NOVEL WEB Chapter 32: Talent: Architect (S-Rank)
Slim felt an intense wave of dizziness wash over him the moment he arrived.
Greeted by towering trees brimming with vitality and strange exotic plants, it was immediately clear, he had entered the First Dimension.
But before he could take in more, his body suddenly went limp.
He barely managed to stay upright, dropping to one knee as the numbness spread through him.
It took a while, but eventually, the sensation faded, and his strength began to return.
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes
--
[Feral: 0]
[Awakened: 0]
[Crowned: 0]
Talent: Architect (S-Rank)
--
Slim stared at the interface, his face as blank as ever.
Not a flicker of surprise, Not even the smallest twitch of emotion at awakening an S-Rank talent.
With a steady gaze, he scanned the area, for any visible threats
He remembered what his master told him those who entered the dimension would usually spawn near a settlement.
It was the first place to head to, a safe zone where newcomers could register and purchase basic equipment.
He had sold his old knife a while back to cover for his and his master expenses, now he needed something to defend himself.
His master also mentioned that there was a slim, 1% chance of spawning in the same location.
It wasn't likely, but it wasn't impossible. Slim had no time to waste.
He raised his hand, feeling the air's movement, It was a trick he'd learned back in the real world.
After a brief pause, he choose a direction and started walking.
Not long after, a clearing came into view, Buildings, People moving around, busy with their own affairs.
He had found the settlement, with no misshearps on the way.
He strolled down the street, entered the TERRA building, and got registered, to which he told them he awakened a D rank ability, Everything went smoothly.
They gave him a bracelet along with 10 gold coins, Standard procedure.
With no delay, he headed to the trade shop, scanning the weapon displays with his usual impassive expression.
Nothing surprised him even the overpriced weapons didn't cause the slightest shift in his eyes.
But there was a problem.
Nothing fit his budget.
His eyes settled on one blade close to his price range
--
Field Skinner Knife
Type: Blade
Durability: 42/85
Rarity: Common
Price: 17 Gold
--
He was seven gold short.
Still, he stood there, quietly staring at the knife.
Just as he turned to leave, a hand reached out toward his shoulder.
In one fluid motion, Slim grabbed the hand and twisted.
"Ah.. ouch, ouch! Relax, it's me!"
The voice was familiar. Slim turned and, for the first time since arriving, showed actual surprise.
"..How?"
Ricky stood there, grinning like a fool. "How are you, Slim?"
Slim blinked once, his face went Back to his usual blank face.
He hadn't expected someone like Ricky to pass the Awakening Trial, let alone end up here in the same settlement.
"I see you've already got your bracelet," Ricky said, beaming. "Let's add each other as friends."
"Sure." Slim didn't see any reason to refuse.
Right after connecting their bracelets, a beep sounded from his own.
Checking the screen, he saw 10 gold coins had just been transferred to his account, sent by Ricky.
Looking up, Slim met Ricky's eyes.
"No need to be shy," Ricky said quickly, like he was afraid Slim might reject it. "You were staring at that screen for ages.
I figured you were short, I don't need the gold anyway, I already got myself a weapon, You clearly need one more than I do."
Slim stared at him a moment longer before nodding. "Thank you, I'll repay you."
"Sure, sure. No problem!" Ricky was clearly relieved.
Slim turned back to the interface and selected
--
Field Skinner Knife
Type: Blade
Durability: 42/85
Rarity: Common
First published on M|V|L!EMPYR.
Price: 17 Gold
--
After receiving it, he turned to leave.
"I'm heading out to hunt, later."
Ricky scratched the back of his head. "Erm... Can I tag along? No one here wants to party with me."
Slim glanced toward the edge of the settlement.
People were forming teams, grouping up before heading out into the forest.
Not far off, someone was overheard trying to join a group.
"I have a D-Rank strength boost talent, can I be your tank?"
And they accepted him.
If even a D-Rank could find a group, Slim couldn't help but think Ricky was lying, Just trying to tag along.
But before Ricky could defend himself..
"You can come," Slim said, cutting him off.
Ricky's face lit up. "Thank you, Slim!"
"What's your talent?" Slim asked casually as they walked.
"C-Rank, I can tame creatures."
Slim nodded slowly.
Now that explained why no one wants to party with him, because In the First Dimension, most beasts didn't have the intelligence required to form contracts. Ricky's talent was.. inconvenient here.
Still, they set out together to hunt feral beasts and gain Prime Points.
To his surprise, Ricky knew how to fight they made a good team striking in perfect sync.
After killing and roasting a few creatures, their point tallies rose, Slim reached 42, and Ricky hit 34.
After finishing off a wolf-like creature, Ricky slung the body over his shoulder, He was practically skipping with joy humming a song. Slim remained quiet as always.
"Help! Help!"
The voice came from nearby.
They turned to see five men surrounding three girls, tying them up.
The moment they noticed Slim and Ricky, their faces tensed.
"Please, help us!" one of the girls cried out, desperate.
Ricky hesitated, shifting the dead wolf off his shoulder.
But Slim had already turned around, and continued walking away without a care or a word.
"Wait, Slim! Aren't we going to help them?"
"It's none of my business."
"But.. this is wrong..."
"Ricky," Slim interrupted coldly, "learn to mind your own business."
The cries for help grew louder. The men saw Slim and Ricky weren't reacting and sighed in relief, resuming what they were doing.
Ricky gritted his teeth, He couldn't take it anymore.
"Sorry, Slim. I can't stand by and do nothing."
He dropped the corpse and charged forward, sword in hand.
"Get your filthy hands off them!"
Slim stopped, watching him silently.
Just before Ricky could reach them, a net shot out from the grass, snapping around him like a trap.
"Hah, what a pity we could've caught you both, but one is enough."
The girls who were crying a moment ago suddenly stood tall, pulling out weapons. They joined the others two more men who jumped out from pile of leaves clearly hidden.
It was all a setup.
Slim let out a deep sigh, shaking his head as he looked at the now-trapped, furious and embarrassed Ricky.
Moments like this reminded him why he preferred moving alone.
"Sigh"