'…

" Theo blinked his eyes a few times when he saw the skill. Compared to what he had in mind, it was certainly less powerful. However, he ignored it for the time being and allocated his Free Attribute Points.

Name: Theodore Griffith

Status: Hero

Level: 251

EXP: 0

/300,000

Blessing: God of Mischief

Skill: Three Great Defense (C), Clone (B), Cannon Blast (C), Magic Bullet (B), Flowmotion (C), Telekinesis (B), Blink (C), Metamorphosis (C), Illusion Multiplier (D), Illusion Manipulation (C)

Attributes: Strength 340, Endurance 236, Agility 245, Vitality 236, Magic Power 340

Free Attribute Points: 0

"Well, this is good.

" Theo nodded.

"I should start using my Metamorphosis first before getting used to my current prowess.

"Metamorphosis.

" Theo activated his new skill while closing his eyes, trying to make all the details in his mind. What he pictured was a man with long red hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a white shirt and black pants that were covered with a long black coat that added his elegance.

His red eyes carried a trace of bloodlust that made one look away, but there wasn't a difference in his build from the original Theo.

"…

" Theo could feel the success, but when he reached the mirror, he found a distorted nose as if it was broken by someone. The clothes looked plain and embroidered weirdly. Overall, it was a mess.

"Well, this is my first time.

" Theo let out a long sigh.

"Either way, the fact that I can turn into someone else just makes it easier for me to do something. Also…

"

Theo transformed into another creature like a fish and dropped to the ground. The fish had silver scales and red eyes, the fin had a red rose pattern and the tail was covered with plain silver. However, Theo's transformation soon became undone as he dropped to his knees and started gasping for air.

"What is that? I can't breathe…

"Is this the natural ability of the Metamorphosis?

" Theo gulped down. Although it would bring him disadvantages, if this skill could grant him the natural attribute of the creature, he thought he could transform into a fish and cross the ocean. The benefits were just far more important than the slight disadvantages it would cause.

The skill piqued his interest as he began his training. He transformed into a few forms and somehow ended up getting disappointed because of the limit.

It turned out, the five forms limit was to restrict his ability to transform into another creature. All the five forms were a human, a fish, a monkey, a tiger, and an eagle. These five forms would benefit him because the human could become his Joker Identity when exposed, the fish could escape underwater, a monkey would be agile in the woods, a tiger had extraordinary speed, and an eagle allowed him to fly in the sky.

After the test for his skill, Theo began to check his Five Aspects. Unfortunately, he couldn't recreate the feeling the

"Branches

" God of Mischief showed him earlier.

All he could test was how much that foundation gave him his new strength.

His Control progressed by leaps and bounds as he felt he could do a few movements with his Magic Bullets instead of a mere two turns.

This became a solid foothold for him if he wanted to reach master level.

After that, he used the remaining time to either practice his transformation or his Control.

The next day.

A red-haired girl walked into the Teleportation Circle and arrived at Ark City. She couldn't help but feel excited, wondering what kind of fight she would experience with the one who brought a nameless team to third place in the Grand Gaia Competition.

She wore a plain white t-shirt and long black pants. Carrying a bag half of her size, she started making her way to the meeting point.

Despite changing her appearance, it didn't diminish the fact that she was still a beauty. So, she put on a mask and a hat to cover most of her face to avoid people's attention.

"It's time to meet him,

" she muttered while licking her lips, soon finding a big

"Ratata

" sign on the building.

Remembering Theo's personality, she decided to wait next to the entrance, only to find herself standing still for thirty minutes before Theo finally came out of the entrance.

Noticing her presence, Theo looked at her and said,

"So, you have come.

"

"You're really cold. I have been waiting for thirty minutes, you know.

" She stuck her tongue out.

"You're thirty minutes too early.

" Theo shook his head and raised his vision as a gesture to invite her into his room.

"Anyway, let's talk in my room. I need to tell you a few things.

"

"Ho, a bold invitation. I guess waiting for thirty minutes is worth it.

" She chuckled.

"Then, wait for me in the lobby. I will bring my equipment first.

" Theo shrugged and turned around, leaving her.

"!!!

" Agata widened her eyes and quickly followed him.

"Come on. I was joking. You have no sympathy even though I have been waiting with this bag for thirty minutes.

"

"I have given you the exact time, so that's on you.

" Theo sighed.

"Haha, seeing you act like usual is good, I guess?

" Agata chuckled as she followed him upstairs.

"By the way, what do you want to talk about?

"

"Just need a couple of confirmation and your fighting styles.

"

"Don't worry. Although fighting is not my forte, I won't be your burden. Besides, I am a level 290 Illusionist, I should be able to avoid an attack from a Ground Dragon that lacks speed.

" She nodded with a serious expression.

"Ah, you were representing the second grade back in the competition… I almost forgot.

" Theo nodded as this was the first time he heard her level.

"How about you? Have you reached Hero Rank yet?

"

"Yeah. You don't need to worry about me.

" Theo looked up and reached the door's handle as they arrived at his room. He opened the door and stopped.

"Besides…

"

"Theo?

" Agata tilted her head, not knowing why he halted.

Theo, on the contrary, smiled and entered the room. At the same time, his head turned around and looked at her while saying,

"Besides, your country or the War God Family may need to raise your condition a little bit after this mission.

"

*****

Author's Note: So, there are four names mentioned multiple times: Granny, Nella, Agata, and Ava.. I have another plan for Ava, so I will let you choose who's first among the other three.