The grey, frozen world enveloped Haroon as he delved into the intricacies of the Character Creation system. As he studied the interface, it became clear that the choices he made now would shape his entire future in this world. This system was far more complex than a mere distribution of stats—it was the very foundation of power in this new reality, and Haroon intended to master it.
The concept of Potential stood at the center of this system, governing every aspect of growth. There were two types of potential: Level Potential and Stat Potential.
Potential:
Level Potential: This determines how many levels a person can gain. Once someone reaches their level cap, they are unable to level up any further, no matter how much experience they accumulate. For most people, this level cap represents a hard limit, preventing infinite growth.
Stat Potential: Similar to Level Potential, this governs how high each individual stat can grow. For example, if a person has a Strength Potential of 120, their strength can never exceed 120, no matter how much training or experience they have. Each stat has its own potential limit, and once that limit is reached, growth in that area stops.
The average person in this world was bound by their potential, but Haroon saw a way around these limits. The Character Creation system allowed him to reduce his potentials in exchange for points. More importantly, Haroon had access to a skill—Stat Stealer—that would allow him to bypass these limits entirely. By absorbing stats from others, he could continue growing far beyond his initial potential.
Skills Breakdown:
Haroon took his time reviewing the different skill categories, realizing that skills were as important as stats, if not more so. They were divided into three main types:
Innate Skills: These are abilities you are born with or, in rare cases, can acquire through special means. Innate skills are extremely powerful and difficult to come by. For summoned individuals, it's typical to be given multiple innate skills. These abilities often break the limits imposed by stats or other restrictions in the system.
Stat Skills: As you master a stat and increase its proficiency, you unlock stat skills. These skills are potent and are tied directly to the level of proficiency in a given stat. For instance, a high proficiency in Intelligence might unlock powerful magic, while extreme proficiency in Dexterity could grant precise, deadly strikes.
Class Skills: These are skills granted based on the class you choose. Class skills range in power, but they are tied to the role of the class and often develop alongside class progression. Class skills are important for shaping your abilities but are not as overwhelming in power as innate or stat skills.
Stat and Skill Stealer:
Haroon knew that one of his most valuable abilities would be Stat Stealer, which would allow him to absorb a portion of his opponent's stats. As long as he defeated an enemy, their strongest stat would become partially his, no matter his own limits.
Then there was Skill Stealer—a rare ability that gave Haroon a chance to gain either his enemy's innate skill or their highest proficiency skill upon defeat. If neither of those options worked, Haroon would still gain proficiency in all of his opponent's skills, albeit at a slower rate. This allowed him to grow exponentially stronger with every kill, no matter how small the victory.
Haroon decided to take a bold step.
He reduced his Level Potential and all of his Stat Potentials, extracting points from them to fuel his immediate needs. He then went even further, erasing his only innate talent, Character Creation, to unlock a greater pool of points. This wasn't a sacrifice—it was a calculated move. The power he would gain in return far outweighed the limitations he'd imposed on himself.
With these extra points, Haroon crafted the perfect build.
Haroon's Status Window
Name: Haroon
Class: None
Level: 1/1
Stats:
Strength: 34/34
Endurance: 104/104
Dexterity: 101/101
Agility: 63/63
Perception: 98/98
Vitality: 95/95
Mind: 119/119
Intelligence: 172/172 (3-star proficiency, beyond legend)
Faith: Locked
Each stat played a crucial role in shaping Haroon's abilities. He reviewed them carefully:
Stats Explanation:
Strength: Determines physical power, how much damage can be dealt in close combat, and how much weight can be carried.
Endurance: Governs stamina and defense, increasing the ability to withstand physical attacks and fight for extended periods without tiring.
Dexterity: Controls precision and accuracy, affecting how well Haroon can handle weapons and execute precise movements.
Agility: Affects speed and reflexes, determining how quickly Haroon can react and move in combat or over distances.
Perception: Enhances the senses, allowing Haroon to pick up on small details, track enemies, and perceive hidden elements in his surroundings.
Mind: Increases mana capacity and spell cooldown reduction, allowing Haroon to use magic more frequently and with greater efficiency.
Intelligence: The primary stat for magic and strategy. Intelligence increases magic attack power, casting speed, and spell range. Reaching 3-star proficiency in Intelligence, something thought impossible, gave Haroon unparalleled mastery over magic.
Faith: Locked for now, but Haroon could tell this stat was related to healing powers and divine abilities. It could prove useful later.
Haroon's 3-star Intelligence proficiency was beyond legendary. It granted him not only immense magical power but also the ability to cast spells with such speed that most would not even notice him casting. And with his intelligence this high, he had unlocked the stat skill Magic Overheat Smite, a devastating, high-damage spell that could target a single enemy and was impossible to dodge unless the target could teleport or blink at the exact moment of activation.
Magic Overheat Smite (3-Star Stat Skill):
Effect: A high-damage, single-target spell. It is undodgeable unless the target uses teleportation or blink the moment the spell is cast.
Cost: Extremely high mental strain. After casting, Haroon would experience severe lethargy, leaving him vulnerable.
Use: The spell was perfect for killing enemies from a distance without being detected, allowing Haroon to gain stats and skills without drawing attention to himself.
In addition to Magic Overheat Smite, Haroon also gained two other powerful Magic Overheat abilities:
Magic Overheat Enhance (2-Star Stat Skill):
This ability allowed Haroon to temporarily enhance specific aspects of himself, such as his brain processing power or physical speed, using his Intelligence stat to cover for other stats. With this, he could become faster, stronger, or even think faster in critical moments.
Magic Overheat Enchant (1-Star Stat Skill):
This skill allowed Haroon to enchant objects with magic, giving them abstract activation conditions. For instance, he could enchant a sword with an explosion spell that triggers once the sword is drawn from its sheath. This gave Haroon the ability to create traps and use magic in unexpected ways.
Haroon now possessed an arsenal of tools that would allow him to grow in secret, gaining strength while remaining in the shadows.
Innate Skills:
Skill Stealer: A rare ability that gave Haroon a very low chance to steal a defeated enemy's innate skill. Additionally, there was a 3% chance to gain the enemy's highest proficiency skill. If neither of these conditions were met, Haroon would still gain 1% proficiency in every skill the enemy had, ensuring that each battle made him stronger.
Stat Stealer: A game-breaking ability that allowed Haroon to absorb 3% of a target's highest stat upon killing them. This meant that no matter what limitations the system tried to impose on him, Haroon could continue growing indefinitely by stealing the strength of his enemies.
Analysis: A tactical skill that allowed Haroon to analyze enemies, objects, and systems. This ability gave him detailed insights into his opponents' stats, abilities, and weaknesses, allowing him to make calculated decisions in combat.
Having secured the stats and skills that would ensure his survival and infinite growth, Haroon closed the Character Creation interface. The grey world around him faded, returning to its normal state. The sound of his classmates' murmurs filled the air once again, oblivious to what had transpired. Haroon remained silent, his expression neutral, hiding the immense power he had just unlocked.
The princess's voice rang through the hall, clear and commanding, as she stepped forward to address the confused students. Her gown shifted as she moved, and although her presence was meant to reassure, Haroon remained skeptical of her motives. Her words were carefully chosen, but he wasn't here to be their savior.
"Please, everyone, stay calm," she said, her voice resonating through the hall. "I know this is overwhelming, but you have been summoned here for a purpose. Our world is in grave danger, and you are the ones who will save it."
The hall quieted as the students listened, some still too disoriented to fully comprehend what was happening. Haroon, however, was already analyzing the situation. These people had called him and his classmates to save their world, but Haroon wasn't interested in being their hero. His only concern was using this opportunity to grow stronger and ensure his own survival.
The princess continued, "In one year, the Demon King will awaken, bringing devastation to our world. You, brave heroes, are our only hope. Only those summoned from another world possess the potential to defeat him."
Haroon processed the information quickly. One year until the Demon King awakens. That's enough time, he thought. Enough time to grow stronger, gather resources, and eliminate anyone who stands in my way.
The princess gestured toward the royal advisor, who stepped forward holding a glowing orb. "We will now assess your stats and potential. When your name is called, please step forward."
The room fell into an uneasy silence as the first name was called. Yuki Tanaka stepped forward hesitantly, her body tense with nervous energy. The royal advisor held up the glowing orb, and in an instant, her stats were displayed in the middle of the room for all to see .
Yuki Tanaka's Status Window:
Name: Yuki Tanaka
Class: Healer
Level: 1/320
Stats:
Strength: 84/240
Endurance: 93/261
Dexterity: 114/354
Agility: 92/241
Perception: 144/422
Vitality: 126/375
Mind: 182/485
Intelligence: 118/172
Innate Skills:
Elemental Affinity (Water): Full control over water-based healing abilities, allowing for defensive and healing magic.
Healing Touch: Restores moderate injuries faster than other healers.
Mana Efficiency: Reduces mana cost of all spells by 30%.
Class Skills (Level 1):
Mend Wounds: Heals light injuries on a single target.
Divine Protection: Increases an ally's defense temporarily.
Rejuvenate: Gradually restores health to an ally over time.
Haroon remained composed, but his mind was already racing. If they were going to display everyone's stats like this, his secrets would be revealed. Skill Steal, Stat Steal, and especially his 3-star Intelligence were abilities he couldn't afford to expose. If his classmates or the kingdom realized how powerful he was, they would target him, either out of fear or envy.
He needed to act.
Without drawing attention to himself, Haroon activated Analysis on his own status window. As the interface appeared before him, he quickly scanned through the options. That's when he found it: "Set to Private." It was an option that allowed him to hide specific skills and stats, masking his true potential.
Set to Private:
Skill Steal: Hidden (Any skills gained through this ability will also be hidden).
Stat Steal: Hidden (Any stats gained through this ability will also be hidden).
3-Star Intelligence: Hidden (Also hides Magic Overheat Smite, Magic Overheat Enhance, and Magic Overheat Enchant).
Haroon selected the options, setting them to private. His status window now only showed Analysis, making him look like an average, or perhaps even a weak, individual. He would be seen as someone with only a single skill, no different from the weakest students. Haroon allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. Let them think he was weak. It would be his greatest advantage.
The princess, ever poised, took a moment to glance at Yuki's stats as they floated in front of the crowd. Her expression remained calm but approving.
"Yuki Tanaka, you show great potential as a healer. Trust in your abilities; they will be invaluable."
Yuki gave a small nod and stepped back into the crowd, still shaken but somewhat reassured.
The princess glanced at the next name on the list. "Takeshi Yamamoto."
Takeshi, a broad-shouldered boy with a serious expression, stepped forward as his stats appeared in the air.
Takeshi Yamamoto's Status Window:
Name: Takeshi Yamamoto
Class: Warrior
Level: 1/360
Stats:
Strength: 129/469
Endurance: 116/435
Dexterity: 105/323
Agility: 99/293
Perception: 82/248
Vitality: 110/410
Mind: 71/179
Intelligence: 94/122
Innate Skills:
Battle Hardened: Increases damage dealt the longer a battle lasts.
Unyielding: Reduces damage taken by 15% when health drops below 50%.
Weapon Mastery (Axes): Proficiency with axes increases damage by 20%.
Class Skills (Level 1):
Heavy Strike: A powerful blow with an axe or heavy weapon.
Deflect: Temporarily reduces damage from incoming attacks.
The princess gave him a brief but approving nod. "You possess the strength and resilience of a true warrior, Takeshi. Keep pushing forward."
Takeshi nodded in response and stepped back.
The princess glanced at the next name. "Hiroshi Suzuki."
Hiroshi, a lanky boy with sharp eyes, walked forward as his stats materialized.
Hiroshi Suzuki's Status Window:
Name: Hiroshi Suzuki
Class: Swordsman
Level: 1/330
Stats:
Strength: 102/417
Endurance: 90/282
Dexterity: 122/575
Agility: 110/341
Perception: 105/368
Vitality: 98/311
Mind: 68/171
Intelligence: 87/118
Innate Skills:
Sword Prodigy: Increases proficiency with swords at twice the normal rate.
Flowing Strike: Increases attack speed by 2% after each successful strike (Stackable).
Precision: Increases critical hit rate by 15% when targeting weak points.
Class Skills (Level 1):
Double Slash: Delivers two rapid strikes with a sword.
Parry: Deflects an incoming attack and counterattacks immediately.
The princess offered a short acknowledgment. "Your swordsmanship will serve you well. Keep honing your skill."
Hiroshi gave a brief nod, stepping back with a calm expression.
The princess moved on. "Mei Yamada."
Mei, a tall and composed girl, walked forward. Her stats appeared next.
Mei Yamada's Status Window:
Name: Mei Yamada
Class: Knight
Level: 1/340
Stats:
Strength: 118/476
Endurance: 101/345
Dexterity: 109/421
Agility: 88/265
Perception: 92/282
Vitality: 96/310
Mind: 68/170
Intelligence: 73/117
Innate Skills:
Jousting Mastery: Increases accuracy and stability when using a lance on horseback.
Momentum Strike: Slightly increases attack power when charging at enemies.
Mounted Defense: Increases defense while mounted by 10%.
Class Skills (Level 1):
Lance Thrust: A basic forward thrust with a lance, suitable for close-range combat.
Mounted Guard: Temporarily boosts defense slightly while mounted.
The princess gave a brief smile. "Your path as a knight is clear. Stay focused, and you will become a great protector."
Mei offered a small bow before stepping back into the crowd.
The princess scanned the next name on her list and called out, "Haroon," with the same neutral tone she had used for the others.
Haroon stepped forward, his face calm and composed as always. He stood silently, waiting for the royal advisor to reveal his stats to the gathered students. The orb began to glow, and the familiar window appeared in the air, displaying Haroon's status for all to see.
Haroon's Public Status Window:
Name: Haroon
Class: None
Level: 1/1
Stats:
Strength: 34/34
Endurance: 104/104
Dexterity: 101/101
Agility: 63/63
Perception: 98/98
Vitality: 95/95
Mind: 119/119
Intelligence: 172/172
Innate Skills:
Analysis: Provides detailed insight into anything.
There was an awkward pause as the stats appeared. Unlike the others, Haroon's numbers were shockingly low. He had no class, and the only skill on display was "Analysis." The silence was quickly broken by whispers and murmurs among the students.
"No class?"
"How can he have such low stats? That can't be right..."
"Wait, is that all he has? Analysis?"
A wave of confusion and disbelief washed over the room. Some students exchanged puzzled glances, while others barely contained their smirks. Satoshi, one of Haroon's more competitive classmates, couldn't hide his satisfaction. "So much for being the genius," he muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a smirk.
Even Aiko, who had often seen Haroon as a rival back in school, looked at him with a mix of surprise and smug satisfaction. "Guess brains don't transfer here after all," she whispered to herself, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
The princess, now staring at the unimpressive display of stats, faltered for the first time. Her expression shifted, betraying a flicker of surprise and—perhaps—disappointment. She glanced at the royal advisor as if to confirm the results were accurate, but the advisor merely nodded.
"Well..." the princess started, her voice less certain than before. "Haroon... although your stats may seem... modest, this world offers opportunities for growth. With the right effort, you may still find your place."
The words were spoken kindly enough, but the lack of enthusiasm was clear. The usual warmth and optimism that had accompanied her remarks to the other students were noticeably absent. A few snickers could be heard from the back of the room, and several of Haroon's classmates began whispering amongst themselves.
"Is this for real?"
"Even the princess doesn't believe in him."
"I thought he was supposed to be smart..."
But Haroon remained impassive. His expression did not change. He had expected this—planned for it, in fact. The more they underestimated him, the better. Let them believe he was weak. It would make what came next all the more satisfying.
As the princess moved on, eager to return to the more promising students, the murmurs continued. Some looked at Haroon with pity, others with disdain, but Haroon didn't care. He stepped back into the group without a word, knowing full well that this moment of doubt was exactly what he needed to mask his true potential.