Transcending Paragon (New)

Caelum quickly steadied himself, his mind racing as he processed the influx of memories. His new life seamlessly aligned with his old one—his habits carried over. He was still an otaku, though a bit more sociable than before. 

Though, his name was changed to match the setting. His temporary name was Tenya Shindo. A close enough name because his real name means heavenly mercy. 

In this life, he was an orphan living on his own, neither a social outcast nor particularly popular. He wasn't bullied, nor was he close with everyone—he simply existed, much like before. 

"So, the system tailored this identity to match my past self..." he mused. It was a convenient arrangement, making the transition smoother. 

A gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts. 

"Shindo-kun, are you alright?" 

He turned toward the speaker, recognizing the girl who had placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

Shizuku Yaegashi. 

A well-known figure in their class, she was the Kendo Champion, a prodigy who had mastered her family's sword techniques. 

Caelum met her concerned gaze and offered a small nod. 

"Yeah… I was just a bit disoriented. What about you?" 

It was a polite question, though he already knew the answer—she was handling this far better than he was. Then again, she hadn't just been force-fed an entirely new life and given an absurdly powerful cheat ability. 

"I'm fine. It seems we've been kidnapped."

Shizuku's voice was steady, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. The classroom they once sat in was gone—replaced by a grand hall adorned with intricate stained-glass windows and stone pillars. Before them stood an elderly bishop, flanked by men clad in medieval-style armor.

Panic spread like wildfire among the students, their anxious whispers turning into frantic murmurs. But the bishop's calm, almost rehearsed explanation shifted the mood.

Excitement. Delusion.

As if the sheer absurdity of the situation didn't register, some students eagerly embraced the idea of being summoned to another world. 

A chance to be heroes? Magic? Strength? It was as if their fears melted away, replaced by childish fantasies.

Caelum, however, remained grounded.

'It's surprising how calm I am. Not gonna lie, if I didn't have my cheat, I'd probably be losing my mind right now. I don't want to die, after all.'

His wish gave him an edge, but how he used it would determine everything. Even so, he couldn't help but admire Shizuku—her composure wasn't the result of a cheat, but of sheer discipline and training.

He sighed.

'Things might change if I'm not careful… but no use stressing over it now.'

For now, they were led to an inn, a temporary place of stay.

Lying on his bed, Caelum exhaled, staring at the ceiling. The weight of everything settled in.

This wasn't a dream. This wasn't a game.

It was real.

And the future?

It was full of unknowns.

'System are you there?' Caelum asked sitting up and seeing the panel screen opened.

[ Is there anything I can assist you with? ] The system answered and he rubbed his chin then asked.

'I'm curious but how come people weren't mesmerized by my new appearance? Wasn't it supposed to make everyone look in my direction? Not that I'm narcissistic or anything but it's just weird that people weren't staring beside simple curiosity?' 

Caelum's wish to have the [ Essence of Transcendent Self ] should have placed his new appearance to be the best that makes any woman fall for him. Though, he has no intention of having a legion of women following her at the moment when there's many things needed to be done. 

[ It will only work on women you are interested in. Host clearly don't wish for annoying witches following you, correct? ]

Did…did she just sound jealous? Maybe not. Caelum shook his head then said.

"Is that so? Then I'm glad for that. It would be annoying to have a fanclub of women who only want my dick and not me." Caelum wanted to at least make genuine not because of a cheat. Sure it helps but he would rather get to know them better. 

There's a number of women that interest him in this world like Shizuku, Tio, Shea, Tio, Remia and maybe Aiko but that's it. He has no interest in Kaori, Hajime can have her. 

'Okay, can you tell me my main mission?' He needed to know what he was tasked to do before anything else to properly plan everything. 

╔══════════════╗ 

 [ Main Mission ] 

╚══════════════╝ 

• [ Mission Title ]: 『 Rise Above the Abyss 』 

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• [ Description ]: 

 Summoned into a treacherous world filled with monsters and powerful adversaries, your journey begins in the depths of despair. In a land where only the strong survive, you must rise from the abyss, harnessing your newfound powers to shape your destiny. 

As you uncover the secrets of the Liberators and their ancient magics, you will confront the manipulative god Ehit, whose puppeteering has caused untold suffering. Only by mastering the ancient magics and shattering the chains of divine control can you bring true freedom to this world and return home with your companions. 

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• [ Objective ]: 

 1. Collect all the Ancient Magic from the Liberators' labyrinths. (Ancient Magic Collected: 0/7) 

 2. Defeat the false god Ehit and end his reign over Tortus. 

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• [ Reward ]: 

 『 Random Reward 』 

 『 Portal to Return Home 』 

 『 Eternal Bond with Companions 』 

Reading the description, this was obvious and Caelum dryly laughed.

'I don't know what I was expecting anyway. How about my starter pack?' Caelum asked, hoping he'll acquire something useful. 

╔══════════════╗ 

 [ Starter Pack ] 

╚══════════════╝ 

• [ Weapon ]: 『 Moonlight Greatsword 』 

 - A legendary sword imbued with celestial energy. This greatsword radiates a mystical blue glow and unleashes devastating magic-infused slashes. It enhances the user's magic power and allows them to fire crescent-shaped energy waves. 

• [ Weapon ]: 『 Miséricorde 』

A deadly assassin's dagger designed for swift and precise executions. With an edge sharper than any mortal blade, it specializes in critical strikes, allowing the wielder to pierce vital points effortlessly. Grants enhanced speed and precision when targeting weak spots.

• [ Technique ]: 『 Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique 』 

 - A supreme body refinement art that tempers the flesh to its absolute peak from the series Apex future Martial Arts. By cultivating this technique, the user gains unparalleled physical strength, endurance, and regeneration, making their body as resilient as divine steel.

Caelum surprised from the starter pack seeing weapons from Elden Rings and seeing how useful it would be in combat considering he doesn't have the same limitation as a tarnished. 

He took out the Miséricode and saw a dagger. It has a slender, needle-like blade with a sharp, tapering point designed for precision thrusts. 

The blade appears slightly aged, with a worn yet deadly edge. The crossguard is relatively small, adorned with intricate engravings that match the ornate hilt. 

The hilt itself features an elegant, sculpted design with decorative elements along its length, giving it a regal and refined appearance. 

The pommel is rounded and embellished with detailed carvings, adding both aesthetic charm and balance to the weapon. This dagger exudes an air of sophistication and lethality, making it ideal for swift, calculated strikes.

Caelum would find it useful when trying to have precise strike in the gaps of his enemies. He stored it for now and went to check his next weapon but before that.

'Will anyone sense it's magic property if I pulled it out?'

Though his Essence of Transcendent Self prevents such horrible luck doesn't mean he would not be vigilant. Caelum never believed in relying purely on luck. There's effort needed to use said luck. 

[ The weapon will not be sensed by anyone. However, once you are in combat and showcase its ability then the answer is obvious. Host is recommended to only use said weapon in emergency or alone to not draw much attention and use Miséricode instead for the time being. ]

Caelum nodded and took out the greatsword and felt it to be rather well balanced in weight but still heavy. 

The sword has a broad, straight blade with a slightly tapered point, featuring a deep, icy blue hue that gives it an ethereal, frost-like appearance. The surface of the blade is adorned with intricate frost patterns or vein-like textures, resembling crystallized ice. 

The hilt is wrapped in a rugged, dark material, likely leather or cloth, giving it a worn but battle-ready look. The crossguard is simple and slightly curved, adding to the weapon's balanced yet imposing aesthetic. The entire sword exudes an aura of mystical power, as if it holds a cold, arcane energy within.

'That's so cool.' 

Caelum smirks and briefly admires the weapon before putting it back into the storage. The weapon will be temporary since he knows he'll find a better weapon in the future. He then checked his other reward. 

Caelum proceeded to check the panel screen, which prompted him with a question: 

╔══════════════════════╗ 

 [ Would you like to integrate 『 Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique 』? ] 

╚══════════════════════╝ 

[ Yes ] [ No ] 

Without hesitation, he selected [ Yes ]. 

The moment he confirmed, a flood of information surged into his mind. It was as if an ancient master had engraved every technique, every method of refinement, directly into his consciousness. His body tensed as heat spread through his muscles, bones, and even his very cells. 

╔══════════════════════╗ 

 [ Integration in Progress… ] 

 ● Refining the Host's physique… 

 ● Strengthening muscle fibers… 

 ● Reinforcing bone density… 

 ● Enhancing stamina and regeneration… 

 ● Adjusting nervous system for peak combat efficiency… 

╚══════════════════════╝ 

Caelum clenched his fists as his entire body burned with a sensation that was both painful and invigorating. Though, he can numb the pain still wanted to experience to improve his mental state. 

He could feel the changes happening—his muscles tightened and strengthened, his breathing became deeper and more controlled, and his skin felt sturdier yet retained flexibility. 

╔══════════════════════╗ 

 [ Integration Complete! ] 

 ● Host has successfully refined their body to the first stage of the Martial Ancestor Technique. 

 ● Physical capabilities enhanced beyond human limits. 

 ● Regeneration rate significantly improved. 

 ● Body durability increased. 

 ● Combat reflexes heightened. 

 ● Further refinement possible through training and experience. 

╚══════════════════════╝ 

Caelum exhaled, feeling an overwhelming sense of vitality coursing through his veins. Every movement felt lighter, yet his body was brimming with raw strength. Testing it, he clenched his fingers into a fist, feeling the newfound power surging through his limbs. 

'This is incredible… I feel like I could crush stone with my bare hands.' 

He smirked, already imagining how much stronger he could become with proper training. 

'Alright, now that my body is refined, let's check my status.' 

With that thought, he reopened the system panel.

╔══════════════╗ 

 [ Status ] 

╚══════════════╝ 

• [ Name ]: Caelum Mercer/Tenya Shindo

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 • [ Age ]: 17 (+23) 

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• [ Race ]: 『 Human 』 

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• [ Gender ]: Male 

• [ Job ]: 『 Carnifex 』 

• [ Level ]: 1

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• [ Attribute ]:

• HP: 250

• MP: 200

• Strength: 200

• Defense: 200

• Agility: 200

• Magic: 200

• Resistance: 200

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• [ Abilities ]: 

 『 Language Comprehension 』 ||『 Executioner's Insight 』 || 『 Fear Suppression 』 || 『 Bloodlust Amplification 』 || 『 Carnage Endurance 』 || 『 Decisive Execution 』 || 『 Butcher's Rush 』 || 『 Severance Slash 』 || 『 Phantom Guillotine 』 || 『 Terror Domain 』 || 『 Crimson Brand 』 || 『 Pain Echo 』 || 『 Judgment of the Executioner 』 

────────────────────── 

• [ Bloodline ]: None 

• [ Physique ]: None 

• [ Rank ]: 1 

────────────────────── 

• [ Techniques ]: Martial Ancestor Body Refining Technique. 

• [ Inventory ]: Moonlight Greatsword, Miséricode

Caelum opened his status screen, his eyes widening as he took in his newfound power. Even at Level 1, his stats were leagues beyond what should be possible. 

'This… is insane.' 

He quickly made up his mind—his status would remain a secret. There was no reason to flaunt his abilities or attract unnecessary attention. 

'System, can you hide my real status?' 

[ Yes. The system will protect and assist the host. Your true stats will be concealed, displaying only average values for your level. ] 

Caelum sighed in relief. The last thing he needed was to be labeled as a potential threat before he even had a chance to establish himself. Power was a tool, not something to be flaunted. 

'Alright, now… my job? Carnifex, huh? System, show me its abilities.' 

╔════════════════════════╗ 

 [ Job: Carnifex ] 

 ────────◇──────── 

 ● A role belonging to executioners, enforcers, and reapers of the battlefield. 

 ● Specializes in overwhelming combat prowess, precision kills, and inducing fear in enemies. 

╚════════════════════════╝ 

╔════════════════════════╗ 

 [ Carnifex Job Skills ] 

╚════════════════════════╝ 

► Executioner's Insight 

 - Instinctively detects weak points and optimal killing strikes against enemies. 

► Fear Suppression 

 - Grants immunity to fear-based effects, intimidation, and mind manipulation. 

► Bloodlust Amplification 

 - Increases power based on the fear, despair, or suffering of enemies. 

► Carnage Endurance 

 - Gains resistance to fatigue, pain, and status effects while fighting. 

► Decisive Execution 

 - Instantly kills enemies below a certain HP threshold or those paralyzed by fear. 

► Butcher's Rush 

 - A flurry of relentless attacks that grow stronger with each consecutive hit. 

► Severance Slash 

 - A devastating strike that bypasses defenses and causes massive bleeding. 

► Phantom Guillotine 

 - Summons a spectral executioner's axe to strike an enemy, dealing true damage that ignores defenses. 

► Terror Domain 

 - Releases an aura of oppressive dread, weakening enemies with lower willpower. 

► Crimson Brand 

 - Marks a target, increasing all damage they take from the user. 

► Pain Echo 

 - Reflects a portion of inflicted pain back onto the target, disrupting their focus. 

► Judgment of the Executioner 

 - If an enemy is overwhelmingly weaker or has committed enough "sin" (based on the user's judgment), they are instantly executed. Can only be used once a year. 

╔════════════════════════╗ 

 [ End of Job Description ] 

╚════════════════════════╝ 

Caelum's lips curled into a smirk. 

'A job designed for an executioner, huh? This is perfect.' 

With these abilities, he had an overwhelming advantage in combat. He wouldn't just be strong—he would be a force of nature, a hunter of the battlefield. 

'Now… how do I make the most of this?'