Chapter 12: The Hybrid Trait

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Eagerly, he checked his updated attributes and saw significant improvements across the board, as if new, sturdier wings had been grafted onto him to aid his journey through this vast universe. Su Hao understood that this was more than just numerical growth—it was a testament to his strength and potential, proof of his relentless progress and self-transcendence in this boundless cosmos.

[Constitution: 13
Intelligence: 21
Strength: 13
Agility: 13
Charisma: 9
Luck: 9]

[Friendly reminder: Luck points can only be freely allocated upon the first attribute upgrade, provided they do not exceed other attributes. This privilege is one-time only; thereafter, no further luck upgrades are permitted. This matter must be kept strictly confidential—disclosure to a second party will result in immediate execution!]

Hearing this, Su Hao momentarily wished he could revert to before the upgrade and boost his luck to 21 points, matching his intelligence. He knew it was impossible, but with nine luck points, he still considered himself luckier than most contract holders.

If anyone glimpsed Su Hao’s attribute panel, they would surely burst into laughter and mock him:

“What kind of attribute setup is this? If you claim to be a mage, why strengthen strength and constitution like a warrior?
If you call yourself a swordsman, your agility is astonishingly high, yet your intelligence is unusually exceptional—puzzling indeed.
If you compare yourself to an assassin, your high intelligence and strength don’t align with the lightness and cunning expected.
Except for that glaringly high intelligence, your attributes are a complete hodgepodge—utterly chaotic.”

Yet, Su Hao sought precisely this “neither donkey nor horse, yet both donkey and horse” state. He desired a blend that could integrate with all things while standing uniquely apart.

To him, a true powerhouse should not be confined by predefined roles but, like a chameleon, shift effortlessly in role and skill as circumstances demand.

As Su Hao slowly rose from the attribute upgrade pod, trying to adjust to his newfound strength, he unexpectedly bumped his head against the pod’s wall with a dull thud. Instinctively, his right hand braced against the wall, but his body leaned back uncontrollably, slamming his back against the opposite wall. A cacophony of metallic clangs erupted, resembling an impromptu symphony.

Shortly after came a fine notice from the Universal Environmental Protection Agency:

[Candidate Cleaner, no facility may be willfully damaged. Any damage must be compensated at full price. You are hereby charged a fine of 106 credits.]

The cold reprimand doused the flicker of pride in his heart. Glancing at the credits automatically deducted, Su Hao shook his head—he would have to be more cautious.

After paying the fine, he stepped out of the pod, each step heavy and deliberate, reminding himself, “This new strength is no trivial matter. I must not exert too much force lest I harm the innocent.”

Stepping into the outside world, despite his best efforts to control his movements, the sudden surge of power made him stagger and wobble like a toddler taking his first uncertain steps.

Fortunately, after more than ten minutes of adjustment, he gradually found his balance, and his gait steadied.

At this moment, Su Hao realized that raw power alone would not suffice to face the more intricate missions ahead. He understood that the success of his recent mission owed much to the silent support and protection of the Universal Environmental Protection Agency.

Thus, his resolve to learn new skills hardened.

“The next mission will not be so easy,” he thought, eyes shining with determination.

He knew the true trials awaited, and he must prepare to meet every unknown challenge.

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With firm resolve to further enhance his abilities, Su Hao entered the skill upgrade chamber.

He knew that refining his skills would be crucial for the battles to come.

Opening the skill panel, he saw a series of familiar yet somewhat rudimentary skill icons:

Basic Free Fighting Level 5, Basic Swordsmanship Level 5, Basic Blade Technique Level 5, Basic Spear Technique Level 5, Basic Firearms Level 5.

These skills marked his early steps in this world, chronicling his gradual growth.

Yet, as Su Hao scrutinized them, a faint frown crossed his brow.

All skills remained stuck at basic level five, as if an invisible barrier hindered his advance to higher tiers.

Without hesitation, he chose to upgrade Free Fighting.

A prompt flashed:

[Basic Free Fighting Level 5: Each level upgrade costs 1000 credits. Upgrade consecutively? Note: Over-upgrading may cause excessive bodily strain and harm health.]

Su Hao understood the risk but was more aware of the urgency and value of time.

He decided to take the gamble and selected to upgrade five levels consecutively.

Immediately, a scorching heat surged from above his head through his entire body, like roaring flames consuming every inch of skin and cell.

Clenching his teeth, his whole body trembled as he endured the burning sensation from within.

The pain was fiercer than anything he had endured before, as if trying to break both his body and will.

Yet, five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.

When the last trace of heat vanished, Su Hao’s Free Fighting skill had quietly reached Basic Level 10.

But as he noticed the hefty cost of 5000 credits, he couldn’t help but gape: “This upgrading is really expensive.”

[Candidate Cleaner, Free Fighting skill now Basic Level 10. Each level upgrade costs 1000 credits. Continue upgrading Free Fighting?]

“Upgrade five more levels.”

His credits were deducted another 5000 points, and after another five minutes of agonizing heat, his Free Fighting skill reached Level 15.

[Candidate Cleaner, Free Fighting skill now Basic Level 15. Each level upgrade costs 1000 credits. Continue upgrading Free Fighting?]

“Upgrade five more levels.”

With the same expense and sensation, he advanced to Level 20.

[Candidate Cleaner, Free Fighting skill now Basic Level 20. Each level upgrade costs 10,000 credits. Continue upgrading Free Fighting?]

This exorbitant jump startled Su Hao—after level 20, the price skyrocketed. He shook his head.

Next, he turned to Swordsmanship, facing similar prompts, choices, and excruciating perseverance.

A sharp sword energy descended from above his head, circling his core and slicing his skin, as if trying to tear him apart.

Yet Su Hao stood firm like a fearless warrior, allowing the sword energy to ravage his body.

Five minutes later, his endurance and willpower had been verified once more.

His Swordsmanship skill also reached Basic Level 20.

Meanwhile, his fortune dwindled by 15,000 credits.

He knew all this pain and sacrifice was for one purpose: to become stronger.

To adapt to these new skills, Su Hao decided to head to the arena.

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This would be the perfect place to test his newfound strength.

Upon entering the arena, Su Hao was captivated by the scene before him.

Two modes awaited: one-on-one combat against system-matched opponents of equal level for life-or-death duels; or one-against-many battles against slightly weaker opponents for overwhelming victories.

Without hesitation, Su Hao chose one-on-one combat.

[One match lasts 15 minutes, costs 1500 credits. Start?]

“Start.”

With 1500 credits automatically deducted, the system quickly matched him with an opponent and prompted him to select the match duration.

He chose 15 minutes without hesitation, and the credits were deducted instantly.

Inside the fighting chamber, Su Hao and his opponent swiftly engaged in fierce combat.

Skills like Swordsmanship and Free Fighting were unleashed with masterful precision.

Every attack struck like a precise arrow aimed at his adversary’s vital points; every defense was an impenetrable fortress.

Within five minutes, Su Hao’s mastery of sword and free fighting had become consummate.

He seemed to transform into a battle artist, performing each skill with breathtaking finesse.

As the fight wore on, both combatants were drenched in blood. Though virtual, the pain and weakness felt painfully real.

Su Hao, wielding his newly enhanced skills, clashed fiercely with his foe.

Just as he was surging with momentum, time quietly slipped away.

His opponent vanished without a trace, leaving Su Hao alone in the spacious arena.

He took a deep breath, sensing the power surging within and the familiar resonance of his skills.

He knew this battle was not only a test of his abilities but also a trial of his will and endurance.

He was ready to face even greater challenges and battles.

Unwilling to rest on his initial victory, Su Hao’s fighting spirit burned ever brighter.

He chose to continue, entering the one-against-many combat mode—a fiercer battle was about to begin.

[One match lasts 15 minutes or until a contract holder is killed, costs 1500 credits. Start?]

The system’s voice rang in his ears with undeniable authority.

“Start!” Su Hao’s voice was firm and resolute as 1500 credits vanished—his ticket to greater strength.

The arena’s doors slowly opened, and Su Hao stepped into a realm brimming with uncertainties and trials.

This time, his battlefield was an endless desert, golden sands shimmering under the sun as if each grain whispered tales of brutal combat and glory.

As Su Hao entered, two sword-wielding challengers appeared before him.

Their builds resembled his own, but their eyes radiated a deadly determination beyond their level.

With a low roar like enraged beasts, they brandished their longswords and charged at Su Hao.

He flickered like a phantom, weaving through the desert, deftly evading their attacks.

His swordsmanship was fierce and precise; each swing carried the force of thunder, leaving his foes struggling to defend.

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