Chapter 73: Mental Immunity
Inside the truck, Leo sat on the edge of the bed. Spread out before him were the ten cards dropped by the two aliens.
Looking at the rewards, he couldn’t hide his surprise. This time, he had obtained a total of six Epic Cards and four Rare Cards. There wasn’t a single Common or Uncommon Card among them.
He picked up the first Epic Card without delay.
Epic Card – Epic Upgrade Card
Used to upgrade the overall quality of an Epic-grade item, provided the required materials and nucleus crystals are available.
The description was simple and straightforward for an Epic Card . Since the system was still upgrading, Leo decided to wait until it was back before asking for more details.
He didn’t want to waste any Epic Card without knowing all the details.
He picked up the second card. It was again another Epic Upgrade Card.
Leo then turned his attention to the third Epic Card. The moment he read its description, his eyebrows rose.
Epic Card – Rune Bullet (Annihilation)
A one-time-use Epic rune bullet containing the power of absolute destruction. Created to eliminate even the most formidable enemies with a single shot.
Description: Some weapons kill. This one ends existence.
Leo’s heart skipped a beat. He would have to wait for the system to explain its exact effects, but if it worked the way he imagined, this would become his greatest trump card.
He picked up the fourth Epic Card. It was another Rune Bullet (Annihilation).
Leo felt a bit puzzled. Almost every Epic reward he had obtained today came in pairs.
Two Epic Upgrade Cards.
Two Annihilation Rune Bullets.
Even so, he wasn’t disappointed. On the contrary, he was thrilled. Every one of these rewards was extraordinarily valuable.
He then picked up the fifth Epic Card.
Epic Card – Epic Skill Upgrade Card
Break the limits of a Rare Skill and awaken its Epic evolution.
Leo nodded. There was no need for further explanation; its purpose was obvious.
Finally, he picked up the last Epic Card.
Epic Card – Mental Immunity (Epic Passive Skill)
A passive skill that transforms the mind into an unshakable fortress. It grants exceptional resistance against mental attacks, illusions, fear, curses, soul pressure, and attempts to manipulate the user’s thoughts or emotions. The stronger the intrusion, the greater the skill’s defensive response.
Description: "The greatest fortress is not built of stone, but of an unyielding mind."
Leo’s eyes shone. Among all the rewards, this passive skill was perhaps the most valuable. He knew that the only reason he had been able to kill the aliens previously was because of luck, preparation, and perfect timing , not overwhelming strength.
If he ever encountered another one of those terrifying mental attacks, this skill might very well save his life.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Leo activated the card.
The Epic Card dissolved into countless violet particles of light that floated into the air before flowing toward him like a gentle stream.
The moment they touched his body, they melted into his skin without any resistance.
A cool sensation blossomed between his brows. It spread through his mind, washing away the lingering exhaustion, fear, and gloom like a refreshing tide.
Leo closed his eyes. For a brief moment, it felt as though invisible layers of steel were being forged around his consciousness, reinforcing it again and again.
His thoughts became clearer, and his senses grew sharper. The lingering nightmare that had haunted him since before gradually faded into the distance.
His breathing slowed, and his emotions settled. His mind had never felt so calm, so clear, and so untouchable.
When Leo finally opened his eyes, they were brighter than before, carrying a quiet steadiness that hadn’t existed until now.
He let out a long breath, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
"This... is an incredible feeling."
He had a strong feeling that the mental attacks of the aliens would no longer have any effect on him.
Realizing its immense value, Leo decided to use the Epic Skill Upgrade Card also right away.
He had already chosen which skill to upgrade: his Regeneration skill. Its current description read:
Skill Card – Regeneration (Rare Skill)
Description: A passive skill that gradually restores the user’s injuries over time. Minor cuts, bruises, and muscle strain heal noticeably faster, while serious wounds require extended periods of rest and energy.
Without another thought, Leo held the Epic Skill Upgrade Card in his hand and willed it to upgrade Regeneration.
The card dissolved into countless golden particles of light. They swirled around him before flowing into his body from every direction.
The moment the last particle disappeared, a warm current erupted from deep within his body. It spread through every muscle, every bone, every drop of blood, and every cell.
Leo clenched his fists. Although there were no visible changes to his body, he could feel something transforming deep inside him.
His heartbeat became stronger, and his blood pulsed with newfound vigor. Every breath filled him with an overwhelming sense of vitality.
It was as though an endless source of life had awakened within him, silently nourishing every part of his body.
Leo slowly exhaled, a smile appearing on his face. He couldn’t quite explain what had changed, but he knew with absolute certainty that his body had become far more resilient than before.
He then took out the origin card to check the upgraded skill.
Epic Skill – Undying Regeneration
A passive skill that awakens the body’s dormant life force. Every cell relentlessly strives to restore the user, rapidly repairing injuries, regenerating damaged organs, mending shattered bones, and purging harmful foreign substances. Fatal wounds become survivable, and grievous injuries that would incapacitate others recover in a fraction of the time. The nearer the body is to death, the stronger its instinct to survive becomes.
Description : "Life refuses to surrender."
Reading the description, Leo fell silent.
Disbelief filled his eyes.
He hadn’t expected an Epic Skill to undergo such a drastic transformation.
Its effects were simply absurd.
Only now did he truly understand what the word Epic represented.
Compared to its Rare version, the upgraded skill was on an entirely different level.
Leo couldn’t help but take a slow breath.
"If an Epic Skill is already this terrifying..."
"What about a Legendary one?"
The thought alone sent a shiver through him.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine how monstrous the skill would become after another evolution.