Chapter 5: A Pleasant Surprise

My experiments have proven fruitful.

At first glance, my inventory functions as normal as you would expect it to.

I have to open my inventory menu and then make the desired object touch the screen. The corresponding object would then be stored the moment it made contact with the screen no matter the size of the object. Seems normal enough, right? Thankfully, I made a very useful discovery.

This was found while I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. In reality, I was sorting through all my notes in my inventory. Eventually, I got tired studying and wanted to take a break. The screen faded into the background like always, but then a thought came to my mind.

I wonder, could I actually move it?

The status screen was like a HUD I couldn't turn off, but the inventory was something I could interact with like a window in a touchscreen. The reason why I don't usually do so is because it is easier to use my mind to manipulate it. Also, since I don't have an actual screen in front of me, it would look like I was doing some form of charade. If somebody saw that, it would seem very suspicious.

The answer turned out to be yes. I actually can move my inventory screen with my mind. This means I don't have to manually place objects in my inventory. I just have to will my screen to float towards the object I want to store. And since no actual display is seen, I can do some stealthy shenanigans. How ironic that one of the richest daughters in the world has the capability to become a competent thief.

While I don't plan on committing such acts of crime, I can already think of scenarios where this can be useful. I could loot items with minimal effort. What if I run into an artifact trap like the one I'm currently practicing with? A quick mental toss of my inventory and suddenly it's safely tucked away in another dimension.

Was it possible to use this in battle?

The scene of me clashing with Cinder comes to mind. As she swings her sword, she suddenly realizes it is nowhere to be found. Her reaction is too late as my blade skewers her heart.

What a glorious image.

Unfortunately, the range that I can move the screen is far too short for my liking. I can at most move it a few meters away. The screen itself can't be enlarged either, so I would have to accurately aim the small display at my targets. To make sure I don't mess up when I need to use it, I began practicing.

My current method of practice consisted of me placing small objects under my bed to avoid footage capturing my activities. I would sit on the opposite side of the room on a chair while holding a book to further disguise the act. From there, I would sit and 'read' as my inventory screen flew back and forth. It was also convenient since my inventory screen could spit out items the same way it swallowed them.

While I was practicing the motions one day, I am greeted with multiple screens popping up in front of my face.

You've created the skill, [Snatch]!


[Snatch]

By applying the inventory in a unique way, you've created an improved version of a Thief class skill. When activated, the desired item(s) will be placed within the inventory. Item(s) targeted must be within eyesight. Aura consumption depends on size of item(s).

Rank 1 (Unlocked): Range increased by 10 meters, (Unique) -10% aura consumption.

Rank 2 (Locked): ? (Level 20 required, Action required)

Rank 3 (Locked): ? (Level 40 required, Action required, Item required)


[Solomon's Wisdom] Rank 2 Requirement, "Create 5 skills", discovered!

Hidden feature of [Solomon's Wisdom] activated! You learned the unique skill, [Observe]!


[Observe]

By expanding your knowledge, you've become more familiar with skills each class uses. The higher your INT, the more powerful this skill.

Rank 1 (Unlocked) : (Passive) Automatically notifies user of skill(s) [1 sec] after use in the vicinity. Range is affected by senses. Skill History HUD added.

Rank 2 (Locked): ? (Level 20 required, Action required)

Rank 3 (Locked): ? (Level 40 required, Action required, Item required)


Any thoughts I had came to a halt as information started flooding in. It was as if I suddenly developed another sense, so to speak. I instinctively understood that two floors below me was a woman using Cook on a rack of lamb. Near the various decorations in the mansion were maids using Disinfect. And then there was the security detail.

So. Many. Aura Boost.

There were many class-specific skills that were being thrown around. Some of them I already knew about. Some were ones that I didn't.

I close my eyes in an attempt to subdue the migraine my head is currently going through. In my stupor, I had subconsciously activated Aura Boost to focus on certain individuals that were moving throughout the mansion. I deactivate the skill. The traffic in my mind clears to a much more manageable level. I open my eyes.

As I finally take the time to read the information in front of me, I cannot help but smile.

As expected of an epic-grade blessing! Observe is a very useful skill. With it, I could identify threats much easier whether they be living or Grimm. For example, one of the threats an Assassin posed was the element of surprise. Without any shields or buffs and their high damage potential, a single strike was all it took to kill me instantly, but now I can identify them the moment they try to sneak anywhere near me! The Skill History HUD gives me the ability to easily identify whether my senses were playing tricks on me. It also allows me to quickly familiarize with foreign skills, further enhancing my ability to improve.

All of this at only Rank 1!

I can only imagine how powerful it would get at Rank 2 or 3! Speaking of ranks, both of these new skills have a third rank. What a pleasant surprise.

It is common knowledge that the more powerful a skill was, the more ranks it can unlock. The weakest skills had only one rank while the most powerful ones had four. Only fairy tales and myths spoke of five and above… Yeah, I rolled my eyes when I read that.

Okay, enough about stupid insinuations I found from the rumor mill. What about this Snatch skill? Unlike my practice earlier, using this skill actually consumed aura.

I go up to the window in my bedroom. Outside, I could see our inner courtyard. I found a suitable target in the form of one of many blue lagoon flowers in the flowerbed.

[Snatch]

The flower vanishes. I open up my inventory to find the same one in an inventory slot. Excellent. That was easily more than ten meters. I glance at my aura reserves. I blink and look again. The decrease was miniscule like I had expected. What I didn't expect was that it was remaining stationary.

Observe doesn't consume aura passively? I mean, I know passives consume a lot less aura than actives but still. Doesn't that mean I get to keep the HUD on at all times?

Forget powerful, this was obscene! Not to mention, this skill was a unique one – meaning only I had it!

A morbid thought interrupts my inner reveling of newfound abilities.

If this is just a taste of how strong I can get, what about everyone else? Am I an anomaly, or am I still the same on the scale of power in RWBY? No, I should stop doubting myself. What happens will happen. I need to make the best of what I am given. I doubt any other child has developed as far as I have, mentally at least. I need to capitalize on this edge the best I can.

I go over my new skills once more. I reread their descriptions over and over until I know the details by heart.

So, they follow the standard 20 level rank-up system. Taking the headache I received into account, I can probably use Observe as an alternate WILL training method. It would be safer than using the artifact, at least. Perhaps, I could combine the methods somehow? A thought for another time. What about the Skill History HUD itself?

I glance at the display that now appeared next to the one that held my general information. I tried to 'click' on one of the skills with my mind, and a window appeared describing it to me.


[Snatch]

By applying the inventory in a unique way, you've created an improved version of a Thief class skill. When activated, the desired item(s) will be placed within the inventory. Item(s) targeted must be within eyesight. Aura consumption depends on size of item(s).

Rank 1 (Unlocked): Range increased by 10 meters, (Unique) -10% aura consumption.

Rank 2 (Locked): ? (Level 20 required, Action required)

Rank 3 (Locked): ? (Level 40 required, Action required, Item required)


Hmm. So, it shows me the description I would see when looking at each skill normally. What about a skill I don't know about? I 'click' on Disinfect, a skill I knew existed for an NPC class but never learned the exact details as it wasn't related to becoming a Huntress.


[Disinfect]

?

Error! [Observe] - Rank 2 still locked!


How fascinating. So at some point, Observe will allow me to learn the details of skills I don't already know? I open other screens, but I was getting similar results with the other skills. I hold my chin in thought.

With the Snatch skill, I can take objects from a large distance. I wonder if I can make one that does the opposite?

I wave the inventory menu outside my door and watch as the flower floated downward since my screen didn't quite reach the ground. To my astonishment, I received a notification immediately.

You've created the skill, [Litter]!


[Litter]

By applying the inventory in a unique way, you've created a new skill. When activated, the desired item(s) will be placed at their designated location(s). Location(s) targeted must be within eyesight. Aura consumption depends on size of item(s).

Rank 1 (Unlocked): Range increased by 10 meters.

Rank 2 (Locked): ? (Level 20 required, Action required)

Rank 3 (Locked): ? (Level 40 required, Action required, Item required)


Even the description is almost the exact same… 'New skill', am I the only person in the world with this skill? It even has three ranks. That's so stupid I could almost laugh. The image of me burying my opponents in a mountain of plastic comes to mind.

Ha! Never mind, that is pretty hilarious.

I must have been on the verge of learning this skill earlier. I know I was using my menu to put the objects I was practicing with back under my bed.

I look at the screen in front of me.… Litter. Of all the skills I had to come up with, I got Litter. Good grief. At least I now have two out of the five skills necessary to rank up my blessing.

Mother finally came home today. She was in a solemn mood. When dinner came around, she repeatedly warned Winter and I about the dangers of dungeons. Our confusion was promptly cleared when she said a new mechanic about dungeons was discovered. Apparently, it was now possible for a dungeon to start another one's Overflow event.

Fan-freaking-tastic.

That means if we aren't careful, we could trigger a disaster. Lives could be lost, and more orphans like Neo would be created. All the more reason to study and train, I suppose.

When Mother and I went to train, I told her about my Observe skill. As it serves as a reliable radar for trouble, I hoped her knowing would allow me to promptly warn her in the case of emergencies. Perhaps I could save someone's life despite being so young. It also let me get an expert's opinion on combining the two WILL training methods.

Strangely, she gave a sigh resembling resignation, but she was happy for me nevertheless. Mother proceeded to tell me that having a wide array of skills was important as it would keep me prepared for any situation. She did warn me, however, that I should be careful to not rely on my skills too much. Skills consumed aura, she said, and when you run out of aura you would essentially be useless.

I agreed with her. I did not want to be so defenseless. My decision to become a Battle Mage is a foregone conclusion. A Battle Mage was a hybrid class, possessing both the skills accessible to a Mage and a Warrior yet lacking power in all their skills. It was a well-rounded class capable of coping with most situations.

Soon, the new week arrived and so had Mr. Nebula from his vacation. The moment he stepped in the study room, he immediately asked me a couple questions from the homework I had been assigned. I answered them all – correctly, of course – and Mr. Nebula nodded while mumbling "Yes, yes. This is much better."

I don't really know if I should ask him just what exactly was better. I feel like it would result in souring the mood the two of us had built up over the course of our interactions together.

My daily routine changed once more. My training was pushed further into the day while my time with Mr. Nebula resumed its previous schedule. Juggling my time correctly was difficult at first, as I was quickly tired out from training ever since Mother got stricter with my workouts. I eventually got it under control though. Surely, the amount of sleep I am getting as a child cannot be healthy. I'll need to dial back on my outside research again…

-0-

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I pull my covers over my head.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Again, I must suffer through this torture. I leave the safe haven that is my mattress and open my door before the accursed knocking continues its third cycle. I glared at my female butler with half-open eyes.

"I'm up."

"So you are, Miss Weiss."

She gives me a cheeky grin. I stared unamused.

"For the millionth time, Neo, I have an alarm clock for a reason. There is no need for you to wake me up every single day."

"Yes, I am well aware of your ability, Miss Weiss. I am, after all, your sparring partner. However, since today was a special day, I took it upon myself to make sure there were no mishaps."

I look at my calendar. The words I see send a wave of disgust through me.

Ugh. School.

In the ten years of this life, I have avoided formal schooling like a plague. My rapid advances through tutoring with Mr. Nebula gave me a solid excuse to avoid it for as long as I have. Other than my time in combat school or Beacon academy, I find absolutely no appeal in fraternizing with a bunch of children.

Father had agreed with my request for the most part, but he insisted that I attend the Atlas Prep School at the very least. My strong rejection was met by the unforeseen betrayal by Mother.

I should make some friends, she said. I should learn to connect with others, she said.

Father wanted me to know how to socialize, and Mother wanted me to enjoy my childhood more. There was nothing wrong with either of their sentiments, and this would allow Neo to experience a formal education.

It's just… I really don't want to deal with children, especially not high-class children.

I sigh.

"Give me a moment to freshen up, Neo. I need to get dressed."

"Naturally, Miss Weiss."

"And call me Weiss, Neo. We're the same age."

"Of course, Miss Weiss."

She smiled at me. I roll my eyes at her before closing the door to get dressed. When I am finished, I reopen the door to find her still dressed in her white, pink, and brown butler outfit. I raised an eyebrow as I give her an obvious once-over. The shimmering of glass is heard as her semblance, Mirage, reveals that she was only putting up the illusion of her outfit. She is now dressed up in our new uniform with two backpacks in her hands.

I put out my hand to receive my items. She shook her head, insisting that she carry it for me. I give her a bland stare. We silently argue back and forth with our expressions for the umpteenth time. Neo was devoted, if nothing else. The gratitude she had as a child heavily influenced her behaviors toward me. At every opportunity, she insisted on lightening my burden, even when some things I could handle by myself just fine.

It is her turn to sigh as she relents. I smile triumphantly. Our entire argument is meaningless because we put the backpacks into our inventory anyway, but it is the thought that counts. We walk side-by-side to the limousine. On the way towards the school, Neo sat calmly. Her eyes, though, reveal that she is excited about the new environment. I, on the other hand, am internally crying over the amount of time I will have to waste in the establishment.

"What do you think it will be like?" she asked.

"Like it will be filled with endless posturing."

"Please, Weiss. Surely, we can both find someone we enjoy speaking to. Other than me, you hardly speak to anyone else our age."

That's because everyone else are spoiled tykes. Not once during any of Father's social gatherings did I find a suitable person I could call friend. It is one of the only reasons I wish my time at Beacon would come faster.

"Hm." I hum noncommittally.

Neo holds me in high regard. She studied and trained just as hard as I do in an attempt to catch up to my level. With her natural intelligence already being very high – pun not intended – and her combat prowess already spoken for, it is no surprise that she matched my pace in growth. Unfortunately, with her circumstances, that only made socializing with people her age more difficult. She might say I had only had her as a friend, but the reverse was also true for her. That was why she was so excited after all.

Regrettably, this was a prep school, not a public school. It was filled with elites or those who wanted to become one. At the age of 10, the former was 9 times out of 10 an arrogant prick while the latter stayed silent to fit in. Given the fact some were also nobles, I highly doubt she will find a suitable friend she was hoping for, and I will not stand some cretin negatively influencing her.

The limousine comes to a stop, and Klein opens the door for us.

"I hope you have a wonderful day, Miss Weiss, Miss Neo."

Neo nod in thanks while slightly blushing at the rare formality associated with her name. I ruefully smile.

"We'll try, Klein. Thank you."

He gives both of us a wide smile. The pity I see in his eyes though only confirms my own fears. We wave goodbye to each other before he reenters the vehicle. I watch as my escape route disappears around the corner of the street before turning to the newfound hell that awaited me.

"Weiss, please, you look like you're about to spar the Mistral Regional Tournament Champion, not go to school."

Oh, don't you worry Neo. I will be doing that in two years.

I sigh. Let's just get this over with.

We make our way to the classroom. I reach for the door, but Neo grasps the handle before me. She stepped to the side and gestured me in. I step forward and find that the two of us have gathered the attention of everyone already present. I ignore the whispers that arose from my presence and instead sweep my eyes and identified everyone. I silently started memorizing their faces and titles, not that there was anyone interesting. Meanwhile, Neo's own eyes swept through the room. Her mind was probably already identifying the potential escape routes and entry points thanks to her training with Klein.

My eyes land on a girl in the very back. She was a lightly brown-skin girl with brown hair tied back in a ponytail. On her face, I could see small patches of darker skin that almost looked like freckles, if freckles were larger and brown. She stared at me with, dare I say, nervous gray eyes. I look above her head at the name that revealed the mystery.

Ilia Amitola (Lvl 1) [No Class]

The Disguised

I take my words back. I found something interesting after all.

I promptly make my way to the faunus girl with Neo trailing behind me. I sit down in the currently empty desk next to Ilia while Neo sat in the one directly to my right. Even if it was taken by someone else, I couldn't care less at the moment. I give her a friendly smile.

"Greetings. My name is Weiss Schnee. The one beside me is Neopolitan Sieben. What's your name?"

The chameleon faunus nervously swallowed her saliva. Neo probably missed the way Ilia's eyes faded to a dull yellow, but I sure didn't. Though I have to say, Ilia had better control over her faunus traits than most. If I hadn't been looking for it, I never would've noticed.

"I-I'm Ilia Amitola. Pleasure to meet you." She stuttered out.

Neo slightly bowed her head.

"Neopolitan Sieben. Please call me Neo. And likewise."

"It's our first day here. What about you?" I ask.

"I've been taking classes here for a year now."

"Really? Well, I hope you don't mind us depending on you for help as a senior."

"O-oh. Yeah. Sure, no problem. I'll help the best I can."

"Splendid."

The poor girl was completely thrown off since I started interacting with her out of nowhere. I suppose I should give her some time to gather her thoughts. The conversation stills as none of us speak up. Neo gives me a questioning look. She was probably curious why I approached someone just after voicing my dislike towards school. Now wasn't the time to explain though. I glance at my wristwatch in answer. She nods in understanding.

The arrival of the teacher spares us from rekindling our dead conversation. Everyone begins diligently taking notes as the lecture begins. I find myself bored out of my mind as the topic is something I covered with Mr. Nebula years ago. My thoughts wander toward the new acquaintance I made.

Ilia was a faunus girl who pretended to be human. Before the death of her parents, she attended an Atlas prep school. After their mining accident, she ran off to join the White Fang. Who would have thought the prep school she joined was the same one I would attend?... That's a silly question. I'm a main character. Why wouldn't she?

Whatever. For now, I suppose I can befriend her. The fate of her parents is not really in my control. The most I can do is push Father towards changing the employee's working conditions. Even then, who knows what will happen.

"Miss Schnee, which is the correct answer?"

"The second of the bottom."

Please, I have Mr. Nebula for a tutor. At least ask a harder question next time you try to punish me.

The lessons continue and so do my attempts at finding other activities to entertain myself. While I was visualizing various strategies to use in my spars with Neo, the bell rung signaling the start of lunch. We withdraw our lunchboxes from our respective inventories, only to find myself approached by other students.

Oh god. They're here.

"Greetings, Weiss. How ironic to see you here."

I don't recall ever giving you permission to speak to me so casually. Also, stop trying to sound intelligent you show-off. There's nothing ironic about a girl going to school.

"Hello, Sir Draco." I put on my business smile. I can't be too hostile after all. Father would never let me hear the end of it.

"I was wondering if you mind letting Arthur and I join you for lunch."

I do mind, actually.

Neo steps in front of me, knowing how much I dislike the courting attempts from Things One and Two.

"My apologies, Sir Draco. Miss Weiss prefers to enjoy lunch in a quieter setting. Perhaps another day."

Thing Two gives Neo a conceited look.

"No worries, commoner. We are plenty capable of eating silently."

I highly doubt that.

And just like that, Dumb and Dumber sat down uninvited, joining Ilia, Neo, and I for lunch. Neo gives me an apologetic look, but I wave her worries away. Our group is further joined by Ilia's other acquaintances. Neo and I began speaking with Ilia in an attempt to get to know her more. I dodge the duo's attempt at conversation by feigning ignorance when they try to get my attention. At some point, the conversation drifts toward subject of faunus.

"Did you hear about the White Fang? Turns out their leader stepped down."

"About time." A girl responds. "Those animals finally learned their place."

The rest of them nods in agreement. Ilia follows along with the act. My stomach churns as I watch the hypocrisy unfold in front of me. Neo interjects.

"Your statement is inaccurate. While it is true their previous leader stepped down, another one has taken his place."

"You mean those savages haven't been put down yet?" Thing One asks. "If you ask me, they should all be in an asilum or something."

It's asylum you illiterate twat. Second of all, nobody asked you. I am seriously tempted to use Litter and stuff his mouth with the same fecal matter that comes out of it.

"That's too wasteful." Someone says. "We should at least put them to work somewhere like the mines. Or clearing dungeons."

"How perfect. Such work is perfect for those brutes."

Neo frowns. The faunus she had the pleasure of working with were decent people. Given that she was raised by Klein, she is more inclined to be amiable towards those she didn't know rather than talk down so arrogantly like these kids were. She got enough of that from other nobles to know that such a feeling was unpleasant. Even Ilia's smile started looking a bit forced. I stare unamused at the racist pricks.

"Huntsmen and Huntresses live and die in the dungeons every day. Every one of them is fighting to ensure the safety of their families and kids. Kids like you. My own mother is a Huntress. Are you calling my mother a brute, Maximillian Draco?"

He freezes momentarily before shaking his head rapidly. There was no grace in any of his motions.

"N-no! No! Of course not, Wei-"

"That's Miss Schnee, to you."

"Miss Schnee! Of course not, I wouldn't dare!"

I hmphed at him and his tagalong.

"As much of a pleasure this conversation has been, I believe it's time for the two of you to take your leave. Good day, Sir Draco."

I close my eyes and sip my tea. As far as I was concerned, they no longer existed. Beside me, Neo gave a cold smile at the two Neanderthals. Her stare clearly unnerves them as I hear to them shuffle away. As a final act of vengeance, I raise a single eyelid and look in their direction.

[Snatch]

The two fools immediate cry out in shock as they suddenly fall. The loud commotion draws the attention of the rest of the class. Laughter and mockery follows as everyone realizes the two noble children were showcasing a splendid pair of tighty-whities with their pants at their ankles, their belts nowhere to be seen.

Serves you right, you fuck. Nobody insults Neo and gets away with it.

I direct my gaze toward the rest of the girls. They flinch. The laughter that previously escaped their throats stop.

"While it is true many faunus work in the mines, it is also because it is the most convenient field to get employed in. Many humans do not take kindly to faunus, so it is no surprise they would rather choose to work in a field where they can rely on fellow faunus to watch their backs. The mines themselves are a very important part of our society. Many of our tools and weapons rely on Dust to function. I hope that knowing this you can come to appreciate their struggles instead of heartlessly laughing at those less fortunate than you."

Silence is their reply, but I no longer pay them any heed. Lunchtime is over, and class will start again soon. I once more find myself uninterested in the topics that are being discussed. It only serves as a refresher at best. I begin reciting in my head the lyrics of the song I am going to perform later this week. The event is hosted by my family due to my personal request. All of the profits and donations will be directed towards orphanages and charities to help the homeless. I made sure to include charities that aimed to help out faunus as well.

Ever since I met Neo, I began to set aside a quarter of my allowance to send towards these charities. In reality, I don't really spend much of my allowance in the first place. Books only cost so much, and I get a very large allowance (Who the hell needs 10k Lien a year as a kid?). Whatever I don't spend, I set aside for future expenses as a Huntress. Now that stuff gets expensive.

My internal practice stops as the day finally comes to an end. Neo and I wave goodbye to Ilia before heading out to the limousine where Klein stood waiting for us.

"How was school?"

"It was… an experience." Neo stated.

"That bad, huh?"

"We made one friend, so the trip wasn't entirely useless." I clarify.

"Really?"

"Why were you so interested in Ilia, Miss Weiss?"

"The girl is a faunus."

Neo blinked. She looked down, most likely recalling our interactions together.

"She is pretending to be human? She had no obvious animal features. Hm? Or does she? Is she a chameleon faunus?"

I arch an eyebrow.

"Oh? What makes you think that, Neo?"

"Her hair curls at the tip. I also think she changed eye color, but I assumed it was due to the lighting. Now that you say she's a faunus, I am reconsidering if my eyes were playing tricks on me."

I nod.

"Well, you're right. She is a chameleon faunus. I simply found it a shame such a girl would go to such lengths to hide her own heritage."

"So you decided to befriend her despite knowing full well the stigma associated with your name? I'm not sure if that's the wisest move, Miss Weiss."

"Call me Weiss, Neo. And it's fine. She showed no hatred towards me yet. Only nervousness. Since she isn't hostile, I see no reason to not befriend her."

Neo gives me a skeptical look. I shrug my shoulders at her.

"Think of it as an investment. If she shows signs of developing unreasonable hatred despite us being friends, I'll stop associating with her. If she doesn't, we get a new friend. I doubt we'll find another opportunity like this one."

"If you say so, Weiss."

When we arrive home, the three of us make our way to the training room. We enter and find Mother already waiting for us. Mother smiled at me.

"Hello, dear. Did you have fun at school?"

"Fun would be a stretch, Mother. Mildly entertaining is more accurate."

"That's a shame to hear. I hope you don't close yourself off too much, dear. You have to give others a chance in order to become friends."

I shake my head.

"Don't worry, Mother. In fact, Neo and I did make a friend. Whether that number increases in the next two years remains to be seen."

"Well, you should tell me all about it during dinner. For now, let's begin training. Today, we will be starting things off differently than usual. Go change into your fighting gear and remember to do your stretches before we start."

Neo and I go to the changing room to switch into more appropriate clothing. As the two of us helped each other stretch, I look at my status screen.

Weiss Schnee (Lvl 1)

The Generous Princess

Health: 173/173

Aura: 204/204

Class: Battle Mage

Semblance: Glyph

Age: 10

Money: 1,538 (266,224) Lien

[+] Inventory

[+] Stats

[+] Perks

[+] Equipment

[+] Skills


[-] Stats

STR: 19.5

DEX: 18.3

VIT: 17.3

INT: 20.4

WILL: 33.2

LUCK: 20

BLESSINGS: [Solomon's Wisdom] (Epic)


I've made significant progress these past few years. I could beat up most NPC's if I wanted to. If I was more violent, Thing One and Two would be dead in a ditch somewhere. In hindsight, humans in this world have to have a high physical limit in order to do the stuff they do. Still, it's a strange feeling to know that I'm already stronger than some adults. It just goes to show the disparity between civilians and fighters.

I open the perk screen.


[-] Perks

Perk Points: 2/2

Current Perk Page: Standard

Perk Pages: Standard, Initiate, Offense Fighter, Offense Mage, Defense, MR (magic resist), [+] create new page

[Standard] (+ rename)

Current Mastery Bonuses: None

Spellcaster – (Next Mastery Bonus: 0/20)

(Offense)

[0/2] Elemental Damage Up – Rank 1

[0/2] Spell Expert (INT Up) – Rank 1

?

?

(Defense)

[0/2] Shield Power Up – Rank 1

[0/2] Curse Power Up – Rank 1

?

?

Fighter – (Next Mastery Bonus: 2/20)

(Offense)

[0/2] Strong Blows (STR Up) – Rank 1

[0/2] Initiative

?

?

(Defense)

[0/2] Stone Skin – Rank 1

[2/2] Tank Expert (VIT Up) – Rank 1

?

?


The greatest advantage of this system is the fact that perk points aren't permanent. I can switch between perk pages in the midst of battle and literally alter my body to cope with the situation. What a shame that I'm still level 1, so I don't have many perk points to spend.

Now that we finished stretching, Neo and I made our way back to the open area. There stood my mother and Klein as well as 3 large cages. Each one was as tall as they were. I looked at it curiously.

Ask and you shall receive.

"Today," she began, "you two will be fighting against live Grimm."

The growls from within the steel boxes confirm her statement.

"Party Invite. Neopolitan." I impatiently requested.

"I accept." Neo replies in similar excitement.

Neopolitan has joined your party! Give a name to your party?

"Weiss Cream."

"Weiss Cream" party created! Experience sharing set to 50-50. Would you like to change it?

"No."

Klein chuckled at our enthusiasm. Mother smiled at me.

"I'm glad you're excited, but please remember your training. Are the two of you ready?"

Neo tightens her gloves and hops back and forth from one leg onto another. I draw my rapier. It's no Mytenaster, but it will have to do.

I double check my perk pages just in case. Of my current perk pages, Initiate had points in Initiative, Offense Fighter had them in Strong Blows – Rank 1, Offense Mage in Elemental Damage Up – Rank 1, Defense in Stone Skin – Rank 1, and MR in Shield Power Up – Rank 1.

Equip: Initiate.

I nod to my mother. Let's do this!

The two adults stand on the edge of the training room. Mother waves her wand, and a small ball of fire flies at the lock of one of the cages. The explosion is immediately followed by a bang as the side of the cage flies from the force of the strike. Neo and I dodge in opposite directions, but we keep our eyes on our target.

Beowolf (Common) (Lvl 4)

"Grrr."

The beast bends down onto all four of its limbs. Suddenly, it pounces forth with great ferocity. Its hungry red eyes focus on its nonmoving prey.

[Mirage]

The sound of breaking glass is heard as the illusion is broken. Instead of two children, it sees the trap the two of us had created.

Equip: Offense Mage.

[Glyph of Ice], [Ice Spear]

The tragedy is unavoidable as the monster finds itself impaled on a spear of ice I had formed on the ground. The beowolf howls in pain as it finds itself missing an arm.

[Mirage]

Neo dashes forward and gives it a double kick to the face. Her movements breaking through the illusion she used to hide her attack. The beowolf flies to the side and lands on yet another spear of ice. The body slumps onto the floor, unmoving as the spear had impaled its head. The body and blood begin to dissipate as the fight is finished. The black smoke clears, leaving behind a pile of loot. A screen appears in front of my face.

Level Up! +2 Perk Points!

My eyes meet Neo's as we smile together in victory. Klein applauds us.

"Bravo! Bravo! Splendid teamwork!"

Mother nods in approval.

"I expected nothing less. We have been training using my summoning for quite a while now. Alright, for the next two fights, I want you two to fight by yourselves."

We nod in acceptance. I stored the loot with Snatch. We can divide the spoils later.

"Dissolve party."

Party "Weiss Cream" dissolved!

I alter my perk pages to include the extra two perk points I just received.

Perk page – Initiate. Add points to Elemental Damage Up – Rank 1.

Perk page – Offense. Add points to Initiative.

Perk page – Offense Mage. Add points to Initiative.

Create new page. Rename perk page 7. New name – Balanced Defense. Add points to Stone Skin – Rank 1 and Shield Power Up – Rank 1.

Eh, wait a second. Now Initiate and Offense Mage are the exact same. Whatever, I'll leave it for now. I might need them as separate perk pages in the future.

Equip: Initiate.

I give Mother a nod indicating I was ready to begin.

The side of the second cage opens in a similar fashion to the first.

Beowolf (Rare) (Lvl 4)

[Howl]

The beast howls towards the sky. Its form begins bulking up as the muscles begin to expand. I point at it with a glyph already forming on my fingertips. Howl increases its speed and attack power. I need to end this before he uses that skill too often.

[Glyph of Ice], [Ice Spear]

My attack flies toward the beast. The beowolf quickly abandons casting the skill in order to dodge. Thanks to Initiative, the first skill I use always completes first. The simultaneous use of my semblance only empowers the skill even more as it is casted.

I stab my rapier into the floor.

[Glyph of Ice], [Freeze]

The floor is quickly coated in a layer of frost. The beowolf slips upon contact with the ground. As it gathers its bearings, I make my next move.

[Glyph of Acceleration]

My body speed forward at my target. Because of the ice, the beowolf cannot dodge my strike so quickly. Instead, it swipes at me in retaliation. However, I expected that.

[Glyph of Acceleration]x2

I create two more glyphs. One that directs me upward, and one that shoots me straight down from above the beast.

Equip: Offense Fighter

[Glyph of Power]

My rapier slams into the beast's skull. A loud crack is heard as my blade exits the other side. I stand and bask in my victory as the body fades away. Improvement is done slowly over time, and I have been doing so constantly. But I cannot help but feel a sense of satisfaction reading those words in front of me. They were two simple words, yet they made me feel like I was finally getting somewhere.

Level Up! +2 Perk Points!