Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 28 - The Duelist Emerges

Kael knew he couldn't delay the [Swift Blade] evolution much longer. His combat style, even when restrained, was becoming too fluid, too precise for a simple Lv. 13-14 class. He needed the evolution to justify the subtle improvements he could no longer fully suppress. He also needed access to the higher-Tier skills the evolved class would offer, even if he couldn't use them publicly yet.

He chose the [Duelist] path. It fit his stats and his preferred fighting style of precision strikes and parries. Now, he just needed to manufacture the reveal.

He spent a week 'intensively training' in the Guild's private rooms, making sure to mention to Finn and casually to others that he was trying to 'stabilize the artifact's influence' and 'focus its power' into his swordsmanship. He carried the Resonance Stone openly during practice sessions others might observe through viewing panels.

Then, during a supervised sparring session against an advanced Tier 1 training construct, overseen by a junior Guild instructor, Kael made his move. He fought competently, using his established 'slightly better than average' Lv. 14 [Swift Blade] style. Then, halfway through the match, he feigned a moment of intense concentration, clutching the Resonance Stone.

*‘Accumulator: Evolve [Swift Blade] to [Duelist Lv. 20]. Update fabricated status: Change Class [Swift Blade Lv. 14] to [Duelist Lv. 15]. Add Skill [Precise Strike Lv. 1]. Modify attributes slightly. Project burst of Weave energy fluctuation.’*

He simultaneously focused his own mana, letting it flare slightly around him in concert with the Resonance Stone's faint pulse, mimicking an uncontrolled energy surge while the Accumulator handled the complex status manipulation.

His movements shifted subtly. He incorporated the new [Precise Strike] skill – a basic [Duelist] ability focusing on finding weak points – into his attacks against the construct. His parries became slightly more effective, his footwork crisper. He defeated the construct shortly after, breathing heavily, making it look like the 'evolution' took a toll.

The instructor, a young woman named Lyra ([Battle Mage Lv. 25]), looked surprised. "Kael? Your Weave signature just fluctuated wildly! And your class... it reads [Duelist Lv. 15] now? What happened?"

Kael feigned exhaustion and confusion. "I... I think I focused too hard? Trying to channel the stone's energy like Elara suggested... It felt like something... clicked? Settled? My sword arm feels different." He looked down at his hand as if seeing it for the first time.

The instructor reported the incident immediately. Kael was summoned by Elara and Instructor Lyraelle. He repeated his story: attempting to stabilize the artifact led to an unexpected, semi-controlled Class evolution. The Resonance Stone pulsed; his Weave signature spiked; his class shifted from [Swift Blade] to [Duelist]. He emphasized feeling more focused, less prone to random 'surges', hoping to sell the idea that this evolution brought stability.

Lyraelle scanned him intently, her [Weave Analyst] senses probing. "The fluctuation was significant," she conceded. "And the resulting Class *is* [Duelist Lv. 15]. The energy signature is... cleaner now, less erratic than during your assessment, though still exhibiting that buffering quality." She seemed suspicious but couldn't definitively refute his claim, especially with the Resonance Stone as a prop and the recorded energy spike during the sparring session. Artifact-induced evolutions, while rare, were not unheard of.

Elara seemed cautiously optimistic. "If this evolution brings more control, Kael, that is a positive development. [Duelist] is a recognized class. Focus on mastering its techniques. Predictability is valued."

The news spread. 'Artifact kid' had somehow forced an evolution. Some saw it as proof of his unique potential; others muttered about unstable power and shortcuts. Roric sneered that Kael had probably just bribed the instructor.

Kael ignored them. He was now officially a [Duelist Lv. 15]. His fabricated status finally had a Tier 1 Advanced Class, giving him more breathing room to display competence. His *real* class, [Duelist Lv. 20], possessed significantly enhanced critical hit chance, better parrying skills ([Expert Parry Lv. 1]), and access to [Precise Strike Lv. 2]. The lie had evolved, just like his power.

---

Publishment Date:  8/4/2025