In this world, there are some things that are given to us since birth, which play a vital role in our lives and have profound significance. However, most of the time, we don’t learn how to use these gifts in the most efficient way. For example, a person may have great power, but may not be able to use it to its full potential. As we grow in life, our nature drives us to develop and evolve, and as we do so, we gradually learn to better use our innate abilities. This is exactly the same as my Perception Insight trait. This trait allows me to learn much faster than the average person, the nature of the “things” I observe and study. Over the years, I have been training myself with daggers, bows, and mana control, while using this trait to observe the actions of others. However, as I have used this trait more, I have come to realize that it can be used for much more than just combat or weapon handling. It also helps me a lot in my daily life, such as how to run with the most optimized posture, how to prepare a meal in a short time, how to scan the surroundings to occupy an advantageous position, or how to achieve the best physical condition through stretching and training... The only limitation of my characteristics is how I think and how I break through myself. As I sparred with Ethan, I realized something. He seemed to anticipate my moves in an almost instinctive way. It was as if he wasn't relying on thinking about how to dodge or block my attacks, but something deeper was driving his body. 'He's such a protagonist.' This sentence resounded in my heart. I have never encountered such a talent before, and this is exactly what makes Ethan different from other people in this world. If he is the protagonist of this world, then he is destined to be different, and this is gradually becoming apparent.
His talent in fighting was obvious, but what exactly was this talent? I pondered over it and finally came up with the answer. It was what the fighters of this world called "phantom". Not everyone knows about "Phantom", only a few melee fighters know about it. Those who have this talent can instinctively "feel" their weapons, as if they know what to do before they act. If this were a game, this talent would be like a "cheat". Recognizing an ability and understanding how it works are two completely different things, especially when it involves "concepts" that cannot be directly observed with the naked eye. While constantly blocking Ethan's attacks and being hit by him, suddenly, an idea came to my mind, "What if I could sense how he did it?" This hypothesis was like a spark that ignited my thinking. If I could somehow understand Ethan's "apparition", it meant that I could also master it, and even create a way to counter it. So, for me, the second phase of the fight began. When I was pushed back by Ethan's spear, my mind went blank and I felt that all my efforts were meaningless. However, as the fight continued, some vague perceptions gradually emerged. It was as if there was an invisible guide telling me when to defend and when to attack. But this perception was incomplete, and I still couldn't fully follow Ethan's movements and the trajectory of his spear. Until that moment, when his spear stabbed at me with the "triple claw attack", at the moment of the third stab, I "felt" it. My dagger moved instinctively and blocked the attack accurately. I seemed to have a glimpse of the "phantom" of that moment. But is that enough? If Ethan and I have the same ability, then he will be able to counter my next attack. Then, another "perception" came into my mind, completely different from the previous one. To verify this feeling, my body naturally responded. First there was a palm strike, then a dagger attack. I instinctively realized that Ethan could not sense this move, let alone understand it. Because this was my own interpretation of "Phantom", my unique understanding of how to counter it. ...... "You should never stop doubting, Ethan," I said as I pulled the dagger away from his neck. "It hurts." My arms trembled from the pain, and my body was tired from the continuous fighting. My poor physical condition was exposed at this moment. "Should I never stop doubting?" Ethan repeated in a low voice, grabbing the spear and pointing the tip of the spear at the ground. "You're right." He smiled a little, "I think nothing in this world is invincible." Unlike me, Ethan didn't appear overly exhausted or injured. I did hit him a few times, but failed to penetrate his defense or do enough damage. “So, we’re done for today?” Ethan asked, looking at my arm. "Yeah," I replied. I could have taken a potion to heal myself, but I had more things to think about than to continue the conversation. "See you later." After Ethan said these words, I grabbed my backpack, endured the pain, left the room, and walked towards my room.
...... "What a strange guy." Ethan whispered, his eyes flashing with a look of deep attraction. "But this really opened my eyes." Ethan, who had just realized the mystery of "perception", was as excited as a child who found a new toy. But now, his excitement gradually subsided. “They are your enemies, aren’t they?” He raised his spear again, muttering to himself as he opened an app on his watch. "I really want to know what happened to you." Curiosity grew stronger in his heart, but Ethan was not the kind of person who would ignore his boundaries because of curiosity. "Wait until you are willing to open up." [Single player training mode activated. Phase 5. Starting in 10 seconds.] ...... [Tribe: Sir, all the items you asked us to sell have been sold. ] I sat in my room, scrolling through messages from a special group of hackers I had hired. [Very good. Did you encounter any obstacles during the process, or any signs that you might be being tracked?] [Tribe: No, sir. We confirm that there is nothing suspicious. According to your instructions, we sold the dungeon materials you provided under the name of the "Black" family. Even their own employees cannot tell the real from the fake. ] [Very good. Leave the money in that account and I will contact you when I need it.] 【Tribe: Understood.】 After closing the message, I looked down at the gun in my hand, with the corners of my mouth slightly raised. “The money is slowly trickling in.” I gave some relatively easy-to-obtain items and materials to the tribe and commissioned them to sell them. "Two hundred thousand Vale, not bad." Although Irina generously gave me 150,000 Vale, this amount of money was not much in comparison, but it was enough for investment. "Combined with the funds that Emily's Guild will soon pay, it should be enough for me to play in the stock market for a while." My [perceptual insight] allows me to understand the essence of things more quickly, and this also applies to stock market analysis. Although the stock market is like a high-risk D-game, as I studied it in depth, I gradually mastered the tricks of the trade. "I should be able to earn quite a bit by the end of this semester." With this thought in mind, I began to wander in the stock market, and bedtime was quietly approaching. ...... ＜Wednesday morning＞ The college playground was bustling with people, and the practical class was packed with students, some of whom looked sleepy, while others looked very excited. Students gathered in twos and threes, discussing in low voices the recent joint copy practice.
“Alas, my score in the last joint copy was at the bottom. I hope it will be better this time.” A student said with a hint of worry. Another student chimed in, “I heard the grading was pretty strict last time, and I don’t want to get a low grade again.” The third student said with a hint of pride: "I did quite well last time, I will try to get full marks this time." As they discussed past performances and upcoming practical sessions, their voices were filled with determination and apprehension. A sleepy student yawned and said lazily, "What's the point of striving for high scores? They can't measure our true talents." Another student joked: "Coming from the 43rd-ranked person, this is not very convincing." Julia stretched nonchalantly. "I don't need to convince anyone. I just want to sleep." Her companion asked curiously, "What were you doing last night?" Julia smiled. “I’m playing that new game.” "What new game? Tell me!" “It’s the game where you can fight as much as you want.” Just as the students were chatting, a majestic voice suddenly sounded. "Notice!" Professor Eleanor's arrival made the whole place quiet instantly. "As you all know, midterm exams are coming soon, and we are about to enter the second half of the semester." Professor Eleanor's voice was steady and powerful, attracting the students' attention. "As the semester progresses," she continued, her eyes sweeping over the students present, "your sparring partners will be adjusted. This change is intended to enhance your training and provide you with a wider range of real-life experiences." An excited murmur began to rise among the students, the prospect of fighting with new partners filling them with anticipation. "I encourage all of you to seize this opportunity and challenge yourselves," Professor Eleanor said, her tone slightly softer, "to embrace new opponents and strategies. It is through this diversity that you will grow and improve." She paused, then sternly warned, "Also, this does not mean you can neglect your studies. Midterm exams are coming up, and your academic performance is equally important. Do not underestimate the value of knowledge in combat." With her final words of encouragement, Professor Eleanor held up the list in her hand. "Now, I will announce everyone's sparring partners for today."