Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill Chapter 2: Just Dust...?
Previously on Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill...
Vritra scrutinized the data before him, his intellect already processing the statistics. While he lacked a baseline for what constituted a high or average stat in this world, his luck stood out as his most prominent attribute. He committed the figures to memory, intending to analyze them thoroughly at a later time.
"Dust Manipulation..." he whispered, his voice so soft it was nearly lost to the air. He felt a wave of uncertainty regarding this ability; upon first impression, it appeared entirely worthless. However, the presence of two distinct ranks puzzled him—it was an anomaly he couldn't yet explain.
'And what about this Mutamorphis? It seems just as pointless... Is it some sort of survival skill? It doesn't even show a rank,' Vritra mused, finally turning his attention away from the floating status window.
Scanning his surroundings, he evaluated the reactions of the crowd and realized he possessed the ability to view the status windows of others. The students were a chaotic mix of terror, thrill, and bewilderment. Curiously, their skills only displayed a single rank.
Ms. Mia was observing her own window with a look of pure skepticism.
Vanessa, after reading her own data, looked stunned. She quickly dismissed the window, glancing around nervously to ensure her information remained private. The nature of her new abilities left her speechless and unsure of how to proceed.
'Based on the others, ten seems to be the average stat value. I can only see limited information on their windows, though,' Vritra noted. As he observed his peers, he realized that many details, including the ranks of their classes, remained hidden from his sight.
A heavy silence descended upon the magnificent chamber as Mia, Vanessa, Vritra, and the rest of the students stood lost in thought, grappling with their new reality.
The quiet was soon broken by sharp gasps and sighs echoing through the temple. While some students beamed with joy at their newfound powers, others looked devastated, struggling to accept their grim circumstances.
'What in the world are these abilities? They are far too... provocative.'
Vanessa felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks, a rare sight for a woman usually defined by her icy confidence. She glanced at her son, exhaling in relief when she realized he hadn't glimpsed her status window.
The goddess Diana surveyed the gathered guests from another world, noting the powers they had manifested. A few results elicited a look of genuine surprise and satisfaction from her.
Several individuals caught her attention, particularly those who had awakened legendary skills. Diana’s eyes narrowed slightly as her gaze lingered on Vanessa, a faint smile playing on her lips.
A calculating spark flickered in the goddess's eyes, as if she were already devising ways to utilize the voluptuous woman for her own ends. This predatory look went unnoticed by the group as Diana shifted her focus to the other notable students.
"Well done," Diana announced, her voice resonating powerfully throughout the hall. "It appears you have been graced with magnificent talents. A few among you have even been granted legendary powers."
"Jack—your holy hero abilities will be the cornerstone of our campaign against the demon legions. Provided you apply yourself, your power will eventually become unrivaled on this planet."
"And Fiona, your command over the Phoenix’s flames will be an invaluable tool in the coming conflict. Your very bloodline and physique have been elevated far beyond the norm."
"Max, I am impressed by the lethality of your skill—Tempest Dominion. It is truly remarkable. With your lightning, you shall reduce demons to cinders. Raino, your talents will make you a peerless assassin. You shall rule the darkness..."
Diana continued her assessment of the standout students. It was clear that Jack and Fiona were her primary interests, though she continued to cast occasional, opportunistic glances at Vanessa.
Jack, the affluent son of a wealthy businessman and the class representative, stood with an air of arrogant poise. His white hair was perfectly styled, and he maintained a stoic expression despite the absurdity of the situation. His striking looks naturally drew the attention of the female students.
He accepted the praise in silence, trying to navigate the gravity of their predicament. Realizing that cooperation was his only path forward, he nodded respectfully to the goddess before casting an enamored look at the beautiful girl beside him.
However, she didn't spare him a single glance.
Fiona’s pale skin seemed to radiate light, giving her the appearance of an exquisite doll. Her figure, accentuated by her tight-fitting shirt, made her the object of desire for nearly every boy in the room. Behind her calm, polished exterior, she kept her true thoughts and nature well-hidden.
As the school's most celebrated beauty, Fiona accepted the goddess's accolades gracefully. Her vibrant red hair flowed down her back, and a strange, fiery light danced within her emerald eyes.
"Isn't this far too perilous? What if some of us refuse to fight in this war? Is there no way for us to go home?" Fiona asked.
Diana met her gaze with a serene smile. "It is undoubtedly dangerous," she admitted.
"I understand this is a shock, but you will receive rigorous training. Once you have reached the pinnacle of power and eradicated the threat, you will be permitted to return to your world with your abilities intact, allowing you to protect your own home."
"If you decline to fight, you would only be returning to a world destined for ruin. The decision rests with you. With such incredible gifts, you have no reason for fear, and we shall support you fully."
Her words wove a web of manipulation, instilling both pressure and a sense of duty. The students realized they were backed into a corner; the goddess knew exactly how to pull their strings.
Envy and awe rippled through the crowd as students whispered about their peers' impressive skills. Vanessa, however, was focused on Vritra’s status window. Seeing his lone, seemingly pathetic skill, she couldn't help but frown in concern.
After examining the others, Diana finally turned her attention to Vritra. As she looked over his status, her eyes widened for a moment before twisting into an expression of blatant contempt and revulsion.
'An average human possesses stats around 10. It is shocking that his physical attributes match a level 5 or 6 being. I have never encountered such a human. His luck is double that of the others, but...' Diana's thoughts soured as she reached his ability.
"Vritra Arclis," Diana said, her tone dripping with scorn and coldness. "Dust Manipulation. A truly... peculiar gift. It appears you have drawn the shortest straw in the group. What a shame; you are effectively useless for any role."
A wave of mocking laughter erupted from the students as they saw Vritra’s skill. He, however, made no effort to hide it from their prying eyes.
The students, who had long harbored a mixture of hatred and fear toward him, were delighted by his apparent misfortune. Their intimidation evaporated instantly, replaced by malicious glares. They completely disregarded his superior stats, lacking the context to understand their significance.
The bullies, lead by the muscular Max, were the loudest in their derision. They were the typical high school athletes—all brawn and ego—who thrived on intimidation. In the past, they had stopped bothering Vritra after he had delivered several brutal beatings to them.
But in this new world, Max had been granted a powerful ability, and his confidence had surged to dangerous levels.
"Controlling dust?" Max barked with laughter. "So his great power is being a maid! Hahaha! It looks like the goddess summoned a janitor. An interdimensional floor-sweeper—what a pathetic joke."
"Maybe he can vacuum up the scraps after we finish the real work. Every battlefield needs a cleanup crew, right?" another lackey mocked, sparking more laughter.
"Unbelievable! The 'mighty' Vritra is now a nobody? Hahaha, let's see you act like a tough guy now. You'd better watch your back," another boy added with a sneer.
"He'll be the weakest link in no time. Don't worry, Janitor Vritra, we'll make sure to 'look after' you. You have a very interesting future ahead," a member of Max's group said, his smile failing to hide the threat in his voice.
'Can they not see Mutamorphis?' Vritra wondered, completely unfazed by the insults hurled his way.
"It's fine, Mom," Vritra said, his voice carrying a rare tenderness reserved only for her. Looking into his calm eyes through the fringe of his hair, Vanessa felt her rage begin to simmer down.
Vanessa let out a frustrated sigh, feeling helpless. She glanced at her own skills, her expression clouded with doubt. She knew Vritra was not like other people.
His physical and mental capabilities far exceeded human limits for reasons only she understood. She was currently torn; while her own skills could protect them both, she hesitated to take the path they required.
Diana cleared her throat, instantly commanding the room's attention. "Silence," she ordered, and the mockery died away.
"Do not underestimate any ability. Every person here has a role to fill in the coming war—even if it is merely maintenance. Regardless, you must understand the gravity of the situation in this world..."
The goddess proceeded to detail the crisis facing their new home and the weight of their quest. She spoke of labyrinths teeming with demonic monsters—realms of extreme peril and immense treasure.
They were currently within the Kingdom of Dunshire, located on the Topaz continent. The kingdom itself had performed the summoning. She briefly mentioned the king, describing him as a benevolent ruler, along with other essential facts about the land.
As Diana lectured, Vritra’s mind drifted back to a memory from his past.
He recalled his thirteenth birthday, the day a friend had introduced him to the world of underground pit fighting.
Back then, Vritra had been consumed by boredom. Despite Vanessa’s deep love and care, her demanding job often left him alone. The dangerous, high-stakes environment of the arena became his escape.
He began fighting nearly every day. Although the matches paid well, the money meant nothing to him given his family's wealth. Compared to the thrill of the fight, school and social life seemed like trivial child's play.
Within a few years, Vritra had climbed to the top of the underground circuit. It was during this time he noticed his body was different; it seemed to possess its own instinct, turning numb to pain at the perfect moment, allowing him to fight without inhibition.
Seeing his 'Pain Resistance' at level four now confirmed his suspicions. His speed, endurance, and power had always been abnormal, though the source of this strength remained a mystery to him.
By eighteen, he was a veteran of countless brutal matches. He had survived severe injuries, always emerging as the victor.
He had kept this violent double life a secret. Vritra suspected his mother might know, given her own resources, but she had never tried to stop him—even if her eyes filled with dread whenever she spotted a small bruise on his skin.
Consequently, the "useless" label of his new skill didn't bother him. He didn't know what the future held, but he was certain it would be far from boring, even if it led to his death.
Vanessa watched her son, her heart heavy with worry. She knew his will was unbreakable, but this world sounded far more lethal than anything they had faced. She vowed to herself that she would shield him, no matter the cost.
Concluding her briefing, Diana led the group out of the temple. Vritra observed the landscape with sharp eyes—the towering white spires of the palace, the vibrant green fields, and the distant, humming city filled with people.
The sight finally hammered home the reality of their situation. The architecture, the clothing, the very atmosphere—everything was alien. They were no longer on Earth.
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