Advancing to Rank 1 as an Awakener wasn't plicated.
According to what Michael had read on the forum, advancing was akin to unlocking a power chain, allowing oneself to grow further.
The more chains were unlocked—or rather, the more one advanced—the closer they came to being a higher being.
A warm sensation coursed through Michael's body as he prepared to advance.
He had seated himself in a lotus position, as remended in the posts he had read.
It was suggested either to sit or lie down during the advancement process since many things could happen during it.
Michael had often wondered what those "things" could be, but now that he was experiencing it firsthand, he understood.
The warm sensation grew hotter until it felt like his head was on the verge of bursting from the heat.
Sweat began dripping from his body, but he couldn't even groan in protest.
His body became sluggish—so sluggish that even his thoughts started to slow down.
Panic welled up inside him as he tried to resist the overwhelming sensation, but it was futile.
His body betrayed him, and he fell into a deep sleep.
Lucky and Prince, who stood at opposite ends of the room flanking their master, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
They made no move to disturb him as he remained seated, his breathing steady despite his unconscious state.
To them, there was nothing wrong with their master.
If anything, their senses told them the opposite.
Their master's aura was slowly growing stronger. Negative energy—the very essence that fueled their existence—seemed to gather around him in increasing amounts.
The connection between master and summon deepened with every passing moment, being more tangible.
To their simple minds, their master was perfectly fine.
In fact, Prince's attention was more focused on the moss growing on the walls.
Having watched his elder brother nibble at it several times before spitting it out, he assumed it must not taste very good despite its appealing appearance.
Lucky, on the other hand, was seriously considering giving it another try.
And so, the two undead stood in silence, contemplating moss and keeping their silent vigil while their master underwent his advancement.
The hours passed quietly, with only the faint sound of Michael's rhythmic breathing to break the stillness.
*****
"Ugh, what happened?"
Michael muttered as he stretched his body, feeling a strange but invigorating sensation.
He felt... different.
Strength coursed through him, and his mind was unusually sharp, as if it were processing several thoughts simultaneously without effort.
"Yes, I finished my advancement quest and—"
His voice trailed off as he took in his surroundings.
The room seemed brighter than before, the dim glow of dawn filtering through cracks and crevices.
Startled, he stood up in a rush—only to launch himself upward with unexpected force, slamming his head into the ceiling above.
BOOM!
A cloud of dust erupted from the impact, and Michael tumbled back down to the ground with a loud thud. Stay tuned with empire
The noise startled Lucky and Prince, who had been vigilantly guarding him.
Both rushed to his side.
"Yes, I advanced!" Michael exclaimed, finally piecing together the situation.
His excitement was palpable, though he didn't dare move again, wary of his newfound strength.
The earlier mishap had proven how much his physical capabilities had increased—and fortunately, his tougher body had prevented him from being injured and feeling.
"I didn't know advancing could cause unconsciousness."
Judging by the brightness of the surroundings, it was already morning.
Michael realized a significant amount of time must have passed since he fell unconscious.
However, any concern he had was quickly replaced by excitement and anticipation.
Sure, he had been strong before, but his strength had always been under control.
This lack of coordination could only mean one thing—a significant leap in his physical power.
Ignoring Lucky and Prince, who stood protectively by his side, Michael turned his attention to the glowing panel before him.
The notifications he had missed.
[You have advanced to Rank 1, Level 1 (Level 11).]
[Your Class has advanced to Adept Necromancer!]
[Your soul has grown stronger!]
[You have gained 10 extra contract slots.]
[You have gained the skill {Acid Shot}.]
[You have gained the skill {Bone Spear}.]
[Your stats have significantly increased from your advancement.]
[Your Strength stat has increased!]
[Your Agility stat has increased!]
[Your Constitution stat has increased!]
[Your Intelligence stat has increased!]
"Hehe," Michael couldn't help but laugh foolishly.
Advancing through ranks was a good feeling. If only it could happen every day.
"I got 2 new skills plus 10 extra contract slots."
These extra contract slots meant they were not included in the 2 he'd unlock every level, making them a great addition.
The skills must have e from the increase in stats, while another likely came from his class advancement.
He'd need to check which was at {Intermediate Mastery} to confirm which was which.
As for his stats, even without the panel telling him, Michael already knew.
The dust clinging to his body was enough proof.
However, though he was curious about how much his stats had increased, there were still more notifications to check—ones that excited Michael greatly.
It was time for the special quest rewards.
[You have advanced to Rank 1.]
[Your reward is being distributed.]
[Level UP!]
[You have leveled up to Level 12.]
[Level UP!]
[You have leveled up to Level 13.]
[Level UP!]
[You have leveled up to Level 14.]
[Level UP!]
[You have leveled up to Level 15.]
[All your stats have increased by 8 points!]
[You have gained the skill {Slow Curse}.]
[You have gained the skill {Bone Armour}.]
[You have gained the skill {Corpse Explosion}.]
[Status Updated]
[Name: Michael Norman]
[Class: Adept Necromancer]
[Level: 15]
[EXP: 0/17,718]
[Strength: 30.42]
[Agility: 41.16]
[Constitution: 31.72]
[Intelligence: 110.1]
[Attribute Points: 30]
[Skills: Undead Summoning, Undead Revival, Detect, Basic Shot, Share Senses, Spearmanship, Acid Shot, Bone Spear, Slow Curse, Bone Armour, Corpse Explosion]
[Talent: Infinite Evolution]
[Class Skill: Contract Slot {20/40}]
[Gift: Mark of Origin]
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