SSS-Rank Talent: Super Upgrade System-Chapter 44: Just Getting Warmed Up!

The raw, untamed power of his newly S-Graded Earthquake Colossus Form settled into Daniel's bones like the roots of an ancient mountain.

With two powerful S-Grade abilities now fused into him through [Soul Assimilation], the upcoming Freshmen Impact Pillar challenge felt less like a test and more like a flashy show waiting to explode.

His C+ grade Twin Fang daggers were respectable. Lightweight, sharp, and the bleed effect was a nice bonus.

They felt good in his hands, an extension of his now frankly terrifying agility. But his bow... ah, his bow.

The D+ grade "Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow," while a testament to his resourcefulness and [Soul Assimilation]'s early wonders, still felt like bringing a slingshot to a cannon fight, despite his base Strength now exceeding 130.

It creaked ominously if he drew it to his full potential, and he suspected the arrows would turn into confetti before they even reached a target.

He remembered the rewards Director Thorne had presented.

Amongst the potions and the Priority Access Card, there had been Exchange Coupons.

He'd used the A-Grade Skill Coupon to acquire the Adamantine Titan Stance (which then became Earthquake Colossus Form), but there was also a B-Grade Weapon Exchange Coupon.

B-Grade, huh? Not quite S-Grade, but a clear upgrade from cobbled-together scraps, Daniel thought. And with [Soul Assimilation], B-Grade was more of a guideline than a limit.

With Nyx safely tucked back into her pouch, Daniel headed back towards the Exchange Post.

The Priority Access Card worked its magic again, parting the sea of less-prioritized recruits and granting him instant access to a dedicated terminal.

He swiped the B-Grade Weapon Coupon.

The weapon database shimmered to life.

Rows upon rows of armaments scrolled past: energy rifles that hummed with contained power, vibro-axes that promised messy dismemberment, sleek sniper crossbows, and even a few exotic-looking energy whips that Daniel dismissed as overly complex and likely to backfire.

He noted, as the instructors had hinted, that actual high-grade equipment seemed rarer and more expensive in the Academy's exchange than skill imprints.

Skills were knowledge, reproducible with enough resources.

Well-crafted, energy-attuned gear required rare materials, master craftsmanship, and often a touch of that unpredictable Verge magic.

An E-Grade weapon here was considered a decent find for a fresh recruit. B-Grade was practically officer-tier.

Daniel filtered the selection for items that suited a Hunter class, but also something that could complement his newfound love for punching things into alternate dimensions. He needed versatility.

His D+ bow was primarily for ranged harassment or delivering specific effects, like his [Kinetic Pulse] Arrows.

For serious damage, his fists were now king.

But what if he needed a weapon that could bridge the gap? Or something that wouldn't get in the way of his S-Grade fisticuffs?

His eyes landed on an unusual entry, not a traditional sword or bow, but something listed under 'Specialized Combat Gear': a pair of sleek, dark gloves.

[Item: Shadowstrike Combat Gauntlets]

Grade: B

Effect: Attack Power +100 (per glove).

Crafted from advanced polymers interwoven with micro-kinetic amplifiers. Thin and flexible, enabling easy hand movement and dexterity.

Daniel's interest piqued. Gloves. They wouldn't interfere with his bow grip.

They'd protect his hands if he were to punch something like an exploding crystal or aggressive, biting metal.

And the energized knuckle filaments sounded like they'd synergize beautifully with his kinetic skills. Attack +100 per glove was a solid B-Grade boost too.

"Those," he selected, pointing at the Shadowstrike Combat Gauntlets on the holographic display.

The Academy staffer behind the counter, a bored-looking technician who'd probably seen every type of overpowered recruit imaginable by now, barely blinked.

"Shadowstrike Gauntlets. Good choice for a high-dexterity build. Enhances unarmed and armed melee.

Just, uh, try not to punch through the walls of the sparring rooms with 'em. The repair bills are a nightmare."

He tapped a few commands, and the B-Grade coupon vanished from Daniel's interface. A sleek, black case containing the gauntlets materialized in the dispenser.

Daniel took the case, a small smile playing on his lips. "No promises on the walls," he said, earning a weary sigh from the technician.

He found his quiet alcove again. Daniel opened the case. The Shadowstrike Combat Gauntlets were beautiful in a dangerous, understated way.

Matte black, fitting snugly, they felt like a second skin, yet also incredibly resilient. He slipped them on. Perfect fit. They didn't hinder his finger movement at all.

Now for the fun part. He focused on the B-Grade gauntlets, the familiar hum of [Soul Assimilation] building within him.

Assimilate. Enhance. Evolve.

The gauntlets pulsed with deep, resonant energy, far more powerful than the typical glow of lower-grade items.

[Soul Assimilation successful on B-Grade Equipment: Shadowstrike Combat Gauntlets.]

[Item Reforged and Amplified by SSS-Grade Talent Synergy!]

[Item Evolved: Shadowstrike Combat Gauntlets (B-Grade) have become KINETIC VOID GAUNTLETS (A-Grade)!]

Daniel's eyes widened. A-Grade!

He flexed his hands, feeling the change. The gauntlets now clung to his hands like shadows given form, the material subtly shifting, seeming to absorb ambient light. He checked the new stats.

[Equipment: Kinetic Void Gauntlets (Pair)]

Grade: A ƒreewebɳovel.com

Effect: Attack Power +300 (per gauntlet). Fully integrated with user's kinetic energy manipulation.

Allows seamless channeling of skills like [Kinetic Hammer] or [Solar Flare Fist] with greatly enhanced stability and focus.

Grants significant protection against physical and energy feedback from high-impact strikes.

Knuckle-mounted Void Emitters can release focused kinetic pulses (short range, moderate force) on demand. Dexterity and grip enhanced.

His jaw almost dropped. Attack +300 per glove!

That was a +600 Attack boost if he was punching with both hands, not even counting his base Strength or skill multipliers!

These weren't just gloves anymore; they were force-multipliers, conduits for his ever-growing power.

He threw a practice punch at the air.

The movement felt smoother, faster, the power coiling in his fist feeling even more concentrated, more lethal.

The faint hum of the Void Emitters tickled his knuckles. Oh, the Impact Pillars were going to weep!

With his primary "weapons", His fists, now equipped with A-Grade gauntlets, ready for action. He turned his attention back to his bow.

D+ grade felt almost insulting now. He still had plenty of Assimilation charges left. He focused on the Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow. One more push.

Assimilate.

[Soul Assimilation successful on D+-Grade Equipment: Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow.]

[Item Enhanced: Reinforced Shard-Tip Bow upgraded to C-Grade.]

[New Stats: Attack +180. Energy Channeling significantly improved (Excellent synergy with Elemental/Kinetic skills).

Arrow velocity further increased. Structural integrity maximized for user's current Strength.]

[Assimilation Charge Consumed (20/25 Remaining).]

C-Grade! Finally. Attack +180 was decent for a bow. The "excellent synergy" with his skills meant his [Kinetic Pulse] Arrows or any future elemental arrow attacks would be much more potent.

And "structural integrity maximized" meant it hopefully wouldn't explode if he gets momentarily distracted while drawing it.

Good enough. It was now a reliable tool for ranged support and utility, not his primary damage dealer, but a vital part of his Hunter arsenal.

Daniel stood up, feeling more complete, more dangerous than ever before.

S-Grade offensive fist art. S-Grade defensive transformation. A-Grade kinetic gauntlets. C-Grade energy-channeling bow. A B-potential familiar who might, one day, stop trying to eat his boots and actually contribute to a fight.

The 24-hour preparation window was ticking down. The Freshmen Impact Challenge was tomorrow.

He glanced at Nyx, was attempting to "dig" a hole in the metal floor with surprising determination.

"Alright, little demolition crew in training,"

Daniel chuckled, scooping her up.

"Let's get some actual rest. Tomorrow, we show these pillars what a real impact looks like."

He headed back to his makeshift bedroll, a predatory glint in his eyes.

The Academy thought they were testing him.

They had no idea he was just getting warmed up.