My head felt like exploding.
Although I had already experienced something like this during my initial transmigration, this was all together a different sensation. Like I was breaking from a body of water and taking my first breath.
There was a sense of relief as well as a sense of completion.
Alicia came to my distracted body with a ready hook, one I'm sure would've done some decent damage considering my endurance stat was subpar at best. But something strange pulled me along.
Intuitively my feet slithered along the field and frictionlessly found themselves manoeuvring in tandem with my other limbs. A smooth slip of my shoulder brought me below the blinking Alicia.
Our bouts had revealed a lot about her fighting philosophy. Although she knew plenty of combat styles, the way she utilised them adhered to a certain pattern.
Slipping past a kick, my body caught her leg and moved in synchronised destruction. Giving her no time for her excellent battle IQ to find a way out, I slammed her to the floor and twisted her elbow from behind her.
My knee pressed deep into her back as I some how found myself winning a confrontation.
"Y-you read that?" The wriggling Alicia growled irritatingly.
"....Predicted"
Getting off the poor girl, I patted my clothes of their dishevelled look and gazed at a certain corner of my eye. The system these days had been quiet.
Seeing several notifications pop up in an instant, I couldn't help but look at it.
=================================
Detecting complete assimilation of $#^%@ and Khael Sonja...
Detecting combatable innate abilities....
Synchronising innate abilities...
Greatsword Proficiency (E) has been synthesised with Born Bruiser (F) into Barbarian Strength (F)!
================
[ Khael Sonja's Status Page ]
Age : 18
Grade : F- => E-
Ability : Barbarian's Strength (F), So9H (U)
_______________
Attributes :
Strength - E
Agility - E+
Stamina - E+
Mana - E-
Willpower - F- => E-
_______________
Skills :
[ Desert Drifter Arts ] (E Rank)
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Did me and Khael finally assimilate? That must be saying something if that was accomplished through fighting. Were be both just natural fighters?
"What the fxck, Khael? Where did this come from?" The pink haired girl stood and push against me. Although without malicious intent, my body toppled back easily.
"Ahh... sorry about that." I rubbed the back of my neck and bowed my head softly. "It wasn't on purpose."
Looking back at the angry girl, her shocked face proved that it wasn't supposed to be that easy.
"How did you do it then? You couldn't react to my fighting until now, what changed?" Her arms crossed and Alicia squinted her eyes as she looked me up and down.
"I don't know, I think I sorta.... evolved my innate ability?" I tried sounding as believable as possible, even going so far as to clenching my fists and fumbling with my body. A farse that somewhat actually recalibrated me with my newfound strength.
"....Okay, fine. Don't tell me then." Her pigtails flung in the air as she swished around and prepared for another bout. "Lets go again!" Seeing the pep in her step, I could feel an intense desire for revenge emanating off her back.
Shaking my head, I guess this was inevitable. One doesn't simply evolve their innate ability by sparring. Most famous cases revolved around overcoming one's limits or accomplishing an near-impossible feat.
I've done neither, yet I was saying my talent evolved? It made sense why she didn't believe me. But what else could I have done? A throwaway comment like this was the only way to explain any further power I might display.
As for my power-up though, I wonder how good my talent is now?
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Innate Ability :
Barbarian's Strength [NEW!] (F)
Born from the synthesis of two compatible innate abilities, this ability grants the user access to the natural skills originating from ancient barbarian tribes.
[Body Unity] : All exertions of the body is significantly enhanced through full utilisation of relevant muscle groups, allows for shows of strength greater than user's ranking
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Facing Alicia on the other side of the field, a smug grin plastered itself on my face. Oh poor Alicia, you have idea what you're in for.
As both of us simultaneously dove at one another to mark the beginning of our spar, I could sense a deadly kick aiming right between my legs. My eyes turned sharp.
This chick is still crazy!
It must've been a feint as I reached to block her foot, she retreated and wound a roundhouse kick towards my skull. Which should've seriously hurt if it weren't for the fact I managed to grab her feinted leg.
With a heave that felt effortless, using a single arm I swung Alicia around by her thigh and tossed her to the side. My strength was only E grade, but through this new ability, I was practically on the same power level as some main cast now.
Alicia didn't allow herself to fall so insultingly. Before she fell she caught herself with a handstand and jumped up on her two feet.
"That was a bxtch move!" Alicia growled. "I'm not leaving these grounds without putting you in a stretcher first!"
A smile subconsciously grew on my face.
What a gal.
...
...
The combat simulation class soon enough finished. I overheard some commotion about two guys duking it over a black-haired elf. Nothing too important really.
Instructor Donny who was spectating the same fight gave some insights and another speech about how important fighting was. I think it was pretty awe-inspiring from what I made out. Though I couldn't really concentrate when a splitting headache and numerous bruises flared in pain every few seconds.
It was a successful sparring session with Alicia. Although it devolved very quickly into a test of might versus technique, I learnt a lot from our exchanges and was actually hoping for more sparring with her. Her burning gaze at the end of it also hinted at her mutual enthusiasm.
But it was now finally the end of the day and we were now free from classes. Most would now return to their dorms and relax with their friends, some spending some time in Jye just generally enjoying themselves.
I know Arthur already got some sublot going on with Ella and Damian. Shopping I think it was?
As for yours truly, it was time to keep on the grind.
Facing the doors of the 'Dragon Gate Dojo', I looked to the motto plastered on it's front.
'Pain is the evidence of effort'
It was time to begin my journey as a carp.