'System?' Sam called out in his mind.
A mechanical voice responded in his head,
"Just to be sure, you're real, right?" Sam had trouble believing anything. The events had transpired so quickly, leaving him struggling to comprehend. He wanted to ensure he wasn't dreaming or under the influence of something.
The system replied,
After contemplating for a moment, Sam asked the most obvious question anyone in his situation would ask, "Where did you come from?"
The system responded,
"What? Locked? Can you unlock it?" Sam was naturally cautious and paranoid. He wanted to maintain control of the situation. The idea that he couldn't receive an answer only heightened his panic.
The system replied,
Sam was currently at level zero, and he needed to battle or defeat enemies to level up. His immediate thought was to go beast hunting, a task he regularly engaged in.
"Who placed these limitations in the first place?" Sam inquired.
"And who is the originator?" Sam attempted to obtain answers indirectly, thinking he was being clever. However, the system couldn't be deceived.
"Of course it is." Sam could only sigh in bemusement at his predicament. He felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Having read many novels and watched anime from Earth, he had gained knowledge about systems, and now he found himself in a similar situation. It was highly perplexing and suspicious.
As the sun descended below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape, Sam became aware of the passage of time. "Time flies when you're cultivating," he joked.
Dinnertime was approaching, and Sam had learned a few things from his interactions with the alleged system.
The most crucial discovery was that the system existed and wasn't a trick played on him by the dragon king. This brought him a sense of relief.
Secondly, all information about the system and its source was intentionally closed. "How convenient!" Sam cursed, feeling frustrated.
Sam had been asking questions for the past two hours, but only a few had been answered, much to his disappointment.
Thirdly, the system could assist him in leveling up until he reached the Great Sage realm. This was already astounding considering his grandfather, Jin, had only reached the Perfected Sage realm after decades of cultivation.
"So I have to level up to unlock the secrets?" Sam sighed, as if accepting defeat.
Sam wanted to check his level and the system interface appeared before him.
[The Evolution System]
[Host: Sam Verninne/Tatsuya (Mortal)]
[Titles: The Miracle Child]
[Race: Half Mage, Half Hero (Unique)]
[Class: Magic Swordsman (Unique)]
[Mana Cultivation: Epic]
[Magic Comprehension: 1st Circle (perfected)]
[Origin Core(s): 3 (97%)]
[Physique: None]
[Stats]
[Affinity(s)]
[Bloodline(s)]
[Skills]
[Abilities]
[Spells]
Sam focused his attention on the abilities section, and it opened as if commanded. He finally saw his long-awaited ability.
[Abilities: Devour (Unique)]
Examining his abilities section, Sam breathed a sigh of relief. "So, this is my ability?" He closed his eyes and concentrated on what he had obtained earlier.
Upon opening his eyes, he murmured, "This... this ability doesn't seem right. I have to keep this a secret."
He looked at the newly added section description:
[Ability: Devour (Unique)
Function 1: Can devour anything made of energy.
Function 2: Anything that can be Devoured can be assimilated or stored in the biology of the Host.
Function 3: Anything that can be Devoured can be utilized to conduct a variety of sub-functions such as separation, deletion, and integration.]
Sam then checked his stats in the system interface.
[Stats:
Strength: 50
Agility: 50
Spirit: 50
Stamina: 50
Heroic Energy: 50 (5000)
Origin Mana: 3 (300)
Stat Points: 0]
...
Location: Unknown.
Within the dark forest, the sound of cicadas and other nocturnal creatures filled the air.
In a cave, a figure with long hair cascading down to their hips sat in silence. It was impossible to discern their gender.
As the moon hung in the starless sky, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape, the individual remained emotionless.
Their attention shifted to the cave's interior, though the darkness made it difficult to discern details.
A growl broke the silence, and a smile formed on the person's face, revealing an unsettling set of teeth. These teeth, unlike ordinary incisors, were designed to extract the essence of life.
"Don't be upset, my friend. I'll bring you food," the person said with a chilling smile.
In response, a creature within the cave emitted a shrill scream, echoing through the silent forest.
The unsettling cries of these grotesque creatures filled the night, instilling fear and melancholy in the empty forest.
...
[Author's Note: As a new writer, I appreciate your understanding and feedback.
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Reviews are welcome.
If you enjoyed this chapter, consider adding it to your library.
Thank you very much!]