"Are you sure about this, Noel? I know that you are determined to do it, but now that I think about it, I'm worried that it's too much for you. At least, let me help you." Rose frowned, showing her concern before the fight.
Noel smiled. Unfortunately, the answer remained the same. "Sorry, Rose. I know that it looks reckless. But this is the only way! I have to do it myself."
The bet might be one of the reasons why he wanted to do it alone. But there was another reason for Noel to be this stubborn.
After becoming a Spirit Master, Noel received a reward from his spirits. After all, his Spiritual Energy reserve had expanded greatly, so he had room to get more Spirit Abilities.
Noel couldn't help but remember what happened after he broke through to Spirit Master.
…
A few hours ago.
After becoming a Spirit Master, Noel gradually opened his eyes, trying to sort his current ability and sense.
However, his vision was completely blocked by the system panel that contained a few rewards.
[You have become a Spirit Master.]
[You've acquired Split Step.]
[You've acquired Circular Sword Strike.]
[You've acquired Flame Scale.]
[You've acquired Ice Lotus.]
"Hmm?" Noel moaned since the sensation had changed. The pain in his body gradually subsided, but the uncomfortable feeling as if something was flowing into his brain appeared.
He received information about those four abilities. He almost forgot that his swordsmanship ability was a bit lacking. So, Ardagan gave him two abilities to compensate for the gap between it and the elements.
According to the knowledge that just entered his brain, the Split Step was a unique footwork. It produced an extremely smooth movement that caused the enemy to see him splitting into two. It was extremely useful for an enemy who relied on their eyes instead of instinct or experiences.
Meanwhile, the Circular Sword Strike was an aggressive sword strike that rotated at high speed, causing the Spiritual Energy to create a small ripple that could distort even flesh. It was a powerful sword strike. Depending on how he used it, it could easily surpass the Sword Fall in terms of power.
Meanwhile, the Flame Scale's ability was the same as its name. It covered Noel with scales made of fire, burning away anything that touched them.
Last but not least, the Ice Lotus. The ability's firepower was similar to the Ice Vortex. However, in terms of versatility, the Ice Lotus was clearly the winner.
All their descriptions couldn't help but make Noel a bit eager to test it. Though, they truly came with a high requirement to upgrade. Luckily, Noel could still keep up with the SP consumption by helping numerous people. But if he didn't have his territory soon, he would fall behind, considering the stronger the technique was, the higher the requirement to increase its level.
Although Noel wanted to think about the future plan, he had to focus on the current matters.
"Hmm… They are useful for my fight against the demon. Though, I don't know who is stronger… my fire or the demon's?" Noel muttered in a low voice.
He wanted to close all the system panels, but there was one more thing noticeable from the reward.
It turned out Ardagan tried to reward him with a mission. And this mission was quite interesting, especially the reward.
[Mission: Complete the Third Prince's task according to Host's best possible outcome.]
[Description: The Third Prince will issue you a task soon, so you have to finish it. But because the Host doesn't know whether the Third Prince is good or bad, the Host has to consider everything first.]
[Reward: Second Slot Medal.]
When Noel saw the reward, he couldn't help but ask for confirmation. 'Ardagan… The reward… Is it like what I'm thinking?'
Noel didn't bother to explain since Ardagan should have read his mind. And the answer was obvious.
[Yes.]
In that instant, Noel's expression brightened. "A second slot for my medal. This is extremely good. If I can use two medals, depending on the combination, I can become extremely versatile. There are medals that increase the amount of my Spiritual Energy, so if I use two of them, there will be a huge leap in my reserve as long as I put those medals on.
"If I'm close to Spirit Grandmaster, I might be able to fool people with it." Noel smirked, having some unique ways to utilize the second slot.
"Alright. This is enough for now. I get new techniques and I have an ongoing mission. I don't know what the 'One with Flame' medal is used for, but I'm pretty sure it'll be related to my fire. 49 Skill Points are not low for a reward as well.
"However, I'm a bit skeptical about the penalty, considering if I fail, someone will actually get the bird. Doesn't it mean I'm taking someone's future if I kill the monster?"
Noel contemplated for a moment. He felt bad if it meant he took someone else's future. After all, it shouldn't belong to him originally.
"It seems that I have to confirm it with Anna next time. As for now, I think I have to become selfish first in order to strengthen myself. I'll just ask Dimitri to monitor this area. If the person is an innocent person, I'll try to repay him."
Noel sighed. He understood faster than Anna that something he had taken away was someone's future. If Noel was in Anna's position in the first place, he wouldn't suggest anything related to random people and only things related to the common enemy weaken them like the Supreme Devil Organization.
Noel let out a sigh. Thinking about it was useless unless he confirmed it with Anna, so he decided to take a step forward for once even if it meant ruining someone else's future.
"Sorry, but I have to do this," Noel muttered before going out of his tent.
When he recalled that memory, Noel's expression became serious. He looked into the distance while listening to Dimitri's words. "Go straight for five hundred meters and look down. You will find its nest. It's currently sleeping right now, but the moment you try to sense it, the demon's instinct should wake it up. So, be careful."
