Vol.01: Ch.21: Stats and Surprises - SuperNova

[Host, it has been quite a while] ,the system's voice resonated, causing Darell to feel a sudden surge of embarrassment. The undertone of anger in the system's voice was unmistakable.

Coughing nervously, Darell cautiously addressed the system, "Um, how are you, system? Do you have any updates to share?"

Anxious, Darell awaited a response, but minutes ticked by without any acknowledgement from the system.

"Um...system?" Darell ventured, hoping for a reply that didn't come.

Several minutes later, the system finally broke the silence with a probing question.

[Will the host disregard the system's warning in the future?]

Darell took a moment to contemplate his response, weighing the possibilities in his mind before answering, "It depends on the circumstances. If the offered reward proves too tempting, I might choose to ignore the system's warning."

Hardly had Darell finished his reply when a flood of new warning signs bombarded him instantly.

[ WARNING! ]

[ WARNING! ]

[ WARNING! ]

[ WARNING! ]

[ WARNING! ]

Darell swiftly shook his head, firmly stating, "I apologize, it was just a jest. I assure you, I will never disregard the system's warnings again."

The incessant cascade of notifications ceased ringing in Darell's mind, prompting a relieved sigh to escape his lips.

Curiosity piqued, he inquired of the system, "What would you suggest I should have done during the battle?"

The system responded with a concise directive.

[Host should have refrained from engaging the Raven General in the final moments.]

Perplexed, Darell sought clarification, questioning, "Why is that?"

The system elucidated.

[The Raven General's HP had already depleted, causing him to succumb instantly, and his fireball would have vanished.]

Darell pressed further, "But I couldn't perceive the Raven General's HP. How was I expected to be aware of his depleted state? Is there a skill that enables me to ascertain the HP of others?"

The system's reply was enigmatic.

[Exercise patience, Host.]

The existence of such a skill was neither confirmed nor denied by the system.

Darell proceeded to pose several inquiries to the system.

After a brief conversation with the system, Darell resolved to inspect his stats.

[Name - Darell Rogers]

[Race - ***]

[Level - 13]

[XP - 00/1000] 

[HP - 425/425]

[MP - 375/375]

[Strength - 150]

[Agility - 150]

[Stamina - 150]

[Vitality - 150]

[Defense - 150]

[Intellect - 150]

[Ability - Space]

[Skills - Space Arsenal, Nihility, Space Tear, Teleport, Star Strike, Gate, Burst, SuperNova]

[Special Skills - Inspect, Conceal, Sense, Final Blow, Death's Touch]

[Combat Techniques - Reaper Fist, Earth-Shattering Slash]

[System Points - 35]

Darell's heart swelled with joy as he witnessed a significant surge of 100 in his basic stats. Eagerly, he delved into a meticulous examination of his updated statistics, immersing himself in the details.

His focused gaze came to a halt when he encountered the newfound skill that had been bestowed upon him as a reward. Intrigued and filled with anticipation, he wasted no time in opening the skill menu to unveil its description.

[Skill: SuperNova ]

[Description: This skill bestows upon its wielder the awe-inspiring ability to harness the magnificent might of a dying star's millionth intensity explosion.

The user's overall stats skyrocket by an astounding 1000%, unlocking their full potential within a blink of an eye.

The skill continously consumes 500 MP per second upon activation and the cooldown period is 1 hour.]

Darell's eyes widened in astonishment as he read the description of the skill before him. The sheer power it promised made his heart race with anticipation. All his stats soaring by an astronomical 1000%? It was enough to make him want to leap for joy. Yet, his excitement quickly waned as he took note of the skill's demanding prerequisites.

According to the description, only those at level 80 or higher could harness this skill's might, but for a disappointingly brief period of half a minute or less. His elation began to ebb away, replaced by a tinge of disappointment at the level threshold he had yet to achieve.

Seeking answers, Darell turned to the system, inquiring about the rank of this extraordinary skill. To his dismay, the system remained silent, withholding the coveted information he sought. Undeterred, he ventured into the system shop, hoping to acquire the skill there. As anticipated, his search turned up fruitless; the skill was nowhere to be found among the available options.

Gazing at his accumulated system points, which had reached a total of 35, Darell pondered whether to invest them in another combat technique or skill. Yet, his intentions were swiftly halted by the system itself, issuing a stern command to continue accumulating system points and invest in rank 05 combat techniques and skills.

Darell obediently followed the system's directive and closed the system shop. Taking a moment to compose himself, he drew in a deep breath and shut his eyes, his mind drifting to the faces of Emma, Lilith, Eric, and Ariel. A pang of sorrow pierced his heart as he recalled the tear-streaked expressions they wore during their parting. He vowed resolutely never to repeat the mistakes he had made, recognizing the importance of cherishing those who mattered most to him.

Lost in introspection, Darell contemplated the choices he had made, 'First and foremost, I hadn't anticipated the dire consequences that unfolded as a result of my ill-considered decision. Secondly, I had become too consumed by the allure of the system, reveling in the intoxicating rush it provided. Thirdly, I had overlooked the weighty repercussions my actions could bring forth. Lastly, a voracious hunger for power and an overwhelming sense of desperation had clouded my judgment.'

As he delved deeper into his thoughts, Darell made a solemn pledge to himself that he would henceforth make wiser decisions, mindful of the impact they would have on both himself and those who held him dear. With a weary sigh escaping his lips, he surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

The following day arrived, casting a new light upon the Varona Royal Academy. Darell, Emma, Lilith, Eric, and Ariel gathered in the bustling dining hall, their faces adorned with contented smiles as they savored their breakfast.

Whispers rippled through the crowd of students, their gazes fixed upon the quintet. Some onlookers wore expressions of shock, while others brimmed with envy and jealousy. Oblivious to the attention, Darell and his companions remained unfazed, their focus unwavering.

Their reputation had spread like wildfire after their astonishing victory over a rank 06 beast—an unprecedented feat for first-year students. The academy's rules dictated that novices were limited to battling rank 04 or lower creatures until they acquired the mana proficiency required to cast rank 05 spells, marking their transition into the second year.

Advancement to the third year hinged upon the ability to wield rank 07 spells, a milestone that only a select few achieved. The realm of rank 08 spells and beyond posed a daunting challenge, demanding the fusion of intricate abilities. Consequently, such profound mastery eluded many, making those who achieved it revered as geniuses who deftly intertwined their mana with diverse capabilities.

In this world, mana coursed through their bodies, surging with strength and abundance as its power grew. Increased mana bolstered their physical attributes, fortifying their strength, defense, agility, and more.

However, those who managed to acquire rank 08 spells without any affiliation to a kingdom or noble family became prized commodities. Kingdoms and noble families, eager to bolster their military might, would go to great lengths to recruit individuals with such exceptional aptitude.

Unaware of the attention they drew, Darell, Emma, Lilith, Eric, and Ariel engaged in lively conversation, their voices weaving harmoniously amidst the hum of the dining hall. Yet, they remained oblivious to the watchful gaze of a silver-haired girl who scrutinized them from her seat, her eyes narrowing with intensity.

A peculiar shiver ran down Darell's spine, urging him to scan his surroundings. Catching his gaze, she immediately averted her eyes, seeking solace in anonymity.

As Darell surveyed the room, his attention was drawn to a captivating figure—a girl with striking blue hair and emerald green eyes—approaching their table. Emma and Ariel scowled instinctively, their expressions clouded by suspicion. Past encounters with girls seeking "help" from Darell or Eric in their spellcasting endeavors had tainted their perception.

Anticipating an offensive encounter, Emma and Ariel prepared themselves to unleash scathing remarks should the girl dare to request their aid. Unfazed by their reaction, the blue-haired girl rolled her eyes and delivered her message with composure.

"Instructor Athena has summoned all of you to her office."

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