Awakening：The Infinite Evolution of My Talent as a Low-Level Awakener - Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Arcane Skill Enhancement, [Mastery: Spellcasting Expertise]
The weapon quality increases by one tier, but without enhancing the attributes or the effects of attached skills, it may seem underwhelming.

Actually, under normal circumstances, this skill enhancement was quite excellent. It could elevate the quality of a weapon by one tier. Melee weapons had increased output, while ranged weapons benefited from better mana conduction efficiency, resulting in a boost in skill power.

Moreover, since it’s an unconditional quality boost, Sterl’s future legendary, epic, or mythical weapons will benefit greatly from this skill, making it extremely overpowered.

Higher-tier weapons experience a qualitative change with each tier increase.

Sterl was exceedingly excited, though slightly frustrated by the effort required to achieve ‘Mastered’ proficiency in [Mastery: All Soldiers].

After the point allocation, the accumulated proficiency in Proficiency in Multiple Martial Arts depreciated significantly, currently at [Beginner: 611/10000]. Fortunately, [Mastery: All Soldiers] proficiency would gradually increase through combat.

Sterl had already planned to grind proficiencies in The Netherworld. In critical battles, he would use his blood power to make a surge, and it shouldn’t take long to enjoy the benefits of this Mastery.

Next, Sterl spent another day training, taking a total of five days to max out his arcane skill proficiency and allocate points.

The quality of Star Soul Rotation has risen once again, reaching D-tier. Since Sterl has not yet reached the new cultivation stage for arcane skills, this wave of additional enhancements is modest, just a 10% increase in experience efficiency and a 10% boost in attribute effects.

Then, he spent three more days maxing out another Mastery, [Mastery: Mobile Spellcasting].

Finally, Sterl obtained—

[Mastery: Spellcasting Expertise]

[Description: You can cast spells in any harsh environment and gain additional benefits from spellcasting. You can cast spells freely while moving, receiving damage, under control effects, or near death.]

[Effect: Spellcasting efficiency is increased by 30%. You can still cast spells while under control effects, depleting stamina instead of mana when out of mana. In special maps where spellcasting is restricted, you can choose to expend additional stamina to forcefully cast spells.

When the proficiency of this skill reaches Mastery, you will acquire the ability [Maximized Spell (You can invest additional stamina to increase the power of your next spell. The maximum enhancement is achieved by investing 200% of your stamina, resulting in a 100% power increase.)

When the proficiency of this skill reaches Grandmaster, you will acquire the skill [Destructive Arcane (You can remove any additional effects from your skill. For each effect removed, you need to spend an extra 100% stamina, increasing the spell’s power by 50%.)].

[Difficulty of cultivation: Difficult]

“This is incredible!” Sterl exclaimed with excitement. After three point allocations, the newly evolved Mastery was highly satisfying.

Sterl initially learned [Mobile Spellcasting] to ensure his spellcasting would be unrestricted.

Now, this goal was more than achieved. He could cast spells even when controlled or silenced, with an empty mana bar, and even in anti-magic zones.

As for casting spells while moving, flying, or being hit—these common scenarios couldn’t stop Sterl from unleashing his skills.

The effects of this Mastery were maxed out!

Even the two additional skills seemed like bonus gifts.

[High-Efficiency Spell] and [Destructive Arcana] also took Sterl by surprise. One triples the stamina cost to double the spell’s power, while the other removes skill effects to further boost spell power.

Take his [Celestial Stars] as an example. It has two additional effects: ally shielding and enemy control. Removing all of them would double its power again!

“However, the two skills that come with this Mastery have pretty steep costs. [Ignition Flame] only requires double the stamina for double power, but [High-Efficiency Spell] and [Destructive Arcana] need triple the stamina…” Sterl couldn’t help but grumble.

He had always been terrified of running out of stamina.

Sterl knew that stamina was just a number. As long as he had enough, the expenditure wouldn’t be an issue. But the problem now was, if he truly mastered [High-Efficiency Spell] and [Destructive Arcana], even stamina potions might not be enough to support his frequent casting.

“It seems I need to find some amulets that help with stamina regeneration, or perhaps acquire some related skills.” He pondered…

And just then—

Sterl frowned. He noticed a commotion outside his room.

…

A few minutes ago, Daphne and Teresa were chatting when their expressions suddenly turned to astonishment. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, they could see a group of fully armed soldiers escorting a middle-aged man they knew very well.

It was none other than the “Great Elder” from Daphne and Teresa’s family. In terms of status, he could stand on equal footing with the clan leader. Additionally, he was the commander of the advanced Base 113, an experienced and powerful third-tier warrior, already planning to break through to the legendary tier.

Daphne and Teresa’s faces changed instantly. Having grown up within the family, they knew that this Great Elder had executed many peers who were deemed lacking in potential. Both of them trembled at the sight of him.

Fortunately, the Great Elder was currently bowing and scraping before a young man standing beside him.

“Your Highness, let us handle this matter.”

“How could we let you personally intervene?”

The young man looked a bit awkward and uneasy. “No, I must go personally…”

“Let me inquire first. If you went in person and it turned out to be nothing, facing those commoners would be a disgrace.”

The Great Elder was extremely respectful, trying to persuade him.

The young man frowned slightly but thought it over. “Then please, go ahead and check it out for me. But even if there’s a chance that Mr. David is there, please show some respect. He is my friend.”

This young man was none other than Sterl’s “boss,” the Fourth Prince of the Divine Mountain Empire. No, he should now be called the Crown Prince.

At this moment, the Fourth Prince did not overly emphasize the extraordinary nature of “David.” This was because the Divine Mountain Empire had also conducted investigations and found very little information about “David.” There was even a mix-up where they mistakenly thought that the president of a guild from a low-level base of a human clan on Earth was “David.” It turned out to be just a person with the same name, and that guild president “David” had gone missing several months ago.

The Fourth Prince understood that David must prefer to keep a low profile. Therefore, he naturally wouldn’t reveal too much to the commander of Base 113, an outsider.

“Understood.”

“Understood.”

The Great Elder nodded seriously. Anyone connected to the Fourth Prince of the Divine Mountain Empire was not someone he would neglect.

However, upon entering the villa and seeing Teresa and Daphne, a look of disdain flashed in his eyes. “Is that David here with you?”

The Great Elder exuded an air of superiority, his tone dripping with contempt. He recognized Teresa and Daphne as second-class players from their family.

To an elder like him, they were nothing more than servants.

“What business do you have with Lord David?” Daphne hadn’t yet reacted, but Teresa frowned and asked.

She knew Sterl had repeatedly instructed her to keep his strength and secrets hidden.

Teresa had long since arranged to have all of Sterl’s records and information at the lower-level base destroyed.

The Great Elder’s arrival made Teresa feel an ominous premonition.

“Could it be that the master’s abilities have been exposed? Is someone targeting him?”

However, the Great Elder merely snorted coldly. “Hmm?”

A silver gleam flashed in his eyes.

“Aargh!” Teresa seemed to suffer a severe blow, immediately collapsing to the ground, bleeding from her orifices.

She was already gravely injured, on the brink of death!

The family rules were clear: for elders and patriarchs, ordinary members were not to question them and were expected to give their lives and everything without hesitation.

If any ordinary member disobeyed, elders or patriarchs had the right to execute them at will. This was to ensure the family’s absolute control over its members, instilling such fear that they wouldn’t dare contemplate betrayal or defiance.

The only downside was that those elders and high-ranking members saw ordinary family members as less than human. But so what? In the real-world factories, the efficiency of producing new family members was incredibly high, ensuring that the great families never lacked people.

The Great Elder’s eyes were filled with anger. If he didn’t need to ask questions, he would have killed Teresa on the spot!

Daphne, trembling with fear, didn’t dare to move an inch.

Years ago, during their training in the family, this Great Elder had been one of their instructors.

That training session was a nightmare.

At least 30 players had been slaughtered for failing to show enough respect to the Elder or for speaking inappropriately.

The traumatic memories flooded back for Daphne, causing her entire body to tremble.

“Is David here?” The Great Elder’s tone was flat, as if he had just taken a sip of water.

Daphne’s mind went blank, but she still remained silent…