Before fighting, I wanted to check what level I was. If I remember correctly, I can get my first class at level 150.
("|Analyze|.") [Solace]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name: Solace
Race: Forsaken Great Spirit
Gender: ???
Age: ???
Level: 122
Health: 15800/15800
Mana: 8900/8900
Strength: 4052
Agility: 3380
Intelligence: 2838
Willpower: 3780
Status: Stable
Skills: |Mystic Tongue Lv. 9| |Analyze Lv. 19| |Appraisal Resistance Lv. 1| |Liquid Bullet Lv. 3| |Ashen Arrow Lv. 6| |Flame Cannon Lv. 3| |Wind Edge Lv. 4| |Cleanse Lv. 1| |Kindle Lv. 1| |Night Vision Lv. 4| |Earthen Shield Lv. 1| |Reinforce Lv. 4| |Paralyze Lv. 1| |Mimic Lv. 6| |Status Concealment Lv. 1| |Item Box Lv. 7| |Sound Interference Lv. 1| |Enchant Flame Lv. 1| |Fire Resistance Lv. 10| |Blazing Fist Lv. 2| |Liquid Barrage Lv. 1| |Convergence Lv. 1| |Shock Resistance Lv. 6| |Wardrobe Lv.1| |Mana Detection Lv. 1| |Mana Breathing Lv.3| |Terra Javelin Lv. 2| |Imbue Alarm Lv. 1| |Cold Resistance Lv. 4| |Mental Fortitude Lv. 11| |Nausea Resistance Lv. 3| |Temperance Lv. 12| |Doppelganger Lv. 1| |Explosion Arts Lv. 1| |Vortex Arts Lv. 1| |Piercing Blow Lv. 1| |Poison Resistance Lv. 9| |Corrosion Resistance Lv. 3| |Enchant Lightning Lv. 1| |Pain Resistance Lv. 8| |Elara Lv. 1| |Revolving Shell Arts Lv. 1| |Liquid Cannon Lv. 1| |Small Cure Lv. 2| |Liquid Blast Lv. 1| |Thunderbolt Lance Lv. 3| |Grygand Lv. 2| |Heat Resistance Lv. 1| |Preservation Lv. 1| |Remove Odor Lv. 1| |Holy Resistance Lv. 1|
Unique Skill: N/A
Titles: |Contracted Spirit Of The Unfortunate Summoner| |Unresting Experience Trainer| |Challenger Of The Strong| |Pitiful Disciple| |Liberator| |Guinea Pig|
True Titles: |Blooming Undying| |Divine Beast Slayer|
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
("Damn.") [Solace]
It wasn't as high as I'd thought. Maybe I would be at a higher level if I killed the two demons in the first hero's tomb instead of leaving it to, well… the first hero. I then tried to compare my stats with Nakros'.
("|Analyze|.") [Solace]
"Hm?" [Nakros]
"Warning: Your usage of |Analyze| has been detected and halted by |Information Sentry|. |Analyze| target is aware of your actions." [Spirit Guide]
("That can happen?!") [Solace]
I remember trying to use it against higher level people like Jukhan and Lapis. However, my |Analyze| was never interrupted like this.
"...Did you just try to look at my status plate?" [Nakros]
"Ah… Yeah." [Solace]
I was caught red handed. There was no point in lying here. I readied myself for a scolding or something, but Nakros just sighed.
"You know you could've just asked." [Nakros]
"Huh? You're not mad?" [Solace]
Nakros shook his head.
"Not really. It's common to look at your opponent's status plate secretly. I do it, our fellow disciples do it, but I can't really say Master does it." [Nakros]
"Why not?" [Solace]
"Reasons. It's too long to explain. Anyway, you wanted to see my status correct?" [Nakros]
"...Mhm." [Solace]
Nakros spread his arms as if he was preparing to take in a big hug. Either that or accepting his fate.
"Go ahead." [Nakros]
("|Analyze|.") [Solace]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name: Nakros Yold
Race: Sky Dragon
Class: ???
Gender: Male
Age: ???
Level: ???
Health: ???
Mana: ???
Strength: ???
Agility: ???
Intelligence: ???
Willpower: ???
Status: Excited
Skills: |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???|
Unique Skill: |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???|
Titles: |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???| |???|
True Titles:|???| |???| |???| |???| |???|
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
That really doesn't tell me much.
"...Are you by any chance above level 300?" [Solace]
"Perchance." [Nakros]
I would have cracked a joke and said something along the lines of: "You can't just say perchance!". Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of that.
"You do realize this makes me not want to fight at all right?" [Solace]
Nakros shrugged.
"I thought so. How about I give you an incentive?" [Nakros]
"Like?" [Solace]
"I'll do you any favor. Or I can make you whatever you want. I'm a blacksmith too y'know?" [Nakros]
Although it sounded pretty tempting, there's no way Nakros would say this without it still being to his advantage.
"What are my requirements for victory?" [Solace]
"There is no win condition. I just want to see your progress. The rewards are yours regardless of outcome." [Nakros]
Bet.
"I still got my first hit though." [Solace]
Nakros taunted me with a finger wag.
"Just start already." [Nakros]
"Alright." [Solace]
I gripped my |Thunderbolt Lance|.
("Let's start off big.") [Solace]
"|Grygand|." [Solace]
Within an instant, lightning surged and I thrusted my spear at unbelievable speeds.
"Woah!" [Nakros]
I felt the blow connect, but all I found was Nakros almost completely fine.
"...Huh?" [Solace]
Clamping his hands together, Nakros had caught the speartip. Other than that, his shirt was in ruins.
"That's very impressive. The sheer force behind that skill tore my clothes. I must say the night wind is cold though." [Nakros]
Just |Grygand| wasn't enough. As Nakros took out a white coat, I unleashed a flurry of slashes and stabs.
"Going for technique instead of skills?" [Nakros]
His slit eyed pupils followed my every move, allowing him to effortlessly evade any of my strikes.
("I need to be more unpredictable!") [Solace]
I threw the spear down and kicked it up at him, forcing him to evade by leaning back.
("|Earthen Shield|!") [Solace]
I summoned the earth before Nakros upwards, angling it so that it would strike his stomach.
"Oof!" [Nakros]
("Success!") [Solace]
He lurched forward in pain after my |Earthen Shield| struck him.
"|Piercing Blow|!" [Solace]
I struck my |Earthen Shield|, allowing the power to push through.
"Ngh!" [Nakros]
Nakros stumbled back, clutching his stomach.
"N-Not bad…" [Nakros]
He had a pained expression on his face. Honestly, I was surprised it did anything.
"Not bad? I hit you with two straight attacks." [Solace]
Nakros immediately wiped off his pained look, stood up straight, and assumed a relaxed posture.
"Let's be real. It tickled at most. Well, the combination wasn't bad. I'll give points for creativity." [Nakros]
"Oh." [Solace]
Of course he was acting. Nakros looked to the side, where my spear had coincidentally landed, and picked it up before tossing it back to me.
"What else do you have in store for me?" [Nakros]
This was going to be difficult. I had already used my most powerful move, my mana was low, and I didn't really have much to work with.
("...Maybe I'll try something else?") [Solace]
Using |Wardrobe|, I equipped my blue coat and Vermillion Eclipse.
"Finally pulling out your trump card?" [Nakros]
I smiled.
"We'll see." [Solace]
At that moment, we both waited.
"...Are you going to do something?" [Nakros]
I didn't say a word.
("C'mon… Where is it?") [Solace]
Nakros started to give me strange looks.
"If you're not going to attack, I will." [Nakros]
As soon as he took a step forward, I heard it.
"Not like that my child… This is the Tide Reaver's way." [???]
The voice of an old lady echoed within my head.
("There it is.") [Solace]
That's right. I was going to let the curse of Vermillion Eclipse control me.
"What do you do when a wave too large for you to swim over approaches you?" [???]
"|Solid Form: Stone Crushing Fist|." [Nakros]
"You ride it." [???]
"|Tide Reaver Arts: Stolen Cascade|." [Solace]
Nakros zoomed forward as if sliding on the ground, thrusting with his fist. On the other hand, I slowly moved my speartip, catching Nakros' fist and throwing him aside.
"Huh?!" [Nakros]
He recovered gracefully, using his hand to position himself back upright when touching the ground before landing on his feet.
"...What was that?" [Nakros]
"You have acquired |Tide Reaver Arts: Stolen Cascade|." [Spirit Guide]
Nakros started walking sideways as he sized me up, curious as to what changed.
"...No, it can't be." [Nakros]
He put up his hands, preparing for another attack.In response, spun my spear in preparation of Nakros' next offensive.
"Wow. Really? This reaction is super familiar to me. Did you let the cursed gauntlet take control of you?" [Nakros]
"...I dunno, did I?" [Solace]
Strangely, I was able to respond. In fact, I realized I could still move my body however I wanted.
"You're making this really hard to tell." [Nakros]
This time, I wagged my finger at him.
"You're welcome to see for yourself." [Solace]
Nakros immediately rushed at me.
("Oh okay.") [Solace]
My body moved on instinct, readying itself for combat. I would say it felt forced because of the curse, but it was similar to when I learned |Grygand|.
("I'm being guided!") [Solace]
The moment Nakros went into reach, he vanished into smoke.
"Eh?" [Solace]
My body tensed up as it sensed incoming danger.
"When you find yourself a bit lost, simply take a step back." [???]
This time, it was the voice of an old man.
"|Wise Walk|." [Solace]
I felt a pull on my back, forcing me to slide away. I then saw Nakros come crashing down on the outline left behind from my skill.
"You have acquired |Wise Walk|." [Spirit Guide]
"That's surprising." [Nakros]
His eyes immediately locked onto me.
"|Enduring Hunt|." [Nakros]
Nakros' eyes left a trail of red in the night. He came after me with nails extended like claws.
"Oh that's spooky." [Solace]
My body was guided into close combat. No skills, pure technique. I clashed with his claws, leading to sparks flying as we continued to pull back and rengage.
"You act more like a cat than a dragon!" [Solace]
"That's insulting." [Nakros]
He then inhaled deeply.
("Uh-oh.") [Solace]
I shut my ears with my hands just before Nakros unleashed a deafening roar. A rush of wind followed suit, almost lifting me away. By the time it ended, Nakros was right in front of me with fist enclosed.
"|Revolving Shell Arts|!" [Solace]
I tried to reflect whatever attack was going to come, but I was mistaken in thinking it was going to be physical.
"|Water Ball|." [Nakros]
My hand was sucked into the ball of water as soon as I touched it. Nakros quickly aimed a finger down, pulling my hand with the water.
"Ugh!" [Solace]
I only had my left hand on my spear, not the most ideal setup to go against Nakros. Instead of letting him attack first, I decided to shift my hand up the handle and use my spear like a sword.
"|Revolving Shell Arts|." [Nakros]
"What?!" [Solace]
With the subtle and smooth movements of his hands, my spear was flung out of my hand.
("He copied me?!") [Solace]
That wasn't what mattered at the moment. I felt defenseless without a weapon, not to mention having one arm locked down by a ball of water.
"|Explosion Arts|!" [Solace]
In order to remove the |Water Ball|, I blew it up.
"|Vortex Arts|!" [Solace]
I had to go all in. I knew Nakros had more skills than I did, so I had to keep up the pressure in order to stop him.
"|Explosion Arts|." [Nakros]
Copying my skill, Nakros interrupted my skill and forced my arms open with the explosion.
"|The Boot|." [Nakros]
It was just a regular kick. Minus the part where it hit hard enough to send me over the canyon edge.
"O-Oh shit!" [Solace]
As I flailed in the air, the voice of a young man echoed in my head.
"I get it… To traverse the heavens and earth is to do so in a literal sense." [???]
My body shifted to catch the air, placing me upright.
"|Roaming Undisturbed|." [Solace]
I felt the air solidify under my feet, essentially enabling me to float. I could even walk around if I wanted to.
("I… I'm flying in human form-") [Solace]
My excitement was short-lived as Nakros threw me into the canyon walls.
"Urgh!" [Solace]
Nakros had thrown me hard. I had sunken deep enough into a rock wall that it was somehow comfortable to lay there.
"What's got you so distracted?" [Nakros]
He descended to my level, maintaining a specific height over the canyon.
"...Just give me a sec." [Solace]
With a loud grunt, I pulled myself out of the wall.
"Much better." [Solace]
As I patted off the rock dust on my clothes, Nakros folded his arms.
"Any other tricks you've got up your sleeve?" [Nakros]
"Just one." [Solace]
I charged at him.
"|Doppelganger|!" [Solace]
My copy, Doppel, came out swinging at Nakros.
"Oh?!" [Nakros]
Quickly unfolding his arms Nakros deflected Doppel's punch and evaded my kick.
"To think you would make a copy of yourself!" [Nakros]
He seemed oddly excited as we double teamed him.
"|Thunderbolt Lance|!" [Solace]
I conjured up my lightning spear as Doppel went around.
"A pincer attack?" [Nakros]
I went for slashing movements while Doppel threw straight punches. The difference should have made it harder to dodge, but Nakros was able to deal with it.
"|Explosion Arts|!" [Solace]
"|Explosion Arts|." [Nakros]
Our fists collided, brightening up the entire canyon for a moment. The force of our strength made the canyon walls tremble, and the wind picked up by it kicked up dust.
("It's like a sandstorm here.") [Solace]
Visibility was low, but I could still see Nakros almost clearly. Though he may seem to be lost in the dust, I was sure it was a bait.
("I'll go for range.") [Solace]
"|Flame Cannon|." [Solace]
It looked like Doppel had the same idea as me seeing that another |Flame Cannon| was launched from another angle.
"Using the dust to your advantage?" [Nakros]
He then stretched out a hand each towards each of our |Flame Cannon|s.
"|Wicker Basket|." [Nakros]
Nakros caught the balls of fire and merged them together between his palms. Just the sight of that told me enough.
("Ah, he's gonna send it back.") [Solace]
It was a 50/50 of him sending it to me or Doppel. Apparently I was the unlucky one because it was sent to me.
("Is it me or does it seem a lot stronger than before?") [Solace]
I get that he merged two balls of fire to make it stronger. However, I expected one plus one kind of math; not one times ten.
"|Tide Reaver Arts: Stolen Cascade|!" [Solace]
I caught the empowered ball of flame and controlled it with the tip of my spear.
("I've caught it!") [Solace]
Just as I thought of throwing it back, the voice of an old lady echoed in my head.
"No, no. Even if you do catch it, releasing it is not the only path." [???]
My body was guided into swirling the flame into the tip of my spear. It was kind of like making a whirlpool in water, but with fire.
"Once you steal something, you must return it. If you are not kind, make it yours." [???]
My spear fully absorbed the flame, turning its blade red hot.
"...That's new." [Nakros]
He looked surprised. What do we do when our opponent is surprised? That's right! Attack.
"|Crescent Slash|!" [Solace]
I was guided into cutting the air diagonally, just really really hard.
"What the-?!" [Nakros]
A crescent flame shot out at blinding speeds, forcing Nakros to narrowly dodge it. It struck the canyon walls, leaving a long and deep charred gash on the surface.
("This skill is incredible! It uses almost no mana!") [Solace]
It kind of makes sense since I'm sending out a stolen skill. …Wait a minute, the |Flame Cannon| was already mine. I literally shot that out.
"I can't believe you dodged that." [Solace]
Nakros turned to look at the damage inflicted on the canyon walls.
"That's… worrisome." [Nakros]
Nakros had grown wary of my new skill. I mean, why wouldn't he? It was probably more powerful than |Grygand|, and it can be used at a range. The downside is that I could feel that I might have around two more shots still in the spear.
("I'll have to bait out a clean hit.") [Solace]
Doppel then engaged from behind Nakros.
"Huh?" [Nakros]
It wasn't a very fast attack. It was just a simple punch. Thus, Nakros blocked it.
"Ngh?!" [Nakros]
He felt a force strike through his guard, causing him to fly back reeling.
"That was… |Piercing Blow|?!" [Nakros]
That's right. Doppel didn't need to say the skill names to activate them. Now that I think of it, is he able to speak?
"That's very… troublesome." [Nakros]
Doppel and I made eye contact for a moment, signaling to just jump him.
"|Liquid Blast|!" [Solace]
As we charged at him, I threw a giant ball of water.
"Are you trying to copy my |Water Ball|?" [Nakros]
Nakros postured as if to knock it away, but was electrocuted as he made contact.
"The… Doppelganger?!" [Nakros]
Doppel also had his hand inside. Most likely, he used |Enchant Lightning|.
("He's unable to move!") [Solace]
"|Crescent Slash|!" [Solace]
"|Dragon Scales|!" [Nakros]
A ripple of blue came across his chest just before my flaming arc cut him.
"Urgh!" [Nakros]
It left a black line on his torso, but he was otherwise fine.
"That's cheating!" [Solace]
"It's my skill. Get one yourself." [Nakros]
He said as Doppel's |Explosion Arts| fist connected with his face.
"Agh!" [Nakros]
Nakros was blown into the canyon wall, finding himself in a similar position as myself earlier. Though, unlike him, Doppel didn't let him get out. Without a word, my copy summoned a |Terra Javelin| and threw it at Nakros.
"Really?!" [Nakros]
Sticking one arm out, Nakros caught it.
"How is this your doppelganger?! He's way more aggressive than you!" [Nakros]
He's not wrong. Doppel was out for blood.
("Well, |Crescent Slash| doesn't work if Nakros is on full defense.") [Solace]
Therefore, I should use it when he's on offense.
"|Journey's Beginning|." [Nakros]
He practically vanished from the canyon wall, reappearing in front of Doppel.
"|Journey's Sorrow|." [Nakros]
Nakros slammed his fists in the air, but it looked like Doppel took the hit as he plummeted into the canyon's floor.
("The hell was that?!") [Nakros]
Nakros then turned to me.
"|Journey's Heights|." [Nakros]
"...Shit." [Solace]
Is what I said as I experienced the meanest uppercut.
"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Temperance| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
Mid-strike, I managed to swing my spear before getting sent high up in the air.
"|Crescent… Slash|!" [Solace]
That was my last charge. It looked like Nakros expected it seeing that he crushed it within his palm.
("...How?") [Solace]
I then felt a sudden pull towards him as he geared up some kind of attack with both his hands.
("Oh this is gonna hurt.") [Solace]
In a last ditch effort, I threw my |Thunderbolt Lance| at him. Unfortunately, it missed as Nakros tilted his head.
"|Journey's End|." [Nakros]
He then threw out both fists, striking my chest and I'm guessing my solar plexus.
"Agh!" [Solace]
That move knocked the wind and almost my lunch out of me. Even so, I grit my teeth and latched onto his arms.
"You're… smiling?" [Nakros]
Nakros had a shocked expression as realization crossed his face. Behind him was Doppel, holding the spear I threw.
"|Grygand|." [Doppel]