My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 948 A New Territory

For a short while, I remained standing there, letting my body ease back a step, then I turned and walked back towards where my sword had been flung aside. The blade lay partially submerged in the dirt, still bearing stains, its edge nicked but sufficiently intact for the present. I stooped, freed the weapon, and wiped it once on what remained of the orc's tattered clothing before standing upright again. My gaze drifted to the axe resting a short distance away, and after a brief hesitation, I crossed over, retrieved it, and tested its hold.

"It's heavy, but it'll do."

Gripping the sword in one hand and the axe in the other, I turned my attention back to the statue.

I stepped over the stone boundary and proceeded directly toward the center, halting merely a few feet before the shrouded figure.

Without any delay, I acted.

Adjusting my hold on the axe, I drew it back and brought it down in a full, measured swing. The blade met the statue with a resounding crack, the impact sending reverberations outward as a fissure snaked across its surface.

I promptly retracted the weapon and struck again.

The second blow landed with greater force, penetrating deeper, exacerbating the existing cracks as fragments of stone broke off and tumbled to the ground.

For the third strike, I unleashed my full power. The axe descended with maximum intensity, and this time, the statue was unable to withstand the assault.

It disintegrated.

Shards exploded outward, fragmenting from the core as the entire statue crumbled, the hooded form dissolving into pieces that scattered across the platform.

For an instant, there was utter stillness.

Then, a golden luminescence emerged from the shattered remnants, initially faint before coalescing into a concentrated point. It hovered for a fleeting second, then propelled itself forward, rushing directly at me before I could even react.

It merged with my body instantaneously. The effect was immediate.

A chime resonated.

Followed by another.

And then a third.

[Level Up!]

[Level Up!]

[Level Up!]

[Level 9 → 12]

[Influence Points +50]

A surge of vitality coursed through me, my physique rapidly adapting as the augmentation integrated. The enhancement was palpable, not solely in raw strength but in the seamless harmony of movement, as if the interval between intention and action had once again been compressed.

Then, quite suddenly, something fell onto the stone surface.

I looked down.

A small crystal lay amidst the fragmented debris, emitting a faint, pulsating white glow. I stepped forward and retrieved it, its surface feeling cool against my palm.

The instant my skin made contact, a notification materialized.

[Destroyer Path Detected]

[Generating Skill…]

A brief interval transpired, then the display updated.

[Skill Acquired]

[Impact Burst 1 (Active)(Uncommon)]

[Description: Unleashes a sudden, unbridled surge of power generated through kinetic motion, enabling swift acceleration in a linear direction or explosive vertical leaps.]

An additional influx of data regarding the skill and its application flooded my consciousness.

It was an uncommon ability, and from the absorbed knowledge, I began to comprehend the reasoning behind its rarity. I tightened my grip slightly on the crystal as its luminescence completely faded, rendering it inert within my hand.

[Warning! You have been Marked!]

Another notification appeared.

I offered a slight shrug. Such an outcome was anticipated, but it posed no issue. I had no intention of forgoing rapid advancements like these.

My gaze swept across the vicinity once more, searching for any overlooked items, but apart from the blood-splattered pillar standing some distance away, no other valuable remnants remained.

I approached it and reached out to test its integrity. The moment my hand made contact, the structure yielded without resistance, collapsing into fragments as if its supporting essence had already been completely depleted. The rubble settled at my feet, leaving nothing behind.

"How anticlimactic," I murmured softly, straightening up and brushing the dust from my hand.

There was nothing more to be gained from this location.

Consequently, I pivoted and moved onward, exiting the clearing and re-entering the forest, the sword in one hand and the axe resting comfortably against my shoulder. The ambient sounds of movement returned as I ventured deeper, the wilderness once again alive with the distant rustles of creatures traversing its expanse, though none approached immediately.

Several minutes elapsed.

Ten, perhaps more.

The forest's density gradually shifted, the terrain inclining slightly downwards as a new sound began to dominate the auditory landscape. Initially, it was faint, almost imperceptible against the general din, but with every step, it became increasingly distinct.

Water.

Flowing with considerable speed.

I subtly adjusted my course, turning towards the source as the sound amplified, the air growing marginally cooler as my proximity increased. The trees started to thin once more, giving way to a narrow passage where a stream carved its path through the land, its clear waters rushing over stones, glinting as they reflected the light in perpetual motion.

I drew nearer.

The sight alone was captivating after all that had transpired, and I crouched slightly, lowering myself towards the water's edge with the intention of quenching my thirst, extending one hand towards the liquid.

The instant my hand reached out, a notification materialized before my eyes.

[You have entered the Great Ape Territory]

[The Great Ape was a devoted Believer even prior to the System's descent. This integration has bestowed upon it the blessings of God Goldius.]

[Objective:]

→ Defeat the Believer: Great Ape

→ Convert the territory into a Defier Safe Zone

[Warning: The target commands a small army of Great Apes.]

Another notification swiftly followed.

[Warning! You have been Marked!]

"If anything, this simply simplifies matters," I murmured, adjusting the axe on my shoulder as I surveyed the surroundings, my gaze sweeping the treeline and the higher ground beyond the stream.

A territory, its leader, and an army.

This translated to more experience, more Combat Points, and more Influence.

"It's time to get to work." A smile touched my lips as I brought up my status screen to examine my attributes.

[Status]

—-----------------------------------

Name: Ryan Heavens

Level: 12

Class: Unassigned (Destroyer)

Talent: Overdrive

Designation: Defier

Combat Points (CP): 110

Influence Points (IP): 60

Stats:

Vitality: 30

Strength: 40

Dexterity: 29

Intelligence: 19

Endurance: 19

—-----------------------------------

I could immediately discern that Intelligence and Endurance were lagging behind the others. The disparity wasn't vast yet, but it was noticeable enough to make a difference in prolonged engagements where control and recovery could determine the outcome. The issue was apparent: there were no free stat allocations to rectify it, no flexibility in growth, only fixed increases tied to level advancement. This meant I couldn't adjust them directly, even if I wished to.

I released a quiet sigh.

"There must be a way around this," I mused silently, without faltering my progress. My attention remained keenly focused on the terrain, observing for any subtle shifts or movements that might foreshadow what was coming.

The forest's quietude was short-lived.

A sharp snapping sound pierced the ambient noises around me, indicating something substantial pushing through the undergrowth just ahead. I subtly altered my stance as a figure emerged from the bushes.

[Monster: Great Ape – Level 7]