Transcending Paragon (New)

Caelum rubbed his chin as he examined the panel screen, his gaze settling on the unfamiliar Rank displayed beneath his status. 

'System, what does Rank mean?' 

[ Rank will increase after every world the host has completed. A higher rank signifies greater authority, privileges, and enhancements granted by the system. ] 

Caelum nodded in satisfaction. The stronger he became, the easier it would be to navigate the trials ahead. With that in mind, he decided to take full advantage of his time and strengthen himself before anything major happened. 

Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he prepared to integrate the Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique into his body. 

As soon as the integration finished, Caelum's body trembled. A burning sensation spread through his limbs, as if molten metal coursed through his veins. His muscles tightened, his bones emitted faint cracking sounds, and his entire being felt as though it was being reforged like divine steel beneath a master blacksmith's hammer. 

His breathing steadied, and he allowed the technique to guide him. 

He activated the first phase of the Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique, channeling his newfound energy deep into his marrow. A mysterious force surged within him, stripping away impurities and refining his flesh to its peak condition. His skin glowed faintly, exuding a radiance reminiscent of tempered jade. 

'This… this is incredible…' 

His blood felt heavier, richer—each heartbeat pulsing with newfound strength. His muscles compacted, dense yet flexible, while his bones grew sturdier, infused with a resilience far surpassing ordinary mortals. It was as if his body was being sculpted into a weapon of pure destruction, honed to perfection. 

The second phase initiated, and an invisible force swirled around him, resonating with his very existence. The room's air grew heavier, his presence subtly shifting—less human, more akin to an apex predator lurking in the shadows. 

Each breath he took refined his internal energy further, compressing and purifying it until his body felt lighter yet more powerful than ever before. 

His senses sharpened; he could hear the faintest whispers of the wind outside, feel the smallest tremors within the wooden floorboards beneath him. 

Time slipped away as he remained in deep cultivation, allowing the technique to temper his foundation. By the time he finally opened his eyes, his irises gleamed with a piercing clarity, like an ancient warrior gazing upon the world. 

Caelum clenched his fist, feeling the raw power coursing through him. 

'Woah, this is amazing! Can you show me my stats?' 

At his request, the panel reappeared before him, displaying his updated status. Though his level remained the same, his stats had skyrocketed beyond expectation, surpassing the thousand mark. 

╔══════════════╗ 

 [ Status ] 

╚══════════════╝ 

• [ Name ]: Caelum Mercer/Tenya Shindo

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• [ Age ]: 17 (+23) 

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• [ Race ]: 『 Human 』 

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• [ Gender ]: Male 

• [ Job ]: 『 Carnifex 』 

• [ Level ]: 1 

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• [ Attributes ]: 

• HP: 1,500 

• MP: 1,200 

• Strength: 1,250 

• Defense: 1,200 

• Agility: 1,150 

• Magic: 1,100 

• Resistance: 1,150 

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• [ Abilities ]: 

 『 Language Comprehension 』 || 『 Executioner's Insight 』 || 『 Fear Suppression 』 || 『 Bloodlust Amplification 』 || 『 Carnage Endurance 』 || 『 Decisive Execution 』 || 『 Butcher's Rush 』 || 『 Severance Slash 』 || 『 Phantom Guillotine 』 || 『 Terror Domain 』 || 『 Crimson Brand 』 || 『 Pain Echo 』 || 『 Judgment of the Executioner 』 

────────────────────── 

• [ Bloodline ]: None 

• [ Physique ]: 『 Martial Ancestor Body 』 

• [ Rank ]: 1 

────────────────────── 

• [ Techniques ]: 『 Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique 』 

• [ Inventory ]: 『 Moonlight Greatsword 』 || 『 Miséricorde 』 

────────────────────── 

Caelum's eyes widened as he scanned the screen. 

'This is absurd… My strength has already reached this level, and I'm only at level one?' 

The difference was staggering. Even if the others trained day and night, there was no way they could match his raw stats. With this foundation, his growth would be exponential. 

He clenched his fist, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through him. His body felt lighter, yet he knew it was far more durable than before. Every movement, every breath carried refined strength. 

'Alright, let's call it a day. Tomorrow is going to be a big day.' Caelum said heading back to bed and began to doze off.

The next day, everyone gathered at the training grounds. They were some who weren't used to the new environment as the beds were rather uncomfortable and cheap.

"Shindo-kun." He heard a familiar voice, it was Shizuku. Caelum wondered why she keeps trying to chat with him. Fortunately, she is one of the women that interests him due to her skills and personality. Among his classmates, she was the most mature. 

He dislikes Kouki and he's blind sense of justice who blindly believes whoever tells themselves to be in the right. Caelum smiled seeing her. 

"Yaegashi-san. How are you holding up?" He asked.

"I should say the same thing to you. I'm a bit surprised how you seem to be adapting a lot quicker than everyone else." Shizuku said and he shrugged. 

"I lived most of my life doing what I can and just adapt then improvised. Frankly, you're quite lucky considering you already have combat skills that many of our classmates lack." Caelum said. 

"If you want, I can help you. I'm sure you have talent for it." Shizuku said and he nodded. They chatted a bit more until The Knight Commander of the Kingdom, Meld Loggins arrived.

Meld begins training the students in the training grounds of the Heiligh Kingdom royal capital. 

He starts by talking about the Status Plates that each of them had been given, and their overall function. 

These students then activate their plates to see their jobs and skills. Caelum already knew about his status and simply saw a hidden version of his ability. 

He heard a commotion and turned to see Hajime getting bullied once again. Caelum glanced over to Shizuku who looked annoyed at this. 

Caelum then gazes back at Hajime, finding it ridiculous that these students are left alone to do this. He never experienced this level of harassment before considering he had some experience defending himself thanks to his father. 

"Enough. Leave him alone. It's almost pathetic that you keep preying on him." Caelum firmly said even though he won't go beyond this since he is not Himejima relative but still from the memory he has they were friends. 

"Huhh? What did you say? Me? Pathetic?" Daisuke's voice rose, his lackeys stepping closer as if to intimidate Caelum.

Shizuku frowned, preparing to step in, but before she could, Caelum took a step forward, unfazed. His sharp gaze locked onto Daisuke, lips curling into a smirk.

"You're deaf as well? Or maybe just incredibly slow. Let me say it again—You. Are. Pathetic."

A vein bulged on Daisuke's forehead. 

"You little—!" He swung his fist, aiming straight for Caelum's face.

But before the punch could land, Caelum effortlessly caught his fist mid-air, stopping it dead in its tracks. A sickening crunch followed as Caelum slowly tightened his grip, causing Daisuke to grimace in pain.

"Gaaah!! Damn you!" Daisuke groaned, his knees nearly buckling.

Caelum tilted his head, his smirk deepening. 

"Is that all? That punch was weaker than a toddler's tantrum. No wonder you resort to bullying—your strength is just as miserable as your brainpower."

Daisuke's lackeys hesitated, their earlier confidence fading.

"Let go, you bastard!" he yelled, struggling to break free.

Caelum leaned in slightly, his voice dripping with mockery. 

"Oh? But I thought you were the big bad tough guy? What happened? Where's all that confidence?" He applied more pressure, making Daisuke yelp. 

"Pathetic and weak—what a tragic combination."

Before Caelum could do more, Meld and Aiko rushed in.

"Enough!" Meld's authoritative voice rang out.

Caelum released Daisuke's hand, letting it fall limply to his side. The bully clutched his swollen fingers, glaring daggers at him.

Caelum simply turned his back, dismissing him with a chuckle. 

"Not even worth my time."

Daisuke seethed, his anger barely contained, but with Meld and Aiko present, he couldn't do anything.

Caelum shrugged, walking off without a care. 

"Next time, try using that tiny brain of yours before you embarrass yourself again." 

He scoffed, deciding to let Daisuke off for now. There were bigger things to focus on—surviving the dungeons and whatever horrors awaited them. Petty revenge could wait.

"Glad you stepped in," Shizuku said, a hint of admiration flickering in her eyes. There was a subtle, almost magnetic attraction swirling around her expression, though she masked it well.

Caelum smiled, nodding. 

"It wasn't a big deal."

He hadn't done it to play the hero. He despised injustice, but he wasn't some self-righteous champion of virtue. He stood in the gray—neither bound by good nor consumed by evil.

As the students dispersed, each focusing on training their respective jobs and abilities, Caelum found himself sparring with Shizuku. The two stood across from each other, wooden training swords in hand.

"Alright," she said, taking a firm stance. 

"Since you don't have any formal training, I'll start with the basics."

Caelum mirrored her stance, observing how she held the weapon. Her grip was relaxed but firm, her feet positioned perfectly for balance.

Shizuku swung slowly, demonstrating proper form.

"Your stance needs to be solid, but don't be too rigid. If you plant your feet too firmly, you won't be able to react quickly."

Caelum followed her example, adjusting his footing.

"Good. Now, when you swing, don't just use your arms—engage your whole body. A proper strike comes from your core." She stepped in, guiding his shoulders and correcting his posture.

He nodded and tried again. His movements were a bit stiff at first, but as he repeated the motion under her watchful gaze, he started to feel the difference.

Shizuku smiled. 

"Not bad. Most beginners struggle with this for days, but you're picking it up fast."

Caelum chuckled. 

"What can I say? I'm a quick learner."

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Don't get cocky."

They moved on to footwork, Shizuku teaching him how to advance and retreat efficiently. She had him practice dodging and countering, her strikes starting slow but gradually increasing in speed. Caelum adapted quickly, his body moving almost instinctively.

"You sure this is your first time?" she asked, slightly breathless.

Caelum smirked. 

"That's a secret."

They continued their match, exchanging swift strikes and fluid counters. What started as strict training soon became an engaging rhythm of movement—almost like a dance. 

Their teasing grew just as lively as their sparring, and Caelum found himself throwing in smooth remarks between dodging her attacks.

"You're surprisingly elegant with a sword, Shizuku. Guess that grace extends beyond just your looks."

She faltered for just a second, a faint blush dusting her cheeks before she masked it with a scoff. 

"Flattery won't save you from getting hit."

But despite her words, Caelum noticed the corners of her lips twitching upward. He was enjoying himself far more than he expected. 

After a morning of intense training—and a fair amount of playful flirting with Shizuku—Caelum returned to his room, eager to refine his strength further.

Sitting cross-legged, he activated the [ Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique ], allowing its power to surge through him. His [ Transcendent Self ] had already brought his body to the peak of human capability, but this technique would push him beyond that—past mortal limitations, into a realm of power few could ever hope to reach.

His muscles trembled as energy coursed through his veins, forging his body like divine steel. Every cell within him was tempered, his strength growing denser, his resilience sharper.

Before he realized it, two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye.

During that time, he had grown closer to Shizuku, teasing out the side of her she rarely showed—one that, despite her usual composed nature, couldn't help but respond to his flirtations. Though she tried to play it cool, her suppressed girly side surfaced more often, much to his amusement.

As for his progress? It was nothing short of monstrous.

His stats had skyrocketed, surpassing the ten-thousand mark while still remaining at Level 1—a feat unheard of. The [ Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique ] had reshaped his foundation into something beyond human comprehension.

Additionally, his skill with the sword had advanced at an alarming rate. He had not only learned Shizuku's sword style but had come close to mastering it. Even Shizuku herself was stunned, unable to believe someone could pick up her techniques so quickly.

Caelum simply smirked. 

"What can I say? I have a knack for this."

Shizuku lightly smacks him. 

"Don't get cocky. Tomorrow is going to be when we will head to the dungeon." She said as looked at Caelum. 

"Whatever happens tomorrow, don't be reckless, okay?" Shizuku said while he was surprised that she would worry this much for him. 

"You're about me? Aww~ I'm touched." Caelum smirks while Shizuku firmly speaks.

"I'm serious! We don't know what's going to happen and I heard there's a high chance one of us will get injured and die." Shizuku said and he reached out on his shoulder and pulled her closer putting her head over his shoulder. 

In the past, they might have had similar height but thanks to the change became a lot more bulkier and taller. He was a lot more manly than before. 

"That's because people die when they are killed. I won't die if I don't get killed right?" He jokingly said trying to ease her nerves then spoke seriously.

"But seriously, you shouldn't keep burdening yourself. Let me carry some of it." Caelum enjoyed his time with Shizuku and hoped that when the time comes, she will become his but he also doesn't want her to have the burden that he carries.

Many of them including Shizuku included wanted to go home and be with their family and if she decided to follow him then she might leave and follow him during his adventure. He decided to let things take its course and wait for the right moment to tell her everything. 

Shizuku was surprised by the warmth but slowly loosening her muscles and enjoyed the moment with Caelum. Someone who she felt free.