Chapter 134: A Worthy Rival
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Chapter 134: A Worthy Rival
Priam was observing Kazuki's training. A few meters away, the hoplite warrior seamlessly executed movements with his spear. Watching the warrior expertly command his weapon and master every muscle in his body, Priam was filled with awe. There was a primal power in the hoplite's attacks that captivated him.
I want to reach that level.
For several days now, Priam had felt he was on the cusp of reaching the Micro I and was burning with the desire to achieve it. The Supremacy seemed to offer not just attributes, but a preternatural mastery of the body.
There was a fundamental difference between a bodybuilder capable of lifting a hundred kilograms with sheer brute strength and an MMA fighter possessing the same power. In a life-or-death battle, the bodybuilder would lose in ninety-nine percent of cases.
Micro further amplified this percentage.
In the background, [Priam's System] meticulously analyzed every move of the hoplite. Priam knew that his key to rapid progress was to stand on the shoulders of giants. By emulating Kazuki's techniques and skills, he aimed to catch up before surpassing him.
The hoplite warrior accelerated, creating gusts of wind with effortless movements, and Priam couldn't help but smile as his perception kept up. His eyes were fixed on his rival, while [Broad-spectrum vision] and [Echolocalisation] tracked every muscle tension of the spearmaster.
A few minutes later, [Priam's System] buzzed. His skill had just compiled one of the hoplite's techniques: [Spear Slash]...
Time to warm up.
You have gained the skill: [Spear Slash - Common].
[Spear Slash] - Some consider the spear the king of all weapons. There are dozens of different spears, and not all are made for cutting. Promesse is.
Attack summary: cut your enemies with the sharp edge of the blade.
If a problem doesn't disappear when you slash it, you're not slashing hard enough.
STR +1
Lvl Up: [Spear Slash] lvl 2,3,4,5,6
STR +5
Lvl Up: [Priam's System] lvl 9
MEM +2
VIVA +1
Lvl Up: [Shadow Boxing] lvl 5,6,7
STR +3
AGI +3
DEXT +3
Lvl Up : [Kinetic Control] lvl 42
VIVA + 2
DEXT + 3
META (FOCUS) +4
Lvl Up : [Dodge] lvl 17
AGI +1
Lvl Up: [Focus] lvl 32,33
PERC +2
VIVA +2
DEXT +2
Promesse sliced through the air, striking an intangible opponent. A grin formed on Priam's lips as he practiced his new skill. Watching Kazuki's training, [Priams System] had decrypted [Spear Slash]. The cutting attack was devastating and added a potent tool to Priam's arsenal. A thrust and a slash. Did he really need anything else?
His opponent sidestepped the slash, and Priam advanced. Before him, invisible to all but himself, a replica of Kazuki dodged his strikes. When the real hoplite had suggested shadowboxing for training, Priam had an idea. Rather than boxing in front of a mirror or into thin air, envisioning an opponent, he thought to use his add-on.
[Priam's System], linked to [Shadow Boxing] and [Eidetic Memory], created an illusion for his brain. Before him, his imaginary opponent leaped backward, contorting to evade or parry at the last moment. All these movements were drawn from Priam's memories or Log-a-rhythm's constant vigilance and recording. His add-on had compiled Kazuki's training sessions to create a formidable opponent.
The fake Kazuki launched an attack. His spear sliced through the air with terrifying speed and infiltrated Priam's guard. The weapon's tip connected with his floating ribs, and [Priams System] activated a kinetic charge to simulate an attack. Priam was propelled backward by his own strike. Fuck. The pain was real, but it was the frustration that made him curse. Despite his efforts, the image of the hoplite remained superior.
Lvl Up: [Shadow Boxing] lvl 8
STR +1
AGI +1
DEXT +1
Lvl Up : [Kinetic Control] lvl 43
VIVA + 2
DEXT + 3
META (FOCUS) +4
With a twist, Priam brought his legs under him and landed gracefully. Looking up, he saw a spear tip descending toward his eye. With a thought, Priam deactivated the illusion. Another defeat.
"Impressive," a voice chimed in behind him.
"You're mocking me," Priam sighed as he stretched.
Kazuki shook his head. "Not at all. Thanks to your movements, I can imagine your opponent's. I would have reacted the same nine times out of ten. You've analyzed me well."
"Oh, that? Yes, I used several skills to predict your moves. But your image still bests me."
At the sound of laughter behind him, Priam turned. Kazuki was holding his sides, laughing. Soon, he straightened up.
"If a hoplite had said that to me, I would have challenged him to a deathmatch, thinking he was insulting me," he said, wiping a tear of laughter.
"That wasn't my intention," Priam apologized.
"I know, but you know I've trained with a spear for decades, right? Do you think you can catch up to my level, my experience, and the instincts I've developed over these years in just a few hours?"
"I don't have a few decades ahead of me."
Kazuki nodded solemnly. "True. If it's any comfort, you're improving quickly."
"Not quickly enough."
"Without spending Potential or unlocking Supremacies, you won't progress much faster," Kazuki replied, shrugging.
The phrase echoed in Priam's head.
"There's an advantage to unlocking Micro and Mastery? I mean, in addition to the attributes."
Kazuki nodded. "Of course. Mastery enhances your talent in its specialty. With [Spear Mastery], you could level up faster your spear skills. Micro will help you understand your body better and improve your instincts."
"Ah, looks like the start of a snowball effect, right?"
"Indeed. You should start with Micro," Kazuki advised.
"Im so close to the first stage, I can feel it. Yet, something is missing..."
DEXT +1
Lvl Up : [Unrelenting Thrust] lvl 5,6,7
STR +9
Lvl Up: [Spear Slash] lvl 8,9
STR +2
[Tribulation]: Six attributes above 400 were detected in Tier 0.
A Tribulation is coming.
Time: 176 days 18 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds.
For three hours, Priam and Kazuki clashed. As time passed, Priam's experience grew. Every half hour, the two opponents allowed themselves a few minutes of respite to mutually analyze their weaknesses. At the outset, Kazuki had plenty to say about Priam, but with each break, he found himself less talkative.
Indeed, [Eidetic Memory], [Focus], and a hefty dose of determination allowed Priam to avoid making the same mistake twice. His Dexterity and Micro aided him in perfecting his control over his body and refining his movements. Finally, [Battle Flow] and its add-on provided a constant analysis of his opponent. Thanks to this, Priam quickly pinpointed his adversary's weaknesses.
Kazuki was a legendary warrior. Priam had no idea about the warrior's skills and Talents, but he only allowed Priam to exploit his weaknesses once. They were then patched up, refining the hoplite's style.
The rivalry between the two fighters fostered a fertile competition and yielded spectacular results. Priam hadn't progressed this much since his Tribulations. However, he remained weaker with a spear than Kazuki. Decades of training and experience couldn't be caught up in just a few hours. Without his [Draconic Instinct], which occasionally guided his movements, Priam would have been overwhelmed. Each of these occurrences provided him with magical inspiration and a skill level boost.
A new clash occurred before the adversaries parted. Breathing heavily, Priam and Kazuki locked eyes like two tigers ready to pounce.
"Break time," Sphinx yawned.
Priam panted as Log-a-rhythm provided him with a bowl of fresh sap. Kazuki sat cross-legged to partake as well. After a few minutes, the hoplite had recovered enough breath to speak.
"You absorb my knowledge like a sponge. Your progress is astounding."
"My skills, Supremacies, and attributes synergize well," Priam replied.
"True. Your Domain, pseudo-Micro, and your memory allow you to perfectly mimic my movements, and your mental attributes allow you to use them when needed," Kazuki observed.
Priam nodded. "I think the barrier separating me from Micro I is weakening."
"Perfect. I suggest we up the difficulty to strike while the iron is hot. Sphinx, could you create a sphere of double gravity around us. Make sure it's evenly distributed."
"Okay!"
Priam stretched before getting back on his feet. "You're a sadistic instructor."
"Sphinx, I've changed my mind, I want triple gravity," Kazuki grinned.
Priam smirked, glancing at his [Gravity Resistance] skill. Dont cry later.
As he assumed a low guard, the atmosphere grew heavier. A leaden weight settled on his shoulders, and Priam struggled to breathe. His body had become accustomed to the higher gravity of Elysium, but Sphinx's skill stacked on top of it. According to his add-on, the gravity was now fifteen times greater than Earth's.
With his physical attributes, Priam was a monster capable of bearing this new weight. The real challenge was adjusting his movements to account for the new gravity.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. Kazuki was rushing towards him. In a Pflug guard - spears tip held high towards the opponent, left hand extended and positioned at the navel, and right hand against his right thigh - Priam waited to parry. At the last moment, he subtly moved Kazuki's spear to his right before seizing it. His hand closed around the opponent's weapon like a vice, and Priam countered.
Promesse's tip closed in on Kazuki's face. As Priam prepared to pull his strike, confident of his victory, he felt his right hand burn and his instinct scream.
Using [Kinetic Control], Priam pushed himself back and shook his hand. According to Micro, the cells in his hand were damaged. A lightsaber skill?
"[Spear Mastery]," Kazuki clarified. "I'm almost surprised it didn't sever your hand."
"I'm tough," Priam retorted, leaping forward. He lifted off a few dozen centimeters before descending faster than expected. The gravity! Priam nearly stumbled when he landed back on the platform. Kazuki simply smiled, and this sight irked Priam. He knew that this kind of mistake could be fatal in combat.
I was so focused on Kazuki that I forgot to analyze everything... Priam disconnected for a moment from [Focus] and took a breath. His opponent waited while Priam summoned [Balance]. He hesitated for a moment before reactivating [Focus]. The skill was excellent, but it forced him to concentrate on a single objective, neglecting the details around him. That annoyed Priam.
But it's my skill, it should obey me, not the other way around.
Priam gathered all the power of his Willpower, and his attribute clashed violently with the skill. [Draconic Instinct] roared, and [Focus] trembled before submitting. Priam smiled as he looked at Kazuki again.
"Sorry for the wait."
Without waiting for a response, he activated his muscles and leaped. As the two spears met, Log-a-rhythm shook.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 377 (+20)
Constitution 605 (+1)
Agility 398 (+15)
Vitality 508
Perception 571 (+5)
MENTAL:
Vivacity 321 (+8)
Dexterity 401 (+17)
Memory 127 (+3)
Willpower 599
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 326
Meta-focus 241 (+8)
Meta-endurance 173
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 752 (+51)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 17 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 134: A Worthy Rival
Priam was observing Kazuki's training. A few meters away, the hoplite warrior seamlessly executed movements with his spear. Watching the warrior expertly command his weapon and master every muscle in his body, Priam was filled with awe. There was a primal power in the hoplite's attacks that captivated him.
I want to reach that level.
For several days now, Priam had felt he was on the cusp of reaching the Micro I and was burning with the desire to achieve it. The Supremacy seemed to offer not just attributes, but a preternatural mastery of the body.
There was a fundamental difference between a bodybuilder capable of lifting a hundred kilograms with sheer brute strength and an MMA fighter possessing the same power. In a life-or-death battle, the bodybuilder would lose in ninety-nine percent of cases.
Micro further amplified this percentage.
In the background, [Priam's System] meticulously analyzed every move of the hoplite. Priam knew that his key to rapid progress was to stand on the shoulders of giants. By emulating Kazuki's techniques and skills, he aimed to catch up before surpassing him.
The hoplite warrior accelerated, creating gusts of wind with effortless movements, and Priam couldn't help but smile as his perception kept up. His eyes were fixed on his rival, while [Broad-spectrum vision] and [Echolocalisation] tracked every muscle tension of the spearmaster.
A few minutes later, [Priam's System] buzzed. His skill had just compiled one of the hoplite's techniques: [Spear Slash]...
Time to warm up.
You have gained the skill: [Spear Slash - Common].
[Spear Slash] - Some consider the spear the king of all weapons. There are dozens of different spears, and not all are made for cutting. Promesse is.
Attack summary: cut your enemies with the sharp edge of the blade.
If a problem doesn't disappear when you slash it, you're not slashing hard enough.
STR +1
Lvl Up: [Spear Slash] lvl 2,3,4,5,6
STR +5
Lvl Up: [Priam's System] lvl 9
MEM +2
VIVA +1
Lvl Up: [Shadow Boxing] lvl 5,6,7
STR +3
AGI +3
DEXT +3
Lvl Up : [Kinetic Control] lvl 42
VIVA + 2
DEXT + 3
META (FOCUS) +4
Lvl Up : [Dodge] lvl 17
AGI +1
Lvl Up: [Focus] lvl 32,33
PERC +2
VIVA +2
DEXT +2
Promesse sliced through the air, striking an intangible opponent. A grin formed on Priam's lips as he practiced his new skill. Watching Kazuki's training, [Priams System] had decrypted [Spear Slash]. The cutting attack was devastating and added a potent tool to Priam's arsenal. A thrust and a slash. Did he really need anything else?
His opponent sidestepped the slash, and Priam advanced. Before him, invisible to all but himself, a replica of Kazuki dodged his strikes. When the real hoplite had suggested shadowboxing for training, Priam had an idea. Rather than boxing in front of a mirror or into thin air, envisioning an opponent, he thought to use his add-on.
[Priam's System], linked to [Shadow Boxing] and [Eidetic Memory], created an illusion for his brain. Before him, his imaginary opponent leaped backward, contorting to evade or parry at the last moment. All these movements were drawn from Priam's memories or Log-a-rhythm's constant vigilance and recording. His add-on had compiled Kazuki's training sessions to create a formidable opponent.
The fake Kazuki launched an attack. His spear sliced through the air with terrifying speed and infiltrated Priam's guard. The weapon's tip connected with his floating ribs, and [Priams System] activated a kinetic charge to simulate an attack. Priam was propelled backward by his own strike. Fuck. The pain was real, but it was the frustration that made him curse. Despite his efforts, the image of the hoplite remained superior.
Lvl Up: [Shadow Boxing] lvl 8
STR +1
AGI +1
DEXT +1
Lvl Up : [Kinetic Control] lvl 43
VIVA + 2
DEXT + 3
META (FOCUS) +4
With a twist, Priam brought his legs under him and landed gracefully. Looking up, he saw a spear tip descending toward his eye. With a thought, Priam deactivated the illusion. Another defeat.
"Impressive," a voice chimed in behind him.
"You're mocking me," Priam sighed as he stretched.
Kazuki shook his head. "Not at all. Thanks to your movements, I can imagine your opponent's. I would have reacted the same nine times out of ten. You've analyzed me well."
"Oh, that? Yes, I used several skills to predict your moves. But your image still bests me."
At the sound of laughter behind him, Priam turned. Kazuki was holding his sides, laughing. Soon, he straightened up.
"If a hoplite had said that to me, I would have challenged him to a deathmatch, thinking he was insulting me," he said, wiping a tear of laughter.
"That wasn't my intention," Priam apologized.
"I know, but you know I've trained with a spear for decades, right? Do you think you can catch up to my level, my experience, and the instincts I've developed over these years in just a few hours?"
"I don't have a few decades ahead of me."
Kazuki nodded solemnly. "True. If it's any comfort, you're improving quickly."
"Not quickly enough."
"Without spending Potential or unlocking Supremacies, you won't progress much faster," Kazuki replied, shrugging.
The phrase echoed in Priam's head.
"There's an advantage to unlocking Micro and Mastery? I mean, in addition to the attributes."
Kazuki nodded. "Of course. Mastery enhances your talent in its specialty. With [Spear Mastery], you could level up faster your spear skills. Micro will help you understand your body better and improve your instincts."
"Ah, looks like the start of a snowball effect, right?"
"Indeed. You should start with Micro," Kazuki advised.
"Im so close to the first stage, I can feel it. Yet, something is missing..."
DEXT +1
Lvl Up : [Unrelenting Thrust] lvl 5,6,7
STR +9
Lvl Up: [Spear Slash] lvl 8,9
STR +2
[Tribulation]: Six attributes above 400 were detected in Tier 0.
A Tribulation is coming.
Time: 176 days 18 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds.
For three hours, Priam and Kazuki clashed. As time passed, Priam's experience grew. Every half hour, the two opponents allowed themselves a few minutes of respite to mutually analyze their weaknesses. At the outset, Kazuki had plenty to say about Priam, but with each break, he found himself less talkative.
Indeed, [Eidetic Memory], [Focus], and a hefty dose of determination allowed Priam to avoid making the same mistake twice. His Dexterity and Micro aided him in perfecting his control over his body and refining his movements. Finally, [Battle Flow] and its add-on provided a constant analysis of his opponent. Thanks to this, Priam quickly pinpointed his adversary's weaknesses.
Kazuki was a legendary warrior. Priam had no idea about the warrior's skills and Talents, but he only allowed Priam to exploit his weaknesses once. They were then patched up, refining the hoplite's style.
The rivalry between the two fighters fostered a fertile competition and yielded spectacular results. Priam hadn't progressed this much since his Tribulations. However, he remained weaker with a spear than Kazuki. Decades of training and experience couldn't be caught up in just a few hours. Without his [Draconic Instinct], which occasionally guided his movements, Priam would have been overwhelmed. Each of these occurrences provided him with magical inspiration and a skill level boost.
A new clash occurred before the adversaries parted. Breathing heavily, Priam and Kazuki locked eyes like two tigers ready to pounce.
"Break time," Sphinx yawned.
Priam panted as Log-a-rhythm provided him with a bowl of fresh sap. Kazuki sat cross-legged to partake as well. After a few minutes, the hoplite had recovered enough breath to speak.
"You absorb my knowledge like a sponge. Your progress is astounding."
"My skills, Supremacies, and attributes synergize well," Priam replied.
"True. Your Domain, pseudo-Micro, and your memory allow you to perfectly mimic my movements, and your mental attributes allow you to use them when needed," Kazuki observed.
Priam nodded. "I think the barrier separating me from Micro I is weakening."
"Perfect. I suggest we up the difficulty to strike while the iron is hot. Sphinx, could you create a sphere of double gravity around us. Make sure it's evenly distributed."
"Okay!"
Priam stretched before getting back on his feet. "You're a sadistic instructor."
"Sphinx, I've changed my mind, I want triple gravity," Kazuki grinned.
Priam smirked, glancing at his [Gravity Resistance] skill. Dont cry later.
As he assumed a low guard, the atmosphere grew heavier. A leaden weight settled on his shoulders, and Priam struggled to breathe. His body had become accustomed to the higher gravity of Elysium, but Sphinx's skill stacked on top of it. According to his add-on, the gravity was now fifteen times greater than Earth's.
With his physical attributes, Priam was a monster capable of bearing this new weight. The real challenge was adjusting his movements to account for the new gravity.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. Kazuki was rushing towards him. In a Pflug guard - spears tip held high towards the opponent, left hand extended and positioned at the navel, and right hand against his right thigh - Priam waited to parry. At the last moment, he subtly moved Kazuki's spear to his right before seizing it. His hand closed around the opponent's weapon like a vice, and Priam countered.
Promesse's tip closed in on Kazuki's face. As Priam prepared to pull his strike, confident of his victory, he felt his right hand burn and his instinct scream.
Using [Kinetic Control], Priam pushed himself back and shook his hand. According to Micro, the cells in his hand were damaged. A lightsaber skill?
"[Spear Mastery]," Kazuki clarified. "I'm almost surprised it didn't sever your hand."
"I'm tough," Priam retorted, leaping forward. He lifted off a few dozen centimeters before descending faster than expected. The gravity! Priam nearly stumbled when he landed back on the platform. Kazuki simply smiled, and this sight irked Priam. He knew that this kind of mistake could be fatal in combat.
I was so focused on Kazuki that I forgot to analyze everything... Priam disconnected for a moment from [Focus] and took a breath. His opponent waited while Priam summoned [Balance]. He hesitated for a moment before reactivating [Focus]. The skill was excellent, but it forced him to concentrate on a single objective, neglecting the details around him. That annoyed Priam.
But it's my skill, it should obey me, not the other way around.
Priam gathered all the power of his Willpower, and his attribute clashed violently with the skill. [Draconic Instinct] roared, and [Focus] trembled before submitting. Priam smiled as he looked at Kazuki again.
"Sorry for the wait."
Without waiting for a response, he activated his muscles and leaped. As the two spears met, Log-a-rhythm shook.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 377 (+20)
Constitution 605 (+1)
Agility 398 (+15)
Vitality 508
Perception 571 (+5)
MENTAL:
Vivacity 321 (+8)
Dexterity 401 (+17)
Memory 127 (+3)
Willpower 599
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 326
Meta-focus 241 (+8)
Meta-endurance 173
Meta-perception 107
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 752 (+51)
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Four Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 176 days 17 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds.
Chapter 134: A Worthy RivalPriam was observing Kazuki's training. A few meters away, the hoplite warrior seamlessly executed movements with his spear. Watching the warrior expertly command his weapon and master every muscle in his body, Priam was filled with awe. There was a primal power in the hoplite's attacks that captivated him.I want to reach that level.For several days now, Priam had felt he was on the cusp of reaching the Micro I and was burning with the desire to achieve it. The Supremacy seemed to offer not just attributes, but a preternatural mastery of the body. There was a fundamental difference between a bodybuilder capable of lifting a hundred kilograms with sheer brute strength and an MMA fighter possessing the same power. In a life-or-death battle, the bodybuilder would lose in ninety-nine percent of cases.Micro further amplified this percentage.In the background, Priam's System meticulously analyzed every move of the hoplite. Priam knew that his key to rapid progress was to stand on the shoulders of giants. By emulating Kazuki's techniques and skills, he aimed to catch up before surpassing him.The hoplite warrior accelerated, creating gusts of wind with effortless movements, and Priam couldn't help but smile as his perception kept up. His eyes were fixed on his rival, while Broad-spectrum vision and Echolocalisation tracked every muscle tension of the spearmaster.A few minutes later, Priam's System buzzed. His skill had just compiled one of the hoplite's techniques: Spear Slash...Time to warm up.You have gained the skill: Spear Slash - Common. Spear Slash - Some consider the spear the king of all weapons. There are dozens of different spears, and not all are made for cutting. Promesse is. Attack summary: cut your enemies with the sharp edge of the blade. If a problem doesn't disappear when you slash it, you're not slashing hard enough. STR +1Lvl Up: Spear Slash lvl 2,3,4,5,6STR +5Lvl Up: Priam's System lvl 9MEM +2VIVA +1Lvl Up: Shadow Boxing lvl 5,6,7STR +3AGI +3DEXT +3Lvl Up : Kinetic Control lvl 42VIVA + 2DEXT + 3META FOCUS +4Lvl Up : Dodge lvl 17AGI +1Lvl Up: Focus lvl 32,33PERC +2VIVA +2DEXT +2Promesse sliced through the air, striking an intangible opponent. A grin formed on Priam's lips as he practiced his new skill. Watching Kazuki's training, Priams System had decrypted Spear Slash. The cutting attack was devastating and added a potent tool to Priam's arsenal. A thrust and a slash. Did he really need anything else?His opponent sidestepped the slash, and Priam advanced. Before him, invisible to all but himself, a replica of Kazuki dodged his strikes. When the real hoplite had suggested shadowboxing for training, Priam had an idea. Rather than boxing in front of a mirror or into thin air, envisioning an opponent, he thought to use his add-on.Priam's System, linked to Shadow Boxing and Eidetic Memory, created an illusion for his brain. Before him, his imaginary opponent leaped backward, contorting to evade or parry at the last moment. All these movements were drawn from Priam's memories or Log-a-rhythm's constant vigilance and recording. His add-on had compiled Kazuki's training sessions to create a formidable opponent.The fake Kazuki launched an attack. His spear sliced through the air with terrifying speed and infiltrated Priam's guard. The weapon's tip connected with his floating ribs, and Priams System activated a kinetic charge to simulate an attack. Priam was propelled backward by his own strike. Fuck. The pain was real, but it was the frustration that made him curse. Despite his efforts, the image of the hoplite remained superior.Lvl Up: Shadow Boxing lvl 8STR +1AGI +1DEXT +1Lvl Up : Kinetic Control lvl 43VIVA + 2DEXT + 3META FOCUS +4With a twist, Priam brought his legs under him and landed gracefully. Looking up, he saw a spear tip descending toward his eye. With a thought, Priam deactivated the illusion. Another defeat."Impressive," a voice chimed in behind him."You're mocking me," Priam sighed as he stretched.Kazuki shook his head. "Not at all. Thanks to your movements, I can imagine your opponent's. I would have reacted the same nine times out of ten. You've analyzed me well.""Oh, that? Yes, I used several skills to predict your moves. But your image still bests me."At the sound of laughter behind him, Priam turned. Kazuki was holding his sides, laughing. Soon, he straightened up."If a hoplite had said that to me, I would have challenged him to a deathmatch, thinking he was insulting me," he said, wiping a tear of laughter."That wasn't my intention," Priam apologized."I know, but you know I've trained with a spear for decades, right? Do you think you can catch up to my level, my experience, and the instincts I've developed over these years in just a few hours?""I don't have a few decades ahead of me."Kazuki nodded solemnly. "True. If it's any comfort, you're improving quickly.""Not quickly enough.""Without spending Potential or unlocking Supremacies, you won't progress much faster," Kazuki replied, shrugging.The phrase echoed in Priam's head."There's an advantage to unlocking Micro and Mastery? I mean, in addition to the attributes."Kazuki nodded. "Of course. Mastery enhances your talent in its specialty. With Spear Mastery, you could level up faster your spear skills. Micro will help you understand your body better and improve your instincts.""Ah, looks like the start of a snowball effect, right?""Indeed. You should start with Micro," Kazuki advised."Im so close to the first stage, I can feel it. Yet, something is missing..."DEXT +1Lvl Up : Unrelenting Thrust lvl 5,6,7STR +9Lvl Up: Spear Slash lvl 8,9STR +2Tribulation: Six attributes above 400 were detected in Tier 0.A Tribulation is coming.Time: 176 days 18 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds.For three hours, Priam and Kazuki clashed. As time passed, Priam's experience grew. Every half hour, the two opponents allowed themselves a few minutes of respite to mutually analyze their weaknesses. At the outset, Kazuki had plenty to say about Priam, but with each break, he found himself less talkative.Indeed, Eidetic Memory, Focus, and a hefty dose of determination allowed Priam to avoid making the same mistake twice. His Dexterity and Micro aided him in perfecting his control over his body and refining his movements. Finally, Battle Flow and its add-on provided a constant analysis of his opponent. Thanks to this, Priam quickly pinpointed his adversary's weaknesses.Kazuki was a legendary warrior. Priam had no idea about the warrior's skills and Talents, but he only allowed Priam to exploit his weaknesses once. They were then patched up, refining the hoplite's style.The rivalry between the two fighters fostered a fertile competition and yielded spectacular results. Priam hadn't progressed this much since his Tribulations. However, he remained weaker with a spear than Kazuki. Decades of training and experience couldn't be caught up in just a few hours. Without his Draconic Instinct, which occasionally guided his movements, Priam would have been overwhelmed. Each of these occurrences provided him with magical inspiration and a skill level boost.A new clash occurred before the adversaries parted. Breathing heavily, Priam and Kazuki locked eyes like two tigers ready to pounce."Break time," Sphinx yawned.Priam panted as Log-a-rhythm provided him with a bowl of fresh sap. Kazuki sat cross-legged to partake as well. After a few minutes, the hoplite had recovered enough breath to speak."You absorb my knowledge like a sponge. Your progress is astounding.""My skills, Supremacies, and attributes synergize well," Priam replied."True. Your Domain, pseudo-Micro, and your memory allow you to perfectly mimic my movements, and your mental attributes allow you to use them when needed," Kazuki observed.Priam nodded. "I think the barrier separating me from Micro I is weakening.""Perfect. I suggest we up the difficulty to strike while the iron is hot. Sphinx, could you create a sphere of double gravity around us. Make sure it's evenly distributed.""Okay!"Priam stretched before getting back on his feet. "You're a sadistic instructor.""Sphinx, I've changed my mind, I want triple gravity," Kazuki grinned.Priam smirked, glancing at his Gravity Resistance skill. Dont cry later. As he assumed a low guard, the atmosphere grew heavier. A leaden weight settled on his shoulders, and Priam struggled to breathe. His body had become accustomed to the higher gravity of Elysium, but Sphinx's skill stacked on top of it. According to his add-on, the gravity was now fifteen times greater than Earth's.With his physical attributes, Priam was a monster capable of bearing this new weight. The real challenge was adjusting his movements to account for the new gravity.Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. Kazuki was rushing towards him. In a Pflug guard - spears tip held high towards the opponent, left hand extended and positioned at the navel, and right hand against his right thigh - Priam waited to parry. At the last moment, he subtly moved Kazuki's spear to his right before seizing it. His hand closed around the opponent's weapon like a vice, and Priam countered.Promesse's tip closed in on Kazuki's face. As Priam prepared to pull his strike, confident of his victory, he felt his right hand burn and his instinct scream.Using Kinetic Control, Priam pushed himself back and shook his hand. According to Micro, the cells in his hand were damaged. A lightsaber skill?"Spear Mastery," Kazuki clarified. "I'm almost surprised it didn't sever your hand.""I'm tough," Priam retorted, leaping forward. He lifted off a few dozen centimeters before descending faster than expected. The gravity! Priam nearly stumbled when he landed back on the platform. Kazuki simply smiled, and this sight irked Priam. He knew that this kind of mistake could be fatal in combat.I was so focused on Kazuki that I forgot to analyze everything... Priam disconnected for a moment from Focus and took a breath. His opponent waited while Priam summoned Balance. He hesitated for a moment before reactivating Focus. The skill was excellent, but it forced him to concentrate on a single objective, neglecting the details around him. That annoyed Priam.But it's my skill, it should obey me, not the other way around.Priam gathered all the power of his Willpower, and his attribute clashed violently with the skill. Draconic Instinct roared, and Focus trembled before submitting. Priam smiled as he looked at Kazuki again."Sorry for the wait."Without waiting for a response, he activated his muscles and leaped. As the two spears met, Log-a-rhythm shook.Status: Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0PHYSICAL:Strength 377 +20Constitution 605 +1Agility 398 +15 Vitality 508 Perception 571 +5 MENTAL:Vivacity 321 +8Dexterity 401 +17Memory 127 +3 Willpower 599 Charisma 418 META:Meta-affinity 326 Meta-focus 241 +8Meta-endurance 173 Meta-perception 107 Meta-chance 216 Meta-authority 12 Potential: 752 +51Tier 0He Who Eludes Death charge: PRIMED.Tribulation: Four Tribulations pending.Future Tribulations delayed until:Time: 176 days 17 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds.
