Chapter 4: Encounter

  Dranexx: You heard that!

  Akube: Yeah… something’s heading our way. [Observed]

  Akube’s unique skill allowed him to see over 50 km ahead a truly impressive ability. His eyes widened as he focused.

  Akube: Wait… is that an Org?

  Dranexx: An Org! Whoa… are they strong?

  Akube: Not really. I’ll appraise them.

  Dranexx: Wait…you have the appraisal skill too? You’re impressive… I’ve got so much to learn from you, bud.

  Akube: Be serious. What kind of joke is that? You know you also have appraisal. Honestly, yours is stronger than mine, right?

  Dranexx: Not really… it’s just universal appraisal, that’s all.

  Akube: Universal appraisal? What—?! Drane, how far can you see through someone’s abilities?! Tell me!

  Dranexx: Relax, man… I haven’t even used it on you yet. I only tested it on the grandmasters. I could see through three of their abilities, the rest I couldn’t. That’s when I realized how much I still have to learn.

  Akube’s jaw slightly dropped as he sensed the flow of Dranexx’s energy.

  Akube (thinking): Really… he hasn’t even used it on me yet?

  Akube: Celestial Ruin!

  This ultimate ability stunned him. A thrill ran through his mind: he wasn’t too far behind Dranexx.

  Akube’s ability – Celestial Ruin:

  Negates physical laws: gravity, energy conservation, space integrity, time, and death. Makes him an “Altar Casualty” and allows him to manipulate fate only if his will surpasses his opponent’s.

  Dranexx: Looks like you powered up just now… impressive.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Akube: Hey! How did you—

  Dranexx: The flow of your energy shifted. You’re negating fate… I can’t quite pinpoint it, but it seems you have control over laws and fate. Impressive.

  Akube: Hey, cut it out! Using your appraisal on me—it’s not fair!

  Dranexx: No, you activated it carelessly.

  Akube: Really… I need to master this skill before it overwhelms me!

  Dranexx: Nah, you just need to understand it, so you won’t make a grave mistake in the future.

  Akube: By that, you mean…?

  Dranexx: Someone with a stronger will might copy your ability and use it against you. They might not harness it fully, but it’s still dangerous. Like me—I could’ve copied it just now… but I didn’t want to be unfair.

  Akube: Seriously… I have to be careful.

  Dranexx: Indeed. That skill is powerful.

  Suddenly, a voice rang out:

  Voice: Get down!

  A man in armor holding a sword leapt over Dranexx and Akube, striking down an Org. Behind him, his party followed:

  Man: Misora, give me a boost enhancement.

  Misora: Right, boost enhancement 30%! [Idanru covers Misora]

  Idanru: Right, unbreakable defense.

  Soza: Lightly Volt.

  Amanda: Super recovery.

  Akube: Who are these guys? They stole our prey.

  Dranexx: Let it be. They’re adventurers doing their job. Stay low-profile—any attack from you might destroy the surroundings since you don’t fully control your ability yet.

  Akube: You just love to mock me.

  Dranexx: Hahaha ??

  The man prepared for the final Org:

  Man: This one’s mine. Stay back!

  Parties: Right!

  Man: Hell Flame Slash!

  The sword erupted in intense flames. One strike, and the Org was eliminated.

  Dranexx: Whoa… why didn’t he just wipe them all at once?

  Soza: Because he can only use it three times a day, and there are four Orgs. Skills like that are trump cards—they drain massive energy.

  Dranexx (thinking): Well… I’ve already copied it. With near-limitless energy, I could use it anytime.

  Akube: Wow… you guys are strong.

  Man: You boys okay?

  Dranexx: Yes, thanks to you. We would’ve been dead otherwise.

  Man: Hahaha, surely you jest. I can tell you’re not from around here by your clothes. I also know you could’ve handled them yourselves. We just… do what we do. I’m Uto Masabi, leader of this party. These are my members:

  ?Misora: Hey, nice to meet you.

  ?Soza: Yo, nice to meet you.

  ?Amanda: Hello, boys. What cuties!

  ?Idanru: Wassup, pleasure meeting you.

  Dranexx: The pleasure is mine. I’m Dranexx.

  Akube: Nice to meet you. I’m Akube.

  Uto: Cool names. You two new in town? Be careful—wild boss-threat monsters have been roaming lately.

  Dranexx: Mind if we join you? We’re new here, so it’d be good to have guidance to the city.

  Uto: Sure. But it’s getting dark. We’ll need to camp somewhere for the night.

  Dranexx: Alright. Thank you again for your help.