97 8th one through

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Visual Enhancement LV9' upgraded to 'Visual Enhancement LV10'.]

[Condition met. Skill 'Visual Enhancement LV10' has branched into new skill 'Telescope LV1'.]

Alright!

Finally reached maximum level on Visual Enhancement.

Maximum level reward for Visual Enhancement: new skill branch.

Time to examine it—check the effect.

[Telescope: Allows distant scenery to be magnified and observed.]

Ah—exactly as described.

Hmm.

Subtle.

Sensory enhancement skills provide minor bonuses. Branching skills are equally unremarkable.

Still, let’s activate it.

So, body component—activate Telescope!

Request approved. Telescope activated!

Huh?

Oh?

Ohhh!?

Ah—this is incredible.

Apologies for calling it dull earlier.

My field of view displays two images simultaneously: the magnified view through the telescope and the original, unaltered field of vision.

I expected all visual input to be magnified like a telescope’s lens, but it appears this can be activated with a single eye.

Normally, such conflicting visual data would cause disorientation. But in my case, it’s as if I effectively possess two separate consciousnesses.

Division of labor eliminates any confusion.

Currently, due to low skill level, magnification ratio and range are limited. But as the skill level increases, it may become quite useful.

For example, detecting an enemy’s hiding spot via reconnaissance, then observing it closely through magnification while maintaining normal vision.

Yes, yes.

This skill appears to function as a passive ability, with no MP cost.

Many applications seem possible. I should keep the telescope active at all times to accelerate skill level progression.

The information officer's the one who's always excited.

What's with the body focus?

Prey detected through the telescope.

Ah, good—already proving useful. You're a lifesaver.

Shall we take care of it quickly?

No need to say it.

Ah, ah, ah.

Thus, we advance stealthily toward the enemy.

The scythe is unusable now—destroyed in the previous corrosive attack self-explosion—so we'll apply spider venom via poison synthesis.

The monster's HP depleted in an instant.

As expected—terrifying power.

[Experience points reached threshold. Individual: Zoa Erel has leveled up from LV2 to LV3.]

[Base stats have increased.]

[Skill proficiency level-up bonus acquired.]

[Proficiency threshold reached. Skill 'Vision Expansion LV2' upgraded to 'Vision Expansion LV3'.]

[Proficiency threshold reached. Skill 'Life LV9' upgraded to 'Life LV10'.]

[Condition met. Skill 'Life LV10' evolved into 'Body Life LV1'.]

[Skill point acquired.]

Oh, just in time for a level-up.

Shedding the old skin—scythe restored.

And, finally, one of the status-up skills has evolved.

Time to check the鉴定.

[Body Life: Adds HP bonus equal to skill level × 10 minutes. Also applies growth bonus equal to skill level upon level-up.]

As expected—same system as Strength.

So, if the remaining status-enhancement skills evolve, they’ll also gain growth bonus.

Would be nice to upgrade sooner, but probably best to wait until after breaking through the mid-tier.

Need to reach a safe location soon.

And now—finally!

Skill points reached 100 with level up. Yay!

Now then—has the rumored Eye of Evil skill been added?

『Curse Eye (100): Inflicts curse-element damage on all within line of sight』

『Deathblight Eye (100): Inflicts decay-element damage on all within line of sight』

『Paralysis Eye (100): Inflicts paralysis-element damage on all within line of sight』

『Petrification Eye (100): Inflicts petrification-element damage on all within line of sight』

『Discomfort Eye (100): Applies "Discomfort" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

『Illusion Pain Eye (100): Applies "Illusion Pain" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

『Madness Eye (100): Applies "Madness" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

『Enchantment Eye (100): Applies "Enchantment" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

『Hypnotic Evil Eye (100): Applies "Hypnosis" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

『Terrifying Evil Eye (100): Applies "Fear" aberrant effect to all within line of sight』

Ugh.

It really was added.

It wasn't in the list before, right?

Wait—so many types.

Do I pick one from this list?

Hmm.

Information specialist, huh.

What’s with the body specialist?

Why not just take multiple?

Huh? What do you mean?

You know? I’ve got eight eyes.

So what?

I mean—can I activate up to eight Evil Eyes at once?

!? Are you a genius!?

Heh heh. Yes, I am a genius.

Seriously? I’m a genius? If I’m a genius, I can do anything, right?

Exactly. Eight Evil Eyes simultaneously? Isn’t that incredible?

No way. That’s terrifying. My dreams just expanded.

I’m already using one for long-range vision, so six remain.

Considering I need to maintain normal sight, that leaves five.

Right. This time, pick one, then take the remaining five once the skill points accumulate. Agreed?

Agreed. And from a body-focused perspective, which curse eye do you prefer?

I’d say one with an attribute I don’t have. Curse or petrification. The heretical ones seem more suited to monsters, or at least combat-focused.

True. Personally, I’d go with curse. I’ve experienced petrification before—upper-level petrified lizards. But it takes time to take effect.

Still, when it does activate, the damage is strong. Still, better to go safe with curse.

As expected, you understand.

Right.

So, we’ll take the curse eye.

『Curse: Weakens various stats, inflicts damage to HP, MP, SP』