Liu Yemui shifted his gaze toward the screen, but instead of the expected display, he encountered an object hovering above him, adorned with a luminous display screen.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════
🌟 CONGRATULATIONS, HOST! 🌟
For your wise choice of The Mystery Box,
you have unlocked a UNIQUE SKILL:
🚀 ENHANCED REFLEXES! 🚀 ║ Your reflexes have been elevated, allowing you to react with lightning speed, surpassing the capabilities of an average person.
🌪️ OTHER CONSIDERING ABILITIES: 🌪️
🛡️ INSTINCTUAL DEFENSE: 🛡️
║ Your instincts are finely tuned for defense, enabling you to instinctively evade attacks and demonstrate early danger recognition. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Afterwards, Liu Yemui found himself in a state of bewilderment, uncertain about what had transpired and how it applied to him. Despite the confusion, he remained remarkably unfazed. With a curious glance, he attempted to make sense of the situation by revisiting the abilities. As he scrolled down, expecting detailed descriptions, all he found was a puzzling void, leaving him with more questions than answers.
[Would you likely combine this ability into new abilities? (Please click the button to combine the ability?)
[^ Transformation ^]
Liu Yemui, driven by curiosity, decided to explore the unknown potential of his skills. With a click of a button, he unleashed a profound transformation, and a notification window appeared.
[ Successful Skill Combination ]
─ New Ability: Enhanced Reflexes + Instinctual Defense
◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤
. ╰──╮ Intuitive Reflex Shield ╭──╯ .
Witness the awe-inspiring Intuitive Reflex Shield—a harmonious fusion of instinctual defence and lightning-fast reflexes. Picture a mesmerizing dance of anticipation, where each movement is not merely a reaction but the opening act of an extraordinary defensive masterpiece. The execution of this technique requires the mastery of Enhanced Reflexes.
When activated, the user attains invulnerability, remaining immune to damage until faced with an attack or loss of consciousness. Engaging this skill grants the user heightened strength, agility, speed, and stamina, accompanied by enhanced senses.
In an unexpected twist, the screen illuminated with a distinctive notification, a vibrant blue holographic flash that captured Liu Yemui's attention. Almost instinctively, he extended his hand toward the display, his fingertips lightly tapping the intriguing notification. The holographic screen then unveiled an intricate image, resembling a collection of suspended orbs set against a backdrop of intricate geometries and interconnected symbols. The display held an otherworldly allure, inviting Liu Yemui into a realm of mystery and wonder.
As the holographic display shifted, now featuring an icon of a shield encircled by a sacred amalgamation of reddish-blue hues, a captive sword poised to strike it down, Liu Yemui was taken aback by the sudden appearance of these enigmatic symbols. Confusion gripped him, leaving him uncertain about how to respond. His gaze locked onto the holographic screen, engaging in an unintentional staring contest with the perplexing imagery.
However, the intensity of the moment was abruptly shattered by a sudden knock on the door, jolting Liu Yemui out of his trance. A voice accompanied the intrusion, its words cutting through the silent confrontation between man and holographic screen.
"Liu Yemui, are you in there? How long does it take? I've been waiting forever!"
Soo-Ah's voice resonated loudly, prompting Liu Yemui to react swiftly.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to turn off my phone alarm..." he blurted out, offering a random and somewhat odd excuse. Hastily, he swung the restroom door shut and made his way toward the cafe's spacious table area.
As Liu Yemui stepped into the quiet space, he assumed Manager Claire had already left. However, his assumptions were interrupted when he felt a tug on his shirt from behind. Startled, he turned around to find Hyemi seated in a chair near the table, looking at him with a perplexed expression. The unexpected encounter left Liu Yemui momentarily taken aback.
"Hyemi!" exclaimed Liu Yemui, greeting her with enthusiasm.
"Yey!" Hyemi responded with a cheerful smile and a little wave of her hand. The atmosphere instantly became lively as their interaction unfolded.
After a while, Soo-Ah returned and wasted no time in questioning Liu Yemui about the extended restroom visit.
"It was an accident! A bug in my code made me stuck in a loop..." Liu Yemui explained, accompanied by a shrug and a half-smile. Soo-Ah initially stared at him in surprise, but that quickly transformed into an understanding expression.
"That's right," she affirmed, smiling. "What were you working on? Did you finish?"
Liu Yemui nodded and replied nonchalantly, "Yeah..."
However, Soo-Ah had another proposition. "While you're here, how about joining us for some karaoke?"
Liu Yemui hesitated, "No, I think I'll stay home instead."
Soo-Ah's curiosity sparked. "You don't like to sing?"
Caught in Soo-Ah's inquisitive gaze, Liu Yemui found himself agreeing, "Ah, I guess, why not." The decision was met with Soo-Ah's excitement.
"Alright, perfect! Let's go then." As they started making their way to the exit, Soo-Ah grabbed Liu Yemui's arm with a charming smile. Meanwhile, Hyemi, on the display phone, stared at him with a peculiar expression, as if trying to recall something from the depths of her memory.
iu Yemui, caught off guard by Soo-Ah's sudden grasp on his arm, turned his attention toward her. "Sorry," she said, offering a shrug of her shoulders in apology. The unexpected moment created a subtle air of tension, quickly diffused by Soo-Ah's lighthearted demeanor.
The two stepped outside, entering a whole new world bathed in the dim light of the night.
A warm breeze blew in their direction, carrying a hint of the approaching autumn season. With Soo-Ah leading the way, the bustling street was flashing light of paint and neon signs, creating an illusion of a never-ending stream of colourful characters passing by.
Soon later, they arrived at the Karaoke Room at their favorite hangout, a cozy spot tucked away from the noise and chaos of the street. It offered private rooms equipped with microphones, along with several comfortable seats surrounding small tables. The room also housed a large flat-screen TV displaying a variety of music videos for guests' entertainment.
As Soo-Ah settled the payment for a room, she guided them to one of its numerous seats. Liu Yemui gracefully took a place beside Hyemi, offering a warm smile. Hyemi reciprocated with an equally bright smile before returning her focus to the radiant screen of her phone.
Soo-Ah claimed a seat opposite Hyemi, and Liu Yemui joined in, taking up the last available space. The duo of girls commenced their singing session, choosing a Solo song as their starting point. Concluding their rendition of "Speaking the Fact," Soo-Ah turned to Hyemi, inquiring about her suggestion for the next song in their musical journey.
"What's up?" Hyemi responded with a casual question, peeking over at Soo-Ah's device. Her curiosity sparked again when she saw Liu Yemui watching her intently.
"Oh, nothing!" Soo-Ah declared in response to Hyemi's inquiry. Then, after a pause, "Well... What would you like to sing? I mean... if you wanted..." Soo-Ah paused again, giving herself an opportunity for some thought and consideration.
But Liu Yemui interrupted, and said, "Considering singing, maybe we could order food while waiting for it? You want something in particular?"
Soo-Ah shifted her gaze towards Hyemi, who was still engrossed in her smartphone screen. "Hmm..." Hyemi responded absentmindedly before turning to Soo-Ah with a thoughtful look.
"Sure, why not?" Soo-Ah replied in delight. "I'll get some food ordered; you can choose whatever you feel like having." After perusing the menu, Soo-Ah picked up the phone and placed the order. Moments later, a notification informed them that their order had been delivered to the front desk.