Experience is perhaps the most fundamental source of knowledge. The more you engage in an activity, the more proficient you become. Although the rate of improvement might be influenced by factors such as talent, it's an undeniable truth that constant repetition is indeed the mother of learning.
Enter Virgil, who had faced defeat against the skeletal ruler an incalculable number of times. Dante, having lost all sense of time, watched absentmindedly as Virgil honed his skills with each passing second in combat against the superior foe. And if there was one thing Dante was certain of, it was that Virgil's combat talent was through the roof. Though the progress was slight and nearly imperceptible, especially for someone who had never engaged in combat—well, let's not recall that embarrassing incident against the level 1 skeleton—it was challenging for Dante to notice. However, thanks to his link with Virgil, he could gauge the improvements: Virgil's strikes grew more precise, his movements between actions more efficient, his deflections more instinctive. It was akin to witnessing an expert effortlessly perform a task that would require others to meticulously prepare for, and even then, not execute nearly as well.
Dante also observed that Virgil's technique was gradually mirroring the summoner's with each iteration, yet a certain barrier remained, thwarting Virgil's transition to a new level of combat mastery.
Despite these efforts, that elusive barrier continued to impede Virgil's progress, causing his improvement to decelerate with each loop. The current Virgil was undeniably more skilled than the one who entered the throne chamber, yet he still lacked that animate quality in his staff work that the enemy's mace possessed.
This ordeal, however, shed light on some crucial insights for Dante. In terms of Might, Virgil was slightly but noticeably superior to their adversary. As for Finesse, Dante surmised they were about on par. Nonetheless, two critical factors consistently led to Virgil's defeat: technique and equipment, with the enemy outmatching Virgil in both areas. Addressing the latter issue seemed daunting, unless they retraced their steps all the way back to the vending machine. But Dante harbored a strong belief that repetition might unravel the former. His faith in Virgil's potential was immense—after all, who needs a vending machine when you've got an Immortal Macro and infinite time? Dante had very high hopes for Virgil.
In the dimly lit chamber, echoes of clashing metal resonated as Virgil and the enemy summoner locked in a dance of death. The summoner, wielding a shield and mace with menacing proficiency, moved with a grace that belied the weight of his armaments. Virgil, staff in hand, countered with fluid motions, each strike and parry a testament to his own refined technique.
Virgil's staff whirled and danced, meeting the enemy's mace with precision, deflecting blows that would have crushed lesser foes. Yet, for all his skill, Virgil found himself gradually being pressed back, the summoner's relentless assault a storm he could barely weather. The enemy's mace swung with devastating force, each strike a thunderous promise of defeat, while his shield seemed an impenetrable wall, thwarting Virgil's every attempt to land a decisive blow.
As the battle raged, it became apparent that the summoner held the upper hand. His attacks, a perfect blend of power and precision, left Virgil scrambling for openings that closed as quickly as they appeared. The summoner's technique was not just effective; it was artful, each move executed with a confidence that spoke of unwavering certainty in victory. Virgil, despite his prowess, seemed to be at a disadvantage, his defenses slowly being peeled away by the summoner's methodical aggression. And then, in a moment that seemed to suspend time itself, the summoner exploited a blind spot in Virgil's defense, his mace descending in a strike that promised to end the duel. But fate, it seemed, had a twist in store.
In an instant, Virgil's staff moved with a speed and agility that defied belief, alive in his hands like a serpent of myth. It met the mace's descent not just with a deflection but with a purpose, channeling the force of the enemy's own attack into a counterstrike of lightning speed. The staff connected with the summoner with a precision and power that was nothing short of miraculous, a very clean hit.
Dante's eyes widened, not solely due to the unexpected reversal of fortunes in the battle, but more so because of the messages he received from the system. After taking a brief moment to recover from the surprise, Dante couldn't help but let a smile spread across his face.
***
After careful consideration, Alicia suggested opting for the Heavy Strike skill, as it significantly enhanced one attribute—even though it was for a single strike, offering more tangible benefits than the others.
Before embarking on their journey, Alice decided it was essential to better understand the hero she was to guide. To achieve this, they engaged in an extensive conversation. Alice compared her knowledge, acquired from the books read to her, with the stories of Thaleia's Amazonian heritage. While some tales aligned, others were evidently misconstrued.
"What? We cut off one breast? Who in Ares' name spread that?" Thaleia expressed annoyance at the recent remark, a myth based on folklore and rumors. Alice found Thaleia's way of swearing, deeply rooted in her Amazonian heritage, amusingly refreshing, especially coming from her own Christian upbringing.
"I apologize; I merely relayed some of the rumors that circulate among our countrymen about your tribe. As you've probably realized by now, our knowledge of your people is quite limited."
Alice's sincere apology seemed to ease Thaleia's irritation. Recognizing the opportunity for cultural exchange, Thaleia decided to share more about her background, hoping to dispel myths and build a bridge of understanding between them.
"Let me tell you about the Amazons as they truly are, not as the tales misrepresent us," Thaleia began, her voice carrying a mix of pride and eagerness. "Our strength is not diminished by our femininity; rather, it is amplified by it. We honor Ares through our valor in battle, but we also hold deep reverence for Artemis, embodying her virtues of independence and protection."
As Thaleia recounted tales of Amazonian customs, battles, and legends, Alice listened intently. This exchange not only broadened her perspective but also forged a newfound respect for Thaleia and her people.
"In your books, do they speak of our achievements or only of our supposed savagery?" Thaleia inquired, genuinely curious about how the Amazons were portrayed by people from the future.
Alice reflected on the narratives to which she had been exposed, realizing that much of her understanding had been shaped by the bias and imagination of the authors. "The stories I've heard focus more on the exotic and the fantastical. I see now that there's much more to learn about the truth of the Amazons."
Alice decided to withhold the fact that, to her people, Amazons were considered fantastical beings, existing only in literature and not in the world she knew. Instead, she simply informed Thaleia that she came from more than 1000 years in the future, and that the Amazons had long since disappeared. Although the notion of the Amazons' disappearance was unsettling to Thaleia, Alice considered it a kinder alternative to stating outright that they never existed in her known history.
"So, that's all, shall we get going?"
Looking at Thaleia, Alice wrote:
"It would be best if you get used to your skill first. We can head out afterwards."
***
Enlightenment gained: Basic Mastery of the Staff (Rank 1)
-Awarded for reaching the first realm of staff proficiency
-Effect: +10% Finesse while wielding a staff
Title gained: Basic Combat Mastery (Rank 1)
-Awarded for gaining basic mastery of any weapon
-Award: +3 Might and Finesse
Dante was incredibly surprised, and sure, even with the added boons, Virgil still lost the battle in the end, but that was to be expected. After all, his HP was already dwindling down, and adapting to every increase in stats takes time—a luxury the enemy would surely not afford them. Nonetheless, this was no cause for concern.
As Virgil reappeared by his side, Dante couldn't help but express his genuine admiration. "Well done," he said, his words carrying the weight of his sincere pride. Virgil had indeed done it.
This time, Virgil responded differently, acknowledging Dante's praise with a nod. It marked a significant shift from the moment he had taken that decisive step forward to now; Virgil was gradually becoming more autonomous, evolving into a distinct personality. Dante embraced this development wholeheartedly. Given that his capacity to issue commands would be significantly limited in the future, it was crucial for Virgil to learn when to act independently.
"It seems it's time to graduate from this fight," Dante remarked as he watched Virgil summon his trusty staff. A transformation occurred then, not just in Virgil's stance but in his very aura, mirroring the change Dante had seen in the ruler when he summoned his mace. Virgil, wielding his staff, now shared that same presence. They were now in the same realm.
Name: Virgil
Class: Undead Summoner
Level: 8
HP: 230
MP: 198
Might: 36(+10)
Finesse: 38(+5)
Mystique: 54
Essence: 66
As Dante meticulously reviewed the stats, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the effect from the newly acquired Mastery worked multiplicatively rather than additively with the 50% stats increase passive. This revelation was a delightful twist, akin to discovering an unexpected bonus level in a favorite video game.
However, Dante knew that the significance of Mastery extended far beyond a mere 10% boost to Finesse. It signified a leap into a higher echelon of combat technique, one that allowed its wielder to effortlessly outmaneuver those of lesser skill. It was a clear demarcation between an expert and a novice, separating the wheat from the chaff in the realm of combat.
With this newfound prowess, the stage was set for the ultimate confrontation. Virgil, imbued with a palpable sense of determination, stepped into the enemy's domain.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The enemy minions, once aggressive and relentless, now parted ways, forming a solemn path that led straight to the skeletal monarch. The change in their demeanor was striking, a silent testament to the respect they held for Virgil, who had proven himself a worthy adversary.
At the end of this path stood the skeletal monarch, no longer seated upon his throne but standing in front of it, exuding an air of solemnity and anticipation. Clad in his imposing armor, he gripped his mace and shield with a warrior's resolve. The air was thick with the weight of the moment, charged with an unspoken acknowledgment of Virgil's prowess.
As Virgil's gaze met that of the long-forgotten monarch, there was a palpable sense of mutual recognition. Here stood two warriors, separated by time and circumstance, yet united by the unyielding spirit of combat.
And so the duel commenced. Each strike and parry between Virgil and the skeletal monarch showcased their refined skills and unwavering determination. From the start, it was clear that the enemy held a slight advantage, his superior equipment enabling him to defend and deliver blows with both power and precision. However, Virgil, bolstered by recent enhancements in stats and a deeper mastery of his weapon, began to adapt to his newfound power. The battlefield transformed into his stage, and with every passing moment, he revealed more of his burgeoning capabilities. What initially seemed an evenly matched contest gradually tilted in Virgil's favor as his newfound prowess became evident.
Despite the skeletal monarch's superior weaponry, Virgil's enhanced abilities gradually began to shift the balance. His attacks, increasingly precise and forceful, began to breach the monarch's defenses. The battle's tide slowly turned in Virgil's favor.
The skeletal monarch, facing defeat, stood resolute, a testament to his pride and dignity until the end. He did not summon reinforcements, deciding to end it with a one-on-one duel, earning Virgil's respect. In his adversary, Virgil saw a warrior of honor and strength, worthy of admiration.
As the monarch faded after the final blow, Virgil reflected on the duel's deeper significance. It was more than a victory; it was a lesson in resilience and honor, imparted by an opponent who became a mentor in defeat. This encounter would leave a lasting impact on Virgil.