“Hmph! You can come over, but she has to leave.” Zouren said as he pointed to Azalea.
“Your presence here raised questions and agitated an already delicate situation. If the balance is upset any further, you can forget about the Secret Realm.”
Izroth looked over at Azalea; however, before he could even speak, Azalea respectfully cupped her fists and said, “Teacher, there is no need to concern yourself with my thoughts. As for our previous arrangement—this matter can wait.”
Azalea did not know what a Secret Realm was or the benefits from going there, but she roughly understood its importance from the brief exchange between Izroth and Zouren. Knowing her teacher’s temperament, Azalea would not be surprised if he insisted that she still join the discussion even if the Secret Realm was off the table for her. But, there was a good chance this would lead to the entire situation being upheaved. In the end, Azalea decided to dismiss herself and ease Izroth’s worries. How could she let him miss out on such a rare opportunity because of her presence?
Izroth inwardly shook his head at Azalea’s actions. Initially, he planned on asking her thoughts on the matter, but it appeared that it was unnecessary.
“Since I promised to teach you some skills, I will keep half of that promise now,” Izroth said as he held his hand out.
The next moment, a transparent orb no bigger than one’s fist materialized in the palm of Izroth’s hand. As the orb finished forming, a gentle cerulean light started to flow within it.
‘It is unfortunate that I could not imprint its primed version, but… It’s not impossible for her to search for her own understanding.’
〈System Alert: You have imprinted the skill «Enhanced Instantaneous Movement» into a Skill Orb. Do you wish to rename the skill?〉
〈System Alert: The skill has successfully been renamed!〉
〈System Alert: Do you wish to set additional conditions for the skill?〉
〈System Alert: Additional conditions have been set!〉
〈System Alert: You have created x1 «Skill Orb: Phantom Shift».〉
〈System Alert: You currently have [1/5] Skill Orb slots remaining.〉
〈System Alert: You cannot create another Skill Orb for 24 hours.〉
After reaching level 50, players could undergo a second class advancement. This change was enough to propel a player’s power to a level well beyond that of their peers. However, such a class advancement did not exist for combat masters.
Instead, combat masters unlocked a new class feature—the ability to create items known as skill orbs.
Skill orbs were similar to skill books in that they could be used by players to learn the skill that was contained inside. However, unlike skill books that players had no control over, combat masters were able to set requirements and conditions for the skill.
Whether it was lowering or increasing the requirement, it had the ability to change the overall potential of the skill.
This was a feature known only by Izroth. After all, even the beta testers never made it this far with the combat master class. This meant that Izroth was the first-ever combat master in RML to reach level 50!
While the ability to create skill orbs did not increase a combat master’s strength, in a way, it transformed the combat master into the ultimate support class.
A class that granted players the ability to create skills and teach them to others—if news of this were to spread, it would cause a huge shockwave to sweep throughout RML!
Even something like a C-ranked skill book could go for hundreds of gold coins. As for A-ranked skill books—they were not on the market often, but the last known A-ranked skill book that was put up for sale sold for 12,000 gold coins. That was more than 2,000,000 RMB!
When it came to S-ranked skill books, there was zero every released to the open market. If it did sell, it was something only the top guilds who were backed by wealthy companies could ever hope to afford.
‘It’s a shame the growth potential is one step short. But, it’s better than I anticipated.’
Name: Skill Orb: Phantom Shift
Starting Rank: B
Max Rank Growth Potential: SS
Usage: Teaches the user the skill «Phantom Shift».
Special Note: This item will be automatically consumed upon use.
Skill Name: Phantom Shift
Skill Creator: Izroth
Skill Mastery: 0.00%
Skill Rank: B
Charges: 3/3
Requirement(s): 1,500+ Agility
Condition(s): Every 10% mastery acquired, the Agility requirement for this skill is increased by 300 points.
Active: Consumes 1 charge and allows the user to instantly move to any point within 10 meters. The user gains 1 charge every 1 minute 30 seconds. The user cannot travel directly through solid objects or strong magic barriers.
Special Note: This skill has been improved from its original version by the creator. The skill mastery to Phantom Shift cannot be increased using skill points. This skill’s rank can be improved through repeated usage and proper execution.
‘It’s starting rank is only B; however, its growth potential is SS-ranked. Does that mean as one continues to master it, it will eventually grow into an SS-ranked skill? If so, the value of skill orbs are not small. Also… it appears the system automatically takes the difficulty of the condition into account to determine the skill’s growth potential. In the future, I will have to think carefully about how to implement conditions.’
Izroth handed the skill orb to Azalea, who happily accepted it.
“For now, work on mastering this skill. Once I return, I will teach you another suitable skill.” Izroth said calmly.
“Yes. Thank you, teacher. I shall await your return.” Azalea responded. Even though a veil covered the lower part of her face, it could not completely hide the light smile that found its way to her lips.
Azalea glared towards Zouren and said coldly, “If anything happens to my teacher, I will not rest until your body no longer has a head.”
Without waiting for Zouren’s response, Azalea turned into a phantom as she disappeared from the Moonlit Dove Garden without a trace.
Hearing Azalea’s words without having a chance to respond caused Zouren’s blood to boil over. First, he had to make some concessions and invite this hateful person to a Secret Realm and now even some random nobody was looking down on him?!
“Good, enjoy your arrogance while you can—both of you!” Zouren internalized as he held back his rage.
“Remember our deal,” Zouren said as he canceled the Drifting Barrier Talisman and began to walk back towards the garden’s center where the others were waiting.
“Your reminder is unnecessary,” Izroth replied casually as he followed Zouren to the center of the Moonlit Dove Garden.
As the two approached, a sweet voice sounded, “You have kept us waiting for quite some time. I’m curious to know what the two of you were discussing so secretively.”
This voice belonged to the fifth princess of the Nine Great Clans, Luxia.
“Just some casual catching up. Rest assured, its insignificance does not deserve the fifth princess’ attention.” Zouren stated without pause.
Luxia narrowed her eyes. Did he take her for a fool? If it was just some casual catching up, was there a need to use a talisman to isolate the sound around that area? Nevertheless, Luxia did not pursue the topic.
“I see. It is important to maintain good relationships. In this matter, Young Zouren is wise.” Luxia commented with a lovely smile.
“This woman—hmph, does she think my status is any less than hers?” Zouren thought to himself as he kept his cool about him.
It was obvious what Luxia was hinting at from her words about maintaining good relationships. She was both threatening and mocking him at the same time.
However, Zouren ignored Luxia’s attempt to fish for more information by rattling him. This was the closest they have been to opening the Secret Realm. Regardless of his personal feelings towards those present, Zouren would not let this opportunity pass him by.
“And who might this friend be?” Luxia inquired as she set his gaze on Izroth and greeted him with an expression filled with warmth.
“Enough! I don’t care what you two were walking about or this small talk! I hate wasting my time more than anything! Zouren, you bastard, are we going to the Secret Realm or not?!” Hakros roared impatiently.
