End of Days Game: I'm the Only One Who Can See the Hidden Cues

Jeremy didn't wake up until 10:00 the next morning.

As soon as he stirred, his first instinct was to check the precious items he'd left on his bedside table: the golden-tier skill book and his Level 55 bow. These were valuable treasures, after all.

Seeing them still lying there, untouched, Jeremy breathed a sigh of relief. After a full night's rest, he felt somewhat restored, though a faint headache lingered, as if a distant reminder of his previous exertions. He gave his head a slight shake, hoping to chase away the dull ache, but it didn't quite do the trick. Resigned, he took a deep breath, choosing to ignore the discomfort.

"Even though the headache's hanging on, I can finally use the skill The Eye of Omniscience. It's time to check out these precious finds."

Jeremy picked up the golden-tier skill book first, scrutinizing it carefully. The power promised by this golden-tier skill was immense, though he felt it might not align perfectly with his combat style.

[Name: Frost Cage]

[Type: Golden-tier Skill Book]

[Skill Description: Upon using this skill book, the user gains the Frost Cage ability, a formidable ice magic skill. When activated, it creates an intensely cold space where everything within is slowed considerably. After a set duration, the slow effect weakens, but any targets within the cage still suffer damage based on a percentage of their maximum health. The duration of the slow effect and the damage dealt depends on the user's level and talent.]

This skill seemed like a perfect fit for Bonnie. Jeremy resolved to keep the skill book for her use.

After inspecting the skill book, Jeremy turned his attention to the Level 55 bow.

"Please, let this be the weapon I've been waiting for," he thought, fingers crossed. "My Mortal Combat bow has served me well, but it doesn't quite feel like an extension of my own hands. I need something that really suits me."

With a silent prayer, he activated The Eye of Omniscience on the Level 55 bow, eager to uncover what secrets it held.

[Name: Surpassing Bow]

[Type: Weapon]

[Level: 55]

[Skills: 1. Guaranteed Hit. 2. Soul-Seeking Retribution.]

[Skill Description:

Guaranteed Hit. With the Surpassing Bow, the user can target any chosen enemy by directing the bow at them before attacking. Once a target is locked, the user's attacks will unfailingly strike the chosen target for a set period. No skill of invisibility, substitution, or concealment can evade this attack. Furthermore, the damage inflicted by the user's attacks is significantly amplified.

Soul-Seeking Retribution. This skill allows the user to exchange a part of their soul for unparalleled power. By sacrificing their soul, the user can activate Soul-Seeking Retribution, unleashing devastating damage upon an enemy. If the target lacks divinity, it will be killed outright. If the target possesses divinity, the user will steal this divine essence.]

[Special Skill: Causality Transcendence.]

[Skill Description: Causality Transcendence allows the user to temporarily override the effects of fate. When facing enemies with destiny-altering skills, this ability nullifies any such powers of fate they may wield.]

After reading through the Surpassing Bow's detailed description, Jeremy found himself at a loss for words. The skills on this bow were undoubtedly powerful, but the cost of Soul-Seeking Retribution was extraordinarily high. He wasn't exactly eager to tear apart his own soul during a battle.

While Jeremy was aware that divine power could potentially mend soul damage, the agony of such a sacrifice would be intense. Just the thought made him shudder.

As for the bow's unique ability, Causality Transcendence, Jeremy wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. He had yet to encounter enemies wielding destiny-based skills. In the context of the Apocalypse Game and its lore, figures like The Sun, The White Tower, The Hanged Man, and The Magician didn't seem to possess fate-related powers.

[The Fool] appeared to possess skills related to fate, but in previous battles, The Fool had never showcased any abilities associated with destiny.

"Regardless, the Surpassing Bow is a powerful weapon for me," Jeremy thought.

After examining every detail of the Surpassing Bow, Jeremy began to familiarize himself with its weight and feel, practicing to make it an extension of his own body. By the time he felt comfortable with the weapon, it was already 3:00 PM. Deciding he couldn't wait any longer, Jeremy picked up the phone and called Bonnie.

"Are you free right now? If you are, I'd like you to come over a little earlier. I have something very important I want to discuss with you," Jeremy said.

"I'm free! I'll be there as soon as I can!" Bonnie replied enthusiastically.

True to her word, she arrived at Jeremy's house within half an hour. As soon as she stepped in, Jeremy placed the golden-tier skill book in front of her.

"Frost Cage is much better suited for you. Once you learn it, you'll be able to contribute even more in our upcoming battles," Jeremy said calmly, watching her reaction.

Bonnie looked at the golden-tier skill book in shock. She had never expected Jeremy would gift her such a valuable item. Golden-tier skill books were rare and treasured by everyone, nearly impossible to obtain. Even figures like General Howard and Liam would think twice before giving away a golden-tier skill book so casually.

Her eyes filled with emotion, and tears began to well up as she processed the depth of his gesture.

Seeing her reaction, Jeremy was momentarily surprised. "What's wrong? You seem upset. Don't you like the skill book? Unfortunately, I don't have any other skill books to give you right now."

"No, I absolutely love it! Frost Cage is an incredibly valuable skill for me!" Bonnie responded quickly, wiping her eyes. "I promise I'll put this skill to great use in our upcoming battles. I won't be a burden to you, and I won't let you down."

As she spoke, her voice was filled with determination. Jeremy couldn't quite understand the depth of her reaction but was glad to see her resolve.

As far as he was concerned, as long as she could support him in the battles to come, there was nothing more to worry about.

"You can take the next few hours to familiarize yourself with the Frost Cage skill. After all, I arranged for everyone to meet here by evening," Jeremy said.

With that, he headed straight to his backyard, planning to practice with the Surpassing Bow there. Bonnie, seeing his actions, followed him outside. The two of them spent the time honing their newfound skills and becoming accustomed to their new gear.

That evening, Ritchie, Claire, and Emma arrived at Jeremy's house. Jeremy immediately briefed them on the details of the Surpassing Bow and Frost Cage. Upon hearing that Bonnie had acquired the Frost Cage skill, Ritchie and the others couldn't hide a hint of envy on their faces.

"I'd love to get my hands on a golden-tier skill book too! Jeremy, any chance you can give me one?" Ritchie asked directly.

Jeremy chuckled and gave Ritchie a light pat on the shoulder. "If I find a skill book that's a good fit for you, I'll definitely pass it along. But I think you should focus on strengthening yourself. Relying on others won't get you as far as relying on your own power."

Ritchie nodded, understanding Jeremy's point. Although he was envious of Bonnie, he knew that Frost Cage wouldn't be very useful for him anyway. Claire and Emma shared similar feelings, though their disappointment seemed a bit more pronounced. During the following discussion, both Claire and Emma stayed silent, well aware they were the least skilled among the group.

As the discussion continued, Ritchie and Bonnie each voiced their opinions on what to do next. Ritchie suggested they head to the nearest instance, as it posed the most immediate threat to their location. Bonnie, however, argued they should aim for the most challenging instance available, believing that only the highest difficulty would accelerate their level progression.

The debate quickly grew heated, with neither willing to back down. Jeremy observed their disagreement but chose not to intervene right away. He, too, was uncertain of the best course of action.

After pondering for a while, Jeremy finally spoke up. "You both make valid points. But right now, none of us are at our peak. We shouldn't rush into the toughest instance just yet. Let's start with the closest one. We can use it as a warm-up to regain our rhythm before moving on to harder challenges."