As such, a skill like Sparks had reached 100% in value by level 20 whereas Xela's Cure was at 20%. From this, one could infer the difference between the two, but more importantly, the growth trajectory.

Intermediate skills though, were a whole different ballgame. Intermediate skills/spells acquired by Darius transmuted skill/spellbooks all started at 100%!

His Fireball, Flamepillar, Void Cut, and more all started at 100% Int damage. What was crazier was that each level increased the value by 20%!

Darius had yet to see a non-Transmuted Intermediate skill with percentile values, but using the same logic from the basic spells he could deduce their effects.

If it continued the trend of x5, then normal average quality Intermediate skills/spells started at 20% and rose by 4% with each level! By the time they climbed to level 20, they would reach 100%, which was quite significant.

However, Darius' Transmuted Intermediate skills/spells would reach 500% by level 20! This was why his Lightning Bolt that was evolved 520% Lightning damage, because it was level 21.

(Editor's Note; Ignore the math, our author is a dumbass who failed calculus, just take it as is >_> )

The true nature of the elitist Transmutation ability had finally be laid bare! When it concerned lower tier items and skills, it didn't seem like much, but the higher Darius climbed, the more of a gulf it created between him and the average Faustian.

He now understood why whenever Caesar mentioned his Transmutation skill, he spoke with resentment. It was the one thing that set Darius apart from the talented Faustians and gave him a significant edge over them.

If used well, he could easily dominate with power alone. If misused, he would end up with a horrible fate.

Darius breathed out and laid on his bed. Gunner too was tired after his long day, so the duo didn't call for any nightly services as they went straight to bed.

......…

In the morning, Darius and Gunner performed their usual cleaning routine before meeting Xela downstairs. She seemed a bit sad and listless with her friend gone, so Darius consoled her gently.

After all, she was free to continue partying up with Veri to explore the Vaults if she so wanted. Remembering this, Xela perked up and noted that she was fine now.

Darius nodded and ate breakfast with his Branded Servants calmly. Afterward, they each went their separate ways, Gunner to break heads and legs at the Colosseum of Blood, Xela to explore and level at the Vault Plaza, and Darius to download all the information he could from the Great Library.

Like this, a week passed.

......…..

"Haa… that should be enough." Miranda sighed tiredly, as Darius unplugged her.

After spending all her time downloading all she could, she had finally swallowed all the normal data in the library, the new information today she would separate into categories of importance later.

It was still early in the day today, and Darius still had about 7 hours of reading time left. Seeing as Miranda was tired, he decided to leave and spend the rest of his day relaxing idly.

He left the Great Library and walked to a nearby cafe that served hot pasties as well as cold drinks. Darius chose an outdoor seat so he could bask in the warm breeze and the clean smell.

The City of Divinity did not tolerate any form of dirtiness, as the Gods would severely punish anyone who broke that rule. Cleanliness is next to Godliness after all.

Darius was currently seated near a small river that passed through the God of Knowledge's sector. The water within the river was a bright blue and one could even see freshwater fish jumping about happily within.

On both sides of the river were various establishments using this scenic location to earn their keep. After all, who wouldn't love to eat or shop near such a lovely location?

Darius himself was seated right next to the river, his table for one overlooking the river, placed right next to the whitewashed stone fences that prevented passersby or children from falling within.

Darius didn't have to wait long for his snacks to arrive. He smiled at the cute waitress who was blushing while gazing at him, giving her a few Dius as a tip for being pretty.

She accepted the tip with a happy smile, as well as giggled at the reasoning. If it wasn't for the fact that she was called back to serve other orders, Darius was certain she would have spoken to him a bit more.

Well, she was on the clock, so no one could blame her. Darius first sipped on his cool smoothie, marveling at how well made it was. It tasted fresh and succulent, going down his throat with ease.

As he smacked his lips with pleasure, his eyes turned to the nearby stone bridge that crossed over the river. There were a few of them lined up and down the long street, allowing people at certain checkpoints to cross from one side to the other with ease.

Just as his eyes landed on the stone bridge, it was as if time had stopped for Darius. His breathing, cognition, and heartbeat invariably took a pause as his eyes locked onto a single form crossing the bridge with a group.

Caramel skin that shone with luster under the sunlight. Lush and lively red hair flowed down her shoulders, reaching the midpoint of her back. Piercing amber eyes that glinted with calmness yet solemnity.

It didn't matter that she wore thick plate-mail meant for paladins, especially paladins of high stature and rank. It didn't matter that the group following her were a mixture of men and women looking to belong to a clergy, even a pope with a papal staff and an inquisitor decked in noble attire walking behind.

At that moment, Darius only recognized one thing.

That woman… there was no doubt about it. From her looks to her demeanor, to her very presence.

Darius could never mistake it for anyone.

Someway, somehow, his deceased wife, Deia Stone, had arrived in Faust.