Chapter 20: The Time Has Come!

"I honestly don't feel anything different." Venture raises an eyebrow at Edify after he got his [Booster Fatigue Shot] just now.

"Check your status." Edify replied to Venture and heading over to Bout, to give him his shot.

Venture did as Edify said by checking out his status.

Name: VentureTitle: [Gambler of Fate] - You are fate's gambler and making the impossible possible.Hidden Titles: {Visible}Health: 100/100%Physical Fatigue: 0/100% | 1% Reduction per second | [Booster Fatigue Shot: 0% (Temporary)]Mental Fatigue: 0/100% | 1% Reduction per second | [Booster Fatigue Shot: 0% (Temporary)]Unique Skill: [Everything Is A Gamble] - The user is able to use anything to gamble with fate. [Price]: The medium used will disappear afterward.Hidden Unique Skills: {Visible}

And suddenly, Venture begins to worry. Because all he got on his status is the name of the [Booster Fatigue Shot] attached to both his physical fatigue and mental fatigue stats. Yet, it doesn't explain a single thing. Therefore, Venture is starting to wonder how in the world does Edify know if the [Booster Fatigue Shot] would do exactly what she said.

"Going by the look on your face." Edify glance over to Venture. "I'm guessing you're worried about not seeing the info on the [Booster Fatigue Shot]. Don't worry, that's a common thing when people use anything that affects one's body. Take a pain killer, then you will see it on your health stat, with a percentage for how much pain resistance you will be given." Edify happily explains to Venture about why he couldn't see the details on the [Booster Fatigue Shot] on his status.

"Oh." Venture simply nods at this, but he wasn't 100% trusted Edify's words. So, he will make sure nothing harmful would happen to him with [Everything Is A Gamble] later and making sure it truly does exactly what it suppose to do as Edify explained before. This way, Venture won't end up finding out later on, that this is some kind of hidden drug that will mind-controlling him or something.

"Okay, let's go." Gat said to Edify, where everyone finally got their shot, including Edify herself.

So both Gat and Edify head to the ground, leaving Venture and Bout behind to protect the child of Havoc.

"Well, I guess I'll be right over here and wait." Venture said to Bout, as he moves over to sit down near the door. Something he has done for weeks now. But, that's fine for Venture as he will take this opening to use his [Everything Is A Gamble] and [Chance Accumulation] on the [Booster Fatigue Shot].

"Alright." Bout lets out a sigh, that things are about to get difficult soon. This last week will be something that Bout will just add to his list of things he should have done differently or just wish he knew early on who the client is at the beginning.

-LIABG-

So far, it has been a few hours, past noon, and close to evening. But, no news about the [Poison Fang Faction] attacking yet.

Venture took this chance to use his [Idle Simulation Accumulation] to work on the fighting style that came with the [Solitary of Silent]. A fighting style that is actually meant for killing only, there is no mercy at all. [Serene Assassination Style] is the name of the fighting style of [Solitary of Silent].

The main cores of the [Serene Assassination Style] are position, velocity, and force. These are the three factors that made up the fighting style. And so far, Venture only got position down working out for him, where the position refers to the coordinates and orientation of something. As in, Venture will have a much easier time locating everyone on the battlefield. And luckily, this goes well for Venture right now to improve his accuracy even further. Well, more like allow Venture to improve his aim when he isn't using the [Unique Skill: Solitary of Silent].

Overall, thanks to the [Booster Fatigue Shot]. Venture hasn't recast the [Idle Simulation Accumulation] for hours now. This made Venture wonder if he could buy these [Booster Fatigue Shot] from Edify after this job, because 4 gold coins seem cheap in Venture's eyes at this point. Since he long has finished stealth and among other things, that he was working on a while ago before gaining access to [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell].

In fact, Venture even includes other weapons outside of firearms through the usage of [Quick Draw]. Honestly, Venture should have worked on this along with [Weapon Proficiency] and [Concealed Weapon Proficiency]. Would have made things easier on Venture. Nonetheless, all three together are now enough for Venture to theoretically face against other [Unique Skill] holders with firearms alone without the need to use his first [Unique Skill] to deal with them. Not that he won't dismiss the idea of doing so if needed.

Currently, Venture is bored out of his mind and usually, he would have to focus on his status, to be ready to wait and recast [Idle Simulation Accumulation]. But, with the [Booster Fatigue Shot]. Venture won't need to do such a thing for a while.

After tossing many ideas through his head. Venture decides to check our all the [Magical Formulas] and [Spells] he could use, to increase his survival rate against the [Poison Fang Faction]. Because he rather not find out the hard way, that everything he worked on so far is useless against one or more foes due to their [Unique Skills] countering Venture's firearms and traps.

So, Venture will take this time to find out while leaving his [Idle Simulation Accumulation] active until he finished with the [Serene Assassination Style - Position] and move onto the velocity section next.

-LIABG-

Venture frown as he came across so many [Spells] to use, that would for sure guarantee his survival. But, the thing is, that 99% of them required Venture to use certain types of [Magical Formulas] that's just beyond Venture's reach at the moment. Maybe in the future, but Venture needs them now not in the future. Making it so frustrating for Venture.

So, Venture begins to brainstorm of he needs the most right now and how long it takes for his [Idle Simulation Accumulation] to help him cast the [Spell] without causing him any problems in battle. And lucky for Venture; well, kind of. He lowers the amount of [Spells] and [Magical Formulas] to grab. However, the sad thing is, that he left with 6 [Spells] and 4 [Magical Formulas] to cast these 6 [Spells].

The 6 [Spells] are [Elemental Bolt], [Decay of Strength], [Disrupt Movement], [Distortion of Courage], [Refresh], and [Feather Fall].

[Elemental Bolt] is pretty much the basis of the basic for [Attacking Spells]. As anyone could use [Elemental Bolt] to draw in the elements in the surrounding to form a bolt and fire at the target.

[Decay of Strength] is a [Curse Spell] towards lowering the physical fatigue's cap percentage. Also, proving Venture's theory that his [Unique Skills] belong to this world since this [Curse Spell] is actually created to stop foes from lasting too long in battle by aiming for the physical fatigue. It's even mentioned in the [Spell] about this as well. Therefore, Venture is passing on this [Curse Spell] for the time being.

[Disrupt Movement] is a [Counter Spell], where it actually has various usage. As it could be used on anything that is in motion and disturbs the target's movement from moving correctly. A good example is that it can even cause people to trip on nothing too.

[Distortion of Courage] is a [Curse Spell] as well, causing the target to lose their courage. That's pretty much it.

[Refresh] is something Venture actual wish he found early on, where it causes the target's physical fatigue and mental fatigue to go down by a certain amount percentage for a limited time.

[Feather Weight] is a [Support Spell] for the user to lower the target's weight into the same weight as a feather. Of course, the size and species the feather belong to can be anything. Making this [Spell] varies since the feather in mind could be the one belong to common small birds to a massive monster bird. All Venture needs is to know exactly what type of feather he has in mind before casting this [Spell].

Overall, Venture won't be using the [Decay of Strength] no matter how useful it is out in the open. Nor would he use [Elemental Bolt] since he got firearms. Maybe in the future when he doesn't have any firearms available to use at the time. Leaving only the [Disrupt Movement], [Distortion of Courage], [Refresh], and [Feather Weight]. These 4 [Spells] can be used without much problem for Venture.

Now, for the 4 [Magical Formulas] he could use for all these [Spells]. Of course, the first one is [Thought Casting], where this is the most dangerous one out of the 4 [Magical Formulas]. The second one being [Fusion Touch Casting], allowing the user to fuse the effects of the [Spells] directly into the target or just letting the user to be more in touch with the [Spells] itself. Going by the steps: feel, bend and throw. The feeling is to know exactly what the [Spell]'s effects would do personally, then bend is to manipulate the source of energy to power the [Spell], and with the last step being to throw the [Spell] at the target.

The other two [Magical Formulas] are actually safer out of the previous two. With [Thought Casting] could potentially lead to the user's death. [Fusion Touch Casting], while not the same danger level as [Thought Casting]. It could still lead to the user's death, but at the same time cause users to wish for their death. As [Fusion Touch] has a high chance of causing mutation to happen due to experiencing the [Spells] personally and with the side-effects of making the [Spells] fuse into the user, similar to giving one a [Skill], but will be passive and never be able to turn off. Making life much harder and the [Spell] might even cause the user's [Skill] and [Title] to be affected as well. Changing them to something else.

Now, the other two [Magical Formulas] are [Gesture Casting] and [Chant Casing]. The former is pretty much limited in many [Spells] could be cast as the user much come up with a gesture that leans closer to the [Spell]'s effects to work. While the latter is where the user needs to come up with a chant that's related to the [Spells] to work. Both are considered safer due to casting the [Spell] wrong would just lead to either lowering the effects of the [Spell] or the [Spells] just doesn't take in effect at all. Though, that doesn't mean it easier to use since it takes practice and research.

So, after getting all this. Venture will go for [Magical Formula: Thought Casting] and with [Distortion of Courage] as his chosen [Spell] to work on. The other 3 [Spells] would be something he might use later on. The [Distortion of Courage] is more useful compared to the other 3 [Spells] for the incoming battle.

With that all done. Venture will just have to wait until he satisfies with the result of using [Idle Simulation Accumulation] with the [Serene Assassination Style - Position] before switching over to [Refresh Spell].

-LIABG-

It's the last day before the client arrives. Yet, the [Poison Fang Faction] still haven't attacked. This is something bad for everyone since Edify wasn't completely sure how long the [Booster Fatigue Shot] will last. But, it did last near a week, that's for sure, with the last day still isn't over yet. But, the [Booster Fatigue Shot] could stop working at any moment now from what Edify said this morning.

Of course, Venture made sure it lasts the entire week for everyone thanks to using his [Everything Is A Gamble] on the first day of using the [Booster Fatigue Shot]. Because it's too good to allow it to last less than a week. As it allowed Venture to actually get good enough to the [Serene Assassination Style - Position] without much problem during a fight and barely on time with [Distortion of Courage]. Though, Venture won't be able to use [Distortion of Courage Spell] rapidly at everyone. But, he should in time. As the [Idle Simulation Accumulation Spell] is still in effect. Also, improving his perception of time itself by 10:1 now. Making time slower by 10 times than normal the moment Venture [Temporal Perception Manipulation].

"Should I place down even more traps?" Venture asks Gat, who looks calm, but even he can tell she highly alert.

"You use all the traps we got available." Gat said dryly, where she did not expect Venture to be able to use all the traps in stock and place it all over the inside of the apartment, even some outside the apartment as well. But, that is fewer in numbers compared to the ones inside.

"Oh." Venture blinks his eyes at Gat. "Should I go on the ground floor to help Cope out, then?" Venture asks this because he wanted to know if he would be put into the same role as before to support Cope or not.

"Nah, this time. You're on the rooftop to prevent others from entering. I'll be on the ground floor helping Cope out. Note just texted me, that most of the [Unique Skill] holders will be on the ground floor this time, with maybe one or two be on the roof." Gat replied with her still typing on her smartphone.

"Did Miss Note mention anything about the exact number of the [Unique Skill] holders attacking?" Bout asks Gat, with a serious look on his face. "Or at least know how many the [Poison Fang Faction] is sending in total?" Bout knew that even with the [Booster Fatigue Shot] help. There will be some cases of fatal injuries during the battle, where someone in the [Dark Star Faction] might die. A result that Bout rather not have at all.

"Note just texted back, that there is roughly around 500 people are coming. She has no idea if it's over or below that number. As for the number of [Unique Skill] holders coming. Note only discovered 3 so far and haven't found any other known [Unique Skill] holders. Those that are not well known or revealed to the world. Note has no idea, nor is she risking it by bribing people for the information." Gat replied to Bout's question.

"Well, at least Note is safe." Edify said to everyone. "Even though, Note doesn't specialize in combat. She still would be helpful in locating hidden enemies." Edify knew this is just wishful thinking nor does she actually want Note to be here, where there is a high chance of death. Even Edify herself knows she is already risking her life right now by just being in this apartment.

"Wait, what?" Venture look at Edify in disbelief, because he can still easily remember Note beating him with ease like it's nothing to her. "She doesn't specialize in combat?!"

"Of course, and seeing how you're technically now a true member of the [Dark Star Faction]. I don't think Note would mind me telling you her [Title] at least." Gat spoke up for Edify. "Note's [Title] is [Spiritual Whisper], allowing Note to communicate with spirits and those who are in the afterlife. Meaning, that if Note manages to persuade the spirits, then she can have these spirits do things for her."

"Huh." Venture did not expect that, but wasn't too surprised. Since Venture found among the [Magical Formulas]. There is [Contracted Spirits Casting], forming contracts with spirits to cast certain types of [Spells] or just using some [Spells] that are in general that could be cast with other [Magical Formulas] as well without any problems.

Though, Venture doesn't know for sure if Note's [Title: Spiritual Whisper] would have the exact same effects as the [Magical Formula: Contracted Spirits Casting], but should have similar effects at least. Just without the [Spells] for the spirits to cast.

"You're not surprised?" Gat raises an eyebrow at Venture, because the [Title: Spiritual Whisper] is a very rare [Title] and pretty much anything spirits related [Skills] are considered rare as well. "Do you know someone with a [Title] and/or a [Skill] related to spirits?"

"Not exactly, but I have read about it in the local library." Venture answered, and he wasn't exactly lying either. Since he has found a brief mention of spirits related [Skill]. Just not the [Title] part yet.

"Interesting." Gat didn't think the local library would have such a book. "Anyway, we should prepare ourselves. We have no idea when they will come nor do we know when the client will be arriving. Other than he will arrive before the day's end." Gat put her phone away and pick up the assault rifle from the ground.

"What's the odd of Havoc will come before the [Poison Fang Faction] launch their attack?" Bout asks Gat as he glances around the area, mostly for those poisonous insects really. Since last time, he didn't manage to detect them before it was almost too late. Therefore, this time, Bout will be very cautious of his surroundings and making sure the child of Havoc is close to him until the client arrives.

"The odd is against us." Gat wanted Havoc to appear before the [Poison Fang Faction] as well, but she has to face reality.

"Good thing I have made more antidotes." Edify sighed in relief, she had the time to make more and among other medicines as well. "By the way, Venture. Here. You will need these antidote pills. They won't be much effective against strong poisons, but enough for you to slow the poisons from working too fast during the fight." Edify hand a small pill box, that contains 10 small round blue pills. "You just need to swallow it and it will take instant effect. But, each pill only lasts for 3 minutes at best. So you're good for up to 30 minutes."

"Thanks." Venture accepts the pill box, while seriously thinking if he should have gotten a melee weapon other than throwing knives. Since Venture knows that ammo is limited, then decide to just steal one from one of the enemies if they come with one during the attack. "So, should I head to the roof now?" Venture asks Gat as he put away the pill box into his right pocket.

"Go ahead, might as well get used to the rooftop while you have the chance, Venture." Gat allows Venture to get a head start before the attack arrives. "And if you see any enemy popping up. You don't have to tell us. Just shoot them and we will hear the gunshot. That alone will be enough to let us know the [Poison Fang Faction] finally came."

"Got it." Venture head to the rooftop, where everyone else got ready for the big fight.