Conquering The Novel

"It is difficult to acquire new skills; you must put in a lot of effort to at least practice the fundamentals—"

Bianca came to a halt in her utterance when she noticed the skill scroll glowing.

Ding!—

[Aquired New Skill]

I called upon the system when I saw the notification to investigate my new skill.

[STATUS]

NAME : Ares

RACE : Human

PROFESSION : [Intermediate Swordsman★★★][Beginner Archer★★]

TITLES : [The Executioner] [The Youngest Swordmaster] [The Demon Slaver].

Adventurer Rank : A

Strength : A

Agility : A+

Stamina : A

Mana Capacity : B

Luck : C-

Charm : A+

◆

Abilities : [Universal Language]

[Photographic Memory]

◆

Skills: [Fell Crescent★★★]

[Snake Steps★★★]

[Hawkseye★★]

[Static Electricity★★]

[Atomic Slash★] ‐ [NEW]

***

I was taken aback by the new system interface.

!?

'Has the update been completed? But why didn't I receive the notification that the system had been updated, though?' I gave it some thought, but decided to ignore it for the time being and concentrate on the skills section.

And as I noticed the new skill I had just acquired, a smile spread across my face.

Consequently, I clicked on it to find out more about it.

[Atomic Slash★]

—It enables the user to execute numerous strikes with incredible speed in a single motion.

***

The ★ appears to represent my mastery of the skill; the greater my mastery, the more stars.

"That's pretty convenient," I muttered, turning my gaze to Bianca, who was staring at me in disbelief.

"...."

"She is questioning her entire life, seeing how easily you were able to acquire that skill," Irethiel remarked after witnessing Bianca's expression.

"I'm pretty used to this type of reaction by now," I telepathically replied to Irethiel.

"N-No, How is that even possible? Did you pick up that skill with a single glance?" Bianca inquired, puzzled.

Before I could respond to Bianca, Ziona quickly approached me and took the scroll from me.

"Give it to me, let me try it as well," Ziona said, taking the skill scroll from me.

For a few moments, she stared at the scroll from top to bottom.

"Huh? Why is the scroll empty? Was it a one-time use?" Ziona inquired confused.

"Let me see it," Kevin said as he asked Ziona for the scroll.

And as Ziona passed the scroll to him, Kevin examined it for a few moments and he couldn't find anything on it as well.

They both turned to look at Bianca in a perplexed manner, requesting an explanation.

Bianca snapped out of her stupor when she felt their gazes.

"N-No, it is not a one-time use scroll. As I previously stated, you must understand the basic fundamentals of the skill in order to acquire it," Bianca clarified.

She then looked at me and inquired.

"How did you learn that skill without even understanding its fundamentals?"

"...I'm not sure, I guess I just have a good memory," I lied as if it were natural.

"...."

'That's not something you can achieve just because you have a good memory,' Bianca thought to herself, but she decided not to probe any further.

"... Nevertheless, I congratulate you on learning a new skill. I believe it will complement well with your affinity for electricity," Bianca said with a smile and exited the training hall because the class time was already over.

"...It's so unfair to be strong, handsome, and smart all at the same time," Kevin remarked.

Ziona just stood there, expressionless, for a few seconds after hearing Kevin's remark.

"...Well, you're not entirely wrong. However, nothing in this world was ever fair, "Ziona muttered as she walked out of the training ground with Ares.

"At least he's no longer a prince," Kevin murmured as he followed them.

***

As we arrived at our next class's classroom, we discovered that it was deserted.

"...."

"Ah, Ares, you've finally arrived; what took you so long?" Livia appeared unexpectedly behind us and greeted me as I entered the classroom.

I think she's been waiting for me to get back from my advisor training class.

"Are there no classes today, too?" I inquired of Livia.

"Yes, today's classes have also been canceled," Livia replied.

"...I see; where have the others gone?" I inquired.

"They're waiting for us in the Archery practice area," Livia responded.

"OK, let's get going there as well," I said as I walked away.

And while we were on our way to the Archery range, Livia suddenly spoke.

"...I heard what happened,"

"Oh, you're talking about me being disowned?" I inquired.

"...Yes, and also about your fiancee," Livia responded.

"...."

"And what about my fiancée?" My brow furrowed as I inquired.

"The head of the merchant association just announced the termination of your engagement to his daughter," Livia responded.

!?

"...Is that true? " I enquired as I quickly pulled out my phone to call Silvia.

Her father might have announced it without getting her permission, and knowing Silvia's personality, I know she wouldn't be taking this well.

As I pondered to myself, I phoned her.

However, I was unable to reach her because her phone was reportedly off.

"...."

"A-And that's not even the worst part," Livia exclaimed abruptly.

When I heard her, I came to a halt in my steps and turned to face her.

"...Can you explain what you mean?" I asked, my face expressionless since I have a bad feeling about what she was about to say.

"H-He then announced her engagement to your brother Aretrus," Livia remarked with apprehension.

"...."

"Ah, sh*t!" I exclaimed, as I hurriedly dialed Aegis

[Hello! What's going on, Ares? I heard—

When Aegis lifted her phone, she immediately began to speak, but her sentence was cut off.

[I don't have time for this! When did you last speak with Silvia?] I asked.

[Huh? Y-Yes, we just spoke a few minutes ago following the announcement of the termination of your engagement] Aegis responded.

[I see, did she say anything?] I queried.

[Yeah, she said she would pay you a visit at the academy. She might be there soon if my assumption is correct.] Aegis replied.

Beep!—

As soon as I heard her, I abruptly hung up the phone with Aegis and hurried over to the hospital where Aretrus was getting treatment.

Because if my suspicions are accurate,...Aretrus' life would be in danger.

Even though I couldn't give a damn about his life, but if he passed away right now, it wouldn't be good for me.

***