Chapter 50: Level 40 Advancement Quest

After randomly drawing five abilities, there were four skills and one specialty, which was the same type of reward as he received for completing the previous [Freedom] quest.

To say, his luck was average.

Looking at the panel reward, Adrian fell into thought.

First of all, without a doubt, the specialty must be chosen!

Even though the name of the specialty, [Robust Physique], sounds somewhat philosophical for some reason, and its ability effect is much inferior to the other two specialties on his body, 'Low-level Tough Life', and 'Ghost Fruit'.

However, a specialty is still a specialty, and its effect is much stronger than that of a regular skill, especially since it also has growth potential, which can continue to increase attributes as the level increases.

In addition, endurance has always been one of Adrian's relatively weak points. In general, he hardly ever invests any free attribute points in endurance, so its growth speed is extremely slow.

It would be a shame to miss out on a specialty that can increase endurance.

As for the remaining four skills, 'Basic Navigation' is directly excluded.

For Adrian, the [Navigator] class, it is no longer a matter of 'skill overlap,' but "outdated skills!"

Adrian looked at the third reward.

'Overlord Slash'...

If the skill description of 'Overlord Slash' did not contain the two words 'visual effects,' Adrian would be willing to gamble this time for the sake of 'badassery.'

But this skill is clearly a 'Visual effect skill' with no damage at all!

What can it do if you choose it?

Pose in front of a bunch of minions?

For Adrian, it is completely useless, isn't it?!

The only ones left are 'Intermediate Martial Arts' and 'Shadow Warrior'.

After a moment of thought, Adrian still gave up on 'Intermediate Martial Arts'.

As an advanced skill of 'Basic Martial Arts', 'Intermediate Martial Arts' is still relatively common on the high seas.

In the end, Adrian chose [Shadow Warrior].

He believed that this skill would be more useful for him in the future.

Adrian had seen similar skills on the body of his mentor, Kumadori Yamanbako, before. However, she possessed the advanced version of [Basic Shooting], [Intermediate Shooting].

Adrian believed that there would be many enemies in the future who would master [Intermediate Martial Arts]. After all, close-quarters combat was the mainstream way of fighting in this world.

In comparison, the ability of [Shadow Warrior] was the only one in the world until the next Shadow Shadow Fruit appeared in this sea. Adrian was willing to take a gamble.

[You have acquired the specialization: Robust Physique!]

[You have acquired the skill: Shadow Warrior!]

A feeling of inflation exploded in his body!

"Hiss——"

Adrian took a deep breath and gritted his teeth.

All over his body, he felt a sharp pain. He felt like he could barely stand up. It felt like every muscle in his body was melting and reshaping, and every vein was tearing and reforming. The pain was no different from when he had obtained the [Low-Level Resilient Life] skill the last time.

After an unknown amount of time, the pain finally subsided, like the tide receding.

"I knew it! Skills that improve physical fitness are always accompanied by intense pain!" Adrian's eyes were bloodshot as he panted heavily. He wanted to curse the system, but the words died on his lips.

"The last time was the same, when I obtained the [Low-level Strong Life] skill!"

"Wait! [Robust Physique] is not the same as [Low-level Strong Life]!"

Adrian quickly descended to a meter above the sea surface and looked at his reflection in the water.

"My face hasn't changed... Well, it's gotten a little more handsome..."

"But... When did I train such a set of muscle armor?"

Adrian reached out his right hand and touched his chest muscles, which were as round as plates, his abdominal muscles, which were chiseled like axes, and his mermaid lines, which were deep and shallow. He was so sad that he wanted to cry.

"Give me back my well-proportioned ordinary body!" Adrian wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes.

Adrian, who had not had the time to look at his panel, now turned his attention back to the information on it.

Adrian's current level is 39. With the help of his new skill, his strength and endurance attributes increased by 39 points each.

Endurance surpassed agility and became the third attribute over 100.

At this moment, Adrian noticed the panel prompt that he had just ignored. It was not about [Robust Physique], but about a new skill.

[Detected that the Devil Fruit type has been eaten as a Paramecia-type Ghost fruit, the effect of the [Shadow Warrior] skill has been modified!]

[Modifying...]

[The [Shadow Warrior] skill has disappeared, and you have comprehended the new skill [Ghost Warrior]!]

[Ghost Warrior LV1 (0/100,000): Can make the ghost and the main body exchange positions.]

Fortune is smiling, and it was a sure bet!

Adrian was in a good mood.

He had guessed before that, as a ghost fruit ability user, Adrian was completely unable to freely control his shadow. The so-called "let the shadow and the main body exchange positions" was naturally empty castles in the sky, water moon flowers.

However, since the system panel placed [Shadow Warrior] in the reward option, it shows that this skill may be useful!

With a try-it mentality, Adrian chose this skill, but he didn't expect to be right.

Resisting the urge to try the skill effect immediately, Adrian looked at the accumulated experience, and the corners of his mouth curled up.

Today is definitely my lucky day!

"Finally to the second promotion!"

"Upgrade!"

Adrian invested his experience points to fill up the level 40 experience bar.

[Formal Swordsman] has been upgraded to LV20 (max), and the stamina value has been slightly increased. Strength +2, Agility +2, 3 free attribute points, and 1 skill point have been obtained!

The total level has reached 40, and it has officially become the top combat force on the four seas at face value. At this time, it is already possible to start an adventure on the Grand Line!

[Detected that the [Formal Swordsman] profession has been upgraded to the maximum level, please choose one of the following two paths: Swordsman/Swordmaster.] 

{剑客 | jiànkè | swordsman}

{剑 jiàn (double-edged sword)

师 Shī (teacher / master / expert / model / army division / (old) troops / to dispatch troops)}

Stepping into level 40, the Formal Swordsman now had two development paths, and once a choice was made, it couldn't be changed.

The swordsman tends to fight alone. The sea is vast and the road is long, and only the sword is accompanied.

The sword master tends to combine mind, technique, and body. Compared to the enhancement of personal ability, it is more important to grow the growth of the mind and will.

In simple terms, in addition to the increase in basic strength and agility attributes, the swordsman will also increase endurance, while the sword master will increase intelligence.

After a moment of thought, Adrian made a choice.

You have chosen the path of the Sword Master!

40th level swordsman advancement quest: Sword Path of a Hundred Schools: Carefully study at least ten sword art schools' works. According to the number of books you have read, you will receive a corresponding amount of rewards. Current progress: 0/10.

Hmm?

Adrian tilted his head.

A small head, a big question mark.

System, come out!

Are you sure this is the advancement quest for a swordsman class?

I have a sword that bites, and I can slash from one end of the West Blue to the other, killing without blinking. You are now asking me to go back to school?