Probability
A white crystal could be seen floating in the air as it spins, the white harsh light shimmering into Tyler's eyes as though like the sun casting its glorious rays into the earth.
The White Crystal was so magical and mystic, and Tyler could sense its terrific aura.
It was really rare to see a Unique Rarity Crystal in just the first stage of ApexRise Online... In fact, it wasn't even recorded or stated in the first place that there was a possibility of finding unique crystals.
Literally, finding just common crystals was periodic even though absorbing them grants a Player a beneficial contribution to their goal.
Unbelievably and fortunately, Tyler didn't just find an ability-giving crystal, he found a Unique Ability Crystal after just killing the weak Demonic Beast God.
"So, this was what it had been so relentless in hiding? What a brave creature," Tyler remarked with a face of pity. He turned to look at the beast, and now he saw that it was dead already.
Tyler only had to withdraw his gaze and turn back to the crystal. Of course, crystals are meant to be absorbed, so he wasted no time to figure out a way to get the content of that thing into his body.
However, he feared that something bad might happen if he make a skin contact with the mysterious thing.
After entering the game world, Tyler had had memories of experiences a head Strider should have kept... This helped him not be a complete novice, so he wouldn't just dare to touch the mysterious crystal without making any inspections.
There were cases where people got burnt to ashes upon touching a crystal. Truthfully, sometimes some crystals aren't meant for everyone. All crystals are fated to a particular Player and being taken by a Player it isn't fated to might be really dangerous.
Tyler got all these into his mind. He wondered how all these memories came flashing in like it was rightfully his... However, these are just the programming of the high-tech game system. Somehow, the originators made the Player feel as though they had been in the game for decades.
Sigh...
Tyler spent a moment observing the Unique Ability Crystal. He had thought of attempting to grab the crystal, but as he tried, it seemed like a second force in his body was opposing his decision.
Tyler doubted that he was fated to obtain a unique ability.
"Of course, why would an assassin with countless unforgettable records be granted this chance? I was to see hell in the face, not being lucky," Tyler muttered, waves of uncertainty surging into his mind.
"Perhaps if I touch the crystal, I might get blown away in an instant."
As Tyler pondered, shortly, his message notification popped up, showing his fans' suggestions about his current situation.
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[Dead_Phantom34: Yo Hangman! You can do this. This crystal is gonna earn you a very powerful Ability. Please don't waste the damned opportunity!]
[Player_Smasher11: Hey don't dare touch that thing! It's a Unique Ability Crystal we are talking about! You and I know that you aren't worth obtaining its content so just try to evacuate the den and be safe].
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Reading these messages almost made Tyler's head spin. After taking a look, The Hangman couldn't help but let out a soft sigh and returned his focus to the crystal.
"What now uh? Am I just going to let this opportunity go???"
Tyler's face was replaced by a sad and disappointed countenance.
"I'm just an F-rank Strider with no great help to offer to the people. Gaining a Unique Ability would actually turn my miserable life around and help me rise to the top... I can't just let this chance slide."
Sigh...
Silence.
"I won't back down... I'll absorb this crystal no matter what. I don't care if I get destroyed by its intense power," Tyler said, determined.
He gathered as much courage as he could to boost his determination, trying to erase the thoughts of uncertainty.
Hardening his mind, courageously, Tyler moved closer to the crystal. Every step was like forever, as he couldn't just feel himself doing it. He feared for his life and was never ready to die.
Regardless, Tyler still had to do what he had to do.
Step. Step. Another step. One more step. And bam! The Hangman's hand was on the crystal.
Yeah, he waited for the crystal to blow him away or react harshly to his touch... But fortunately, Tyler was fine. He was really fine!
He couldn't still believe it and didn't make any move at that moment. He waited for a while, waiting for a reaction... However, everything seemed to be calm, and Tyler was as fine as a healthy man.
No bangs or booms.
No eruptions.
No splatters.
No disappearance.
Everything was visibly fine.
"Whoa. I wasn't killed?" Tyler wondered in shock, his eyes slightly dilated as he stared at the crystal.
Heaving a sigh, he wasted not a second in finally grabbing the crystal with both hands. He took a long look at it, studying the inner parts of the White Unique Ability Crystal.
What he could only see was white gaseous substances flowing within the crystal with the eagerness to evade its thick guard. The substance looked so gracious that Tyler could not help but attempt to absorb it.
Hitting the crystal several times against the rocky wall by the side, the crystal cracked due to the repeated hitting impact.
Crack.
Without wasting much time, Tyler drew the crystal closer and made the gaseous content of the crystal penetrate his body.
Upon absorbing the content of the crystal, Tyler felt a slight pain in his chest. It was as though a long pin had been pierced through his chest, followed by a fast twist.
"Argh!"
Tyler couldn't help but scream as the pain was too fierce to be expressed in silence. He felt his heart gradually shattering... However, it never stopped him from holding the crystal tightly.
Soon, the pain seemed to have vanished as soon as the content in the crystal was fully absorbed.
The pain was gone.
Tyler was okay.
And with the blink of an eye, the game system sounded as a screen popped up in front of him.
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[Congratulations, you have gained your Ability].
[Ability: Probability Influence].
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"Huh? What the hell is that?!"