The golden box rotating in the air burst open, and in its place appeared a necklace with three beads of red, green, and blue. At first glance, its luxurious aura was notably different from the previous items.
Raul, feeling slightly excited, activated his analysis ability to inspect the necklace.
『Song of the Three Souls』
Rarity: Unique
Grade: S
Effect: Spiritual Power Recovery Speed +50%
Special Effect: Can pre-store three different psychokinetic powers for later use.
Description: A necklace made by threading together fragments of ancient psychokinetic souls. The guidance of ancient souls enhances spiritual power recovery speed. Additionally, it holds three different psychokinetic abilities that can be utilized whenever the owner desires or under pre-determined conditions.
“Wow!”
Raul exclaimed, carefully stroking the necklace with trembling hands. Upon hearing Raul’s explanation, Rabel and Caldenas also wore expressions of admiration.
Even after using countless items during his past life as Bae Dohyun, there were very few psychokinetic items with such special effects.
The basic effect of increased spiritual power recovery speed was nearly essential for psychokinetics. Although psychokinetic powers are quick to activate and powerful, they do have one drawback—a lack of prolonged combat capability.
Mana used by knights and mages was widely available in the atmosphere. Thus, many mana techniques and skills included methods for absorbing and recovering atmospheric mana during battle.
In contrast, the spiritual power foundational to psychokinetics had to naturally recover internally, not being absorbed from the outside. Some sinister psychokinetic abilities did allow for the plundering of others’ souls, but this was generally not an option.
Consequently, psychokinetics often struggled to fully utilize their abilities on the battlefield.
‘If spiritual power is depleted, you are as good as defenseless. Of course, I am different.’
Efficiently utilizing limited spiritual power was a sad criteria distinguishing skilled psychokinetics. Thus, regardless of what anyone said, the top-priority items coveted by psychokinetics were those related to spiritual power.
Items with options for increasing spiritual power, boosting recovery speed, or reducing spiritual power usage were not only exorbitantly priced compared to other classes’ items but were also so scarce that they were rarely traded.
In his past life, Bae Dohyun had managed to piece together an increase of about 120% in spiritual power recovery speed over more than ten years, illustrating the immense value of this item.
‘And the special effect! This is truly an option made for me.’
A player’s skill slots were limited. To use them most efficiently, placing the most powerful and frequently used skills was essential.
However, there were sometimes skills that, though infrequently used, were crucially important. Ultimate skills draining both health and spiritual power.
Evasive maneuvers that could save one’s life in dire situations. Highly advanced techniques requiring significant time and concentration to activate.
The ability to store these as a sort of insurance was incredibly advantageous. In magical terms, it would be comparable to memorizing (storing) spells or using magic scrolls.
The difference was that it could store any type of psychokinetic ability, regardless of kind or grade, and it could be repeatedly refilled at no cost.
For reference, the Memorize spell had limits on the number and level of spells it could store, depending on the mage’s skill level.
Moreover, magic scrolls were not only absurdly expensive, but high-circle magic scrolls were also incredibly difficult to obtain.
‘Additionally, the automatic activation under specified conditions is great too.’
In battle, having skills that automatically activate in critical moments would certainly be a great help. But more than anything, what captivated Raul was the ability to store any psychokinesis.
The numerous psychokinetic skills currently dormant in his skill book. How versatile would it be if he could pre-select and store the ones he needed?
Clearly, this necklace was worth more than just being unique.
“How long are you going to keep staring at that necklace?”
Rabel’s blunt voice snapped Raul out of his reverie. She was probably upset that no decent magic items had appeared, but what could he do? The items had already been distributed this way.
Unlike the two items he had thrown into his inventory without hesitation, Raul carefully wore the necklace and tucked it inside his shirt. It might have been his imagination, but he felt a lot clearer in his head.
“Well then, shall we check the other rewards?”
Since he had already obtained an item he liked, Raul’s voice was full of ease. The second reward was titles.
『Title – Proven Psychic』
Grade: A
Effect: Psychic Power +10%
The other titles, 『Proven Warrior』 and 『Proven Mage』, each increased the power of their respective fields by 10%.
Such percentage-increasing titles became exponentially more valuable the more they were accumulated, making them highly prized.
Additionally, he had earned another title:
『Title – First Graduate』
Grade: A
Effect: Experience, Money, and Coins earned from quests +20%
‘As expected, it’s a bit underwhelming.’
It was a reward-boosting title, not one related to combat. While not useless, it felt somewhat lacking for an A-Grade title. Especially for Raul, who didn’t primarily focus on quests, it didn’t seem particularly significant.
“Truly, the gods are capricious. Why do they bestow such powers upon outsiders instead of their own children….”
Caldenas, who had been admiring the various titles bestowed upon Raul, showed a slight hint of discontent. He was aware that these systems were designed for players, having learned enough about the Connect system from Raul and Rabel.
Unlike Raul, Rabel and Caldenas regarded the Connect system as a form of divine power. It certainly bothered him that such tremendous rewards and powers were given primarily to players instead of the Connect residents.
“Teacher, don’t worry too much. The gods care for them because without their help, they wouldn’t be of any use to us. And doesn’t my presence prove that divine blessings are not given solely to them?”
Though not all Connect residents benefited from the system, it was true that Raul’s presence had brought many benefits to the First Knight Order and many others.
Moreover, without Raul, Rabel and Caldenas might have disappeared without anyone ever knowing.
“Indeed. The gods must have had a reason for choosing you over those less capable. Keep persevering on your path and continue to improve.”
Caldenas, patting Raul on the shoulder, regained his composure.
“Then, let’s check the final reward.”
Raul brought up the reward window that he had set aside earlier.
The things he had been most eagerly anticipating and absolutely had to acquire finally began to appear.
-『Event Quest: Defeat the Instructor (Psychic)』 Additional goal achieved.
-Additional Reward: You can enhance one of your exclusive skill effects. Choose one of the following options.
1) Psychokinesis 『Power』 Growth – Increases the total volume that can be moved by psychokinesis by 2.5 times.
2)Psychokinesis 『Control』 Growth – Increases the number of objects that can be manipulated at one time by 2.5 times.
3) Psychokinesis 『Range』 Growth – Increases detection and projection range by 1.5 times.
4) Flicker Growth – Upgrade B-Grade Flicker to A-Grade.
5) Quick Reflexes Growth – Upgrade B-Grade Quick Reflexes to A-Grade.
6) Gravity Field Growth – Upgrade (B-) grade Gravity Field to (A-) grade.
*Note: Options marked with an asterisk have already been enhanced once and their effects will be halved.
Raul didn’t hesitate.
“I choose number 3!”
Though the enhancement effect was halved compared to an S-Grade Spirit Stone, it was still incredibly significant. He had chosen power and control over range in the recent Spirit Stone event, considering this event.
‘It’s obvious to strengthen a few core skills rather than spreading it thin across several mediocre ones.’
With this, Raul’s psychokinesis range now exceeded 100 meters. He had secured a distance that allowed him not only to defend against long-range attacks but also to launch some counterattacks.
If his psychokinesis mastery reached an advanced level, Raul could literally become a ruler who commands an entire domain.
‘Of course, I would need to ensure sufficient spiritual power.’
He had surpassed his previous life’s spiritual power within a year and a half through the Quercus Meditation Technique, but it was still far from the level required to achieve his ultimate dream.
Therefore, if given the opportunity, he planned to search for Spirit Stones or artifacts that could increase his total spiritual power, which he had never managed to obtain in his previous life.
He had completed his psychokinetic enhancements, leaving close combat and magic enhancements remaining. With a flash, the holographic window displayed options for close combat enhancements.
1) Infinity Sword 『Efficiency』 Growth – Reduces the mana consumption for sword-related techniques by 20%.
2) Infinity Sword 『Speed』 Growth – Increases swordsmanship speed by 10%.
3) Infinity Sword 『Destructiveness』 Growth – Increases swordsmanship destructiveness by 10%.
4) Ashton Family Swordsmanship 『Skill』 Growth – Increases the precision of swordsmanship by 10%.
5) Physical Ability 『Strength』 Enhancement – Increases strength by 5%.
6) Physical Ability 『Agility』 Enhancement – Increases agility by 5%.
‘Hmm.’
Raul’s expression grew serious as he reviewed the options. In all honesty, he wasn’t sure what to choose.
Considering an overall increase in basic abilities, his eyes were drawn to enhancing physical abilities. From a technical standpoint, choosing Infinity Sword seemed appropriate. Naturally, the option to enhance his family’s swordsmanship was also tempting.
“Master, which one should I choose?”
Raul looked at Caldenas with a troubled expression. Surprisingly, Caldenas was more concerned with something other than the options.
“Raul, it’s been over half a year since we’ve been together. I’ve given much thought while observing your combat style.”
Caldenas’s tone turned serious, causing Raul to tense up.
“Since you aren’t walking the typical path of a swordsman, I believe it’s not right to force a swordsman’s growth method on you. Let me ask you this: Raul, what do you think is your greatest weakness?”
Raul couldn’t immediately answer his master’s question. His main combat techniques were psychokinesis and swordsmanship. However, he had also used various weapons, psychokinetic powers, and sometimes even magic depending on the situation.
Determining what he lacked the most and what his master was hinting at was not easy.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say because I feel like I lack in so many areas.”
Caldenas nodded, understanding his predicament.
“I wasn’t looking for a right answer. Let me tell you my thoughts.”
Caldenas looked down at his sword as he spoke.
“I’ve lived my whole life looking at nothing but the sword. I’ve strived to accomplish everything possible with a blade. But that path doesn’t suit you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Psychokinesis. A divine gift and talent. As long as you have it, you neither need to follow my path nor should you attempt to.”
Caldenas drew his sword and demonstrated an Infinity Sword technique. In the infinite variations of sword movements, there was a mastery of offense and defense. Sometimes swift, sometimes deliberate, sometimes light—everything a sword could show seemed to be contained within.
That seemed to be the very definition of perfect swordsmanship.
“I aimed to create a balanced swordsmanship that achieves everything with a single blade. But with psychokinesis to complement your skills, you should focus on what only swordsmanship can accomplish.”
“You mean to say…”
“Raul, I believe your greatest weakness is your ‘decisiveness’. A powerful finishing blow that can decide the outcome of a battle. I can’t find that in your combat style.”
“…!”
Honestly, Raul had never considered that. He had never failed to defeat an opponent with the combination of his skills and believed that they provided sufficient destructiveness.
“To be frank, I think you’ve been very lucky so far. Or rather, you’ve directed the situations in your favor. But think carefully—have you ever faced an opponent who truly outmatched you, or engaged in a life-or-death duel with a significant threat?”
Memories of past battles flashed through Raul’s mind. But his master wasn’t wrong. In most battles, Raul had already secured a winning situation before facing his opponent.
“To put it nicely, it was a strategic victory, but to put it bluntly, it meant that you’ve only faced weak opponents.”
“Of course, with your abilities, you might never find yourself in such dangerous situations in the future. However, if you were to face such an overwhelming opponent, what would you do? If you had only one chance to strike, what would be your best move?”
Raul bit his lip unconsciously.
(To be continued)