"Status"
[Name: Raven Klyenty]
[Health Condition: Perfect]
[Vitality: +D]
[Endurance: -D]
[Strength: -D]
[Speed: D]
[Mana: D]
[Ability (1): Time Zone]
[Ability (2): Locked]
[Element: Soul Flame]
[Traits: Combat (5), Calm Mind (3), Mana Control (5), Swordsmanship (6), Golden Eye (3), Dagger Skills (3)]
[Rank: D]
I looked at my panel and smiled, joy clearly written across my face.
Previously, I had only been close to Rank D, but I was never truly there.
The difference between the two levels was terrifying. Those below Rank D could only fight with their bodies, while true Rank D awakeners could wield elements and abilities.
"It really is a completely different world..." I thought as I felt my new strength.
"Soul Flame? Huh?"
Since this element was tied to my soul and very existence, the moment it awakened within me, information naturally flowed into my mind.
Soul Flame.
Just as its name suggested, it could burn souls in addition to possessing the normal properties of fire.
However, when used against the living, instead of burning them... it would freeze them.
I covered my fist in silver flames and felt the power contained within them.
Cold and burning.
Body and soul.
A flame capable of consuming everything.
A wide smile formed on my face. Even with my usual calmness, I couldn't suppress my excitement and happiness.
"And now... the ability."
I thought as the silver flames scattered from my hand.
[Ability (1): Time Zone]
[Description: Within a limited range, you can accelerate time, slow everything around you, or accelerate yourself.]
My eyes widened in shock.
"This is cheating..."
"This ability is absolute cheating."
I had thought Soul Flame was already an unfair power, but compared to this ability... it was nothing.
"Heh... hahaha!"
I couldn't contain myself and burst into loud laughter.
With this ability... and this element...
I had become stronger.
Far stronger.
My laughter continued for nearly ten minutes before I gradually calmed down.
"Good thing this room is soundproof."
I thought in embarrassment as I stared at the door, worried someone might knock.
Several minutes passed in silence, and I let out a relieved sigh before looking back at the ability description.
I needed to test my new strength after ranking up, and I knew the perfect place for it.
"Old man... I'll be visiting you again."
A cold smile appeared on my face.
..................
"You again." Marcus said while rubbing his eyebrows in annoyance.
"Another Rift." I replied with a smile hidden beneath my scarf.
"You little brat, you're more troublesome than that girl." Marcus said irritably.
"Renee?"
I thought for a moment, remembering that I had seen her leave this place more than once.
I quickly dismissed the thought.
"Anyway, Marcus... I want another Rift."
During the past two months, entering Rifts repeatedly was what had made me much stronger and allowed me to reach Rank D so quickly.
A faint smile appeared on my face as I remembered the torment I had suffered because of the monsters.
"Well then, idiot, want to try a stronger Rift this time?"
After hiding his annoyance, his green eyes revealed clear interest.
He had already noticed that my rank had risen.
It didn't take a genius to know that.
The stronger mana flowing within my body was more than enough proof for the Dream Wanderer sitting before me.
"Nothing escapes his eyes..."
I nodded while once again wondering about the identity of this frail old man.
"So? Want to try a Rank D Rift this time? Last time you entered a -D Rift and nearly died because of a swarm of insects."
"Yeah... I'm confident this time."
I answered awkwardly, my voice lacking some confidence.
The northern -D Rift... I had gone there to test my strength after my stats reached Rank D.
But I nearly died after exhausting myself fighting bears.
Then, after staying there—mistakenly thinking the place was safe—a swarm of flying insects appeared and almost killed me.
"And once again, I still couldn't figure out why those bears had mana hearts." I thought irritably.
"Fine. Same old price. Ten gold coins for a Rank D Rift." Marcus said with a smug smile.
"Oh, and don't forget to visit Marcella. She looks like a mother missing her son these days."
His voice carried both jealousy and mockery.
"Shut up, old man."
I silenced him quickly as I left the tavern.
"Hehe... shy kid." he laughed loudly.
"But... a strong kid too."
He said it softly, but I didn't hear it.
Because I had already stepped outside.
I waited for a few minutes until the familiar black car stopped in front of me.
The person I had grown somewhat acquainted with stepped out.
"Welcome back, Mr. Raven."
The large man smiled as he greeted me
"Good to see you too, Mouse."
After spending some time with him, I had learned his name.
Mouse was a man Marcus once saved. Because of that, he followed him and worked at his tavern. His life had been harsh, but it never stopped him.
Now, he was one of the Rank B awakened, carrying the title Armored Gorilla because of his monstrous strength and heavy armor.
As usual, I followed him into the car, and we exchanged a few short conversations along the way.
Most of the time, Mouse only talked about how great Marcus was
I simply nodded every now and then.
After some time, we reached our destination
Another half-destroyed house
Why did these Rifts always appear in places like this?
It wasn't intentional... just coincidence.
I followed Mouse inside, and after walking for a bit, we found ourselves standing before a Rift radiating a powerful aura.
"Rank D Rift." Mouse said calmly while adjusting his black glasses.
"As usual... you have five hours."
He spoke in his deep voice before leaving.
I turned my gaze back to the Rift.
It was time.
I walked forward slowly... and entered.
That familiar sensation of weightlessness, as if floating in a void.
Then it suddenly faded
Stronger gravity than usual
Exceptionally clean air
Dense mana.
I smiled as I felt that familiar sensation once more
I'm back agai