I spent the next few days holed up in the solitude of my room, focused entirely on cultivating the chaotic energies swirling within me. Using my [Barrier] Skills as a filter, I repeatedly harmonized the clashing forces of my soul. While this process didn't grant any experience points or level up my character, the internal benefits were far more valuable than raw numbers.
"[Notice: Your efficiency and understanding of the 'Barrier' Class has reached the threshold limit for the Rank.]"
"[Congratulations! The Class Exclusive Skill 'Shield' has been unlocked!]"
"[Info: You are able to generate a 'Shield' without any incantation or runes.]"
By repeatedly pushing the boundaries of the same class-related skills, a Ranker can occasionally unlock hidden "shortcuts." Interestingly, this [Shield] was the only actual Active Skill inherent to the 'Barrier' class. The rune magic I had been using was a result of my own knowledge, mastering languages and symbols I had memorized over a hundred lifetimes. It was easy to see why this class was the least picked; most people saw a class with only one basic defensive skill and immediately deemed it trash.
But I wasn't most people. I was waiting for the true catalyst that makes this path viable.
"[Notice: Due to your high level of understanding and proficiency in 'Barrier' Arts, the Class Exclusive Passive Skill 'Absolute Manipulation' has been unlocked!]"
"[Info: You are able to manipulate your Shield into any form you desire. Manipulation is proportional to your 'Mana'. The Passive Skill 'Absolute Manipulation' can only be used on the Class Exclusive Skill 'Shield'.]"
Finally. With this passive, that "basic" shield was no longer just a wall. I could now shape it into blades, spears, or armor, turning the most rudimentary defense into a versatile weapon of offense without having to cycle through other high-cost Skills.
From within the ring, Melchior chimed in occasionally, though he seemed preoccupied with re-adjusting his physical rhythm now that his first seal was broken. Leonhart, meanwhile, was having the time of his life inside Cero's subspace. I could sense him locked in a relentless battle against the Ice Golems Cero had lazily conjured for him. While Leo was a blur of motion and sweat, Cero himself was simply slumbering nearby, clearly bored by the teenager's boundless energy.
I took a break from my training to browse the global news feeds. The atmosphere was electric. Major guilds from every continent and several prominent S-Ranks, including Jean D'Arc, were making public statements about their preparations for the upcoming 3rd Floor. The desert-type maze was being treated as the first true test of global cooperation.
As I scrolled through the headlines and watched the various agencies scramble for dominance, I realized the time for lurking in the shadows was coming to an end. If I wanted to maintain control over the trajectory of this world, I needed a seat at the table.
It was finally time to make an official debut to the world as the ninth S-Rank of my country.