~~~
His vision flashed, and [The Reader's Dominion] triggered without his conscious command.
The world exploded into information.
Suddenly, Jin could see far beyond surface details. Reality itself seemed to unfold like pages in a book, revealing hidden truths that normal sight could never capture. Information flooded his consciousness like water bursting through a cracked dam.
o__________________________________________o
RUDEUS WHITEHART - MANTLE OF THE COLOSSUS
ORDER 0 ENTITY
STATS »» UNAVAILABLE ««
...
EFFECT ON ORIGINAL TIMELINE: NONE
CURRENT TIMELINE: FATE VARIANT
...
[CURRENT STATE: HEALTHY, MINOR FATIGUE]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: CONCERNED, JOY]
o__________________________________________o
"What the hell?" Jin gasped, staggering backward as the information overload hit him like a sledgehammer to the skull.
This is insane. I can see other people's Mantles? Their emotional states? Their impact on the original story timeline?
Wait, original Timeline... that's definitely referring to the novel's plot.
Wait—"Original Timeline" and "Fate Variant." That's definitely referring to the novel's plot progression. And that designation confirms what I suspected: I've already changed things just by existing here.
"Jin!" Rudy was immediately at his side, steadying him with a firm grip. "Talk to me, man.
What's happening? You look like you just saw a ghost."
"Hmm?" Jin shook his head, blinking rapidly to clear the lingering afterimages of cascading information. "I got a massive boost from one of the skill cores. Let's just say I can appraise stuff way more effectively now. Like, stupidly effectively."
"Really?" Rudy's purple eyes lit up with genuine enthusiasm, the concern melting into excitement. "Then you've got to check out my new gear! I'm dying to know what this stuff actually does beyond looking incredibly badass."
Rudy gestured to his new armor with obvious pride. "But don't fry your brain doing it, okay? I still need you functional enough to keep us from dying horribly."
Jin took a deep breath, centering himself. "Yeah, I'm curious too. This new skill is... intense. Let me see what we're working with."
Looking at Rudy in his new medium leather and metal ensemble, Jin felt his eyes flash with that now-familiar purple-gold light. [The Reader's Dominion] responded eagerly.
o__________________________________________o
"VILEAN'S BATTLE ENSEMBLE"
RARITY: 3 STAR [EPIC] (Soulbound)
TYPE: Armor (Medium-Class)
STATE: NEW
Manufacturer: ???? DUNGEON REWARD
….
➤ ATTRIBUTES
Damage Mitigation [TIER V]: Reduces incoming physical & magical damage.
Self-Repair [TIER III]: Slowly restores armor integrity and cleans surface.
Essence Conduction [TIER IV]: Channels the wielder's essence through armor for synergy.
Durability [TIER V]: Reinforced structure, highly resistant to wear. (Tier III)
Vital Safeguard [UNIQUE]: Can absorb a killing blow at the cost of durability.
Soulbound [UNIQUE]: Bound to Rudeus Whitehart. This weapon slowly attunes and grows with Rudeus Whitehart's mantle.
….
➤ ABILITIES
Warrior's Call [UNIQUE]: Once the warrior's adversary enters the fight, escape is not an option. Attacks will land even against evasion, as destiny itself bends to ensure the strike.
….
➤ TECHNICAL DETAILS
Weight: 8.7 kg
Material: Hybrid dungeon steel, beast-hide, essence fiber, ??? dungeon essence
….
➤ VALUE ESTIMATION
Market Value: Non-tradable (Soulbound)
Effective Use: Upwards of ORDER IV Power Levels
o__________________________________________o
Jin's breath caught in his throat. That Warrior's Call ability is absolutely broken. Bending fate and probability to ensure hits connect? That's not just powerful—that's main character bullshit levels of overpowered.
But it also means he'll need better sustain and healing since he's forcing extended engagements.
I would have to change some plans….
"Earth to Jin," Rudy snapped his fingers in front of his friend's face with an amused grin. "Come on, I need the verdict! You're making that face again."
"What face?"
"The face you make when you're overthinking stuff that is not in the present." Rudy grinned. "So, how good is it?"
Jin smiled widely. Hmm, I do that? Weird, Ren also used to say the same things…
"Jin?"
Shaking his head, and as Rudy just said, focus on the present, Jin spoke, "You hit the jackpot. That armor can literally absorb a killing blow and keep you alive. Plus, it has this ability called Warrior's Call that basically forces enemies to fight you properly—no running, no cheap shots. Your attacks will connect even if they try to dodge."
"Holy shit, really?"
"Really. You're going to be a walking nightmare for anything that tries to fight you." Jin's expression turned more serious. "But that also means you need to focus on sustainability. If you're forcing extended fights, you need to outlast your opponents."
Rudy nodded seriously, then gestured to the massive greatsword strapped across his back. "What about this beauty? I can feel power thrumming through it, but I want details."
Jin's eyes flashed again, reading the weapon's properties.
o__________________________________________o
"GREATSWORD OF FORLORN"
RARITY: 4 STAR [EPIC] (Soulbound)
TYPE: Weapon (Greatsword-Class)
STATE: NEW
MANUFACTURER: ???? Dungeon Reward
….
➤ ATTRIBUTES
Essence Conduction [TIER V]: Channels the wielder's essence through the blade, increasing strike potency.
Durability [TIER IV]: Reinforced structure, resistant to fracturing under heavy impact.
Soul Echo [UNIQUE]: Weapon resonates with wielder's latent aura, growing stronger with each battle survived.
Soulbound [UNIQUE]: Bound to Rudeus Whitehart. This weapon slowly attunes and grows with Rudeus Whitehart's mantle.
….
➤ ABILITIES
Despairing Blow: Successful strikes sap enemy stamina and morale, making them falter.
Forlorn Edge: Amplifies sharpness against armored foes and magical barriers.
Unyielding Fury: As the wielder's vitality wanes, the weapon becomes lighter and deadlier.
….
➤ TECHNICAL DETAILS
Weight: 23.4 kg
Length: 168 cm blade / 2m full reach
Material: Dungeon-forged steel alloy with soul-reactive crystal veins, ???? Dungeon essence.
….
➤ VALUE ESTIMATION
Market Value: Non-tradable (Soulbound)
Effective Use: ORDER IV Power Levels
o__________________________________________o
"Damn," Jin whistled low. "That thing weighs over twenty-three kilograms, and it gets lighter and more deadly as you get hurt. Plus, every hit you land will sap your enemy's will to fight."
"Twenty-three kilos?" Rudy hefted the sword experimentally. "Doesn't feel that heavy."
"That's your ridiculous body and stats." Jin paused, then asked, "Most people would need both hands just to lift that monster, let alone swing it effectively."
Jin paused, studying his friend more carefully. "How did absorbing that skill core go, by the way? Any complications?"
"Took me a lot of time to touch the core with my essence, but once I did, the process was smooth as silk," Rudy replied. "Everything just... clicked into place."
As Jin's gaze rested on his friend, another panel materialized without prompting.
o__________________________________________o
Will of the Colossus
Mastery: [Novice] » (01)
Type: «Rare»
The will of giants and immovable titans — unbending, unyielding. This skill infuses the bearer with the indomitable presence of a colossus, granting not only immense resilience but a defiance that mocks despair itself.
«see more»
o__________________________________________o
Oh!
Jin's mouth opened, then closed, a grin spreading across his face. His [Reader's Dominion] could even pick up marked skill information from someone else's status.
This means I can literally read people like they're character sheets…. Hehe
"Jin?" Rudy was watching him with concerned amusement. "You're doing the face again."
"Sorry, just... processing some things." Jin waved him off. "Go get familiar with your new gear and that skill. I need to check my own equipment."
Rudy nodded and moved away to practice. Jin watched for a moment as his friend began working through sword forms, the massive blade flowing through the air with surprising grace.
With those stats and abilities, Rudy's going to be absolutely terrifying in combat. I almost feel sorry for whatever we're going to fight next.
Almost, cuz knowing the dungeon is now a one-time instance… we will be facing some serious level of bullshits.
Turning back to his own chest, Jin focused on his armor. This time, there were no question marks. Instead, a detailed appraisal panel opened like a book.
o__________________________________________o
"REDUVIA'S BATTLE ENSEMBLE"
RARITY: 4 STAR [EPIC] (Soulbound)
TYPE: Armor (Light-Class, Set Piece: Shirt, Vest, Pants, Trench Coat)
STATE: NEW
Manufacturer: ???? DUNGEON REWARD
….
➤ ATTRIBUTES
Mobility Focus [TIER IV]: Lightweight enchanted weave prioritizes speed and evasive movement.
Self-Repair [TIER III]: Slowly restores armor integrity and cleans surface.
Veil of Shadow [TIER IV]: Allows wearer to conceal presence and aura at will.
Essence Adaptive Defense[TIER V]: Defensive strength scales with wielder's essence circulation.
Durability [TIER V]: Reinforced structure, highly resistant to wear.
Evolutionary Trait[UNIQUE]: Armor has the potential to evolve as the bond deepens.
Soulbound [UNIQUE]: Bound to Jin Winters. This armor set slowly attunes and grows with Jin Winter's mantle.
….
➤ UNIQUE ABILITIES
Reduvia's Shadow [Symbiotic Spirit](UNIQUE)
The armor houses a living infant spirit entity, slowly forming an ego based on the wearer. Bond Progression.
Darkness Born [Bond Lv. 1] (Inherited) » Shared ability with Reduvia's Shadow. Allows weak manipulation of darkness as an extension of the user. The strength of manipulation of the darkness element scales with bond level and the user's innate affinity.
??????
….
➤ TECHNICAL DETAILS
Weight: 4 kg
Material: Hybrid dungeon steel, beast-hide, essence fiber, ??? dungeon essence
….
➤ VALUE ESTIMATION
Market Value: Non-tradable (Soulbound)
o__________________________________________o
"A spirit and evolving!" Jin's eyes widened in genuine shock.
A living spirit bonded to the armor. And an infant one at that, which means it's going to grow and develop alongside me, learning from my personality and combat style.
In the novels, spirit-bonded equipment was ridiculously rare, especially with infant spirits. Most spirits found in equipment were ancient, set in their ways, with established personalities that users had to accommodate.
"And at the right time, I can initiate a contract too, effectively increasing my Essence stats even more!"
"hehehe!"
Both Rudy's and mine stuff is top-notch… seems like the dungeon spirit really wants us to grow…
The novels never explained how these conquest dungeons came to be… Many believe that conquest dungeons are actually our ancestors' inheritance from the Dark Ages…
Jin shook his head, shelving those thoughts for later analysis. He needed to examine the dagger next—just holding it, he could feel a significant boost flowing through his essence channels.
o__________________________________________o
"ESSENCE'S EDGE"
RARITY: 3 STAR [EPIC] (Soulbound)
TYPE: Weapon (Dagger-Class)
STATE: NEW
MANUFACTURER: ???? Dungeon Forge
….
➤ ATTRIBUTES
Essence Conduction [TIER VI]: Channels the wielder's essence through the blade, increasing strike potency.
Durability [TIER III]: Stable structure prevents overloading when channeling essence.
Vampiric Conduction [TIER IV]: Absorbs enemy essence on hit.
Soulbound [UNIQUE]: Bound to Jin Winters. This weapon slowly attunes and grows with Jin Winter's mantle.
….
➤ ABILITIES
Essence Catalyst
This passive ability greatly amplifies the wielder's natural command over essence. With the effect active, efficiency in essence manipulation is increased by [200%].
Essence Reservoir [UNIQUE]
The blade is capable of storing vast amounts of energy within its edge, acting as a secondary core that can be tapped to supplement the wielder's own reserves.
Essence storage capacity is directly related to the user's essence core stats.
….
➤ TECHNICAL DETAILS
Weight: 1.1 kg
Length: 42 cm (blade)
Material: Dungeon steel, essence crystal core, void-hued alloy, ??? dungeon essence
….
➤ VALUE ESTIMATION
Market Value: Non-tradable (Soulbound)
Effective Use: ORDER II–IV Power Levels
o__________________________________________o
"Two hundred percent efficiency increase," Jin whispered, staring at the dagger in awe. "Fucking 200% efficiency in Essence mastery… Holy!"
"And it acts as a secondary essence core on top of that," he continued, his mind racing through possibilities.
"Broken… this thing is utterly broken."
"The Spirit armor and evolving trait are good, but this… with this freaking beauty! I can do so much more!"
"Like I can with enough stored essence, I could potentially cast three-verse sorceries. Maybe even four-verse if I'm desperate enough."
No, no—four-verse sorceries would attract attention from entities I really don't want to meet. Better to stick to three-verse as my absolute upper limit.
Jin shuddered at the thought of what kind of ancient horrors might take notice of someone casting fourth-tier magic at Order 0.
Quickly, Jin stripped off his old clothes and stored them in his spatial ring. The new armor felt strange at first—lighter than it should be, with an almost liquid texture to the fabric.
As he settled the long trench coat around his shoulders, Jin let a small amount of his essence flow into both the armor set and dagger simultaneously.
The effect was immediate and overwhelming. With [The Reader's Dominion] active and 200% essence efficiency, Jin could suddenly see and feel every individual strand of essence around him. The world exploded into a tapestry of interconnected energy threads, reaching out in all directions like a vast web.
"Gah!" Jin gasped, cutting off the flow before the sensory overload could knock him unconscious. He laughed breathlessly. "Okay, that's going to take some getting used to."
Note to self: don't look at the essence layer without proper preparation. It's like trying to stare at the sun through a magnifying glass.
Standing up and stretching, Jin cracked his neck and picked up the two remaining skill cores. Time to complete his new arsenal.
"Rudy," he called out, "how are you feeling with the new gear?"
"Like I could take on the world," Rudy replied, executing a perfect overhead swing. "This sword feels like it was made for me."
"Good. Because I have a feeling we're going to need every advantage we can get." Jin crushed the [FIREARM MASTERY] core in his palm, feeling the knowledge flow into him. "The dungeon said it was pouring everything into the next two floors. That means we're about to face challenges that would normally be impossible for Order 0 entities."
"Seems like a normal day with you," Rudy grinned. "I've got a new sword and armor that won't let me lose. What could go wrong?"
Jin absorbed the [OVERDRIVE] core and felt something dangerous settle into his bones—a skill that would let him push beyond normal limits at significant cost.
"Everything, Rudy. Literally everything could go wrong." Jin's grin matched his friend's fierce expression. "And that's what makes it interesting."
~~~