The morning light filtered softly through the inn's wooden shutters, brushing Akari Sato's face with a golden warmth. The gentle chirping of birds outside her window played like a melody of a new beginning. She slowly sat up, her hair tangled from sleep, and stretched her arms high.
"Ah… another day in paradise," she murmured with a half-smile, still feeling the faint ache from the chaos of the past few days. Her mind flickered back to the memory of the black-armored man—Arima Takahashi—and the chilling aura that lingered around him. For a moment, the air in her room felt heavier.
But she shook her head. "No use thinking about that now. I promised myself I'll get stronger."
She reached for her adventurer gear, the familiar weight of her sword and gloves settling comfortably on her. As she fastened her belt, she recalled Theo's words from last night — "Tomorrow, we start your real training."
Her lips curved into a nervous grin. "I bet his training's going to be brutal. I should probably say my prayers early."
Akari strapped her small pouch, checked her guild card, and took one last glance at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes, once uncertain and naive, now carried a spark of resolve.
"Alright. Time to face the day… and Theo."
As she stepped outside, the morning air greeted her coolly. The streets of Solenn Kingdom were already bustling — merchants arranging stalls, guards marching on patrol, and the faint scent of freshly baked bread wafting from the nearby bakery. For a moment, it almost felt peaceful.
But in her heart, Akari knew this peace wouldn't last.
Before reaching the guild, Akari noticed a familiar group standing by a fruit stall. It was Paul's party — the same adventurers who first told her about this kingdom. Paul waved at her, his expression bright.
"Hey! If it isn't Akari, our savior!"
Akari chuckled. "You guys again? Don't tell me you're still getting into trouble."
Paul rubbed the back of his head. "Not this time, promise."
Another man stepped forward — Leo, the crimson-haired swordsman who had once been gravely injured. He now stood tall and confident, his black eyes glinting warmly.
"Thank you," he said earnestly. "If it weren't for your healing that day, I wouldn't be standing here."
Akari blinked, a little taken aback. Up close, Leo looked far more striking than she remembered. His hair shone under the sunlight like polished rubies.
"I just did what I could," she said, rubbing her cheek shyly. "I'm glad you're okay."
Leo smiled. "I'm Leo of the White Sword party. We're B-rank, nothing too impressive — but we owe you one."
"B-rank? That's impressive enough!" Akari exclaimed.
Anna, the cleric, laughed softly. "Are you off to a quest again, Akari?"
Akari nodded. "Training, actually. Theo's putting me through something."
Paul whistled. "Good luck surviving that."
Akari sighed, feigning despair. "You're not helping, you know."
The group shared a laugh, and Leo gave her a small wave before they departed for their hunt. Akari watched them go with a faint smile — a reminder that her choices had already changed lives.
Then she turned toward the guild. "Alright, time to get scolded by Theo."
Inside the adventurer guild, the atmosphere was calm — just a few adventurers chatting over paperwork. At the counter stood Arthur, busy sorting through reports, and beside him were Theo and a woman Akari hadn't seen before.
Theo, as always, looked stern and composed, but the woman beside him was… stunning. She had long silver-blonde hair that cascaded like silk and eyes the color of calm seas. Her posture was elegant, and her faint smile carried an aura of nobility.
Arthur noticed Akari first. "Hey, Akari! Morning!"
"Morning, Arthur." Akari grinned, then turned to Theo and the woman beside him. Her mischievous side sparked. "Ooh, Theo, who's this? Don't tell me… your wife?"
The woman's cheeks flushed red. Theo's hand shot out immediately and smacked Akari on the head. "She's not! …for now."
Akari froze. "Wait—for now?"
Even Arthur choked on his laughter. The woman, now even redder, hid her smile behind her hand while Theo looked away, awkwardly clearing his throat.
After a brief moment of silence, the woman stepped forward and offered her hand. "Arke Svenson, daughter of Count Svenson. A pleasure, Miss Akari."
Akari's jaw dropped. "A noble!? I—uh—I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Arke giggled lightly. "It's fine. No need for formalities. Just call me Arke."
"Then… Arke it is!" Akari replied, relieved.
Theo crossed his arms. "Now that introductions are done, let's get to work. You're here for training, right?"
Akari straightened up immediately. "Yes, sir!"
"Good. Today, you're not just fighting. You'll learn coordination — team combat. You've been fighting solo until now, which is dangerous in real missions."
Akari nodded seriously.
Theo turned to Arthur. "Quest ready?"
Arthur slid over a document. "B-rank extermination. Horde of ogres and goblins spotted west of the kingdom. Estimated count — twenty each."
Akari's face paled. "Twenty each!? That's forty total!"
Theo shrugged. "It's a warm-up."
Arke smiled knowingly. "It'll be fine. We're both used to this kind of mission."
"Wait—you too?" Akari blinked.
Arthur smirked. "Didn't you know? Arke used to be A-rank — the Necromancer of the Silver Plains."
Akari's eyes sparkled. "That's so cool!"
Arke shot Arthur a playful glare. "Arthur…"
Theo clapped his hands. "Alright, let's move before the monsters move closer to town."
They set off toward the western plains, where the sunlight gleamed off the grasslands and the faint rustle of wind whispered across the fields.
As they walked, Theo continued his lecture. "Teamwork relies on rhythm. You'll protect the backline — that's Arke — while I handle the front. Watch how we move and adapt accordingly."
Akari nodded eagerly.
"So, Arke," she asked as they walked, "you can summon monsters?"
"Yes," Arke replied. "It's called Divine Summoning — though it takes time and a strong contract."
Akari's eyes widened. "What do you summon?"
"A Fenfnir wolf and a Skeleton King."
"Wait—Fenfnir!? That's a divine beast!"
Arke smiled modestly. "It took me years to earn its trust."
Akari's admiration practically glowed. "You're amazing, Arke!"
Theo sighed. "Less chatter. The horde's near."
The smell of blood and decay filled the air as they approached the battlefield. Growls and stomping feet echoed from behind the trees.
Theo crouched low. "Two leaders — ogre paladin and goblin champion. They're coordinating the horde."
"Coordination?" Akari whispered. "Monsters can do that?"
"Sometimes. Means there's a summoner or commander type behind them. Stay alert."
Arke closed her eyes and began chanting. Circles of light bloomed beneath her feet. "Summon — Fenfnir, Skeleton King!"
A majestic silver wolf materialized with a thunderous growl, while a towering Skeleton King rose, his crimson eyes blazing. The ground trembled under their arrival.
Akari's adaptability system flared in her mind —
[New Skill Detected: Summon — Analysis in Progress]
She ignored it for now. Theo charged first, clashing swords with the ogre paladin. Sparks flew as metal met stone-hard flesh.
"Akari! Support me!"
"Got it!"
She dashed in, her evolved skill Godspeed activating — her body blurred, movements doubling in speed. She weaved between ogres, her blade flashing. "Haste was great, but this is something else!"
Theo parried the paladin's strike, opening a window. "Now!"
Akari unleashed Vine Hostage, thick roots bursting from the ground to bind the goblin champion. The creature snarled and struggled — Theo's sword cleaved through its arm a heartbeat later.
"Nice coordination!" he shouted.
But before they could celebrate, the ogre paladin roared, slamming his mace into the ground. More ogres and goblins poured from the forest.
Akari's system beeped again:
[New Skill Analyzed: Reinforcement]
Allows command of monsters through dominance hierarchy.
Akari's grin turned sharp. "Oh, that's handy."
Theo took a heavy blow from behind but countered instantly, his blade slicing through the ambusher. Akari quickly cast Heal, her palms glowing faint green.
Theo blinked. "You can heal now?"
"Picked it up along the way!"
Meanwhile, Arke's summons fought valiantly — Fenfnir tearing through goblins, the Skeleton King summoning knights to guard her. But the ogre paladin's reinforcements were overwhelming.
With no choice, Akari activated Reinforcement.
A burst of energy rippled across the battlefield — the horde froze mid-charge. Then, one by one, they turned to face the goblin champion instead.
Arke gasped. "She… took control of them?"
Theo smirked. "That's my student."
The ogre paladin howled in fury, trying to reclaim command, but Akari's higher level suppressed it. Theo used the opening to gather his strength — his blade shining with energy.
"Power Strike!"
The impact shattered the ogre paladin's chest armor, killing it instantly.
"Akari! Finish the rest!"
"On it!"
Her controlled horde swarmed the goblin champion. Enraged, it unleashed its final skill — a red aura erupting from its body.
[Skill Detected: Rage — User will enter berserk state, losing reason and stamina.]
Akari's eyes gleamed. "Rage, huh? I'll take that one too."
[Skill Acquired: Rage Lv.1]
The goblin champion swung wildly, cutting down friend and foe alike. But Akari saw an opening.
"Vine Hostage!" The ground wrapped the creature's legs.
"Godspeed!" She blurred behind it, her sword glowing white.
"Power Strike!"
Her blade cleaved through its neck — the goblin champion fell.
Silence followed. Then, Theo laughed softly. "Good work, kid."
Akari smiled, panting heavily. "Teamwork's harder than it looks."
After looting the remains, Arke approached her curiously. "Akari, that skill — Reinforcement. How did you manage that?"
Akari scratched her cheek. "Hehe… just something my adaptability came up with."
Theo nodded. "That's a powerful gift. Keep mastering it — you'll need it when Arima moves again."
Akari's smile softened. "Yeah… I'll be ready next time."
By the time they returned to the guild, the sun had begun to set. Arthur looked panicked behind the counter, flipping through reports.
"Theo! Arke! Akari! You're just in time!"
Theo frowned. "What happened?"
Arthur slammed a parchment on the desk. "Scouts report a massive horde approaching from the northeast — wolves, ogres, and undead. And they're being led by a summoner!"
Everyone froze.
Theo's expression darkened. "A summoner leading a multi-species army… that's not normal."
Arthur nodded grimly. "Every B-rank and above is being mobilized. We need all available help."
Theo glanced at Akari. "Looks like your training arc just got real."
Akari clenched her fists, her eyes shining with determination. "Then let's finish the lesson properly."
[Akari Sato — Updated Status]
Level: 55
Strength: 12,250
Mana: 500,069
Agility: 9,500
Endurance: 9,562
[ Skills Sets:
Adaptability (Unique) -
Type: Passive / System
Description: A divine skill granted by the God of Reincarnation. Allows the user to instantly analyze, learn, and adjust to new environments, magic types, and combat patterns. It automatically adapts the user's body, mana flow, or skill efficiency in response to threats or unfamiliar power types.
Effect:
Can mimic or create compatible sub-skills after enough exposure.
Boosts resistance to elemental, physical, or mental effects.
Increases efficiency of all learned abilities by 15–50%.
Storage (Unique) -
Type: Spatial / Utility
Description: Creates a personal dimensional space that can store or retrieve physical and magical items at will. The storage exists outside of time, preventing decay or mana depletion of stored objects.
Effect:
Stores up to 100 tons of items (capacity increases with level).
Accessible by voice or thought command.
Can store living beings temporarily if user's mana threshold allows.
Evolution (Unique) -
Type: Blessing / System
Description: A special divine system added to Akari's soul after her audience with the God of Reincarnation. It allows existing skills that reach maximum level to evolve into higher-tier forms, unlocking new effects or amplifying their potency exponentially.
Effect:
Can evolve any max-level skill into its advanced form.
Evolution costs large amounts of mana and stamina.
Some evolutions may change a skill's nature or element.
Skills Assets:
Vine Hostage - Lv.3
Type: Nature / Control
Description: A mid-level binding spell that conjures enchanted vines infused with the user's mana. These vines emerge from the ground or nearby vegetation to ensnare and immobilize targets. The spell's strength scales with the user's mana capacity and emotional focus.
Effect:
Binds up to five targets simultaneously.
Vines tighten over time, draining minor stamina or mana from restrained enemies.
Can be enhanced by external elements (e.g., Fire, Ice, or Holy).
Duration depends on target resistance and caster concentration.
Heal - Lv.2
Type: Holy / Support
Description: Channels pure mana into restoration energy to mend wounds and recover vitality. Effectiveness depends on user's mana control and emotional focus.
Effect:
Restores minor to moderate injuries instantly.
Can purify weak curses or poison with extended cast time.
Scales with user's magic stat.
Godspeed Lv.1 (Evolved from Haste) -
Type: Physical / Movement
Description: An evolved form of Haste achieved through the Evolution system. Increases the user's movement, reaction, and attack speed by an extreme multiplier while minimizing fatigue. The world appears slower to the user during activation.
Effect:
Movement and attack speed x5 normal rate.
Negates minor attack delays and reduces casting time.
Consumes continuous mana during activation.
Power Strike Lv.4 -
Type: Physical / Offensive
Description: Focuses mana into a single point of the weapon or limb before releasing it in a burst of destructive energy. The resulting attack multiplies both physical and magical damage output.
Effect:
Delivers a single empowered blow.
Damage scales with user's strength and mana.
Higher levels allow area shockwaves or elemental infusion.
Reinforcement Lv.1 (New)
Type: Command / Control
Description: A tactical control skill created through Adaptability. Enhances and commands subordinates, tamed beasts, or summoned entities through mana links. It can also override weaker monster instincts, temporarily forcing them under the user's command.
Effect:
Strengthens allied or dominated targets.
Temporarily grants user control over lesser-ranked monsters.
Consumes mana proportionate to the number of controlled beings.
Rage Lv.1 (New) -
Type: Berserk / Physical
Description: Temporarily boosts strength, agility, and stamina by feeding on the user's fighting spirit and emotional surge. However, prolonged use risks loss of control and severe physical backlash.
Effect:
+200% boost to strength and endurance for 1 minute.
Gradual loss of reason; reduced defense.
May cause post-battle fatigue or injury.
Summoning Lv. 1 (New) -
Type: Magic / Conjuration
Description: Allows the user to call forth entities or constructs bound by mana contracts. Summons can be beasts, spirits, or weapons depending on affinity and control. The strength and loyalty of the summoned being depend on the user's mana stability and contract quality.
Effect:
Summon or dismiss contracted entities at will.
Each summon consumes a set portion of mana per minute.
High-rank summons require rituals or evolution to unlock. ]
To be continued...