"First tell me, how much time it would take me to fully master this skill and how long I would be absent from my home world?"
This was the most concerning matter since I only told Jinah that I would be out for two days before I talk to Sunbae about the trip. She might get stressed if I don't call her. And also, I need to focus on real-world affairs as well.
If I miss the major event that could lead to the resurrection of the world then what would be the benefit of gaining so many skills, in the first place?
Fortunately, the content on the system panel wasn't outrageous as I initially feared it to be.
[Training duration: 3 months]
[Real world expended time: 3 hours]
'That would be acceptable... '
Now that I was sure how long it would take, now my focus went to the skill panel once again which was still levitating on the right.
"About the first note, do I need to beat the crap out of someone if they do not accept the energy I want to bestow?"
[Correct, host. If the subject isn't willing to accept the blessing then applying brute force and even decapitating them wouldn't be a problem since this skill could even arise the dead. ]
My brows raised at that.
"Isn't it a cheap copy of necromancy? "The system didn't reply but well, since my doubts regarding the matter already have been cleared out, I moved on.
"If I bestow energy on someone so they would become loyal to me...but would they become senseless creatures like the ones who just follow mindlessly?"
[It depends, host. If the recipient is a low IQ being then they would serve you mindlessly but if the subject holds a stable conscience then they would act like a loyal dog who wouldn't dare betray you and would do things out of their own initiative if it benefits the host.]
"Hmmm...that means the dungeon beast would be thoughtless servants and humans would be more like cult followers or something... " I muttered to myself.
With servants in mind suddenly my imagination went to Jinah and how she would look in a maid costume.
'Hehe~'
Brushing away the tempting thoughts for later, I continued.
"Is there any stable pattern that could help me understand how I could absorb someone's skill along with their energy? And also, how would I know if I have absorbed someone's skill? "
[There's no such pattern, host. It's entirely random.]
[About the skill then the absorbed energy would be transformed into a sphere orb and the host can appraise every energy ball.]
The first was useless but the second answer was highly appreciated. If I could get to appraise the energy then I might save myself from dropping some dope-ass skill on a random mob.
All set and done, I got ready to begin my training. I wasn't curious about that awakening forcibly through energy balls part since I didn't have anyone in mind I need to awaken.
And no, not even Jinah...until it's not really necessary.
-----
[Around midnight]
"Aren't you overworking yourself a little? "
Inside a moderately big room which by furniture and lighting could be categorized as the master bedroom could be seen two individuals at the moment.
The one who spoke without lifting his gaze from his work was one of the strongest S-ranked hunters in Japan and the Vice-guild master of Japan's strongest guild, Sugimoto Reiji.
"I am just preparing things and two for my baby boy and my potential daughter-in-law. Don't come in between me and my happiness! "
The one who whined and complained was his wife, Yumiko Sugimoto who despite going to be thirty this year, still behaves like a child at times.
Yesterday, when Haru informed that he would be bringing someone special with him, Reiji knew he had to inform his wife about it, or because of lack of preparation, Mrs. Sugimoto might have chased after her husband with a knife in hand.
Reiji smiled at the display of his adorable wife before he got out of bed and placed the laptop on the table beside the bed. Walking slowly toward his wife who was busy wrapping some gifts, Reiji suddenly hugged her from behind.
"Ah! Darling...this is dangerous!"
Her ruby-red eyes fluttered sideways as she felt her husband's kisses on her hair and chin.
"But I need my wife right now, though... "
Reiji spoke in an innocent tone as he did his hand toward hers and intervened with their fingers.
Both of them remained silent, enshrouded in the tranquility of the room as Reiji enjoyed the warmth he could only feel from her. It always makes him calm.
However, the person who has known Reiji for twelve years now surely would catch the apprehension Reiji wants to hide.
"What is it, dear? It's been a long time since I have seen you this sad...is everything fine at work?"
Yumiko didn't possess mana and she works as a normal interior designer to keep herself busy. So of course things related to the hunting world and how the guild runs was not something Yumiko had any idea about.
However, she couldn't just stay silent and let her husband remain like this as well.
Reiji in general doesn't believe anyone. Not even Goto Ryuuji with whom Reiji spends most of his time in the guild. But it was not the same for his family.
Reiji knew the circumstances he was going through and the dilemma he had to face was not something his wife could solve but sharing his situation might help him get to know something he was being ignorant about until now.
"Japanese Hunter Association is planning to trick and execute every top-ranking Korean hunter in the upcoming raid...and since our son also serves that nation as an S-rank, I fear he would have to take part in that raid as well-"
Reiji didn't get to finish his words before his wife separated herself and turned to look at him with her eyes widened.
There was no shock but rather anger and disappointment.
"And you are letting this happen? To think you would let our son take part in such a mission where he surely would end up d-... I can't even attach that word to my Haru. How dare you even think something like this?! "
There were tears already at the corner of her beautiful eyes and Reiji couldn't dare to comfort her as of now.
He knew what he just said must have seemed like he was willing to sacrifice Haru for his nation but it wasn't like that.
However, the current Yumiko wasn't someone Reiji could easily convince.
But then suddenly, a pair of thin yet strong arms encircled Yumiko and hugged her from behind and a familiar voice made the pair, shocked beyond belief.
"Those tears don't suit you, Mom. "
*****
A/N: - Drop a comment if you are hyped for the upcoming chapter.