As soon as I attempted to continue with my bandit extermination quest, I received a notification for completing a quest I don't remember seeing. To ensure I was unhampered by any distractions, I checked my system for any changes to note due to the "rewards" from what I can only assume is a hidden quest.
{
Menu:
* Status *
Name: Asta
AMP: 20/20
TKI: 10/10
STR: 30
AGI: 25
INT: 35
SEN: 11
* Abilities (NEW)
* Shop (!)
* Inventory (!)
* Quests (!)
}
As I examined my status page, I immediately noticed the effects of my stat growth, which was probably part of the reason I felt so good just a short while ago. The reorganization of my system menu was quite the surprise, what with the new additions hinting at what I have gained from my recent quest completion, but I decided to check on my Quest tab first.
{
Menu:
* Status
* Abilities (NEW)
* Shop (!)
* Inventory (!)
* Quests *
* Main Quests:
- Path of a King (Incomplete)
* Daily Quests:
- OPM/SM Workout (Completed)
* Optional Quests:
- Taking Out Local Bandits Hiding in the Forest x25
* (NEW) Hidden Quests:
- The Final Fusion (Achieved)
* Quest Logs *
}
I noticed the new changes that were apparently obvious in the Quest section, and, more curious about the contents of my reward, I clicked into a new red-black window for the info on The Final Fusion quest.
{
* Hidden Quests:
- The Final Fusion (Achieved)
Rewards:
- ALL STAT increase +5
- TKI (Stat Unlocked) and AMP increase +10
- Skill: Ki Arts
- Item: Mind Enhancer Vial x1
- 100 coins
}
I stared at the list of rewards for a few seconds, trying to piece together a new plan of action for my bandit extermination quest with these new goodies in my possession. Concerning all that had happened to me just a few moments ago, the rewards granted by this quest were more of a decent boon than a profound waste. The items, stats, and coins felt like they matched the nature of the hidden quest. But the unlocking of my Ki and a new skill involving it were quite the surprise. I thought I would have to join the Black Bulls and meet Yami first before I could even dream of attaining the TKI energy stat. Why had I gained it now?
Then the answer slapped me in the face.
I had changed. Transformed. When I went through my "Final Fusion" as the quest was so titled, the strength and intensity of my Ki doubled and maybe even tripled—and my system was finally able to register its existence into itself after it successfully stabilized the energy flow with my anti-magic.
I backed out and minimized the Quest tab, then, without missing a beat, immediately opened both my Inventory and Shop in separate windows, saving the Abilities section for later.
The Inventory tab blinked to life, my grimore rapidly flipping through its pages and listing each item in clean rows within a small red-black screen.
My eyes scanned quickly:
{
Menu:
* Status
* Abilities (NEW)
* Shop (!)
* Inventory *
- Demon Slayer (Legendary) [Equipped]
- Faux Dragon Slayer (Common)
- Combat Suit (Rare) [Equipped]
- Mind Enhancer Vial (Uncommon)
- Ki Arts Skill Card (Epic)
- Map of Skull Forest (Common)
- Pouch of Yul (¥5000)
- ...ETC...
* Quests
}
I frowned slightly as I scrolled through the Inventory section. While the pages of my grimoire fluttered softly in the background, I casually skimmed over my miscellaneous resources—food, water, and other odds and ends. Then, without much thought, I pulled out and tore up the Ki Arts skill card to acquire the skill, and I also pulled out the vial of Mind Enhancer. I downed the tasteless liquid as quickly as I could after reading the item description, which had no noticeable effect, just like the body version.
Here's the item info for the vial:
{
* Item Info:
Name: Mind Enhancer (Uncommon)
Effects:
1. Releases the mind's spiritual limits over time.
2. Eliminates mental defects
}
I then moved on to the Shop tab.
{
Menu:
* Status
* Abilities (NEW)
* Shop *
* Search [ ... ]
- Catagories
- Themes
- Filters
* Wallet [ Deposit/Withdrawal ]
- 110 coins
- 0 SEPs
- 0 Yuls
* Inventory
* Quests
}
The Shop section had also expanded, and new categories and themes had been unlocked. Each category and theme had only a few new items available, and most of them were grayed out, either due to my current Ki or Anti-Magic control being too low, my stats being insufficient, or not having enough moolah. But just seeing them there lit a spark of curiosity and determination.
A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips.
This was the next step—a new layer of strength to master. And if I played this right, the bandits I was about to face wouldn't even know what hit them.
However, it was finally time to open the Abilities tab.
Time to see what this Abilities section was all about...
{
Menu:
* Status
* Abilities *
* Skills:
- Anti-Magic Flow Lvl. ( 0 )
- Ki Arts Lvl. ( 0 )
- Automatic Dissociative Absorption Lvl. ( 5 )
- Cognitive Visualization Lvl. ( 5 )
- Indomitable Will Lvl. ( 2 )
- Biokinetic Intellect Lvl. ( 2 )
* Shop
* Inventory
* Quests
}
As soon as the Abilities tab fully loaded, I found myself blinking at the list of new yet familiar powers. The sleek, red-black translucent interface shimmered for a moment before settling, several skills I either didn't know I had or had only recently gained a deeper insight into.
Still, the implications were immediate—and thrilling.
{
#1
* Skill Info:
Name: Anti-Magic Flow (Uncommon)
Level: 0 (Novice)
Description:
A foundational skill for utilizing and mastering the energy of Anti-Magic. Designed to help individuals harmonize with and control an energy that nullifies all forms of mana-based phenomena. This skill marks the first step in mastering Anti-Magic beyond brute force, establishing a stable conduit for its circulation and application throughout the user's body and weapons.
#2
* Skill Info:
Name: Ki Arts (Uncommon)
Level: 0 (Novice)
Description:
A foundational martial skill that governs the conscious manipulation, application, and refinement of Ki. Allows the use of techniques fueled by inner life force—the primal life energy present in all living beings. This art serves as the gateway to unlocking a wide variety of physical and spiritual techniques rooted in instinct, intent, and internal harmony.
#3
* Skill Info:
Name: Automatic Dissociative Absorption (Unique)
Level: 5 (Novice)
Description:
A unique and complex cognitive skill that enables the user to enter a deep, trance-like mental state of absorption unconsciously while engaged in repetitive, instinctive, or high-focus activities. This state—termed Automatic Dissociative Absorption—facilitates a hybrid flow condition in which the body operates on "autopilot" while the mind becomes immersed in vivid mental simulations, including adaptive training scenarios or maladaptive escapist fantasies.
#4
* Skill Info:
Name: Cognitive Visualization (Unique)
Level: 5 (Novice)
Description:
This skill grants the user the ability to create and manipulate highly detailed mental constructs and scenarios with exceptional vividness and precision. By harnessing advanced visualization techniques, the user can significantly enhance their physical and psychological training efficiency. It is invaluable for those seeking to accelerate their growth by combining cognitive prowess with physical conditioning, effectively bridging the gap between mind and body in martial or magical disciplines.
#5
* Skill Info:
Name: Indomitable Will (Epic)
Level: 2 (Novice)
Description:
A manifestation of sheer, unyielding resolve. This skill passively increases resistance to mental manipulation, including mind control, illusion-based attacks, psychological fear effects, and spiritual corrosion. At higher levels, the user's willpower may override certain debuffs, status effects, and curses, especially those targeting the mind or soul. In battle, the user's determination can subtly influence momentum, slowing enemy morale-based abilities or even empowering allies through sheer presence.
#6
* Skill Info:
Name: Biokinetic Intellect (Epic)
Level: 2 (Novice)
Description:
A rare synthesis of advanced intellect and biological adaptability. This skill enhances neuromuscular awareness, allowing for rapid learning and optimization of movement, reaction time, and sensory-motor coordination. It grants passive boosts to skill acquisition, physical intuition, reflex calibration, and combat memory imprinting, enabling the user to internalize techniques after limited exposure. Ideal for martial prodigies, tacticians, and polymath-style fighters.
}
The first two skills originated from the system—Anti-Magic Flow and Ki Arts—the rewards from the two quests I completed as of right now. Skills three and four, Automatic Dissociative Absorption and Cognitive Visualization, were the result of my own mind's evolution—gifts I had from my previous life now forged into actual skills through relentless internal training and a mind constantly pushed to the brink. And the last two, Indomitable Will and Biokinetic Intellect, originated from my life as Asta and properly manifested into actual skills when the fusion occurred.
They were the foundation of who I was now. A warrior forged through conflict, contemplation, and convergence.
I stared at the full list of my skills, heart thrumming with anticipation. Each one had a story behind it—an echo of struggle, breakthrough, and transformation. But more than that, they weren't isolated abilities. They resonated. There was a thread that connected all six, weaving together a combat philosophy far greater than the sum of its parts.
Ki Arts and Anti-Magic Flow gave me the tools—the raw, potent energies of body and negation, and how to manipulate them.
Cognitive Visualization and Automatic Dissociative Absorption gave me the mind—the imagination, focus, and altered states necessary to train and fight like no ordinary human.
Indomitable Will and Biokinetic Intellect gave me the heart—the drive to push past fear and pain, and the means to adapt faster than most could blink.
Then a thought hit me with a most wonderful idea.
' Could I combine these skills? Does the system allow for the synergy of skills? '
Sure enough, after I had that thought, a small line in fine print glowed faintly beneath the Abilities tab:
{
Menu:
* Status
* Abilities *
* Skills:
- Anti-Magic Flow Lvl. ( 0 )
- Ki Arts Lvl. ( 0 )
- Automatic Dissociative Absorption Lvl. ( 5 )
- Cognitive Visualization Lvl. ( 5 )
- Indomitable Will Lvl. ( 2 )
- Biokinetic Intellect Lvl. ( 2 )
* Synergies (NEW)
[ 3 Possible Skill Interactions Available ]
* Shop
* Inventory
* Quests
}
My breath caught in my throat.
' Three combinations already? ' I almost opened the new Synergies tab without hesitation.
I stood up, trying to steady my breath, body humming with a restrained, coiled strength and practically vibrating with anticipation. My hands instinctively started rubbing together, as if to warm my hands. I had stopped myself right there because I knew if I kept going down that path, I wouldn't be able to get anything done. Besides, before I even attempt to mess around with skill synergies, I should learn how each skill functions by itself.
The bandit extermination would be just what I needed to achieve this goal.
"Right," I muttered to myself. "Let's field test these skills of mine."
No more hesitation. No more delays.
I pulled out the Map of Skull Forest to relocate both myself and the bandit base and leapt out of the small clearing and back into the forest itself. I then bolted in the direction of the quarry of my quest.
The forest loomed ahead like a beast's open maw. Trees danced in the breeze, and shadows flickered between their trunks like silent watchers. Somewhere in there, the bandits were waiting, smug in their supposed anonymity.
However, they didn't know what was coming their way.
And that I was going to tear through them like the devil I was meant to become.
The wind howled with me as I charged into the forest.
Let the hunt begin.