Chương 52: PREPARATIONS

After waking up, Jimin went to the old factory for training as usual. Jimin stretched his arms as he walked inside. The empty factory greeted him with silence. He pulled out the 'Mindseeker's Medallion' from his inventory and wore it before starting his training.

"Let's see how much difference you really make," he murmured. He began with telekinesis training. And he noticed the difference. It had increased his telekinesis's overall power and efficiency. It was even more stable. Yeah… this is definitely working. But he took the medallion off during physical training, as it felt a bit uncomfortable. During today's training, he received two notifications. —----------------------------------- ['Growth' has reached Lv. 6] —----------------------------------- —-- —--------------------------------- ['Dash' has reached Lv. 6] —-------------------------------- And finally- —--------------------------- [Current LP: 1120] —-------------------------- A grin had spread across his face. Jimin froze. For a brief moment, he simply stared.

"I finally have enough LP to create 'Overtime'," he muttered. He wiped sweat from his forehead and immediately opened his draft. Without hesitation, he selected the skill. A detailed window appeared before him. —-------------------------------------------------------------- [Skill: Overtime] Category: Passive / Active Type: Contract Rank: Custom Description: A self-restriction skill for gaining buffs. Activated: Combat stats get capped at 80% and time accumulation starts.

Deactivated: Returns stats to 100%, but no time is accumulated or spent. Passive: Combat stats are limited to 80% all time. On: Boosts all combat stats to 120%. Duration: Overtime = 20% of total time spent with limited stats. Accumulated time resets every 24 hours (count starts from first ever activation).

Cooldown: No cooldown (As long as overtime is available) Cost: No extra cost Required LP: 1100 【Create】 【Edit】 [Draft] 【Delete】 —------------------------------------------------------------- He created the skill without any hesitation. A notification popped up. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Skill Successfully Created]'Overtime' – Acquired. Total LP: 20 —------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Hell yeah!"

he muttered in excitement. He immediately checked the skill window. It showed- [Status: Deactivated] [Duration: 0] A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I need to activate it. As soon as he activated 'Overtime', the window refreshed and the status changed. [Status: Activated] [Duration: 0] The window refreshed instantly. [Status: Activated] [Duration: 0] But he suddenly started feeling a bit sluggish. Overtime is showing 'Activated'...

It means it's because my stats suddenly decreased. He immediately checked his status window. His every combat stat had dropped by roughly twenty percent. As I thought. Then, he continued training with 'Overtime' activated. In the meantime, his 'Inventory' reached level-5 and 'Fireshot' reached level-4. After an hour of training, he checked the 'Overtime' skill window again. But this time, the duration value changed. [Duration: 12 minutes] His eyes lit up. I kept it activated for an hour.

Now, I have 12 minutes duration. As it said, the time conversion is 20%. This means I can boost my stats to 120% for 12 minutes… Just as I designed it. He took a deep breath. Let's test it. Without wasting any time, Jimin whispered, "Overtime On." He suddenly felt an intense surge of power inside him. A grin formed on his face.

"Holy shit! What a boost! It feels even better than I imagined. I'm bursting with power…" he said loudly. He quickly checked his status window. His stats really had increased. Then, he closed the window and became focused on the important part. Time is running out. Gotta hurry… He immediately used all of his attacks in a quick succession to test the power. Damn. These attacks really are stronger than before. Then, he turned off 'Overtime'. [Duration: 9 minutes] Still have 9 minutes left… Good. He nodded.

But I should generate more; just in case. So, he kept 'Overtime' activated. Then, he left the factory and returned to the orphanage. He left the orphanage fully prepared; wearing all of his defensive gear. Jimin opened his status window to check how much stats his gear boosted. —---- Back at the orphanage, he prepared quickly. Today required full readiness. He equipped everything. Leather vest fitted snugly. Gloves tightened around his hands. Boots fitted firmly. And the medallion rested hidden beneath his shirt.

He opened his status window. —-------------------------------------------------- 【STATUS WINDOW】 Name: Sam Jimin Age: 16 Rank: E Level: 3 HP: 400/400 STA: 240/240 MP: 220/220 PE: 375/375 STATS: STR: 12(+1) AGI: 13(+2) END: 15(+2) INT: 17(+2) WIS: 13 VIT: 12(+1) CHA: 4 PSY: 26(+4) LUK: 10 FREE STATPOINTS: None UNIQUE SKILL: Skillmaster SKILLS → Telekinesis (Lv. 6) Telekinetic spin (Lv. 6) Telekinetic barrier (Lv. 6) Meditation (Lv. 6) Growth (Lv. 6) Dash (Lv. 6) Appraisal (Lv. 10) —------------ —------------ —-----------------------------------------------"Cool," he murmured.

"It really increased my stats even further." His potions rested safely inside inventory storage. It was completely normal to see Rifters with gear in public. Some even commuted in public transport while wearing their gear. It was allowed, as disaster could strike any time. In fact, it was even encouraged that Rifters should at least carry their basic weapon. Even more after the recent outbreak. But they were strictly forbidden from using their abilities and weapons against the civilians. — Jimin reached the school.

He saw a few students covered in gear, going toward the training hall. Jimin also went to the training hall, as the students were supposed to be present directly at the training hall today. Jimin entered the training hall. The view today was drastically different. The students were not in their usual track clothing. They had at least some sort of gear on them; except a few. The students were chattering among themselves. Some were secretly mocking the poor students who had cheap or no gear.

Even Jimin was not spared, though it was less compared to others. Jimin simply ignored them. Meanwhile, he heard a voice, "Jimin!" He turned. Seo Yuna spotted Jimin and waved at him.

"You came fully geared too."

"Yeah," he replied. She smiled nervously.

"I feel kind of excited."

"So do I." Before they could continue, the hall quieted. Seong-ho had entered. The students quickly formed assembly lines. He scanned the crowd calmly.

"I can see that most of you have at least some kind of gear… or not." A few awkward laughs followed.

"But there's no need to worry," he continued.

"We have prepared combat suits for everybody. Your suits and gear will be provided at the destination. It's mandatory to wear." Murmurs spread instantly.

"And as you know, it's going to be an F-rank Rift. The monsters are weak; only slimes and horned rabbits. The combat suit will protect you from lethal damage." Jimin listened carefully.

"Further instructions will be given at the destination, before entering the Rift." After a short pause, Seong-ho added,"Our bus is on standby. Take your seats now… while maintaining discipline of course. We will be leaving in fifteen minutes." Then, Seong-ho turned and walked away. and the students started leaving the training hall as well. Jimin and Yuna did the same. A large bus waited near the entrance. The bus looked quite spacious. Much larger than normal school transport.

Jimin, Yuna and all the other students boarded the bus one by one. Excitement mixed with nervous energy. And after all the students took their seats, the doors closed. Moments later, the engine started. The bus slowly hit the road. Jimin leaned slightly toward the window. Buildings passed by. My first Rift… A faint smile appeared. Here I come.