I Don't Need To Log Out

Charon gave Arlon the same room he had used during training, even though there were now vacant rooms at the inn.

Arlon didn't refuse. He knew when to appreciate a gesture.

So, at Monday night, the day the six-month rewards were distributed, Arlon sat in his room, reflecting on the magic training he had done here with A Magician's Secret in this very room before.

He wasn't quite there yet, but he was almost certain that by the end of the next six months, he would surpass his past self in strength.

But first, he took out the Adaptive Skill Core from his inventory and swallowed it.

He had expected it to be difficult to gulp down—it was the size of a large pill—but, surprisingly, it slid down his throat with ease.

Then, a notification rang in his mind:

"Please choose the skill you want to enhance!"

Ever since he had started to trust his level again, Arlon had relied primarily on two skills: Eyes of K*T** and Teleportation.

For now, he had no way to replace them, so he had to work with what he had.

However, he was close to fully learning Teleportation, which would soon allow him to traverse Trion with ease.

Of course, he could already use it now.

He had left marks in every location he had visited, and the long distances were becoming less of an issue thanks to his improved mana control and expanded reserves.

In the meantime, he wasn't anywhere close to understanding the Eyes of K*T**.

He had no clue what the unlock conditions were, though he noticed that some letters had appeared in its name after he learned certain names like Karmel and Trion.

So, he chose this skill.

"Eyes of KET** has been enhanced!"

A sudden chill ran through Arlon's body. He immediately checked the skill description:

***

Eyes of KET** (Weakened)

See the world through the Eyes of KET**

"This skill's effects were weakened to make it suitable for the player's level. Unlock its full effects as you grow stronger."

The effects of this skill can be turned on and off. Using more than one effect will increase the mana use.

- (K) You can check the name, stats, skills, information, and weaknesses of weaker existences or names and some stats of the higher existences. Warning! Higher existences may catch on when this skill is used on them!

- (T) You can perceive the time in the lower realm, making it seem like the time is moving slower. Warning! This skill doesn't make the user faster or the others slower. Only the time in perception changes.

- (E) You can perceive the movement in the upper realm, helping you see the future. Warning! The amount to the future can't exceed two seconds and the mana use will increase catastrophically as the time closes down on two seconds!

***

Arlon's eyes widened in shock.

Seeing the future? This can completely change the outcome of a fight.

Of course, without enough mana, it wouldn't mean much—but he had to try it.

He activated the third effect and attempted to see a full two seconds into the future.

Then, suddenly, he saw two versions of his hand.

One was in its current position, rising slowly. The other was a ghostly projection, already raised as it would be two seconds later.

But after only a second, a familiar sensation overtook him. His vision darkened, and before he could react, he collapsed onto his bed.

His mana had been completely drained—before the two-second future had even fully played out.

---

A deep voice greeted him in the pitch-black void.

"You're here again? Well, I should have expected as much..."

An old man stood before him.

"Why?" Arlon asked groggily.

"What do you mean, why? You tried to see the future at your level. Your mana depleted instantly."

The old man was Karmel.

Since he was in his old man form, his voice sounded normal to Arlon.

"I'm glad you prefer my voice like this," Karmel muttered.

Arlon frowned. He's still reading my mind…

"For the last time, I'm not reading your mind—ah, forget it. Think whatever you want."

Arlon exhaled sharply. "Do I have anything to gain from being here this time?"

"You didn't even use the enchantment formula I gave you last time! Do you have any idea how many people would kill for a chance to come here? Even your so-called master tried to reach this place in her time. Ah, but I shouldn't mention that yet."

Arlon ignored the slip. "I doubt you have anything useful to teach me anyway. It's always like this..."

"It wasn't like this the last time, was it?" Karmel smirked. "I told you about the past, didn't I?"

Arlon pursed his lips. He's right… but I don't have to admit it.

Of course, he remembered he didn't need to when he saw the smirk on Karmen.

"Can't you tell me anything?" Arlon asked instead. "Why are you even here? And how are you still alive?"

"I can't. But you can understand it. I will give you a hint, why do we have existence levels if they are not important?"

Arlon scoffed. "They are important. There's a clear difference between lower and higher existences."

"Exactly."

"So… are you a higher existence? Does leveling up enough make you god-like?"

"I told you—I can't say anything."

But Arlon didn't need a direct answer. That was confirmation enough.

So, the man in front of him was a higher existence.

But he wasn't one of the highest ones since he was scared of the aliens that would attack Trion one day.

"HEY!" Karmel snapped.

The moment Arlon even thought about the word "scared," Karmel's warning rang in his mind, sending a sharp pain through his ears. Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

"Fine, fine. Sorry," Arlon muttered mentally, rubbing his ears.

Still recovering from the ringing, he asked, "Can you at least tell me your level?"

Karmel snorted. "Not a chance. Even if I could, I wouldn't."

"Tch." Arlon clicked his tongue. "Then just tell me how to get out of here. I have actual training to do."

Karmel sighed. "I keep telling you—I don't summon you here. So I can't send you back, either."

Before Arlon could argue, Karmel continued, "By the way, have you thought about what I told you last time?"

"You mean the wish? I already told you—it's too early for me to decide that."

"I see."

Karmel looked over Arlon's shoulder and casually pointed.

"Oh, you can leave now. That way."

Arlon turned to look behind him. "Finally," he muttered.

Then, out of habit, he added, "Thank you."

Though, based on his tone, it wasn't very convincing.

Without waiting for a response, he started walking in the direction Karmel had pointed.

Soon, that familiar sensation of falling overtook him, and his eyes shut once again.