke from tiny fires. And figures moving about, green-skinned and long-eared. Leon narrowed his eyes. "So this is my trial zone," he muttered. Before he could observe more, a sudden pull gripped him, yanking him from the sky. He braced instinctively, but he landed gently, as if caught by invisible hands ¡ª the Trial System''s Safe Landing protocol at work. A soft ding echoed in his ears as a system notification popped up in his vision. Leon ignored it for now, his instincts telling him not to stay exposed. He scanned his surroundings ¡ª thick trees, dense undergrowth. He needed a better vantage point. Without hesitation, Leon jogged toward a large oak-like tree and began climbing swiftly. His body, strengthened by a year of combat drills, handled the climb easily. He found a sturdy branch a few meters up and perched there, eyes sharp. From this height, the forest stretched out before him like a green ocean. It was quieter here ¡ª only the distant sound of flowing water and the occasional rustle of wildlife. Satisfied he was temporarily safe, Leon finally opened the pending notification although he had an idea on what the trial might be. --- [System Notification] You have entered the F-Rank Trial Zone: Gob Forest. Difficulty: Tier VII Zone Description: A dense, ancient forest filled with towering trees, hidden streams, and dangerous wildlife. Primary inhabitants: Goblins ¡ª primitive creatures known for their aggression, cunning, and bloodthirsty nature. Warning: Goblins may vary in strength, intelligence, and behavior. Main Trial Objective: Defeat the ruler of the forest: The Goblin Chieftain. Time Limit: 30 days. Failure Conditions: Exceeding the time limit. Death. Failure Penalty: Death. --- Leon smirked after reading. "So I wasn''t wrong after all." Goblins ¡ª they had been a big part of the one-year survival classes. Their green skin, distorted bodies, and nasty, red-glowing eyes were unmistakable. Recognizing them was as easy as breathing. He leaned back slightly on the branch. "Well, to survive this, first I need to know what I''m working with." With a simple thought, he summoned his personal status screen. --- [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% --- [STATS] Strength: 12 Speed: 10 Vitality: 10 Stamina: 11 Senses: 10 Aura: 10 --- [Skills] [None] --- [Inventory] [Starter Survival Pack] [Tier V F-Rank Sword] [Tier V F-Rank Skill Orb] [Tier V F-Rank Armor] --- Leon stared at the blue-hued panel hovering in front of him, a pleased grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Not bad," he muttered. For someone just stepping into the Trial World, these were solid starting stats ¡ª stronger than most rookies. His year of training hadn''t gone to waste. Especially with his EX Rank Talent in his back pocket, these stats were just the beginning. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 4: EX 4. Loophole Chapter 4 - EX 4. Loophole Leon opened his [Inventory], his gaze calm but focused. All Trial Takers gained access to their inventories the moment they resonated with the Trial World. It was one of the few advantages that gave humanity a fighting chance ¡ª the ability to carry essentials, survival gear, and weapons into the unknown. "Let''s see what we''re working with," Leon muttered as he mentally selected the Starter Survival Pack. A faint glow of light began to form over his palm. Leon watched it solidify into a box, the process still surreal even after a year of preparation. "Tch. No matter how many times I see it, I can''t get used to this." He set the box carefully on the wide tree branch. Opening it revealed carefully packed supplies ¡ª food rations, water containers, and several vials glinting with soft colors. Tier-V F-Rank Healing and Stamina Recovery Potions. All courtesy of his family. Leon smiled faintly. "Good... at least I won''t have to waste time gathering berries or setting traps." Securing survival necessities meant he could focus completely on clearing the Trial. He returned the box to his inventory with a thought and immediately pulled out the second gift his family had prepared ¡ª a Tier-V F-Rank General Skill Orb. Unlike most Trial Takers who only relied on the Federation''s basic subsidy equipment, Leon''s family had gone above and beyond. They didn''t know what talent he would awaken, so they had chosen something flexible ¡ª a general skill orb usable by anyone. As the skill orb floated before him, a system notification popped up: > [System Notification] Use Tier-V F-Rank General Skill Orb? [Y/N] Without hesitation, Leon mentally selected Y. The orb disintegrated into thousands of sparkling particles, rushing toward his forehead and merging into his gabella. Leon blinked. "Huh. This one''s pretty useful." Another system message unfolded before his eyes: > [System Notification] You have learned the General Tier-V F-Rank Skill: Echolocation. Description: Allows the user to sense hostile threats within a 50-meter radius. Activation: Spontaneous Leon chuckled softly. "My parents really pulled out all the stops... If this were a normal family, they''d barely afford Tier-I equipment, much less something like this." Most new Trial Takers depended solely on Federation subsidies, scraping by with minimal gear unless they proved themselves exceptional early. A Tier-V item like this? It would cost a fortune. Leon shook his head in appreciation, feeling the warmth of gratitude toward his family. With a thought, he equipped the rest of his gear: A Tier-V F-Rank Armor Set ¡ª a lightweight but durable black leather suit reinforced with hidden metal fibers ¡ª and a Tier-V Basic Sword, sharp enough to easily slice through most F-rank creatures. Now fully outfitted, Leon finally climbed down from the tree branch, landing smoothly. He stretched lightly, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Guess it''s time to start my trial." But then, his grin turned a shade darker, a glint flashing through his blue eyes. "¡ªBut before that..." He tightened his grip on the sword hilt. "I need to extort my EX Talent first." **** After climbing down from the tree, Leon moved carefully through the dense forest. Thanks to his newly acquired Echo Location skill, he didn''t have to worry about hidden threats ¡ª any hostile being within fifty meters would immediately trigger his senses. Choosing a direction opposite the goblin village he had seen earlier, Leon muttered to himself, "What I need to test cannot be done in a tree. It''ll attract too much attention." It seemed today, the goddess of luck was still smiling upon him. After only a short walk, encountering nothing but a grazing deer ¡ª which he wisely chose to leave alone ¡ª and rabbits that were on heat Leon found what he was searching for: a small cave nestled against the valley walls. Cautious from his one year of training, he approached the cave entrance. His eyes scanned the ground for tracks or scent markings ¡ª signs that a beast had claimed it. After a thorough check, he nodded, satisfied. "Good." Sword in hand, Leon walked deeper inside, the shadows swallowing him as he ventured further. Reaching a solid section of the stone wall, he took a battle stance, muscles tense with anticipation, and slashed hard against the rock. At first, nothing happened. Leon frowned. "Was I wrong¡ª" [System Notification] > [+1 Attack Point] The message blinked before his eyes, cutting him off. Leon''s eyes widened in shock, then bloomed into a grin of pure excitement. "It worked!" he exclaimed. Without hesitation, he opened his talent page: > [Attack Points: 1/10,000] Staring at the small but satisfying number, Leon chuckled, almost disbelieving. "I can''t believe it actually worked..." he repeated, excitement thick in his voice. When he had first read the details of his {Attack} talent, a thought had crossed his mind: The description said "attack" ¡ª it never specified what he had to attack. A loophole. A way to farm attack points infinitely ¡ª and safely. After all, rocks didn''t move. They didn''t fight back. He had never loved a rock so much it was perfect. "Guess it''s time for me to grind," Leon muttered, lifting his sword once more. He struck again. [+1 Attack Point] Then again. [+1 Attack Point] Again. [+1 Attack Point] Again. [+1 Attack Point] And again. [+1 Attack Point] Relentlessly, he hammered the cave wall with strike after strike. The cave echoed with the rhythmic thud and scrape of metal on stone, but because Leon was deep inside, the sounds were safely trapped within. Minutes blurred into hours. Sweat dripped from his body, his bare torso gleaming under the dim light. He had removed his upper clothing early on to move more freely and reduce exhaustion. Cracks spread like spiderwebs across the stone walls, not only at the point of impact but all around him. Some slashes, empowered by critical hits, left visible gouges in the rock. If not for the high durability of his Tier-V F-rank sword, he might have already been left weaponless. After two full hours of nonstop grinding, Leon delivered another powerful strike ¡ª [System Notification] > [You have reached the limit.] Leon paused, panting lightly. His muscles ached, but it was a good pain ¡ª a victorious pain. He opened his talent page once again: > [Attack Points: 10,000/10,000] Seeing the maxed-out number, Leon grinned widely. He quickly checked the system time: 11:30 PM. His eyes narrowed. "Guess I have to be fast in distributing the stats," he said to himself. If he didn''t use the points before midnight, the system would treat them as tomorrow''s gains, and he wouldn''t be able to farm the full 10,000 tomorrow. Efficiency was key. "System, put 5 points into Strength," Leon commanded mentally. The system responded instantly, deducting 500 attack points. As the points flowed into him, Leon felt a tangible surge of power course through his muscles. His body tightened, his grip on his sword felt steadier and stronger¡ª like he could shatter boulders with a single swing. "Wow... the Attack Points are really effective," he said, flexing his hand. Normally, for Trial Takers to raise their stats, they had to grind endlessly, physically train for weeks, sometimes months, pushing their human limits just to gain a slight advantage. But Leon? Two hours of attacking a rock wall, and he was already leaps and bounds ahead of most of his peers. "I really love this talent," Leon said with a laugh. Without wasting another second, he continued assigning points, carefully distributing them across his stats. Today marked only the beginning ¡ª and Leon intended to use every advantage he had to leave the others in the dust. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 5: EX 5.Limitless Chapter 5 - EX 5.Limitless The soft blue glow of Leon''s status panel illuminated the dark cave as he stared at it. --- [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% [STATS] Strength: 12 > 32 (+20) Speed: 10 > 28 (+18) Vitality: 10 > 25 (+15) Stamina: 11 > 26 (+15) Senses: 10 > 23 (+13) Aura: 10 > 29 (+19) [Skills] Echolocation [Inventory] [Starter Survival Pack] [Tier V F-Rank Sword] [Tier V F-Rank Armor] ---- Leon closed the glowing interface with a swipe of his hand, watching as the last of his attack points vanished into his stats. The surge of energy that followed was immediate ¡ª a roaring river of power that rushed through his limbs, tightened his muscles and sharpened his instincts. He flexed his fingers, feeling the subtle tension in his tendons, like coiled springs waiting to be released. His breathing was steady, his vision crisp, every sense heightened beyond anything he had known before. "Guess it''s time to rest," he muttered, voice low but satisfied. From his inventory, he pulled out a dried ration bar and bit into it. The taste was bland ¡ª a chalky mix of protein and preserved grain ¡ª but it filled the hollow in his stomach. After finishing the last bite, he stepped outside the cave to gather broad, soft leaves, layering them across a patch of stone to make a makeshift bed. It wasn''t luxurious, but it was clean and quiet. His Echolocation served as a living radar. If anything approached, he''d know instantly. For now, that was enough. So He slept peacefully. --- By dawn, the cave echoed once more ¡ª clang clang clang Leon''s blade bit into stone with tireless rhythm. His bare torso glistened with sweat, muscles dancing under the strain of constant motion. Stone dust clouded the air around him, but he didn''t stop. This was the plan. A full month ¡ª that''s how long the trial would last. And charging into the goblin village now, undergeared and only partially leveled, would be suicidal. So he ground. Every day began the same. Morning ¡ª Attack the cave wall, accumulate points. Midday ¡ª Practice swordsmanship, work on his footwork and stance. Afternoon ¡ª Survey the area beyond the cave, map the terrain. Evening ¡ª Eat. Night ¡ª Rest and relax before assigning points just before midnight. He stuck to the cycle. He sharpened it. By the sixth day, the pattern had become ritual ¡ª Until the moment it shattered. --- [System Notification] > [You have reached your stat limit.] Leon stopped assigning points. His finger paused in the air, and his brows furrowed. His stat panel, showed: [STATS] Strength: 99 Speed: 99 Vitality: 99 Stamina: 99 Senses: 99 Aura: 99 He stared for a moment, then cursed under his breath. "...I was so excited by my talent that I didn''t think this through." Trial Takers ascended ranks, and each rank came with a hard ceiling. For F-Rank, the limit was 100 in every stat. He was right there ¡ª brushing up against that barrier. Leon exhaled slowly and rubbed his hand across his face. "Well," he muttered, "let''s see if my EX-Rank talent makes me different." Lying on the floor of the cave, he whispered mentally: "System, put 33 points into Strength." The moment the command left his thoughts, it hit him. Pain. Pure, unfiltered, reality-ripping pain surged through his body like molten lightning. As His muscles spasmed. Ten seconds. Only ten seconds. But to Leon, it felt like his body was being torn apart from the inside. He grit his teeth, clawing at the cave floor as a scream clawed up his throat and echoed through the narrow stone chamber. The very walls seemed to pulse with his suffering. And then ¡ª silence. The pain vanished as fast as it came. Leon lay on his back, gasping, drenched in sweat, the stone beneath him cool against his skin. When he could finally focus, he opened the panel again. Strength: 132 (+33) A grin crept onto his face. "I really love this talent," he whispered, eyes wide, chest rising and falling. "But... guess I''ve got to go through excruciating pain five more times today." He rolled onto his back, wiped the sweat from his brow, and stared at the cave ceiling. Outside, the world was quiet. Inside, the screams of a man breaking nature''s limits began again. **** Perched high atop a thick tree branch, Leon peered through the dense foliage, eyes locked on the goblin village below. From this vantage point, he had full view of the crude huts, bonfires, and patrolling figures that made up the savage settlement. The wind rustled through the leaves, but Leon''s gaze remained steady. Twenty-eight days. He had spent nearly an entire month inside that lonely cave ¡ª striking stone, training, refining his swordsmanship, and raising his stats until every fiber of his body screamed power. Somewhere along the way, he had almost forgotten this was a trial at all. His voice was low but contemplative. "Despite hitting that wall for 28 days... I didn''t get a single Evolution Point." It was a bitter pill. While his stats had grown beyond what most F-Rank Trial Takers could dream of, his equipment and skill remained unchanged. A single weapon upgrade, or a new skill, could''ve made a world of difference. He sighed, then smirked slightly. "Let''s not be greedy. My current stats are more than enough to decimate that entire village." Suddenly, movement caught his eye. A group of goblins emerged from the shadows between trees, trudging back toward the village. They laughed and growled among themselves, clutching struggling women in their arms ¡ª bound, bruised, and terrified. The sight made Leon''s expression darken. As His jaw tightened. "Guess I have to be fast," he muttered, with a cold edge in his voice. This might have been a trial ¡ª a fabricated world, a test meant to push him ¡ª but there were some things he refused to overlook. Especially this. The goblins in this world weren''t the mischievous pests shown in games or fantasy stories back on Earth. No, these ones were predators ¡ª brutal, intelligent, and grotesquely twisted. And they didn''t just kill their captives. They ate them. Women in particular, because their flesh, according to the goblins'' warped instincts, was more "nutritious" than that of men. Leon''s grip on his sword tightened. His gaze was icy. "Disgusting." Without another word, he leapt from the tree ¡ª a blur of movement descending like judgment itself. Sword in hand, rage in his chest, and stats primed for war, Leon Kael was about to start a massacre. **** Leon''s current stats [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% --- [STATS] Strength: 132> 517 (+385) Speed: 108 > 478 (+370) Vitality: 105 > 470 (+365) Stamina: 106 > 471 (+365) Senses: 103 > 438 (+335) Aura: 109>489(+380) --- [Skills] [Echolocation] --- [Inventory] --- ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 6: EX 6. 1 Man vs 50 Goblins Chapter 6 - EX 6. 1 Man vs 50 Goblins The goblin hunting party returned in triumph. Dragging their squirming prey behind them, they passed through the creaking wooden gates of the village¡ªgates guarded by two snarling F-Rank goblins whose eyes widened with pride at the sight. The bound and terrified women, bruised and dirtied from their capture, were hauled like trophies. Around them, the rest of the goblins began to gather, their beady eyes glinting with savage delight as growls of admiration echoed across the crude settlement. The goblin village, though barbaric in origin, was not without structure. It was encircled by a tall, jagged wall made of sharpened logs, reinforced with crude bindings of rope and bone. The gate itself was heavy but poorly constructed, creaking open and shut with a groan each time it moved. Inside, the ground was bare and trodden, and crude tents lined the dirt pathways¡ªhaphazard dwellings made of animal hide and scavenged wood, stained dark from blood, smoke, and rot. The deeper one walked into the village, the more the chaos gave way to hierarchy. The outer tents belonged to the F-Ranks, weaker goblins who fought in packs and died in droves. But closer to the heart of the camp, the tents grew in size and strength¡ªreinforced with bone frames, stitched with dyed leather, even adorned with trophies like broken weapons or human skulls. These were the domains of the E and D-Rank goblins who were stronger and more cunning than an F rank goblin. At the center, nestled beneath a twisted totem of skulls and branches, stood the largest tent of them all. Woven from thick beast pelts, dyed in dried blood, and laced with bone charms, it was unmistakably the Chieftain''s lair. The returning hunters, chests puffed with pride, marched straight toward it, prepared to offer their hunt to their brutal leader. Unbeknownst to them, death was already walking their way. Outside the village, Leon Kael moved forward. He walked not in haste, but with the calmness of a reaper. His sword hung loose in his right hand, the tip brushing against the earth with each step. The wind whispered through the trees, stirring his silver hair like a banner of war, and in his sharp blue eyes glimmered something cold¡ªsomething merciless. The two F-Rank goblins guarding the gate caught sight of him. They snarled, saliva dripping from their crooked fangs, muscles tensing under thin green skin. Clad in nothing but stained loincloths and gripping rusted swords, they bared their teeth and barked in challenge. Leon didn''t slow down. Neither did he blink. He didn''t need to. As the goblins charged with a savage howl, blades raised high to tear him apart. But they never even saw him move. He passed between them like a phantom. One moment they were mid-swing, the next¡ªthey were still frozen in place, arms held high. Then came the wet sound of two heads thudding against the ground. Their bodies stood for a beat longer, blood spurting, before collapsing in lifeless heaps. Leon didn''t look back. It was easy because Leon far outclassed them not just in stats, but in class; a Warrior against mere goblin grunts was no contest. His feet carried him forward as a horn blared from within the village. And then¡ªit was chaos. From the scattered tents came a rush of goblins. Dozens of them. At least fifty, all F-Ranks, each armed with crude weapons and snarling like cornered animals. The stronger ones¡ªE and D-Ranks¡ªremained further in, surrounding the Chieftain''s tent. But the fodder had come. And they came with fury. Leon didn''t speak. He didn''t break stride. As the goblins roared and surged forward like a green tide. And Leon welcomed them. Because this wasn''t just a trial anymore. It was a massacre in the making. **** The moment the horde surged, Leon became a storm of steel and death. The first goblin that dared to leap toward him never even saw the blade¡ªit only felt the searing flash of steel cleave through its torso, bisecting it in a single, merciless stroke. Blood sprayed into the air like rain, but Leon was already moving, his body a blur of brutal elegance. With a swift pivot, he spun on the ball of his foot, forming a perfect horizontal arc with his sword. Three goblins fell in unison, their upper halves sliding off their bodies before they even hit the ground. The strike was clean, efficient, and terrifyingly fast. One tried to be clever, lunging from behind with a rusted dagger. But Leon sensed it¡ªhis senses honed to a razor''s edge. Without looking, he twisted sharply, sword whipping through the air to sever the goblin''s arm at the elbow. The creature screeched in agony, but Leon gave no pause. He drove his blade into its skull with such force that the point cracked into the dirt below. The goblin twitched once, then went still. More came, but it didn''t matter. They tried swarming him from all sides, flanking him, lunging from shadows and angles¡ªbut it was like throwing twigs at a hurricane. Leon''s sword danced through the chaos with cold precision, each slash backed by monstrous strength and unshakable calm. Heads rolled, limbs flew and the ground became slick with blood and trampled bodies. It wasn''t a fight. It was a massacre. No tactic worked. No distraction succeeded. Even when a goblin tried to blind him by throwing dirt into his eyes, Leon struck with such instinct that the attacker was split in half before the dust ever settled. At last, only three remained. Their wide, red eyes stared in disbelief at the pile of corpses that had once been their kin. The pain of their shared link¡ªprimitive as it was¡ªseeped into their bones as they watched Leon slowly withdraw his blade from a dying goblin''s gut. Then he looked at them. And they felt it¡ªsomething deeper than fear. A primal, soul-shaking dread, like prey before a predator that had long since grown tired of the hunt. They broke. The three goblins screamed and fled, their steps frantic, weapons forgotten, survival the only thought in their small minds. Leon didn''t chase them. He simply exhaled, his eyes still cold, his sword dripping with red blood, as he resumed walking forward¡ªinto the heart of the village. He wasn''t here to scare them. He was here to exterminate them. **** F-Rank Goblin stats Strength: 65 Speed: 55 Vitality: 55 Stamina: 45 Senses: 40 Blood Power: 40 ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 7: EX 7. Goblin Chief Chapter 7 - EX 7. Goblin Chief Three goblins stumbled through the village paths, shrieking in terror, their breath ragged and limbs trembling. Their minds replayed the massacre they had narrowly escaped¡ªa blur of steel and blood, their kin cleaved apart by a single human. To them, Leon was no longer a man. He was a monster. Ahead, the goblins reached the heart of the village, where thirty stronger warriors stood guard around a larger, more ornate tent¡ªthe Chieftain''s dwelling. Twenty E-rank goblins stood in formation, while ten D-ranks¡ªlarger and better armed¡ªremained closer to the entrance. Among them were the same hunter goblins who had returned earlier with the captured women. As the three F-ranks approached, they screeched and pointed back wildly, their twisted tongue filled with panic. One particularly large D-rank goblin growled, unimpressed by their fear. In its eyes, they were cowards¡ªuseless even by goblin standards. Then, the growling stopped. Leon appeared at the edge of the gathering¡ªhis sword resting casually over his shoulder, stained crimson. Blood dripped from the blade, a slow, deliberate rhythm that matched the pace of his boots crunching against the dirt. Wind danced through his hair, his blue eyes locked on the chieftain''s tent beyond the wall of bodies. He didn''t see enemies. Only obstacles. The D-rank goblin stepped forward, shoving the F-ranks aside with disdain. Unlike the others, this one wore crude armor¡ªa dented chestplate and a rusted helmet. A ragged loincloth hung at its waist, a skull affixed to the belt like a trophy. This goblin had never known fear. Every human it had fought had died screaming beneath its axe. So It felt Leon would be no different plus it also felt Leon would be exhausted after battling the goblins from earlier. So, it puffed its chest and snarled, baring sharp teeth, trying to intimidate Leon. But Leon didn''t stop walking. He didn''t flinch neither did he blink. The goblin''s snarl turned into a roar. Its muscles bulged, and a red glow erupted from its veins. Blood Power: {Surge}. A racial ability that heightened strength and violence. All goblins possessed the blood ability {Surge}, but while F-ranks were too weak for its effects to be noticeable, the D-rank''s stronger blood power allowed it to visibly enhance its body and weapon. The axe in its hand pulsed with energy as it lifted it high above its head before it went down to strike down Leon¡ª And then there was blood. But it wasn''t Leon''s. The goblin stared in shock at the stump where its wrist once was, too slow to realize what had happened. Leon was already moving¡ªone clean swing severed its head from its shoulders. The glowing axe fell beside its twitching body. But Leon didn''t even pause. He stepped over the corpse and kept walking, toward the tent... toward the Chieftain. Towards the next target. **** Inside the goblin chief''s tent, the space stretched unnaturally larger than it appeared from outside, dimly lit by crude torches stuck in skull-shaped sconces along the bone-lined walls. At the far end sat the goblin chief on a grotesque throne made entirely of bones¡ªsome human, some beast¡ªlooming over the room like a warped monarch. Beside the throne stood a cage also made of bones, jagged and twisted, where the captured women were held. Naked and terrified, their bodies trembled with fear, spared only because Leon had attacked while they were getting undressed by the goblins¡ªthe goblins could not eat them while they were clothed. The piercing screams of dying goblins outside echoed into the tent¡ªscreams so shrill and raw they could rattle the soul¡ªuntil they abruptly stopped. Silence followed, heavy and unnerving, broken only by the sound of blood trickling in beneath the tent flaps. Then, like a twisted offering, the head of one of the fleeing F-rank goblins rolled inside, trailing blood. The women in the cage recoiled in horror, unable to comprehend what kind of monster could cause such carnage. To them, it wasn''t a man approaching¡ªit was something far worse. Leon stepped through the flap, his boots soaking in the blood of the slain, his sword hanging loosely in one hand, still dripping red. His eyes locked onto the chief. The monster was larger than any goblin he''d seen¡ªbroad, heavily muscled, and cloaked in crude armor made of beast hide and bones. A massive blade was planted beside its throne, and though its people died in droves, the chief remained motionless, chin resting on its fists like a king unbothered by the fall of ants. Leon''s gaze flicked to the women¡ªfortunately they were still alive. Without a word, he dashed forward. His sword swung wide, air screaming around the edge as he aimed straight for the chieftain''s neck, determined to end the monster before it could stand. Leon attacked first because he knew the chief wouldn''t be as weak as the others, and he wanted to go all out from the start to end the fight on his terms. But the chief was no idle fool. With a blur of motion, its massive sword surged upward from the ground into its hand and met Leon''s blade with a deafening clang. The impact sent a shockwave through the tent, and Leon was forced back, sliding across the blood-slick floor. Now armed, the goblin chief rose from its throne like a demon awakened, bellowing a deep, guttural roar as it charged at Leon¡ªand so their battle began. Their blades clashed with a fury that lit the tent in sparks, the goblin chief''s brute strength steadily pushing Leon back despite his precise technique. Every time Leon sought an opening, the chief''s feral reflexes and sheer might sealed it with a vicious counter. It was a battle of honed skill versus raw power. Then, as their swords met once more in a thunderous impact, a surge ran through Leon''s arm¡ªhis Critical Master attribute triggered, unleashing a devastating tenfold blow. The chief''s eyes widened in shock as he staggered back, the force unlike anything he''d endured. Leon didn''t hesitate¡ªlunging forward, he thrust his blade straight toward the goblin chief''s heart, aiming to end it in one decisive strike. **** Stats of E-Rank goblins Strength: 160 Speed: 125 Vitality: 140 Stamina: 120 Senses: 85 Blood Power: 120 Stats of D-Rank goblins Strength: 320 Speed: 240 Vitality: 290 Stamina: 250 Senses: 170 Blood Power: 230 ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 8: EX 8. What Was Your Name Again? Chapter 8 - EX 8. What Was Your Name Again? Leon''s sword was mere inches from the Goblin Chief''s heart when the monster''s eyes flashed red, its muscles swelling violently as it activated {Surge}, the racial trait of the goblin race¡ªonly this time, it was far stronger than anything Leon had seen. The sheer force of the surge sent a wave of pressure through the tent, rattling bones and cages alike. The chief''s body blurred, then disappeared altogether. In the blink of an eye, it reappeared behind Leon¡ªblade raised overhead in a brutal arc. The move was so fast, it seemed like teleportation. Leon was still completing the stabbing motion through empty air when his echolocation screamed danger behind him. Without hesitation, Leon burned 20 Attack Points, adding +200 to Speed temporarily. System Notification: [Speed +200 (Temporary)] [Current Attack Points: 9980/10000] The world slowed for Leon. Muscles tensed, feet shifted, and with a swift pivot, he dashed forward, evading the downward cleave of the Chief''s sword by a hair''s breadth. The Chief''s blade slammed into the ground, carving a deep gash through the dirt and stone flooring. The Goblin Chief stared at Leon with visible confusion, its beastly mind trying to process how this human avoided a strike no other ever had. It had fought and crushed dozens of humans¡ªnone had ever displayed such sudden bursts of speed. But Leon wasn''t done. His eyes remained sharp, his gaze focused, expression calm, lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn''t thinking. He was acting. System Notification: [Attack Points Burned: 980] [Current Attack Points: 9000/10000] [All Stats +9800 (Temporary Boost)] Leon had hesitated to burn his Attack Points earlier, hoping to save them for a permanent stat boost¡ªbut with the Goblin Chief''s strength pressing him, he chose to really go all out. Power surged through his body like liquid lightning. Every muscle, every tendon tightened with explosive potential. His aura became overwhelming, crackling like a storm pressing in on all sides. Even the air bent around him. The Goblin Chief froze. Its instincts¡ªhoned through dozens of battles¡ªscreamed a single message: run. It obeyed without hesitation, dropping its massive sword and turning to flee. But it was too late. Before the blade had fully left its clawed hand, Leon was already behind it¡ªstanding still, sword sheathed. The Chief stiffened. No blow had landed¡ªor so it thought. Then, thin red lines began to stretch across its massive green body, crossing in intricate, deadly patterns: neck, shoulders, torso, arms, legs. In a fraction of a second, Leon had delivered over a thousand slashes, faster than the eye could register. So fast, the blade never even seemed to leave its scabbard. The Goblin Chief''s eyes widened, its life flashing in an instant¡ªmemories of battles, bloodshed, and its mistake of ever underestimating the human before it. Its body split apart, cleanly and silently, before collapsing to the ground in a rain of limbs and gore. Leon exhaled calmly as the silence returned to the tent. He had won. **** As the body of the Goblin Chief collapsed into scattered chunks, a wave of silence settled over the tent. Then¡ª [Ding!] [Congratulations. You have defeated the Goblin Chief and cleared Tier VII ¨C F-Rank Zone: Goblin Village.] [Your rewards have been sent to your inventory.] Leon exhaled, his tense body loosening as a grin tugged at his lips. "Finally... I can leave this place. Thank God," he muttered, his entire demeanor shifting. The cold-blooded warrior was gone, replaced by his usual laid-back self. He turned to the bone cage, where the captured women trembled in silence. With a few quick slashes, the bone bars shattered. He stepped inside and picked up the scattered clothes the goblins had torn away, handing them out one by one. "Here. Wear these," he said, not sparing them a second glance. Once the women were dressed, Leon casually stated, "There are no more goblins in this village. So you''re free to go." The women, though grateful, looked at him cautiously. Leon tilted his head, raising a brow as he thought. "Are they afraid of me?" In truth, the way Leon fought made him seem more like a monster than a man. But now, standing calmly in front of them, his face revealed under the flickering light, they realized something else: he was impossibly handsome. None of them, despite their pasts, had ever seen someone as handsome as him and that was saying a lot because their work involved them meeting a lot of men. Slowly, they stepped out of the tent. As they reached the entrance, they turned and bowed deeply. "Thank you... for saving us." Leon just gave a wave, already turning away. He had no intention of escorting them out of the forest¡ªnor could he. His movement was restricted to the boundaries of the trial zone. As the women left another notification appeared before him: [You have 10 seconds remaining in the trial zone.] [10... 9... 8...] The countdown continued, each number flashing before his eyes. [3... 2... 1¡ª] Leon vanished, his body dissolving into motes of light. Moments later, one of the rescued women returned to the tent, hesitantly peeking inside with something to say. But Leon was already gone. He had already left their world entirely. **** A sprawling human settlement stretched across the horizon, built into the very heart of the Trial World. Towering walls surrounded it, reinforced with glowing runes and guarded by elite trial takers. The air buzzed with motion¡ªfigures zipped through the sky, some flying on wings of light or riding spectral beasts, while others shimmered into view atop the many teleportation platforms that dotted the grounds. Some platforms flashed as new arrivals appeared from the real world; others dimmed as veterans returned home after surviving brutal trials. This was humanity''s stronghold in the Trial World¡ªa fortress of power, pride, and ambition. At the edge of the stronghold, far from the teleportation platforms, a faint light pulsed... and Leon appeared. Unlike others who returned through the platforms, those who cleared their first trial always emerged here. His sudden arrival caught the attention of several onlookers. Their eyes narrowed, then quickly turned away with disinterest. In their minds, anyone who took 28 days to finish a trial had to be weak¡ªa bottom-feeder not worth a second thought. No one bothered asking what difficulty he faced; they believed whatever fit their narrative. But Leon didn''t care. He looked around once, adjusted his clothes, and began walking toward the heart of the stronghold. He was content. As long As He knew what he had achieved. That was enough. Then¡ª "Well, well, well... How the mighty Leon Kael has fallen," came an obnoxious voice behind him, loud enough to draw attention. "Nearly a month in the trial? I didn''t know you were that weak." Laughter followed, sharp and mocking. Three boys stood behind the speaker, clearly his lackeys, feeding off his arrogance. Leon paused, turning slowly with a neutral expression. The speaker looked familiar¡ªone of his classmates during the one-year training. Leon had never bothered to learn his name. Why remember something so... insignificant? Still, he was in a good mood today. Clearing a Tier VII F-rank trial had lifted his spirits. He smiled faintly and asked, genuinely curious, "What was your name again?" The laughter stopped instantly as the smug looks vanished, replaced by glares. But Leon''s smile remained. **** Goblin Chief''s Stats Strength: 700 Speed: 550 Vitality: 700 Stamina: 500 Senses: 250 Blood Power: 300 ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 9: EX 9. The Rival Chapter 9 - EX 9. The Rival Adrian Peer came from a humble background. His parents were "Grounders"¡ªthose who never received the trial resonance and thus were denied the chance to enter the Trial World, to grow stronger and fight for humanity''s future. So, when Adrian awakened the resonance, it came as a shock to everyone. From obscurity, he was now a candidate to become a trial taker¡ªsomething he had dreamed about for as long as he could remember. What child didn''t dream of becoming a trial taker? The Federation praised them as heroes, the future and the hope of humanity. For Adrian, that hope had once been unreachable. But now that it was in front of him, he chased it with all he had. While others played, Adrian trained. He stayed up late studying and woke before dawn to condition his body. His parents often urged him to rest, but he refused. He wasn''t just trying to catch up¡ªhe was aiming to stand at the top. And that effort bore fruit. Adrian earned a spot in the most prestigious class of the one-year training¡ªa class dominated by nobles, many of whom had trained since birth in preparation for the resonance they were all but guaranteed to receive. Adrian wasn''t intimidated. He didn''t complain. Instead, he took it as a challenge. To prove himself, he pushed harder, broke his limits, shattered his body and rebuilt it time and again. His results showed. Second in physical training. Third in academics. Top three overall. But for Adrian, it wasn''t enough. He wanted to be number one. And to do that, he needed to surpass one person: Leon Kael. Day after day, Adrian worked relentlessly, driven by the image of the boy who stood above them all. He had declared Leon his rival¡ªeven if Leon didn''t know it. But no matter how much he pushed, Leon always remained just out of reach. After the one year-training ended, Adrian pinned all his hopes on the Trial Summoning. He didn''t care if he awakened a talent or not. He had gotten this far with nothing but sheer effort. All he hoped for was just to get a skill or weapon that would boost his strength significantly. But for the second time in his life, fate smiled on him. He awakened an Extraordinary talent and cleared his first trial in under nine days. After clearing his trial and appearing in the human stronghold of the Trial World, there was only one thing on his mind¡ªhad Leon returned? But to Adrian''s Suprise he hadn''t. Adrian didn''t believe Leon was dead. No, Adrian believed Leon was taking his time for some unkown reason. So when Leon finally appeared Adrian approached him eager to hear the reason. But Leon''s question: "What was your name again?" Extinguished that curiosity. Leon''s question had been valid. Throughout the one-year training, he had barely interacted with Adrian. They were never friends, never even had a full conversation. From Leon''s perspective, there had been no need to remember the names of people he didn''t care to know. His focus was on himself, on growing stronger¡ªand besides, it wasn''t as if Adrian had stood out to him. He was just another classmate. One of many. Some might argue that he should at least remember the names of those in the elite class, but Leon simply couldn''t be bothered. If someone didn''t matter to him directly, their name wasn''t worth storing in his head. Adrian and the three boys behind him stood still, eyes narrowed and jaws clenched, glaring at Leon. Leon noticed their stares. He met them without fear or concern, but didn''t say a word. After all, this was the stronghold. No one could fight or cause trouble here, not without severe consequences and even if they could non of them would stand a chance against Leon. Adrian exhaled sharply through his nose. "Adrian," he answered in a clipped voice, then turned around and walked off, no longer caring why Leon had taken so long to return. The three boys hesitated, clearly itching to say something, but ended up trailing after Adrian in silence. Their glares lingered, but Leon paid them no mind. He watched them go, an amused look playing on his face. "So dramatic," he muttered to himself. With that, Leon continued on toward the center of the stronghold. It was time to register as an official Trial Taker. The stronghold bustled with activity¡ªnew arrivals, flying combatants, teleporters flashing with people jumping in and out of the trial world¡ªbut Leon moved through it all like a shadow, barely noticed. After all, most thought he was weak for appearing so late. Let them think that. After confirming his identity and registering with the Trial World Authority, Leon was assigned housing. Trial Takers were given private apartments within the stronghold based on their accomplishments and rank. Leon''s wasn''t the best, but it was private, secure, and had a good view of the central plaza. He entered the apartment, closed the door behind him, and stretched. For the first time in nearly a month, he could relax. Still, he couldn''t leave the Trial World yet. Trial Takers needed 30 full days to "stabilize" before they were allowed to return to the real world through the teleporters. It was a safeguard¡ªthe body had to fully adapt to the changes made during teleportation before it could teleport again. Leon had only spent 28 and a half days inside so he couldn''t go back yet. If he had a Stabilizing Crystal, it would have accelerated the process. But those were rare and mostly reserved for high-ranking elites or purchased through heavy Federation contribution points. "No point worrying about it now," he said, dropping onto the couch. "Might as well see what I actually got." With a thought, he opened his system menu and accessed his Inventory. Rows of items shimmered into view¡ªglowing, shifting, and humming with power. "Let''s see what all that pain was worth." **** As Leon sat comfortably in his new apartment, the faint hum of the stronghold outside fading into the background, he opened his Inventory with a simple thought. Rows of glowing items shimmered into view, their data and essence flickering with system-bound energy. His eyes immediately locked onto the four objects arranged neatly at the top¡ªeach radiating with the distinctive pulse of F-Rank Tier VII power. [F-Rank Tier VII Weapon ¨C Crimson Fang Blade] [F-Rank Tier VII General Skill Orb ¨C Mirror Split] [F-Rank Tier VII Armor ¨C Ironshade Warplate] [F-Rank Tier VII Warrior Skill Orb ¨C Phantom Edge] A smirk tugged at the edge of his lips. "Not bad. Let''s see what I actually got for busting my ass in a Tier VII trial." He tapped the first icon. --- Name: Crimson Fang Blade Type: Weapon (Sword) Rank: F-Rank Tier: VII Description: A blood-red sword forged from the fangs of high-tier trial beasts. It carries a vicious edge and thirsts for combat. Effects: Blood Echo (Passive): For every enemy slain, the blade stores a fragment of their vitality. After 5 kills, user can unleash a blood burst that temporarily increases his Strength and Speed for 10 seconds. Rending Arc (Active): A wide-range slash that deals double damage and causes a minor bleeding effect over 5 seconds. (Cooldown: 1 minute) --- ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 10: EX 10. The Best Reward Chapter 10 - EX 10. The Best Reward Name: Mirror Split Type: General Skill Rank: F-Rank Tier: VII Description: A rare skill that allows the user to create a temporary illusionary clone of themselves using energy. The clone mimics movements and attacks of the user and lasts for a limited amount of time or until destroyed. Effects: Clone Limit: 1 active at a time. Cooldown: 2 hours. Utility: Useful for confusing enemies, avoiding attacks, or creating openings in combat. Limitations: Clone can''t use skills, but mimics basic attacks and movements. Name: Ironshade Warplate Type: Armor Rank: F-Rank Tier: VII Description: A high-tier armor forged from shadow-tempered iron and trial beast bone. Despite its heavy look, it''s surprisingly mobile and offers excellent protection for its rank. Effects: Defense Boost: Greatly reduces physical damage from enemies of the same rank. Weight Adaptation: Automatically adjusts weight based on the user''s Stamina, allowing for seamless movement. Passive ¨C Impact Dampener: Reduces knockback from heavy hits by a certain amount. Special ¨C Trial Mark: The armor glows faintly when facing enemies of higher ranks, granting morale resistance and immunity to fear effects. --- Name: Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang Type: Warrior Skill (Sword Skill) Rank: F-Rank Tier: VII Description: A swift, deadly sword technique focused on speed and precision. In Form 1, the user performs a single blinding strike, leaving behind an afterimage. Effect: Flicker Fang: The user blinks a short distance forward and unleashes a precise, high-speed thrust or slash that ignores basic guards if timed correctly. Strike speed scales with the Speed stat. Afterimage Effect: Creates a split-second illusion that confuses enemies, lowering counterattack accuracy. As Leon leaned back after examining his trial rewards, two crisp system notifications popped up in front of his eyes, floating mid-air in translucent gold frames: --- [System Notification] You have selected: F-Rank Tier VII General Skill Orb ¨C Mirror Split Do you wish to learn this skill? [Y/N] --- [System Notification] You have selected: F-Rank Tier VII Warrior Skill Orb ¨C Phantom Edge Do you wish to learn this skill? [Y/N] --- Leon didn''t hesitate. "Yes," he said casually, mentally confirming both prompts. Immediately, the two skill orbs rose from his inventory and hovered in the air, vibrating slightly before bursting into radiant motes of light. The twin streams of energy shot forward and spiraled into his glabella¡ªthe center of his forehead¡ªcausing a faint glow to pulse across his body. He stood up slowly, desciding to test one of the skills. "Let''s test the clone first." With a breath, he activated the new skill. "Mirror Split." A ripple passed through the air beside him, and instantly, his aura dipped slightly, the drain noticeable but not overwhelming. In the next moment, a second Leon emerged¡ªperfectly matching him in height, build, and even clothing. He tilted his head as he inspected the clone. "Creepy... but cool." The clone stared ahead, unmoving. It looked just like him, but there was something missing¡ªan emptiness in its gaze, like a mannequin come to life. Leon began to run experiments, directing it with mental commands¡ªa simple thought was enough to make it swing, dodge, and move. He tested attacks, movements, coordination. While it couldn''t use skills, its physical stats were very strong. And because of that the clone moved fast, struck hard and most importantly¡ªit was very durable. However, when Leon activated a temporary stat-boosting effect on himself, the clone didn''t mirror it. "So... buffs don''t transfer," he muttered, crossing his arms. "Still, this guy can take a hit when I don''t feel like dealing with idiots. I''ll take it." Satisfied, he deactivated the skill with another thought, and the clone shimmered before dissolving into light, vanishing silently. "I''ll test Phantom Edge later," he said, glancing around the small house. "Don''t want to wreck this place. After all I just got it." He sat back down and sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The rewards are really good... but they would''ve been better if I got an Evolution Point." A frustrated chuckle escaped him as he rubbed his face. "Guess when the system said ''random,'' it really meant it..." DING-DONG. The sharp sound of a doorbell rang through the house. Leon blinked, confused. "Wait... I have a doorbell?" He stood up, storing his armor and weapon into his inventory, then walked toward the door cautiously. As he opened it¡ª "Wha¡ª" A blur surged forward, pushing him back. He stumbled and fell to the floor, only to feel a familiar warmth press against him. As soft lips connected with his. He was shocked at first until he realized the familiar scent. It was Elizabeth. Leon''s eyes widened for a second before relaxing. He smiled against her lips and reciprocated the kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist. Leon and Elizabeth lay tangled on the floor, kissing like two people who had been starved of affection for a month¡ªbecause, in truth, they had. Leon''s hand slid down to her backside, giving it a firm squeeze, eliciting a soft moan from Elizabeth. That moan flipped a switch in her, and suddenly, she was the one deepening the kiss, pulling him closer as if she could merge their bodies through sheer will. Leon shifted her waist, positioning her just right as their bodies pressed together¡ªevery inch of contact feeding the fire between them. But just as the air grew thick with passion, Elizabeth pulled back and sat up, straddling Leon while he remained sprawled beneath her. Her chest rose and fell slightly as she met his gaze. Leon blinked up at her, amused. "Why''d you stop?" Elizabeth crossed her arms, still perched atop him. "Because I want to know why you took your time in the trial." Leon raised a brow. "You sure? Because it seems like you''ve got... other intentions." She was still lightly grinding against him, her eyes intense. Her question didn''t quite match her actions. But Leon wasn''t confused. He knew her better than anyone. Elizabeth could be cold and composed in front of the world, but when they were alone, that guard always dropped. She was possessive, passionate, and unpredictable¡ªand Leon loved every bit of it. "I''m serious, Leon," she said, the motion of her hips finally stilling. "I want to know." He smiled, hands sliding to her waist. "Then you''ll have to wait... until you pay me back." "Pay you back?" she echoed. "For leaving me all alone before the summoning. You didn''t even give me a good morning kiss." "I left a letter." "That doesn''t count." In one smooth motion, Leon rose from the floor, lifting her into a princess carry. Elizabeth let out a startled yelp, her arms wrapping around his neck instinctively. "Leon!" she protested, but the smile creeping onto her face betrayed her tone. "We''ve got one and a half days before we can leave this place," he said as he carried her toward the bed. "Let''s not waste any more time." Outside, the stronghold continued its daily bustle. But within those quiet walls, the soft sounds of laughter and whispers gradually gave way to muffled moans of pleasure, as two reunited lovers surrendered to their long-held Carnal desires. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 11: EX 11. Death Parade Chapter 11 - EX 11. Death Parade Leon lay on the bed, his right arm tucked under Elizabeth, who rested against him with a satisfied smile. The duvet covered both of them¡ªhis chest exposed, hers completely wrapped beneath the sheets, save for her head and one arm, which slowly traced light circles across his chest with her fingers. The room was quiet, their breaths still settling from the intensity of the sex they just had. Then came her soft voice, laced with a warmth that only grew when they were alone. "Now... can you tell me why you took your time in the trial?" Leon let out a low hum, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, his thoughts flickering. "It had to do with my talent." She said nothing she just kept tracing those circles on his chest. That was one of the things he liked about her. Elizabeth never interrupted when she sensed something important was coming. Leon didn''t want to lie to her¡ªbut he also couldn''t reveal everything. Not yet. The truth about his talent wasn''t something the world was ready for, not even those closest to him. Still, he would give her a glimpse. "My talent allows me to add points to my stats." The fingers on his chest froze. Elizabeth slowly sat up, the duvet slipping down her upper body, but she wasn''t embarrassed. Her expression wasn''t teasing now¡ªit was stunned. "What... did you just say?" Leon smiled¡ªnot just at the view, but at the exact reaction he''d expected. A part of him couldn''t help showing off to the woman he loved. "You heard me," he said, voice steady. "My talent lets me add points... directly to my stats." She stared at him in silence. Not because she didn''t hear it the first time, but because the implication took time to sink in. This wasn''t a game or a simulation. This was real life¡ªwhere improving stats was a long, grueling process involving physical training or achieving "Enlightenment" to advance in rank. What Leon just described was practically cheating. Her voice returned, more cautious this time. "What''s the rank of the talent?" Leon scratched the back of his head, putting on his best sheepish smile. "It''s... Extraordinary." Elizabeth went completely still. "..." Leon mirrored her silence. "...Just Extraordinary?" she finally asked, eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean, ''just''?" he chuckled. "That''s not what I meant..." She glanced away briefly, catching herself. "You said you could add points to your stats. I assumed the rank would be higher." Leon gave a practiced shrug. "Well, the points don''t just appear out of nowhere. I have to fulfill specific conditions¡ªevery single day with no breaks. And it takes hours to achieve them." The way he said it, one would think he had to climb mountains barefoot while reciting ancient incantations. But he didn''t correct her assumption. That was the whole point. Elizabeth rubbed her chin, thoughtful. "That... does make sense." Leon kept a calm face, but inside he felt the tug of guilt. ''I''ll make it up to you one day, he told himself silently.'' In truth, Elizabeth accepted his explanation not because it made perfect sense¡ªbut because her understanding of the world needed it to. The idea that someone could simply add stat points was so absurdly powerful that her mind instinctively "nerfed" it, labeling it as a limited version. That made it easier to process... and to accept. Leon could handle the weight of such a reality because He was a reincarnator. He had the mindset, the experience, and the detached logic to keep himself grounded. But for someone like Elizabeth¡ªborn and raised in this world¡ªknowing the full scope of such a talent could shake her foundation of reality. In a twisted way, Leon wasn''t just protecting himself. In a way he was protecting her, too. Still, he knew¡ªone day, when he stood unshakably at the top¡ªhe''d tell her everything. And when that day came, he would no longer need to hide behind half-truths. Leon shifted slightly, his arm tightening around Elizabeth''s waist as he glanced down at her with a half-smile. "Well, enough about me," he said, tone light but curious. "What about you? What talent did you awaken?" Elizabeth had calmed down now, the earlier shock from Leon''s revelation no longer clouding her expression and after a brief pause, she answered softly. "I got an Extraordinary talent too," she said. "It''s called Death Parade." Leon''s brows rose slightly, intrigued. He waited, not pressing¡ªknowing she would explain in her own time. "The talent lets me... see dead people." Leon blinked. "So... you see dead people?" Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. But that alone wouldn''t make it an Extraordinary talent. The real strength lies in the second feature." She shifted, her voice growing more serious. "I can summon the dead." Leon''s eyes widened, the weight of that statement sinking in. He immediately understood what that meant. Summoning the dead wasn''t just creepy¡ªit was devastatingly powerful. An army that didn''t feel fear, didn''t get tired, didn''t need food or rest. It was a one-woman army. A never-ending tide of death. "That''s..." he started, "That''s an overpowered talent." Elizabeth grinned, puffing her cheeks in mock indignation, her expression turning adorably pouty. "I shouldn''t be hearing that from you of all people." Leon laughed, the sound light and genuine, as Elizabeth continued to pout playfully. She looked absolutely cute, and she knew it. But then, with a soft exhale, she added the limitations. "But to summon a dead soul, I need to have more energy than it did in life¡ªwhether aura or mana. And... the soul must have died less than 24 hours ago. Any longer, and I can''t summon it. But apart from that, as long as those conditions are met, I can call them¡ªeven if I wasn''t the one who killed them." Leon was now beginning to wonder who the one with the Ex rank talent was but after some considerations he already knew the answer to his question. "Still... that''s an incredible ability. You could turn any battlefield into your playground." Elizabeth nudged him lightly with her elbow, a smirk returning to her lips. "You better not forget that when I save you in a trial." Leon chuckled again, pulling her closer as she nestled back into his side. "Deal. But don''t expect me to go easy on you in a spar. Extraordinary talent or not." Elizabeth rolled her eyes playfully. "Please. You''d let me win just to get another kiss." He grinned. "It depends on how good the kiss is. Afterall I don''t like loosing." Elizabeth gave him an ''I can''t believe you said that'' look before turning to live the room but Leon gently pulled her back to the bed before giving her a kiss which she happily accepted. And in that quiet moment, wrapped in each other''s presence, the tension faded¡ªreplaced by a shared warmth, deeper than physical, born of years of trust and the thrill of discovering that both of them were far more than ordinary. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 12: EX 12. Arts Chapter 12 - EX 12. Arts The morning after their intimate reunion, Leon and Elizabeth awoke tangled in warmth and the temptation to stay in bed all day. But after some playful teasing and mutual groaning about responsibilities, they finally dragged themselves up. Leon, in particular, was determined¡ªnot to save the world¡ªbut for something just as noble: a real meal. The two left the house together, strolling through the cobbled pathways of the stronghold to reach the central market. Despite being in the Trial World, where no natural food grew, humans had found a workaround¡ªtransporting supplies from the real world using spatial containers. Trial takers often stayed up to 30 days before returning, so proper food was a necessity. Leon was already sick of ration bars and he wanted to eat a proper meal especially since Elizabeth was an amazing cook. The market was vibrant, packed with trial takers in light armor or casual robes, bartering for spices, dried meat, vegetables, and other goods. Elizabeth moved with elegance and familiarity, while Leon casually tossed items into his inventory. They bought enough to fill a pantry¡ªElizabeth, of course, didn''t bother buying for herself. She already planned to crash at Leon''s place whenever she was in the Trial World. "It''s efficient and helps us save money," she said with a straight face. Leon smirked. "Right... it''s totally about saving money," he replied, playing along. They were nobles, sure¡ªbut that didn''t mean they couldn''t be practical. Not that anyone would believe this wasn''t just an excuse for the both of them to stay together. When they returned, they organized the pantry with practiced ease. Elizabeth took charge in the kitchen, cooking a proper breakfast while Leon assisted¡ªby giving her "emotional support" from the nearest chair. She cooked and he commented, occasionally passing her spices when ever she needed them. When the meal was done they ate it slowly, enjoying it more than they expected, making casual conversation and laughing over how they should improve the taste of trial rations. After they finished eating they washed the dishes together but didn''t return to bed afterwards. It was their final day before stabilization, which meant tomorrow they could return to the real world. But instead of lazing around, they headed out again¡ªthis time to the training center. Upon arrival, they rented two separate private training rooms. A quick kiss goodbye, and they went their separate ways. --- [Leon''s Private Training Room] As Leon entered, the ambient hum of mana-powered machinery greeted him. It was sleek and well-equipped¡ªeasily the best available to the public in the stronghold¡ªbut Leon who had trained in his family''s elite facilities, wasn''t too impressed. Still, it would do. He opened his status panel mentally. --- [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% --- [STATS] Strength: 517 > 532 (+15) Speed: 478 > 493 (+15) Vitality: 470 > 485 (+15) Stamina: 471 >486 (+15) Senses: 438 >453 (+15) Aura: 489 >504 (+15) --- [Skills] Echolocation Mirror Split Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang --- [Inventory] --- Last night, after Elizabeth had fallen asleep, Leon had silently allotted the remaing 9,000 attack points he had left after the battle with the goblin chief during his trial, converting them into 90 stat points. Elizabeth hadn''t noticed since he had done it all mentally. But today, it was time to start fresh and grind again. He closed the panel and turned to the room''s control interface, activating the training module. In a soft flash, a metallic humanoid robot appeared in front of him. It was F-Rank, like him, but he manually set the difficulty to Tier VII, the highest level available. He wasn''t here to just swing his sword. He wanted to sharpen his skills, push his limits, and test his new skill Phantom Edge. The robot''s eyes lit up red. "Attack protocol initiated," the machine''s voice echoed. Leon cracked his neck as he approached the robot. "Alright, let''s get to work." Leon dashed forward, his sword gleaming under the training room lights. Though the robot was only F-rank, being a Tier VII model meant its strikes hit with the force of a C-rank fighter. Normally, one would need Tier VII gear or skills to keep up¡ªbut Leon didn''t need either. His stats alone were more than enough. As the robot stepped into his range, it launched a powerful punch. But Leon slipped past the blow with ease, countering with three quick slashes in return. Three system notifications blinked in front of his eyes: +1 Attack Point +1 Attack Point +1 Attack Point Leon didn''t even spare them a glance. The robot retaliated immediately, but Leon parried the incoming strike with a clean sweep of his blade and responded with ten more rapid slashes. Their battle continued in a rhythm¡ªattack, dodge, counter, parry. For twenty straight minutes, Leon fought without activating any temporary stat boosts, relying solely on pure technique and raw power. Finally, after a precise feint and a final strike to the core, the robot collapsed in a sparking heap. Leon exhaled and glanced at his system. [Attack Points: 10,000 / 10,000] "Perfect," he muttered. "I''ll distribute the points just before midnight." Without wasting time, he navigated the training room interface and summoned another robot. It was time to test his new skill. Leon stood before the newly summoned training robot, gripping his sword tightly as his eyes narrowed. It was time to test his new skill¡ªPhantom Edge: Form 1 ¨C Flicker Fang. From the name alone, he could tell that this skill wasn''t a standalone technique. It was part of a greater sequence¡ªan Art. Leon''s prior knowledge filled in the gaps. Arts were series-based skill sets, each composed of multiple forms that increased in complexity and power. However, unlike normal skills, Arts had strict rules: one had to learn them sequentially, starting from the lowest-ranked form. You couldn''t skip ahead. No one could learn a higher form without mastering the one before it. Still, the payoff was worth it. Arts were more than just combat styles¡ªthey were pathways to Enlightenment. The better one grasped the flow of an Art, the closer they came to unlocking the insight needed to rank up. The more forms an Art had, the greater the potential. There were even rumors of Arts culminating in skills that surpassed SSS-rank, unlocking power beyond what the strongest humans had ever achieved. But Leon wasn''t fixated on that. He had something better¡ªEvo Points. While others were bound by the natural limits of their skills and Arts, Leon could evolve his with enough effort. Difficult as they were to earn, Evo Points gave him the freedom to surpass even the final form of an Art. He could break through any ceiling, bend any rule. So no¡ªhe didn''t revere the Art. He saw it as a stepping stone. A foundation he would soon outgrow. And now, it was time to see how Flicker Fang measured up. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 13: EX 13. Too Slow Chapter 13 - EX 13. Too Slow [Skill Info Page ¨C Activated] A translucent blue panel shimmered into existence before Leon''s eyes, flickering softly with faint runes that rotated along the edges. Name: Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang Type: Warrior Skill (Sword Skill) Rank: F-Rank Tier: VII Description: A swift, deadly sword technique focused on speed and precision. In Form 1, the user performs a single blinding strike, leaving behind an afterimage. Effect: Flicker Fang: The user blinks a short distance forward and unleashes a precise, high-speed thrust or slash that ignores basic guards if timed correctly. Strike speed scales with the Speed stat. Afterimage Effect: Creates a split-second illusion that confuses enemies, lowering counterattack accuracy. Leon''s eyes scanned the details with a flat expression. With a thought, the screen dissolved like mist, vanishing into thin air. He rolled his shoulders once, loosened his stance, and stepped to the center of the training room. "Alright," he muttered. "Let''s see what this skill can do." He tapped the control panel on the wall. The floor trembled lightly as a training robot rose from a hidden compartment, gears whirring and eyes lighting up with a soft red glow. Humanoid in shape, sleek in design¡ªF-rank, Tier VII. "Attack protocol initiated," the machine''s voice echoed. Leon exhaled slowly and let his hand drop to the hilt of his sword, hanging loosely at his side. His body relaxed... yet in that calm was tension¡ªlike a coiled spring waiting to snap. The robot charged forward with mechanical precision, feet slamming into the floor. But Leon didn''t move. ''Not yet.'' ''Just a little closer.'' ''Now!'' "Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang." In a blink, Leon''s figure blurred and vanished from the robot''s vision. A flickering afterimage remained in his place. Szzhk! A clean horizontal slash cut through the robot''s metal torso. As Leon appeared behind it, sword already sheathed, his expression unreadable. The robot froze mid-step. Sparks burst from its side. It stood still for a second longer¡ªthen collapsed forward with a dull thud. The ground beneath it parted smoothly, dragging the wrecked machine below for automated repairs. Leon remained standing where he landed, one hand still on the hilt. "...That was slow." The words escaped without emotion, just a quiet judgment. His blue eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn''t impressed. Compared to the overwhelming burst of speed and strength he''d unleashed during the Goblin Chief fight¡ªpowered by temporary stat boosts¡ªthis skill felt... sluggish and predictable. "Flicker Fang isn''t bad, but I could do better. Afterall my talent lets me push past that using my boosted stats." Mirror Split, on the other hand¡ªthat was irreplaceable. No combination of stats could mimic creating clones. But Flicker Fang? It was just a glorified dash with a follow-up slash. "The only real use for this..." he muttered, "...might be for achieving Enlightenment faster. Or clearing out low-tier mobs when I don''t feel like trying." If any other trial taker had heard him slander a Tier VII skill like that, they might''ve fainted from rage. Or worse¡ªstoned him for sacrilege. But Leon didn''t care. He turned from the now-sealed floor panel, stretched briefly, and let out a lazy yawn. "That''s enough for today. I wonder if Elizabeth''s done..." He had barely spent an hour inside the training room. And honestly, why spend more? When you had a talent that let you grow stronger just by hitting stuff grinding became easier. As he reached for the exit, the door slid open with a soft hiss. Light from the hallway spilled in, illuminating his smirk. "I really love this talent." And with that, Leon left the room. Six hours later... The training chamber doors slid open with a soft hiss as Elizabeth stepped into the resting area, her body glistening with sweat, hair tied into a slightly messy bun. Her breathing was steady but there was no hiding the exhaustion in her limbs. She had pushed herself hard today. Harder than usual. Her sharp, ebony eyes scanned the area¡ªthen paused. There, sprawled across one of the long metal benches, was Leon. Sleeping. His arm hung lazily over the edge, chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. His hair was tousled and pressed unevenly from lying too long on one side, and his expression was completely relaxed, lips slightly parted. His sword was propped beside him like a loyal guardian, untouched since the start of the afternoon. Several people nearby were glancing at him with confusion¡ªor maybe silent judgment. A few whispered behind their hands, though none were bold enough to speak aloud. Elizabeth tilted her head slightly. ''He must''ve pushed his talent too far.'' she thought. Leon wasn''t like this. Not usually. He was the type to linger in the training room long after others had left. Not because he didn''t understand the lessons¡ªhe always understood them too fast¡ªbut because he wanted to go further. He had been like that since they were kids, always pushing past his limits for some unseen goal he never explained. Whatever his talent demands of him now... it must be brutal. A small smile touched her lips. That part of him hadn''t changed. It was one of the reasons she loved him. But if she knew the truth¡ªthat Leon had left training early, grabbed some snacks from the vending wing, and had simply dozed off while waiting for her¡ªshe might''ve strangled him right there. Thankfully, she didn''t. With soft steps, she approached the bench, brushing strands of hair behind her ear before leaning in. She reached out and gently shook his shoulder. "Leon..." His eyes fluttered open, not too fast and not too slow, as if his body registered her touch before his mind fully caught up. He blinked once, then twice. His blue eyes were slightly hazy with sleep, and his bedhead framed his face in a way that made him look... Elizabeth blinked. ''handsome.'' Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly before she managed to force it down. She looked away, but not fast enough¡ªshe wasn''t the only one who noticed. A few women nearby paused mid-sentence, subtly watching from the corners of their eyes, visibly moved by his disheveled handsomeness. Leon stretched slightly, a lazy yawn escaping his lips before he smiled up at her. "Darling, you''re finally done with training... I really missed you." That did it. A bright red hue crept up her ears. She tried to scowl¡ªbut her lips twitched before she could form a proper frown. Leon chuckled softly, clearly enjoying her reaction. Then, without warning, he rose smoothly and reached for her hand. "Alright, since we''re both done... let''s go out to eat. I want to spoil my princess tonight." Elizabeth gave a small, embarrassed hum¡ªhalf protest, half surrender¡ªas she let him guide her away from the bench. His hand was warm and Steady. They walked through the resting area hand-in-hand, leaving behind a crowd of mixed emotions. Single onlookers watched with thinly veiled envy, while older couples in the room shared quiet glances, reminded of their own partners and the warmth waiting for them back home. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 14: EX 14. Return Chapter 14 - EX 14. Return Later that night... The stars above shimmered like a velvet canopy of silver dust as Leon and Elizabeth returned to his quarters. The air still held the warmth of their evening out. As they stepped through the door, Elizabeth turned and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. "Thank you for tonight," she whispered, her voice soft. Leon smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Anything for you." A mischievous glint sparkled in Elizabeth''s eyes as she looked up. "But... I''m still hungry." Leon arched a brow, already sensing where this was going. "And what might you be craving?" She leaned in closer, her fingers dancing lightly over his shirt. "Meat," she said playfully, voice low. Leon chuckled, lips curling into a grin. "Well then... let the feast begin." What followed wasn''t spoken¡ªit didn''t need to be. Time slipped away like sand through open fingers. --- One hour and thirty minutes later... Elizabeth was adjusting her bra while Leon lay slouched on the couch, shirtless and half-asleep, looking like someone who''d just returned from paradise. "I will be taking a shower," Elizabeth said, stretching her arms above her head. "You should come in after. You look like you''ve been through a war." Leon offered only a nod, eyes distant. He was still trying to mentally process the experience. Steam began to drift from the bathroom as Elizabeth disappeared inside. BEEP! BEEP! An alarm blared to life. Leon blinked. He sat up so fast his hair stood on end. "Shit!" "What happened?" Elizabeth''s voice called from the shower. "I just saw something weird¡ªdon''t worry!" Leon replied quickly, heart pounding. He glanced at the time. 11:51 PM. His eyes widened. ''No. No, no, no! I was too distracted... I almost missed my stat distribution!'' Each day, his talent allowed him to store stat points from attacks¡ªbut if he didn''t distribute them by midnight, the system rolled over and capped the next day''s limit. Wasting those points was basically burning strength. ''Curse whoever made me this horny...'' Leon shot off the couch like a rocket, pulling up the glowing interface in front of him. With the urgency of a man defusing a bomb, he rapidly allocated stat points¡ªSpeed, Strength, stamina¡ªhis mind calculating how to properly distribute the points. By 11:55 PM, it was done. Leon slumped back, sighing in relief. "That was too close... I need to be more careful." Just then, the bathroom door opened with a whoosh of hot air. Elizabeth stepped out, wrapped in a white towel, her hair damp and clinging to her neck as she dried it with another. She paused, looking at him. "...What happened to you? You look like someone that nearly lost a million credits." Leon met her eyes, deadpan. "You have no idea." She tilted her head, confused. Before she could ask more, he stood up and headed toward the bathroom, patting her head lightly as he passed, the door locking behind him. Elizabeth blinked. "Weird... I thought he''d drag me in with him." She gave a small shrug. He''s probably tired from pushing his talent all day. Still, her smile lingered as she walked over to the bed. **** The Next Morning... Golden rays crept through the slits of the drawn curtains, painting faint lines of light across the wooden floor. Leon stretched, blinking off the last traces of sleep. Elizabeth was already tying her hair up, the soft rustle of fabric and footsteps echoing through the house. Today was the day. Their first return to the real world. Leon and Elizabeth moved efficiently, packing away the remnants of their life in this temporary space. The furniture was draped in white cloths to guard against dust. Dishes were cleaned and stored. Floors swept. It was unlikely they''d return before thirty days elapsed¡ªunless they managed to find a stabilizing crystal during their deployment¡ªbut neither of them wanted to come back to a mess. Finally, they stood by the door, gazing once more at the now-quiet home. Their inventories carried what little they were allowed to take since it had limited space so they only took the essentials and necessities. Leon locked the door behind them with a soft click. "Let''s go," he said. --- At the Teleporter Platform... The plaza outside the transmission tower buzzed with quiet anticipation. Dozens of trial takers stood together, most dressed in combat gear, others in lighter outfits more suited to mobility. Familiar faces from the elite training class were scattered across the crowd¡ªthose who had survived their first trial. Because not everyone had made it back. It was a sobering truth. Leon scanned the area as he and Elizabeth approached the raised teleportation platform. His eyes caught a familiar silhouette¡ªAdrian Peer, walking alone. No sign of the three boys who usually shadowed him. Leon offered a casual. "Yo¡ª" But Adrian didn''t respond. He walked right past Leon without a word, shoulders tense and expression unreadable. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "What was that about?" Leon shrugged. "I just asked for his name and he has been like this since." Elizabeth gave him a deadpan look. "How do you not know the name of your own classmate?" "I was preoccupied with other things," Leon said, straight-faced. Elizabeth crossed her arms. "Like what?" Leon looked at her and smirked. "Training... and you." She blinked, caught off guard¡ªthen looked away with a small smile tugging at her lips. "Fair enough." --- They reached the platform and stepped into the glowing ring. A Federation operator stood nearby, holding a crystal slate. "All surviving trial takers, prepare for transmission." A low hum began to build under their feet. The platform''s veins lit up in brilliant blue, pulsing with arcane energy. Leon glanced at Elizabeth. As She met his gaze and nodded. In the next instant, light engulfed them¡ªtheir bodies dissolving into shimmering particles as they vanished from the trial world returning to the real world. **** A low hum reverberated through the teleportation platform, its circular glyphs glowing with a soft, otherworldly light. Particles of energy danced like falling ash in reverse¡ªrising into the air, then collapsing inward. One by one, figures began to emerge from the light. Their boots touched down on polished steel. Their eyes, sharper than before. Their presence, heavier. They had returned. No longer new. No longer untested. Leon blinked against the real world''s brighter skies, the air here was cleaner and more stable. The lingering scent of the trial world was gone¡ªbut the memories weren''t. **** Leon Kael''s current stats [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% --- [STATS] Strength:532>552 (+20) Speed:493>513(+20) Vitality:485>500 (+15) Stamina:486>496 (+10) Senses:453>468 (+15) Aura:504>524 (+20) --- [Skills] [Echolocation] [Mirror Split] [Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang] --- [Inventory] --- **** ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 15: EX 15. Rankings Chapter 15 - EX 15. Rankings Leon looked around as dozens of other trial takers stood beside him. Each face bore the weight of survival. Some carried it in silence. Others in the subtle twitch of a hand or shift of a stance. This showed how not all had it as easy as Leon. Most of them here would never forget this experience as long as they lived. At the edge of the platform, a familiar figure stepped forward, it was the Overseer. The same man who had sent them off, now waiting for their return. "Welcome back," the Overseer''s voice rang clear and firm, projecting effortlessly across the platform. The murmurs quieted as he spoke. "You are no longer candidates," he said, pride evident in his posture. "You stand here today as pledged Takers¡ªthose who have faced death and walked away stronger." Some people among the crowd straightened instinctively, their shoulders rising with a mix of pride and relief. But the Overseer''s tone turned grave. "However," he continued, "not all who began this path stand with you now." The weight of his words dropped like lead. "Four hundred entered the trial world. But only one hundred and eighty-three returned." Everywhere became silent but a few gasps broke through. One girl''s breath hitched. Another boy''s hand curled into a trembling fist. Leon didn''t flinch, but even he felt it¡ªthat tightening in his chest. It was a brutal reminder. Just surviving once doesn''t mean you''ll survive the next. And even if you do... the next hour could still be your last. All it takes is one breath too slow, one step too late¡ªa single moment of hesitation, and a demon''s blade carving your name into the dirt. "That is what it means to be a Taker," the Overseer went on, his gaze sweeping across them, unblinking. "You are not invincible. You are not the chosen ones. You are weapons. Shields. Soldiers." The silence stretched until it cracked beneath the weight of reality. Some bowed their heads. Others clenched their teeth. But they all listened. Then, the Overseer''s voice lifted, as it became more charismatic, his words laced with iron and fire. "But do not be dejected," he said, stepping forward. "Those who fell entrusted their hopes to you. Their dreams, their future, it now lives in you. You do not fight for yourselves alone. You fight for the Federation. For the people. For humanity." He raised a hand. "Is that clear?" A moment passed. Then like thunder rolling across the platform: "Yes, sir!" Their voices rose in unison, raw and shaken but resolute. "Good," the Overseer nodded. "Your performance rankings will now be posted on the Central Board and uploaded to the Federation Trial Database. Your clearance speed, based on registration has already been received from the Trial Authority in the trial world" A ripple of anticipation ran through the crowd. The central holographic board began to shimmer into existence. Light pulsed at its core as names began to scroll down. The rankings were in. **** Before a candidate ever stepped foot into their first trial, they were thoroughly evaluated¡ªtested not only on raw strength and reflexes, but also their weapon proficiency, combat instincts, resources and overall survivability. This system had been adopted long ago, born from countless unnecessary deaths during the early generations of Trial Takers. Now, with years of accumulated data and experience, the Federation assigned each candidate a recommended trial difficulty based on their capabilities. The intent was simple: maximize survival in the first trial. But the rules were strict. Once evaluated, a candidate must enter the difficulty tier they were assigned. If someone disregarded that recommendation¡ªchoosing a tier above their capabilities¡ªand managed to return alive, they would not be praised. Instead, they would be punished accordingly. The message was clear: no one was above the system. Those who disobeyed and somehow survived were made into examples, publicly reprimanded to deter others from gambling with their lives. Trial Takers were soldiers, not heroes. Recklessness could not be rewarded. Leon Kael had been assigned Tier V¡ªthe highest difficulty allotted only to those in the elite class. The assignment made sense. Leon was ranked at the top in physical assessments and came from a family of prodigies. But what no one knew was that he had set his trial difficulty to Tier VII. He hadn''t told anyone, not even Elizabeth. He didn''t want the burden of being questioned. Didn''t want the extra eyes. And he definitely didn''t want the punishment if they found out. So he kept it quiet, played along with the role of Tier V. He had no interest in explaining his EX-rank talent to the world. Not yet. And even if he wanted to resolve the situation he would have to involve that person and that would be another headache. Now, the arena buzzed with energy as the rankings were revealed. The large holographic board projected from the center platform, displaying five glowing rows, each topped with a trial tier label¡ªTier I through Tier V. Each name beneath the tiers was ordered by performance: the faster you cleared your trial, the higher you were ranked. Tier V housed the elite class. Only 69 names remained out of the original 80, a somber but expected loss. Still, they fared far better than the other classes. Tier III had just 37 names. Tier IV barely scraped 40. Tier I, the weakest group, had less than half remaining. "Can''t believe I ranked 20th..." a boy muttered from Tier II, staring up at the board. "What the hell are you proud of?" another scoffed. "You''re in last place." The boy winced. "You don''t have to say it like that..." Nearby, a girl from Tier III nudged a boy standing beside her. "Senior Brother, I ranked 12th and you''re 9th. You have to protect me now, okay?" He chuckled, but his eyes gleamed with something less innocent. "For the right price... I''ll take real good care of you." Elsewhere in the crowd, laughter erupted. "I ranked higher than you! I won the bet! Don''t forget to send me my credits!" "Damn it!" the loser groaned wishing that he had been a little faster in the trial. The arena was full of noise but that energy shifted the moment a single voice cried out in shock. "How is this possible?" Heads turned. "What?!" "No way..." All eyes followed the direction the voice was facing. More gasps followed as others looked up at the Tier V rankings. Even those in the lower tiers were curious and peered over. Murmurs built into a low roar as disbelief settled into the air. "Leon Kael... 64th place?" "The Leon Kael?" "The prodigy?" It was true. The golden boy of the training year, the one they all believed would rank at the top¡ªwas nearly dead last. On the board, in glowing white letters: Leon Kael ¨C 64th place (Tier V). The Overseer himself blinked in visible surprise, his jaw tightening as he processed the information. It didn''t make sense. The boy had shown too much promise, too much potential. His mind began racing with possibilities for the low ranking. But the cause of all these¡ªLeon Just stood there in the crowd unbothered. His expression was neutral and unreadable. The others stared but he didn''t flinch he didn''t even twitch. Those in the elite class were surprised at first before most of them smiled smugly happy for the downfall of the thorn in their side. Elizabeth remained impassive, arms crossed. She wasn''t fooled by the rankings. Numbers meant little in the face of actual strength. Adrian Peer didn''t even glance at the board. Although he ranked first in the rankings he didn''t feel good about it. Something told him there was something more to this. His rival wasn''t this weak. Still, the weight of the revelation hung over the arena like a stormcloud. Leon Kael, the brightest star of their generation... was ranked near the bottom. But if anyone thought that meant he was weak¡ªthey were dead wrong. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 16: EX 16. Family Reunion Chapter 16 - EX 16. Family Reunion As the day drew to a close, the buzzing energy of the rankings announcement gradually faded. Students returned to their various homes, chattering in hushed voices, still processing what they had witnessed. Leon Kael¡ª64th place. No one had seen that coming. But as surprising as it was, none of them would lose sleep over it. After all, it was his life, not theirs. The world kept moving. Outside the trial center, the evening breeze carried the scent of warm pavement and fading tension. Leon walked beside Elizabeth, their fingers laced together in a quiet show of intimacy. Neither of them spoke as they approached the main gate. The silence between them was comfortable and familiar. A sleek black car pulled up in front of them, its glossy surface reflecting the orange hue of the setting sun. The driver stepped out and rounded the vehicle before opening the rear door without a word. Elizabeth glanced at Leon. "My ride''s here." "I can see that," Leon replied with a faint smirk. She turned to him, her expression shifting¡ªserious now. "Don''t listen to what others say about you," she said softly. "Their opinions don''t matter." Leon''s smirk curled into something calmer. "You should know me by now," he said. "It takes more than that to make me react." Elizabeth nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That''s true." She leaned in, pressing a light peck to his cheek. It was gentle but compared to how she usually was this show of affection was reserved. Then, without another word, she slipped into the car. The driver closed the door behind her, gave Leon a respectful nod, and returned to the driver''s seat. A moment later, the car slid smoothly into the street and disappeared down the road. Leon stood there, watching the vehicle until its taillights vanished around the corner. He turned without a word and headed toward his own car¡ªa low, gleaming sports car. Sliding into the driver''s seat, he shut the door with a solid thud and let out a breath. Leon wasn''t the type to respond to petty insults or baseless rumors. He had two rules for when he did react. The first: if his life was threatened. The second... was a line no one should ever cross. Because the moment someone did, they''d regret it for the rest of their life. He turned the key, and the engine purred to life before erupting into a powerful growl. With a masterful turn of his wrist, Leon turned the wheel, tires screeching as he drifted effortlessly out of the lot. Then, with the roar of horsepower behind him, he sped into the evening, the city lights blurring as he raced toward home. **** Three hundred years ago, the world fell into chaos. The skies burned red, cities crumbled under claw and flame, and humanity stood on the brink of extinction as demons surged forth from the abyss. But in their darkest hour, a spark of salvation appeared¡ªthe Trial Resonance. This mysterious phenomenon granted select individuals access to the Trial World, a brutal realm where power could be earned through blood, sweat, and survival. Those who returned from the trials came back stronger¡ªfaster and deadlier with a few being gifted with supernatural talents. With these powers, humanity pushed back against the demonic tide, reclaiming a sliver of land and building a fragile wall between order and oblivion. But even with a common enemy, human nature did not change. Greed crept in like rot beneath the surface. The initial unity fractured as the trial-born powers inflated egos and ambitions. Instead of pointing their blades at the demons, humans turned them on each other. Factions rose, borders were drawn, and petty wars flared. Each side sought to become the supreme ruler of the reclaimed world. And while humans bickered, the demons grew stronger once more. Battles were lost, territories fell and history threatened to repeat itself. Until he returned. From the Trial World came a man unlike any before him, bearing a Supreme Rank Talent¡ªa rank so transcendent, it shattered every notion of power. He was unmatched, unstoppable, a force of nature. And with that power, he did what no council or treaty could ever achieve: he unified humanity. And he called the unified Land.... the Federation. The demons were pushed back once again, beaten down by a unified front led by a man who had no weakness. He elected himself the first Governor and established the Yakomoto Family as the ruling lineage, a symbol of strength and order. Under his command, the Federation was structured into administrative territories governed by noble families. The noble families were split into two ranks: Rank 2 Families: Leaders of regions. Their heads possessed Ordinary Talents¡ªpowerful, but common among talent awakened trial-takers. Rank 1 Families: Rulers of entire domains, vast territories composed of multiple regions. Their bloodlines bore Extraordinary Talents, granting them influence, power, and prestige. Leon Kael was born into one such Rank 1 family¡ªThe Kael Family, rulers of the Kael Domain. Both his father and mother wielded extraordinary talents and sat high on the Federation''s noble ladder. As Leon drove away from the capital, the glow of the city faded behind him, giving way to the lush, expansive roads of the countryside. It didn''t take long before he crossed into the Kael Domain. Along the roads, workers paused and waved, common folk nodding with reverence as the sleek sports car roared past. To them, he was the young master, heir of the Kael''s. After a short drive, towering gates came into view, opening automatically for his approach. He drove through without delay¡ªrecognition of both him and his car granting immediate access. The mansion ahead sprawled across the estate like a fortress made for kings. Guards stood tall, but not a single one moved to stop him. They knew exactly who he was. Pulling to a smooth stop before the main house, Leon handed his keys to a waiting butler, who bowed and moved to park the vehicle properly. Without waiting, Leon stepped up the stone steps and entered the house. He barely made it two steps in before stopping. His father¡ªDarian Kael sat in the central chair of the foyer''s great room, posture straight, eyes locked on him. His mother¡ªSelene Kael stood beside the chair, hands folded tightly, a composed but unmistakably serious look on her face. By the doorframe, leaning casually with arms crossed, stood his older sister¡ªValeria Kael, her gaze unreadable. Leon froze for a moment, blinking. He had been ready to smile, ready to greet them. But the air inside the mansion felt... off. ''What''s going on?'' he wondered, eyes narrowing slightly. And then it clicked. ''Wait... don''t tell me this is about my rank in the evaluation.'' His face stayed neutral, but inwardly, Leon sighed. ''Seriously?'' ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 17: EX 17. Revelation I Chapter 17 - EX 17. Revelation I The rankings had been uploaded to the Federation''s public database only an hour ago, so Leon wasn''t surprised his family had already seen them. There wasn''t much he could hide from them anyway¡ªnot when his father had eyes in places Leon would never expect. As he stepped into the grand Kael estate''s living room, Leon saw them all waiting. His father, Darian Kael, sat upright in the head chair, a man forged from discipline and rigid control. Beside him stood his mother, Selene, poised and elegant as ever, her expression unreadable. Leaning lazily against the doorway that led into the inner mansion was Valeria, his senior sister, arms crossed, watching with detached amusement. Leon opened his mouth to speak, hoping to get ahead of the scolding. "There''s a bit of¡ª" "Sit," his father interrupted sharply. Leon''s words died in his throat. With a sigh, he moved to the chair directly opposite his father and sat. Darian had always been like this¡ªfirm and unyielding, commanding respect even in silence. Leon had never particularly minded. He was used to it. After all, he wasn''t exactly a rebellious child... well, not until now, maybe. "We saw the rankings," Selene said softly, her voice calm yet firm. Leon''s brow furrowed slightly. ''Is that really what this is about? Just the damn ranking? I mean, sure, it looks bad, but they should at least let me explain...'' He parted his lips to speak again, but his father raised a hand. "Let your mother finish." Leon followed his instructions as silence spread over the room like a thick fog. The tension was heavy¡ªtoo heavy for something as simple as a public ranking. Then, from the doorway, Valeria spoke in her usual blunt tone. "Can we stop stalling and just tell him already?" Selene shot her a warning look, but Valeria merely shrugged, clearly unbothered. Darian sighed, his usually firm voice carrying a tinge of heaviness this time. "She''s right. We can''t delay this any longer." Leon, still quiet because of his father''s command, was starting to feel genuinely uneasy. ''Tell me what?'' Then Selene after resolving herself turned to him fully, her expression softening as she called him by the name only she used. "Leo..." Her voice trembled slightly, as she struggled to look Leon in the eye. "You are not our son." The words didn''t hit him immediately. His brain processed them slowly, one by one, like a broken program trying to reboot. ''Not their son?'' His eyes widened. He shot up from the chair, all sense of protocol forgotten. "What?" he blurted, his voice louder than intended. He searched their faces for a sign of a joke, a test or even a trick. But they weren''t joking. And the weight behind their eyes said one thing clearly¡ª This was real. **** When Leon reincarnated into this world, he had gained full awareness of his surroundings at just nine months old. But even with that early awakening, he had no memories of how he came into this world¡ªno memory of birth and no memory of origin. Now, still standing in the Kael family''s lavish sitting room, those memories, those quiet suspicions began to line up. "So my hair and eyes... they''re not the result of some rare disease?" Leon asked, his voice low. Selene''s expression crumbled with guilt. "Yes... it wasn''t a disease. I found you like that." Leon blinked slowly. ''It makes sense now.'' He had always felt like the odd piece in a perfect painting. His father, Darian Kael, was a towering figure, broad-shouldered and built like a statue of war itself. His eyes were a sharp, commanding azure cool, piercing and unreadable. His hair flowed like liquid gold, long and immaculate, carrying the unmistakable glow of Kael blood. His mother Selene was graceful and unyielding in her poise, she had raven-black hair that shimmered like night silk. Her eyes were a striking ruby red¡ªbright, intelligent, and full of quiet fire. His sister Valeria was their perfect blend¡ªher hair inherited from their mother, dark and glossy, but her eyes were their father''s: clear, cutting, and deeply proud. Leon, by contrast, had Silver-white hair and Sapphire-blue eyes that glinted like mirrors in the light. He didn''t look like them. Not even close. "You said you found me?" Leon said, his voice firmer now. Selene nodded solemnly, taking a slow breath before answering. "Nineteen years ago, the Federation''s border faced one of its worst assaults. The Dreisphane Domain was under siege¡ªmultiple S and SS-rank demons had launched a full invasion." Her tone turned distant, the words laced with memory and weariness. "I was among those deployed to assist at the border. And after a gruesome battle we were able to push them back eventually, but much of the domain had already been reduced to ash at that point." She paused, as if reliving it. "When we were combing through the wreckage searching for those who were lucky enough to survive the calamity. I found you among those survivors. A baby. Alone, barely breathing, covered in dust and blood... yet still alive." Leon stared at her, he was stunned silent. "I didn''t understand how something so small could survive that destruction," she continued. "But then, when I used my talent on you... you smiled at me. Just like that. A smile right after surviving a demon siege." Selene''s eyes softened as her voice trembled. "I told myself, any child who could smile after facing death... had the strength to be a noble. I didn''t care whose blood ran through your veins. From that day, you were mine." Leon listened in silence, every word etching itself into his mind. He could picture it¡ªan infant buried in rubble, smiling through pain. That sounded like him. That sounded like something only he would do. "So why didn''t you tell me?" he asked finally. Selene looked away, her voice cracking. "Because I was afraid. I feared that if you ever found out the truth... you''d stop seeing us as your family." A tear slipped down her cheek. "But now I know I was wrong. I should''ve trusted the bond we built." Leon''s chest tightened at the sight. No child wanted to see their mother cry¡ªeven one not bound by blood. He took a step forward, hand reaching out to console her. But then Darian''s voice cut through the moment. "If we had told you earlier... you wouldn''t have been so surprised to find out you didn''t awaken a talent." Leon froze. "...Eh?" The atmosphere shifted as his mind stalled again. He turned toward his father slowly. "What do you mean... didn''t awaken?" **** In the Federation, talents were everything. They were the dividing line between the ordinary and the exceptional Trial takers. They were the key to survival, status and power. From the moment the first Trial taker awakened a talent during the early demon wars, humanity had dedicated generations to understanding and replicating the phenomenon. Over time, one truth became clear: Talents were bound by blood. If two individuals of the same talent rank had a child, there was a 100% chance the child would inherit a talent of equal rank. However, if the union was unequal¡ªone parent with a talent and the other without, two parents with different talent ranks and two parents with no talent¡ªthen the odds dropped drastically. The chances of birthing a child with any talent at all became a gamble: just a 50-50 chance. This discovery had created the modern noble class, families that selectively bred within high-ranking lineages to ensure strong successors. So when Leon had gotten a low ranking, his parents, knowing he wasn''t their biological son had quietly accepted the possibility that he hadn''t awakened a talent at all. That is, until now. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 18: EX 18. Revelation II Chapter 18 - EX 18. Revelation II Selene, still wiping her tears, looked up. As Her voice trembled with sudden hope. "Wait... Leo, did you awaken a talent?" Leon gave a slow nod. "Yes. I did." Stunned silence fell over the room. Even Darian and Valeria who rarely showed surprise at anything visibly froze. Selene stepped forward quickly, eyes wide. "What rank is it?" Leon opened his mouth. "It''s Ex¡ª" Before he could finish, his father shot up from his chair. "You awakened an Extraordinary rank talent?!" Before Leon could clarify, his mother had rushed to him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I knew my boy would awaken a talent," she whispered, clutching him. "I never doubted it." Leon, his face half-buried in her bossom, thought dryly, ''Weren''t you crying a second ago, fearing I didn''t awaken anything?'' But he didn''t say it aloud. He let them believe the misunderstanding. EX-rank talents were virtually unheard of¡ªsomething outside the system, something glitched. It was fine to let them think it was just Extraordinary for now. Selene finally pulled back, smiling through her tears. "But Leo... if you awakened an Extraordinary talent, why did you finish your first trial so late?" Her question was mirrored in the curious stares of both Darian and Valeria. Leon rubbed the back of his neck. "Well..." He repeated the same story he had told Elizabeth. As he spoke, his family listened intently. The moment he finished, silence fell again. "What?" Leon asked, confused. It was Valeria who responded first. "You were already a monster before," she said casually. "Now you''ve just become broken." Selene shook her head, laughing softly. "I''ve never heard of a talent that can add points to stats." Darian nodded in agreement. "Unheard of. But perhaps that''s its unique quality afterall every Extraordinary talent is different." Leon smiled to himself. It''s not just Extraordinary. It''s EX-rank. But sure, let''s go with that. He was feeling smug about how easily they''d bought his explanation¡ªuntil his mother spoke again. "So, Leo," she said gently, "what are the conditions to get these points?" ''Shit,'' Leon thought, stiffening. ''Why didn''t she just assume,'' like Elizabeth did? All three of them were watching him now, waiting. Leon let out a quiet breath. "Well... I guess I have to show you." He hadn''t gathered his daily points yet. He might as well use this chance. Turning toward the hallway, he gestured for them to follow. "Come on. Let''s head to Training Ground Two." **** The moment they reached Training Ground Two, Leon didn''t waste a second. He reached into his inventory, and with a flash of light a sword materialized in his hand. Its sleek edge shimmered beneath the overhead lights, humming with silent anticipation. He turned to face his family, who stood clustered just beyond the platform. "Just to let you know," Leon said, gripping his sword with one hand, "this is going to take some time." Selene stepped forward with a soft smile. "Don''t worry we have all the time in the world." Leon nodded, though a strange unease stirred in his chest. ''Why am I feeling so nervous?'' He wasn''t about to confess to a crime or challenge the heavens, he just wanted to show his family his talent. ''I hope they won''t be discouraged after watching. But it''s fine since they asked for it. And if they feel discouraged afterwards, I''ll just console them later.'' A smirk crept onto his face, only to be shattered by his mother''s casual voice from behind. "So... when are you starting? Do you need to do a ritual or something? If it involves you getting naked, don''t worry. We''ve all¡ª" "Mom!" Leon spun around, his cheeks slightly red. "That''s not it!" Selene blinked innocently. "Okay then." With a deep exhale, Leon turned around and approached the control panel. This time, he didn''t summon a combat bot or a training dummy. He summoned a wall. A thick, towering slab of reinforced steel emerged from the ground with a grinding rumble. Selena: "....." Valeria: "....." Darian: "....." They all stared in complete confusion. Why did he summon a wall? Before they could ask Leon already moved. With no hesitation, he slashed his sword against the wall. Once. Twice. Three times. Then faster. The sound of metal striking metal rang through the arena in a relentless rhythm. His blade moved with blistering speed¡ªfar beyond what anyone would expect from an F-rank. He struck again and again, his movements blurring, his breath steady. One minute passed. Then five. Still, Leon didn''t stop. His arms pumped like pistons, his footwork light and precise. Sweat glistened on his brow, but his grip remained firm. His family had shifted from confusion to stunned silence. That speed... that was not F-rank speed. Leon''s stats had long surpassed his pre-trial self. Speed, stamina and strength had all climbed. Hitting the wall ten thousand times, a thousand strikes per minute was nothing but a warm-up now. After 10 minutes he finally stopped. As he turned to face his family, sword resting on his shoulder. "Now," he said, "comes the next part." They watched intently as Leon began to distribute the accumulated stat points. To Valeria, nothing had changed. But Darian and Selene felt it. An unseen force surged through the training ground. Like ripples in still water, it spread outward from Leon''s body. They watched, wide-eyed, as his muscles subtly shifted¡ªfibers aligning more perfectly, skin growing denser, his aura deepening. It was power. Raw, unfiltered power, flowing into him from nowhere. Shock overtook both parents'' expressions¡ªfollowed by something else: seriousness. This wasn''t just a unique talent. It was unprecedented. Selene and Darian both came to the same silent conclusion. ''We have to protect our son. At all costs.'' As the glow faded and the change settled, Leon walked back to them. "I''m done." He was hoping to see the shock on their faces after showing them his talent but He was disappointed to see Darian''s and Valaria''s stoic expression it was only Selena that had a look of relief on her face for her son actually having a talent. But then Darian suddenly stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Leon''s shoulder. "Son," he said. "You must know by now¡ªyour talent has limitless potential." Leon nodded. "Yes. I do." "And you''re aware," his father continued, "that there are dangerous people out there. Lunatics who''ve sided with the demons. People who would do anything to destroy someone with your potential." Leon''s face hardened. He nodded again. "The demon worshippers..." "Exactly." Darian''s tone deepened. "If they found out about this talent, they''d stop at nothing to eliminate you. That''s why, Leon... we don''t want you to tell anyone about your talent." Leon gulped. Selene, ever perceptive, caught the look. "You told Elizabeth, didn''t you?" Leon hesitated. Then nodded. His mother smiled softly. "Don''t worry. I''ll talk to her. She''s smart. I know she won''t say a word." Darian spoke again. " It''s now clear why you finished the trial so late. You were trying to gather as many points as possible. And if I had to guess..." Leon answered before he could finish. "I set the trial difficulty at Tier VII." Darian''s eyes widened. Even Valeria blinked in surprise. Then, to everyone''s shock, Darian smiled. A small, rare smile. "If gaining power by slashing a wall is what defines an Extraordinary talent, then your mother and I must''ve been scammed." Selene laughed, at the joke. As Darian finally said. "But always remember that just because your talent is powerful doesn''t mean you should let it go to your head. Is that Understood?" Leon straightened and nodded. "Yes, Dad." Darian clapped his shoulder once showing a proud smile. "That''s my boy." **** Leon''s current stats [Status Panel] Name: Leon Kael Race: Human Age: 19 Class: Warrior Rank: F-Rank Talent: {Attack} ¡ª EX Rank Status: Normal Health: 100% --- [STATS] Strength:552>572 (+20) Speed:513>533 (+20) Vitality:500>515 (+15) Stamina:496>511 (+15) Senses:468>478 (+10) Aura:524>544 (+20) --- [Skills] [Echolocation] [Mirror Split] [Phantom Edge ¨C Form 1: Flicker Fang] --- [Inventory] --- ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 19: EX 19. What will be my Purpose? Chapter 19 - EX 19. What will be my Purpose? The clatter of cutlery had long faded, replaced by soft goodnights and the creak of doors closing one after another. Dinner had been warm, filled with smiles and quiet conversation. After all the revelations that took place in one night plus Leon''s return from the Trial World, rest was not a luxury it was a necessity. Steam curled from the bathroom door as Leon stepped out, towel draped around his neck, damp hair clinging to his forehead. The cool air of his room kissed his skin as he changed into his night clothes with lazy, practiced motions. His mind, however, was far from idle. He thought back to what his mother had told him at the dinner table. She had once planned to reveal the truth. If he hadn''t received the trial resonance by eighteen, she would have sat him down and told him everything but fate had taken a different turn. But Leon didn''t care. Was there a twinge of sadness knowing he didn''t share the Kael bloodline? Maybe for a second. But it passed like a fleeting shadow. They had raised him. Loved him. Fed him. Trained him. He was forged in their fire, shaped by their discipline and held by their warmth. Bloodline? That was just ink on a forgotten scroll. What mattered was real and tangible. His mother''s embrace. His father''s teachings. The way his sister stood by him no matter the trouble. He pulled his shirt down over his head. No... something would have to be seriously wrong with his head to let something like blood redefine his identity. He was a Kael. Through and through and nothing would ever change that. Climbing into bed, Leon grabbed his phone and flopped onto his back, thumbs flicking across the screen. As a message from Elizabeth popped up. "Did you get home safe?" A grin tugged at his lips as he replied. The two chatted for a while¡ªnothing deep, nothing heavy, just the easy flow of two people who knew each other too well. Eventually, her replies stopped. She''d fallen asleep. Leon turned off his phone, plugged it in, and let it drop beside the bed with a soft thud. But a thought crept in, uninvited but gentle. ''I wonder who my real parents are...'' He yawned. As the Sleep pulled at him like a tide, and he surrendered to it, letting his thoughts drift into the quiet hum of his dreams. **** In another room of the Kael household, silence reigned. A girl lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She wore a short, white sleeveless nightgown dotted with tiny strawberry patterns. The gown clung lightly to her form, hinting at her curves¡ªshapely hips and a modest bust. Her long, raven-black hair was tucked neatly into a black bonnet, and her azure eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, unmoving. Valeria Kael didn''t blink or shift. ''At this rate... Leon will become so strong that I won''t be able to protect him anymore.'' A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she finally turned on her side, curling slightly toward the wall. She remembered it clearly. She had only been five years old when her mother brought a baby home. She hadn''t understood much back then, but while her parents spoke in private, she had crept over to get a peek at the child nestled in her mother''s arms. The moment her eyes landed on baby Leon, her tiny voice had whispered just one word. "Cute..." From that day on, she made herself a quiet promise she would protect him no matter what. That childish resolve had only deepened with time. As Leon grew, she watched him become kind, hardworking and fiercely devoted to their family. And with each year, her reasons for guarding him grew beyond just that long-ago promise. She trained harder than anyone. Even after awakening her Extraordinary talent and surviving the trial world, she didn''t ease up but instead she intensified her training. Because deep down, she knew one simple truth: In this world, the only thing that truly matters... is power. That truth shaped her. As She grew more reserved and distant. But she didn''t care. So long as she could protect Leon, that was enough. But now... Leon had awakened a power that dwarfed her own. A power that would soon surpass her. ''And when that day comes... what happens to my purpose?'' She closed her eyes, but the question lingered. Only sleep could silence it. **** Inside a well-lit office lined with bookshelves and framed Federation emblems, Overseer Eddine Kronenburg sat before a large screen, the soft hum of the video-conference filling the room. On the screen, dozens of overseers from across the Federation training centers appeared in neat squares¡ªeach one a key figure responsible for molding the next generation of Trial Takers. The meeting was in full swing. Discussion flowed smoothly¡ªplans for the upcoming session, curriculum adjustments, and most importantly, how to manage this year''s newly resonated candidates. The last time they had all gathered like this was during the Trial Summoning in the Capital. Now, it was time to prepare for the new cycle. Once the official matters wrapped up, the tone shifted. One overseer, a lean man with silver-rimmed glasses, leaned back with a proud smile. "I must say, I''m extremely pleased with my last year''s batch," he announced. "Our top candidate cleared his first trial in just four days." The room buzzed instantly. "Impressive! Congrats on your success," said one overseer. "From here, you''ll only move upward," another added. A round of congratulations followed. There was awe in their voices¡ªfour days. That was brushing against legend. Almost on par with the current Governor himself, who had famously cleared his first trial in just a single day. Eddine remained silent, sipping from a glass of lukewarm water. The envy in the room was palpable, but none of them showed it beyond tight smiles. Even without direct rewards, it has been proven analytically that a fast-clearing candidate would gain prestige. And prestige eventually led to privilege. The overseers continued sharing. "Mine finished in six days. Not bad, considering his lack of background." "Well, mine did it in five. A magnificent girl¡ªher control was terrifying." Brags were mixed with complaints. Before, someone steered the spotlight. "Ah, we''ve only been talking about ourselves," came a smug voice it was Overseer Harlan. "We almost forgot about Eddine. Tell us¡ªhow fast was your top candidate?" The screens went quiet. All attention turned to Eddine. Harlan wore a mocking smile, thinly veiled under politeness. Eddine''s jaw tightened. This bastard knew exactly what he was doing. Eddine had been the one talking big before the Trial Summoning. Talking about ''record breakers'' and ''future legends.'' And now... It was like being served dogshit on fine china. And he had no choice but to eat it. After a brief pause, he gave a tight nod. "Nine days." He was referring to Adrian Peer. The silence stretched. Then came the quiet judgment behind composed expressions. Nine days? And this guy was bragging like he had the next Governor? No one said it out loud. But he knew what they were all thinking it. "That''s... good," one overseer finally said. "Well, I''ve got to prepare my center. The new year waits for no one." Others began logging off, one by one. The last to leave was Harlan. His smile hadn''t moved an inch. "See you next cycle, Eddine," he said smoothly, before blinking off the screen. ... ... ... A/N: Please send power stones and leave reviews. ... ... ... Chapter 20: EX 20. Never give up Chapter 20 - EX 20. Never give up Eddine was left alone. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his face with both hands before standing and walking to his coffee machine. The hum of brewing filled the room. Mug in hand, he leaned against his desk, eyes distant. ''I don''t get it. Leon was always so focused, so driven...'' He took a slow sip. ''The only reason I can think of is... maybe he increased the trial''s difficulty? But no. That would be insane. Not only would he definitely fail¡ªhe''d be severely punished afterward if he managed to clear it by luck.'' Another sip. As he frowned deeper. ''Then what? Maybe he didn''t awaken a talent at all? But that doesn''t make sense either. Both his parents are talented unless...'' Eddine froze. ''Unless they''re not his real parents.'' He dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. it was too speculative. He returned to his desk and placed the mug down, gently. Whatever the case, it no longer mattered. Leon had passed. He''d made it. That was all that counted now. "All I can do," Eddine muttered, reaching for his data pad, "is wish the kid well. He earned that much." And with that, he started the work of preparing the new year''s training¡ªhoping, just maybe, someone in the next batch would be everything he had once expected. **** The Kael Estate was still cloaked in darkness when Leon''s eyes opened. 4:00 a.m. sharp. No alarms. No noise. Just his body responding to the discipline hammered into it over years of relentless training. A habit born from desperation and ambition¡ªone that had started the day he realized this world wasn''t Earth. Here, power was real. Flight wasn''t fiction. Monsters weren''t myths. He threw off the covers, rose with a silent breath, and padded barefoot across his polished room. After brushing his teeth and splashing cold water on his face, he glanced at the mirror. There was no tiredness in his gaze. No grogginess. Just habit, ticking like a machine. He stepped outside, the estate''s quiet grounds stretching into the distance. Moonlight bathed the path as he made his way to one of the private training fields behind the main residence. He''d trained on every one of them¡ªblades, strength, reflexes, technique¡ªhe''d left sweat and blood on every inch of Kael soil. By the time the sun would rise, Leon would have already completed a full rotation of high-intensity drills. Enough to leave a normal human or Grounder, as they were called¡ªshattered and breathless. But that was no longer the case. Leon stood at the edge of the sand pit, panting lightly as the final notification ticked in. > [Attack points: 10,000/10,000.] He stared at it for a moment, then nodded to himself. No need to push further. Not anymore. With his talent awakened, he no longer needed to grind endlessly for progress. A single day of accumulating attack points outpaced what three months of brutal physical training could achieve. It almost made all the years of pain feel...pointless. He walked back inside as the estate''s automated lights turned off with the faintest click. For the first time in years, he climbed back into bed after training. No stretching. No tactical reviews. No extra sparring sets. Just beautiful Sleep. The pillow felt softer now, the sheets warmer. Ever since the Trial, Leon had been feeling this strange calmness settle over him. Like a storm he''d been living in had suddenly passed. When he''d first arrived in this world, there had been no time to rest. As a reincarnator who had read many novels, he''d seen what others didn''t¡ªthe scale of the threat. Demon invasions and system awakenings mostly lead to worlds ending. So to be safe he started training before he could even walk properly, dragging himself through pain and pressure before other kids could pronounce "resonance." Because deep down, he didn''t want to die again. He didn''t want to be powerless. At first, he trained for survival. Then, for power. And then...for them. His mother, His sister, Elizabeth, and His father. He wanted to protect them¡ªnot out of duty, but love. And now? He was already stronger than anyone his age. Strong enough that rest wasn''t a risk anymore. And he was quickly catching up to those ahead. As his eyelids grew heavy, Leon thought briefly of the others¡ªtraining, scrambling, burning their energy in hopes of catching up. While he was already miles ahead. A half-smile tugged at his lips as he drifted off. Let them chase me. And with that, he fell asleep again the kind he hadn''t known since the day he was born into this new world. **** It was 8 a.m. when the door to Leon''s room creaked open. Mary stepped in, humming the Federation''s anthem under her breath, the soft tune rising and falling like a well-worn lullaby. She wore the standard Kael Estate maid uniform: crisp, black and white with neatly folded sleeves. Her brown hair was tied into a tidy bun, and her petite frame moved lightly across the floor as she began her usual cleaning routine. Dusting shelves. Straightening books. Adjusting curtains. She moved with practiced efficiency, her brown eyes scanning for anything out of place. When she reached the bed, she smiled faintly. As she reached to straighten the duvet¡ª A sudden movement beneath the covers. Made mary to yelp and jump back, heart hammering in her chest. As Her scream echoed through the room. A blur of silver light answered her cry. Leon shot up from under the blanket, eyes sharp with instinct, and in a single motion, a gleaming sword appeared in his hand¡ªdrawn from his inventory mid-motion. Its edge pointed straight at her throat. Mary froze mid-scream, breath caught. Then silence. Leon''s vision cleared, and his tensed muscles relaxed when he recognized her. "...Mary," he sighed, lowering the sword. With a flash, the blade vanished back into his inventory. "Don''t scream like that. If it had been someone else, you might be dead already." Mary didn''t respond at first. Her wide eyes and pale face said enough. To say her soul hadn''t just tried to leave her body would be a lie. She placed a hand on her chest, taking a shaky breath as the pounding in her ears faded. After calming down, Mary blinked as something registered. ''Wait... the young master is still in bed?'' At this hour? Her gaze shifted to the clock on the wall. Eight. Leon was never in bed by this time. Normally, he''d already be deep into combat drills or sprinting laps around the estate''s training fields. ''He''s not sick,'' she thought. ''Even when he was sick, he trained like a madman.'' A creeping doubt formed in her chest. ''Did... did he give up because of his ranking?'' She frowned slightly, biting her lip, lost in her thoughts as Leon suddenly called out to her. "Mary is breakfast ready?" She snapped out of it and nodded unconsciously. Leon''s expression brightened. "That''s good. I''m really parched." He gave a lazy yawn and moved toward the door. "Alright, I''ll leave the room for you. Clean it well." He was halfway through the door when her voice stopped him. "Young master." Leon paused as he turned his head slightly, brows raised in mild curiosity. "What is it?" Mary hesitated, eyes cast downward, fingers gripping her apron tightly. Then, with a deep breath, she found her voice. "No matter what... never give up." The words hung in the air like a fragile thread. Leon blinked. For a second, he didn''t understand. Then the meaning hit him. A small smile tugged at his lips. He turned his head fully and met her eyes. "Don''t worry," he said softly. "I don''t plan to do that." With that, he stepped out into the hallway, the scent of breakfast in the air, leaving a stunned but relieved Mary behind to finish cleaning. ... ... ... A/N: Well it seems we are already half way through the novel. Okay I''m kidding we haven''t even scratched the surface yet but in order to do that I will need you guys support. And the way you guys can do that that is by adding the book to your library (after all you have reached this far already), Leave a comment or review, send power stones, Golden tickets and even gifts all this keeps me motivated to keep on writing. And thank you for so much reading you guys are EXceptional (?¨R?¨Œ?¨Q?) ... ... ... Chapter 21: EX 21. The Celebration I Chapter 21 - EX 21. The Celebration I When Leon arrived at the grand dining hall, the long mahogany table was nearly empty¡ªexcept for one figure seated at its far end. His mother, Selena Kael. She was already halfway through her meal, dressed in an elegant house robe that matched the morning light pouring through the estate''s crystal-paned windows. Her silver utensils moved with practiced grace, each motion measured and quiet. Leon approached and offered a short bow of greeting. "Good morning, Mother." Selena gave him a gentle smile. "Good morning, Leo." He sat down beside her, and within moments, the household staff began serving his breakfast¡ªa rich spread of eggs, grilled meat, steamed vegetables and fruit nectar. As he dug in, mouth half-full, Selena looked up from her plate. "You weren''t in the training ground this morning," she said casually, slicing into her meat. "I assume you used your talent to accumulate points instead?" Leon gave a small nod in reply, chewing silently. Selena watched him for a moment, a wistful smile forming at the corners of her lips. ''It''s a blessing he awakened such a talent,'' she thought. ''At least now, he no longer has to break his body just to grow stronger. Someone his age shouldn''t have had to endure so much hardship just for power.'' She took a slow sip from her glass. ''I always wondered what fueled his obsession with strength... But if he can achieve it easily now, maybe he can finally live like a child again. My baby boy should remain my baby boy, after all.'' A soft chuckle escaped her lips. Leon raised an eyebrow mid-bite but didn''t comment. As they continued eating in peaceful silence. Once their plates were cleared, Selena dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then looked up. "Leon, we''ve been invited to the Feran Domain." Leon paused just as he was about to rise from his seat, already thinking about heading back to his room¡ªmaybe even playing a few games to pass the time. He turned toward her. "What''s the occasion?" "The Feran family is celebrating their son. He achieved the highest rank at his training center, he completed his trial in four days." Leon blinked once. His expression didn''t change, but the look in his eyes said everything: ''That''s it? They''re throwing a party for something that minor?'' Selena caught the look and laughed quietly. "Don''t give me that face. I know how you feel about these things." He didn''t answer. He didn''t have to. Leon had always disliked social gatherings¡ªpointless formalities filled with noble heirs posturing for attention, forging shallow alliances, or trying to impress someone with family connections. "I''d let you skip it," she continued with a playful tilt of her head, "but your father, your sister, and I are all going. So, you have to attend too." Leon groaned softly, leaning back in his chair. ''Great. There goes every excuse I had.'' With his sister on a mission, he''d thought he might escape the formality¡ªbut of course, she''d be back just in time. And training was no longer a valid excuse now that he could gain points easily. "...Fine," he said with a sigh. "I''ll ask Mary to get my clothes ready." "Good," Selena said, her smile brightening as she leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Just think of it as a family outing. We won''t get many more of those for a while." Leon gave a small nod, his gaze drifting toward the tall windows. Just one more week until deployment, he thought, a quiet fire lighting in his chest. I can''t wait. **** The Federation was vast, structured like a great wheel with a shining capital at its heart and four massive sectors¡ªNorth, South, East, and West¡ªradiating outward like spokes. Each sector was a realm unto itself, governed with near-autonomous authority, but all ultimately answered to the central power: the Governor of the Federation, head of the Yakamoto family. The Governor ruled from the capital, a place where politics ran as deep as the foundations of its citadel. He held absolute authority, and his words alone could shake the entire foundation of the Federation. Beneath him, four of his most trusted vassals¡ªeach a Yakamoto in blood¡ªmanaged the four sectors. Within each sector were three domains, sovereign territories controlled by noble families. In total, there were twelve domains spread across the Federation, each a pillar of regional power. The Kael Domain belonged to the East Sector, sharing its borders with two others: the Queens Domain¡ªElizabeth''s family and the Feran Domain, the host of the upcoming celebration. The Ferans had sent invitations not just to share in joy, but with political intent. They had invited both the Queens and Kaels to flaunt their rising star¡ªtheir heir who had reportedly completed his first trial in just four days. A record-worthy feat, no doubt. It was a clever move. The Federation held a well-known truth: the faster a trial taker completed their first trial, the more promising their future accomplishments would be. It wasn''t just rumor¡ªit was statistically backed, heralded in reports from the Federation''s own Evaluation Bureau. The Ferans intended to use the event as a stage. To shine a light on their future. To brag. To boast. And perhaps, to quietly belittle their neighboring domains, casting shadows over their slower heirs. But if the Feran family thought they could use the occasion to undermine the Kaels, they were sorely mistaken. And if they believed they were the only ones with a rising legend... they were in for a surprise. A very big one. **** The event hall was a masterpiece of opulence and grandeur, built to impress and overwhelm. Gleaming marble floors stretched out beneath a crystalline chandelier the size of a carriage, casting brilliant light across the golden patterns etched into the towering pillars. Velvet drapes of deep crimson lined the walls, embroidered with the insignia of the federation glowing softly under enchantment. Long banquet tables were arranged in a wide arc along the sides of the hall, covered with silver platters of delicacies and glasses filled with glittering wines. A raised dais stood at the far end, clearly meant for the Feran family and honored guests. Nobles from Rank 2 families filled the hall. Clad in luxurious robes and tailored military uniforms, they whispered among themselves¡ªnot just about the food or the decor, but the true stars of the night. The Queens and the Kaels had not yet arrived, and their absence thickened the air with anticipation. Then the grand hall clock struck eight. The bell''s chime echoed once... twice... And on the third chime, the main double doors slowly creaked open. All heads turned. And in walked the Kael and Queens families side by side, a display of unity and authority. Their entrance was no accident¡ªit was calculated, powerful, and impossible to ignore. The nobles quieted instantly. They didn''t need to speak. Their clothes, crafted by the Federation''s finest hands, already spoke volumes¡ªnot just of wealth, but of class, power, and legacy. They moved through the crowd with quiet grace, finding their places near the head of the hall, while the other nobles bowed or offered polite greetings, careful not to overstep. Then the doors opened once more. All eyes turned again. This time, the Feran family entered¡ªheads held high, smiling proudly. It was their event, their hall, their celebration. But even they could feel it. The atmosphere had changed. Because now, more than one powerhouse was gathered in the room. ... ... ... A/N: Wow all that just for an entrance this nobles really know how to show of. Anyway you guys should please send power stones golden tickets or gifts. Thanks a lot for reading ... ... ... Chapter 22: EX 22. The Celebration II Chapter 22 - EX 22. The Celebration II All eyes turned to the grand doors the moment the Feran family stepped into the hall. The music screeched to a halt, the orchestra''s instruments falling silent mid-note. Conversations froze in mid-sentence as nobles from across the East Sector turned to face the stars of the night. The main reason for the celebration had finally arrived. The Ferans stood proudly at the entrance, basking in the attention. They took a moment¡ªjust a breath¡ªto scan the hall, as if weighing the worth of each guest with their gaze. Then, with perfect poise, they moved forward. Their steps were graceful, synchronized, refined. The crimson-and-gold of their formal wear shimmered under the chandeliers, and each stride radiated practiced nobility. But it wasn''t the patriarch or matriarch drawing the stares. It was the red-haired boy in their center. Eden Feran. The prodigy. The boy who completed his first trial in just four days. Every gaze followed him as the family walked toward the head table¡ªpositioned between the Queens and Kael families. The moment they sat down, the music resumed as if on cue, and conversation rippled back through the crowd like a wave restarting after a sudden stillness. Among the guests, two nobles stood near a marble pillar, speaking in hushed tones. One, a gray-bearded man in a silver-trimmed robe¡ªan influential Rank 2 noble from a region under the Feran domain¡ªgestured subtly toward the high table. "I hardly ever see the three Lords gathered in one place like this," he said, voice tinged with admiration. "The young master of the Ferans must truly be exceptional for them to give him such face." The woman beside him, wearing a pearl-gilded gown marked with the Queens domain''s crest, shook her head slightly. "If the young mistress had completed her trial a few days earlier," she murmured, "we might have been celebrating in the Queens domain instead." Regret flickered across her face. The man chuckled dryly. "Too bad. Still, she can''t compare to the Feran boy. No one can, really." Then, with a sly look, he turned his gaze toward another noble lingering nearby¡ªa stern man from a Kael-controlled region. "Well... at least the young mistress did better than him." The insult was sharp. "She finished her trial in ten days. But the Kael boy? Twenty-eight. Makes you wonder if he''s really nobility at all." A few nobles nearby chuckled under their breath. The noble from the Kael domain simply lowered his gaze. He couldn''t argue. The numbers were real. Leon Kael, heir of one of the greatest noble lines, had taken longer than any Rank 1 noble heir in recorded history to complete his first trial. It was an embarrassment¡ªa stain that lingered in every conversation. The noblewoman from the Queens domain said nothing. Though she didn''t refute the jab, she didn''t join in either. The relationship between the Queens and the Kaels was close, and the least she could offer was silence. Throughout the vast hall, similar conversations were happening in corners, beside fountains, near the wine tables. Nobles praised Eden Feran with glowing words, building him up with every sentence. In contrast, they casually tore Leon Kael down, each whispered remark another knife in his reputation. At the head table, the subjects of those conversations could hear it all. The Ferans smiled faintly barely containing the satisfaction on their lips. The Queens and Kaels, however, remained composed. They ate quietly, their expressions unreadable, as if the entire hall didn''t exist to them. Then came a clink. The gentle but sharp sound of a spoon tapping against a crystal tumbler. A man had stood up from the head table. It was Dayton Feran, second-born of the Feran family. Though his robes were just as fine as his family''s, they hung slightly looser, and his posture was not as crisp. Most of the nobles in the hall knew him well¡ªbut not for his titles, nor for any political achievements. He was infamous. A notorious drunk. A known embarrassment to the Feran name. Yet here he was, swaying ever so slightly, holding up a wine-filled tumbler as he smiled. "I''d like to say a few words," Dayton slurred just lightly, raising his glass, "on this special occasion held for my wonderful little brother..." A hushed murmur passed through the hall. Because whenever Dayton Feran spoke, something always happened. **** Luke Feran, the patriarch of the Feran family, sat silently at the center of the head table, his eyes half-lidded and face unreadable. When Dayton stood up and began to tap his tumbler, a few members of the Feran family shifted uncomfortably, and whispers passed through nearby nobles. Everyone knew Dayton''s reputation¡ªan infamous drunk, prone to slurred speeches and unpredictable behavior. Yet Luke didn''t stop him. He didn''t raise a hand. He didn''t frown. He simply allowed his son to speak. Because despite Dayton''s flaws¡ªhis drinking and lack of restraint¡ªthere was one line he had never crossed. He had never spoken poorly about the Feran name. And more importantly, this moment wasn''t a surprise. It was planned. Luke had set him up to it. A quiet game of political chess was playing out in the background of this glittering celebration, and Luke was three moves ahead. His gaze flicked across the table¡ªfirst to the patriarch of the Kael family, then to the matriarch of the Queens. The two had grown far too close for Luke''s liking. Their children''s bond had spilled over into an alliance of households, and that unity was starting to shift balances of influence within the East Sector. An alliance between the Kaels and the Queens... that would never do. But now? Now the world had seen his son¡ªEden Feran¡ªaccomplish a near-impossible feat. Four days to clear his first trial. A record. And not just in speed, but strength, control and grace. And in contrast? Leon Kael. The slowest Rank 1 noble heir in Federation history. What kind of alliance could survive that imbalance? Luke''s lips twitched into the ghost of a smile. His wineglass caught the chandelier light as he brought it to his lips, never once looking at Dayton. ''Let''s see how they react,'' he mused, sipping calmly. ''Let''s see if the Queens still cling to the Kaels after tonight. They only need a little push. Just a spark to light the divide.'' ''And Dayton...: ''You''re the perfect spark.'' As his son cleared his throat and prepared to speak, a hush once again fell across the grand hall. Luke Feran leaned back in his chair, relaxed and composed. Tonight, the alliance between the Kaels and Queens might just break. ... ... ... A/N: Thank you for reading ... ... ... Chapter 23: EX 23. Celebration III Chapter 23 - EX 23. Celebration III As Dayton Feran stood with his tumbler in hand, the hall quieted again, every noble''s attention reluctantly fixed on him. His voice, slurred ever so slightly but still firm enough to be carried across the hall as he began with forced formality: "Standing on protocol, I would like to thank you all for gathering here today; to celebrate the rising star of the Feran family, my brother... Eden Feran." Polite applause rang out¡ªscattered and hollow. Most nobles hoped that would be the end of it. Hoping Dayton just wanted to offer a short, simple toast. But their hopes shattered the moment Dayton''s lips curled into a proud smirk. He wasn''t finished. Not even close. "Eden has been hardworking," he continued, his voice warming with practiced sincerity. "Training from the moment he could properly hold a weapon and from there, his fire to be the best never waned. His determination burned brighter than every obstacle thrown his way. His perseverance allowed him to endure long, inhumane hours of brutal training..." The nobles stirred uncomfortably, exchanging glances. Dayton''s words, while excessive, painted a vivid picture¡ªa young man molded in fire and forged into excellence. The emotion in Dayton''s tone gave it weight, and despite his reputation, some nobles found themselves believing him. After all, Eden Feran had cleared his trial in four days. That couldn''t be faked. But then came the pivot. The sting wrapped in silk. Dayton''s tone slowed as it sharpened. "But..." he said, pausing for effect. "Hard work, determination, perseverance, and diligence..." he listed them with measured precision, "...aren''t what make my brother Eden great." A few nobles leaned in, curious. "No," Dayton said louder, each word hitting with clarity, "it is his ability to meet people''s expectations." The words echoed across the room like a stone thrown into still water. And in that moment, he looked at Leon. What he just said was a jab cloaked in celebration. A public gut punch¡ªdelivered with a smile. But Leon Kael didn''t move. He didn''t even twitch. His expression was unreadable, cold and Detached. He simply stared at Dayton, waiting for the performance to end like a tired spectator at a bad play. From her seat at the Queens'' table, Elizabeth caught the look on Leon''s face and let a faint smile grace her lips. Her thoughts were sharp and confident: "My man won''t fall for your silly tricks. You think you can rile him up with just that? Think again." Dayton''s eyes twitched slightly, the lack of reaction irking him more than any insult ever could. He coughed awkwardly, trying to regain the flow. At the head table, Luke Feran''s fingers tapped twice against his wine glass. It was a signal. Dayton blinked, then nodded slowly. Without hesitation, he lifted his tumbler, tilting it back and draining the rest of his drink in one smooth gulp. The deep crimson liquid slid down his throat¡ªnot ordinary wine, but a specially concocted vintage made to overwhelm even Takers immune to alcohol''s effects. As the fire hit his stomach and spread to his head, Dayton''s expression twisted into something else. He slammed the tumbler onto the table. Eyes glazed just slightly. Lips curling into a crooked smile. Now the real show would begin. Dayton cleared his throat, his tongue loosened by the wine, eyes gleaming with a dangerous spark. The nobles looked on, a few growing visibly tense, sensing something unspoken was about to turn into something unforgettable. "My brother Eden," Dayton continued, "was able to deliver on everyone''s expectations. That, above all, shows his strength¡ªnot just in talent, but in his will to push through anything... to make his family proud." A subtle tremor crossed Leon Kael''s expression. Barely a flicker. But Dayton caught it. His smile curled ever so slightly. ''So the rumors were true.'' He pressed on, pushing past the last restraints of civility, his voice thick with insinuation. As the hall quieted to a hush. --- The rumor that crept through Dayton''s mind wasn''t some baseless gossip. It had roots¡ªroots fed by whispers and jealousy, rooted deep in the training center where the brightest talents of the new generation had once gathered. Leon Kael, the undisputed top talent of the one-year training program. Was, admired, envied and hated. It was only natural. Human nature, after all, came with envy built into its bones. Most kept it in check. Bit their tongues to avoid open conflict. But not everyone was wise. And one unfortunate boy from the Feran Domain¡ªa Rank 2 noble with more arrogance than sense decided to bite off more than he could chew. Leon had been training that day, focused, surrounded by the usual group of hecklers who tried daily to chip away at his patience with childish taunts and empty jabs. He didn''t care. They were beneath him their taunts noise in the wind. But then one of the boy''s made a fatal mistake. "I heard he doesn''t even look like his parents. They say it''s some rare disease... but if you ask me, I bet his mother¡ª" That was as far as he got. By the time the boy blinked, he was already in the infirmary. Diagnosis: ¡ª205 broken bones. ¡ª550 torn muscles. ¡ªA concussion that would have left him drooling for life if not for the cutting-edge medical tech. If not for this center''s advanced healing systems, the boy would''ve been dead. He missed the first trial. His summoning postponed indefinitely until he could move without screaming. And Leon? He walked away with only warning. Why? Because he was Leon Kael. The golden prodigy. The pride of a Rank 1 noble house. And the boy he''d "corrected" was a known troublemaker with nothing to his name but complaints. After that day, no one dared to push Leon again. Not with words. Not with rumors. Not even with glances. The candidates had learned something important: Leon Kael wasn''t just strong. He was cold and unshakable. But if you ever¡ªever¡ªspoke ill of the people he cared about... You''d regret it for the rest of your life. --- And yet here Dayton was, standing on a stage, wine burning in his veins, toying with the edge of that boundary. Dayton didn''t care about the repercussions. Why would he? In his mind, Leon Kael couldn''t do anything to him¡ªfor two very good reasons. First, they were both Rank 1 nobles. That meant the Kaels couldn''t use status or connections to suppress him without causing a ripple in the noble hierarchy because he had the same noble immunity Leon did. Second¡ªand more importantly¡ªDayton was a D-rank Trial Taker. While Leon was Still an F-rank Trial Taker. The difference between them wasn''t just a gap¡ªit was a chasm. A gulf of raw power, physical strength, and combat capability. Even if Leon was more talented, talent alone didn''t win fights. Not when the difference in rank was that wide. Dayton knew Leon couldn''t close the gap. Not now. Not Ever. ... ... ... A/N: You guys can give me your thoughts on Leon''s character in the comments. ... ... ...