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The proficiency system for arcane skills was different from other skills. It was divided into phases. The higher the quality of the arcane skill, the more phases it had. For example, Star Soul Rotation had only two phases (Zero Phase, One Phase, Two Phase). Each phase upgrade could potentially introduce new benefits or enhance existing ones.

As for how to specifically increase proficiency...

Sterl sensed the cultivation method emerging in his mind and decided to give it a try.

He sat cross-legged, sensing the energy and mental will within him. With the influence of the arcane skill, Sterl noticed that when he viewed his inner self, he saw an expansive starry sea, representing his mental realm. When he channeled experience energy into this realm, the energy transformed into planets, reflecting Sterl\'s levels.

Mental power and physical power operated separately, but under the influence of the arcane skill, Sterl crushed each of the already transformed planets, allowing them to re-integrate into the starry sea as semi-transparent, bluish, strange celestial bodies.

The process was not pleasant. Every time he crushed a planet, he felt mentally exhausted and spat blood. However, once the planet transformation was complete, he felt a sense of relief, as if his whole being had been cleansed.

When Sterl exited the meditation state, a notification appeared.

[Ding! You have successfully completed a Star Soul Rotation cultivation session, proficiency +20.]

No wonder it was considered the lowest tier arcane skill. It wasn\'t hard to cultivate. Sterl vaguely realized that his Arcane Soul talent provided a training bonus for arcane skills. He should be able to quickly master the subsequent phases of Star Soul Rotation...

Sterl looked at the arcane skill description on the panel and, sure enough, there was a plus sign next to [Star Soul Rotation].

His golden finger subtly hinted that he could now cultivate this arcane skill, and the progress from evolving Star Soul Rotation would be converted into proficiency for the new arcane skill.

Sterl made a mental note. Since that was the case, he would spend a few more days leveling up while perfecting the arcane skill...

Before he could continue searching for wild monsters, he received a notification.

[Ding! Hidden Quest: Imperial Trial. Stage 2 is now open. Please proceed to the Imperial Temple for the challenge.]

Sterl clicked his tongue in frustration.

His usual habit was to max out his points before heading out for adventures.

Unfortunately, hidden quests wait for no one...

He had no choice but to send a private message to Teresa and Daphne, informing them that he was heading for the second quest stage and wouldn\'t be back for a while.

Then, Sterl set off, rushing towards the nearby temple.

"The aura around you is..." This temple was the advanced version equipped with priests. The NPC who came to greet Sterl seemed to sense something, their tone slightly excited, and their actions quite enthusiastic.

"Welcome, warrior!"

The priest gave several meaningful glances, and Sterl paused, realizing that this person was likely one of the subordinates of the so-called Fourth Prince of the Divine Mountain Empire.

"Are they allies?" Sterl wondered silently.

The priest led Sterl to an altar, indicating for him to sit down and enter a state of consciousness. Sterl complied, closing his eyes and finding himself enveloped in darkness.

When his vision cleared again, Sterl found himself in a setting similar to the arena from the first phase of the hidden quest, though this area was much smaller. The walls were adorned with expensive gemstones, and the spectator seats were furnished with various comfortable cushions.

The number of NPCs had significantly increased. Sterl saw many guards in uniform patrolling the area, and several young people in luxurious robes were gathered, engaging in animated conversations.

"Bro you also found time to watch this talent selection?"

"Of course, otherwise, you\'d scoop up all the good prospects."

Sterl observed from a distance, noting the sharp, sarcastic tone in their conversations. It was clear their relationships weren\'t very amicable...

"Are these the princes of the Divine Mountain Empire?" he speculated.

A new quest notification popped up in front of Sterl.

[Imperial Trial: Second Phase Activated]

[Objective: Achieve the highest rank possible in the one-on-one selection rounds.]

[Quest Completion Reward: Commendation from the Divine Mountain Empire (based on final rank).]

Additionally, another hidden quest notification appeared with similar text, but the reward was a commendation from the Fourth Prince of the Divine Mountain Empire, along with a warning—

The higher the rank you achieve, the greater the risks you will face in subsequent quests.

"One-on-one, PVP?" Sterl scanned the surroundings, noticing that other players from various administrative regions of the Divine Mountain Empire were also looking cautious.

Using his Star Insight ability, Sterl observed that the quality of players this time was exceptionally high. Most were at least at their second class change, with many in the 70s or 80s level range. Even players above level 90, who had mastered purple-quality skills, were not uncommon.

Compared to the first trial, the difficulty of this second trial had increased nearly tenfold!

First, the challenge was not against monsters but against other players who could strategize and hide their trump cards.

Second, the strength of the opponents was... overwhelming!

Sterl was relieved that his subordinates and Teresa had chosen to forgo the ring. Otherwise, this second phase would be nearly impossible for them.

Of course, there were a few players who had just reached their second class change, but they would likely be eliminated quickly.

A look of caution flashed in Sterl\'s eyes. He knew that this trial could easily lead to failure if he wasn\'t careful. Purple-quality skills had immense power. Even if his opponents didn\'t possess skills matching an SSS-class profession, they could still pose a significant threat.

Sterl\'s Celestial Stars could easily one-shot opponents, but a single misstep could also result in his own demise!

At that moment, the princes of the Divine Mountain Empire stepped into the center of the arena.

"It is an honor to have brave warriors from another world serve the Empire."

"You have a total of 48 hours to determine a ranking among yourselves."

"The true hero will receive the Empire\'s commendation."

The eldest prince spoke casually, and with a snap of his fingers, a number appeared before everyone\'s eyes.

"Number 1 pairs with Number 2, Number 3 pairs with Number 4."

"Following this pattern, please proceed to the arena for your matches."

As the eldest prince spoke, light screens gradually rose in the arena, dividing it into four platforms.

The players from within the Divine Mountain Empire, each boasting exceptional strength, wasted no time. Those numbered 1 through 8 immediately leapt from the audience seats and headed towards their respective arenas.

The other players scanned their surroundings, eager to identify their opponents.

Only Sterl was momentarily stunned. There was no number on his card. He quickly realized that there were a total of...

He estimated around 161 players, meaning he had a bye.

Sterl raised an eyebrow, feeling lucky. He had rushed to the temple and hadn\'t had time to train his newly acquired arcane skill.

Given his previous training efficiency, 48 hours would be enough to at least complete one phase of his arcane skill. So having some free time suited him just fine.

Sterl\'s bye quickly drew the attention of the other players and the Divine Mountain Empire NPCs. The Fourth Prince\'s eyes flashed with surprise when he saw Sterl but quickly returned to a calm demeanor.

"A player from the Earth Human race? Looks like he got lucky with a bye." the eldest prince announced with a cold laugh. The Earth Humans were notorious for their poor one-on-one combat skills within the Divine Mountain Empire.

The Fourth Prince, despite holding back laughter, nodded in agreement. "You\'re right. I think so too."

Sterl, unsurprisingly, became the target of a wave of ridicule.

"Why is it always the Earth Human guys who get lucky?"

"This kind of trash should have been eliminated in the first round, yet he managed to slip through?"

"Damn, why wasn\'t I the lucky one? A bye means keeping some of my skills hidden."

"Well, it\'s like giving a weaker opponent a free pass. Let\'s see which lucky person gets to face him next."

Given the reputation of the Earth Humans, Sterl\'s bye naturally annoyed many of the otherworldly players present.

However, no one envied him. The alien players all thought that Sterl making it to a higher rank through byes was just a matter of luck.

Luck might get you through one round, but it wouldn\'t elevate the hidden quest rewards significantly. Without strength, he\'d still be eliminated.

On the contrary, some people were quite pleased. If this Earth human trash made it to the next round, wouldn\'t whoever drew him be guaranteed another easy pass?

Everyone was eagerly hoping for such luck to come their way.