New Skills

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. Sakura had finally managed to shake off the persistent gangs, choosing not to align herself with any of them. Among the powerful factions vying for her allegiance were the Haiku Gang, Tordo, Yamogi Gang, and the notorious Warisus Gang, a criminal syndicate shrouded in danger.

Impatiently, Kiyoshi called out, "Sakura, hurry up! Time's ticking away."

Sakura, nursing a headache, shot back, "Show some respect! I'm a B ranker now, you know." She rubbed her forehead, noticing a peculiar blue hue only she could see.

Unfazed, Kiyoshi joked, "A blue screen? Nope, can't see a thing."

Sakura's mysterious screen displayed her newfound status:

Name: Sakura

Rank: B [Level 1]

Hp: 100%

Mp: 500

Skills: 0

Storage: 5

Title: Dark

Type: Assassin

Meanwhile, Kiyoshi's screen revealed:

Name: Kiyoshi

Rank: E [Level 6]

Hp: 100%

Mp: 100

Skills: 0

Storage: 2

Title: 0

Type: 0

Curious about his low mp, Kiyoshi queried Sakura, who explained it was their Magic Power, or Mana. Using skills drained their mp, with more potent abilities requiring a higher cost. Depletion of mp left an E-ranker paralyzed for a month, but rest and recovery could restore it. Potions were also available for a swift recovery.

"Now, get up. We need to acquire some skills," Sakura urged.

Within the guild, they encountered the Skill-Picker, a rare individual who bestowed random skills upon the awakened. Kiyoshi, through a ritual involving a drop of blood, received his first skill:

Skill: Healing Kiss (Rank E)

Description: Allows the user to heal wounds through a kiss.

Mp Usage: Mild Injury (30), Critical Injury (50)

Though not the combat skill he'd hoped for, Kiyoshi pressed on for a second attempt:

Skill: Luck (Rank E)

Description: Grants the user ten minutes of extraordinary luck.

Mp Usage: 40

Disappointed again, Kiyoshi tried once more, and to his surprise:

Skill: Eye of Wisdom (Rank C)

Description: Enables the user to discern ranks, skills, and levels of individuals (for those of C rank or lower).

Mp Usage: 10 per person

This time, fortune favored him. The next turn was Sakura's. She acquired two skills:

Skill: Hide (Rank D)

Description: Allows the user to swiftly conceal themselves within a five-meter radius, masking breath, footstep sounds, and presence.

Mp Usage: 30 per minute

Skill: Target (Rank B)

Description: Enables the user to pinpoint opponents' weak points.

Mp Usage: 50 (higher for higher-ranked opponents)

Profiles updated:

Kiyoshi

- Rank: E [Level 6]

- Skills: Luck, Healing Kiss, Eye of Wisdom

- Title: Lucky Kisser

Sakura

- Rank: B [Level 1]

- Skills: Hide, Target

- Title: Hiding Reaper

The endeavor cost them 2 gold coins, leaving them with only 25 silver coins. With resources dwindling, they turned to the guild's quest board, seeking opportunities to bolster their strength. Quests were classified by rank, and Sakura, now a B ranker, could take on a C rank quest solo. Together, they chose a D-rank quest to rid a nearby village of oversized bee monsters, a suitable starting point given their limited combat experience and Kiyoshi's E rank. Frustration gnawed at Kiyoshi; the reality of his own weakness weighed heavily on him.