The golden rays of dawn filtered through the windows of the villa, casting a soft glow on the luxurious furnishings. Dante stretched lazily in bed, his body well-rested and brimming with energy. Rising from his bed, he went to the window and gazed out at the breathtaking view of the academy grounds. It was his second day as a top-ranked student, and the reality of his position still hadn't fully sunk in.
Shaking off his thoughts, he decided it was time to begin his day. He quickly changed into his training gear and headed outside for his morning routine. As he stepped into the villa's spacious courtyard, the crisp morning air greeted him, invigorating his senses.
To his surprise, Emily was already waiting for him near the gate. She wore a simple yet form-fitting tracksuit that highlighted her athletic figure. Her brown hair was tied in a loose ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled with determination.
"Good morning!" Emily called out, her voice cheerful.
"Morning," Dante replied with a small smile. As they began their warm-up stretches, he couldn't help but admire her. Her natural beauty was captivating, and there was an air of grace about her movements. Though she was shy and reserved, she had an undeniable charm that made her stand out.
While Dante was lost in his thoughts, Emily noticed his gaze lingering on her. "Something on your mind?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Caught off guard, Dante cleared his throat and looked away. "Nothing important. Let's start running."
They began jogging around the courtyard, their footsteps synchronized. As they ran, they chatted casually about their plans for the week. Emily was curious about the training Dante had in mind, and Dante found her enthusiasm refreshing. Despite her modest performance in the entrance exam, she was eager to improve.
After completing several laps, they returned to the villa, both slightly out of breath. Emily wiped the sweat from her brow and turned to Dante with a smile. "How about I cook breakfast today? You've been doing everything so far."
Dante raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Cooking for me isn't exactly easy."
Emily laughed. "Don't underestimate me. I may not be a master chef, but I can handle breakfast."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you," Dante said, amused by her confidence.
Emily headed to the kitchen while Dante went to freshen up. By the time he returned, the dining table was set, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. Emily had prepared a simple yet appetizing meal of scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit.
"Impressive," Dante remarked as he sat down. "I might have to make you the official villa chef."
Emily blushed and waved off the compliment. "Don't tease me. Just eat before it gets cold."
They enjoyed their meal together, the atmosphere light and relaxed. After breakfast, Dante decided it was time to explore the shop feature of his system. He excused himself and went to his room, leaving Emily to clean up.
---
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Dante activated his watch and accessed the shop menu. The interface was sleek and organized, with various categories displayed prominently: weapons, techniques, skills, and more. Dante's eyes were immediately drawn to the "Weapons" section.
The selection was vast, ranging from basic swords and bows to legendary artifacts with mind-boggling prices. Among the options, two daggers caught his attention. They were sleek and black, their design both elegant and menacing. The description read:
Twin Daggers of the Abyss
Type: Growth Weapon
Durability: E (Upgradeable)
Abilities: Adapts to the user's skill level, enhancing damage and speed. Special effects unlock as the user grows stronger.
Price: 5,000 points
Dante's lips curled into a satisfied grin. "Perfect." Without hesitation, he purchased the daggers, watching as his points dropped from 25,600 to 20,600.
Next, he moved on to the "Techniques" section. Here, he found an array of powerful abilities, each more impressive than the last. The Void Techniques category caught his eye, and he began scrolling through the options.
Each technique was described in detail, complete with its price and level requirements. After careful consideration, Dante selected three techniques that suited his style:
1. Black Hole Armor (8,000 points): A defensive technique that creates a rotating barrier of void energy around the user, absorbing attacks and releasing counterattacks.
2. Shadow Rift (1,000 points): A stealth technique that allows the user to merge with the void, becoming invisible and intangible for a short duration.
3. Dimensional Step (11,000 points): A movement technique enabling instant teleportation within a certain range.
With his purchases finalized, Dante's remaining points were reduced to 600. He closed the shop menu, feeling both excited and broke. "Totally worth it," he muttered to himself.
---
About twenty minutes later, the villa's doorbell rang. Dante answered it to find a courier holding a package. The transaction was quick, and Dante brought the package to his room, his excitement building with each step.
Opening the box, he was greeted by the sight of his new weapons and technique manuals. The daggers were even more impressive up close, their dark blades seeming to absorb light. The manuals were thick, their covers inscribed with intricate symbols.
Dante picked up the first manual and opened it. As he did, a burst of energy flowed into his mind, and the knowledge of the technique was instantly imprinted in his memory. He repeated the process with the other two manuals, marveling at the system's efficiency.
Finally, he checked his updated stats:
---
Name: Dante
Level: 15
Bloodlines: Dragon, Vampire, Phoenix, (Caldrius - Unawakened)
Skills: Fast Regeneration, X-Ray Vision, High Durability, High Stamina, Dragon Aura
Techniques:
Master of Daggers
Black Hole Armor (Level 1)
Shadow Rift (Level 1)
Dimensional Step (Level 1)
Points: 600
---
Satisfied, Dante decided to test his new abilities. He grabbed the daggers and headed to the villa's training grounds.
---
The training grounds were spacious, with various dummies and targets set up for practice. Dante started with basic dagger drills, familiarizing himself with the weight and balance of his new weapons. The Twin Daggers of the Abyss felt like an extension of his body, their movements fluid and precise.
Next, he activated Black Hole Armor. A swirling barrier of dark energy enveloped him, humming with power. He tested its defensive capabilities by striking it with his daggers, and the barrier absorbed the blows effortlessly.
Moving on to Shadow Rift, Dante focused on the void energy within him. His body flickered, and for a brief moment, he became intangible, his form blending with the shadows. The sensation was disorienting at first, but he quickly adapted.
Finally, he tried Dimensional Step. He visualized a point across the training ground and activated the technique. In an instant, he disappeared and reappeared at his chosen location. The speed and precision were exhilarating.
---
By the time he finished training, the sun was beginning to set. Dante returned to the villa, his body tired but his spirit invigorated. Emily greeted him with a warm smile, and they shared a quiet dinner together.
As Dante lay in bed that night, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. With his new abilities and weapons, he was more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead. His journey had only just begun, and the future was filled with endless possibilities.