As Kaito and his friends prepared for their journey to the Whispering Woods, a familiar sound echoed in his mind—a notification from the system. He paused, feeling a rush of anticipation.
"System Notification: Your Skill Energy Core has been upgraded to Uncommon Level."
Kaito's heart raced. This was a significant improvement. The Skill Energy Core had been a crucial part of his abilities, allowing him to absorb and manipulate energy. An upgrade meant enhanced capabilities, and he could feel the power coursing through him.
"Subskill Energy Drain has also been upgraded to Uncommon Level."
"Nice!" Kaito exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. The Energy Drain skill would now be more effective, allowing him to absorb energy more efficiently during battles.
But then, another notification followed, and Kaito's excitement was tempered by a hint of concern.
"System Notification: Your Skill Library has reached its storage limit. No additional skills can be stored."
Kaito frowned, glancing at the list of skills he had accumulated. His Skill Library was a treasure trove of abilities: Shadow Walking, Healing, Dark Magic, Artifact Creation, Mana Circle Creation, Demon Summoning, and more. Each skill had its own unique advantages, but he was limited by his current Maintenance Points (MP) of 110.
"I can only choose two skills to inherit," he muttered, feeling the weight of the decision.
After a moment of contemplation, Kaito made his choice. "I'll go with Mana Circle Creation and Shadow Walking." Both skills were versatile and would serve him well in the upcoming confrontation with the cult.
With a deep breath, he focused on the subskill of his Skill Library, Dismantle. The process was swift and efficient. As he dismantled the other skills, he felt a surge of energy and focus.
"System Notification: You have gained 240 Skill Points (SP) from dismantling skills."
Kaito's mind raced with possibilities. With 240 SP at his disposal, he could make significant upgrades. He decided to invest in his chosen skills.
"Let's do this," he said, feeling a sense of determination. He upgraded Mana Circle Creation to Uncommon Level, feeling the energy of the skill resonate within him.
Next, he turned his attention to the Skill Energy Core. "Let's upgrade you to Rare Level."
"System Notification: Skill Energy Core upgraded to Rare Level."
Kaito felt a rush of power as the upgrade took effect. The energy within him surged, and he could sense the potential for greater control over the dark forces he had absorbed.
As he felt the energy shift within him, he realized something else: the Sinister Energy that remained after he had absorbed it was also dissipating, becoming one with his host energy.
"System Notification: The Sinister Energy remnants are dissipating and merging with your host energy due to the upgrade of your Skill Energy Core to Uncommon Level."
Kaito paused, a mix of relief and concern washing over him. The fact that the dark energy was integrating into his own essence meant he was gaining control over it, but it also raised questions about the long-term effects. Would he be able to harness this power without succumbing to its darker influences?
Finally, he upgraded his Skill Library from Uncommon to Rare Level.
"System Notification: Skill Library upgraded to Rare Level. New subskill unlocked: Merge."
Kaito's eyes widened. The Merge skill would allow him to combine two different skills into one, potentially increasing or decreasing their levels. This could open up new strategies for him in battle.
A New Talent
As he finished upgrading, another notification chimed in his mind.
"System Notification: You can also upgrade your talent, Copy, to Uncommon Level. This upgrade does not require any MP or SP."
Kaito's heart raced again. The Copy talent had allowed him to mimic abilities and skills he encountered, and upgrading it would enhance its effectiveness. "I'll do it," he said decisively.
"System Notification: Talent Copy upgraded to Uncommon Level."
Kaito felt a wave of energy wash over him, a sense of clarity and focus sharpening his mind. He could feel the potential of his abilities expanding, and he knew he was better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Ready for the Journey
With his upgrades complete, Kaito rejoined his friends, who were busy gathering supplies. "I'm ready," he announced, a newfound confidence in his voice.
"What did you do?" Lila asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I upgraded my skills and talents," Kaito replied, a grin on his face. "I feel stronger than ever."