■ Sight

-Ding!

[ You have slain Corrupted walker ]

[ You're legend increased by 1 ]

-Ding!

[ You have slain .. ]

[ You're legend increased by 1 ]

-Ding!

[ You have slain .. ]

---

Dings echoed in my mind as I groggily opened my eyes, my vision blurred as I gazed at the night sky with a sense of peace.

"Ughh.."

A sharp headache pierced through my mind, momentarily reminding me of the excruciating pain of being burned to a crisp. Yet, to my astonishment, here I was, still alive and breathing.

However, the sensation that engulfed my entire body was one of pain and soreness. Every movement I made seemed to amplify the discomfort, serving as a constant reminder of the ordeal I had endured.

Moreover, the hunger gnawed at my stomach, intensifying the urgency to find a food source.

I tried to stand up from the ground, but my body felt utterly depleted, devoid of any remaining strength. 

-Sigh...

Helplessly lying on the ground, I gazed up at the expansive night sky. It was adorned with an endless array of stars, forming intricate constellations that captivated my attention.

'At least this world doesn't have a crack.'

Lost in a daze, I began to think of what I should do in the future if I ever passed the trial.

'What is my true purpose in seeking power?' I contemplated silently, as I continued to gaze upon the e shimmering stars scattered across the night sky.

Is it for self-satisfaction, to fulfill an inner longing or desire?

Perhaps it's for the allure of fame, yearning for recognition and admiration?

Could it be driven by the pursuit of wealth, seeking material abundance and prosperity?

Or maybe it is a rooted need for protection, a means to safeguard myself and those dear to me?

My thoughts flickered through my mind like frames of a movie, each scene unfolding rapidly.

Before long, I redirected my attention to the series of events that had unfolded over the past week—the fragmented memories, the unforeseen transmigration into this unfamiliar world.

Inevitably, I found myself fully engrossed in deep contemplation.

As the weight of my thoughts settled upon me, a profound silence enveloped my surroundings, accompanied by the gentle rustle of wind passing by.

"The truth of my identity." I thought aloud as I reached out my hand in the night sky, attempting to catch something intangible in my hands.

-Huu..

'Enough with questioning life.' I thought.

Shifting my eyes to the surrounding area, my gaze swept across the vast expanse of a grassy plain, stretching far beyond the remnants of the once-devastated city I knew. Surrounding me were clusters of trees, their presence offering a sense of life and solace in this newfound environment.

Glancing down at my body, I found that I was wrapped in bandages. 

"Kuu.." 

I attempted to move, but the pain coursing through my entire body intensified with every effort. Gritting my teeth, I mustered all my strength and pushed myself to stand up.

However, just as I was about to rise, a voice echoed into my ears, freezing me in place.

"Don't force yourself.."

"Your body is not in a suitable condition.."

The voice carried an authoritative yet icy tone, leaving me with a sense of unease. Instinctively, I shifted my gaze toward the direction from which the voice had originated.

She had sleek, black hair neatly tied in a ponytail, adorned with a black butterfly. Clad in a long black coat over a white shirt, she exuded a sense of elegance.

A silver crosshair pendant adorned her neck, adding a touch of mystique to her attire. Completing her attire, she wears long light blue pants.

She appeared to be in her twenties as she possessed a striking Asian beauty that surpassed the standards of my previous world.

However, it was not just her physical appearance that captivated me. There was an undeniable aura of cold maturity that emanated from her, lending an intriguing allure to her persona.

"Who?" I muttered warily, as I cast a cold glare upon the individual standing right in front of my eyes.

Time seemed to stand still as a heavy silence settled between us. I kept my gaze fixed on her as she leaned against a tree, with her arms folded firmly across her chest, exuding an air of unwavering confidence.

"Are you the one who set off the explosions within the city?" she inquired indifferently, completely disregarding my question.

'It seems like I have caught their attention.' 

I knew this was inevitable when I triggered the explosions in the city. However, I simply didn't expect the extent of the devastating chaos I would cause within the ruined city.

Although I am genuinely curious about their identity, I am currently in a passive position, leaving me with no choice but to answer her questions rather than ask my own.

Moreover, she had previously saved my life in the city. This implies that she requires me to be alive in order to provide answers to her questions.

Additionally, judging by how she covered me with bandages, it seems like she isn't someone who resorts to extreme methods to extract information.

'Would I survive? If I were to answer her question?'

Given that I cannot be certain whether the person in front of me is seeking the culprit of the explosion or something else entirely, I am aware that my response will determine my fate.

It's a gamble—either I die tonight or survive.

I cannot be entirely certain about what would happen to me if I chose not to answer her question. Would she resort to extreme methods or simply kill me?

Regardless, I have nothing to lose. Even if I have the strength to fight, the reality is that I am not in an optimal situation to engage in combat. I lack food and I am deeply wounded. Furthermore, she has the power to end my life whenever she pleases.

Death loomed over me, yet I felt surprisingly calm. The life-and-death battle with the creature seemed to help me conquer my inner fear of death a little bit since I could properly analyze the situation with a clear mind.

I drew in some air and a sigh escaped from my mouth. Closing my eyes, I nodded my head in acknowledgment.

"..."

A heavy silence filled the air, accompanied by the sound of the wind whistling through the trees.

"Expected as much." 

She muttered in a casual yet icy tone, as she walked away into the depths of the forest.

'It seems like she has found her answer.' I pondered as I checked on the dings that echoed within my mind. before I appeared on a transparent panel.

=====

Rookie : Corrupted Walker

Core ranks : Novice [ - ] ( Base ) ~ Novice [ · ] ( Buffed )

- Creatures that roam on the night, they are creatures created by ■■■■■. They are notorious for their destructive abilities within society and are commonly referred to as the "Voice of Corruption."

---1

Soul links : [ Soul Corrosion (Passive) ], [ Fury (Passive) ], [ Corrupted Mucus (Active) ]

[ Soul Corrosion (Passive) ]: A black, liquid-like substance that emanates from its mouth, capable of corroding and devouring anything in its path.

(It inflicts a poison effect, dealing 1% of the target's maximum HP every 10 seconds for a duration of up to 30 seconds. [The duration cannot be refreshed or stacked] )2

(If a lifeform was in touch with this black substance there is a 70% chance of turning into a corrupted walker) 

[ Fury (Passive) ]: This passive trait empowers the host, causing them to grow stronger as the battle unfolds. After accumulating 5 stacks of "compulsion," it grants a maximum increase of an additional sub-rank, lasting up to 30 seconds.

Each stack of compulsion enhances the host's strength and agility by 3%, with a maximum stack limit of 5.

(During combat, the host gains a compulsion stack every 20 seconds)

(Upon reaching 5 stacks, the host's agility and strength receive an additional 10% stat boost for a duration of 30 seconds.)

(Moreover, the host will experience gradual healing, regenerating 3% of their health every 5 seconds while 5 stacks of compulsion are active, lasting for 30 seconds.)

[ Corrupted Mucus (Active) ]: This active trait is employed by the Corrupted Walkers to expel soul corrosion, which slows down the agility of their target by 10%.

(when the target is afflicted with soul corrosion through corrupted mucus, it amplifies the potency of the poison by an additional 100% of its base value.)3

---

Soul bane :

Soul Corrosion can be ignited.

(When dealing damage to the tail, it inflicts an additional 200% weakness damage)4

=====

"Fucking disgusting creatures." I cursed under my breath, realizing the immense strength these creatures possessed despite their low rank.

Even if I were to reach the core rank of Novice [ · ], I highly doubt that I could kill it alone, especially considering their ability to heal over time once they reached the maximum stack of compulsion.

'WHO THE HELL DESIGNED THESE CREATURES!'

Like come on, these creatures are incredibly unbalanced.

I grumbled in frustration, my eyes locked onto the transparent panel before me, pondering the daunting task of killing such an enemy while being at a low core rank.

 However, as time ticked away, I gradually lost in a daze, my mind wandering aimlessly. Thoughts and questions swirled within me, as I found myself pondering various mysteries and uncertainties.

Soon, I began to question the trial itself—the abnormal level of difficulty, the existence of never-before-seen creatures, and the mysterious ruined city that I had never heard of. Doubts and uncertainties flooded my mind.

'Is this really just a normal trial?'

'It almost felt like I was trapped in a game world.'

Initially, I had never anticipated encountering detailed statistics or anything of the sort, yet it became apparent that every living entity possessed some kind of statistical profile.

I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind of the swirling thoughts and confusion that had taken hold. as I redirected my focus towards the present situation, attempting to regain my clarity and accept the unfolding events before me.

"If this is just like a game world, then where do I see it's stat then?" I wondered aloud, swiping the transparent panel in search of the creature's information. However, it appeared that its stats were not recorded at all.

"What's the point of showing me these numbers when I can't see the stats?" I grumbled in annoyance.

Sighing once more while shaking my head in frustration, I turned my attention to my own Soul Archive, eager to see what I gained thus far.

[ You have slain Corrupted walker x3 ]

[ You obtained a Legend x3 ]

"What's a legend? I've never heard of it in a trial?" I asked aloud, confusion evident in my voice. The fact that I had never encountered any information about a legend in my search for information only added to my confusion.

"Could it be restricted information?" I speculated but quickly dismissed the thought. If that were the case, the scarred man would have surely informed me before entering the trial.

"Perhaps the scarred man simply forgot to mention it.." I mumbled to myself, trying to rationalize the situation. However, deep down, my instincts told me that there was more to it than meets the eye.

As I contemplated further, it dawned on me that I had never come across anyone who possessed the ability to see the creatures within the trials.

I've only heard that killing the creatures would only give extra performance points within the trials, which essentially means higher path rank placements.

"Ughh... whatever." I groaned as I clutched my head with one hand in an attempt to alleviate the pounding headache that had suddenly overtaken me.

With a swipe on the transparent panel, my current status panel materialized before my eyes, revealing the information stored within my Soul Archive.

==============

Rookie: Robin Everhart

Incarnation: –

Soul Core: Novice [ - ]

Destiny: –

Soul Link: [ ■ Sight ]

Soul Shard: –

Zone: –

Attribute : [Details]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Soul Bind : [ Broken sword ( H - ) ] -Temporary

Soul Bane: – 

==============

"..." 

It appeared that I had obtained a class skill during this ordeal, but I don't know why. Typically, one would acquire a class skill upon completing a trial after their path is chosen by the trial.

"Why do I have a Soul Link?" I blinked in disbelief, my mouth hanging open. I was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by a mixture of shock, surprise, and confusion.

It felt as though the world around me spun for a minute, leaving me utterly bewildered by the unfolding events.

However, this also explains why I could see the information about the enemies I had defeated starting to make sense, but the question of why I had received a class skill before the trial's completion remained unanswered.

"More unanswered questions." I sighed heavily, as I rubbed my temples in frustration while lying down on the grassy plains, feeling utterly helpless.

"It seems like I will get punched by Evelyn soon."5