Chapter 56

056. Skill Synthesis (2)

"A skill 'Demon Hunter Sword (C-)' has been created."

"…?"

I tilted my head at the message that appeared, telling me a skill had been created.

'What is this…?'

I couldn't help but be taken aback by the result of combining two weapon skills.

After all…

The created skill was quite different from what I had expected.

"Skill – Demon Hunter Sword (C-)"

"Proficiency – 0%"

"Description – A hunting technique devised solely to slay demons."

"Basic Effect – Basic knowledge of all sword techniques increases, and when using bladed weapons, cutting power triples. However, this increase in cutting power does not stack with other weapon skill effects."

"Detailed Effect – When facing non-human entities, attack speed doubles."

"Demon Hunter Sword…"

Was it heavily influenced by the hunter-style dagger technique?

'It seems like a skill made for hunting monsters.'

The added benefit when facing non-human entities also supports this…

Since the focus of the synthesis was on 'hunter-style dagger technique,' a rather unique sword skill was created.

Of course, the important thing is that it was assigned a C- rank and a 'proficiency' level.

Not only does it have the potential to grow, but its rank also improved significantly.

While I won't know how useful it is until I try it later, from the description, it seems to be a fairly useful weapon skill.

'Skill synthesis is indeed a good ability.'

I don't know how the unique powers of other auras were, but…

Skill synthesis is a means to compensate for my weaknesses.

The ability to create skills and combine skills that lack coherence.

Just that alone makes 'skill synthesis' a unique power that fulfills its role.

'I will combine skills absorbed through necromancy and synthesize skills whose growth has been blocked.'

Thanks to this, I don't have to worry about how to use many skills separately.

I can leave the useful ones and synthesize the less useful ones…

Is it a matter of selection and focus?

By not worrying about useless things and focusing on one thing, the results seem to become clearer.

'Now that it's like this, should I try to synthesize the remaining skills…?'

Skill synthesis, regardless of anything, seems to bring benefits and no drawbacks.

'Then, skills that are not used or can be used but are subtle also have value in being synthesized.'

After a brief moment of consideration, I made my decision.

If I can create something useful by synthesizing skills that I currently don't use, it won't be a loss.

"Status window."

I immediately opened the status window to review the skills I have.

Then…

"Skill – Eye of Truth (A), Triple Absolute (A-), Grace of Wind (A-), Demon Hunter Sword (C-), Instant Acceleration (D+), Pain Resistance (D), Rapid Regeneration (D), Forced Breakthrough (D), Physical Resistance (D), Magic Circuit (D-), Anti-Magic (D-), Insight (D-), Strong Eyes (E-)"

I could see all the skills I have acquired so far.

"I've really acquired a lot of skills."

It feels almost unbelievable that there was a time when I had no skills and had to give up being a hunter.

However, it is also clear that I am not utilizing the increased number of skills.

'Passive skills are also gradually becoming less used.'

Physical resistance and pain resistance, as well as rapid regeneration, are used less frequently.

Of course, this is partly because I haven't encountered new challenges as I have grown.

But it also has to do with the fact that these passives don't fit my current combat style.

In other words, it would be better to synthesize them to enhance their functions.

Since I made the decision quickly, I acted on it just as quickly.

"Unique power 'Skill Synthesis' is activated."

"Reviewing the skill list."

"Please select the skills to be used as synthesis materials from the current skills."

First, I attempted to synthesize 'Rapid Regeneration' and 'Physical Resistance.'

'Combining pain resistance and physical resistance might be better, but I need to check the synthesis probability first.'

If a better synergy is achieved, I will choose it without hesitation.

"The levels of the synthesis materials are the same."

"Please select the skill that will be the focus of the synthesis."

Physical resistance is a skill whose activation is uncertain.

'Not having an activation condition is good, but…'

I didn't want to put it at the center of the synthesis and end up with a skill related to physical resistance.

So, I placed 'Rapid Regeneration' at the center of the synthesis.

"Skill 'Rapid Regeneration' is the focus of the synthesis."

"The probability of creating a higher-level skill is 72%."

"Do you want to proceed with the synthesis?"

"Wow…"

The high synthesis probability suggests that the synergy was unexpectedly good.

I immediately canceled the synthesis and tried to synthesize 'Pain Resistance' and 'Physical Resistance,' with 'Pain Resistance' as the focus.

I didn't want the activation condition to be the only thing reflected in the result when the skill is the focus.

"Skill 'Pain Resistance' is the focus of the synthesis."

"The probability of creating a higher-level skill is 68%."

"Do you want to proceed with the synthesis?"

"Hmm…"

It was subtle.

'68% isn't a low number when you think about it…'

The synthesis probability was higher when 'Rapid Regeneration' was the focus.

This means that the synergy with 'Rapid Regeneration' is better than with 'Pain Resistance.'

'It's a gamble, but… there's no choice.'

I decided to proceed with the synthesis of 'Rapid Regeneration' and 'Physical Resistance' again, with 'Rapid Regeneration' as the focus.

And…

"Skill synthesis is complete."

"A new skill has been created."

I immediately checked the newly created skill.

"Skill – Steel Regeneration (C)"

"Proficiency – 0%"

"Description – A mutated trait of a certain vampire."

"Effect – Regeneration power increases in proportion to the durability of the body or the user's durability, and this is applied continuously."

"…"

Regeneration power increases in proportion to the durability of the body or the user's durability…

'Amazing.'

The stronger the body, the stronger the regeneration, which means it is specialized for close combat.

Even if the body is already strong, the regeneration power increases as the body gets stronger…

'This would be advantageous in a melee battle with a strong body.'

While it is definitely a good ability, it's not one that particularly appeals to me.

Well, it's not bad to have, and with my current durability, it's a welcome addition…

'If I didn't have high durability or a strong body, it would have been useless.'

At least it's a skill that seems useful with my high durability.

Looking at the 'Steel Regeneration' skill, I fell into deep thought.

'Should I synthesize this skill further…?'

I don't know.

It's a pretty good ability, but I feel a bit disappointed to stop here.

'I'm curious what would happen if I mix in the 'Pain Resistance' skill.'

But if I mix in pain resistance and end up with a useless ability, it would be a disaster.

I was trying to refine useless abilities into useful ones through selection and focus, and failing here would be counterproductive.

'What should I do?'

Standing there, I eventually made a decision.

'At least checking the synthesis probability would be fine.'

If the synthesis probability is less than 70%, I won't proceed with the synthesis.

With such a probability, I can't guarantee that I'll get a better skill than this.

But if the synthesis probability is higher, I will proceed without hesitation.

'This way, I won't suffer any losses.'

At least, having a simple rule will reduce the probability of suffering losses.

"Unique power 'Skill Synthesis' is activated."

"Reviewing the skill list."

"Please select the skills to be used as synthesis materials from the current skills."

The moment I chose the 'Steel Regeneration' skill I just acquired and the remaining 'Pain Resistance' skill…

"The levels of the synthesis materials do not match."

"Skill 'Steel Regeneration' will be the focus of the synthesis."

The familiar messages appeared, and the synthesis probability was displayed.

"Skill 'Steel Regeneration' is the focus of the synthesis."

"The probability of creating a higher-level skill is 85%."

"Do you want to proceed with the synthesis?"

"…Huh?"

Seeing the synthesis probability in front of me, I let out a surprised sound.

'Wait, the synthesis probability is 85%…?'

The synthesis probability exceeded my imagination, and I moved my fingers without even thinking.

And…

"Skill synthesis is complete."

"A new skill has been created."

"Ah."

Seeing the skill that appeared, I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

"Skill – Ashen Blood (B-)"

"Proficiency – 0%"

"Description – The ultimate racial trait of a certain mutated vampire."

"Effect – Regeneration power increases in proportion to the user's durability, and when the body is hit, regeneration power triples for a moment. When regeneration power triples, pain is temporarily reduced by up to 40% based on the body's damage rate."

It's incredible.

There's no other way to describe it.

"Such madness…"

Even the effect of increasing regeneration power based on durability was useful…

The current effects of the 'Ashen Blood' skill are truly astonishing.

'Tripling the momentary regeneration power is already overpowered, and it even blocks pain?'

Thanks to the synthesis of 'Pain Resistance,' the option to block up to 40% of pain was added.

Considering that 'Pain Resistance' was 15% at the D level, it's clear that the function of pain resistance has improved.

Of course, the effect varies based on the 'body damage rate'…

But the fact that it includes the effect of pain resistance is definitely outstanding.

Moreover, with a proficiency of 0%, it has the potential to grow further.

'I need to find out how much the regeneration power can increase…'

At least, as a skill that enhances safety, it's quite good.

"The recovery effect of the waiting room has been deactivated."

"Physical fatigue will accumulate, and physical damage will not be restored."

I deactivated the recovery effect of the waiting room and tested the 'Ashen Blood' skill.

Since I had absorbed all the necromancy commands, the shield wouldn't activate.

I made a large cut on my left arm to cause some bleeding…

"Skill 'Ashen Blood' is activated."

"All types of pain inflicted on the user are reduced by 7%."

"Wow…"

I couldn't help but be amazed at the speed at which the wound healed.

'Even with just 'Rapid Regeneration,' it was good, but this is even better…'

While the pain reduction wasn't as strong as before, I could feel the overall improvement.

Crunch…

I continued with various experiments, such as embedding the blade into my forearm.

Since I can always enjoy the recovery effect of the waiting room…

'Worrying about it would be foolish.'

Of course, pain was inevitable…

"Skill 'Ashen Blood' is activated."

"All types of pain inflicted on the user are reduced by 28%."

The pain reduction percentage increased rapidly.

'The pain reduction percentage increases quite easily.'

First, the pain reduction percentage can be increased quite easily.

And thanks to the significant increase in durability, the recovery ability is also considerable.

Squish…

"Ugh…"

Even if my arm was cut in half, as long as I kept the cut surface together, the arm easily reattached…

I even tried cutting off my fingers, but they quickly recovered.

After repeating various experiments, I realized…

Even if my body was cut, I could quickly repair it, and as long as my stamina didn't run out, I could recover from fatal injuries multiple times.

"…"

Ashen Blood.

The ability I acquired through skill synthesis is an overpowered skill that defies imagination.