'Let's see what we have here~'
'hmm...that's pretty standard, no game-breaking skills such as Elephant Swallowing Palm or Meteorite Skyward Upper Cut or Legendary Phantom Kick of the Nine Heavens: Halloween Edition...' Luciel commented to himself with a chuckle.
'I like it simple anyways, it will be a lot easier to remember stuff. Plus, [Analyze] and [Meditation] offer more practical use when starting out. Gonna test it out anytime soon..'
As if he had thought of something, he willed his mind to 'hover' at the skill name. In response to his action, the description of the skill popped up. 'Well now, that wasn't too hard, was it?', Luciel then read the description of the skills one by one with rapt attention.
[Analyze] - Grants the ability to retrieve information of inanimate objects and living entities granted the target does not possess a concealment type skill or an artifact cable of negating investigative skills.
[Meditation] - Deepens the user's focus to enter a contemplative state which gradually restores mana and lightens mental fatigue caused by overexertion or mana depletion.
'Even if it is not combat oriented, it has more substantial use outside of battle. Especially [Analyze], it will reduce my chances of picking disadvantageous fights. On the other hand, [Meditation] sounds so common it seems everybody owns one. Let's just hope I am wrong though.'
Feeling content, he then continued to examine his passive skills.
'One, two...three...four...Wait-...Isn't that a lot of passives for a beginner to have or is this the norm?'
As if in response to Luciel's doubt, he heard the mechanical voice once again.
[Your initial passive skills given at birth are determined by your racial traits. Humans normally would start with zero to one passive on average and steadily accumulate through diverse means. On rare occasions, a bloodline's uniqueness can be inherited, known as a 'Legacy' skill although the probability of inheriting the uniqueness depends on the purity of the bloodline. Henceforth, a lineage will eventually perish along with their uniqueness due to the purity being diluted over the course of generations.]
Luciel internally nodded his head to express his understanding.
'In simple words, I'm strong. The strength I possess even as an infant is immense, certainly due to my special nature as a reincarnator. Possessing four passives at birth, it will probably put me alongside this world's top prodigies. Even so..'
'I need to leverage my advantage this early in the game. It would be dangerous to expect that this world does not have hidden forces capable of toppling nations and subduing unique individuals like me. '
With a serious look on his, Luciel earnestly cautioned himself, which looked quite comical for a child to have.
'A momentary lapse in judgment may cost me my life, or there might be a concealed dagger aimed at my back at some point in time.'
'I am not so naive to think I am invincible and can brute force my way out from every predicament I am faced with.' Finally, he stopped being nonchalant and formulated his next course of action for the future to come.
'It is certainly a dog-eat-dog world out there. Humans are synonymous with war and carnage, after all. I need to be ready.' With that thought in mind, he continued with the exploration of his U.I.
In the same manner as what he did with the active skill's description. He quietly surveyed the effects of his passive skills.
[Quick Thinking] - Moderately enhances the user's cognitive capability and able to calmly generate logical judgements relatively fast.
[Nerves of Steel] - The ability to remain composed in the face of a difficult situation or a dangerous plight.
[Concealment] - Defends against investigative skills and prevents the user from being probed. Loses its effects against higher level skills.
[Sixth Sense (U)] - Enables the user to perceive the presence of entities such as spirits and other incorporeal beings. Ability to sense bloodlust and malice directed at the user.
'Actually~'
'I won't mind a skill like Herculean Strength, you know. Auto-regeneration sounds good, too.', Luciel commented internally with a bit of mocking humor.
'I really should curb my greed. This set of skills provides a more proactive approach of defending myself and makes me more adaptable in certain situations.'
Satisfied, Luciel pondered in puzzlement about the eye-catching icon beside one of the skills.
'...(U). What does that even mean...?' As expected, he could hear the World's mechanical voice as per usual which cleared his doubt.
[(U) stands for Unique. An extraordinary ability that is exclusive only to one wielder. It is not possible for two or more individuals possessing the same Unique skill to exist. If the person holding the skill perishes, the title will then remain unclaimed until someone befitting who had fulfilled all the conditions emerge. Unlike normal skills, Unique skills have the chance to evolve into a 'Paragon', the absolute final form of a skill that has the power to control the very laws of nature. A Paragon is characterized by a set of interwoven skills producing an effect that can only be countered by another Paragon skill.]
Luciel could not help but internally gulp. 'Such divine powers, I wonder what [Sixth Sense (U)] will evolve into.'
With that lingering thought in his mind, Luciel set aside the notion of obtaining a Paragon skill for now as it would still be far off in the future.
'At long last..', Luciel then redirected his attention to the available classes he could choose from.
He only gave the first three classes a once-over before thoroughly reading at the last two, which were exclusive only to reincarnators.
'Avenger seems to be for masochists whose potential could only be fully utilized after suffering an attack. Sounds like a class good at turning the tables on my opponents.', Undecided, Luciel examined the last class on the list.
'Slayer..huh. There certainly will be a point in time where I have to fight monsters and such but this class would probably fall off in combat proficiency against humans. I might get outclassed due to the limited arsenal available to me.'
Luciel clicked his tongue internally as he issued a heavy sigh, 'If only I could just get a glimpse of each class' skill and abilities I might not have a hard time choosing'.
Moments later, Luciel had finally made up his mind.
'Slayer is a safe choice, just the ability to hunt monsters effectively would open up several opportunities such as selling the part and materials. I could pair it with a complementary subclass such as leatherworks or blacksmithing which would further raise the value of the class. I could then steadily build my strength through the use of the resources I gathered.'
'But, human encounter and interaction are inevitable and they pose a greater threat to my survival. Humans are wicked, deceptive and cruel creatures. They're hypocrites who appear kind on the outside but at the first sight of a tremendous benefit, they'll stab anyone in the back without batting an eye.'
'Thus..', with grim determination, Luciel finally decided the best class for him.
Then, a pop-up window appeared beside the class he chose.
'Pain and suffering had always plagued me in my previous life, and if it can become a blessing instead of a bane this time around, then might as well befriend it.'
[Do you wish to advance to Avenger (U)? (YES / NO)]
With absolute resolve, Luciel confirmed his choice by selecting YES.
As if in celebration of Luciel's promotion in life, which he was unable to attain during his previous life's career, Luciel's consciousness rippled violently as his mental clarity began to wane.
An unknown energy began seeping into every pore of his body, relentlessly invading his mind and soul. Luciel, unable to withstand the intense pain, left everything to fate and let the energy flow through his body.
Despite his tremendous mental fortitude, Luciel's fragile body could not resist the energy as he began loudly crying. His outburst which was unbefitting of a child's tiny frame echoed throughout the halls of the villa, startling everyone.
Luciel's mother, who held him in her arms, showed visible panic as her heart tightened at the sight of her child's face distorted in pain.
In a futile attempt to appease the surging energy within Luciel, she began circulating her mana and executed a few magic spells.
'[Placate] has no effect...'
'[Devotion]'s no good either! Why?! I should be able to receive some sort of feedback at least!' Katherine's panic transformed into fear until a thought suddenly crossed her mind. 'Wait..don't tell me.'
She then guided the energy with her mana, mitigating the discomfort of her son. 'How is this possible, Luciel's just only six months old.', Katherine said with utter disbelief in her voice.
'To resonate with the world and accept its gift at such a young age...Luciel-'. Despite the nagging doubt inside her, Katherine never stopped assisting her son, ensuring his safety.
Moments later, the energy inside Luciel finally settled down. As he opened his eyes, his expression was so grave it seemed he had awoken from a terrible nightmare.
But the pain had already subsided and every inch of his body was brimming with energy. He then opened his U.I. to check the changes in his status.
****
Name: Luciel Vonbert Mathias, Level: 1
[HP 1600/1600]
[MP 180/180]
[Offensive Posture 0/10]
Class: Avenger (U)
Subclass: Locked
Titles: Otherworldly Drifter, The Unforgivable One
Active Skills: [Analyze], [Meditation], [Battle Healing], [Punitive Strike]
Passive Skills: [Nerves of Steel], [Quick Thinking], [Concealment], [Sixth Sense (U)], [Defiance], [Offensive Posture]
Stats: STR: 16, VIT: 16, DEX: 12, AGI: 10, INT: 18
Unallocated Stats: 10
As Luciel reassessed his updated stats, he was unable to contain his elation upon receiving such considerable upgrade, 'Well, everyone goes through a similar process, right?' he commented haughtily.
Amidst Luciel's effervescent mood, one person was on high alert, carefully examining the event that just unfolded.
Katherine, who witnessed the entire ordeal of Luciel advancing to Avenger was studying the child in her arms with unflinching concentration.
Her pair of dark pupils dilated as it gradually turned into grayish-white marbles. Her eyes would often flicker as if she had discovered something incredulous.
As she deactivated [Elucidate], she could not help but exclaim internally, her mind in complete turmoil, 'What...are you, Luciel?' Her hands which were holding Luciel subconsciously faltered.