The five companions Enrico had summoned for the mission were sitting around a table in a bar. While they chatted, Enrico took the opportunity to obtain some information from the establishment's owner. After finishing the conversation, he returned and sat down in the chair beside Elian.
"We'll be able to get through the inspection if we prove that we're students of Astrong."
Elian sighed in relief when he heard Enrico.
"Thank goodness, but why did there have to be an inspection today of all days?"
Enrico answered Elian's question calmly.
"From what I know, three dungeons appeared near the city. That's why no one below Circle 2 is allowed to enter that area."
In reality, there were four dungeons in that area, but one of them was very well hidden. That was precisely the one they intended to explore.
In the original story, the characters had gone to that place to look for some special fruits that Valença wanted to use in her research. However, since they hadn't even discussed the matter and were busy with other things, Enrico had to come in person.
'Will this really work even without the protagonist?'
[At least this arc will work. The important arcs need the protagonist to happen, but since this is a relatively minor arc among many others, you can rest assured.]
Enrico hadn't come to this region solely because of the item the protagonist would find. He also wanted to complete that arc to obtain new pacts, especially after going through four story arcs without obtaining any.
'Well, at least this will make two.'
[And don't forget that even after completing this arc, you'll still need two more to obtain the new pact.]
'All right, I understand. You don't need to repeat yourself.'
[For now, I'm analyzing something. I'll be back in a few seconds.]
After ending his conversation with the System, Enrico turned his attention back to his companions, who were discussing the purpose of the adventure. Since their curiosity only seemed to be growing, he decided to reveal part of his plans.
"I became interested in a dungeon my family informed me had appeared recently."
"Does that mean it's one of the three? If it is, we're screwed, because mages have already entered to deal with that problem."
Caelan showed his disappointment, and the others also seemed to lose hope. After all, if it was one of the three known dungeons, there might be nothing left for them to do there.
"It's none of the three. Apparently, we were lucky that no one found the dungeon we're looking for."
Excitement immediately returned to everyone's faces. Caelan raised his hand and ordered an orange juice, while the others also began placing their orders.
[Enrico, a Constellation wants to grant you a unique ability. Do you accept?]
Enrico immediately became excited at those words.
'I accept. Give it to me already.'
[What about the restrictions?]
'Should I care? I barely have a choice anyway, so just give it to me.'
Enrico rested his head on one hand, wearing an ambitious expression as he waited for his reward. In a way, the System was a little upset because it wanted to see him disappointed when he discovered the ability's limitations.
[It's not an ability that will make you stronger.]
'All right, I understand. Now give it to me.'
[It won't improve your current abilities either.]
'Are you going to keep stalling, or are you going to give it to me already?'
The System disappeared for a moment. Enrico even felt as though something was breaking inside that screen, which brought an amused smile to his face.
When the System reappeared, it presented only the information about the new ability.
[Unique Ability: Perfect Disguise]
[Allows you to change your appearance to assume the appearance of other human beings.]
[Restrictions: Your magical affinity cannot be changed. The ability lasts for a maximum of thirty minutes. After that, it must recharge for five minutes before you can use it again. The disguise is limited by your own height and weight. Therefore, you cannot transform into a giant or a child.]
[This ability has the potential to improve when you advance to a higher Circle.]
'This is cooler than I thought. At least it's better than Elemental Clone was when it first appeared. Not that I'm complaining. I love that ability!'
The restrictions seemed quite fair to Enrico. In fact, they were so reasonable that he became suspicious for a moment, spending some time carefully analyzing the ability to see if there was another hidden price.
Liam, who was eating, looked at Elian.
"Have you finished your food already, Elian? How can you eat so much?"
"I eat that much? Enrico is already on his tenth bowl, while I'm still on my third."
It was true. While the conversation was taking place, Enrico continued eating at an impressive pace. Ever since he had started training intensely, he had been feeling increasingly hungry, as if his stomach were never satisfied.
For some reason, he seemed capable of eating any amount of food placed in front of him.
'Now that I think about it, this started happening recently... It's as if my body is never satisfied.'
After finishing his eleventh bowl, Enrico picked up another one. He decided to leave that question for another time, especially since he had already asked the System to examine his body again and still hadn't received an answer.
Thus, he returned to thinking about his new ability.
'Is there no other price for this ability?'
[Well, none of the Constellations will be able to grant a new ability for a while.]
'Now that makes sense. So that's really all there is to it? Very well, you can give it to me.'
[All right. It's already being transferred to you.]
Enrico felt something different inside himself. When he checked his status, he noticed that the new ability had already been registered alongside his Elemental Clone.
'With this, I have more cards up my sleeve. Combining this ability with my new power level, I think I'll be able to use it in some story arcs.'
His percentages had increased considerably thanks to his training with the Solcren Ferreira family and Virelle. His fire affinity was progressing especially well, mainly because he couldn't use his water magic much in front of them.
Fire Magic: Circle 2 — 20%. (30%)
Water Magic: Circle 2 — 18%. (30%)
'That means I'm at fifty percent with fire and forty-eight percent with water. Besides, I still have the percentages from the fire ring and the water necklace.'
Despite his progress, Enrico knew it still wasn't enough. The student ranked first would reach the Third Circle within a month, breaking the previous record for the fastest advancement among students.
[To tell the truth, you're the one who broke that record.]
'Yes, but I had help, so it doesn't count. Anyway, that doesn't matter now, because I already have a new training method in mind to increase my percentage.'
[Something crazy, no doubt.]
After finishing their meal, everyone paid the bill and left the bar. Before entering the dungeon, they would rest for a while, preparing themselves for the adventure that awaited them.