An attribute panel resembling a holographic projection screen materialized in Richard's field of vision.
[Host: Richard Wesley]
[Race: Human (Alpha-level mutant)]
[Current template: Sephiroth (fusion degree 45%)]
[Exclusive equipment: Masamune, Phantom Sword]
[Skills: Octoslash lv3, Gravesong lv3, Skyshatter lv3, Zanshin lv3, Shift Slash lv3, Hell's Gate lv3, Black Materia lv3, Thundaga lv3, Blizzaga lv3, Firaga lv3, Aeroga lv3, Judgement Cut End lv3]
[Mana: 523/2000 (recover 450 points per hour)]
[X-Gene Mutant powers]
[Alpha level: Plunder, Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Accelerated Healing, Teleportation]
[Beta level: Repulsion, Energy Emission, Energy Absorption, Invisibility, Enhanced Senses, Telepathy, Giant Body, Gravity Binding, Thermal Vision, Pressure Burst, Momentum Shift, Mind Movement, Telekinesis]
{Some similar mutant power are fused and become one example : Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, Illusion Creation, Mind Whip, Hypnotic Suggestion -> Telepathy }
[Delta level: Beast Instinct, Bone Claw]
[Mission: None]
[Storage space: enabled]
When his skills had upgraded to level 3, the system had eliminated the original proficiency display, showing only the level. Unless he specifically opened a skill description, the system would not actively display the skill's precise proficiency.
Furthermore, after reaching level 3, he could finally control each skill's mana consumption at will.
In other words, he now possessed power modulation. He could freely adjust skill power between levels 1 and 3 according to circumstances, with mana consumption adjusting proportionally to the skill's actual output.
Though the system provided no explicit explanation for this change, Richard could infer the reasoning. If previously he had merely been activating skills as though playing a video game, now his mastery had reached perfection. Even without the system's assistance, he could wield these abilities freely rather than being limited to fixed-power skill activations.
If there was anything that disappointed him, it was that the system had not released any new missions in the past three months, preventing him from obtaining additional character template skills.
Examining his current fusion level, a theory formed in his mind. Considering the system's three-month silence and the absence of newly awakened skills, the 50% fusion threshold likely represented a watershed moment. Once template fusion exceeded 50%, the system would likely issue new tasks.
Alternatively, he might automatically awaken advanced skills like One-Winged Angel Form, Supernova, or Heartless Angel.
After mentally picturing himself in One-Winged Angel Form, Richard's expression grew expectant.
After reviewing his skills, his attention shifted to his X-gene mutant powers.
As he had initially theorized, mental abilities like Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, Illusion Creation, Mind Whip, Hypnotic Suggestion had integrated into a more comprehensive Telepathy power.
More than a month ago, after eliminating a female agent from the Department of Mutant Affairs, he had successfully Plundered her telepathic abilities—specifically, Beta-level Telepathy.
The moment he Plundered Telepathy, abilities like Mental Shielding, Mind Charm, and Hypnotic Suggestion began merging with and enhancing his newly acquired Telepathy.
By classification alone, his current Telepathy remained inferior to that of Professor X or the White Queen. This didn't concern him greatly. Though his Telepathy currently resided at Beta level, continuous Plundering of similar abilities would eventually elevate it to Alpha level.
Telepathy wasn't particularly rare. Beyond Professor X and the White Queen, many psychics existed worldwide, ensuring ample opportunities to Plunder additional telepathic abilities.
Moreover, if he eliminated enough psychics—or specifically targeted Professor X and the White Queen—upgrading his Telepathy to Omega level remained within reach.
Judging by sheer numbers, his X-gene mutant powers hadn't increased dramatically. However, in terms of raw power, he vastly outstripped his capabilities from three months ago. Even without employing template skills, few mutants could match him using X-gene mutant powers alone.
After reviewing his powers, Richard closed the attribute panel and teleported. In an instant, he vanished from the devastated forest clearing and returned to his current residence.
Given his S-level wanted status issued by the Department of Mutant Affairs and his distinctive flowing silver hair that defied easy disguise, Richard had maintained a secluded lifestyle over the past three months. Unless acquiring necessities, he generally avoided populated areas.
Even when entering cities for supplies, he employed his Beta-level Telepathy to mentally freeze everyone in the store. After purchasing essentials, he would immediately relocate to another city, denying the Department any opportunity to follow his trail.
After teleporting back to his current residence, Richard leisurely prepared lunch.
He now occupied a small wooden cabin in the forest. Though unaware of its owner's identity, one fact seemed certain: they weren't hurting financially.
The cabin's exterior appeared ordinary, reminiscent of wilderness construction videos he'd watched before crossing into this world. But the interior boasted impressive amenities.
This constituted a vacation home nestled within the forest. Living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom—all necessities were present and accounted for.
He had inhabited similar woodland cabins throughout the past three months. The American middle class certainly understood life's pleasures. Similar structures existed in forests near numerous cities, enabling Richard to live quite comfortably despite his fugitive status.
After busying himself in the kitchen, Richard sat at the dining table with his freshly prepared lunch. He opened the laptop positioned on the table and selected an engaging series to watch while eating.
Though he had inhabited this world for over three months, certain habits from his previous life persisted. He particularly enjoyed entertainment during meals. An engaging show enhanced his dining experience—a purely psychological effect, of course. No matter how compelling the viewing material, it couldn't alter the food's inherent flavor.
Nevertheless, Richard had no intention of abandoning this habit.
Before he realized it, lunch had concluded.
After finishing, he didn't immediately clear away his utensils and dishes. Instead, he set them aside and began browsing the latest news online, particularly stories related to himself.
While he couldn't search the internet to discover what agents the Department of Mutant Affairs might dispatch next, he could at least stay informed about recent events despite his isolated lifestyle.
After entering his name as a search keyword, numerous reports about him appeared. As time passed, his popularity online had declined significantly. Yet his influence hadn't diminished—it had grown.
A high-ranking article immediately caught his attention: "The New Leader of Mutants? Richard Wesley's Influence on the Younger Generation of Mutants!"
Upon seeing the headline, Richard's brow furrowed slightly. He clicked on the article and began reading its contents.
...
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