Reborn as an Extra Chapter 3 3. The Elemental Sword Art

Human Continent, Capital City 'Astra', Within a Hotel Room Close to Rift Mountain, Era 4345

"Phew... I'm worn out from just this, I'll definitely train once I return to the academy."

Ultimately, Rio managed to steal the protagonist's belonging. He hadn't thought it would happen so effortlessly, yet this item wasn't terribly significant; one more prize remained for him to claim.

'I'll handle it tomorrow.' (Rio)

For examining the status, better to wait until he obtains that item tomorrow—it'll feel more satisfying that way.

"Hehehe... life's treating me well."

Come morning, Rio boarded the bus once more and set off on another thieving adventure.

Following several hours of travel, he arrived at his target: the Dark Forest.

"It's genuinely shadowy here, despite being broad daylight; I need a torch to navigate. Without my knowledge of the path from the novel, I'd be hopelessly lost by now."

After roughly thirty minutes of trekking, Rio halted before a massive boulder. He began scrutinizing the surrounding trees, all of them pitch-black with white markings. He approached the central tree, which towered over the rest.

He struck the trunk with his fist, and astonishingly, the enormous bark split apart with ease, revealing a lever embedded within. Rio yanked the lever and paused for several minutes. Soon, the boulder shifted gradually to the left, uncovering a hidden staircase.

Rio descended the stairs, and after fifteen minutes, he arrived at the base where a sturdy wooden door stood firmly closed. He pushed it open and stepped inside without a second thought.

The interior featured a compact chamber with a lone ancient tome hovering mid-air. The moment Rio grasped the book, it dissolved into glowing particles that surged into his forehead. A torrent of memories flooded his consciousness, and only after an hour did he fully absorb them all.

[You have successfully learned 'The Elemental Sword Art'!]

[Your understanding of 'The Elemental Sword Art' has been upgraded to F+!]

[You have unlocked the first skill of 'The Elemental Sword Art'! 'Lightning Sword']

"Nice, I've secured it. Time to return to the academy."

Even though no beasts lurk in the Dark Forest, he had no desire to linger.

Some hours later, Rio returned to his dormitory and promptly collapsed onto his bed.

"What a fantastic day! Now, let's view my status!"

<Status>

[Name: Rio Flash]

[Class: Swordsman]

[Rank: E-] [Max Rank Potential: No limit(X)]

[HP:800/800] [MP: 300/300]

[STR: 37/100] [SPE: 29/100] [AGI: 27/100] [DEF: 35/100] [INT: 26/100]

[Talent: Limitless(X), Sword Aptitude(X)]

[Techniques: Basic Swordsmanship(E-), Elemental Sword Art(F+)]

[Skills: Body strengthening(F-), Lightning sword(G-)]

[Evaluation: You are an absolute anomaly! although you are weak right now, you have unlimited potential!]

"Oh! My evaluation has even gotten better—excellent!"

"Hmm, I acquired this Limitless talent from Rift Mountain; surprisingly, it enhanced my Sword Aptitude as well!"

Now, all that's left is rigorous training throughout this month while awaiting the entrance ceremony. As for the protagonist's fate? How will he grow powerful without this talent that was meant to be his in the first place?

"Simple—he possesses a system shop where he can purchase any talent, item, or skill book. Sure, this talent might cost a fortune there, but he'll obtain it without trouble!"

Thus, no concerns needed; his minor pilfering won't derail the original storyline.