Chapter 438: Severing ties.
The quick test he had conducted against the beetle had proven to be far more enlightening than he had initially expected.
Relying solely on his raw physical strength, without activating any talents or calling upon his powerful talents or skills, Arthur had still managed to overwhelm a creature that belonged to the superior rank.
This alone was telling enough about his physical power.
Superior-rank beasts were not only more powerful than the average monster, but they also retained fully functioning talents that often turned the tide in battle. The beetle, in particular, had possessed an S-rank defensive talent, something that should have made it nearly impervious to physical attacks. Yet, Arthur had managed to overpower it with ease, using his body and items only.
His body and equipment had worked in flawless synchrony, cutting through the creature’s natural resilience and talent-based defences without requiring any of his more advanced techniques. That alone confirmed something important: his base attributes, enhanced by the bonuses granted from his gear, far outclassed what was expected of even superior-rank creatures at the same level.
The realisation brought a small, satisfied smile to his face.
This wasn’t just a matter of being strong. Beasts were notorious for their superior physicality, often surpassing humans of the same rank and level by a wide margin. The fact that Arthur could defeat one without even dipping into his full power said everything.
He was no longer operating within the boundaries of normal humans; in fact, he never was. Especially when the creature in question had been a superior-rank boss, a category feared for its heightened stats, refined instincts, and ruthless combat power.
The implications were clear. Arthur’s foundation was solid, his growth exponential, and his current strength already positioned him well above everyone else. The test hadn’t been a challenge.
It had been a confirmation.