"So that's how it is," Wilhelm muttered, his gaze fixed on his reflection, his eyes ignoring the drastic transformation of his body.
The moment he woke from that peculiar dream, knowledge about his unique eyes had been imprinted in his mind. Now, he reviewed this information with great curiosity.
The Single Ring Golden Eye enhanced perception and awareness, allowing Wilhelm to discern even the minutest details, including all forms of energy at the atomic level. This ability made his understanding of techniques and energy flow absolute.
It also granted him complete control over energy, enabling Wilhelm to manipulate mana with unparalleled precision. Mana's consumption was minimized to the point of approaching zero, effectively granting him an inexhaustible reservoir of energy, regardless of how much mana he possessed.
However, a hidden ability remained dormant, yet to awaken.
Upon activating his eyes, Wilhelm's physique underwent a remarkable transformation. His once-portly frame became lean and flawless, akin to the gods. His height surged from 5.5 feet to an imposing 6.5 feet. His face took on a more handsome countenance, and his sharper demeanor exuded the aura of a wise elder.
After processing the changes, Wilhelm finally noticed his altered physique. Shock briefly crossed his face, but he quickly composed himself and inspected his body.
He could feel the overwhelming power coursing through his muscles, and his previously meager mana reserves had expanded into a vast ocean. Without the awakening of his eyes to temper his newfound strength, Wilhelm was certain he would have lost control and inadvertently destroyed the entire underground city.
Excitement surged within him as he realized the extent of his newfound abilities. He danced and shouted like a madman before calming himself. Then, he went about his day as if nothing had happened.
Over breakfast, Wilhelm pondered his future.
He knew his time as a student was likely over. He had secured admission to the underground city's most prestigious university through his family's influence. But now, with that influence gone, he was certain to be expelled. Even if he somehow managed to stay, he lacked the financial means to afford the exorbitant tuition fees—his family had been his sole source of income.
"I shouldn't waste time thinking about staying at the university. It's futile. I don't have the money for those high fees and besides the university didn't want to waste resources on a talentless fool" Wilhelm muttered with a sigh, reminiscing about his time there. Though his life had been a constant struggle.
Lost in thought, Wilhelm recalled the days he spent in his school days. After a moment, he snapped out of his reverie.
"What I need now is a source of income. Should I find a job? Maybe as a salesman or something?" He paused, then clenched his fist tightly. "No. That's not what I want. I want to go to the surface, explore the vast world, and become the strongest."
Wilhelm now possessed the power to chase his dream—why waste it?
As a child, he had dreamed of joining the army, venturing to the surface, battling monsters, and reclaiming the land above. Those dreams had been shattered by his lack of strength and talent. But now, everything was different.
"If I can't become a soldier, I'll become a mercenary instead."
Wilhelm silently washed his plate, lost in thought.
Ding!
His phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and wasn't surprised by what he saw.
It was an email from the university. As expected, he had been expelled. The message didn't even offer an excuse—it was devoid of explanation.
Wilhelm deleted the email without a second thought.
Later.
Wilhelm locked his dormitory door and left, heading toward the mercenary guild.