Kael finally left the Emberlyn stronghold, determined to focus on his cultivation. He had been searching for an opportunity to test his skills and absorb new abilities.
As he ventured into the forest, Kael spotted an F-rank rabbit darting through the underbrush. He gave chase, his senses on high alert.
The thrill of the hunt coursed through Kael's veins as he pursued the rabbit. He was determined to catch it and absorb its ability.
However, Kael wasn't paying attention to his surroundings, and suddenly, an F-rank eagle swooped down from the skies, its sharp talons extended.
The eagle's attack caught Kael off guard, and he barely dodged its deadly claws. The rabbit, sensing freedom, scurried away, leaving Kael to face the eagle alone.
Kael gritted his teeth, determination burning in his heart. He wouldn't back down from this challenge.
The eagle dived down, its talons snapping wildly as it attacked Kael. He dodged to the side, avoiding the eagle's claws by mere inches.
The eagle quickly recovered and swooped down again, its beak snapping shut just inches from Kael's face. Kael leapt backward, his heart racing with excitement.
Kael drew his twin shortswords and charged forward, determined to take down the eagle. The eagle saw Kael's approach and took to the skies, flying circles around him.
Kael spun around, trying to track the eagle's movements. He lunged forward, his shortswords flashing in the sunlight.
The eagle dived down, its talons extended, and Kael dodged to the side. He counterattacked, his shortswords slicing through the air.
The eagle was too fast, and it dodged Kael's attack with ease. Kael gritted his teeth, determined to find a way to defeat the eagle.
He studied the eagle's movements, looking for a pattern. After a few moments, he spotted an opening and struck, his shortswords flashing in the sunlight.
The eagle squawked in pain as Kael's shortsword grazed its wing. The eagle's movements became more erratic, and Kael saw his chance.
With a swift strike, Kael landed a critical hit, striking the eagle down. He breathed a sigh of relief, proud of his victory.
As he approached the eagle's lifeless body, Kael felt a surge of energy flow through him. He had absorbed the eagle's ability.
Kael's eyes widened as he realized that the ability was Eagle Sight. He could see his surroundings with greater clarity and precision, and his sense of spatial awareness had increased.
With his newfound ability, Kael felt more confident and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew that his journey was far from over, but he was ready to take on whatever came his way.
However, as Kael checked his rank, he was shocked to find that it hadn't increased. He thought that absorbing a new ability would automatically boost his rank.
Confused, Kael asked the system, "Why didn't my rank increase? I've absorbed a new ability."
The system's voice replied, "Unlike others whose rank increases with training and understanding of abilities, you need to gain and synthesize abilities to move to the next rank."
Kael's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" he asked.
The system explained, "Your rank is tied to the highest rank of the abilities you've absorbed. Until you reach the SSS rank, your rank will be determined by the highest-ranked ability you possess."
Kael's mind reeled as he processed this information. He realized that he needed to focus on absorbing higher-ranked abilities and synthesizing them to increase his rank.
The system's words echoed in Kael's mind: "Whatever rank your highest ability is, that's the rank you will be."
Kael's determination grew. He would absorb more abilities, synthesize them, and increase his rank. He would become stronger and reach the top.