Talent Scroll: Yami no Kenshi

In The Last Fantasy, one's skills can be obtained from their Class's Skill Tree. These classes can be acquired in the initial towns within the game, dungeons, or specific NPCs that specialize in rare classes. Like the use of Skill Trees in general, it requires Skill Points to unlock higher-level skills, and often, one must raise a particular skill level before unlocking the next skill.

Beyond that, one can still acquire skills through various other means. Whether it's from skill orbs, learning from a mentor, defeating a secret boss, and so on, there are many ways, and it's not yet clear if there are known limitations. One of these methods, of course, is Skill Scrolls.

Scrolls are sheets that contain knowledge and information, including the magic itself. There are several skill scrolls sold in villages or settlements scattered throughout the open world. Unlike Skill Trees, anyone can obtain the skill/spell/magic within a scroll by paying the designated SP without any prerequisites for other skills.

Skill Scrolls can be considered quite rare because they can only be crafted with rare materials or obtained as a direct drop from elite monsters with a very low drop chance. However, the scarcity of Skill Scrolls also affects their rarity; the higher the skill level in the scroll, the rarer the Skill Scroll.

Taking it to a completely different level is the Talent Scroll. In a general sense, Talent and Skill can be said to belong to the same category, but they still have differences that set them apart. A Talent Scroll itself is a myth-level rarity, and this is reflected in its function, which is like a legal cheat code.

Talent Scrolls contain a collection of specific skills, themed around something particular. It could be just a few or dozens of skills in one scroll. What makes it truly different is that there are no SP requirements to use the skills within a Talent Scroll. As long as someone has used it, they will receive all the skills listed for free.

"I-I-Is that…real?! A talent scroll?"

"Yes, it's true! This is indeed a Talent Scroll," Anubis confirmed, noting Soran's excitement and gamer instincts awakening. He unrolled the scroll, allowing Soran to examine it closely. The paper had a slightly yellowed appearance with crackling patterns resembling wood surfaces, and foreign letters adorned its surface, unfamiliar to Soran.

As Soran studied the letters, they triggered a sense of familiarity. It seemed like he had encountered them before, possibly during quests or side quests. Soran closed his eyes, deep in thought, trying to recall where he had come across such symbols.

Throughout his years of exploring The Last Fantasy, Soran had ventured to numerous places and completed various quests. Puzzles and mysteries were common occurrences, often tied to the game's intricate lore. Solving these challenges was key to progressing and unlocking rewards. Some players relied on their own knowledge and problem-solving skills, while others delved deep into research and even learned languages specific to the game world, such as the language of the underworld.

An idea sparked in Soran's mind as he considered the connection between the symbols on the talent scroll and his gaming experiences. "Ah, the underworld! These symbols and numbers are usually found in dungeons, right?" Soran asked, seeking validation from Anubis.

Anubis nodded in agreement, providing further insight. "Yes, this is the language of demons. It appears to be the language humans use for summoning rituals," he explained, speculating on the nature of the symbols.

As the former player, Soran couldn't confirm Anubis's assumption either since he wasn't an expert in such matters. Knowledge of the underworld and its language was often associated with specific specialized classes like Necromancers or Black Mages.

Just the realization that the language of the underworld has spread to the upperworld is a significant revelation for Anubis. It felt like a fragment of understanding was slowly introducing him to this peculiar world. It also suggests that among the denizens of the upperworld, there may be someone who has summoned demons in the past or even currently.

"But before we explore that further, we must address the risks I mentioned earlier," Anubis continued, his tone serious.

Soran's posture straightened, his gaze fixed on the floor. He was well aware of the dangers that awaited them once they formed a connection with Anubis. It was imperative to understand that this world, and everything within it, considered Anubis's existence an anomaly, something that shouldn't exist within its confines.

"You have already battled against Game Masters who possess the abilities of divinities. It is only a matter of time before the celestial beings discover your existence. This means that anyone who supports you will also become an enemy of the gods and goddesses," Soran revealed, his voice resolute and clear.

Their ultimate goal aligned in one aspect: to avoid entanglement with the gods and goddesses. However, arousing enmity with the celestials was a role not easily undertaken. Their power stood on an entirely different level, making the defeat of ordinary mortals seem effortless in comparison to hunting animals.

"We have no reason to refuse either, Anubis," Lumine interjected, the spinning spiral in Soran's shoulder blinking synchronously. "Truth be told, we still don't fully understand the reasons and origins of your existence... but we firmly believe that you possess powers equivalent to the celestials. Now, it's just a matter of raising your Authority Level."

Soran offered a faint smile and shrugged. "Besides, what can I do alone if they were to come now? I could be easily felled by mere monsters, let alone by the gods and goddesses. Our only advantage at the moment is the temporary obscurity, where they haven't fully grasped the peculiarity of your existence. After that, willingly or not, we'll be in their crosshairs," he explained.

From Anubis's perspective, perhaps no one else could possess more knowledge about this world and everything within it, including his true identity, than the gods and goddess themselves—or as he would now refer to them, the celestials. Even to uncover his own origin, Anubis had to face challenges that inherently posed a threat to his existence as the Crown of the Vampire Lord.