// Ok guys, I'll try to drop 3 chapters tomorrow to speed up the story a bit, so you better give me some powerstones lol. (Don't worry about the quality)
After hearing Haimer's explanation, Satori fell silent for a moment, thinking it over. Then her usual carefree smile returned, and she hugged the parchment to her chest before rubbing it against Haimer like a satisfied cat.
"Hmph~ Since God says so, Satori will graciously accept it~"
With that, she stepped aside, still clutching her status sheet.
Now the space by the bed was open.
In the center of the room, only Mary and Rin remained standing.
In the corner, Warabi still hid behind the black bear named Kyoubou, peeking out with wide eyes as she watched everything unfold.
"Ahem!"
Noticing Haimer's gaze shifting toward her, Mary immediately straightened her back. She clutched the thick dictionary in her arms and glanced nervously between Rin and Haimer. After biting her lip, she lifted her chin and adjusted the collar of her robe.
"Since everyone else is so eager… then I suppose I'll reluctant-"
"Enough. Stop pretending and come here."
Haimer, seated at the bedside, beckoned to her and cut her off mid-sentence.
"Ugh!"
Mary choked on the rest of her rehearsed lines. Her cheeks flushed instantly, the redness spreading from her ears down to her neck.
In the end, she tossed the heavy dictionary onto the bed with a dull thud that made the mattress bounce slightly, then strode forward.
"If I have to, then I'll do it! Who's afraid!"
She looked like someone marching bravely to an execution ground.
Yet despite her loud declaration, when her fingers reached the tie at her collar, they stiffened. Her movements slowed, and the blush on her face deepened rather than fading.
The room fell silent, save for the faint rustle of fabric.
Taking a breath, Mary shut her eyes and pulled the robe down in one motion. It slid from her shoulders and pooled at her waist. Supporting herself against the bed, she climbed up somewhat awkwardly and lay face down.
Unlike the previous two, whose bodies bore the taut lines of relentless physical training, Mary's back was softer in contour. Her skin was pale and luminous under the light, her shoulder blades gently rounded beneath a delicate layer of softness that hinted at a life of comfort. It suited her identity as a sheltered noble lady.
Haimer settled into position.
Mary's body tensed sharply, her fingers clutching the sheets.
A drop of divine blood fell and melted into her fair skin.
Crimson light flared as intricate patterns spread across her back before settling into place.
When the glow faded, Haimer copied the results onto parchment.
[Name: Kikakujou Mary]
[Race: Human]
[Level: Lv.1]
[Abilities:]
[Strength: I-0]
[Endurance: I-0]
[Dexterity: I-0]
[Agility: I-0]
[Magic: I-0]
[Development Abilities: None]
[Magic: None]
[Skills:]
『Noble Verdict』
『Graceful Waltz』
Haimer glanced at the skills and raised a brow slightly.
"Interesting."
Skill:『Noble Verdict』
Enhanced her speed and precision when wielding a rapier. Repeated strikes on previously injured areas would stack in speed based on her Dexterity. Striking nerve clusters would inflict amplified pain, and the greater the pain inflicted, the more mental strength she would regain in return.
Skill:『Graceful Waltz』
Granted a slight boost to evasion when maintaining specific footwork during combat. Each successful dodge increased the precision and damage of her next attack.
Before Haimer could say anything more, Mary moved with astonishing speed, pulling her robe up and wrapping herself tightly to hide every inch of exposed skin.
When she received the parchment, she sat cross-legged on the bed and stared at it. Her eyes gradually widened.
"This… these are my skills?"
Her voice trembled.
The next moment, she looked up, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Well? They're impressive, aren't they?"
She thrust the parchment toward Haimer, her expression practically screaming 'Praise me!'
Haimer couldn't help smiling faintly.
"They're very strong skills. And more importantly, they complement each other perfectly."
"Your rapier style already relies on footwork and precise thrusts. Inflicting extreme pain to replenish your mental stamina means the longer the battle drags on, the more your opponent suffers, and the sharper you become."
"You can use Graceful Waltz to weave around your enemies, then exploit their openings. Sever their tendon and pierce their nerves. Turn disabling your opponent into an art form."
"Disabling…" Mary murmured under her breath.
It sounded almost sadistic.
And yet…
Why did the thought stir a strange thrill within her?
"Alright. With skills like these, you should be satisfied. Go on."
"Yes!"
She nodded vigorously, adjusted her robe, and jumped off the bed, clutching the parchment tightly as she rejoined the others.
As she passed Rin, however, she slowed deliberately, lifting her chin and casting a sideways glance filled with smug triumph.
"Hmph."
The challenge in that sound was unmistakable.
Rin's eye twitched slightly as she watched Mary walk away.
Was that… a provocation?
Knowing Mary, she could practically hear her inner monologue: I've already awakened incredible skills. If you keep hesitating, I'll leave you behind.
Rin exhaled slowly.
When she opened her eyes again, the last trace of hesitation had vanished, replaced by firm resolve.
She had already come this far.
If she had chosen to change, there was no turning back.
Rin stepped forward and untied her belt.
The robe slid down along her body in a soft whisper of fabric.
Without hesitation, she climbed onto the bed and lay down.
Her back was neither soft like Mary's nor explosively muscular like Amou's. Instead, it bore a restrained elegance, tight, balanced, and controlled. Her spine was straight as a drawn blade, her shoulder blades subtly drawn inward, as though ready to release a cutting strike at any moment.
Faint, old scars traced her back in places, remnants of relentless sword practice.
Haimer studied her quietly, a flicker of appreciation crossing his gaze.
Without ceremony, he seated himself and let divine blood fall.
Crimson light surged again, the inscriptions that formed this time even more intricate than before.
When the glow faded, he recorded the results.
[Name: Onigawara Rin]
[Race: Human]
[Level: Lv.1]
[Abilities:]
[Strength: I-0]
[Endurance: I-0]
[Dexterity: I-0]
[Agility: I-0]
[Magic: I-0]
[Development Abilities: None]
[Magic: None]
[Skills:]
『Clear Mirror Sword Heart』
『Sealed Sword Soul』
Haimer's lips curved slightly.
"As expected… the path your heart chose has shaped your body."
He draped the robe over her shoulders before handing her the parchment.
Rin quickly dressed and took it with slightly trembling hands.
The moment her eyes landed on the descriptions, her pupils contracted.
Skill:『Clear Mirror Sword Heart』
Allowed her Dexterity and Agility to increase in proportion to her mental calm and focus. When her mind reached a state of pure emptiness, the power of her strikes would surge dramatically.
Skill: 『Sealed Sword Soul』 [Functioned through a mask.]
When the mask was worn, her heart would close, granting a massive boost to Strength and Endurance along with mental immunity.
When the mask was removed, the seal would break, heightening her senses. Agility and Dexterity would surge, and her ability to track attack trajectories would double.
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2 more updates before the new update sched!
Good Reviews/Ratings are greatly appreciated
Drop some POWERSTONES to push the story forward!