< Chapter 203: The Evolved Power (2) >
"I was quite startled."
After telling Heavenly God I'd go in first, I hastily returned to the room. I stood in front of the mirror, letting out a sigh of relief.
"It's nothing special, but the effects are just too flashy"
It was simply the Adam's Mark changing uniformly from black to white. Why were the effects so dramatic?
I thought sothing had happened.'
Given that I had forcefully synchronized to the point of overload, there was also a possibility of additional side effects.
I wondered if it wasnt the side effects, then perhaps the Adams Mark had evolved.'
I couldn't believe it was either.
While I felt relieved, I also felt a sense of emptiness.
But, the fact that the after-effects were resolved in a day is good.'
Theres no need to feel emptiness. Its actually sothing to be glad about.
"In the future, when over-synchronizing with the artifact, I should also calculate the recovery ti."
It's fortunate that only Heavenly God saw the Adam's Mark that was densely engraved all over my body glowing through my clothes. If many people had seen it, it would have been chaos.
My information could have leaked into the Demonic Realm, which would have been problematic in many ways.'
To prevent that, extra care must be taken when synchronizing.
Synchronizing now shouldn't be a problem.'
The current ti is 1:12 AM, past midnight. If I over-synchronize at this ti, Ill recover by tomorrow morning. No problem at all.
Alright. Let's synchronize.'
I imdiately took out an artifact from the subspace.
It wasn't an artifact of the Angel Race.
I used all of the Angel Race's artifacts yesterday, and now only 6 of the Dragon Race's artifacts remain.
I wanted to grow the marks of both the Angel and Dragon Races equally, so I split them
Should I have first upgraded the Angel Races mark to a higher rank?'
Looking back, that might have been a mistake.
Wouldn't it have been better to promote one to the transcendent rank first?
In terms of combat power, that seems like the answer.
Of course, the mark of the Angel Race would have been weak when inactive, but perhaps that risk was worth it.
No, distributing to both instead of going all-in on one is better for unforeseen circumstances.'
Its also crucial to upgrade the Dragon Race's mark to the mid-level.
With 6 Dragon Race artifacts Itll definitely reach mid-level, right?'
Ive already used quite a few Dragon Race artifacts. With these 6 more
No, if I assu the overload is at the sa level as yesterday, then 5?'
Anyway, synchronizing 5 more artifacts should definitely get it to mid-level.
With the mid-level Dragon Race's mark I can use all the general characteristics of dragons, including dragon eyes.'
Moreover, the effect of synchronizing with the Dragon Race's mark is an increase in magical talent. In many ways, its more versatile than the effect of the Angel Races synchronization.
Alright.'
Having sorted out my thoughts, I hesitated no more and grasped the Dragon Race artifact I had taken out earlier.
At that mont, my reflection in the mirror began to transform, accentuating the unique features of the Dragon Race.
"Ugh!"
The pain began.
A pain that felt familiar if it was familiar, and unfamiliar if it wasn't, began from the tips of my fingers and spread to my toes.
This it hurts too much right from the start!'
Although I've adapted to all sorts of pain, it wasnt unbearable, but it genuinely hurt like hell. It's surprising I didnt scream.
Moreover, the pain persisted for an overly long ti.
When will this end!?'
I gritted my teeth and endured, enduring again and again. Minutes seed to pass that way.
"Damn."
The pain began to gradually subside, and soon all the pain stopped.
"That was intense"
The intensity of the pain wasn't that strong, but it lasted too long. It felt like being pricked all over my skin with a needle.
It would be better if it hurt intensely for a mont and then stopped. This isnt even torture.'
Could the aftermath be worse because of the consecutive overload?
If so, grabbing the next artifact is a bit
No, its much scarier.
"Is this really just the first stage?"
If this is the first stage, how painful is the next?
I was genuinely marked.
"Should I postpone the synchronization with the other artifacts for now?"
I was having such weak thoughts when, perhaps because my mind cleared a bit, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.
"Huh?"
At the sa ti, my pupils dilated.
On top of reptilian eyes, characteristic of them being slit, my hair changed to a darker black. It felt more like scales than hair.
This change was as expected. I wasnt surprised because of the change in my appearance.
"The mark"
The problem was that the marks engraved all over my body had turned back to black.
"I only used one"
Did I overload just by synchronizing with one artifact?
Why?
"Could it be the overload value accumulates?"
For instance, let's say this:
Suppose my body can handle a max synchronization of 5 pieces at once.
The recovery rate of this synchronization is 1 piece based on 24 hours.
If that's the case, the horrendous pain I felt a while ago and the current situation make sense.
I hurt that much because I synchronized the artifact just before the overload.'
Upon closer reflection, the pain was similar to when I held the fifth artifact of the Angel Race yesterday.
I sighed deeply as if the ground beneath was collapsing.
"Right. That makes sense. It was odd how things seed too easy."
If I could synchronize with five artifacts a day, it would an 150 in a month.
That seed too generous. But as expected, there was a catch.
"Sigh."
This ans I can only synchronize with 30 artifacts a month.
"It's not that bad"
Honestly, 30 isnt bad.
With that number, I should be able to raise both the marks of the Dragon Race and the Angel Race to at least a higher rank.
However
"It feels like a loss."
Perhaps because the number seed to drop from 150 to 30, it feels like a major loss.
"Sigh."
I scratched the back of my head.
Ill need to be more systematic about synchronizing the artifacts.'
To avoid the overload state, I need to carefully consider the maximum synchronization capacity.
I should control it to maintain a rough synchronization potential of about three pieces.
It would be nice to have an objective way to know the overload value and the evolution rate of Adams mark.'
I miss having a status window at tis like this.
It must be miserable living without a status window Huh?'
At that mont, sothing struck .
"Oh."
Injured and distracted, I had completely forgotten.
"I'm not without a status window now, am I?"
The tablet of Eden.
I had completely forgotten the gift I received from the ancient god.
In my weakened state, I approached the tablet of Eden as fast as I could.
[Visualizing the user's data.]
As I confird my details on the surface of the tablet, I spoke.
"Can you visualize information about Adams mark?"
While I think the chances are low, it's a win if it works and no loss if it doesn't.
[Visualizing users detailed physical data.]
[Special Item: Collecting and analyzing data on Adams mark.]
[Initial visualization requires ti.]
[Please wait for a mont.]
"It's there?"
I was montarily stunned.
I really didnt expect it to be there.
Darn it, you idiot.'
Without realizing it, a curse slipped out because of my own stupidity.
I can't believe I didn't think of trying this. Unbelievable.
Ive beco so accustod to the inconvenience that I completely forgot to obtain information from external sources.'
Is complacency also a habit?
I shook my head in disbelief.
"Anyway, it's a good thing I realized it now"
If I had continued without noticing
"Ugh."
Terrifying.
Let's not even think about it.
As I was shivering with that thought
[User data visualization complete.]
[Visualizing information on Adams mark.]
The tablet of Eden had completed all the analysis.
[Adam's mark Black Alert: 97%]
[It is recomnded not to synchronize with any more artifacts beyond this point.]
[Penalties will occur if it exceeds 100%.]
"Damn."
Penalty.
That three-syllable word gave the chills.
A black alert with a penalty Its like referring to an antivirus program, right?'
That was a close call.
Without knowing, I could have been ejected from my life.
"I need to be careful"
If the main system had been properly activated in the past tiline and the system detected this, there would have been real chaos. So kind of horror, far worse than an antivirus program, would probably erge to eliminate .
"Like the antivirus program that appears around the 700th episode of the original story"
Just thinking about that thing causing havoc in the Savior's headquarters sends shivers down my spine.
"I really need to be careful."
I reaffird my resolution once more.
"Can you also visualize the evolution rates of each mark?"
Given that I could know the overload rate of the mark, it seed likely I could also determine the evolution rate.
[Visualizing user data.]
[Visualizing the growth rate of the special item, the mark.]
My hunch was right.
The tablet of Eden seed to know everything.
I began to read through the data on each mark.
[Elf's mark (High Rank): 02.84%]
[Beastman's mark (Middle Rank): 52.19%]
[Dwarf's mark (Low Rank): 32.99%]
.
.
.
Then, the entry for the Angel's mark, listed halfway down, caught my eye.
[Angel's mark (Middle Rank): 99.99%]
" Was it just 0.01% short of evolving to a high rank?"
Given the unbelievably precise number, I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh.
"Huh?"
I continued reading the information.
The surprise on my face deepened as I ca across the next entry.
[Dragon's mark (Middle Rank): 01.22%]
"Middle rank?"
It had reached the middle rank? When? It was definitely at the low rank just before I showered
From that single artifact just now!?'
I placed the tablet on the table for a mont and rushed to the mirror. Turning around, I checked the large mark engraved on my back.
"It's true."
The Dragon's mark etched on my back had transford into a much more impressive form.
The once immature-looking dragon now had an intellectual appearance, and its wings and body were more prominent.
Intangible auras that seed to represent mana even surrounded it, fluttering about. The change was so significant it was imdiately noticeable.
Its growth is faster than I thought?'
This was a delightful miscalculation.
At this rate'
A gleam appeared in my eyes.
* * *
Exactly 3 days later.
I was undergoing Aqua's physical check-up before starting the rehabilitation training.
"Yep. You've really improved a lot."
Aqua pulled her hands away from my body with a wide smile.
"So, I can finish the rehab training now?"
I moved my limbs here and there. The discomfort I felt just yesterday was completely gone. It definitely feels like I've returned to a normal state.
"How about your magic?"
"I t with Ini before coming here, and she said it's perfectly fine. In fact, she ntioned it's even better?"
It's quite expected since the Dragon's mark had evolved to a mid-level, strengthening my magical circuit. Naturally, it must have improved.
"Hmm. If Ini has vouched for it, then it's certain."
Aqua grinned.
"Yep. So, as of today, your rehab training ends. Congratulations on your full recovery."
"Thanks. I was able to shake off the aftereffects faster because of you."
Thanks to Aqua's intense rehabilitation training, my body recovered faster.
"Oh, co on. What did I even do? It's all thanks to your effort."
Aqua waved off with a bashful smile.
"You were busy as it is, yet you took ti out every morning to help . I'm truly grateful."
"Hehe."
Aqua responded with a simple, genuine smile.
"If there's ever anything I can help you with, just let know. If it's within my capabilities, I'll help anyti."
"Really?"
"For real."
I really want to give sothing back in return.
"Then, can I ask for sothing right now?"
"Right now?"
"Yes."
Aqua scratched her head slightly, her face turning red. She kept glancing up at and then looking down, repeating this several tis.
I imdiately understood what Aqua was thinking.
"Um since you're healed now if you're available"
"You want to spar?"
Aqua's eyes widened in surprise.
"How how did you know?"
To anyone else, her expression and gestures might seem as if she was making a confession.
But considering it's Aqua, it couldn't possibly be that.
The only thing that could make Aqua act like this and blush would be sothing related to physical activity.
Add to that her hesitancy, and it's clear she thinks she's imposing on .
Considering all these factors, the favor Aqua wants to ask is Let's spar'.
"Just considering your personality, I kind of guessed."
There's no need to go into lengthy explanations, so I just skirted around it a bit.
"Really? Hehe."
It seed another emotion, embarrassnt was added to Aqua's expression.
Why is she acting like that?
Hmm. I don't really know either.
"I welco sparring."
Since I'm not sure, I decided to change the subject back.
"Really?"
Aqua, returning to her innocent smile, lit up her eyes and leaned closer to .
"Yeah. I've been feeling the need to check my body condition as well."
"Not only my physical condition, but I also felt the need to have soone to objectively compare my strength with.
With four stars, Aqua would be a good test opponent."
"Then, shall we start right after a quick warm-up?"
Perhaps it's because she hasn't moved properly recently, Aqua imdiately conjured an ice sword and swung it around.
"I already stretched a bit earlier, didn't I? Let's start right away."
In truth, I also felt restless and eager to move.
I was impatient, wanting to test the limits of my strength.
I took out a necklace-shaped artifact from the void and put it around my neck.
It was the Angel' artifact I acquired yesterday.
Whoosh!
At that mont, a brilliant light burst from my body.
I wonder how powerful a high-rank angel's strength is'
The mark of the Angel race on my chest shone even brighter.
< Chapter 203: The Evolved Power (2) > End.
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