Chapter Fifty-Six: Officially Unlocking the First Stage of the Golden Finger

"Your golden finger has absorbed enough source energy and has officially advanced to the first stage!"

Well, that was just Chuchen’s joking way of saying it; in reality, the data panel would never display such a prompt.

Yet it was true. The mysterious orb in his mind had indeed activated after absorbing one hundred units of source energy, unlocking the first stage. Without any system notification, he instinctively understood the abilities gained upon unlocking this stage—two in total.

The first ability: each time he levels up, all attributes increase by one, recalculated according to his current level.

That meant, at level twenty-five, all his attributes had increased by twenty-five points.

The second ability: select one of three randomly offered new talents, or upgrade an existing talent.

Chuchen’s choice was… to be decided later.

There was no time limit; he could choose whenever he wished.

Right now, Chuchen was undergoing the transformation brought by the power of his golden finger, with no mind to make choices yet.

These two abilities were the most obvious changes, but there were many others not displayed, such as improvements to skill learning. Now, not only did his weapon skill proficiency increase faster, but the golden finger’s effects had expanded to encompass professional skills as well.

Previously, weapon skills only improved through actual combat; now, even solo practice increased proficiency, though not as effectively as real battle.

Furthermore, the enhancement to skills and expertise had become more refined, evolving in ways that better matched his current profession and talents, and the advancement was even more pronounced.

It wouldn’t instantly upgrade a mid-level skill to a top-tier one, but any enhancement would make it a standout among advanced skills, precisely attuned to his current abilities.

Simply put, this was a comprehensive improvement, though not a drastic, earth-shattering transformation.

That was to be expected—it was only the first stage, after all.

Having understood all the changes brought by the formal activation of his golden finger, Chuchen calmed himself and carefully sensed his own growing strength.

Under its control, a continuous stream of void source energy was drawn into his body, fortifying his abilities on every front, with all his attributes steadily rising.

Until, at a certain moment, Chuchen suddenly opened his eyes and murmured,

"Open attribute panel."

The next instant, a luminous screen, visible only to him, unfurled, displaying—

Name: Chuchen.
Race: Human.
Level: 25.
Talent: Spatial Refraction LV1.
Traits: Extraordinary Physique (Epic), Extraordinary Agility (Transcendent).
Primary Attributes: Constitution 78, Strength 89, Agility 72, Perception 39, Intelligence 35, Spirit 35
Secondary Attributes: Tenacity 20, Reflex 24, Will 7, Life Regeneration +15/sec
Health Points: 1280

Stamina Points: 1280.
Mana Points: 350.
Melee Attack: 89+21 (Slash), 89+20 (Thrust).
Ranged Attack: None.
Physical Defense: 10% + 58 points.
Magic Defense: 13%
Skill Resistance: 10%.
Movement Speed: 212
Basic Skills: Dagger Mastery, One-Handed Sword Mastery, One-Handed Axe Mastery, Gauntlet Mastery, Firearm Mastery, Bow Novice, Throwing Mastery, Dual Weapon Mastery.
Professional Skills: Quickness LV5 (Intermediate), Frenzy LV5 (Intermediate), Mighty Strike LV5 (Intermediate), Blade Storm LV2 (Advanced), Thunderous Blow LV5 (Advanced), Tidal Surge LV1 (Advanced), Blood God’s Body LV1 (Top-tier)
Life Professions: Basic Fishing, Basic First Aid, Basic Cooking.
Remaining Free Attribute Points: 50.
Remaining Skill Points: 1.

"Strong!"

There was no other way to describe it—his attributes surpassed those of elite professionals above level thirty, even those with advanced or top-tier careers.

Six attributes, each increased by twenty-five points, totaling one hundred and fifty added points. Normally, a single level grants five free attribute points, so it would take thirty levels to gain this much.

Attribute points are the most direct reflection of personal strength.

Greater constitution meant his vitality was markedly stronger.

The difference in strength and agility was even more tangible.

When attributes are powerful enough, one faces any situation with confidence; and when they are powerful across the board, one moves with ease, free from any weakness.

What delighted Chuchen most was that the attribute points granted by his golden finger were not merely extra, but counted as part of his base attributes.

That meant, at level twenty-five, with all attributes +1 per level, his base attribute was not ten, but thirty-five, already surpassing the human race’s limit.

Mage professions require at least nine points each in base spirit and intelligence; his base—or innate—spirit and intelligence were now thirty-five, making “genius” an inadequate description.

It’s worth noting that innate attributes are unaffected by attribute resets.

Using River of the Underworld water to reset attributes only restores points gained after birth—such as those from leveling up or from story rewards.

"I am terrifyingly strong now!"

He laughed wildly inside, his consciousness shifting to talents, ready to consider whether to upgrade his current talent or add a new one.

"Let’s see what talents are available if I choose a second talent."

With a thought, his vision blurred, several lines of data floated before his eyes, and he focused—

"Hmm?"

At that moment, an immense, evil will—imperceptible to the naked eye—smashed through the screen before him and struck his forehead.

Instinctively, he leaned back tactically—

And leaned back—

And stayed perfectly still.

His skin rapidly turned pale and stone-like, while his pupils became pitch-black, like a pair of black holes.

"It’s here!"

Outside the magic circle, both mages sensed the vast, fleeting evil will. Their gazes locked onto the figure enveloped by void source energy within the formation. Through their formidable perception, they noted Chuchen’s aura fluctuating between two distinct wills.

"Now we wait and see…"

Mohan’s voice cut off abruptly, shock appearing on his face.

At that instant, he sensed yet another vast will descend with the starfall, flooding into Chuchen’s body.

He hadn’t decided whether to intervene, when the sky above the Observatory suddenly brightened; an invisible pressure descended, plunging directly into the starfall.

"The third one."

Even the well-traveled Grand Mage Erin was astounded, muttering,

"This isn’t normal!"

"Normally, so many void wills wouldn’t be attracted unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Unless this infusion of void source energy activated a hidden talent in his body, and this talent is extraordinary, drawing great interest from the void wills."

Mohan frowned, saying,

"But he’s already awakened a talent—a defensive one. That shouldn’t draw this much attention."

"But he could have a second talent."

Mohan fell silent, for that possibility was real.

Not just two talents—human civilization had entered the Age of Chaos for over ten thousand years; there had been cases of individuals possessing three or even four talents.

Rare in the extreme, but not unheard of.

"Let’s hope you can withstand it yourself."

In this situation, Mohan could do nothing.