{Sword of the Sun.}
{Ability: Consumption: Drink the bloods of any enemy killed with it to level up.}
{Combat advantage: Once summoned: Gained +5,000 in physical attack, +5,000 in agility.}
{Skill: Siphoning: Heals the User after slaying an enemy with the enemy total health stat.}
{Spirit weapon: Can be stored in Host's soul. Can't be destroyed or stolen.}
{Skill: Formless: Take the shape of any blade.}
"Are you kidding me?!" Mirabella yelled, a genuine, unrestrained sound of pure, game-breaking joy.
"Plus 5,000 in attack! With my current 3,000, that is 8,000 in physical attack. Adding the Multiplier, that is 800,000 damage per hit! Yes! This is what I needed!"
She ran a finger reverently along the blade's sharp edge. "Your name will be..." She paused, focusing on the sheer, crushing power the sword possessed. "Sunder."
The Katana-like weapon hummed in acknowledgement. Then, before her astonished eyes, it compressed, folding in on itself, and transforming into a sleek, familiar dagger.
"....?!"
{Formless: Take the shape of any blade.}
She held Sunder, and it instantly stretched, metal flowing like water, becoming a wicked-looking long spear.
"I just hit the jackpot!!" She threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing in the empty chamber. The test was over. The price of survival was the acceptance of a destiny far grander—and far more dangerous—than any game. She was no longer just 'Spectral,' a reincarnated player; she was Mirabella, the Heir of Sun family, and the world's most powerful weapon was now in her soul.
__
Carl flinched violently, nearly tripping over. One moment he was hiding nervously behind the massive boulder, the next, Mirabella—now radiating a quiet, dangerous power—and Cupcake were standing beside him.
"You?! You actually defeated the World Bosses," he stammered, his awe quickly replacing his shock.
Mirabella didn't elaborate on the fight. She simply opened her palm. A shimmering object materialized—a skill scroll, glowing with a brilliant, pulsing azure light. Its energy signature was intensely powerful, unlike anything Carl had ever seen.
"This is an Epic class skill scroll," she said, her voice matter-of-fact. "With it, you will gain a powerful skill." She extended her hand, offering it to him.
Carl stared at the scroll, then at her, his eyes wide with stunned disbelief. "Really?! You... You are just giving this to me?" He felt a sudden, profound well of emotion. He looked up at her, tears stinging his eyes—the kind of genuine, painful emotion that only a lifetime of solitude can produce.
"Mirabella, if you care about me this much, why didn't you show it in school? Were you scared you'll be embarrassed by me?" he asked, the words tumbling out in a shaky, tearful mess. His raw vulnerability was utterly unexpected.
"...?!"
Mirabella froze, genuinely taken aback. That was not the reaction she had anticipated.
"What? No... That's not it." The question hit a nerve she hadn't known she possessed. She quickly turned and started walking, her steps swift and purposeful, Cupcake trotting silently at her heels, her tail swaying.
"What about you?" Carl yelled after her, clutching the invaluable scroll tightly to his chest.
Mirabella didn't look back, merely waving a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about me, you will need it when this server upgrades!" she shouted.
Carl stood rooted to the spot, tears still streaming down his cheeks, staring at her retreating figure. He was an orphan, his life defined by struggle and hard-won progress. In the real world, no one had ever shown him this kind of unsolicited kindness or value. Now, in this terrifying new reality, this world invaded by monsters—Galaxy Fall—Mirabella was not only accepting him but actively investing in his survival without expecting immediate repayment.
A fundamental shift occurred in his perception. From this moment, Carl didn't just see her as 'Spectral,' the all-powerful Queen. He saw her as his benefactor, his guiding light.
"Thank you, Senior Sister!!" he yelled, a new title—a bond forged in gratitude and trust—echoing through the field.
Mirabella gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, maintaining her steady pace.
'Of course,' she thought, the cold, strategic part of her brain calculating the maneuver's success. 'With this act, you will be eternally loyal to me, and will never betray me for anything.' A soft sigh escaped her lips.
"Sorry Carl for manipulating you," she apologized under her breath, the human part of her acknowledging the calculated cruelty.
"But I need you close."
Carl was more than just a loyal subordinate. He was an assassin, possessing skills that, once honed and empowered, would make him an essential asset in a world rapidly devolving into chaos. He was perfect for high-value targets and stealth operations.
A subtle curve appeared on her lips. "Come on, don't stay behind!" she called out, her voice cheerful, knowing that his past experience of being alone and needing to catch up would now drive him relentlessly toward her. Her methods were ruthless, but they ensured his safety and her future stability. She was growing her own shadow.
'I won't go without gaining something in return, however,' she mused, recalling her recent gains. She had not only secured a loyal ally and an incredible soul weapon but also an unexpected skill, thanks to the Knight's loots.
She mentally reviewed the skill she had just acquired:
{Eternal flames: Create a circular wall of flames around Host, measuring five meters, which deals 1,000 damage to all enemies who touch it. Active skill. 5,000 spirit energy per second. Epic class skill.}
And its potential maximum:
{Maxed Eternal Flames: Create a circular wall of flames around Host, measuring ten meters, which deals 5,000 damage to all enemies who touch it. Active skill. 3,000 Spirit energy per second. Epic class skill.}
'Although this skill is a Spirit energy burner, it's a perfect defensive and crowd-control tool. A hidden trump card,' she smiled, recognizing its value in a tight spot, especially with her massive Spirit Energy pool.
"Once the server upgrades," she muttered, looking forward with anticipation, "everyone will gain the opportunity to have awakened stones, and base stats will change. Not only that... EXP requirements will spike, and monsters will become even stronger, adapting to the increased Player power."
She wasn't just surviving; she was preparing for the next inevitable, catastrophic tier of the game. Her current actions—securing Sunder, gaining Eternal Flames, and establishing deep, unshakeable loyalty with Carl—were all steps toward dominating that future.
'I can't wait.'