++ "Alright, can we move on to the other techniques and skills now?"
+ "Of course…"
Asharaa's next choice was the Sword Art: 'Cypress Dance'.
Just like before, after downloading it from the Soul Gate and transferring the information into Damon's mind, the system messages appeared again.
> [Physical Talent: Advanced Tier, 'Cypress Dance' detected.]
> [Would you like to learn 'Cypress Dance'?]
> [Yes] [No]
After confirming, Damon felt a weak electrical current run through his body—a strange, unpleasant sensation that lasted nearly a minute before fading.
> [Physical Talent: Advanced Tier, 'Cypress Dance' learned and recorded in the Library.]
> [Due to the user's low level and mental quality, Library access is currently locked.]
Damon could feel that something had changed in his body and mind. It was odd—a sword art should include written instructions on how to wield a sword and specific techniques. So how had the system ingrained it into him so quickly?
+ "Asharaa, how is this even possible? I still don't understand how the system does this..."
++ "It's not as strange as you think. These skills and techniques aren't just written instructions on how to perform a move—they're far more complex. Each of these skill files contains detailed neuromuscular reaction data, allowing the symbiote to assist humans in executing and training the skills efficiently. Essentially, the system has embedded all that information directly into your memory and muscle memory.
++ "But don't think this means you don't need training. You still have to synchronize your body with the skill and get used to it, before you can use it properly."
Next, they moved on to Hapkido, a martial art.
> [ Physical Talent: Basic Tier, Hapkido detected.]
> [ Physical Talent: Hapkido learned and recorded in the Library.]
After that, several more system messages appeared:
> [Skill: Herculean Strength detected.]
> [Skill: Herculean Strength registered as a Genetic Talent.]
> [Skill: Basic Tier, 'Magnetic Master' registered as a Genetic Talent.]
> [Skill: Advanced Tier, 'Hermes' Stride' registered as a Genetic Talent.]
After some searching, Asharaa managed to gather comprehensive information about the ranking and classification of skills and techniques within the Helios Empire.
According to her findings, skills, and techniques were categorized into nine levels:
1️. None Rank
2️. Basic
3️. Intermediate
4️. Advanced
5️. Galactic
6️. Epic
7️. Legendary
8️. Mythical
9️. Divine
Each level represented a massive leap in power and complexity.
Damon, overwhelmed by the constant influx of techniques and skills, felt a pounding headache and nausea. As Asharaa explained the classification of techniques and skills, he simply nodded along, trying to ease his discomfort with deep breaths.
In the end, he decided that all the information flooding his mind and the physical changes affecting his body were beyond his tolerance for the day. So, after a quick shower and putting on his uniform, he called for an online taxi to take him to the Fringe Gate.
According to the taxi app, the Fringe Gate, also known as the Fall Gate, was the farthest point an automated driver could take him. From there, he walked the rest of the way home, making it back just before dark, as the sky turned a deep shade of crimson.
As soon as he stepped inside, a familiar frustrated voice greeted him.
"Where the hell were you, Damon?! I've called your holo-watch a hundred times since noon! It kept saying the ID didn't exist. Did you lose it or something?"
Damon walked into the kitchen, where his family had gathered after hearing the door. He lied smoothly:
"The entrance exams for the Academy start on October 2nd, so I had to stay behind to complete the registration process. There was also some specialized training… So, sorry, Mom."
As soon as his father, mother, and sister saw him clearly, they froze, their eyes wide with shock. They silently stared him up and down.
Then…
His father muttered, "Did they experiment on you? Damn it… Elliot was right… those bastards…"
His sister cut in, "No, Trisha told me today that because we don't get proper nutrition in the Fringe, they give us some kind of special potion when we pass the test. It's supposed to fix all our deficiencies."
His mother, her voice shaking, whispered, "Everyone at the doctor's garden today said you wouldn't come back… They said anyone who passes the test never sets foot in the Fringe again. But I told them—this is your home. We're your family. Of course, you'd come back…"
Tears welled up in her eyes, and before Damon could react, she pulled him into a tight hug, sobbing against his chest.
His sister scoffed, "Don't get your hopes up, Mom. He probably came to tell us he's leaving for good. Trisha said he'd have to be crazy to come back to this shithole."
Meanwhile, his father remained silent, shaking his head in disbelief—his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and unease, as if he were looking at a genetically engineered creature rather than his own son.
++ "Your family's imagination is… impressive. Hehehe."
+ "Nah, it's just all the rumors and crazy stories people make up about citizens."
Feeling a twinge of frustration, Damon said:
"Can we stop with these ridiculous rumors? What experiments, Dad? What potion, Diana? And who said I came here to tell you I'm never coming back? Look at Mom—she's about to pass out from stress and worry!"
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions.
"I haven't even seen myself in a holo-mirror yet, but whatever changes you're noticing are just because of absorbing Ka energy. That's all. And my body is going to change even more until it reaches the genetically optimal state.
As for me not coming back… There are some restrictions, sure, but until I can get you all honorary citizenship, I'll visit as often as I can—whether this place is a shithole or not. Honestly, I have no idea how long the entrance exam will take. It could be a week… or half a year. They haven't told me anything yet, and it all starts tomorrow.
So, stop listening to all these ridiculous rumors. We're family. And I'm never leaving my family behind."
After calming his mother down and weaving a few more lies to dodge his family's endless questions, the next hour was spent talking, laughing, and joking.
After dinner, his mother forced him to take a set of comfortable clothes, and then he finally stood in front of the holo-mirror.
His father's reaction suddenly made perfect sense.
Damon stared at his reflection.
His once gaunt face, which used to have dark circles under his eyes and a yellowish tint, was now smooth, radiant, and clear. His wavy, rough, and dull hair had become soft and glossy.
His formerly thin frame had filled out, his shoulders broader, his arms, chest, and legs more defined.
He looked… stronger.
And taller.
He was almost certain he'd grown at least a centimeter.
And that Charm stat? Yeah, that was definitely real. His jawline was sharper, and his eyes looked more intense—more commanding.
There was no doubt about it. He was handsome now.
---
After saying goodbye to his father and sister, his mother followed him to the apartment door.
"Promise me you'll come visit whenever you can?"
Damon nodded with a smile.
"Mom, one of my biggest goals in joining the army is to get you all honorary citizenship. You're the only people I have in this world. Trust me, I'm never leaving you behind. So don't worry—I promise I'll visit every chance I get.
But only if you promise me, you won't spend every day crying and worrying."
Skylar smiled softly.
"Since you got home, most of what you've said—whatever the reason—has been a lie.
But this?
I can tell you're telling the truth now.
I trust you, Damon.
But even if you change your mind and never come back… promise me you'll stay alive, my son."
Damon met her gaze, steady and determined.
"I promise. I still have a lot of goals to reach, and I won't die until I achieve them.
So don't worry. Just wait for the day you can live in New Thebes as a real citizen."
He then pulled his mother into a tight hug, kissed her forehead, and stepped out of their old building—leaving the Fringe behind.