Zeke heaved a sigh of relief after concluding the other party's condition. He certainly didn't expect such an 'easy' task in exchange for any amount of his conditions. If he could word his conditions well, then maybe he could get a lot of headstart in this world. Knowing that he will start his life here as an infant, he preferred to have advantages over others and start his adventure at a young age. His formulated plan is to get information and get stronger so he could have a foothold in this new world.
Before all that, Zeke wanted to fulfill his own childish conditions. When he was on earth, he was just an ordinary-looking teenager. He always dreamt of having a face that was above average. When he saw some of his handsome schoolmates walk around, as mature as he is, Zeke always felt a little jealous inside. Zeke insisted that it was only an 'inner demon' and not really his. Now that he'd have a chance to have it, he'll definitely do it just for the sake of satisfying his desire. Before saying it, he pondered on toning his wish down a bit so he would have a higher chance of acquiring the deity's approval.
'Since it's like that, then I suppose I won't be stingy. You see Mr. Deity, we humans have always desired beauty. Ever since then, people want to have a pleasing appearance, and even I'm tempted to have it too. My first wish is for me to have a slightly-higher-than-average appearance. It doesn't need to be that beautiful, I only wish to be a bit higher-than-average in terms of my appearance.'
The deity felt like laughing at such a ridiculous condition. Normally, he as a deity didn't care about physical appearances as he, like other deities, felt it was a worldly thing that only mortals desire. However, after thinking about it, the soul in front of him is a mortal after all, so it's normal for him to desire such a thing. The deity then nodded after a bit of thought.
Unbeknownst to Zeke, the perceptions of deities compared to a mortal like him are like heaven and earth. As a deity, they have seen things that mortals don't, so their perception and view towards things differ greatly than someone like Zeke. The term 'slightly-higher-than-average' Zeke pertained to meant that he only wanted to be slightly more handsome and pleasing to the eye than common folk, but the deity thought of other things. The 'average' for the deity in front of him is worlds apart compared to the common folk. The 'average' face for the deity can be compared to the most handsome and pleasing faces of mortals in this world. One can only imagine how Zeke would look like when he turns into an adult.
After having his first wish fulfilled, Zeke planned on moving on to the more serious conditions. He then wanted to have his own power. He didn't want to have a very overpowered ability the moment he was born. This would make him stand out an awful lot and people would then have high expectations for him. He imagined being only 3 years old and having tons of things to do because he's 'too powerful'. One must commend Zeke for overthinking a lot in this situation. After a bit of pondering, He preferred to take it slow and start weak from the start, then slowly but surely rise in power. He wanted a power that can evolve and improve in the long run or a powerful but low-key ability.
'Alright, now that my future appearance is settled, I'll talk about the power I'll have. But first, can you let me know about how the people of this world manage mana and how can they improve? Even if it's just a little bit of information, I'd like to hear it.'
The deity seem to ponder about what to tell Zeke and after a minute, he spoke.
[This is common knowledge in this world, so I don't think I'm restricted to tell you right now. The world here is very different in your world. Here, we have what you people call 'magic'. To be precise, the mystical essence here is called mana. Mana is everywhere, and the people in this world absorb mana from the environment to their bodies. This absorbed mana will then be refined and utilized by the absorber. As for your question regarding improving strength, there are countless different ways, but they follow the same principle, and it's that the mana inside their body becomes purer and their body could absorb more mana. This can then 'strengthen' them in a sense that they have a larger pool of mana, and purer mana is easier to solidify and much harder than their previous degree. That's all I can say for now, try to learn the other things yourself. I'm sure you'll have lots of time since you're going back to a kid.] The deity let out a chuckle.
Zeke managed to absorb all the info quickly since it's similar to the magic of some novels he read back on Earth. There seem to be tiers and quality, but he will need to verify it all first before making conjectures.
'I see. Well, for my condition, I want a power that scales. I don't need something that can break this world's scale as I assume you'll decline it, so I just want a power that can grow with me. I don't necessarily want to be strong from the start, all I need is to control how strong I am. I'm looking for the right word to describe this..... ah, I think it's called an auxiliary power? Yes, kind of like that. I can work hard and also teach myself about magic, but I think I need something that can support me in the long run. Do you understand what I mean?'
The deity was surprised. What the hell is this brat thinking? Does he want to suffer? I thought he wanted to have a good life here? Why the hell is he looking for a support power? Countless thoughts invade the deity's head as he felt extremely baffled by Zeke's thinking. Honestly, the deity thought he knew Zeke like the back of his hand. He knew Zeke was an extremely calculating and scheming individual, but never did he imagine this scenario. He expected Zeke to ask for a very overpowered ability so he could live a good life here, but instead, he wanted a power that scales? The deity was very confused.
After almost 5 minutes of silence, with Zeke and the old man looking at each other, the old man's eyes suddenly lit up as if a light bulb lit up in his head. He thought he understood Zeke's plan. He thought Zeke manipulated his speech to make it seem like what he wants is a normal power. But after thinking about it, he realized the nature of a scaling power. It was a power that's not limited in growth! Zeke actually wanted an overpowered ability but covered it off to make it seem like an underpowered one! 'What a cunning dude. I was almost fooled by his eloquent and manipulating tongue! But still, why did he feel the need to downplay his desire? Did he manipulate it so that he would have a higher chance of me accepting it? BAH! Why am I thinking too much? I should just give him what he wants! It's not like its a very absurd wish.
The deity nodded and then disappeared from the room. Zeke was both surprised and confused by the deity's sudden actions. However, he understood it quickly. Maybe the deity accepted his condition and went off himself to find a suitable skill? The more Zeke thought, the more he got excited. 'What kind of spell would I get? Please be an awesome power!'
On the other hand, while looking at a pile of books in a library-styled room, the deity seemed to have thought of a bright idea.
(D.) 'Hmmm. Something that's both strong and weak, and it can only support him. Should I give him that? It's supposed to be for my champion, but since it would take a long time to find my champion in this world, why not him? hah! Why am I so smart? I actually dealt with three of my troubles in one fell swoop! HAHAHAHAHA what a fortune!' The deity seemed to have an ego that matched his status. His ego was as big as his status as a deity!
Soon after that, the old man reappeared in front of Zeke, as if he never left. He then smirked and looked at Zeke.
[I have decided, young brat. I can't seem to find a power that suits your demand other than this, but you first have to agree with me. This power is something that's limited to one person only, and I chose you. This means this power only exists in you, and nobody knows of it except for you and me.
If you agree with all this, then I, the great old Pandora, ask you right here and now.]
[Would you like to be my champion in this world?]