The characteristics of the Thousand Leaf Pinnacle have significantly improved; notably, the number of controllable blades has now increased to 128.
The total number of blades was still 32 at level 3, but it jumped to 128, bypassing 64, when it advanced to level 4.
However, with his current spirit attribute, even with the aid of Divine consciousness, the maximum number of blades he can control is still 8, which is pitifully low.
Knowing that he could eventually control 128 brought him great satisfaction.
"Huh? So that's how it was." Ram then shifted his focus toward the next characteristic [Leaf-Shuriken Level 4].
Contrary to the initial description, from the memories he got, he also knew that he had the ability to manipulate the quantity of Sword leaves used to create these shurikens.
Just as a two-bladed shuriken, a three-bladed shuriken at level 2, a four-bladed shuriken at level 3, and ultimately an eight-bladed shuriken that appeared when the characteristic leveled up to 4.
The amount of spiritual power needed, and the attack power of the technique increases with the increase in the number of blades and the amount of spiritual power.
"I think with my current level, each two-blade shuriken needs 6 points of spiritual power, while a single three-blade shuriken needs twice that to perform." Ram pondered while knowing that the spiritual power needed would double for each increment.
Next, he checked the three other newly awakened techniques, although he knew about them from the memories, looking at them again made him very satisfied for having spent so much spiritual power to level up the skill.
"Finally, I have other methods of attack, other than the Leaf shuriken, yet it appears that for now, I can only use the precise Strike." Ram pondered as he looked through other characteristics like Precise Strike, Leaf-Streak Slash, and Sword Leaf Storm.
He was fond of all three techniques, yet with his present skill limited to controlling only eight sword leaves, he is unable to execute the Leaf Streak slash, which requires at least twelve leaves.
While the Sword Leaf Storm requires a minimum control of 25 sword leaves, he estimated that he won't be able to use it until he reaches Tier 4.
[ Precise Strike level 3: By channeling spiritual power, one can harden sword leaves and concentrate the force at the tip of a single leaf, creating a strong piercing attack. This allows for forceful thrusts capable of penetrating even the toughest defenses.
Type: Single target piercing attack
Damage: 300% of base attack power.
Critical Chance: 70%.
Piercing Effect: Ignores 40% of the target's defense.
Cooldown: 10 seconds.]
[ Leaf-Streak Slash Level 2: Throw multiple sword leaves in quick succession, creating a barrage of sharp projectiles to overwhelm the opponent.
Type: Multi-hit projectile attack
Damage per leaf: 130% of base attack power.
Number of leaves: 12 and up.
With his peace offerings in hand, Ram made his way toward the group, the faint sounds of someone pacing back and forth growing louder.
As he drew closer, he spotted Su Mu, walking restlessly, a distant, troubled look in her eyes.
She seemed lost in thought, her usual composed demeanor clouded by whatever weighed heavily on her mind.
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Ram's brow furrowed as he observed her carefully, a flicker of concern crossing his face. But after a quick glance over, he saw that she was physically fine, and he let out a soft sigh of relief.
Su Mu might not say much, but when something was off, it was not hard not to notice.
"Hey, Su Mu," Ram called out, his voice soft but steady, not wanting to startle her.
At the sound of his voice, Su Mu snapped out of her thoughts, her sharp gaze locking onto him. For a brief moment, she looked startled, her body tensing as if preparing for something.
But the tension quickly melted away, her expression softening.
Without a word, she closed the distance between them in an instant, throwing her arms around him and pulling him into a tight hug.
The suddenness of it caught Ram off guard. Su Mu wasn't usually one for physical affection, always maintaining a cool distance, even with the team, except for the time when she absorbed his Life Energy.
But now, she clung to him as if seeking reassurance, her grip firm but soft.
"Ram," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "thank you for what you did. I don't know how I can make up for it."
She knew how hard it was to replenish her life span, which was depleted because of her reckless decision of binding a powerful Evil Spirit with her current strength.
Previously, she hadn't cared much about herself, focusing solely on rescuing her sister. However, even after arriving here, she still had no leads on her sister's whereabouts.
But with her Lifespan depleted, she didn't know what to do. Despite the Evil Spirit within her suggesting numerous ways to restore her life force, all of those were very sinister, and she refused to succumb to killing others for her own selfish needs.
'What had I done? Is it because I used life energy to replenish her lifespan?' Ram stood still for a moment, thinking various things, trying to process her words. He gently placed one hand on her back, his mind racing to figure out what she meant.
He knew that Su Mu wasn't the type to express gratitude so openly, much less embrace him with such emotion. 'Is it the idea of Evil Spirit? Only she could come up with something like this, is it finally my time?'
"You don't need to thank me; you've saved me many times before. Besides, I couldn't let my bodyguard die when you still have a Wraith to kill that's after me." he finally replied, keeping his voice calm even as his thoughts spiraled. "Whatever it was, I'm just glad I could help."
Though he spoke reassuringly, he still hadn't let go of her, enjoying the warmth of their embrace. It felt right in this moment, but just as he was about to say more, a child-like voice interrupted them, filled with doubt. "What are you two doing, meow?"
Startled, Ram and Su Mu broke apart, turning to see the Arcane Robo Cat standing nearby. The cat's glowing eyes blinked curiously as it tilted its head, seemingly puzzled by the scene before it.
"Nothing!" Ram blurted out, stepping back and clearing his throat, heat rising to his cheeks. He glanced at Su Mu, who looked equally flustered, her usual stoic nature rattled by the interruption.
Before Ram could further explain himself, he heard Liam's voice cut through the tension. "The target took the bait; it's time to attack."
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