I stood in my training room, the weight of the urgent CANNES eting invitation heavy in my mind.
Gripping the two daggers tightly, I narrowed my eyes at the Iron-ranked dummy standing before .
This was my first real test since upgrading my Dash skill to Level 2.
Taking a deep breath, I activated my Dash skill.
"Let's see how this goes."
Suddenly, everything around blurred as I darted forward with increased speed.
At that mont, it felt as if ti itself had slowed down.
My speed boosted to Gold ranksothing I could distinctly feel.
Normally, it would have taken at least 4 seconds to close the distance to the dummy.
However, with my increased speed, I covered that distance in just 1 second.
Anticipating the dummy's clumsy swing of his sword, I sidestepped effortlessly, dodging its attack.
Because of my agility, the dummy appeared slow and predictable, making it easy for to dodge its attacks.
It might have been different story if it were any monster.
Using the montum from my dodge, I struck with my daggers in one smooth motion.
The first blow targeted the dummy's joints, montarily disabling its arm.
My ti was nearly up, right at the last second of my skill.
Without hesitation, I followed up with a precise slash across its torso, aiming for vulnerable spots between the tal plating.
The dummy staggered back, trying to recalibrate its chanics.
Sensing an opening, I rushed to his side again.
This ti, I weaved around the dummy in a circular pattern, utilizing the increased ti limit to my advantage.
I moved around the robot, attempting to outmaneuver it and keep it off balance.
As I moved, I noticed a cooldown period displayed next to my Dash skill's na and level bar.
I had anticipated this limitation.
A powerful skill like Dash naturally required a cooldown period; otherwise, I could have defeated the robot quickly.
Fortunately, the cooldown was only 3 hours, allowing to use it up to 8 tis a day.
This cooldown ti might decrease or increase if I further upgrade the skill.
And then, I threw one of my daggers towards its head, aiming for the switch on the lightbox, and sprinted as fast as I could to get closer.
The robot casually deflected my dagger with its hand and turned its gaze towards .
As I closed in, I aid for its underbelly, but as anticipated, it grabbed my dagger hand and thwarted my attack.
It glanced at , and I quietly said, "Caught you!"
Then, a gun appeared in my right hand near its side stomach area.
"Goodbye, see you next ti!" I exclaid.
With that, I blasted a hole in the side of its stomach.
The robot staggered back several ters and then collapsed onto the floor of the training room.
After that I painted a little, and then, I looked at the destroyed robot.
Everything went as planned.
I expected my skill to have a cooldown, so I decided to use my ergency tactic when it ended the Surprise Inventory.
I ca up with this tactic recently on my way ho.
It hit : what if I had a skill that could catch an enemy off-guard?
That would definitely give an advantage in the battle.
But then I thought, what if my enemy already expected to have such a skill?
That's when I got the idea of using my inventory, and I created this fighting tactic.
First, I threw my right-hand dagger at its head to distract it.
Then, I closed the distance and waited for it to catch my right hand, thinking it had won.
That's when I pulled out my gun from my inventory and caught it off-guard.
I figured having surprise weapons on the battlefield could help defeat even stronger opponents.
And now, I have two: my Dash skill and my inventory.
After that, I spent another three to four hours training with dummies and an additional three hours in the gravity training room.
Normally, I spend about 2 to 4 hours a day training, and the rest of my ti is usually spent on my phone, sleeping, hunting, eating, and other necessary activities.
However, due to the urgent situation from the association, today was the first day since I arrived in this world that I trained so intensely.
I wasn't like those main characters who trained 7 to 10 hours every day to beco powerful.
Sotis, I find it hard to understand how this character could be lazy in his previous world when now he trains like a maniac since arriving here.
Is it all about gaining power?
Is it all about protecting soone?
To , that's complete nonsense, especially considering how picky I used to be about reading books in my previous world.
After completing all those sessions, I returned to my room and quickly undressed to freshen up with a shower.
After a refreshing shower, I put on my night gown and headed to bed for a good night's sleep.
Before I closed my eyes, I glanced at my watchit was 9:00 p.m.
I sighed...
It was still early in the night, yet I was already preparing to sleep.
This was mainly because I typically hunted at night, closer to the domain after my first successful night hunt.
Additionally, I didn't have to worry much about the darkness because there were plenty of lights set up near the gate and in the safer parts of the jungle.
...
The 7 days flew by quickly, and soon it was the day of the Cannes eting.
Morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, rousing gently from sleep.
Stretching, I felt a surge of determination as I rembered the intense training sessions of the past days and the successful improvents in my inventory tactics.
However, uncertainty lingered about whether it would hold up against higher-ranked monsters, given that I had only tested them on lower-ranked ones.
The importance of the Cannes eting felt more pressing than ever before.
I rose from bed, the events of the previous day replaying in my mindthe swift maneuvers, the calculated strikes, and the realization of my growing prowess in this new world.
Dressing swiftly and purposefully, I checked the invitation card one more ti, confirming the details of the eting.
Stepping out of my room, I was imdiately greeted by Butler Allen, his impeccably tailored uniform a stark contrast to my hastily thrown-on clothes.
"Good morning, Master," Allen said with a respectful nod. "Are you prepared for today's eting?"
I returned his nod with a determined smile. "As ready as I'll ever be, Allen. How about you? Will you be accompanying to Cannes?"
Allen hesitated montarily, his usually composed expression betraying a hint of regret. "I'm afraid not today, Master. I have to accompany your father to Cannes."
I nodded in understanding and said, "It's alright, I'm fine with that."
I knew it was a tradition for Allen to go with Michael's father to Cannes every year, but I still asked just to be certain.
With a reassuring smile, Allen guided towards the entrance. "Shall we proceed, Master? Today, you'll be using the Bentley Continental GT for your journey."
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "A Bentley? That's quite luxurious, even for Cannes."
Allen nodded proudly. "Indeed, it's one of the finest automobiles. It will suit the occasion perfectly."
During the Cannes eting, it's customary to use luxurious cars rather than flying cars.
We reached the front door where the sleek, silver Bentley awaited, its polished exterior gleaming in the morning sunlight.
I admired its elegant design before stepping inside, where the plush leather seats welcod comfortably.
As Allen shut the door, he leaned in with a comforting smile. "Travel safely, Master. Keep in mind what I told you."
I nodded gratefully, feeling a surge of nervousness once more. "Thank you, Allen. See you soon."
With that, the engine started smoothly, and we headed towards Cannes.
I felt excited about the upcoming eting, mixed with the thrill of traveling in such a prestigious car.
...
We reached our destination swiftly.
It was an old castle located in the city of Hellington, renowned as the second most affluent and splendid city after Paradise.
The city was part of an A-rank state and was also close to my own city.
The entire castle appeared to serve as a venue for social gatherings among the wealthy.
"We have arrived."
The driver stepped out of the car and opened the door for , drawing attention in the process.
Owning such a car was considered a significant luxury in this world.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Young master Michael."
A well-trained attendant greeted first.
In the human domain, people usually address as either "Sir" or "Young Master."
They couldn't call by my na directly due to my birth status and another governnt-imposed law.
I have to admit, I was really nervous since this was my first ti attending such a big event.
I walked down the red carpet under their guidance.
Reporters lined up in the coverage line outside the castle, their caras giving off dizzying flashes.
---
**Reporter 1:** "Sir Michael! Over here! How does it feel to attend the Cannes eting for the first ti?"
**Reporter 2:** "Sir Michael, can you share your thoughts on what the urgent agenda might be for today's eting?"
**Reporter 3:** "Are you nervous about being here with so many influential figures?"
**Reporter 4:** "Sir Michael, do you have any comnts on the recent developnts in your family's business ventures?"
**Reporter 5:** "What are your expectations for today's discussions? Do you think there will be any significant announcents?"
---
I heard all those calls and questions, and my heart felt a bit flustered and chaotic. It felt like I was a celebrity.
Now that I think about it, I am a celebrity, being the only son of the wealthy Frostburne family.
I walked into the castle, doing my best to avoid looking at or responding to any of the reporters.
Earlier, Allen had told to maintain an indifferent attitude while walking down the red carpet.
One mistake, and I could be humiliated across the entire human domain.
These visuals were broadcasted all over the internet and throughout the domain.
It was the only ti every TV channel covered this event because it was the only opportunity to see all the important figures of humanity in one place.
-Here cos Michael Frostburne, the son of the fourth wealthiest man in humanity and the future heir to the Frostburne family throne.
I was taken aback by the sudden announcent over the loudspeaker as I stepped through the front door.
Wait!
Weren't we the third richest family?
Why did he say we're now in fourth place?
Did we slip in the rankings?
In my previous world, as in this one, wealth and status were closely monitored by a system known as "Orveth."
It ranked the wealthiest families and individuals.
For years, our family held the third position, giving us prestige, influence, and a feeling of security.
It was a symbol of our success and a testant to our enduring power and legacy.
Anyway, I'm confident we'll climb back up soon.
With our big investnt in the upcoming project, we should get great returns, especially since we'll be the first to introduce it to the market.
The announcent introduced my arrival.
"I hope you enjoy your ti here," Attendant said to .
I nodded and walked into the hall.
The hall was spacious and colorful, filled with lights that twinkled like stars.
As I glanced around at the other guests' faces, I so how felt glad that I had co.
There were so many familiar nas around.
Willson, Starfall, Taylor, Lapel and so on....
"...?"
However, even in this splendid crowd, there was one person that stood out.
I recognized her at a glance.
Lia.
Suddenly, sothing unbelievable and shocking happened, surprising everyone in the hall.
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