SSS-Rank Talent: Super Upgrade System-Chapter 60: A Very Long Watch!

The Dark Forest of the Taiji Basin’s Yin region was an oppressive place, filled with gnarled, shadow-feeding trees and a tense silence that was often broken by things best left unheard.

After the intense rush of absorbing so many souls and the subsequent skill upgrades like the B-Grade [Acquisitive Grasp], Daniel knew his team needed a proper rest.

Even Ayra Sand, known for her relentless energy and fiery demeanor, was beginning to show signs of fatigue despite her usual drive and constant intake of protein bars.

"Alright, team," Daniel said, his low voice barely cutting through the thick, heavy air.

He had been scouting ahead using his upgraded [Phantom Blink], a silent flash through the darkness.

"Nyx found something. Might be a decent spot to lie low for a few hours, let our Assimilation Charges... I mean, our batteries... recharge."

He almost slipped up. Explaining his SSS-Talent to his new, volatile teammates was not on the agenda.

Lia, her B-Grade Verdant Lifespring Staff-Sword held with easy grace, nodded.

"A defensible location would be wise. The energy here is draining, and we don’t know what else lurks in these shadows."

Ayra, who had been moodily kicking a pulsating, vaguely disgusting fungus, grunted.

"As long as it doesn’t smell like those creepy Savage Blades thugs. My axe still feels... unclean."

Behind a curtain of moss-like vines lay a small natural cave.

It wasn’t spacious, but it was dry, well-hidden, and, thankfully, free of any unpleasant signs of interdimensional intruders.

"Cozy," Ayra remarked dryly, peering into the dim interior. The cave was indeed small. Barely enough room for the three of them to stretch out.

Daniel shrugged. "In a place where ’cozy’ probably means ’not actively trying to digest you,’ beggars can’t be choosers. We’ll manage."

He spread out a couple of salvaged thermal blankets from his inventory. "Standard Vanguard sleeping arrangements: sardine formation.

I’ll take the middle, less chance of something slimy grabbing one of you in your sleep."

Coordinating three heavily armed adults in a space no larger than a large dog kennel proved challenging.

After some shuffling and muttered curses, (mostly from Ayra, who seemed to take personal offense at the lack of legroom), they settled in.

Daniel was, as promised, in the middle, Lia to his left, Ayra to his right. Nyx curled up contentedly at his feet.

The proximity was... noticeable. Daniel, acutely aware of the situation, tried to focus on the tactical advantages of the central position.

Yes, definitely tactical. He could feel the soft pressure of Lia’s shoulder against his arm as she leaned back, her breathing calm and even.

On his other side, Ayra, despite her usual explosive energy, was surprisingly still, though he could sense the coiled tension in her muscles.

He tried to clear his mind, to review his recent gains. The B-Grade [Acquisitive Grasp] was a fantastic utility skill.

The upgraded C+-Grade [Malevolent Toxin Blade] and [Phantom Blink] made him even deadlier.

His attributes had surged again after assimilating Alex’s group and the beasts Ayra had dealt with. Level 5 felt incredibly potent.

He mentally ran through the motions of his S-Grade Solar Flare Fist Art, feeling the contained inferno within, then switched to the grounding stability of his S-Grade Earthquake Colossus Form. The sheer destructive potential he now wielded was staggering.

"Your breathing changed," Lia murmured softly from his left, her voice barely a whisper in the dim cave. "Thinking about something... powerful?"

Daniel tensed for a moment, then relaxed. Lia’s A-Grade [Lifeweave Affinity] likely made her sensitive to energy fluctuations.

"Just reviewing the day’s... lessons," he replied evasively. "This place doesn’t exactly encourage relaxation."

Lia made a soft sound of agreement. "No, it doesn’t. But... thank you for the staff-sword, Daniel. It feels... attuned to me. More than just a weapon."

She shifted slightly, and her head came to rest gently on his shoulder. It was a simple, trusting gesture, and Daniel felt an unexpected warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with his internal S-Grade furnace.

He stayed still, not wanting to disturb her. She seemed to fall asleep quickly, her breathing becoming deep and regular.

He focused on staying awake for his watch. The silence in the cave was broken only by their soft breathing and the occasional rustle from Nyx dreaming of chasing shadow squirrels.

After what felt like an hour, he felt another, more deliberate pressure against his right side.

Ayra, who he’d thought was also asleep, had apparently shifted closer in the cramped space. Her arm was now pressed against his, and her head was... also on his shoulder.

Daniel’s brain did a surprised double-take.

Ayra , the S-Grade Primal Fury Berserker, who previously assaulted him and threatened to redecorate Platform Alpha with his internal organs, was now using him as a pillow. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

He could feel the heat radiating from her, even through their clothes, a simmering, volcanic energy that was surprisingly... comforting?

No, definitely not comforting. More like sleeping next to a friendly, but potentially unstable, stick of dynamite.

He remained perfectly still, careful not to breathe too loudly for fear of disturbing the sleeping S-Grade warrior beside him.

He focused on his skills again, his mind cataloging his abilities. The [Acquisitive Grasp] was good, but it was B-Grade.

Could [Soul Assimilation] enhance it further? Maybe combine it with something?

He thought about his Archery skills from the Hunter class. He had [Steady Shot], [Precise Shot], and [Rapid Shot].

It was functional, but limited. His C-Grade bow had become a clear bottleneck. Though he could channel Assimilation charges into it, the effort felt more like refining a slightly improved peashooter than wielding a true weapon.

The Exchange Coupons from the assessment were looking more and more appealing. An A-Grade bow, pushed to S-Grade by his talent? That could make his ranged attacks truly devastating, especially with his [Kinetic Pulse] Arrows or [Malevolent Toxin Blade] imbued shots.

His combat power had more than doubled since entering the Taiji Basin, and that was before truly unleashing his S-Grade forms in a real fight or upgrading his ranged capabilities.

He was rapidly becoming a walking, talking weapon of mass promotion, a one-man army capable of handling threats far beyond his nominal level.

A soft, almost inaudible sigh escaped Ayra.

Her hand, which had been resting near his hip, shifted.

Daniel froze. Her fingers brushed against his crotch, then, with a sleepy, almost unconscious movement, her hand... settled over his warmth.

Not holding it, just... resting there.

Daniel stared up at the dark, unseen roof of the cave, his mind a blank. What in the nine circles of interdimensional bureaucracy was happening?

Was this some kind of Berserker peace offering?

He decided, for the sake of his continued sanity and survival, not to move a muscle.

This was going to be a very, very long watch