Enhancement and Cheating

Hearing Ulysses ' words.

The others were completely bewildered and had no idea what to say.

Because they didn't know who this Ah Yi, and also because they didn't expect that Monster Hunter could actually drop Profession Certificate.

In fact.

Currently, only a few people, such as Ulysses, have cleared the Monster Hunter dungeon in Red Tide.

So, having just arrived in Nine Provinces and barely digested their food, they heard this announcement and were truly at a loss for what to do.

These waves, one after another, are simply suffocating.

"Represent----"

After a long silence.

Beside Ulysses.

One of the accompanying personnel finally spoke up, "The Pioneer Hunter class, Monster Hunter dungeons—could this also be related to Lu Xiu?"

Ulysses didn't speak, but just looked out the window at the skyline of Chen Capital and took a deep breath.

There's no need to ask this question at all.

He rubbed his face vigorously, then said, "Go and find out who this Ah Yi, and while you're at it, let the officials in."

On the other side.

The room where the Franca Delegation was located.

Rosalind was stunned upon hearing the announcement, and after a long while, she said, "A profession—it actually can be generated! I'll go find out who this Ah Yi."

The intelligence officer nodded immediately and was about to leave. "Yes."

"Etc."

Rosalind called out to her, then added, "Don't forget the other thing. This is clearly a class that spawns in Monster Hunter dungeon, so you absolutely must let me meet Lu Xiu! No matter the cost!"

The intelligence officer hesitated for a moment, then asked, "... Does that include taking a bath with you?"

Rosalind glared at her. "I told you, if you can't give an example, then don't!"

"Oh----"

The intelligence officer touched his Fox Ears somewhat sheepishly, then turned and left.

But the moment she Open Gate...

Rosalind's voice suddenly came through.

"Although the other party might not like it—but that includes..."

The intelligence officer abruptly stopped and turned sharply to look at his Her Royal Highness the Princess.

Rosalind blushed slightly. "Hurry up and go!"

The intelligence officer immediately turned around, quickening his pace.

—Quickly tell His Majesty! Her Royal Highness the Princess is planning to offer herself up!

at the same time.

The other players, of course, heard the announcement as well.

Nine Provinces Forum.

If the equipment from the Astera previously only made High Sequence players envious, and the truly top-tier players could still hold their tongues, then upon hearing this global announcement, all players could no longer remain calm.

The new expansion has been online for quite some time, and the two items have also been revealed for quite some time.

But the players tried everything.

It just won't load.

This includes, but is not limited to, frantically running multiplayer dungeons, killing monsters on the front lines, and using some mystical methods.

But let alone Profession Certificate, I've never even seen Wordless Poem.

Finally, someone has changed jobs.

You can imagine how excited the players were.

[No way! You really can get it! You can actually get Profession Certificate Tokens from Monster Hunter dungeons!]

[As expected of Lu Xiu! I knew I could definitely get her from the dungeon!]

[Pioneer Hunter! Just the name sounds cool! I wonder what changes will happen when I become Pioneer Hunter! Never mind! Let's go, brothers! Slash!]

[Even if I die in the dungeon today, I'm going to get the Class Advancement Certificate! The drop rate has increased! I'm sure I can get it!]

[Damn it, you guys are shouting so passionately, it's like you think Monster Hunter is an easy game to beat!]

[Then let's go to the front lines!!! The spawn rate is higher there!]

[Don't come! The front lines are so crowded right now, there's not even a place to stand!]

[By the way, I just saw the Franca delegation in Chen Capital! Who's the lady leading them? She's so pretty! (Image 1)]

[I saw it too, that figure, that look, a glance was like flirting—but I prefer Lu Xiu!]

[That's Princess Franca, right? Wasn't she quite famous before the game adaptation? The one with the ancestral bloodline! Her childhood photos are adorable too.]

[----Wait, weren't we talking about our profession?]

[----]

Although the last few posts in this thread went off-topic.

But many more who remained silent were now on the verge of madness, especially the top players who were already playing Monster Hunter.

It actually works!

What else is there to say?

I can't fall behind!

This day.

Players throughout the entire Nine Provinces, whether solo players, members of small groups, or leaders of large, unwieldy guilds.

At this moment, no one was slacking off; everyone was focused on beating Monster Hunter as quickly as possible!

At the same time.

Lu Xiu also heard the announcement.

Ah Yi ----

She seemed to recognize this member of the Strategy Group; she looked to be in her early twenties, a cute round-faced girl, but she seemed to lack sportsmanship in fights and liked to clutch a handful of lime.

In addition, some of the materials that Yan Fushou brought not long ago belonged to this girl.

She seems to have completed Monster Hunter as well, and she did so with a solo player in a party, so she seems pretty strong.

It seems that in the end...

The Coordination Bureau has indeed approved this girl's career change to the Pioneer Hunter profession.

I don't know what this profession is like.

but.

This isn't the most important thing right now.

The most important thing now is----

Lu Xiu withdrew her gaze from the table and looked back at the two people in front of her. "You said it can enhance strength, how?"

Well, how should I put it...?

Ellen stretched out her fair little hand and gently picked up the red hair ribbon that belonged to her, a trace of reminiscence flashing in her eyes. "The power on this ribbon does indeed come from my obsession when I was Witch."

At that time, I was very lonely and weak, and I longed to have other people's lives and other people's strength. That's probably the origin of the strength mentioned above.

But that's just a fragment of my past self.

Ellen looked up at Lu Xiu, her eyes shining with a purple magical light. "Now, not only is my power more complete than before, but I no longer need to yearn for other people's lives."

The words had barely left his mouth.

Ellen gripped the red hairband tightly, and a burst of pure purplish-black magic instantly erupted, flowing into the hairband as Ellen's long hair billowed out!

"Since it's mine, I can use my current essence to forcibly complete its originally incomplete rules."

"Mine too."

At this moment.

Viola also picked up the black hairband and looked at Lu Xiu: "I used to be afraid of loss, especially when my body was taken away, but you saved me. It was almost a certain death situation. My father even broke down the door. Even though I vaguely remember being forced to go through many similar things afterward, none of the endings were as desperate as this."

You taught me one thing back then: nothing is impossible.

Buzz!

Viola's golden braids moved without wind, as if a burst of golden magic had erupted, carrying a resolute determination to sever all confusion, and poured into the black hairband.

Two immense magical powers, one purple and one gold, intertwined and rose before Lu Xiu.

"Ah."

At this time.

The Black Cat, which Ellen had tossed aside, licked its forelegs and surprisingly spoke up, "Although my soul was devoured, you seem to carry my aura as well. It's probably the power of the Soul-Severing Blade."

Lu Xiu: "----?"

"Your choice back then was truly surprising. I was really looking forward to seeing you again, but unfortunately your soul was taken away. But it doesn't matter, I've seen you now. You were indeed unexpected. Remember to cause some more trouble."

The Black Cat lowered its front paws and then came to Lu Xiu's feet, gently rubbing against her trouser leg.

Then, black magic erupted, directly enveloping Lu Xiu.

Lu Xiu looked at Ellen and Viola, who had their eyes closed, and then at the Black Cat that was also from the dungeon, rubbing against her trouser leg.

Is it referring to the skill of Effect and Cause Severance?

It seems like this is the only skill I have left.

etc.

Could this also be a benefit of the dungeon Placement Function?

Lu Xiu suddenly realized something.

Because she remembered that both the Effect and Cause Severance and the two hairbands had instructions that the skill could be used for positioning after the Placement Function was unlocked at the tenth level of the Architect.

Both the skill and the two items with accompanying descriptions have been enhanced.

Does this mean that any equipment, skill, or even item bearing this label can be placed in a dungeon, and after defeating the characters inside, they can help you level up?

in the case of.

That would be amazing!

Of course, it's also very troublesome.

Lu Xiu was briefly lost in thought.

The magical light has slowly faded.

Lu Xiu.

Ellen and Viola called her name, and at the same time, the two hair ribbons floated back into her palms.

Lu Xiu suddenly snapped out of her daze and glanced at the hair ribbon in her palm.

On the surface...

Their materials remained unchanged, but when Lu Xiu checked their properties...

[Intervention of the instance character's essence detected.]

[Item changed!]

[Item rating is being reassessed -- system rating is invalid.]

[This skill has deviated from the conventional numerical system and has been readjusted.]

This message flashed by.

The attributes of the two hairbands reappeared before Lu Xiu.

[Item: Ellen's Red Headband]

[Rating: Unique]

[Type: Hair Accessory]

[Attribute Bonus: Constitution +7, Spirit +7]

[Special Effect: The red ribbon that the Witch Ellen used to tie her hair is imbued with hundreds of years of magic and Demon energy; she yearns to possess the lives of others.]

1. Steal (Active) - When engaging in combat with an equipped hair accessory, observe any active skill used by the target. Within a short timeframe, forcibly Steal and use the skill once. Upon successful use, the target will have that skill forcibly sealed for the next 10 minutes. The higher the target's skill sequence, the lower the success rate of Steal. (If Steal successfully, cooldown: 1 hour; if Steal unsuccessfully, the skill only goes on cooldown for 5 minutes.)

2. Plunder (Active): When you observe a target using a skill, you can forcibly Plunder their skill. This action is guaranteed to succeed, and the target will permanently Plunder the skill after it is Plunder. Although this action will never fail, if the skill being Plunder is of a very high rating (Mythic or higher), you may only be able to Plunder a portion of its effect.

(Cooldown time: 300 calendar days)

[Equipment Requirements: None]

[Note: I will find you—I will definitely find you! You are my only friend!]

[Item: Viola's Black Headband]

[Rating: Unique]

[Type: Hair Accessory]

[Attribute Bonus: Constitution +7, Spirit +7]

[Special Effect: The black hairband Viola uses to tie her hair up. Because of her childhood experiences, she fears losing her body and fears others coveting what is hers.]

Unique (Passive) - Wearing this headband grants the holder permanent immunity to all forms of mimicry, copying, Steal, control, and alteration abilities.

[Equipment Requirements: None]

[Note: In despair, she stood there—like the Deity; Demon retreated, and Witch begged for mercy.]

The two items come with additional skills.

An effect that adds the ability to permanently Plunder skills from others.

One of them was changed to passive, which can completely ignore any means of Steal.

A shield, a spear.

They're all incredibly buggy!

The former can completely destroy any player's foundation. Even if the cooldown is long, once activated, the talent skill can at least take one effect, which no one can withstand.

As for the latter, it completely relieved Lu Xiu of any worries.

Lu Xiu is no longer too afraid of numerical superiority.

After all, she has a bunch of mechanical skills----

But she's also quite afraid of others using her skills against her.

To be honest...

Lu Xiu was also struggling to hold on.

However, as long as these two headbands are present, no matter what grade of item or what overpowered skill the opponent uses, anything involving theft will be rendered ineffective in the face of these headbands.

The red hairband allowed her to steal other people's amazing skills without any restraint.

The black hairband ensured that her skills could never be stolen.

It really is.

That's impressive!

Looking at the two hairbands in front of her, Lu Xiu resisted the urge to jump around like Shen Nian.

Because it's too stupid----

But that's not all.

The Black Cat that was just now, the one whose soul was taken away and who represented the mastermind behind the Witch Instance, also joined in the fun.

It mentions the Soul-Severing Blade, and it's highly likely that the [Effect and Cause Severance] has also undergone some kind of mutation.

Lu Xiu opened the skill list and glanced at it.

really.

The skill icon, which originally represented [Effect and Cause Severance], is now flashing wildly.

After clicking on it...

The exact same notification as the headband appeared.

As for what the skill enhancements were----

In addition to the previous effects of severing buffs, severing shackles, and severing control, three new effects have been added.

Sever Connection: This skill can sever the connection between the target and summoned creatures, or between the target and control items.

Sever Lock-On: Can cut off the aiming line of a guaranteed hit skill.

And then there's the most important one.

She can directly Sever Domain —she can now render a certain Chosen Player's domain completely ineffective.

Although the skill's cooldown time has been increased to two hours.

But any domain can be severed.

What more could you want?

"Thanks."

After Lu Xiu sighed, she withdrew her gaze and then earnestly thanked them, "However, I glanced at you, and it seems you've infused yourselves with the essence. Will this have any effect on you?"

Although it's a dungeon character.

But they really helped a lot, and we can't ignore that, both morally and logically.

Moreover, after deviating from the original dungeon setting, both girls are actually quite likable.

Even Black Cat are included.

"Fine----"

Ellen shook her head. Although her purple eyes had dimmed slightly, her spirits seemed quite good. "I can sense that as long as the Witch Forest exists, our depleted essence will slowly recover. For us, this isn't an irreparable loss."

Viola nodded in agreement.

As for the Black Cat...

It gave a big, human-like yawn, then with elegant Cat Step, swishing its tail, it jumped into Ellen's arms, curled up, and fell asleep immediately.

Lu Xiu looked the two over and, after confirming that there was no serious problem, slowly nodded.

"Then tell me more about your Qi and blood."

Lu Xiu looked at Viola.

It's nice that the items and skills have been upgraded.

It's practically a super enhancement.

But Lu Xiu felt that being able to actively control certain skills might make her even stronger.

Viola nodded.

but.

Lu Xiu's learning was not very smooth.

This further convinced her that skills might actually be tools to some extent!

It's really too difficult for a player to learn how to use skills on their own in a short period of time, relying solely on their own comprehension.

at the same time.

This confirmed for Lu Xiu one thing: the number of skills a player can actively control is definitely limited.

Most skills still require system assistance.

Because a person's energy is limited.

even.

Lu Xiu also had a bold guess: perhaps some of the players with a sequence score of over 100 had already unlocked their skills.

Moreover, when they fight against others, besides looking at the strength of their respective high-rated skills, the number of skills they have unlocked can also be a factor in the outcome!

certainly.

This is just speculation at this point.

But Lu Xiu felt it was highly likely.

And professions----

Thinking of this...

Lu Xiu's communication panel suddenly popped up.

"Hold on."

Lu Xiu gestured for Viola to pause, then glanced at the communication panel. The message was from Yan Fushou, asking if she had time to go to Chen Capital.

Ah Yi has already returned to the Coordination Bureau and is planning to demonstrate the passive and active roles of the Pioneer Hunter.

Lu Xiu's beautiful eyes lit up, and she immediately replied with "Wait a moment," then closed the communication panel.

I'll be leaving for a bit.

She looked at Viola and Ellen in front of her and said, "You two should rest for a bit."

Ten minutes later.

Lu Xiu was teleported to Chen Capital via the Bonfire and boarded a waiting car to arrive at the Coordination Bureau.

Coordination Bureau.

Underground Training Ground.

The lights hung down from above, cold and even, illuminating the entire space without a single shadow. The floor was a single piece of dark gray alloy plate, its surface covered with fine scratches, the marks left by years of training.

As soon as Lu Xiu entered, she saw Jian Li, Shen Nian, Yan Fushou, Wei Yidong, and others surrounding a round-faced girl.

They seem to be discussing something.

Upon hearing the commotion at the entrance, the group that had been gathered together immediately stopped talking and turned around in unison.

Then, just then, Lu Xiu walked in.

Lu Xiu was dressed quite simply and casually, wearing a clean and loose T-shirt on top and jeans on the bottom. It was the most common and simple everyday outfit, without any extra decorations, but it looked good on her.

The overhead light was a true death ray—but her fair face, under the bright light without any shadows, showed no flaws at all; instead, it was made even more beautiful.

"Lu Xiu, you're here!" Shen Nian greeted her first, waving excitedly.

The round-faced girl surrounded by the crowd, who was Ah Yi, who had just become Pioneer Hunter, also looked over in the direction everyone was looking.

When Ah Yi saw Lu Xiu's appearance clearly, her eyes lit up and her face instantly showed amazement.

Although she had met Lu Xiu before.

But every time I see it, it feels new.

Actually, many female members of the Strategy Group were quite reluctant to come to the underground Training Ground because of the death rays there.

The blemishes on her face were impossible to hide.

Ah Yi had always believed that no one could withstand this death ray.

But I didn't expect to see it today.

This moment.

She couldn't help but exclaim inwardly, "Wow----"

Moreover, the person in front of me is not simply beautiful.

It's still very strong.

During the special event at the time.

Ah Yi witnessed Lu Xiu defeating two High Sequence players from Prison Rock.

At the time, she thought Lu Xiu was both handsome and good-looking, and really wanted to strike up a conversation, but unfortunately Jian Li was right next to her.

"There's something strange about this girl?"

Lu Xiu noticed that the round-faced girl was staring straight at her, and she couldn't help but pause, somewhat puzzled.

When Ah Yi noticed that Lu Xiu had stopped and was looking over, she exclaimed "Wow!" in her heart once again.

It was very quick.

Shen Nian shifted her feet, blocking Ah Yi's view.

"----How about it?"

Lu Xiu could no longer see the other person, shook her head, dismissed the strange thought, and approached Yan Fushou, asking, "The Pioneer Hunter profession?"

Yan Fushou glanced at Lu Xiu.

He then stepped half a step to the side and pointed to Ah Yi behind him.

"Let her tell you herself. After all, we just met her, so it's more intuitive for her to say it herself."

Upon hearing Yan Fushou's words...

Lu Xiu looked at the round-faced girl again, meeting her direct, self-satisfied gaze.

Ah Yi suddenly snapped out of her daze, finally pulling herself out of her reverie of Lu Xiu's beauty. Realizing that she had been staring at Lu Xiu, she awkwardly looked away.

but.

Soon, she remembered something and looked at Lu Xiu again, her expression becoming serious. "Sister Lu—after changing to Pioneer Hunter, the main difference is the addition of active and passive roles, right?"

As for the Pioneer Hunter's passive skill, well, it's very powerful, but it also has limitations, mainly targeting the unknown.

Speaking of which...

Ah Yi paused for a moment, then opened the skill panel to show Lu Xiu, explaining, "Whenever I face a monster I've never seen before, or a complete stranger, or am in a wilderness without any man-made objects, all my attributes will receive a temporary boost."

For monsters, as long as the system determines it's my first time fighting them, this enhancement will remain until I fully understand their weaknesses or defeat them. For players, there will also be a bonus for their first encounter.

"That's probably where the name 'Pioneer Hunter' comes from."

Lu Xiu glanced at the skills and was somewhat surprised. "They're quite strong. Whether it's encountering new Variant Monster on the front lines or participating in events like arena battles, you can get a decent boost. In a way, this class really encourages you to face the unknown."

Ah Yi nodded in deep agreement. "Yes, it encourages me to court death—"

Lu Xiu was amused and chuckled softly.

Ah Yi was stunned for a moment, then inwardly exclaimed "Wow!"

After laughing, Lu Xiu continued, "And what about taking the initiative?"

"Active skills, or rather, core mechanics, are what make this class so appealing."

When Ah Yi came to his senses and realized that Lu Xiu wasn't angry, he simply stared at Lu Xiu openly. "The initiative is that I can choose a weapon from the weapon armory in the Monster Hunter dungeon, and after I choose it, I can directly gain the mastery of the corresponding weapon."

The "mastery" here doesn't mean the system gives you a skill icon or a corresponding bonus.

Instead—I can execute the dungeon's skill effects entirely through my own movements, without relying on skills. Sister Lu, do you understand that feeling? It's like, as long as my physical attributes are sufficient, with strength and agility meeting the requirements, I can directly unleash the dungeon's moves simply through my understanding of the weapon!

"And I chose the greatsword."

Ah Yi pulled out the greatsword from his backpack. "Although I still don't know how to use some of the moves from the previous dungeon, this is the first time I've felt that even without using skills, a normal attack can be so powerful."

Speaking of which...

Ah Yi took a few steps back and came to the open space in the center of the Training Ground.

Let me demonstrate for you.

That's all.

She took a deep breath, gripped the sword hilt tightly with both hands, took a step forward, raised the greatsword high, and delivered a basic, powerful downward slash.

Bang!

Even without skill enhancements, the massive sword's swing produced a dull whistling sound as it slammed heavily onto the alloy plate on the ground, creating a dent.

And the moment the greatsword struck the ground.

Ah Yi suddenly exerted force in her waist and abdomen, immediately suppressing the downward momentum of the slash. With both hands supporting the sword, she directly connected the downward slash with a clean and crisp upward sweep. Then, she lowered her waist and immediately raised the greatsword, which was almost as tall as her, high behind her. Her whole body was like a fully drawn bow, assuming a powerful stance.

There were no special visual or lighting effects during the skill activation.

But as Ah Yi moved, everyone in the Training Ground could clearly feel a force accumulating wildly within her petite body, between her arms and back.

Soon, a wave of energy enveloped her.

And just when the blast wave gathered to a certain extent...

Ah Yi took another step forward, unleashing all the power he had been holding back!

Boom!

The greatsword, accompanied by a whooshing sound, was swung out and slammed heavily onto the alloy floor. This time, the power was clearly much stronger than the previous ordinary slam. The moment the greatsword hit the ground, the entire underground Training Ground seemed to tremble.

That's about it.

Ah Yi sheathed his greatsword, and also put away the imposing aura he had just displayed. He jogged back to Lu Xiu's side and said, "I can unleash Charged Slash anytime, anywhere, and its power is stronger than many other skills."

Of course, the movements must be standard, otherwise the charging will fail. The standard here does not mean that it must be exactly the same as the dungeon, but that the posture must be able to charge up. For example, you cannot charge up by simply holding the greatsword horizontally. At the same time, you also need to concentrate your attention on the sword and sense the accumulation of power, otherwise it is easy to fail.

besides----"

Ah Yi paused, took a breath, and continued, "I can't unleash the True Charged Slash yet because when I jump forward, my real body doesn't have the skill correction and assistance from the dungeon, so it's hard to fully extend my range. In mid-air, I can't concentrate my attention on the sword, and I can't grasp the feeling of power accumulating."

"---- Liberation Skill."

Looking at the round-faced girl in front of her, Lu Xiu recalled the move the girl had just used and murmured softly, "So, after changing jobs, there's a similar Liberation Skill feature? Or is this exclusive to the Pioneer Hunter class, because it's a class that drops from Monster Hunter dungeons?"

Ah Yi's Charged Slash was really well executed.

Moreover, compared to Lu Xiu's use of the Azure Blade Myriad Forms to imitate, it has a feeling that is difficult to describe.

If I really had to describe it...

It's about the feel of skill.

Lu Xiu could certainly adopt a charging stance, but she definitely couldn't inflict such strong damage and destructive power.

Thinking of this...

Lu Xiu asked, "Ah Yi, what does it feel like when you're gathering your strength, when your power is accumulating?"

"Hmm... the blood and qi are surging."

Ah Yi thought for a moment and replied, "When you're charging up, the instant you focus your attention on the sword, you'll feel a surge of energy, and then the feeling of accumulating power will come. During this time, I need to judge the degree of power accumulation myself; if it's too much, it seems like I won't be able to unleash the attack, and it will also deduct health points."

Lu Xiu: "----"

It's still about Qi and blood.

It was indeed due to his own strength.

But this doesn't seem to be a true Liberation Skill.

But without a doubt, this is much more complicated than simply pressing the skill button.

However, it also offers a lot more freedom.

perhaps.

Is the learning process for Liberation Skill the first, second, third, and all the way to the fifth job advancement for the Pioneer Hunter class?

Or is the class-based gameplay designed to allow players to learn and master specific skills based on the unique characteristics of each class?

Thinking of this...

Lu Xiu asked again, "Ah Yi, do you know what changes will occur when you undergo your second job advancement?"

"Specifics are currently unknown."

Ah Yi shook his head. "But after the second job change, it seems I can gain mastery of another weapon. This was mentioned when choosing weapon mastery, saying that for the first job change, you can only choose one weapon, so I chose the greatsword, because that's how I cleared the Monster Hunter dungeon—"

"So----"

Lu Xiu nodded slowly.

That feeling is possible.

We'll only know that after Chu Huai successfully changes his class.

However, after watching Ah Yi demonstrate his own professional active skills...

Lu Xiu confirmed it— the Liberation Skill is indeed one of the most challenging aspects of the game world.

It wasn't her imagination.

so.

It is indeed feasible for her to unleash the [Transcendent·Crippled] skill on her own.

only.

Lu Xiu looked again at the round-faced girl in front of her who had been secretly glancing at her for some reason.

These players who changed jobs seem to be learning much faster!

After all, although they can't fully Liberation Skill after changing jobs, they can obviously take the first step faster.

If I were to follow Viola's teachings and only practice in real life...

That would take forever to learn.

A suitable career may not be found in a short period of time.

so.

I still had to cheat.

Let's build a dungeon!

Build a dungeon that can help you practice!

C