Reincarnated as an E rank? lets see how far I can go!

The city of Willton was alive with energy.

Banners lined the streets, vibrant lights flickered across towering billboards, and an overwhelming sense of anticipation filled the air. It was that time of the year again—The Great Festival.

A yearly event where C-rank to S-rank hunters showcased their skills in a grand spectacle, drawing in thousands of spectators from across the nation.

For the first time in my life, I was going to witness it firsthand.

There was just one problem.

"…I'm broke."

I stood outside the grand entrance of the festival grounds, staring at the massive golden gates. The ticket prices were absurd. Even the cheapest seat cost more than what I had saved in an entire month.

But I had something others didn't.

" It is time to see what is this skill capable of"

I did what everyone would.

I discreetly reached into my pocket, pulling out a note of $1.

"Wait... if i do this then the number on the note will duplicate too and it would be useless and will be identified as a false note."

Thinking for few minutes.

I think i got it!

I rushed to the jeweller nearby and asked him to show me a ring.

"Yes that one on the shelf, how much is it?"

"This is our special golden-diamond ring"

A fine sparkling ring, whose hands were

made of 22k pure gold and on top of it sat a small shiny polished diamond.

"This costs $851,999.99 but if you buy it today we will give you 20% discount"

That price was absurdly high, curious I asked, "Why is it priced so high?"

"Actually this ring as a certain artefact within it, which was of A rank"

Artifacts. high-value items comprising armour, equipment, or jewelry that enhance skills of a hunter when equipped. crafted from rune stones and mana crystals, theae exceptional items pose significant manufacturing challenges, even for the most skilled artisans.

My eyes widened as he spoke. I uttered in my mind.

A rank huh.. I wonder what effect it would have on me.

"Can i see it?"

"Ofcourse sir, but before that we need to know your rank. As we are informed by the hunter Association that we cannot sell artefact to hunters 2 ranks below the artefact rank"

I felt... disappointed.

with a sigh "Well I guess it is not for me then, I am an E rank"

As soon as I uttered those words, the seller's face became frowned almost as if he was taunting me for wasting his time.

I asked for another item, but not an artefact.

but...

The cashier who was friendly with me the whole time suddenly started acting like he was my boss.

what has gotten into him?

I guess i know the reason, it is the hunter rank hierarchy.

The bossy act that he had put in front of me was a clear indication that he was higher rank than me.

But unfortunately for him, I wasn't.

I smirked..

Offguard Offence

[Skill in use - Offguard offence lvl 2]

I didn't do anything I just stood there, but I can sense that in a moment he was scared.

Although I didn't do anything.

"Are you.." cracking with fear "You are not an E rank" he had a traumatized look on his face?? why?

In my mind [deactivate]

`system notification [Offguard offence Deactivated]

I clearly remember when 'he' used this skilled, he snuck up behind me with a sword. but i just stood there. was my gaze acting like offence?

"sorry sir, I was awake last night. so my eyes were red.

Anyways, i wanted to sell this ring how much will you return??"

with a confused and scared look "ohh, thats why, sure let me see it"

__

(few minutes before)

when the seller was about to get the ring I wished for.

I quickly placed my hand in the pocket and my second hand on shelf that was infront of me.

Time to use it.

[Multiply]

[system notification:

Choose a variable]

Variable?

5.

[System notification: Error the player's skill level is too low, choose a lower integer]

What variable I can choose?

[System processing:

skill: Matter Multiplication lvl1

With the current level of your skill you can only multiply a matter of mass upto 5kg once with a cooldown of 5 hours]

5 hours?? I guess the cooldown will reduce once my skill level is increased.

i choose 1.

[Active skills-

Multiplication lvl 1

Multiplication successfull]

[system notification: skill:

Multiplication lvl 1 → Multiplication lvl 2]

[+500 exp points recieved]

[achievement unlocked -'The multiplier']

An identical ring appeared in my pocket

__

"hmm let me see" his eyes widened, "amazing how this is exactly similar to the ring we have

We can give you $5,000 for this"

$5,000.

It was the amount i had never seen in neither in this nor in my previous life.

I can be Rich. i whispered.

"sorry?"

"oh did i said something?"

"no must have been my imagination"

...

A fter Ireturned to the festival grounds

I glanced around. The festival was always sold out, and people were desperate for tickets.

I bought myself a seat in the premium spectator section. which would only be possible in dreams.

"Multiplication is a cheat," I muttered, tucking the remaining tickets away for later.

—

As I stepped into the festival grounds, my eyes widened in awe.

The main arena was colossal. Massive screens hovered in the air, displaying live footage of the participants. The stadium roared with excitement as hunters prepared to showcase their abilities.

But what really sent a shiver down my spine was the announcement that echoed across the arena.

[Attention all spectators! This year, for the first time in a decade, two S-rank hunters will be participating in the festival!]

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Two S-ranks?!

I had read about them, seen their names in the news, but witnessing an S-rank in action was a privilege only a handful of people had ever experienced.

On the grand stage, the announcer's voice boomed.

["On the left, we have Kael Varen, S-rank mage, type: element, class: lightning! A hunter whose power is said to rival the fury of a storm!"]

Kael, a man draped in a high-collared black coat, exuded an overwhelming aura. Sparks of electricity danced along his fingertips, crackling with restrained power.

["And on the right, we have Ilya Crest, S-rank assassin, class: dagger and stealth! Known for her speed that defies human limits, she has never been seen once she vanishes into the shadows!"]

Ilya, a woman clad in a sleek black combat suit, merely smiled. Unlike Kael's overwhelming presence, hers was an eerie absence—as if the very air bent around her existence.

"This legendary battle between two beasts will take place at the end of the festival. to maintain suspense ofcourse" announcer said.

My heart pounded in my chest.

This wasn't just some sparring match.

This was a battle between monsters.

I gripped the edge of my seat.

This was my chance.

I could analyze them. Learn their movements. See their skills in action.

And most importantly—

Steal them.

The first clash was about to begin, but my mind was already racing with possibilities.

I wasn't here just to watch.

I was here to evolve.

—