[You have evolved into Multi-Skill Parasite]

[All stats increased by 50]

[Initiating fusion of the following skills: Tenacity - Physical Enhancement - Survival Instinct…]

[The following skills have been removed: Wither Blast - Infernal Cry - Vampire Bite - Mind Blast - Flight, No Flight, Tusk Damage, Acid Spray, Speed Jump]

[Multi-Skill Parasite: Mutant-type Parasite belonging to the C-category. They are capable of fusing complimentary skills into a stronger variation. Their main strength is the ability to swiftly cast or activate multiple skills at the same time.

The user will gain 70% of a host’s basic stats The user will only obtain half of a host’s skills. The skills are picked randomly Possessing hosts that have an affinity in manipulating Mana will increase the potency of magical spells and decrease the cost and cooldown. When the current host of a Multi-Skill parasite suffers fatal damage, such as beheading, dissection of the body, etc… The parasite will be ejected outside and stats will be decreased by 99% for 12 hours. The parasite will not be able to possess any host in that state. Additionally, the parasite will be vulnerable to all types of damage during that period of time.]

[Magic Resistance(Passive Lv6) has evolved into ‘Multi-Resistance(Passive Lv1)’: All resistances currently in the user’s arsenal have been added to ‘Multi-Resistance’: Heat Resistance, Cold Resistance, Poison Resistance, Physical Damage Resistance, Fire Resistance, Magic Resistance, Disease Resistance.]

[Tenacity(Passive Lv6), Physical Enhancement(Passive Lv9), Flexibility(Passive Lv5), have been fused and upgraded into: Law of Resilience(Passive Lv1)]

[Law of Resilience: Increased ongoing physical damage(40%), reduced incoming damage(20%), increased Dexterity and Agility(10% each)]

[First Attack(Passive Lv6), Survival Instinct(Passive), Keen Eyes(Passive Lv5) have been fused and upgraded into: Law of Perception(Passive Lv1)]

[All animal or beast-related skills have been fused and upgraded into suitable skills.]

[All insect-related skills have been…]

[All bird-related skills…]

The list of new skills was pretty long, but Arthur carefully read everything. The end result was satisfying, to say the least. His Status Window was no longer cluttered with rows of skills, most of which he would forget their uses.

It was much better to have similar skills fuse into one. The next big thing that this evolution granted him was the ability to use some skills without having to possess a specific host. Admittedly, there were still minor limitations, but it was still better than what he previously had.

*TITLE(S) : NONE

NAME : Arthur Bilgart

RACE :Multi-Skill Parasite

Lv: 33 (10%)

Strength : 1249(1112)

Intelligence : 926(801)

Agility : 1022(921)

Wisdom: 684(591)

Vitality : 966(882)

Dexterity : 800(703)

-

*Skills

-Resistances:

Multi-Resistance(Passive Lv1)

Heavy Armor Mastery(Will take effect only when the user wears a full seat of heavy-typy armor(eg: plate)

-Others

Law of Resilience(Passive Lv1)

Law of Perception(Passive Lv1)

Magic Casting(Passive-Active Lv1)

Miscellaneous Skills(Passive)

Parasitic Insectoid(Passive)

The Baleful Beast(Passive Lv1)

Medical Field(Passive Lv4)

Stealth Movement(Passive Lv5)

Black Arts(Passive Lv6)

Empyrean Trait(Passive Lv2)

-Weapon Masteries

Knife Mastery(Passive Lv2)

Dual Dagger Mastery(Passive Lv4)

Sword Mastery(Passive Lv7)

Axe Mastery(Passive Lv4)

Spear Mastery(Passive Lv3)

Bow Mastery(Passive Lv4)

Staff Mastery(Passive Lv3)

-Active abilities:

Spell-Casting(Active Lv1): Fireball(Lv4) - Icicle(Lv2) - Fire Storm(Lv2) - Frost Blast(Lv2) - The Mist of Decay(Lv7) - Wither Touch - Weak Telekinesis(Lv3) - Black Swirl - Magick Sense(Lv5)

Physical Skills/Techniques: Power Attack - Berserk - The Crescent Moon - Sword Blast

Potent Multi-Spell(Active-Passive Lv1) - Exoskeleton Defense(Lv3| Exclusive to specific hosts)

Face Change(Active Lv3)

Slime Me Not(Active)

Berserk(Active Lv3)

Fire Breath(Lv5)(Exclusive to the following hosts: Drakes, Dragons, Wyverns, and Wyrms)

It wasn’t only the passive skills that fused, some active ones also received a much-welcomed upgrade, like [Half a Moon] and [Lunar Blade], which turned into [The Crescent Moon].

Overall, Arthur didn’t regret evolving into a Multi-Skill Parasite. Nevertheless, he was slightly curious about the choices he had missed, namely the Rot Parasite. Then again, he wouldn’t have been able to evolve into that as he was missed some of the requirements.

“I apologise for the tardiness. We’re ready.”

Ever since the tragedy that happened in the Armis Village, Jader had been busy going from one place to the other. Even when he returned from the city, he made sure his village was safe and even went to check the mines for signs of any dangerous beasts.

“No problem. We’re ready to leave.”

Arthur smiled and mounted one of the horses. Evelyn and Chris also got a horse of their own, but, during their short stay here, their group of three had welcomed another unexpected member.

“I’m too old to be riding a horse.”

The old mage, named Gaffron Gaol, was also heading to Raml Asfr City and asked to accompany them. He had already gathered his belongings and stored his magical tent.

Although Arthur and Evelyn avoided any contact within, Chris was quite the opposite.

As someone fascinated by this new world, Chris became friends with old Gaffron, though it was more like the latter’s rambling about magic and mystical artifacts caught the former’s interest.

Initially, Arthur was against this as Gaffron acted more like a swindler than an actual mage. However, he changed his mind when Chris told him that Gaffron was helping him understand how spells work and how he could efficiently use them.

Chris didn’t have a lot of skills and spells, but the ones in his possession were very good. If he were to master them, he would be able to contribute in future battles or even help them teleport out of a sticky situation.

Contrary to his demeanor, Gaffron, as a proper -albeit lacking- mage, was quite well-versed in Theoretical Magic, therefore making him a somewhat suitable tutor to Chris.

Both Evelyn and Arthur could use Magic, but theirs greatly differed from Chris’, so they weren’t adequate to offer any good advice.

The trip to Raml Asfr City usually takes half a day on horse. However, we will travel at a slow pace for safety’s sake. Additionally, the Sultan sent patrols to ensure the main roads are protected, so we need not worry about bandits or monster attacks.

…

The trip to the only city in the Desert of Peace and Commerce was quiet, peaceful, and uneventful.

Jader and two of his men took the lead and guided Arthur and co to their destination.

“Here you go. Thank you.”

“I was only doing my job.”

Jader accepted the payment with a big smile, though he looked haggard and tired.

“There are a lot of people that might take advantage of you in this city. Please be careful.”

Jader clumsily bowed his head before getting on his steed and leaving. They had no business in Raml Asfr City, and with the culprit behind that massacre still on the loose, Jader had to return to his village and ensure nothing bad happened.

“Any place in mind, younglings?”

Gaffron wiped the sweat off his wrinkled face and faced the three of them. Although they travelled using horses, the journey took its toll on his weak and aged body. His over-the-top wizardly attire and the way he behaved made any onlooker doubt if he really was a mage.

“This city is infamous for swindlers and muggers. I can show you the way…”

He rubbed his bony hands together while adding, “For a small, discounted fee.”

“No.”

Evelyn gave him a cold stare, but the shameless old man chuckled and wrapped his around Christopher.

“My knowledge is vast. If you’re looking for something specific, then my help would be invaluable! Didn’t I help you familiarize yourself with Magic? Consider that a display of my accumulated wisdom.”

“Thank you for the offer but I don’t think we need any immediate assistance.”

Arthur gave a polite response as he signaled Chris to follow him.

“See you around, Gaffron!”

Although he liked the old mage quite a bit and wouldn’t necessarily decline his tutelage, Chris knew that both Arthur and Evelyn weren’t fond of Gaffron. Insisting that they bring him along or request his help would only be a waste of time.

“What a shame…”

As he saw the three of them disappear into the bustling crowd near the circular plaza beyond the city’s gate, Gaffron let out a sigh of disappointment and went on his way.

…

“There’s no reason to give him the cold shoulder, is there?”-Chris

“He’s an incompetent mage and a con artist.” Rebuked Evelyn as she walked behind Arthur.

“I mean… he did help me understand a couple of things. He’s not that bad.”

“You’re clearly not a good judge of character.” She retorted again while snorting.

“Considering that I mistook you for a reasonably kind and self-dependent lady, I think you may be right.” Chris clicked his tongue and gave her a mocking and childish grimace.

“Your easily-trusting attitude is more deplorable than Master’s extreme and worrying eccentric tendencies. How you two became brothers is beyond me.”

“Opposites attract. Then again, I don’t blame you for perceiving Chris in such a manner. He’s very good at playing the part of a fool.” Arthur chuckled and looked at his energetic childhood friend.

The three of them walked the street of Raml Asfr City.

It wasn’t as big as Blackcrest, but the architecture and ambiance were distinctly different. Even under the blazing sun and scorching hot weather, the streets were filled with travelers and merchants.

The buildings were made of yellow-ish blocks of stones, the doors were bright blue and decorated with white or black dots. The design was eye-catching and despite the buildings looking very similar, they were distributed all over the city in an orderly manner.

This made navigating the city’s streets easy. There were small wooden signs that pointed toward specific shops or streets, but as the city wasn’t that big, anyone would be able to memorise its layout after two or three tours.

There were stalls and shops in every corner, though most of them were shabby and had unremarkable merchandise on display.

“This place reminds me of our visit to Morocco. Remember the traditional city in Marrakesh? That sure was a memorable trip.”

Arthur let out a soft laugh and nodded his head in agreement. However, their friendly banter only soured Evelyn’s mood. As she didn’t know what they were talking about, and none of them explained anything, she was left in the dark with no way of contributing to the conversation. Then again, she wasn’t that talkative to begin with.

It felt like she was the third wheel on a date, and the rising temperature that drenched her with sweat only added to her frustration.

“Slave market, huh…”

Upon seeing the large sign with an arrow pointing to the left, Chris halted his steps and frowned.

“This world is really uncivilised. It makes me sick.”

Chris looked at the special carriages from afar. They were carrying big cells in which there were chained slaves, most -if not all- were of the Beastmen Race.

“Say…”-Chris

Before he could speak his mind, Arthur shook his head,

“No, Chris. There’s nothing we can do. We’re not some sort of fictional Heroes or almighty saviors.”

“But aren’t you super strong? Surely there is a way.”

“It doesn’t work like that. Taking down Slave Traders will only lead to others taking their place. Slavery isn’t illegal in this place, so interfering with it will make us a target. Criminals, basically.”

“We would have at least saved a couple of lives and freed them from misery, though.”

“That’s a foolish notion. I agree that enslaving anyone is a horrible thing, but we’re in unfamiliar territory and trying to play Heroes, as Master had said, will only bring us troubles. Plus, we’re nowhere near strong enough to actually change the system. There’s also the fact that Master is a…”-Evelyn

She stopped at the last second, unwilling to say the word ‘Parasite’ in public.

Parasites might not be known by all the inhabitants of Astria, but the strong and influential people know and abhor them.

Someone like the Sultan would likely not want a parasite roaming the streets of his city.