Skill Creation in the Fantasy World

Steve took a deep breath and turned around to see if anybody was eavesdropping on them.

After he had made sure of it, he brought himself closer to Felix from across the table and spoke with a hushed voice almost as if telling something forbidden.

"What I'm about to say to you must be kept between the two of us, okay? The only reason I'm telling you this is because I know you won't reveal this to anyone."

Felix gulped hard and nodded solemnly.

"Go on, I'm listening."

Steve again made sure no one was hearing them talk and coughed twice before revealing the plan to him with an intense look in his eyes.

"Cough- Cough-, the plan that I'm talking about is; participating in the underworld battles that take place in the most secretive and hidden parts of this city."

"Underworld battles?", his voice seemed eager at the thought of fighting.

"Yes, taking part in it does not need much qualifications or verification of our identities as it's a way of entertainment for the people from the underworld."

"The winner of every battle will get rewards from the arena and the public may also gift them if they were impressed with their performance."

His breath got hurried with desire in his eyes as he continued.

"What makes it even more enticing," he explained with enthusiasm, "is that the rewards you amass through battles can be used to buy treasures, including rare medicines, powerful battle arts, and an array of coveted items typically exclusive to the hidden black market of the underworld."

Felix was intrigued when he heard he could buy treasures that could help him get stronger including taking part in battles that would help him gain experience.

His thoughts roamed around then asked him a question he was puzzled about.

"If it's such a secretive matter, then how is it possible for you to know about it?"

Steve was surprised at the inquiry then his face turned troubled on how to answer that.

"Uhh, well you see.....there was this friend of mine who's familiar with the underworld and he was the one who introduced the place to me."

"Anyways, what do you think about it? Are you interested in taking part in the arena battles?", he made an excuse and quickly diverted the topic by asking him.

Felix took his time and pondered about it while he ate the food.

'If what he says is right, then I'll be able to improve my techniques to fight with a sword in those battles. Also, my average talent may not allow me to advance to the first rank that easily, so buying those medicines and treasures is a must.'

After some minutes of deep thought, he resolved himself and answered to the awaiting boy.

"I'll take part in the underworld arena battles....."

Steve nodded as a smile surfaced on his face including an excited look in his eyes for the upcoming fun they were going to have.

"Tomorrow I won't be having any missions, so we'll be going there after breakfast. Is that okay?"

Felix agreed as even though he could hardly stop himself from going there right now to take part in the fights, he was exhausted from today's mission. So, going there tomorrow after resting for the day was the best option.

The both of them had their lunch while quietly discussing their plan and parted from the dining hall, going back to their rooms.

Laying on the bed, Felix thought about today's gains and happily hummed a song while imagining various skills he should create in the future.

'Some skill points must be saved for the upcoming war, but tomorrow I should analyze my shortcomings in the battles and create a skill that will help me fight well with the sword.'

'I can't be using skills like Earth Swimming and Earth Spikes in front of the spectators.'

The battles in the arena would be under the public's vision which would hinder him from using some of his skills. That was why he had thought to create a skill that would prove to be useful in the battles without raising any suspicions.

His tired mind gradually succumbed to slumber, eagerly anticipating the wonders that awaited him in the mysterious underworld of this strange and unfamiliar world.

*****

The next morning.

On the second floor's staircase.

Two figures could be seen fidgeting sneakily while whispering to each other. They were keeping an eye on the floor they were in while slowly going downstairs.

Steve bent his head below and surveyd the surroundings trying to look for a figure.

"It's safe. I've had calculated in the past about Miss Elsa's schedule, so she must be in her room about right now.", he sighed in relief and proudly boasted.

Felis rolled his eyes and also sighed in relief.

Their only obstacle to participating in the underground battle was Miss Elsa who had warned him from leaving the city and getting into dangerous situations again.

Steve waved his hand and motioned to follow him before taking sneaky steps toward the reception hall.

The two boys tip-toed into the hall, moving all the way to the main door without alerting any of the guild members.

They pressed the card at the door and rushed out before it could fully open, making the people sitting in the hall tilt their heads in confusion at the sudden opening of the door.

Sitting in the lounge, the crowd looked at each other with pure confusion. Some of them got up and checked if anyone was there at the door, but the two boys had already run out to the streets without wasting any time.

A few minutes later, in the middle of the street.

Felix and Steve blended into the crowd and made sure no one had noticed them sneaking out of the guild building.

They eyed each other and continued walking further before joining together.

"Let's go, I'll take you there."

Steve led the way and walked ahead, patting his chest like he was some travel guide.

The duo went on walking in the streets, traversing many narrow streets and suddenly taking a turn into a path that was going deeper into the dark alleys.

Felix looked around and remembered when he had stumbled upon a tent that looked like a circus. The dark alleys were giving the same vibes as that time but he was sure this was a different path.

Their footsteps and the slight caws of the birds were the only thing they could hear right now as the silent alley made him alert.

"Steve, are you sure we are on the right path?"

His question seemed to have made the boy smirk as he replied.

"I know I may act stupid sometimes but make sure to remember that I never forget my way.", his tone confident.

He could only shrug now and follow him as they traveled in a zig-zag manner around the streets.

'Damn! Aren't we just moving around in circles? I also forgot to bring my map. Sigh.....I just hope we don't get lost....'

They continued walking for some more time, and just when he was about to start cursing the boy for forgetting his way, he heard him say out loud.

"Huff! Finally, we reached our destination...", he sounded exhausted but also a bit relieved.

Getting surprised, Felix stopped in his spot and looked around at their surroundings, before showing a stunned expression and blinking to make sure he was seeing right.

"What the hell-"

He couldn't help but let out a string of colorful curses, utterly flabbergasted by the absurd place they had stumbled into.