[Unique Skill Detected.]
[Unique Skill: Absorption Lv.1]
[Description: This skill grants the user the ability to absorb the memories, abilities, mana, and attributes of a defeated enemy upon activation. However, absorption can only be performed on a target that has already died. The quality and quantity of absorption depend on the user's proficiency and the strength of the deceased. At lower levels, the absorption process may be incomplete or unstable, but as the skill evolves, it can extract and refine more power with greater efficiency.]
Julian gasped in shock as he stared at the transparent blue hovering in the aire= before him. He felt numb with confusion as he pondered the potential of this 'Unique Skill' and how amazing it is when the system changed again.
Julian's breath hitched as he read the words displayed before him.
[Sealed Memories Detected.]
[Would you like to unseal?]
His fingers twitched. Sealed memories? What did that mean? Did they belong to him, or were they remnants of whoever he was before reincarnation? Or was this something tied to his new Unique Skill?
A dozen thoughts raced through his mind, but the system didn't offer any explanations. It simply awaited his decision.
Julian swallowed. If there was even a chance that these memories contained information about his past or some hidden power, he couldn't afford to ignore it. But at the same time, there was hesitation. Would unsealing these memories change him? Would he still be himself afterward?
The screen pulsed as if urging him to decide.
[Unseal Memories?]
[Yes] | [No]
Julian clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and muttered."Yes"
The moment he did, a searing pain exploded in his skull.
"Gah—!" He staggered backward, clutching his head as his vision blurred. It felt as if something was clawing its way into his mind, forcing itself upon his consciousness. Memories—countless, fragmented images—flashed before his eyes in rapid succession.
[Unsealing Memories…]
He clutched his head, gritting his teeth as fragmented memories pieced themselves together.
Then, clarity.
The Julian of this world had been nothing but an ordinary F-rank adventurer—a nobody. He had been weak, scraping by with low-paying quests, barely making enough to afford meals. He possessed no extraordinary talent, no noble lineage, and no powerful backers. His class was 'Fighter,' a basic combat-oriented class with minimal growth potential. His stats had been laughable, his skills mediocre, and his life unremarkable.
But then, everything had changed.
He had somehow wandered into the hideout of a dangerous criminal. Whether by mistake or sheer misfortune, he had triggered a hidden trap within the lair. Spikes had shot up from the ground, piercing his body in an instant. He had bled out alone in the darkness of that cave, his final thoughts filled with regret and bitterness.
And then, Julian—the one from another world—had taken over his corpse.
Julian exhaled slowly, his mind finally settling. The memories felt real, as if they had always been his. He now understood his place in this world, and more importantly, how it functioned.
This world revolved around a structured power system that dictated one's strength and status. At the heart of this system were Classes, Ranks, Attributes, Elemental Affinity, and Skills.
Classes: Unlike in some fantasy worlds, people in this one were not born with a predetermined class. Instead, they chose a class based on their techniques and elemental abilities. Fighters, mages, assassins, marksmans and tanks—each class was shaped by the user's combat style and elemental affinity. However, the strength of a person was largely determined at their first awakening. The rank and attributes gained at that moment defined their potential. Even with years of training, bridging the gap between ranks was nearly impossible.
Ranks: Strength was measured in ranks, from the lowest F-rank to the legendary S-rank. Most commoners never awakened beyond E-rank, while nobles and prodigies climbed to C-rank and beyond. Each rank signified a massive leap in power. Julian had been at the bottom—F-rank, the weakest of the weak.
Attributes: Every individual had core attributes—Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intelligence, and Mana. A fighter relied on Strength and Endurance, a mage on Intelligence and Mana. Training, battle experience, and unique skills could enhance these attributes, but those with poor starting stats had little hope of rising above their limitations. Additionally, a person's attributes could differ based on their elemental affinity. For example, those with Wind Affinity were often more agile and had higher mana reserves but lacked brute strength and endurance. Earth Affinity individuals had superior endurance and strength but were generally slower. Each element carried natural advantages and limitations.
Elemental Affinities: Every awakened individual possessed control over one of the seven elemental affinities—Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, Light, or Dark. Rarely, an individual could awaken with dual elements, but such cases were almost nonexistent. Magic and skills were often tied to one's element, further shaping their combat capabilities.
Skills: The backbone of combat. Skills were either granted by one's class, learned through training, or obtained through rare artifacts. They ranged from basic sword techniques to reality-defying magic. High-rank individuals wielded skills that could level cities, while weaklings like the past Julian barely had access to rudimentary abilities. Skills were ranked from F to S, with F being the weakest and S being legendary. Furthermore, those who awakened at B-rank or higher each possessed a Unique Skill, an ability completely exclusive to them, making them far stronger than ordinary combatants.
And now, Julian possessed something that defied the rules of this world.
[Unique Skill: Absorption Lv.1]
With this ability, he could break free from the limitations of a mere 'Fighter.' He could steal power—memories, skills, mana—from those he defeated. He could rise above his pathetic past and carve a new path.
He smirked, newfound confidence surging through him.
'The Julian of this world may have been weak, but I am not him. Not anymore.'