Aamir lay on his bed, one arm folded behind his head, eyes fixed on the floating crimson system panel hovering silently above him. It cast a faint glow that flickered in the dim moonlight seeping through the window. His roommates were fast asleep, their breathing calm and steady—except for Seenu, who let out soft, bear-like snores every now and then. But Aamir wasn’t ready to sleep just yet.
His eyes scanned the glowing interface floating above him. Several new sections had appeared since his last breakthrough, each shimring with a faint golden lock symbol. Curiosity sparked in his chest. He tapped on one at random.
Skill: Combine (Locked)
"Huh? Combine?"
He leaned up slightly, squinting. The skill icon pulsed with a mysterious aura. When he tapped the information symbol beside it, lines of text began to ripple across the screen, unfolding like an ancient scroll.
Description:
Allows the user to rge two compatible techniques, skills, or system-bound items. Only elents approved by the system can be combined. The results vary based on rank, synergy, and user affinity.
Aamir’s eyebrows raised, genuinely intrigued.
"Combining techniques? That’s... actually amazing," he whispered.
The possibilities raced through his mind—offense with defense, speed with strength, elents with martial styles. He could create sothing entirely new. His excitent grew until he reached the bottom of the panel... and saw the price.
Unlock Cost: 0.1% Bloodline Purity Increase
His enthusiasm dampened slightly. That wasn’t cheap. Bloodline purity increases were extrely rare and valuable, each fraction hard-earned and tied to his growth as a Spiritbound.
He bit his lower lip. "Is it really worth it?" he murmured.
Then he closed his eyes and reached inward. "Hey, Luman. You awake?"
The familiar voice of his spirit companion echoed inside his mind, soft but alert. "I’m always awake, Aamir. What is it?"
"This ’Combine’ skill just popped up. It looks strong. Says I can rge techniques or items... but unlocking it costs 0.1% of my bloodline purity. Is it safe? Is it worth using that much?"
Luman took a mont before answering. "Hmm... 0.1% may sound small, but for you, it’s a considerable boost. Still, this isn’t just any skill. Combine has unlimited potential. As you collect more techniques—especially rare or high-rank ones—this will give you the power to transcend their limits. Think of it as an investnt. Risky, but the reward could be legendary."
Aamir stared at the panel again, heart thudding in his chest.
"...Alright," he whispered. "Let’s take the leap."
He tapped the Unlock button.
The screen flashed brilliantly for a mont.
New Skill Unlocked: Combine
Notice: Bloodline Purity increased by 0.1%
A sudden wave of nausea hit him like a slap. His head spun. The room seed to tilt sideways. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain still and breathe through it.
"Ugh... damn, that was rough..."
The discomfort faded after a few monts. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He sat up slightly and refocused on the panel, tapping the new skill now resting in his skill list.
Activate Skill: Combine?
Yes / No
He hovered his finger for a second... and then pressed Yes.
Searching for compatible skills...
Two techniques found: Hastraksham and Vital Air Punch
Status: Compatible for Combination
"No way... these two?" he muttered.
Hastraksham was his advanced arm technique, designed for swift parries and forceful palm strikes. Vital Air Punch was a kinetic technique that struck with compressed air energy aid at pressure points.
"Alright. Combine them," he said aloud.
Combining... 5%... 10%... 20%... 50%...
"Jeez, this is taking forever," Aamir grumbled, watching the bar crawl slowly forward.
Luman chuckled. "Be patient. Both techniques are A-rank. The higher the rank, the more intricate the rging process becos. You’ll thank later."
95%... 100%
Skill Combination Complete
New Technique Acquired: Pulse Fortress Style [S-Rank] Lv.1
Description:
A fast-paced, adaptive hand-to-hand combat style that delivers precise strikes to vital points while simultaneously generating a reflexive defense posture that makes the user nearly untouchable.
Aamir’s jaw dropped.
"S-rank?! I... I just made an S-rank technique from two A-ranks?!"
He reread the description twice, unable to believe it. The duality of attack and defense... it was exactly what he needed. He leaned back against the headboard, letting out a stunned laugh.
"This skill’s a ga-changer."
The system wasn’t done yet.
Searching for additional combinable items...
Item Found: Dinsional Bag (Grade 2)
Combine with system to create new ability?
He stared at the new notification. His brow furrowed.
"...Wait, combine the bag with the system? What does that even an? What’s it gonna turn into?"
He hesitated—just for a second. Then his curiosity got the better of him. "What the hell. Let’s find out."
He tapped Yes.
The system processed for a few seconds.
Item Combined Successfully
New Skill Unlocked: Dinsional Space Lv.1
His eyes flicked to the description.
Skill: Dinsional Space
Grants the user access to a private pocket dinsion. Only the user can retrieve stored items. Upon user’s death, all contents are released.
"Okay... that’s kinda broken," he muttered. "How big is this space?"
Another panel appeared, displaying a loading bar... and then:
Current Capacity: Size of a Small City
Aamir nearly dropped the system screen in shock.
"A city?! You’re telling I have an entire dinsional space the size of a damn city? Inside ?"
He leapt off the bed and grabbed the Dinsional Bag from the chair beside him. He tried channeling adrenaline energy into it—nothing. He slipped his hand in. It felt... empty. Ordinary.
Panic surged.
"No, no, no! My armor! My sword! My Fla Gloves! Everything’s in here!"
Then, rcifully, the system chid again.
All items from Dinsional Bag have been transferred to Dinsional Space.
Aamir froze. He stared at the ssage. Then sighed with deep relief.
"Okay... okay, that scared the hell out of ."
He focused on the Dinsional Space and ntally tried accessing it. A panel appeared in his mind with an inventory list—his weapons, his gear, even the lunchbox Raj had packed him earlier. All safe. All sorted.
He grinned.
"A built-in dinsional inventory, and an S-rank hybrid technique... all in one night."
Aamir lay back down, his smile refusing to fade.
This Combine skill... it’s more than just helpful. It’s revolutionary.
He whispered under his breath.
"...Guess tonight wasn’t a waste of sleep after all."
After unlocking his new skills and calming down from the dinsional space scare, Aamir finally decided to rest. He closed his eyes, letting the soft hum of the system fade into the background. Just as sleep began to claim him, he felt a gentle shake on his shoulder.
"Aamir, wake up! It’s ti to leave for the stadium," a familiar voice called out.
With a groggy groan, Aamir cracked his eyes open. His vision was still blurry as he turned toward the source. It was Riya, standing beside his bed, already dressed and ready.
"Huh...? It’s already ti?" Aamir mumbled, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "But I just fell asleep..."
Riya chuckled lightly. "It’s 8 a.m., sleepyhead."
"What?!" Aamir sat up in a rush, now fully awake. "It’s already 8?!"
In a flurry of movent, he got ready—washing up, changing into his uniform, and strapping on his equipnt. His hair was still slightly ssy when he rejoined the others in the hallway outside their dorm. The group of thirteen—Aamir and his twelve teammates—gathered together and made their way through the corridor toward the main hall.
As they entered the grand, marble-floored space bustling with other participants, two figures ca running up to them with cheerful energy.
"Aamir-chaaaan!" Misaki sang, practically skipping toward him with a wide grin. "Good morning! How are you today?"
Aamir blinked at the sudden burst of energy. "Uh, I’m good, thanks."
Miyo, walking just behind Misaki, gave a polite bow. "Good morning, Aamir-senpai. Did you sleep well?"
Aamir gave a quick nod. "Yeah, I did. Thanks."
Then, as Misaki started humming to herself and twirling a lock of her hair, Aamir leaned slightly toward Seenu, who was standing beside him.
"Hey... what do ’Senpai’ and ’Chan’ an?" he whispered.
Seenu raised an eyebrow, amused. "Well, ’Senpai’ is what Miyo used—it’s a respectful term for soone senior to you, like an upperclassman or soone you admire. And ’-chan’ is what Misaki used. That’s more of a cutesy, casual suffix. It’s usually used for kids, close friends... or soone you want to tease."
Aamir’s eyes widened slightly, but just as Seenu was about to elaborate, Aamir quickly cut him off. He had caught a glimpse of Riya, who stood a few steps away, her expression suddenly unreadable.
Aamir cleared his throat. "Anyway... let’s just focus on getting to the stadium."
Misaki, still cheerful and completely oblivious, clung lightly to Aamir’s arm. "Let’s go, Aamir-chaaaan! I can’t wait to see the opening ceremony!"
Aamir stiffened the mont Misaki’s hand wrapped around his arm.
"W-What are you doing?" he whispered, trying not to make a scene.
Misaki just grinned innocently, swinging his arm like they were childhood friends.
He glanced nervously toward Riya, already feeling the storm brewing in her eyes.
Miyo followed behind with a quiet smile, while Riya’s gaze lingered on Misaki’s hand. Noticing Misaki’s action, Riya quickly moved to Aamir’s right side and grabbed his other hand. Now, both girls were pulling Aamir like a tug-of-war toy, their eyes clashing like thunder. Aamir walked helplessly between them, caught in the middle.
The group continued forward, unaware that the tournant ahead would test not only their strength—but their bonds as well.
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