Truck-Kun had acquired two new skills, prompting me to investigate. I selected the first skill to examine its details.
Frequency Master (B) (Active)
Frequency Master is a unique and versatile grey magic skill that empowers its users with an extraordinary connection to the world of sound and vibrations. As users advance through this skill, they unlock a series of sub-skills, each granting progressively remarkable abilities that reshape their connection with auditory experiences and their perception of the environment.
Effects
Rank E: Harmonic Listener
This sub-skill allows the user to immerse themselves in the world of music and songs effortlessly. They can listen to different types of music and savor the intricate melodies and rhythms. This skill includes an extensive library of music, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of genres at their leisure, wherever and whenever they choose.
Rank D: Auditory Augmenter
In this sub-skill, the user gains the ability to listen to different kinds of sounds and sense various vibrations with exceptional clarity. They can hear faint noises, distant voices, and subtle sounds with remarkable precision, unveiling hidden secrets in what they perceive.
Rank C: Sound Shaper
At this stage, Frequency Master extends beyond mere listening. Users can now control sound waves, enabling communication in unconventional ways. Moreover, this skill has the ability to assist creatures without vocal organs by creating and transmitting sound waves, creating a unique form of interaction.
Rank B: Voice of Power
In this sub-skill, Frequency Master reaches its pinnacle. Users can skillfully harness their own voice as a formidable weapon, conjuring and controlling destructive forces through the mastery of sound waves. Sound becomes a potent tool capable of inflicting significant damage or causing disruptive chaos, making it useful for both self-defense and potent offensive maneuvers. This ability offers versatility, users can employ their voice in multiple ways, utilizing it as a direct line of attack or tactically using the sound waves around them to incapacitate the enemies within a small proximity around them.
Pseudo-Passive Ability - Melodic Insight
Frequency Master has a special pseudo-passive ability called "Melodic Insight." Users can turn it on or off whenever they want. When it's on, it helps them feel music and vibrations around them. They can experience the small details and hidden aspects of music and sense vibrations in their environment, like machinery hums or flowing water, giving them valuable insights into what's around them. The sub-skill Auditory Augmenter enhances this pseudo-passive skill.
Note: It is imperative to exercise caution when using Frequency Master to avoid auditory fatigue. Overuse can lead to tired ears, so users must monitor their usage and deactivate the skill when necessary to prevent exhaustion.
Energy: Depends on the sub-skill used.
Proficiency: 0%
Wha-what's up with this skill? I was amazed by Truck-Kun's new skill. It appeared to be highly versatile and might well have been the skill he used to defend himself against those Team Pocket individuals. The rankings – E, B, and C – were impressive, but the B rank, which allowed the voice to be used as a powerful attack, was truly remarkable.
As I considered this, I noticed that even Truck-Kun's 'Grey Magic' skill had been upgraded from rank C to B. Especially considering my highest-ranked skill, 'Appraisal,' was only at C+. It dawned on me that this was likely what he meant by using most of my P.O.W.E.R. points.
Curious, I decided to take a closer look at the skill that Bandalf had taught him and selected the second skill for examination.
Gas Exhaust (D) (Active)
Gas Exhaust stands as a formidable embodiment of Dark Magic, bestowing upon the wielder the ability to unleash lethal and noxious gases upon their adversaries. This skill encompasses a range of malevolent applications designed to incapacitate and debilitate foes with ruthless efficiency.
At its most basic level, Gas Exhaust empowers the user to emit toxic gases, inducing dizziness, breathing troubles, and even partial blindness in the enemy. These effects, while discomforting, are not inherently lethal but serve as an effective means of distraction and discomfort.
As the user ascends in mastery, Gas Exhaust evolves into a more menacing and lethal force. In its higher ranks, it can release potent poisons that not only weaken but can lead to the death of those subjected to prolonged exposure. This makes Gas Exhaust a dire and lethal tool in crowd control scenarios.
Furthermore, the user can combine various toxic effects, making it a versatile weapon capable of inducing multifaceted suffering and confusion among enemies.
Note: It's crucial to emphasize that Gas Exhaust offers no protection to its user; they remain vulnerable to their own Toxic creation.
Status Effects available:
Rank E: Breath Stealer
In this rank the toxic fumes can cause severe discomfort by inducing breathing difficulties in the enemy, hampering their ability to act effectively.
Rank E: Veil of Obscurity
In addition to Breath Stealer, In this rank Gas Exhaust impairs the enemy's vision, creating partial blindness and confusion.
Rank D: Venomous Embrace
In this rank, Gas Exhaust can release a more lethal toxic gas that has the potential to kill someone with prolonged exposure. This dire effect makes it a formidable and deadly tool in crowd control scenarios.
Energy: Depends on the status effects used.
Proficiency: 0%
Wha-what's up with toxic skill? No pun intended. This is like a double-edged sword. It's great for crowd control, as mentioned in the description. But what bothers me the most is that the user isn't granted any resistance or immunity with this skill. So basically, if I use it, I'll be affected by it as much as the enemies are.
I can't help but wonder why that old man taught such a dangerous skill to Truck-Kun. I should ask him.
"Old Man," I said, my voice filled with anger, "why did you teach such a dangerous skill to Truck-Kun? This will also affect the user along with the enemies."
The old man pondered for a moment, stroking his beard, before responding, "Hmm... From what I can see, your Summoned Truck-Kun is somewhat like a golem, right? In that case, this is the best skill for him because he doesn't have to worry about the toxins affecting him."
What he says does make sense. Truck-Kun doesn't breathe and relies on the 'Mana Sense' skill to see, so things like toxins don't affect him. But at the same time, I can't use this skill freely, even though it's such a great crowd-control skill.
I started to think about the possibility of gaining poison resistance or something similar. Then it hits me - poison resistance! I recall my fight with Monkey Kong, how he gained two new skills, 'Poison Resistance' and 'Bio Weapon Resistance,' simply by eating the 'Final Fried Rice.'
I still have the 'Book Of Culinary Kills.' Should I cook some food and eat it to gain those two skills? It's an extremely harsh and dangerous method, but at the same time, I don't want to waste my P.O.W.E.R. points on something like poison resistance.
"All right, that's decided. I will do that when I have some time, maybe after I reach the human capital."
Now that I think about it, it's almost night now. Should I just camp here today and continue my journey tomorrow morning? Then, the old man Bandalf caught my eye. I wonder what he is going to do now. Maybe I will ask him.
"Old Man, what are you going to do after I leave?" I asked him curiously.
"Well, I am going to the Human Capital NeoPolis. The emperor has summoned me. It looks like the heroes have been summoned, and they will reach the capital city within a few days. Since I am one of the sages, I will help the heroes with magic-related matters," he informed me about his plan.
I couldn't help but wonder what he just said about going to teach the heroes about magic. I mean, technically, I am a hero too. But I decided not to reveal that to him just yet. What if he's lying, or worse, what if someone from the Demon Lord's army finds out and targets me later? I'm stronger now, but it's best to be cautious for the time being.
"What a coincidence," I said casually, "I'm also heading to the capital city. If it's alright with you, would you like some company?"
Bandalf chuckled heartily and replied, "Ha ha ha ha ha, of course, young man! Let's go together. I've also taken a liking to you. But it's already late now, so let's set out tomorrow."
"That's fine with me, but where should we sleep tonight? And what should we do about this weird house where I found the 'Single Ring'? I was planning to burn it along with the skeleton," I asked him, voicing a few questions that had been on my mind.
"Well, as for this house and its former resident, let's burn it as you suggested. We can do it tomorrow before we leave. Regarding where to sleep tonight, I have something in mind. Can you please give me some space?" he replied, outlining his plan for the house and requesting some room.
I obliged and watched as he placed something small on the ground. It was difficult to see clearly. Then, he stepped back and raised his wand high in the air.
"Reshape: Enlarge," he chanted.
As he uttered those words, a small house materialized out of thin air.