Reborn with the SSS-Rank Creator System-Chapter 20: Red Status Screen

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting golden rays across the dew-laced field just outside the village. A soft wind rustled the grass, but the serenity of the morning was soon shattered by the sound of swift movements and the sharp clash of training.

Theos and Xiphos stood facing each other, a few meters apart. Their robes fluttered in the breeze—Theos in his black robes adorned with red and golden embroidery, and Xiphos in his white robes and black blindfold, his stance calm but ready.

Theos dashed forward first, his foot digging into the earth and kicking up a spray of dirt. He moved like a blur, his dagger slicing through the air with precise, refined movements. Theos had grown—he was now in the final stage of his third Bone Forging cycle. His strength and speed were evident, and the sharp gleam in his eyes spoke of countless hours spent mastering his blade.

Xiphos, at the final stage of his second Bone Forging cycle, listened to every nuance in the wind and the shifting ground. At the last second, he tilted his body and deflected the blow with the flat of his sword.

"You've gotten faster," Xiphos muttered.

"You just got slower," Theos shot back with a grin, pushing off with a spin and slashing upward.

Xiphos parried with one hand and twisted his sword in a counter-clockwise spin. Their weapons clashed again with a clang, the shockwave stirring the grass in a wide radius.

They broke apart, circling each other now. Theos' breath was calm but focused. His footwork had grown steadier, and his dagger no longer looked like a crude tool—it danced in his hands. Xiphos shifted to a two-handed grip, his posture sharp and unwavering.

The next exchange happened in a blink. Theos lunged again, this time feinting left, then flipping over Xiphos mid-air, landing behind him and swiping at his back.

But Xiphos was already turning, blade flashing as it met Theos' dagger. Sparks flew. The sheer momentum pushed both back, their feet dragging against the dirt, creating two long trenches behind them.

Xiphos took a step back and adjusted his stance, his tone thoughtful. "You're getting better with that dagger—more fluid than before. But... I'm still not there yet. There's a lot I need to work on."

Theos smirked, spinning his dagger once before settling into a lower stance. "And you rely too much on your senses and swordsmanship. You never trust your instincts. I'm telling you, one day it's those instincts that'll save your life, not your technique."

Xiphos gave a small nod. "You might be right. Maybe there's more to a fight than just skill."

Theos chuckled. "And you are correct as well. I have a lot to improve."

Theos dashed forward again.

Xiphos activated a footwork technique, gliding across the field with elegance. His blade moved in a blur, tracing arcs in the air that hummed with power. Theos rushed forward to meet him, their forms colliding once again with a blast of wind that rippled through the trees nearby.

They exchanged dozens of blows in seconds—slashes, blocks, kicks, and sweeps. Theos ducked under a wide horizontal swing and countered with a rising elbow to Xiphos' chin, only to have his wrist caught and redirected, forcing him into a flip that he barely recovered from before landing on his feet.

Their movements caused cracks in the earth and left scorched grass in their wake, the force of their training more intense than ever before.

Both boys stood panting now, sweat gleaming on their brows.

"Still think you can win today?" Xiphos asked, a rare smile playing on his lips as he adjusted his grip on the sword.

Theos exhaled with a small grin, flipping the dagger between his fingers before answering. "Of course."

Then, with no warning, they both burst forward once again, the morning light gleaming off their weapons, the sounds of their clash echoing far and wide like the drums of a coming storm.

Two hours passed in a flurry of clashes and movement, and now both Theos and Xiphos sat in a grassy opening, their bodies drenched in sweat, steam rising from their skin under the morning sun. Theos leaned back on his elbows, chest heaving as he let the breeze cool his body. Xiphos sat cross-legged beside him, his white robes stained slightly from the dust.

Xiphos took a moment, then held out his hand. "Status Screen."

A red-colored screen formed in front of him, its light reflecting slightly off the dark blindfold.

His status screen was also special like Theos.

Although he couldn't "see" it but it was projected directly in his mind.

 ___________________________________________

| [ STATUS SCREEN ] |

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Name: Xiphos Windslayer

 Species: Human

 Age: 10 years 

 Cultivation Technique: Anti Primordial Qi

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Cultivation Stage: Bone Forging (9th Stage) ?? 

 Strength: Muscle Forging (8th Stage) 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Spirit Root: Mythical Grade 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Talents: 

 • Sword God (SSS)

 • Energy Manipulation (S) 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Skills: 

 • High Sword Mastery (Stage 9)  • High Sword Steps (Stage 5)

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Unique Skills: 

 • Slayer (Locked) 

|____________________________________________|

After meeting Theos and practicing every day, his skill proficiency had skyrocketed. He could feel the difference in every movement—his strikes more refined, his reactions sharper.

Yet even in this growth, he remained cautious. His master had warned him: never reveal the status screen to anyone.

According to his master, his system was something extraordinarily rare—appearing only once in a billion people. Throughout history, those blessed with such screens either became legends of their era or were hunted and killed before they could reach their full potential. Out of fear and envy, people would go to great lengths to eliminate someone like him. That burden, that secret, was one Xiphos carried silently.

On the other hand, theos was looking at his own status screen

 ___________________________________________

| [ STATUS SCREEN ] |

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Name: Theos Redheart 

 Species: Human (Superior) 

 Age: 10 years 

 Title: ???? (Locked), Reincarnator Cultivation Technique: Origin Chaos (????)

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Cultivation Stage: Bone Forging (9th Stage) ??? 

 Strength: Muscle Forging (9th Stage) 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Spirit Root: Primordial Grade 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Talents: 

 • Supreme Eyes (SSS) – Upgradable 

 • Master of Every Art (SSS) – Upgradable 

 • Energy Manipulation (SSS) – Upgradable 

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Skills: 

 • High Dagger Mastery (Stage 1)

 • Killing Intent (SSS) (Stage 3 )

 • Low Sword Steps (Stage 5)

|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

 Unique Skills: 

 • ????? (Locked) 

|____________________________________________|

Theos had picked up sword steps from Xiphos, but his proficiency was still terrible. He was already halfway into the 9th stage of Bone Forging. One month was more than enough for him to break through. Still, he doubted that his strength would increase much more before entering the Muscle Forging stage.

Xiphos had once told him that the gap between Muscle Forging and Spirit Gathering was so vast, no one had ever been able to overcome it without breaking through first.

Theos stood up, brushing off dust and grass from his robes.

"Let's head back to the village," Theos said, stretching his sore shoulders.

Xiphos gave a small nod. "Yeah."

Theos and Xiphos had decided to rest for ten days in the village. The massive bird that had carried them across thousands of kilometers had saved them enough time. With no urgency pressing upon them, they could finally breathe a little easier.

They turned toward the village and began walking back along the dirt path.

As they walked Xiphos said. "I wonder what kind of people we'll meet in the sect. What kind of strength they'll have."

Theos chuckled, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "Well, whoever they are, they better be ready. Because I am not gonna back down. I will become stronger than anyone else."

"I know, I know. You have said that thousands of time now" Xiphos smiled.

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Their shared laughter echoed softly as they continued toward the village, their camaraderie growing with every step.

As they neared the village square, a group of children ran up to them, their eyes wide with excitement. One of the younger boys, not older than six, pointed at Theos' dagger.

"Wow! Did you use that to fight a beast?" he asked.

Theos knelt and ruffled the boy's hair, smiling. "No beasts today. Just some light practice."

Another girl tugged at Xiphos' sleeve, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "Can you really fight without seeing? Are you a sword fairy?"

Xiphos gave a small chuckle, crouching slightly to face her. "Something like that. But I still trip on rocks sometimes."

The children giggled, surrounding them with endless questions, laughter filling the air. Even for just a moment, the harshness of their world faded away in the warmth of innocent admiration.

Theos and Xiphos shared a glance and a quiet smile.

The scent of warm stew and toasted flatbread greeted them as they stepped into the small, welcoming inn. The innkeeper, a woman with kind eyes and a quick smile, stood near the hearth, stirring a pot while humming softly under her breath. Theos' eyes lit up instantly, and Xiphos tilted his head slightly, the aroma reaching him.

"Breakfast is ready," she said, placing bowls of steaming stew, crispy bread, and fresh herbs on the table.

Theos dropped into his seat like he was starving. "Finally! I thought we were gonna faint out there!"

"You've been up since the crack of dawn sparring," the innkeeper said, pouring them both some warm tea. "I'm surprised you lasted that long."

Xiphos sat beside Theos, offering a polite nod. "Thank you, ma'am."

She gave a warm smile. "Eat well, both of you. You've earned it."

The boys dug in with gusto. Theos let out a hum of delight after his first bite. "This is amazing. I'd trade three sword techniques for another bowl."

"You don't even know three sword techniques," Xiphos said flatly.

"Exactly," Theos grinned, mouth full.

They both laughed, the tiredness of the morning fading as warmth filled the room. Here, with food and soft conversation, the weight of their path ahead felt just a bit lighter.