Chapter 37 - Limitless Refinement

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"The first Limit Refinement?" Lucian parroted with a dubious expression. For the most part, this was an unfamiliar term. However, his attention was soon stolen by the oppressed Knolls. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he viewed the rapid reversal in positions.

'Just moments ago...I was nearly defenseless and pretty much in that exact position. Though it pays to be way, I'm sure this question is inevitable now that I've merged with the stone. So, there's no need for me to second guess over it.'

"I accept," Lucian uttered after his quick deliberation.

〈It will exhaust 19 Accumulated Destinies to perform the first Limit Refinement? Is this action permitted?〉

"Only 19? I possess 21 of them, so why didn't they exhaust all of them?"

〈As the wielder of the «Limitless Vessel» only the strongest of Refinements are permitted. A Limit Refinement will only be possible once your Destiny Accumulations have reached their strongest state. Until then, the stone will remain in a state of inactivity.〉

Lucian was utterly shocked when he read this alert before his eyes. It was gradual, but the stipulation of these words ultimately dawned upon him. With widened eyes, Lucian's mind became an utter mess.

'Is this stone essentially a way to mass reproduce the effects of Refinements?! Just like the Fractal Pillar, this stone uses the Accumulated Destinies, except the stone consumes them whereas the pillar only verifies their presence. Interesting. Perhaps I can find a way to exploit this,' Lucian thought.

Afterward, he allowed the Limit Refinement to commence.

A vibrant pillar, much stronger than the typical Normal Fractal Pillar appeared. Its presence was brief, but it accomplished an appalling amount of tasks in that short amount of time.

First and foremost, Lucian's status screen underwent a shocking change, causing even Lucian to be baffled by them.

...

Name: Lucian Salvatore

Title: N/A

Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

Fractal Rating: D- (C+)

Authority: Delta

Health: 100%

MQ: 185/185 (3.05 MQ per min)

[«Attributes»]-

»Strength: D

»Agility: D-

»Endurance: E+

»Dexterity: D

»Vitality: E+

»Perception: D+

»Spirit: D

»Wisdom: D

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[«Enhancements»]

»Points: 35.0

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[«Abilities»]-

»Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

»Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

»Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

»Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

»Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

»Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

…

"So...this is the effect of merging with such an item. The fact that I hold 4 abilities is mind-boggling, not to mention 2 traits. Those should be passive abilities, which don't require Mana to activate based on Vohr's description. Wait, if that's the case. Then what is my original ability?" Lucian wondered while he stared at his status screen in awe.

The power coursing through his body was exhilarating. No matter how much he opened and clenched his fist, he couldn't wrap his mind around his current state. However, once again, a voice seeming to radiate from the Limitless Stone entered his mind.

〈Your original ability is an enhanced version of Hypervigilance. It is unique amongst even the higher races. Furthermore, your second natural ability is Amplification—an extremely upgraded form of Reinforce. But, as we recreated it, it is far from its zenith.〉

Lucian digested the information before hovering his hand above the abilities to gain an understanding of each one.

「«Limitless» - (??? Rank Trait)

Passive Ability

The trait of limitless potential granted to one of an enervated body. After being reinvigorated by the «Limitless Stone», the user is granted the ability known as the «Limitless Vessel» allowing them to harness the immeasurable strength of the universal power, Fractal Force.」

「«Hypervigilance» - (SS Rank Trait)

Passive Ability

Grants you the ability to overclock your perception and utilize it to escape the predetermined boundaries of your Perception attribute. As the mind is the gateway to perceiving everything, your vigilance is tasked with seeing all that appears to be hidden. The parameters of this ability are determined by using your base Perception attribute as a reference.」

「«Manifestation» - (D+ Rank Ability)

Using your mind grants you unparalleled creative abilities. As long as you can form the mental image in your mind and it is within your boundaries, then the power of creation is at your whim. This skill grants the passive ability [Creation Rift]. The creation's solidity is based on the current Perception, Wisdom, and Spirit attributes.

Limitation: Allowed to create up to Tier 3 items if the situation allows it.

Consumption: 1/10th of your Mana Quotient.

*This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.」

「«Duplication» - (D+ Rank Ability)

By analyzing what before your eyes and possessing Hypervigilance, you have gained the ability to copy any ability in your presence. This ability grants the technique [Perfect Return]. The current duplication limit is determined by the rank of this ability.

Current Limit: 4 Duplicated Abilities (Maximum: D+ Rank)

Consumption: ¼ of Mana Quotient per initial duplication.

*This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.」

「 «Amplification»-(D+ Rank Ability)

This allows the user to amplify both the internal and external components. This ability can also be used in conjunction with other abilities to create unknown results. Grants the techniques of [Mana Reinforcing] and [Limit Release]. However, Limit Release comes with its own drawbacks.

Limitation: [Limit Release] 3 usages per day (Duration: 10 seconds per usage.)

Consumption: Each consecutive use results increased consumption: 10, 25, & 50% of MQ.

*This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.」

Finally, Lucian's attention settled on Assimilation, yet no matter what he did, the information surrounding this ability remained blank. Meanwhile, the Knolls regained control and slipped down the wall while looking at Lucian with threatening expressions.

In response, Lucian merely blinked before glancing at his daggers on the ground. He also panned his gaze to his bow and quiver containing 7 arrows.

While there were only 7 arrows left, there were still over 31 Knolls for him to eliminate. As a result, Lucian prepared himself.

〈Alert: Endurance: E+ → D-. [2 Enhancement Points consumed.]〉

〈Alert: Vitality: E+ → D-. [2 Enhancement Points consumed.]〉

With his body now brimming with strength, Lucian performed an explosive step as he blitzed forth and swept up his daggers. He didn't think twice before hurtling them at an astonishing speed.

Pucht!

The daggers pierced two of the Knoll's skulls and still possessed enough force to drag them back, ultimately impaling them into the wall. Shockingly, despite ranking up, Lucian's point value wasn't disturbed at all!

〈Alert: You have killed a Knoll (E Rank) [Reward: 0.8 points]〉

'This must have something to do with the string of error messages. Perhaps the monolith isn't aware of this stone's presence, nor of my power,' Lucian surmised before reclaiming his bow and quiver.

Compared to before, now that his Hypervigilance ability was active, Lucian detected the pattern in these lowly monster's behavior with ease.

'I wonder…'

An urge assailed Lucian, and he moved to act upon it as he nocked three arrows side by side. At the same time, he activated one of his abilities. A stupendous amount of Mana amplified the previously crude arrows as Lucian pooled 10 units of pure Mana into each of the arrows.

A faint silver energy appeared around their arrowheads before Lucian released them. The Knoll's pupils constricted to needles as they gazed upon the virtually teleporting arrow. Since his strength experience a substantial increase, the Knoll's advantage in attributes was offset.

In fact, Lucian's strength now triumphed over theirs, leading to their current predicament. Their reaction speed failed to cope with the velocity of his arrows. Not to mention, due to the special property added by the silver Mana, the arrow curved and advanced towards its next target after piercing the prior one.

Of course, part of this was only possible because the unintelligent creatures were standing in proximity to one another. So, before the arrow lost momentum, it didn't need to travel far to pierce its next victim.

Meanwhile, Lucian retrieved his dagger from the Knoll's skull and flung it to rid the weapon of the bloodstains.

While performing this action, Lucian's crimson eyes gleamed with vigilance as he scoured the battlefield to create an optimal path.

'I've found it,' Lucian thought. He then charged forward without hesitating. Once he demolished one Knoll, he used its body as a weapon to topple the others. It was a brutal display of strength precipitated by his prior lack of power.

It was a state he needed to familiarize himself with.

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Meanwhile, Matthias and the others stood above the dead carcass of the Knoll Chieftain with an exhausted expression. However, there was still a hint of glee buried within the depths of their eyes.

After all, they had cleared the first floor of the monolith! This mirth was apparent in all except Cezar, who rested his back against the wall while gazing down the boss corridor.

'I hope you pull through, little buddy. If so, I'll inform you of the travesty that took place,' Cezar thought before watching the others exit through an appearing portal.