Takes a slow breath and settles into the writing chair
Let's talk, you and I. First, I want to thank everyone who's joined me on this journey into the Solo Leveling universe. Your support means more than you might realize. The decision to offer bonus chapters at 200 powerstone intervals feels like a natural way to expand this world we're building together.
I understand some of you might be wondering why we haven't dove headfirst into the Korean hunter scene, why Jin-woo hasn't appeared to measure his aura against Xavier's. Here's the truth: Xavier Valentine needs to exist as his own person first. His story, his struggles, his relationship with Noel – these aren't just stepping stones to fan-service crossovers. They're the foundation of who he is.
Speaking of Noel...
Let's address the elephant in the room. To those who find siblings showing genuine concern for each other "cringe" – I have to wonder what damaged your perception of human relationships so severely. Family bonds aren't weakness. They're not plot devices. They're complex, messy, sometimes uncomfortable realities that shape who we are. Xavier's devotion to Noel isn't a character flaw; it's part of his humanity.
And while we're being honest, let's talk about this obsession with protagonists who never falter, never doubt, never make mistakes. You want a brave hero who always makes perfect decisions? Go read a children's book. Real characters – even in fantasy worlds – struggle. They fail. They doubt themselves. They make terrible choices for understandable reasons. That's what makes them worth reading about.
The number of comments I've seen reducing complex emotional responses to "cringe" or "weak" is, frankly, alarming. It suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of human nature. Or worse, a deliberate rejection of it. Life isn't a power fantasy where the protagonist levels up and suddenly becomes emotionally invulnerable. Power doesn't erase trauma. Strength doesn't eliminate fear. Love isn't weakness.
To those readers who get it, who understand what we're building here – thank you. You're the reason I keep writing. You see Xavier's struggles with his hunter identity not as indecision, but as genuine internal conflict. You recognize that his relationship with Noel isn't simple sibling affection, but a complex bond forged in shared trauma and loss.
For everyone else... sets glasses back in place
If you're looking for a story where the protagonist never shows vulnerability, where family bonds are treated as disposable plot points, where emotional complexity is sacrificed for power scaling – you're in the wrong place. This isn't that story. It never will be.
Xavier Valentine isn't Jin-woo. He's not meant to be. He's a young man carrying the weight of his sister's future, wrestling with powers he doesn't fully understand, trying to navigate a world that killed his parents. His story deserves to be told with all its complications intact.
So yes, there will be moments of doubt. There will be scenes of siblings supporting each other. There will be bad decisions made for deeply human reasons. Because that's what makes a character real. That's what makes a story worth telling.
Now, shall we continue?
======
I set the empty beer bottle down and stretched, glancing at my phone. 7:03 PM.
"I need some air," I said, pushing myself up from the floor where we'd spread our pizza feast.
Noel looked up from her phone. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just full. Thought I'd walk around the block, help digestion."
She studied me for a moment, those piercing blue eyes missing nothing. "Take your phone."
"Yes, mom," I said, snatching it from the charger.
"And text if you're going farther than the corner store."
I waved dismissively as I headed for the door, but her words warmed me. The concern went both ways these days.
Outside, the evening air hit my face with a welcome coolness. The street lamps flickered to life as dusk settled over our neighborhood. Not the best part of LA, but not the worst either. Working-class families, small businesses, the occasional tagged wall quickly painted over.
I walked without direction, letting my feet carry me while my mind sorted through everything that had happened. The ossuary dungeon. The system. Noel's research. It felt like standing on the edge of something enormous, a precipice between my old life and something new.
When I reached the small park three blocks from our apartment, I found a bench partially hidden by shrubs and sat down. No one else was around—perfect.
'Arcan, you mentioned a reward earlier. Something about skill selection?'
『Correct. Completion of the Gate: Purification of the Ossuary has unlocked skill selection. You may choose one skill from each available category.』
'Show me the options.'
An ethereal display of glowing blue script materialized in my vision. Unlike a video game interface with rigid menus and boxes, this appeared as elegant, flowing arcane symbols arranged in a circular pattern. As I focused on different segments, information expanded outward like ripples in water.
『First Set - Combat Foundation:』
『1. "Pressure Points" - Identify and target structural weaknesses in enemies. Accumulated hits increase vulnerability.』
『2. "Force Multiplication" - Chain attacks build increasing force, culminating in powerful finishing strikes.』
『3. "Flow" - Each successful hit and dodge increases attack speed.』
『4. "Echo" - Create afterimage attacks through high-speed movement. Short-range teleport between strikes.』
I considered the options. Pressure Points seemed redundant—between my six eyes and Arcan's analytical abilities, we could already identify weaknesses after fighting an enemy.
'Tell me more about Force Multiplication.'
『Force Multiplication channels kinetic energy from each connected strike into the next. Energy accumulates exponentially, allowing for devastating finishing moves. At base level, a fifteen-hit chain would amplify the final strike's impact by 75%. Integration with weapons is seamless. Energy accumulation is visually represented by faint blue trails following your strikes.』
That sounded promising. 'And Flow?'
『Flow creates a feedback loop between successful actions and speed enhancement. Each hit landed increases attack speed by 3%, stacking up to 30%. Each successful dodge increases speed by 2%, stacking separately up to 20%. Combined maximum of 50% increased speed. Enhancement decays at 5% per second when no successful actions are performed.』
'Finally, Echo?'
『Echo leverages momentum to create spatial distortions. At base level, allows creation of afterimage attacks that strike 0.3 seconds after the original. Also enables short-range teleportation (maximum 3 meters) between consecutive strikes. Teleportation vectors follow attack momentum. Energy cost increases with distance and frequency.』
All three had potential. Force Multiplication would give me raw power, especially against stronger enemies. Flow would make me faster the longer a fight went on. Echo seemed the most versatile, offering both attack enhancement and mobility.
'Let's move to the second set.'
『Second Set - Mana Application:』
『1. "Force Pulse" - Convert mana into kinetic energy.』
『2. "Mana Control" - Basic manipulation of mana flow. Reduce spell costs, increase efficiency.』
『3. "Force Edge" - Channel mana through weapons for increased penetration.』
『4. "Mana Disruption" - Destabilize enemy mana structures. Weaken magical defenses or disrupt spell casting.』
Mana Control seemed too basic, and Force Edge felt like a more limited version of what I needed. I eliminated those immediately.
'Tell me more about Force Pulse.'
『Force Pulse converts mana into directional kinetic force. Base application creates concussive blasts from palms or weapons. Advanced application enables shockwaves, repulsion fields, or focused impact points. Range varies with mana input. Current maximum effective range would be approximately 7 meters. Visible manifestation appears as transparent blue-white energy ripples.』
'And Mana Disruption?'
『Mana Disruption is a technique that requires perfect timing between physical impact and mana application. When mana is applied within 0.000001 seconds of a physical hit, it creates a resonance effect that dramatically amplifies damage and disrupts the target's mana structure.』
Both had their appeal. Force Pulse would give me a ranged option, something I'd sorely lacked in the ossuary. But with every hunter and strong monster using or having mana, Mana Disruption could be invaluable.
'Let's see the third set.'
『Third Set - Utility/Survival:』
『1. "Quick Recovery" - Rapid physical/mental recovery after combat. Reduce fatigue, clear battle stress.』
『2. "Danger Sense" - Subconscious threat detection. Early warning system for incoming attacks or environmental hazards.』
『3. "Silent Step" - Minimize sound and impact while moving. Perfect for stealth or surprise attacks.』
『4. "Signature Suppression" - Reduce mana signature visibility. Harder to detect by magical means.』
Each of these seemed useful in different scenarios. I couldn't immediately eliminate any.
'Tell me about Quick Recovery.'
『Quick Recovery accelerates natural healing processes and mental reset. Physical recovery includes 300% faster stamina regeneration, 150% faster wound closure, and 200% improved toxin processing. Mental recovery includes rapid stress hormone reduction, improved focus recovery, and reduced post-combat disorientation. Primary benefit is sustained operational capacity during extended engagements or multiple consecutive encounters.』
'Danger Sense?'
『Danger Sense establishes a subconscious monitoring system for threats. Provides 1-3 seconds warning of direct physical threats, depending on severity and proximity. Can detect ambushes, traps, and environmental hazards within a 10-meter radius. Warning manifests as directional intuition rather than explicit information. Effectiveness reduced in highly chaotic environments or against threats specifically designed to mask presence.』
'Silent Step?'
『Silent Step manipulates kinetic transfer between your body and surfaces. Reduces footfall sound by 90%, eliminates impact vibrations, and minimizes environmental disturbance. Allows movement across normally noisy surfaces (gravel, dry leaves, creaky floors) without detection. Secondary benefit includes impact shock absorption, reducing fall damage by 40%. Does not mask visual presence or scent.』
'And finally, Signature Suppression?'
『Signature Suppression minimizes your magical energy emissions. Reduces passive mana signature by 75%, making you significantly harder to detect by magical sensors or mana-sensitive entities. Active abilities remain detectable but at reduced range. Provides partial masking against magical tracking methods. Does not affect physical tracking or conventional detection methods. Particularly effective for stealth approaches to magical entities or avoiding automated magical security systems.』
I leaned back on the bench, processing everything. Each skill offered different advantages, and they needed to work together as a system.
For the first set, it came down to fighting style. Force Multiplication would give me raw power, but required consistent hit chains. Flow would make me faster as a fight progressed, giving me an edge in longer encounters. Echo offered both offense and mobility, but seemed more mana intensive.
For the second set, the choice was between Force Pulse and Mana Disruption. Force Pulse would give me a ranged attack option—something I'd desperately needed in the ossuary. But Mana Disruption could be a game-changer against magical threats.
The third set presented the hardest choice. Quick Recovery would help me handle multiple encounters, essential for deeper dungeon dives. Danger Sense could save my life by warning me of threats I might miss. Silent Step would let me control engagements, choosing when and where to fight. Signature Suppression would help me avoid magical detection, potentially letting me bypass certain threats entirely.
A dog barked in the distance, pulling me from my thoughts. The park had darkened while I deliberated, streetlights now casting long shadows across the grass.
'Arcan, what happens after I make my choices?'
『Selected skills will integrate with your system. Skills improve through active use and targeted practice rather than arbitrary level ups. Integration occurs immediately, but mastery requires consistent application.』
'Can these skills be changed later?'
『Once selected, skills become permanent attributes. However, they can evolve based on your usage patterns and affinity. Future gates will offer additional skill selections, allowing for expansion rather than replacement.』
I stood, stretching my legs as I continued to weigh options. This wasn't just about immediate benefits—it was about building a foundation for whatever came next.
'Do the skills need to synergize with each other?'
『Synergy is not required but is highly beneficial. Complementary skills amplify each other's effectiveness. Your natural fighting style should also be considered.』
I thought about how I fought in the ossuary—adaptive, opportunistic, using the environment and enemy patterns to my advantage. I wasn't the strongest or fastest, but I was observant and strategic. What skills would enhance that approach?
Echo would give me mobility and deception options, perfect for creating and exploiting openings. Force Pulse would provide range and crowd control. And Danger Sense would give me additional information to make better tactical decisions.
But was that the optimal combination? Force Multiplication could turn a single opening into a devastating finish. Mana Disruption could neutralize magical threats before they became problems. Quick Recovery would let me maintain peak performance longer. Silent Step would let me choose my engagements more carefully.
I pulled out my phone, checking the time. 7:48 PM. I'd been out longer than intended.
A text from Noel: You fall in a ditch or something?
I smiled, typing back: Thinking about job options. Back in 10.
Her reply came immediately: Bring ice cream.
'Arcan, I need more time to think about this. Can I delay my decision?'
『Skill selection can remain pending for up to 5 days. After that time, default selections will be made based on your demonstrated preferences and combat patterns.』
'Good. I'll decide after I've had time to consider what I might face.'
I stretched my back and started the walk home, my mind still churning through the skill options. The air had cooled, carrying the scent of someone's charcoal grill a few houses down.
At the corner store, I grabbed a pint of mint chocolate chip—Noel's favorite—and paid the bored cashier. Outside, I leaned against the brick wall and fished the black business card from my pocket. The embossed gold text caught the streetlight: "Keiko Nemoto - Dragon's Arsenal - Weapons Specialist." Below it, a handwritten cell number.
I hesitated, thumb hovering over the keypad. It was nearly 8 PM—probably after business hours. Still, she'd given me the card for a reason.
I dialed before I could talk myself out of it. The phone rang once before clicking to voicemail.
"You've reached Tenten of Dragon's Arsenal. Leave detailed information about your inquiry or emergency. I'll respond based on priority."
Her voice was clipped and professional, exactly as I remembered from the shop. The beep sounded.
"Hey, it's Xavier Valentine. We met at your shop this afternoon—white hair, blue eyes, bought the two knives." I paused, suddenly feeling awkward. "Just wanted to let you know they performed well. Went into a gate today and didn't die a gruesome death, so... thanks for the recommendation. That's all. Bye."
I hung up, immediately regretting the message. Didn't die a gruesome death? Real smooth, Valentine.
The mint chocolate chip was starting to sweat in its bag. I should head home, but there was one more call I needed to make. I scrolled through my contacts and hit Miguel's number.
The phone rang three times before his familiar voice answered. "X-ray! About time, man. You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good," I said, watching a car drift past with bass thumping loud enough to vibrate the sidewalk. "Sorry about today. Needed a mental health day."
"Mental health day, huh?" Miguel's tone carried a hint of skepticism. "This have anything to do with you freaking out about some purple gate yesterday?"
"That was... part of it," I admitted. "Look, I've been thinking about some things. Career moves."
"Career moves?" His voice perked up. "You finally getting out of pouring concrete?"
"Sort of." A moth fluttered around the streetlight above me, casting erratic shadows. "I'm getting back into being a porter."
The line went quiet for a moment. "A porter? Like, for gates? Hunter stuff?"
"Yeah. Low risk, decent pay. It's entry-level, but it's a foot in the door."
Miguel exhaled slowly. "Damn. That's... unexpected."
"I know your mom gets weird about hunting stuff," I said, keeping my voice casual. "But I'd really like my best friend with me on this. What good is it eating if your hermano can't eat with you, right?"
He laughed at the familiar phrase—something his grandfather used to say. "Using my own Abuelo's wisdom against me. That's cold, X."
"Is it working?"
"Maybe." I could practically see him running a hand through his perpetually windswept hair. "You serious about this? Not just talking?"
"Dead serious. Got a lead on a job already."
"Shit. You know I've been thinking about it too. The gates... they call, man. Like they know me."
I straightened. "You feel it too?"
"Since I was sixteen. Promised Mama I wouldn't, after what happened to Dad and my brothers. But lately..."
"It's getting stronger," I finished for him.
"Yeah." His voice dropped. "Like a hum under my skin."
I knew exactly what he meant. That pull, that recognition. The sense of something waiting.
"So you're in?" I asked.
"Fuck it. Yeah, I'm in." The words tumbled out in a rush. "Been waiting for you to get off your ass and use that potential anyway. Wasting away mixing cement."
"Look who's talking."
"Difference is I'm good at it," he shot back, laughing. "Chuck's gonna lose his mind when his two best workers quit to chase the hunter dream."
"Chuck'll survive. Probably been expecting it anyway."
"True. Man's got a sixth sense for this shit." Miguel paused. "So what's the plan? When do we start?"
"I'm waiting on confirmation for a gig tomorrow. I'll text you details once I have them."
"Tomorrow? Damn, you don't mess around." The excitement in his voice was unmistakable. "Alright, I'll tell Chuck in the morning. You want me to handle that or you gonna call him too?"
"I'll call him," I said. "Least I can do."
"Cool. And X?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks. For asking me. Been feeling stuck for a while now."
"Don't get sentimental on me, Gonzalez."
"Fuck you too," he said warmly. "See you tomorrow."