Chapter 11: A Unique Skill?
Five days had passed, a whirlwind of grinding that propelled Mike and Jek to Tier 2. Their journey, surprisingly devoid of perilous encounters, had yielded substantial points, catapulting Mike into the top 5 and Jek to a respectable 6th place.
The rankings, a stark reminder of their progress and the daunting distance to the top, felt both exhilarating and intimidating.
Ranking:
1. Dane [Great Fire High] [Level 15] – 1280 points
2. Grace [Great Fire High] [Level 12] – 1120 points
3. Luis [Blue Bird High] [Level 12] – 990 points
…
4. Mike [Green Ant High] [Level 12] – 950 points
5. Jek [Green Ant High] [Level 11] – 900 points
Only two days remained, a cruel countdown ticking away their chances. Yet, their current positions were remarkable, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
"A Green Ant High student in the top 5? Unprecedented," someone asked.
This unexpected success, a miraculous ascent from a relatively unknown high school, was making waves.
Outside the Academy gates, the whispers of their achievement reached influential ears.
"A dark horse, indeed," Dav remarked, a hint of pride coloring his voice. "A mid-ranking high school reaching the top 5… unheard of."
"Don't get ahead of yourself," the woman with crimson lips countered, her tone laced with a knowing skepticism. "Remember the early awakener from Green Ant High four months ago? This isn't entirely unexpected. Their motivation is palpable."
"Eira! That boy, Mike, he's from your school, isn't he?" the crimson-lipped woman pressed, her gaze sharp and inquisitive.
"Master, that's her… lover," Auline blurted out, her confidence bordering on audacity.
Eira's cheeks flushed crimson at Auline's impulsive revelation. "He's Mike, a childhood friend," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.
The usually fiery and confident Eira, reduced to a blushing mess. How embarrassing!
"So, he's your…" her master began, her words trailing off, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Eira, desperate to change the subject, interjected, "We're not lovers… at least, not yet."
Auline, ever the mischievous one, couldn't resist teasing her friend. "Master, not yet, but perhaps in the future?"
Their master's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. His performance will determine his fate. If he falters, he won't be accepted into our Academy. Power is paramount; that's the rule."
Eira's heart sank, but her determination remained unshaken. "He can do it. I believe in him," she declared, her voice firm despite the tremor of anxiety within.
Back within the Misty Forest, Mike and Jek stood transfixed by a sight in a secluded pond –
a magnificent silver crocodile, its scales shimmering like polished metal, guarding something precious.
Jek snorted, a mixture of excitement and apprehension in his voice. "This is the second monster we've encountered guarding something valuable. Remember the black fang leopard?"
– Monster Status –
Name: Metal-backed Crocodile
Realm: Elite Monster, Level 15
Strength: 149 | Physique: 160 | Agility: 147 | Mana: 140
Skills: Metal Skin, Water Shot, Metal Crunch
Metal Skin: Hardening its skin with metallic attributes.
Water Shot: Manipulating water to unleash powerful splashes.
Metal Crunch: A devastating bite infused with metallic energy.
Mike's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he studied the crocodile's stats. "This one's going to be a challenge," he muttered, a thrill coursing through him.
"Look what it's protecting!" Jek exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "A Glacier Lotus!"
– Herb Status –
Name: Glacier Lotus
Description: Absorbing its aura over time grants ice-type attributes. For those with existing water/ice attributes, it unlocks the "Wave of the Lotus" a unique skill.
"That flower is perfect for you," Jek explained, his words laced with strategic calculation. "Defeating this Elite monster will earn us significant points, but the skill is the real prize. You're already in the top 5. Inheriting 'Wave of the Lotus' will make you even more attractive to other colleges."
The battle began with the Metal-backed Crocodile lunged, its jaws snapping shut with terrifying force.
ROAR!!!
Mike, relying on his agility, dodged the attack, his heart pounding in his chest.
Jek, providing support, unleashed a barrage of shockwave like spells, distracting the beast. The fight was fierce, a brutal dance of skill and survival.
Mike, fueled by his spirit and determination, discovered a new fighting style, a unique rhythm that allowed him to anticipate the crocodile's movements, weaving through its attacks with uncanny grace.
He use his Current Surge to manipulate the water in the pond.
He found himself instinctively using the environment to his advantage, using the water to enhance his speed and agility.
Creating a vortex like ice skills..
The fight was long and arduous, pushing Mike to his limits. He felt the burn in his muscles, the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm him, but he refused to yield.
Crystalline Sword!!!
With his determination he summon his skills attacking the Crocodile, even though it is a level 15 elite, it is purely in defense.
Thus, this battle they already the advantage
Every strike, every dodge, honed his skills, shaping him into a more formidable warrior. Finally, with a desperate surge of power, he landed a decisive blow, felling the monstrous reptile.
HAAAA!!!
Shiiieeecckkk!!!!
A sprouts of blood appeared in the scene.
Exhausted but triumphant, Mike approached the Glacier Lotus.
As he absorbed its aura, a surge of icy energy coursed through his veins, a new skill blossoming within him – Wave of the Lotus.
He felt a profound sense of accomplishment, a thrilling mix of pride and relief. He had not only survived, but he had thrived, emerging stronger and more skilled than before. The path to the top was still arduous, but with his newfound abilities and unwavering resolve, Mike felt a surge of confidence, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The two days remaining were not just a countdown, but an opportunity to prove his worth. The journey was far from over, but he was ready.
Ding!
You level up!
– Data Panel –
Name: Mike
Race: Human
Realm: Tier 2 [Level 13: 32/100]
Mana Heart: Crystalline Mana Heart (Hidden Water Branch)
Strength: 149 | Physique: 138 | Agility: 142 | Mana: 150
Native Skill: Crystallization
Skills: Mana Sensing, Current Surge, Crystalline Sword, Wave of Lotus (unique skill).
Wave of Lotus- a unique skill that creates a wave of water transforming into a formation like lotus flower, trapping the opponent and it has also some damage attack.
His new skill is really powerful, a crowd control with his talents, his a fortress of ice.
This skill notice by the representative outside.
"This exam is really interesting..."
" a unique skill ha..."