Trials of the Multiverse

Incredible.

That's all that escaped my lips as my eyes fixated on the display of my own status.

A mere few weeks back, I clawed my way past the pitiful Weakest Combat Prowess. Now, standing on what could be considered a heavenly stage in comparison, the System still deemed it Low Combat Prowess.

I hadn't thought purchasing a single skill would propel me to the status of Medium Combat Prowess, but the substantial gap between the two caught me off guard.

Yet, at this juncture, even the status proves somewhat uninformative. Lured by several prompts asserting the strengthening of all my skills, I chose to start a meticulous review, probing for any discernible differences. The outcome unraveled a cascade of surprises.

[Mirage Veil]

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[Limitations: Mirage Veil is partially ineffective against those with Combat Prowess 2 stages higher than yours. For those with Combat Prowess 3 or more stages higher, its secrets are laid bare before them. Beware, for the discerning eye of magic users can pierce through its illusion easily]

[Turtle Shell]

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[Effect: Body Toughness +250%]

[Limitation: Your speed will be [heavily] -> [slightly] reduced. You will need more nutrients the longer you keep the skill active.

Cooldown: [1 hour] -> [30 minutes]]

[Orc Body]

[Description: Your body's internal functions will be more adapted for Combat, [resembling an Orc] -> [resembling a perfect, enlightened Human]]

[Sixth Sense]

[Effect: Develop a +[great] sense of foreboding. It instinctively warns you of impending danger + [ and more]]

[Observe]

[Effect: You will possess a heightened sensitivity to [small] -> [the smallest] details you might otherwise overlook]

[Photographic Memory]

[Description: You will be able to remember everything you see + [and learn] down to the smallest detail]

[Adaptive Evasion]

[Description: Develops an instinctive ability to evade attacks based on [basic combat patterns] -> [known combat patterns]. This skill is designed to assist Akira Bashira with the aid of [Sixth Sense], [Observe]...]

[Effect: Increases the user's chances of evading incoming attacks by 60%. The skill analyzes the opponent's movements and adapts to attack patterns, learning them throughout the fight and aiding in instinctive dodging]

Limitations: The effectiveness of Adaptive Evasion is directly proportional to the user's combat Prowess. It does not guarantee complete evasion and may not work against [highly unpredictable or unorthodox attacks] -> [attacks you have not understood yet]. Continuous usage of the skill may lead to slight mental fatigue.]

[Note: This skill aims to use everything Akira Bashira has learned and learn from his opponents]

[Run]

[Effect: [You can run faster] -> [You can partially ignore air resistance as you run]]

[Jump]

[Effect: [You can jump higher] -> [You will be able to perfectly jump in any situation]]

Every skill had undergone some notable change, and the System even highlighted the most crucial ones...

Like hell I will believe that.

I cross-checked with my Photographic Memory, ensuring everything was in order and there were no hidden catches.

It never hurts to make the mind work a little, right?

With less than 24 hours remaining before the Festival, while it might not be an extensive time frame, I'll strive to grasp every detail about my current state.

---

Being a wealthy man had its perks.

Thanks to the generous monthly allowance affording me a medium-sized apartment in Berlint, coupled with all the money the holder of this identity had kept to himself, I secured the right to use a small space at the Festival as my own fortune teller area!

I had seamlessly embraced this role, orchestrating a deal under the guise of Yuzo, a traveling fortune teller and merchant.

In the brief days leading up to the Festival, I crafted this identity for myself. I spared no expense, paying the Festival organizers to spread the news of a renowned fortune teller's arrival. I even hired workers to ensure the façade appeared as genuine as possible.

Even if my activities were somehow investigated, linking them back to me wouldn't reveal the true intentions behind all this.

Well, I couldn't exactly explain that all of this was a logical excuse to face off against Fiona Frost. But oh well.

However, as expected, unforeseen problems arose.

Upon revisiting the conditions of this quest, I found myself puzzled by a particular aspect:

You have to challenge the enemy to an official and honorable duel.

The keywords "official" and "honorable" seemed straightforward, suggesting that no underhanded methods should be employed and that was it. But what if it meant something more literal?

What if, for instance, I had to challenge Fiona Frost as if we were in the middle ages, fighting in a Colosseum for my rating to be considered high?

It seemed impractical. Berlint lacked a Colosseum, and even if it had one, convincing Fiona Frost to accept such a ridiculous notion would be hard. Smitten or not, she couldn't be that naïve, right?

I sighed. Sadly, this world wasn't in the right age for that kind of honorable and official duel.

But there was always a plan B.

If there was no Colosseum, I could create a small Arena adjacent to the Fortune Teller zone and just link the two. For a chance to have your future read free of charge, you can participate in a duel, or pay me a huge fee instead. Yes, that could work...

I mean, I didn't lack money, after all.

I didn't need my idea to sell to customers, I just wanted Fiona Frost up on a stage to fight against me.

Yes, that could work...

Anyway. What made a duel official?

Typically, the presence of a significant figure overseeing the duel, rendering judgment on the results.

And what makes a duel honorable?

The commitment to using everything at one's disposal without holding back, akin to the actions of a knight.

With these notions swirling in my mind, I had the formula and the method. Now, all I needed was for her to show up. If she didn't, then all my plans would crumble...

---

I know I went on and on about the importance of an important figure overseeing the duel, but...

"Fiona-san, you've got this!"

"...Anya's excited to see the fight!"

How the hell did Yor Forger and Anya end up here!?

Damn it! I might have gone a bit overboard with those rumors...