——
[ Flame Intent ]
\_Level: 1st.
\_Effect(s):
-> Fire Damage +20%.
——
Arankar internally nodded before checking the thing he looked forward to the most but saved for last.
——
[Summon: Ryuhon Infernal Katana]
\_Summon an Infernal Katana from Ryuhon Jigen's Weapon Hell for one minute.
\_Speciality: This Infernal Katana can mutate by devouring a core or exotic elemental material after each grade-up.
\_Grade: Common (Exotic-class).
\_Power: [ Slash: C, Pierce: C ].
\_Effect(s):
-> All normal attacks are fire-attributed, Debuff: Burn (on-hit).
-> Special Debuff: Blood Fuel Burn (on-hit).
——
'I can't wait to use this.'
"Ahem, are you done, Arankar?"
Arankar wryly smiled and closed his status panel before nodding his head. "I am done."
"Good. So, you are the leader of this party. For now, you are free to do whatever you want until I send a message to your Magi-watches about our departure."
But Daniel raised his hands, and his face revealed hesitation as he said, "Senior Jing, I think Arankar became overqualified for this party. Wouldn't it be unfair if he continued to stay in this party?"
'Frog in the well,' Erina was speechless at Daniel.
"Haha," Ekin mockingly laughed as he looked at Daniel. 'What a dumb guy. Why is he even here?'
"Daniel. I am revoking your membership in Special Rookie Batch. Whatever you gave to the guild will be returned to you."
After saying that, Senior Jing stood up and flew away like a shooting star from the open hall.
"Daniel, you can't be serious, right?" Luna asked with a weird expression.
"Why?" Daniel grabbed his head and questioned, his eyes trembling. "He is clearly way stronger than us. Even if we went to the dungeon, it would be like walking in a park for him."
"Making a party is not all about the dungeon, dickhead," Ekin spat and crossed his arms before looking at Arankar. "I'll catch up to you," he said with a grin.
"Did your Fire Control skill reach maxed level?" Erina curiously asked. "Your flame control seemed so beautiful and flawless, I guess that's why your skill maxed leveled fast."
"I am curious too, Arankar. How did you do this? If you had an innate talent for fire, you should have received a blessing yesterday," Luna said, her eyes confused and curious. "How come it happened now?"
Arankar scratched the back of his with an awkward smile. "You might not believe it even if I tell you about it."
"Try it," Ekin said, his gaze showing thirst to know about that knowledge.
"Umm, I just controlled fire and used the skill to the best of my current capability, and this happened," Arankar unhurriedly said with a smile.
"R-Really?" Erina was taken aback, and so were others.
Arankar nodded. "It's your power, so you have to understand it and treat it better.
"You remember that old phrase? Know yourself better to get stronger." Arankar added with a laugh, "You all should do that, but this know yourself also includes all the powers and potential you possess."
"Alright, now I go; see you all later."
Arankar turned around and used his newly acquired skill, [Summon: Ryuhon Infernal Katana].
An infernal red magic circle appeared before Arankar, in which he put his hand and took out a long katana.
Its blade was made of cracking red-lava material and burned in reddish-orange flame! Its handle was like a proper katana with runic glowing dark orange patterns, but Arankar's hand felt comfortable holding it.
"This is good," Arankar nodded as he swung the katana while walking out of the Harmony Courtyard.
Ekin also started walking towards the exit path. 'It looks like I'll have fun here.'
Erina and Luna glanced at Daniel and shook their heads before leaving.
On the other hand, Daniel had slumped on the ground and sat with a blank expression.
' This can't be happening.'
…
Senior Jing arrived at the top of the mountain, in the biggest courtyard of this mountain town.
Daha opened his eyes from meditation upon sensing Jing and asked, "How is he?"
"A monster," Jing said as she floated down and sat on a sofa chair.
"What do you mean?" Daha asked, surprised at the remark. From what he heard, Arankar had no impressive awakening or background.
Jing told everything to Daha, making his jaw drop as he wryly smiled. "That's new for us. Kids are indeed growing more advanced each year."
"And? You also had something to say, right?" Jing questioned.
Daha sighed as he remembered the matter. "I am happy this kid is more than we expected, but he cost us dearly."
"What do you mean?" Jing asked, surprised at the remark.
"Leon promised him to meet with Tomoe and even chance to learn from her," Daha said, forming a helpless smile.
"Pff..."
Jing chuckled at the problem. "Well, this price seems appropriate."
"She joined us with a specific contract and made it even more loose after she found that kid in Zaxhan world and brought her here."
"But we need her," Jign said nonchalantly. "Well, it's fine as long as she helps us in certain important matters."
"Yeah, but how will I convince her to meet with a kid and give him pointers?"
Daha sighed helplessly. "At least I put her kid's courtyard beside Arankar's since she lives with her daughter."
"Actually, it might not be that hard," Jing said with an amusing glint in her eyes.
"How?"
"You were not there to see it personally, and I also didn't tell you properly. But that Arankar kid is a prodigy of learning. I think that the basic learning ability that everyone has is powerful in him, and it's more enhanced because of his personality and nature that's always…
Jing paused as she recalled Arankar's eyes and actions before continuing, "curious, serious, and respectful to everything. His gaze was utterly in admiration of his katana, just pure, simple admiration as he inspected it."
"It was the same when he used his fire skill. Slow, but elegant and masterful control."
Jing continued as she concluded. "And I think those qualities enhance his learning capability to a very high degree. It's like a passionate artist solely focusing on his Art. But to Arankar, he can see everything as Art as long as his curiosity and admiration pique on it."
"I've never met a kid like him." Jing licked her lips. "I want to see him in a negative state. I wonder how would he react in anger, sadness, and such emotions?"
Daha turned speechless and then serious. "Don't use your use powers on Arankar for your progress. He is important to me."
"Of course, I won't," Jing rolled her eyes and stood up. "Alright, leave the matter of Tomoe to me. As for our trip to Evertale World, is it ready?"
"Yep. The flying ship is ready. You can depart anytime with the rookies," Daha said with a nod. "Natalia and Menox are already on standby, and the rookie kids under them are just roaming around in the surface town."
"Then we'll leave after an hour. Also, I kicked out a brat called Daniel, so how about putting Kira under me?"
"Perfect. If Kira is in your party, Tomoe will naturally go with her. I'll arrange it and inform Tomoe about it."
Jing nodded and left.