I'm The Only One With Cancer-Chapter 153: Mythical is not the Highest?

"T-This talent..."

Adara covered her hands, not continuing what she was about to say as she glanced at Arthur with worried eyes.

Arthur nodded, "It’s on the verge of breaking through mortal restraints."

At this moment, Zen, who was still feeling extremely happy, noticed the weird expressions on their faces as he could not help but ask, "Teacher, Aunt Ada, isn’t this talent good?"

"In terms of grade and tier, it’s good— extremely so."

Arthur nodded before adding, "However, the notes below the description... They aren’t something you can ignore. "

"What do you mean?" Zen tilted his head curiously, ’Aren’t notes about the skills just additional information?’

Even though he had inferred an idea due to his history of being familiar with games and the like, he still chose to listen patiently due to this world not being a game at all.

As expected, Arthur spoke after thinking for a moment, "Notes serve both as additional information and a warning. It should never be taken at the surface level due to its hidden effects... Besides, the grade and tier of the talent, in addition to the notes, make it way worse."

[Note: This skill violates the sanctity of life.]

Zen could not help but glance at the notes below the description, feeling something amiss but unable to point it out.

Seeing his expression, Arthur heaved a deep sigh, "I’m not planning on telling you this, since it’s still a long way and it’ll be better for you to explore it by yourself... But I’ll ask you, what are the grades in the System?"

"You’ve told me this before..." Zen felt confused as to why his teacher suddenly asked something that should have been common knowledge.

Nevertheless, he did not question him and just recounted what he knew.

From lowest to highest, they were: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythical.

Aside from this, each grade was divided into Low, Middle, High, and Top tiers.

"Correct." Arthur nodded affirmatively before asking, "Now, based on what you know, what’s the best grade among them?"

’Isn’t it obvious?’

Zen felt even more confused, but still replied, "Mythical grade is the best."

"Hm..."

Arthur thought for a moment and said, "Your answer is both right and wrong."

"Huh?"

Seeing his apprentice’s skeptical gaze, he asked, "Can you read the last note about the skill?"

[Note: This skill has not reached its limit.]

As soon as Zen read it, his confusion worsened even more, ’Wait a minute...’

’If it’s already at the top-tier Mythical grade, then why has it still not yet reached its limit?’

Remembering the various knowledge from the numerous books he had read inside the dilapidated building, Zen fell into deep thought.

’Strange, the records back then only stated that once a skill reached top-tier Mythical grade, it would have already reached its peak potential.’

’But this talent, on the other hand...’

’From the books I read before, talents are very much like skills. In fact, talents are really just skills, but one of their major difference lies in the aspect of talent wherein it would be more of a second nature to the user than something acquired through the system...’

Seeing that Zen’s expression was becoming more confused, Arthur could not help but chuckle lightly before his expression turned solemn.

"In simple terms, the grade Mythical is the highest in the realm of mortals. Grades above it would only be accessible once a being breaks through the level 1000 and ascends to godhood."

Hearing his explanation, Zen still asked, "But why are you telling me this? What’s the connection between that and my talent?"

"Well, it’s because your talent seemed to be already on par with divine authorities. I don’t know exactly what’s restraining it— or rather, controlling it. I just know that if ever you failed to restrain it, it would be disastrous for you."

"But don’t I have the Heart of Evil and the Blaze Attribute?"

"That’s different. The heart of the Lord of Evil has been purified by the Blaze Attribute for hundreds of years, making it weaker and more manageable for you— though of course, the fact that you’re able to utilize it is still an impossible feat. On the other hand, the Blaze Attribute is something from our Temple of Fire. The Baptism of Fire you had gone through made it more ’amiable’ towards you..."

Arthur kept explaining, ensuring that Zen would be able to understand the gravity of the situation thoroughly.

On the side, Adara’s eyes had a mix of admiration and worry, thinking of possible ways to help Zen avoid losing control of his talent.

Seeing Zen’s happy expression slowly turn to an anxious one, Arthur added, "Furthermore, that telnet of yours is linked to your very soul and fate... Its trait seemed to lean more towards Evil Gods. That’s why I want you to be careful."

"How can I be ’careful’?"

Zen asked, feeling nervous as he could not help but stammer, "S-Should I not use it? Should I focus on other skills instead?"

’What the hell is with my luck!? I can’t tell whether I’m lucky or unlucky! Is power and danger really the two sides of the same coin!?’

Oblivious to his internal screams, Arthur shook his head slowly, "No, in fact, it’s quite the opposite."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"First of all, you should stop actively acquiring skills in the meantime. Although the System regulates the skills and the body, your soul is still the one bearing the load for them.

Second, you must use Profane Transfiguration whenever you can— this will help wiith you become more familiar, and thereby gain more control over it. Although it doesn’t have a visible proficiency meter, every skill can be mastered. Strive to make its activation second nature to you if possible.

Lastly, the only thing that could suppress a divine authority would be another divine authority. Always be on the lookout for divine objects, blessings, or even skills that might be of help to you— an example will be the Heart of Evil and the Blaze Attribute in you.

Normally, I won’t suggest the last option, but your strange body could somehow contain divine authorities despite being a mortal."

As Arthur finished explaining, Zen nodded before asking, "Thank you for your explanation, my beloved teacher, but may I ask two questions?"

"Go ahead, my precious apprentice."

Sensing the sarcasm in the tone of their voices, Adara could not help but giggle.

’Why do I feel like no matter how grave the situation, this teacher and apprentice still can’t take it seriously? They’re too carefree!’

Oblivious to her thoughts, Zen began, "First of all, my body can contain divine authorities like the Heart of Evil and the Blaze Attribute; why can’t it do the same for my talent?"

"As I have said before, the trait of your talent leaned more on the divine authority of evil gods... That’s why, even if your body could handle it, your mind might be able to. Worst-case scenario would be you turning into a bloodthirsty monster with no regard for life."

"I understand." Zen nodded seriously before asking once again, "Then, for my second question, what are the grades above Mythical?"

By the end of his words, a trace of excitement could be felt in his ruby-red eyes.

However, to his dismay, Arthur shook his head, "I don’t wanna tell you."

"What!? Why!?"

Seeing Zen’s overreaction, Adara could not help but feel surprised, ’Why is his reaction towards the grades above mythical worse than when he learned that he might become a bloodthirsty monster?’

She really could not understand why the apprentice Arthur had taken in due to his innate weirdness.

Arthur looked at his apprentice and said, "It’s not the time yet. I merely said it to you to broaden your horizons and to never be complacent just because you have a few mythical skills. Remember, Legendary is the peak of a mortal’s limit, while Mythical is something that touches upon the realm of the gods. You must always be careful."

"I understand..." Zen had a solemn expression on his face, though one could obviously see the sadness in his eyes due to his not getting his way.

"Haha!"

Finally unable to hold it in, Arthur chuckled.

Adara was dumbfounded as she asked, "Why are you laughing?"

"Don’t you see his expression? It’s too funny!’ Arthur replied, pointing at Zen while holding his belly.

"..."

Not knowing how to react, Zen fell speechless.

However, in the next moment, he seemed to have remembered something, "Don’t I still have one final reward? You said you’d give it to me after I finished this final week of training."

"You’re right."

Arthur’s expression suddenly turned serious. "Since you have finished this final week of training, you will be leaving tomorrow.

As for your final reward, you can get it after our final spar before you leave."

"Thank goodne—"

Just as Zen was about to breathe a sigh of relief, his expression suddenly froze.

"Huh? What do you mean by final spar?"

Unfortunately, Arthur had already made his way towards the entrance of the dilapidated building, waving his hand without turning back.