Hearing the word skill, Elior stiffened, his reaction drawing a small chuckle from Vale.
"Skill"
"Headmistress, I cannot take a skill," Elior said.
"It is okay. Everyone collected something of equal value, so it is fair." Vale said smiling
A skill was a manual—covering weapons, martial arts, or other disciplines. They held tremendous value for those who could not hope to attain one.
Unlike martial arts or weapon arts which took a lot of time to acquire and develop, Skills were instantaneous—like a book whose contents were transmitted directly into the brain once read.
There was no need to train a skill; once learned, it could be used immediately.
It was a total cheat, but it came with a catch.
They were far from common, as only the wealthy could afford to acquire them.
They could be found in dungeons, and just like cores, could be gotten from monsters. Knowing about this made the economical balance of skills remain inflated and bloated.
'Ain 't this my lucky day'
As Elior sank into thoughts, Vale snapped him back to reality
"As much as you can get a skill, you won't be getting one of the highest-tier skills, just one of your rank or title"
"Understood, ma'am."
"What is your rank or title exactly?" Vale asked
"Apprentice rank" Elior said calmly
'An apprentice huh'
'Outstanding'
Vale clapped her hands together as books flew and settled in front of her and Elior. Piles of books stacked high before them.
Elior opened the stacks of books and began examining them one by one.
'I need one that correlates with my current state. So, it would either be output or input either defensive or offensive'
Despite studying the outlet of the skills, only four seemed to catch Elior's attention
[KING'S DREAD]: This skill enables one to release a dominant aura that spreads like an invisible storm carrying the authority of a ruler and instinct of a predator. Enemies feel their knees weaken, their breathing becomes heavy and their fighting spirit shake with fear as if facing a monarch
[CROWN OF LOGIC]: Enables the user to suppress all emotions. Fear, anger, hesitation, mercy and excitement all sealed away, leaving only pure logic and analysis. calculating possible future outcomes every second, selecting the path with highest probability of victory and survival.
[BALZING FANG ART]: Condensing a fire aura into his weapon or hands, shaping it into a sharp, fang like flame. When striking, fire pierces first, then explodes outward burning from the inside.
[GLACIAL AEGIS]: Forming layers of condensed ice around the body or in front of user, creating a translucent shield as hard as enchanted crystal. The ice absorbs the impact and rapidly freezes whatever it touches, slowly freezing enemy weapons, spells, or even their bodies
These four stood out as the most useful to Elior at that moment. It was not just due to them being strong but because of his current fighting style
[BLAZING FANG ART] attracted Elior due to his current stats. Only being able to use Wind and Darkness, Elior was more of a speed type of fighter, so fighting someone who could match up at least, he could face them head on using the flame ability. Also, it helps in ending a fight quickly with his speed.
[GLACIAL AEGIES], just like Blazing Fang Art was pretty useful in fights although different. Elior who relied on attacking with his speed and darkness left his defense wide open. Shielding himself against such attacks was necessary especially in counter attacking situations.
[KING'S DREAD] was equally impressive. Being tasked in a fight against a stronger opponent, what could be used against them are their fears, which is where King's dread comes in. Emitting a dominant presence, Elior could strike fear into his enemies which caused their attacks to slow down.
Lastly, [CROWN OF LOGIC] which was the most tempting of them all to Elior. It had no attack or defense advantages nor made his enemies afraid but fighting enemies without emotions, just pure logic seemed right
'Since I can't seem to shake off the guilt of killing'
As Elior looked at the four, he contemplated for some time while Vale watched on with interest in her heart
'I want to know what he picks'
After thinking for some time, Elior smiled before picking it
"I'll take this one, Headmistress." Elior said
'Kids his age would pick either a defensive or offensive skill'
As Vale took a look at the book, she was stunned
'Didn't expect this one'
Elior had chosen the skill: [CROWN OF LOGIC]
Was it really a debate to Elior, being devoid of emotion would be extremely useful since Elior's emotions were in turmoil because he had killed two people
"So, you can have it" Vale said
"Thank you, ma'am," Elior said as he left her office
'What a truly interesting kid'
"Headmistress, I don't see the point of giving someone who did not contribute anything a skill" Nicholas asked as he hid from Elior's view through the entire time
"Nicholas, let's just say that kid is very interesting" Vale said sighing
Nicholas wanted to press further, but ultimately chose not to.
'Let's just hope you made the right decision Headmistress'