Apocalypse Cheater

[: Daniel POV :]

Unimaginable power surged through my body as my heart fused from a dragon core and a Yggdrasil heart.

The sensation was electrifying, every nerve and fibre of my being tingling with newfound energy.

It was addictive, but, I couldn't linger on this feeling for long.

After all, it was time to delve into the remaining skill books and carefully contemplate where to employ the precious Skill Upgrade Rune.

[: Origin Body - Increases all stats by 10 :]

[: Parasites Control - Create parasites that invade any living beings and control their minds who will obey your words. Ineffective against anyone weaker than you :]

[: Portal Creation - Creates a portal that can transport anyone anywhere by placing the 2 marks at both locations. 1 Portal consumes 100,000 Mana and lasts for one day :]

[: Rust Corruption - Upon activation will corrupt anything and turn them into ashes of rust :]

[: Vibration Control - Able to control vibration to a certain extent :]

[: Void Stealth - Hides your existence from everyone. Ineffective against those who are stronger than the user :]

[: Spirit Invoke - Call the aids of spirits that will invoke spirits spells at the cost of mana :]

As I scrutinized the descriptions of each skill, I found myself utterly fascinated by their potential applications.

Without hesitation, I decided to acquire all of them, seeing the value they could bring.

However, my curiosity about the Skill Upgrade Runes nagged at me.

Skill Upgrade Runes are precious and it was precious enough that there's nothing equivalent to its value. 

They could push any skill rank by 1 rank higher and although it's not the time yet, I can't curiously but wondered if could I use it now. 

Well, it was time to find out. 

"Use Upgrade Skill Rune on Light Manipulation Skill."

I wanted to see if these runes could indeed elevate a skill beyond its supposed maximum rank of S for now. 

[: Unable to upgrade further due to r32+tricti--;! Please u-&&drad1@ to break the--+8h beyond 9&& and ent--3 the #@%%&&8%0 :]

Sigh...well, I'm not particularly surprised by this phenomenon unfolding before me.

I just thought that maybe I could break the shell, but perhaps, it's not the time yet.

Or rather, I'm not strong enough just yet. 

This could mean that there's a restriction on the ranks of skills, and breaking through it requires something specific.

I know the solution, but it would be long before the answers can be found. 

Rather than pondering about it, I'll just keep these runes till it's time to use them. 

Afterwards, the following day marked the beginning of Bella's and my efforts to secure support from the remaining factions of Perpetual Rulers and the Noble Families.

As Bella and I discussed our plans to gain support from the remaining factions, I couldn't help but express my curiosity.

"So, Bella, what's our first move?" I inquired.

There were a total of 7 remaining factions and perpetual rulers that still had yet to choose their support for the successor of the continent.

Only the candidates with the most factions supporting them would be the rulers of the Continent.

Bella, wearing a determined expression, replied, "We'll start with the Noble Family known as the Viston Noble Family."

"The Viston Noble Family, huh? What's special about them?" I asked.

"They're known for their Bloodline Abilities," Bella explained.

In the first place, what are the Noble Families?

The Noble Families are simply a clan whose ancestors have incorporated skills within their bloodline, allowing their descendants to be bestowed the same skills as their ancestors had.

I nodded in understanding. "I see. So, what's our approach when we meet them?"

Bella paused for a moment, thinking. "We need to convince them that supporting me for the throne is the best choice. But it won't be easy."

I leaned forward, eager to help. "Tell me what you need from me, Bella. I'm here to support you."

She smiled warmly, grateful for my words.

"Thank you, Daniel. Your strength and presence will be crucial. Let's make them see that you're the key to our success."

With a nod, I agreed, "I'll do my best to show them who's the queen."

Bella smiled but she had hints of blush on her cheeks and I wanted to pinch them. 

As we arrived at the Viston Household, the grandeur of the place was evident.

Dozens of people had gathered around the vicinity, and I couldn't help but ready myself to attack. 

But Bella gave me a cue to not attack and I followed her order. 

A man, presumably the Family Head of the Viston Family, appeared before us, his keen senses detecting our presence.

He greeted Bella with a polite tone, acknowledging her presence.

"It's been a long time since I met you, Princess Bella," he said with respect.

Bella returned the greeting, "Indeed, it has, Head Viston. I hope you and your family have been well."

The Viston Family Head then shifted his attention to me, recognizing that I was not a familiar face.

"To what pleasure do I owe a visit from the Royal Princess?" he inquired politely, his curiosity piqued.

"I'm here to discuss bringing you to my faction"

Bella explained her purpose to Head Viston, and his expression shifted to one of understanding mixed with concern.

"I see," he responded, his voice tinged with weariness.

"So, this is about the power struggles within the Imperial Families"

"I have always tried to avoid getting entangled in such matters"

"But being a noble family of a faction, it seems I can't escape the turmoil of royalty."

"That is why, at this point, I'll need your power and connections to affirm my chances of becoming the ruler"

"Otherwise, you can imagine what might transpire if Uncle Jake takes the throne," 

Bella's resolution shone in her eyes as she continued, emphasizing the consequences if her uncle, Jake, were to ascend to the throne.

"Precisely that is why I wish to ask you, Princess!"

"How confident are you in the chances of attaining the throne? What are the odds of us winning the throne?" Scott questioned.

"That is..."

Scott Viston's question hung in the air, and Bella struggled to provide a clear answer.

Though she had quite a bit of support from the 3 Factions and 1 Perpetual ruler, was it enough to turn over the odds of her uncle?

Before Elsa could respond, I decided to step in.

"If we're talking about proving our odds of winning, why don't we demonstrate it through my strength?" I suggested

"Oh?" He was slightly amused by my words but I knew that he looked down on me, perhaps thinking I was being a fool. 

"And how much can you prove with your strength? Do you think the might of power could solve everything?"

Yes, power would have solved everything...at least for me. 

"If it was, then perhaps, the continent would have lived a life of constant survival," Scott said.

Well, that is if no one's strong enough to handle their power. 

He was neither right nor wrong, but at times like this, citizens need someone whom they can depend on. 

Bella may not be strong for now, but as long as I'm by her side. My strength is her source of strength no matter what. 

I absorbed the atmosphere of the room, taking in Scott Viston's contemplative expression.

I knew it was crucial to ensure that Scott grasped the essence of my proposal.

"There are times when strength can indeed make a significant difference"

I began, trying to convey my point.

I wanted to dispel any misconceptions that might arise from my earlier statement.

"However, I am not trying to suggest that we resort to violence or aggression to prove Princess Bella's worthiness for the throne."

Scott Viston appeared intrigued, yet still puzzled by my unique perspective.

"Then, what exactly are you proposing?" he inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Leaning forward slightly, I donned thoughtful words.

"Imagine this"

"A moment of desperation, a time when an unparalleled threat looms over the Continent"

I explained, choosing my words carefully.

"What qualities do you think the people would hope for in their King or Queen?"

"What traits would inspire their unwavering trust and devotion?"

"Would it be bis charms? Intelligence or Strength to dominate over his enemies and threats?"

Scott furrowed his brow, deep in thought as he contemplated my question.

Meanwhile, I knew the answer well – I had an intimate understanding of the King's illness and the impending challenges that the Continent faced.

It was precisely why I had posed this question.

"They would expect their monarch to possess the power to overcome any obstacle that threatens their kingdom,"

Scott replied, his voice filled with conviction. "They would yearn to be in awe of their ruler's majestic powers."

I nodded, a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Exactly," I agreed.

"Now, imagine if we could demonstrate to the people that Princess Bella possesses the potential to be precisely that kind of ruler"

"Of course, we're not just saying that having strength is the key. But would you prefer to have someone to overhwlem all just like the King who was once a Hero, or a false king who had used cowardice mean to secure his position?"

"Which do you prefer?"

Scott Viston absorbed my words with a newfound sense of understanding, recognizing the importance of choosing a suitable ruler.