Outside, I find a rapidly shrinking crowd of people animatedly talking with one another about the fight, seemingly loving every minute of it.
Contrary to the hateful glares I was getting before, I get nods of acknowledgement from various members of the crowd. I even get a few pats on the back and a couple of ‘good fight’s’ or ‘congratulations’.
I feel an arm wrap itself around my shoulder, and to my surprise, I see Regalius. Rather than being bitter or angry like I would expect, he instead sports a wide, happy grin. I look at him in confusion.
“Man you’re good! That was the most fun I’ve had in ages! We should do this again sometime, but know that next time I won’t be holding back!”
“Uhm… ok?” I say, confused and baffled at the scene in front of me.
“Oh, yeah sorry about all the trouble I was giving you before. You’ve got to understand, my people, and specifically my family, hate people who don’t work for what their given with a passion. So when I had heard all the rumors going around about you, I just had to come over and confront you. Plus, it would be a good way to get some extra brownie points with the fine people of this organization!”
“Uh, I’m sorry, rumors?” I ask.
“Yeah, there’s all kinds of stuff going around about you right now. After your very public ridiculing by Prospect Kitania, people starting going wild with rumors. Things like you being the scion of a slave trading family, or that you are so rich that you’re even able to pay your way through the actual test. Lots of nasty stuff.” He says sagely.
“Really? Why the hell is that happening to me?” I spurt out.
“Well, I think your underestimating just how much pull a full prospect has in this organization. People practically worship those guys, so if someone gets denounced or criticized by one, that person’s career is pretty much over at that branch. The only option is to move branches or find a new job!” He says giggling to himself.
I sit in silence for a few moments, taking in everything I was just told.
‘If what he said is true, I severely underestimated just how screwed I may be. Hell, my social life may never recover!’ I think to myself while sweat drips down my back.
“Hey hey, no need to look so gaunt! Things aren’t all bad now! This little squabble we had will do wonders for your reputation. Think about it, you not only showed that you have at least some skill, enough to beat me which is impressive on it’s own if you knew who I was, but us talking like this right now looks great to the people around us. Just being around me is a good reputation boost, especially if we look all buddy buddy. So let’s just say you owe me one.” He says, flashing a somewhat evil smile.
Hearing that last part causes me to somewhat panic.
“Don’t worry, I won’t make you do anything unreasonable, but when the time comes, assuming you pass the upcoming test, I may need your help with a thing or two.” He says seriously.
I relax slightly at this and nod.
By now the crowd has almost completely disappeared. Seeing this, Regalius unwraps his arm from around my shoulder.
“Well, I better head out, lots of prep work to do before the test tomorrow. You know how it is. Good luck tomorrow!”
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With that he makes his way out of the gym. This whole ordeal still has me, quite frankly baffled. From the indiscriminate taunting, to the intensive battle, to the complete one-eighty of Regalius’ demeanor, I’m left staring at nothing in straight bewilderment.
I shake my head and decide to think about it later. For now I want to get at least some training done.
‘It’s already almost three o’clock, so that leaves me with about three more hours before I should head back to the food court for dinner.’ I think to myself
First though, I have a few notifications that need to be looked at.
It’s quite surprising that I managed to gain a few mastery levels, as the assistant told me during the tour that it’s about twice as hard to gain mastery levels, and actual level once inside.
It just goes to show how hard I had to push myself in that last fight that I managed to gain so many levels.
I quickly admire my status before heading off.
Name
Rowan Attain
Level
18
Class
Legacy: Skill-less Swordsman
Race
Human/Janin(+)
Formless Skin – Allows one to adapt their skin to take on the properties of any creature of any realm in the multiverse. Requires in depth knowledge and analysis of said creature’s physiology to work. Warning: Does not change musculature or internal processes.
Attributes
Strength – 20 (+2)
Agility – 56 (+2)(+8)
Dexterity(+) – 86 (+2)(+4)(+8)
Endurance – 21 (+2)
Perception – 36 (+2)
Intelligence – 22 (+2)
Willpower – 79 (+2)
Masteries
Common
Swords – 27
Temperance – 19
Stealth – 14
Sprinting – 9
Exercise – 7
Thievery – 3
Deception – 4
Killing – 12
Blending In – 1
Misdirection – 9
Monster Hunting – 10
Spirit Control – 6
Item Understanding – 4
Weapon Throwing (Upgradeable) - 1
Uncommon
Assassination – 2
Struggle - 1
Skills
Feats
Early Killer - Very slight increased progression towards your Killing Mastery.
Swords Prodigy - Slight increased progression towards your Swords Mastery. +1 to all Stats.
Temperance Prodigy - Slight increased progression towards your Temperance Mastery. +1 to all Stats.
Early Enlightenment - One trait can be chosen related to your core.
Reversal – One trait can be chosen related to your recent ambush.
Punching Up – +1 to all stats.
Starter’s Blade – +3 AP, +3 to dexterity.
Smart Spender – Save all of your SP until level 10. +1 to all stats.
Novice Spirit Controller – Very slight increased progression towards your Spirit Control mastery. Any cultivation abilities are slightly enhanced. +5 willpower and +5 intelligence.
Connected Mind – You may upgrade your race or add a new attribute to your status. +5 intelligence and + 5 perception.
Boundless Determination – Grants the Limitless trait. +10 Willpower and +10 Endurance.
Core
Sword – Your sword resonates with omnipresence.
Traits
Indomitable Swordsman - Receive a slight boost to perception when in a tough situation. Scales based on willpower.
Meager Swordsman - Increased progression towards your Swords Mastery while living humbly.
Sword of Silence - Harder for enemies to detect your sword coming. Very slight increased progression towards Stealth.
Dedication to the Sword – +2 to all stats when holding a sword, -2 to all stats when not. Increased progression towards Swords Mastery, decreased progression towards all other weapon and combat masteries.
Willful Gains – Permanently gain 5% of your willpower in any stat. Affect continues to scale with willpower. (+3 Dexterity)
Skill-less – All SP gained up to this point and onwards will be transferred into 2 AP each. Unable to acquire skills through any means. Bonus (2 * Tier) AP gained per level.
Sword of Will – Gain 10% of your willpower two other stats. Can be changed once a year. (+6 Dexterity/Agility)
State of Concentration - When you achieve perfect concentration under stressful circumstances, increase your agility and perception by 1.5 times. Duration is based on willpower.
Limitless – In extreme circumstance, your endurance will become equal to your highest stat.
Items
Solace’s Soul Shard (Two uses left)