"What’s this?" Lothe muttered as he picked up one of the glowing scrolls.
The moment his fingers touched it, the scroll dissolved into countless blue particles before flowing into his body.
A familiar notification appeared before his eyes.
[Passive Skill Acquired.]
Weak Point Analysis Lv.1
Description: The host instinctively notices flaws in an opponent’s stance, movements, and defenses, as well as their stats (applicable only to lower-level system users).
A grin slowly spread across Lothe’s face. This was exactly what he needed. Combined with his Spatial Perception, his chances of surviving battles—especially when surrounded, had just increased tremendously.
His gaze lingered on the words Lv.1.
"So... passive skills can be upgraded."
His pulse quickened. If passive skills could evolve alongside him, then every battle from this point onward carried the promise of becoming stronger.
The thought alone sent excitement coursing through his veins.
His gaze drifted to the total AP he was given. 20
"System, allocate all 20 Attribute Points equally among my attributes."
[Yes, Host.]
[Allocation Complete]
Blue light flashed before him as his status screen appeared.
[SYSTEM STATUS]
• Name: Lothe
• Race: Human
• Class: Unassigned (Unlocks at Level 5)
• Rank: Level 1 Tier 3
• EXP: 0/400
• HP: 120/120
• Qi: 30/30
[ATTRIBUTES]
• Strength: 35
• Agility: 33
• Constitution: 34
• Qi Control: 38
Unallocated Attribute Points: 0
[CORE SUPERPOWER]
Spatial Perception (Level 1 Tier 3)
Description: The host can perceive everything within a fifteen-meter radius, allowing him to detect living beings, obstacles, hidden objects, and spatial disturbances. Upon reaching Tier 3, the perception range and clarity have increased significantly, making it easier to predict enemy movements and react during combat.
[PASSIVE SKILLS]
• Battlefield Veteran Lv.1 (Equipped)
The host remains calm under pressure. Fear and panic are greatly reduced, allowing rational decisions during combat.
• Weak Point Analysis Lv.1 (Equipped)
The host instinctively notices flaws in an opponent’s stance, movements, and defenses, as well as their stats (applicable only to lower-level system users).
"System, how do I learn this passive skill?"
[Host only needs to think ’Learn.’]
"So simple?"
Without hesitation, Lothe focused his thoughts.
"Learn."
A cool sensation spread through his eyes. His pupils contracted slightly as a faint purple glow flickered within them.
The world around him changed.
Thin crimson lines appeared across the Library walls, stretching through the concrete like invisible cracks. The tables, chairs, and even broken pillars were covered in glowing red lines.
Every line represented a weakness.
Anything struck along those lines would require far less force to destroy.
"Incredible..."
Lothe whispered, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
After observing the surroundings for a few more seconds, he dismissed the skill, and the purple glow in his eyes faded.
Across from him, Seana noticed the joy on his face. Whatever he had just acquired, she could tell it was something extraordinary.
Picking up the remaining scroll, she watched it dissolve into blue light the instant it touched her hand.
[Passive Skill Acquired.]
Poison Resistance Lv.1
Description: Minor toxins, venoms, and harmful substances have greatly reduced effects on the host.
[Accept?]
"Yes."
The moment she accepted, a cold sensation flowed through her veins before gradually turning warm. Within seconds, the strange feeling disappeared completely.
She flexed her fingers experimentally before taking a slow breath. "It feels... strange. Like my body just became tougher somehow."
His gaze shifted towards her.
"I’d suggest allocating your Attribute Points first. It’ll increase your overall strength."
Seana nodded.
"System, distribute my Attribute Points equally."
[Allocation Complete.]
Warmth spread throughout her body as her physical abilities noticeably improved.
Curious to test his own increase in strength, Lothe walked toward a nearby concrete wall.
Tightening his grip, he casually threw a punch.
Boom!
His fist slammed into the wall with explosive force. Spiderweb-like cracks spread several meters from the impact before chunks of concrete broke away and crashed onto the floor.
Lothe slowly lowered his fist, staring at the shattered concrete in stunned silence.
Dust drifted through the air as cracks spread across the wall like a spider’s web. A grin gradually formed on his face.
"So this is what thirty-five Strength feels like."
As dust settled from the shattered wall, several glowing lights caught his attention.
Only then did he remember the four glowing orbs he had collected. He took them out and laid them on the ground before him.
One orange.
Two red.
One yellow.
Lothe crouched and picked up one of the red orbs. A comforting warmth spread through his palm as blue text appeared before him.
[Common Treasure Orb]
Contains one Common-grade Treasure.
[Open?]
"It’s a treasure..." he murmured.
Without hesitation, he pressed the orb.
The crimson light flared brilliantly before condensing into a long jet-black spear. Scarlet runes glowed faintly along its shaft, while the spearhead radiated a subtle heat.
[Infernal Dragon Spear]
Grade: Common
Description: A spear forged from the condensed essence of a Fire Dragon. Every thrust leaves behind traces of burning dragon flames, dealing additional fire damage to the target.
[Equipment Bonus]
+35 Strength, +25 Agility, +20 Constitution, +10% Critical Hit Chance
Lothe’s grip tightened around the spear.
The moment he held it, an immense surge of power flowed through his body. His muscles felt lighter, his movements quicker, and even his breathing became smoother.
"This is... incredible."
He had never practiced spear techniques before, yet simply holding the weapon gave him the confidence to face opponents much stronger than himself.
"And this is only Common Grade..."
His eyes gleamed.
That meant there were even higher-grade treasures waiting to be discovered.
Turning toward Seana, he saw her holding a slender black sword. She swung it a few times with an awkward posture, clearly unfamiliar with swords, but the smile on her face betrayed her excitement.
[Blood Moon Sword]
Grade: Common
Description: A sword that grows sharper with every enemy it cuts. Particularly effective against creatures with strong vitality.
[Equipment Bonus]
+40 Strength
+20 Agility
+15 Constitution
+15% Slash Damage
Without wasting a second, he reached for the yellow orb.
Its warmth was noticeably stronger.
The orb shattered in his palm, revealing a pair of sleek black boots decorated with emerald-green runes.
[Gale Boots]
Grade: Advanced
Description: Boots blessed by the Spirit of Wind. They greatly enhance the wearer’s speed while reducing the stamina consumed during movement.
[Equipment Bonus]
+20 Strength, +60 Agility, +15 Constitution, +25% Movement Speed, +15% Stamina Recovery
"Not bad..."
Lothe smiled before placing the boots inside his bag.
Meanwhile, Seana had already opened the orange orb.
Curiosity got the better of him as he activated Weak Point Analysis.
[Shadow Weave Cloak]
Grade: Lower
Description: Woven from the silk of mutated Shadow Spiders, this cloak absorbs part of the force from incoming attacks while blending into darkness.
[Equipment Bonus]
+10 Agility, +20 Constitution, +10 Qi Control
Passive Effect: Reduces damage from pre-apocalypse pistols and submachine guns by 40%. Slightly conceals the wearer’s presence in dimly lit environments.
Lothe nodded in approval.
"That suits you better than it would me."
His gaze drifted toward the remaining orbs.
"So the orange orb contains Lower-grade treasures..."
"The red orb contains Common-grade treasures..."
"And the yellow orb contains Advanced-grade treasures."
A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"If that’s the case..."
"There should be even higher grades."
He looked toward Seana, twirling the Inferno Dragon Spear in his hand.
"Looks like we both got lucky."
Seana glanced at the spear before lowering her gaze to the sword in her hand.
A faint smile curved her lips.
"I could say the same."