In the C-rank dungeon, Lizard's Nest, Rio walked through a dark corridor, effortlessly avoiding traps as if he were taking a casual stroll. Half an hour later, he arrived in front of a small, unassuming room.
He stepped inside without hesitation. Dust floated in the stale air, and rows of old books lined the walls. Many were so worn that their titles had faded beyond recognition.
Ignoring the decay, Rio moved straight to the table in the center. Among the scattered tomes, one in particular caught his eye: Black Records. He picked it up and carefully placed it in the drawer.
Suddenly, a mechanism activated. A magical circle enveloped the room, glowing faintly for a few seconds before vanishing. From thin air, a beautiful flask materialized on the table.
Rio examined the flask for a moment, then, without hesitation, smashed it to the ground. The glass shattered, sending shards skittering across the floor. Almost immediately, the fragments transformed into white light photons that rushed toward him, enveloping his body in a warm, comforting sensation.
When the light fully merged with him, the warmth faded, leaving Rio alert and focused.
[Acquired Passive Skill: True Immunity!]
"Excellent. Got it. Time to leave." Rio left the room and made his way back to the dormitories.
True Immunity was a remarkable passive skill. It granted immunity against any unusual skill, even subtle ones like appraisals. While it couldn't block physical or magical attacks, it could nullify spirit attacks, mental attacks, curse-type skills, and other unconventional methods of assault.
"Its true potential will only be revealed when facing the boss of an SSS-rank gate," he mused. That particular monster wielded Atomic Disintegration, a skill capable of erasing every atom of a target's body instantly. True Immunity, however, could block it entirely.
"Overpowered? Certainly. But now that I have it, Fade will have to buy it from the shop. No freebies for you, buddy."
Hours later, Rio returned to his room. Along the way, he overheard news about Fade's duel.
"That guy must be spending time with Kira now… She'll become his greatest support eventually."
Rio's thoughts drifted. Fade would eventually marry Kira when he reached SS rank. A sudden question flickered in his mind:
"Should I find a girlfriend too? Relationships aren't forbidden here, after all…"
In this world, love marriages were increasingly common, as they were believed to enhance the potential of one's children.
Rio shook his head, dismissing the idea for now.
"I'll think about that later. There's a long road ahead."
Once back, Rio entered his private training room, preparing for a breakthrough. The fight with the lizard boss had pushed him to the peak of D+ rank, and now he could advance to C rank.
"Now is the time."
He sat cross-legged, releasing the suppression he had maintained to stay under the academy's radar. This breakthrough was critical. Reaching Rank C allowed him to project mana outside his body. Until now, he could only strengthen his body internally. Now, he could defend using mana, augment his sword, and dramatically increase its damage. Rank C was the mark of a true warrior.
Minutes of intense focus later, Rio finally broke through.
[The advancement has been completed. You have been promoted to Rank C- successfully!]
[All techniques and skills have increased in rank!]
[Basic Swordsmanship (C) → new skill acquired: Sword Energy!]
[Due to high talent, Sword Energy evolved to Sword Aura!]
[Elemental Sword Art has reached Rank C.]
[New skill acquired: Handling!]
[You can now freely control your aura!]
The notifications ceased, leaving Rio in awe.
"I knew I'd get stronger… but this is beyond my expectations!"
He checked his status, which he hadn't done in a while:
[Name: Rio Flash]
[Class: Swordsman]
[Rank: C-] [Max Rank Potential: No limit (X)]
[HP: 1800/1800] [MP: 1200/1200]
[STR: 50/100] [SPE: 50/100] [AGI: 50/100] [DEF: 50/100] [INT: 50/100]
[Talent: Limitless (X), Sword Aptitude (X)]
[Techniques: Basic Swordsmanship (C-), Elemental Sword Art (C-)]
[Skills: Body Strengthening (D+), Lightning Sword (D+), Sword Aura (G-), Handling (G-)]
[Passive Skills: True Immunity (X)]
[Evaluation: You are an absolute anomaly; your growth rate is terrifying, and your potential is unlimited!]
Rio exhaled, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief washing over him.
"This… this is only the beginning."