Talent Awakening: I, the Weakest Awakened, Start with Dragonfire Spell

[Invisibility Cloak]

[Level: 20]

[Grade: Epic]

[Equipment Attribute Bonuses:]

1. HP +3000

2. Agility +500

3. Magic Defense Value +500

4. Movement Speed +10%

5. Upon activation, one enters the invisibility state, lasting for 60 minutes. Launching an attack will terminate the invisibility state, with a cooldown time of 300 minutes.

6. While in the invisibility state, movement speed increases by 50%, and one becomes immune to any physical attacks.

"!!!"

"Has Wales gone mad? Gifting me an SS-level skill is one thing, but an Epic-grade equipment too?" Howard's brows knitted tightly, suspicion rising in his heart. 

Were these gifts truly from Wales? 

And for what reason?

Howard wasn't narcissistic enough to believe someone would bestow such gifts on him for no reason!

However, now wasn't the time for such thoughts. 

Stowing away the Invisibility Cloak, Howard hadn't even gotten out of bed when Nick and Mike stirred awake.

Since all three were placed in the same class, they readied themselves and headed toward the academic building together.

By the time Howard and his friends arrived, the classroom was already full of students.

Abby immediately approached, pulling Howard to a seat.

Surveying the room, Howard noticed Lanas, Maithus, and others were present. 

Clearly, students who had awakened an S-level talent, even after being robbed by Howard, still managed to secure commendable rankings.

Noticing Howard's arrival, Maithus stood up and approached.

Nick and Mike, thinking Maithus was still harboring resentment, quickly stepped forward in anticipation.

Maithus revealed a resigned expression and said, "There's no need to be on guard; I've genuinely accepted defeat."

After a brief pause, he inquired, "I just wanted to ask, is there still a spot available in your team?"

At his words, many students in the classroom rolled their eyes in disbelief. 

Nobody had anticipated that Maithus, with his S-level Talent Awakening, would be so eager to join another's team!

Yet, when they heard Howard's affirmative response, their pupils constricted sharply, swiftly followed by a wave of envy.

Howard didn't harbor grand ambitions; he simply desired to swiftly augment his own strength.

He understood the old adage that three helpers make one hero. 

Therefore, when confronted with Maithus's request, he readily accepted.

For a moment, other students couldn't help but feel tempted, though they were too shy to voice their desires openly.

Amidst the conversation, footsteps echoed, followed by a slightly world-weary voice that declared, "It seems you all have become quite acquainted."

Upon these words, the students hastily looked up, only to see a hunched old man, leaning on a cane, making his way into the classroom.

Almost instantly, every student returned to their seats, their faces solemn, not daring to underestimate this elderly figure.

Before arriving, their family elders had cautioned them: once in Holy Abyss Academy, they must show respect to every mentor and never behave impertinently!

"Good, you all know your manners." The elderly man scanned the sea of students, softly introducing himself, "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Norris Coody, and I will be your Arcane Technique instructor."

At this, a wave of confusion swept through some of the students.

What is Arcane Technique? Is it magic?

Isn't that something only magi learn? What use would it be for warriors or archers?

Seemingly sensing their puzzlement, Norris Coody smiled and elaborated, "Perhaps some of you are wondering, what exactly is Arcane Technique? It's not just magic; it's the mastery of skills! Both the force exerted and the timing of execution are of utmost importance!"

Hearing this clarification, a spark of understanding lit the students' eyes.

Indeed, even for other professions, the use of skills in combat is pivotal. 

If executed improperly in terms of timing, or if the force is too much or too little, the outcome can vary drastically.

"Furthermore," he continued, "I am also responsible for teaching you history."

"History?"

"My God, we've already awakened, and we still need to learn liberal arts?"

Hearing this, the students collectively groaned in dismay.

With a gentle tap of his cane on the floor, Norris Coody interjected, "Of course you must study liberal arts. Otherwise, when you venture out and encounter monsters, you won't know their weaknesses, or how to counter them! If you stumble upon a space channel, you might not even discern which plane the adversaries hail from!"

"When you come across Ruins or a dungeon, you'll be utterly clueless."

"As the old saying goes, 'Know thy enemy and know thyself, and you shall not be imperiled in a hundred battles.' If you remain ignorant, can you truly survive in perilous combat?"

With Norris Coody's words resonating in the air, the students exchanged glances, finding themselves at a loss for words in response.

Apart from Howard, the rest of the students didn't really take Norris Coody's words to heart.

Seeing this, Norris Coody gave a resigned shake of his head, not emphasizing further. 

With an indifferent demeanor, he began, "A millennium ago, the Extraplanar abruptly descended, merging with our world. It brought not only strange powers but also digitized our reality..."

Norris Coody spoke the truth. 

He delved into the history after the Extraplanar's descent, covering the establishment and operations of the Alliance, as well as the various great wars that took place.

He spoke for a full two hours. 

As the bell signaling the end of the class rang, he paused, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Next class, I'll be quizzing you on these topics. Fail to answer, and you'll be running ten laps on the field -- with weights!"

"What?!"

Instantly, exclamations of disbelief filled the air, but Norris Coody simply exited the classroom with an unflappable calm.

"Damn it!"

"Oh my God, is this really our instructor? The first lesson and he just recounted history we all already know!"

"He's going to quiz us on this?"

"For heaven's sake, we know the general gist of these events, but specific dates and figures? Who can remember all of that?"

The students erupted in collective complaints. 

Only Howard remained unfazed; he had been attentive throughout, meticulously noting down all the points Norris Coody had made.

"Let's just go grab some food."

After their complaints, Nick and Mike approached Howard and Abby. "We've heard that the Holy Abyss Academy's cafeteria is legendary. You can even buy the flesh of high-tier monsters which significantly boosts one's strength!"

"Yes, they offer it, but can you two afford it?" Judy glanced at the duo, her tone nonchalant. "If I recall correctly, neither of you hold a high status in your families. Do you really have that much money to spend?"

At this, Nick and Mike's faces fell.

Judy wasn't wrong. 

Being the younger generation, they didn't hold much clout within their families. 

It would be only after graduation and taking over family affairs that they'd truly have a say. 

For now, aside from a slightly more generous allowance compared to the average student, they were no different.

In contrast, Judy stood in a league of her own. 

The resources she could access undoubtedly surpassed those of Nick, Mike, and others.

Yet, Nick wasn't one to back down. He retorted with a sneer, "So, you're implying you can afford it?"

"I've had it so often I'm tired of it," Judy replied with youthful cheekiness. "But, if you're willing to call me 'sister,' maybe I'll treat you to a meal."

"In your dreams!" Even though they were all students, and perhaps Nick and Mike were a bit less talented or powerful than Judy, they weren't about to easily submit. 

As for why they accepted Howard as their leader?

That was a no-brainer. Howard's backer was Daniel!

If Judy had connections with the academy's higher-ups, they'd fawn over her just the same.

They weren't fools. They knew well that the Church didn't have a good relationship with the academy.

"Well, good luck to you all. I'm off to eat." A playful smirk graced Judy's lips as she confidently strode out of the classroom.

"Damn it!" Nick clenched his fists in frustration. "The Holy Maiden of the Church struts around the academy like she owns the place. Boss, if I were you, I wouldn't put up with it."

Howard swiftly tapped Nick on the head, retorting, "Do you really want to stir up trouble among students?"

"Heh heh, no!" With a sheepish grin, Nick held his tongue. 

The group of four, led by Howard, made their way to the cafeteria.

Holy Abyss Academy housed thousands of students, boasting a lavish three-tiered cafeteria. 

However, the path to the third tier was sealed, with only a select few bearing special cards permitted to breach the luminescent barrier.

Clearly, that elusive third tier was the legendary VIP section.

Mike remarked, "The elders say only mentors can access the third floor. I wonder what delicacies they feast on."

Howard, unconcerned by Mike's musings, keenly observed the cafeteria's layout. 

The first floor mainly offered standard fare, while the second tier showcased an array of dishes made from various monster meats, with prices easily exceeding tenfold.

Curious about the effects of consuming these unique meats, Howard bit the bullet and treated Abby to a lavish meal. 

Nick and Mike, trying to join in, were swiftly rebuffed with a smack and settled for buying their own meals with a chuckle.

After their meal, Howard and Abby didn't notice any distinct effects, which left them puzzled. 

Surely, even if the benefits of monster flesh weren't immediately obvious, there should have been some noticeable change, right?