Evolution
The golden light surrounding Aster slowly faded.
A pleasant warmth flowed throughout his body as his attributes increased once again.
He had finally reached another milestone.
Level 15
Unlike ordinary players, however, Aster did not expect to receive a new class skill.
His class...
Did not exist.
He was an Anomaly.
The moment the level-up completed, the necklace hidden within his heart suddenly resonated.
A deep pulse echoed through his entire body.
Thump.
Thump.
The ancient Primal Codex floated before him without being summoned.
Its weathered pages turned on their own.
Golden runes spread across every page, illuminating the surrounding forest.
The ancient book seemed...
Alive.
A voice, neither male nor female, echoed gently within his consciousness.
Milestone Reached.
Level 15 Confirmed
Analyzing Bearer...
Codex Evolution Initiated
The runes began rearranging themselves.
One by one, new words engraved themselves upon the first chapter.
---
Chapter I — First Truth
Synchronization Increased
Unique Skill Evolution Available
---
Aster watched silently.
Unlike everyone else...
He would not gain another combat skill.
Instead...
The very foundation of the Primal Codex was evolving.
Another page unfolded.
---
Unique Skill Evolution
Echo of Origin → Echo of Genesis
Aster's eyes widened.
"...It evolved?"
The Codex displayed the new description.
---
Echo of Genesis
Rank: Unique
A skill belonging solely to the Bearer of the Primal Codex.
The Codex observes the origin of techniques and temporarily reproduces them for the Bearer.
As the Codex matures, its understanding of all combat paths deepens.
---
Current Effects
Origin Analysis
Observe a target and temporarily copy one compatible skill.
---
Rank Adjustment
* Uncommon skills are now guaranteed when available.
* If the target possesses a Rare skill compatible with the Bearer, there is a 25% chance to copy it instead.
---
Truth Evolution
Any Common-rank skill that reaches 100% Comprehension will permanently evolve into an Uncommon-rank skill.
The evolved technique becomes an original Codex version, surpassing its ordinary form.
---
Temporary Copy Duration
45 Minutes
---
Compatible Weapon Recognition
The Codex now analyzes weapon categories more efficiently, reducing synchronization time when switching combat paths outside battle.
---
Restriction
Only one temporary copied skill may exist at a time.
---
Aster slowly reread every sentence.
"...This changes everything."
Originally, he had been disappointed whenever he copied a Common skill.
Now...
Even Common skills possessed value.
As long as he comprehended their Truth completely...
The Codex itself would refine and elevate them into Uncommon techniques.
In other words...
No skill was truly worthless.
The Primal Codex cared less about rarity...
And more about understanding.
He smiled.
"So every skill can become a stepping stone."
His greatest limitation had just become another advantage.
The Primal Codex was far from finished.
A final page revealed itself.
---
Primal Codex Update
Additional Function Unlocked
Skill Evolution Path
Every permanent skill recorded within the Primal Codex possesses a hidden Evolution Path.
Once the Truth behind a recorded skill has been analyzed beyond complete comprehension, the Codex will reveal the next stage of that skill.
Evolution requires:
* Deeper understanding of the skill's fundamental Truth.
* Practical combat experience.
* Fulfilling unique evolution conditions specific to each skill.
Each evolved skill will become an original Codex technique, no longer identical to its source.
---
Aster's eyes widened.
"So..."
"One hundred percent comprehension isn't the end."
"It's only the beginning."
The Codex pulsed softly in agreement.
No further information appeared.
The conditions would only reveal themselves once Aster walked far enough along each path.
---
Chapter I — First Truth
Requirement
Master 20 skills of Uncommon Rank or higher.
Recorded Skills: 5 / 20
Recorded Skills
Uncommon
* Iron Body Foundation ✓
* Twin Flash Step ✓
* Guardian Parry ✓
Rare
* Endless Growth ✓
* Venom Edge ✓
---
Evolution Paths Available
Iron Body Foundation
Evolution Path: Locked
*Seek the deeper Truth of the human body.
---
Twin Flash Step
Evolution Path: Locked
*Seek the Truth behind speed and motion.
---
Guardian Parry
Evolution Path: Locked
*Seek the Truth behind control and redirection.*
---
Endless Growth
Evolution Path: Locked
*Seek the Truth behind limitless potential.*
---
Venom Edge
Evolution Path: Locked
*Seek the Truth behind decay and silent death.*
---
Aster stared silently at the newly unlocked page.
Until now, his goal had simply been to collect twenty powerful skills to unlock the First Truth of the Primal Codex.
Now he understood that every skill he permanently recorded carried its own path to greatness.
Each one could evolve into something entirely unique.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"The Codex isn't collecting skills..."
"It's cultivating them."
The pages slowly closed.
The golden light faded.
The Primal Codex quietly returned to his heart.
The forest became silent once more.
Aster remained standing beneath the gray trees.
His thoughts drifted toward everything that had happened over the past few days.
He had entered Divine Nexus as a sickly young man searching for answers.
Now...
He possessed two combat paths.
A hidden class unlike any other.
A world-recognized title.
A C-Rank Adventurer badge.
Five permanent skills.
A unique ability that had just evolved.
And a body—both inside and outside the game—that was steadily growing stronger.
He looked toward the distant silhouette of Mistvale.
"...That's enough for today."
He still needed to sort his inventory, sell the newly collected materials, and prepare for his next journey.
More importantly...
He wanted to see whether the improvements in Divine Nexus had once again strengthened Yevhen's real body.
With a calm smile, Aster sheathed his sword and began the familiar walk back toward Mistvale.
He was completely unaware that while he peacefully returned to the village...
The strongest player in Divine Nexus...
Was already making his way there in search of the mysterious cloaked adventurer.