Talent Awakening: I, the Weakest Awakened, Start with Dragonfire Spell

Even if there were fewer Bronze-grade equipment and D-level skill books, their prices remained higher than that of the Iron-grade equipment and the F-level skill books. 

All in all, Howard spent a whopping 41 gold coins.

Having winced at the hefty payment, Howard and Abby departed, leaving under the delighted gaze of the young girl.

Instead of heading straight back to the academy, Howard accompanied Abby to a specialized store that sold archer equipment and skill books.

In contrast to Howard's restrained manner, Abby exuded an air of extravagance. 

Her opening request was for the attendant to bring out the highest-grade LV20 equipment.

The price tags were quite impressive.

A single LV20 Legendary-grade necklace set Abby back by 53 gold coins!

Once Abby had outfitted herself completely, Howard couldn't help but exclaim, "You have just spent 200 gold coins on a set of equipment. That's incredibly lavish!"

"What's the big deal? I even wanted to buy some for you, but you declined," Abby muttered in response, adding, "But it doesn't matter. During the assessment, we will be together. With me fully equipped, I will surely lead you through the assessment."

Seeing Abby's gleaming smile, Howard fondly remarked, "Alright, alright. I will rely on you to guide me through the assessment then. Let's head back to the academy, shall we? It's getting late."

"Mhm."

Nodding in agreement, Abby obediently walked alongside Howard.

The security in Adia City was commendable. 

Even at night, even when Howard and Abby passed by taverns and encountered a group of heavily intoxicated men, no disturbances arose.

Using his student card to dispel the mist, Howard hurriedly returned to his dorm after escorting Abby to hers. 

As soon as he securely closed his door, he eagerly invoked his supreme talent, causing a synthesis frame to promptly appear before him.

Tossing the Bronze Bracer into the Synthesis Interface, a silvery radiance immediately blossomed.

[Ding! Congratulations to the awakened Howard for successfully synthesis. You have obtained the Silver-grade equipment—Silver Bracer!]

As the equipment underwent synthesis, each Bronze Bracer transformed, advancing progressively towards higher tiers.

[Ding! Congratulations to the awakened Howard for successfully synthesis. You have obtained the Gold-grade equipment—Gold Bracer!]

[Ding! Congratulations to the awakened Howard for successfully synthesis. You have obtained the Platinum-grade equipment—Nature Bracer!]

[...]

[Ding! Congratulations to the awakened Howard for successfully synthesis. You have obtained the Legendary-grade equipment—Seeker's Bracer!]

Once all sixty-four Bronze Bracers were successfully merged, they had evolved into a Legendary-grade equipment!

In comparison to Abby's Legendary-grade necklace, one could say Howard saved nearly half the cost.

This speaks volumes to the formidable strength of his supreme talent.

Furthermore, Howard had an inkling that as he progressed and the base materials for merging grew more potent, the surprises his supreme talent could offer would become even more staggering!

[Seeker's Bracer]

[Level: 20]

[Grade: Legendary]

[Equipment Attribute Bonuses:]

1.Defense value +300

2.Spirit +730

3.MP +2050

4.When casting a skill, gain an additional 1 skill proficiency point.

5.Upon defeating a target, permanently gain 1 MP , with a maximum increase of up to 3000 MP.

6.Upon leveling up one's skill proficiency, one is bestowed with the Seeker's BUFF, which lasts for 72 hours. During this duration, experience points gained from slaying monsters are boosted by 30%.

The equipment attributes showcased a notable improvement, yet the special effects saw only a minor change, merely an additional increase in MP.

This caused Howard to slightly furrow his brows, feeling a hint of disappointment.

In reality, this was to be expected.

Whether it be Epic-grade equipment, Legendary-grade equipment, or even Mythical-grade equipment, their value wasn't based on their level. 

Once they reached a certain tier, they would possess unique attributes.

Thus, a LV20 Legendary-grade equipment, aside from its basic attributes, wouldn't be much stronger than a LV10 Legendary-grade equipment.

Grasping this fact, Howard came to terms with it. After all, the Legendary-grade bracer was vastly superior to the casual Silver-grade one he wore.

And the special effects?

While they might not seem to offer much in terms of combat prowess, they did provide a permanent boost to base attributes and facilitated a rapid increase in skill proficiency.

One should never underestimate skill proficiency. The chasm between Level 1 and Level 10 of the same skill was profound.

Much like how the upgraded Dragonfire Spell once effortlessly vanquished a boss that had been previously unbeatable for him, the boost was truly terrifying!

With the Seeker's Bracer in his possession, Howard could swiftly enhance the proficiency of his own skills.

[Annihilation of the Tempest Goddess (SSS-level active skill)]

[Level: 1]

[Effect: Gathers the Anemo from within 10,000 yards, coalescing into a vast tempest, releasing a pull that draws all entities within a 1,000-yard proximity towards it. Targets within 10,000 yards of the storm experience a 60% reduction in movement speed and are dragged into the tempest if they're within 200 yards, inflicting damage equal to 2000% of the caster's magical attack power every second. The tempest lasts for 300 seconds, with each kill adding an extra second to its duration.]

[Cooldown: One week]

[Mana Cost: 20000]

(Note: Skills of SSS-level and above do not have skill proficiency.)

"Holy crap!"

Seeing the detailed effects, Howard couldn't help but gasp, his pupils constricting in awe. "A duration of 300 seconds, and an extra second for every kill? Coupled with twenty times of my own attack power, this skill... it's practically cataclysmic!"

"With an attack range spanning 200 yards and an impact area reaching as far as 10,000 yards, once my attributes improve, wouldn't this one skill have the power to obliterate an entire city?"

As he spoke, Howard felt a lump in his throat, involuntarily swallowing.

It had to be said, the effects of this skill genuinely astounded him.

While an SS-level skill is formidable, its prowess was still within Howard's comprehension. The harm it caused, at most, affected tens or hundreds of people.

But this SSS-level skill, it expanded the scope to a staggering 10000 yards!

10000 yards, what does that even mean?

It's tantamount to the entirety of Saint City!

Only a top-tier metropolis like Adia City surpasses 10000 yards. Any smaller cities would likely be annihilated by the might of the Annihilation of the Tempest Goddess!

Of course, that assumes Howard possesses sufficiently potent attributes.

Even if the present-day Howard were to unleash the Annihilation of the Tempest Goddess, he could still envelop the whole of Saint City. 

But the damage inflicted wouldn't necessarily be lethal to the elites. Notables such as Baron Cameron, the Dean, or even the Mayor could easily brush off the storm's damage.

However, while attributes can be enhanced over time, a skill of SSS-level caliber is a rarity one might never come across!

Numerous LV80 or LV90 powerhouses spend their entire lives without ever obtaining a skill of SSS-level!

"The gold coins spent this time were truly worth it!"

"It's just a shame that the required MP is so high and the cooldown time is too long. If only I could use it more frequently."

Lost in his reflections, Howard suppressed the surging excitement in his heart and hastily activated the skill book.

[Ding! Congratulations to awakened Howard for successfully comprehended the SSS-level active skill - Annihilation of the Tempest Goddess!]

With the system's notification, all information about the skill was instantly embedded in Howard's mind.

He just needed a little more MP, and then he could unleash its power.

The prospect made Howard eagerly anticipate the forthcoming examination. 

As per Glyn's previous comments, the examination would involve real-world combat, surely teeming with monsters. 

If he could just slay a few more monsters, triggering the effects of Soul Theft and his equipment, wouldn't boosting his MP be a breeze?

However, the other students hadn't arrived yet. The assessment would likely be some time away.

During this period, Howard could only wait patiently. 

After all, the academy hadn't started its term. Even though he had his student card, there are many places also remain inaccessible, leaving him unable to enhance his abilities.

"Phew, I should rest for now and seek out Mr. Wales tomorrow," Howard murmured to himself. "Given that he could find a skill book complementing Soul Theft, he surely knows something. Perhaps, through him, I can even obtain an advanced version of the Soul Theft!"

Having made up his mind, Howard tidied up and headed to bed. 

However, being new to the Holy Abyss Academy, a hint of caution still lingered in his heart.

...

Meanwhile, outside the dormitory window, a shadowy figure hovered, peering intently at Howard through the glass.

It wasn't until Howard was deeply ensconced in his dreams that the figure began to take on an ethereal quality, phasing through the window and wall to enter the room.

Giving Howard a meticulous once-over, the figure gracefully waved its right hand. 

A gleam of purple light emerged, directly landing on Howard's forehead, leaving behind a fleeting mark before it dissolved into nothingness.