Ultimate Level 1

Chapter 314

“I’m impressed,” Quilazmore repeated as he took the empty flask that Max held out for him. “Not only did you kill one of those, but you managed to survive their final gift.”

“Shouldn’t you mention to me or someone else that they do that upon death?”

Shrugging, the elf stored the flask.

“No. Part of all this is the unknown. Take you for example,” the servant said as he watched Max’s body heal the burnt sections of his skin. “Had I known you could do everything you did, I might have bet on you. Regardless, you’re a celebrity in some small way. Many here are excited at your next fights and what is to come. Even better are those who want to meet you. That is the real chance for growth.”

Max saw how Quilazmore was grinning, his purple teeth displayed again.

That one looks creepy.

Yes… still, we need to talk first.

“So now what? I return back to the place Igarra gave me?”

“No,” snorted his escort. “You have value. As such, you will be given a new place. If you will follow me, I shall transport you there. And before you ask, someone will find your companion and ensure they make it as well.”

***

Max wanted to explore the larger home he had been given. Three floors, large rooms to sleep in, eat in, use the restroom in, as well as pool of some sort that Quilazmore had said would ease his pain.

The greatest room, however, was a small one that could help reset skills with cooldown timers.

How does this work?

I’m not sure, but we need to talk. Forget this room and sit down. What we need to consider is important.

Grunting, Max moved away from the crystal room that was only a little bigger than him and found a chair, plopping into it, and closed his eyes.

Ok, tell me what you’re thinking, Bob.

Something like a sigh came through his mind.

Accept the last skill only. Do not accept the other.

Why?

You trust me? Correct?

Grumbling, Max nodded and selected yes.

[Skill Description - Omnilingualism]

*****

Omnilingualism - Legendary - You understand almost all languages within the system. The ability to speak them is not granted. Languages which your vocal cords can correctly produce may be spoken. The granting of this skill includes the ability to read and write if your body can produce the written language.

*****

Max felt his mind expand, and things he had once glanced at now made sense. All the books he had stared at as Tanila read, unsure what they said, beckoned to him, knowing now he could read them.

That is a powerful skill. Far greater than what you might think it is worth. Be careful, and do not tip your hand that you can understand everything someone says. Those who are foolish to speak, not knowing what you might hear, will find themselves sharing things that might save us one day.

I… So…

Breathe. I know what you are thinking, and yes it is a lot to take in. Now listen. You need to let me absorb the other skill. Do not take it. The power it will grant is best served helping me evolve, but if you were to acquire it, you may stand out even more in the system.

Frowning, Max knew Bob was right.

It feels weird though, not taking a skill… like I am preventing myself from something great. Imagine if I had been able to build a robot like the one that brain had. What would that allow us to do?

Paint a target on our backs. No one would be foolish to believe for a moment you knew that ability before that fight. Our secret would be revealed in this world. We are not ready for that yet, and you know it.

Fine… take it .

[ Consume is Consuming a skill ]

[ Robotics - Legendary has been Consumed ]

[ Power stored for future use ]

HOLY ELF TITS! A legendary skill?!

A sensation of excitement came from within.

Yes. I knew it was strong. I could sense it, but even I did not know it was legendary grade. That was so much more than any other skill has provided in a while. We may find I evolve sooner than later if this keeps up.

So now what?

Wait for your companion to arrive. See what we might acquire of value, and then schedule our next fight.

***

Jazzjak’s nose twitched almost as much as his ears upon arriving at the new home.

It took the vorpal rabbit a good bit to calm down, overly excited at how the fight had gone and the promotion it brought with it.

“You don’t understand!” he exclaimed. “I mean, I don’t fully understand everything yet, but from what I have learned, you are going to be happy with the rewards!”

Max watched as the rabbit danced in the kitchen, bouncing between the cooking pot and the vegetables it was cutting up.

“What I want to know is what those tokens will do. What can I use them for?”

“I would say armor, but I’m not sure if you have enough for anything that might protect you better than your own skin. Though I’m surprised your hair somehow managed to survive the explosion. I saw a replay, and it looked pretty bad.”

Max ran a hand through his unkempt mop of hair.

Maybe I should cut this…

“Regardless you can buy some supplies or potions, or perhaps crafting materials. It’s not a lot in this area, simply for smaller things. If you keep winning, that’s where the real power comes from.”

“And the rewards Quilazmore mentioned?”

“Skill shards. Nothing I think you would want yet or need. Anything, though, might be worth it if you can absorb it.”

“Like what kind of skill shards?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Pausing from his cutting, Jazzjak tapped the tip of the knife against his chin.

“Maybe some small stat shards, or perhaps a language shard or two. Again, I’m not completely certain, but they have value. Some will trade for them, offering items, or knowledge. Remember this place is far different than I ever imagined. You and I are both learning about it.”

As the rabbit got back to work making dinner, Max considered what his companion was telling him.

I’m going to assume we can’t craft anything unless someone is willing to let me try my hand… then again, do I want that kind of exposure?

Most likely not. You are already on a path we cannot hide from. Eventually we have to assume that Ezreal will find you.

Frowning, Max moved to the stairs and headed up to the second floor where the crystal room was and sat down in it, feeling energy flow into him.

Be honest. Am I anywhere close to being able to fight him?

No… you’re closer, but right now, I’m afraid we’re too slow. Perhaps if we could access your equipment, but that’s not possible right now.

And asking for help to remove the collar isn’t an option.

I would assume not. If you trust Jazzjak, you can ask him, but even then… You may need to rewrap more material around it sooner than later. I cannot see how you look, but I can feel the metal against part of your skin.

Without waiting, Max reached up and started to touch the leather he had wrapped around it to make it appear like a choker. The cool metal touched his hands, and a piece of leather snapped off.

That’s not good…

Sitting there in the room, Max stared out at the hallway across from him and considered something.

He focused on the stone wall and felt it was way harder than he had anticipated, trying to draw some of the material away from it.

It’s been shaped by a skill higher than yours. I’m not certain you can do that. Though the idea is good.

Leaving the room, Max returned to where Jazzjak was.

“When dinner is over can you do me a favor and get me some stone that is strong but also easy to control?”

The vorpal bunny cocked his head, his left ear falling over halfway.

“I can… how much do you need?”

“About this much,” Max replied as he held his hands about a foot apart and made a box.

“Okay. Let me finish up, and I’ll see what I can find.”

As the rabbit turned to finish dinner, Max heard him speaking and sensed it was his skill and not the ring translating for him.

“ Who knew I’d go from a fearless killer to a father and now simply a servant who cooks and fetches stuff… probably my wife…”

Trying not to laugh, Max left the room, leaving the rabbit to his cooking duties.

***

“Once again, Ifrit has burnt up the competition! Let’s see how much getting that arm regrown will cost him!”

Panting, Max couldn’t help but wave as he gazed at the stump on his left arm. Blood had stopped seeping from it, and while he could regrow it, he wanted to wait. Revealing too much wasn’t in the cards right now.

That fight wasn’t one that went our way. Smart thinking, though.

Glancing at the insect he had just slain, Max saw the other half of his arm jammed into its jaw and throat. Those pincers had sliced through in just a few bites after his Armored Warrior and Bulwark had worn off. Still, it had allowed him to reach the tender flesh inside the beast.

That exoskeleton shrugged off everything we threw at it. I really need to get a new weapon…

A silver disc appeared under him, and the tube of light surrounded him, bringing him back to his much larger box.

“Nice work!” Jazzjak called out as a cough came from Quilazmore.

“Would you like to purchase an item or potion to heal that injury? I can deduct it from your current winnings, or we can sell off a reward.”

“No thanks,” Max said as he waved the bloody stump in the air. “We already have something that will heal it, and for now, I’m ready to return home. Can you have the tokens and items delivered tonight?”

“I can. Anything else?”

“Not right now, but I may seek out some help picking out a weapon. Or perhaps I’ll visit that weaponsmith I’ve heard so much about.”

Motioning to the portal that was ready, Quilazmore waited for Max and Jazzjak to leave.

***

“Good bluff,” the vorpal bunny said as he watched Max’s arm start to regrow. “I knew you had some kind of regeneration powers, but that is beyond what most have. Does it hurt?”

“Not really… it just feels… weird. Now tell me, how do we stand on what I’m looking for?”

Clearing his throat, Jazzjak sighed, his nose twitching.

“I have located what you asked for. I can acquire it after today’s win. If you are serious about a weapon, seek out the one I told you. He is a fan and as such may provide for you the best chance at not taking all your money.”

Max nodded and motioned to the stairs.

“I’m going to go rest in the room. Can you make dinner again?”

Sighing, Jazzjak nodded.

“Perhaps I should get an apron to go with my suit.”

Chuckling, Max shook his head.

“No… if you don’t want to or feel it is beneath you, then find us someone who can do it. Just know, you’re responsible for them. Can you honestly believe you’ll find someone who won’t share what they hear or see in here?”

“You’re right… that would be… difficult,” replied his companion. “No worries. I enjoy cooking, even if I won’t admit it. Go recover. I’ll deal with dinner.”

***

[ Bonus Stats Consumed ]

[ 35 Dexterity Consumed ]

[ 35 Constitution Consumed ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Skill does not match being’s entity type ]

[ Power stored for future use ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Skill does not match being’s body type ]

[ Consume is adjusting skill ]

[ Consume has Consumed a Higher Rank Skill ]

[ Evasion - Rare has been upgraded to Evasion - Epic ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Consume has Consumed a Higher Rank Skill ]

[ Rampage - Rare has been upgraded to Rampage - Epic ]

[ Consume has successfully Consumed a skill ]

[ Skill does not match being’s body type ]

[ Power stored for future use ]

Max sat on the small crystal bench, watching as his fingers finished forming, gazing between them and his notifications.

We are getting stronger… three fights now… just how many more do we need?

Only time will tell. It would appear, though, they have stopped giving you casters. That last one wasn’t even a challenge.

Chuckling, Max closed his eyes and nodded.

At least she gave us an ability.

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