Chapter 28: New System
"And then, I woke up and received the ability."
For a full hour straight, I explained my entire experience in the Realm-in-Between to Bob. His face was locked in full concentration, like he was watching the season finale of his favorite anime. I told him everything. Well, almost everything. I may have exaggerated a few parts for dramatic effect... and, of course, completely skipped the part where I cried like a baby.
By the time I finished, my throat felt like a desert. I grabbed a cup, muttered the chant Bob had taught me to summon water, and took a big gulp. It was cold, clean, and refreshing. This was indeed the best skill that I ever hoped.
"Wait, wait, wait," Bob said, eyebrows furrowed. "That old geezer actually said I didn’t use the skill properly and sent you back here to teach me the right way?"
"Yup, and he said I’m the one who will unlock the true power of this skill," I exaggerated, but I was sure that’s what the old man meant... right?
Bob stood with his arms folded, eyes closed, deep in thought. I headed to my bed and slid the bag filled with the treasure we took from the Black Eagle underneath it. I didn’t want to run into that group ever again. As I pushed the bag further in, I noticed the magic ring I’d gotten from Bob. It was cracked now, just like the sword that had shattered into pieces during the last battle.
"Hey, Bob. I’m really sorry about this ring... it’s broken now," I said, holding it up for him to see.
Bob blinked out of his thoughts, looked over, and replied casually, "Oh, that thing? It’s useless anyway."
He continued muttering to himself, "Why did he say I didn’t use the skill properly? Hmmm... Status!"
A red-colored screen appeared in front of Bob.
And for the first time in this world, I saw a status panel.