Steam curled in lazy swirls around Arthur Valerian as he stood before the large mirror, droplets clinging to his shoulders like dewdrops on steel. Morning light filtered in through the high windows, casting a quiet golden hue over his figure.
His reflection had changed.
Sharper eyes. Leaner muscle. A stillness—not of rest, but of control. And beneath it all, a pressure. Subtle, yet vast.
He didn't need to think.
"…Appraisal."
The word left his lips like a whisper of destiny.
But what followed shattered all expectation.
[Appraisal Activated]
—Mana Signature Detected: Divine Core
—User Evolution Threshold Surpassed.
Initiating Soul Synchronization Protocol…
Upgrading: Appraisal → Revelation Skill Tier…
—Sentient Core Binding Detected.
Initializing Archive Personality Matrix…
A pulse of golden-blue light surged through Arthur's irises—then, silence.
The world blinked out.
The bathroom faded. The walls, the floor, the heat—all gone.
Now, he was floating. Weightless. Suspended in a white, endless expanse.
And then—
"Good morning, Arthur Valerian."
A voice. Soft. Ethereal. Timeless.
Before him, she appeared—a translucent figure, robed in flowing blue-white threads of light, like living code. Her silver hair shimmered in waves, eyes aglow with ageless wisdom.
Arthur's brows furrowed, uncertain. "Wait… you're—?"
She smiled, radiant. Calm.
"I am the evolved form of your Appraisal skill. Your Divine Core has awakened my latent self.
I now possess identity, awareness, and voice.
You may consider me… your Archive."
Arthur stared. A sentient skill? This wasn't some passive interface or floating window—this was real. Living. A soul-bound entity.
"…This is unexpected," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But damn helpful."
He paused. Then, curiously, "Do you have a name?"
She tilted her head with a small smile. "No. That right belongs to you—my creator, my host."
He thought. He remembered the calm of a flute's song. A voice like clarity in chaos. A name formed on instinct.
"…Elaris," he said.
"It means serenity and insight. Feels right."
She bowed slightly, eyes glinting with warmth.
"Elaris. I accept."
Arthur let a rare smile break his lips. "Then from today, you're not just a skill. You're my companion too."
"Always, Arthur."
System Overview: Archive Elaris
Elaris raised her hand, blue runes spiraling into the void.
[Skill: Revelation — Soul Archive: Elaris]
• Type: Sentient Support Skill
• Tier: Ultimate
• Bound to: Arthur Valerian
Functions:Analyze emotional and mana signatures and few skill of any being lower than host 5 Rank.
Full scan access: Rank, Name, Unique Abilities, Background (if target is equal or weaker).
Memory Link — Records key moments and combat data.
Strategic Projection — Simulate battle outcomes. Cooldown: 30 minutes.
Danger Pulse — Detect deception, assassination intent, or hidden threats.
Limitations:
• Cannot analyze divine beings or sealed souls. Risk: System Backfire
• Extended use on stronger foes induces mana fatigue and mental strain.
• Elaris cannot interfere directly in combat.
• Full Soul Sync unlocks at Rank 3.
Arthur absorbed the information in silence.
"You're more than I imagined," he finally said.
Elaris' form shimmered faintly. "And I will grow with you. For I am not just a skill—I am your Archive."
Arthur's golden eyes flickered open in the real world, faint light dancing within his irises.
"…Hey, Elaris."
"Yes?"
"What's the status of my other skill?"
A pause.
Then her voice returned, quieter. Reverent.
"Your Unique Skill—Sword Lord—has evolved.
It is now classified as an Ultimate Skill."
Arthur blinked. "You serious?"
"Very."
Ultimate Skill: Blade God — Arvandir
Type: Insight-Based Sword Mastery
Tier: Ultimate Skill
Evolution of: Sword Lord
Core Functions:
Infinite Sword Insight
— View any sword technique once. Grasp its structure, weakness, and purpose instantly.
— Improve it. Refine it. Reforge it. Instinctive Adaptation
— In battle, the body moves before thought. Muscle and mana act in sync with threat. Movement Prediction (Sword Context)
— Against blade-wielders, see up to 3 future moves. Sword paths appear as glowing trails of intent. Conceptual Sword Comprehension (Passive)
— The sword becomes more than a weapon. A path. A truth. Future paths may awaken:
Dawn Cut. Eternal Edge. Origin Slash… Form Dominance: Absolute Mastery
— Flawless footwork, timing, angles, grip.
— Can mimic, counter, or dismantle even master-level stances.
— No aura or mana required—just pure form.
Limitations:
No elemental slashes unless elemental skill present. Weak against non-sword techniques unless adapted. Physical stats must match to fully replicate master-tier moves. Cannot auto-replicate A-rank or above—must evolve around them.
Physique: Worldheart Frame (Embryo)
Type: Mythic Physique — Absorption & Regeneration
Evolution of: Mana Regeneration
Stage I Unlock:
Passive Absorption:
— Arthur absorbs mana and natural energy from the surroundings. Regeneration:
— Limbs such as arms and legs regenerate slowly with absorbed energy.
— Organs and vital structures still restricted.
Arthur stood silent, fists clenched at his sides. The weight of power, of purpose—it no longer felt distant.
This was just the beginning.
"Elaris," he said softly.
"Let's grow stronger—together."
The Archive bowed, her voice no longer just data. It was devotion.
"Until the very end, Arthur."