[A skill restriction has been imposed on you by another powerful being. Your current strength and skills are not sufficient to remove this restriction.] The System replied.
"Can you tell me how long the restriction will last?" Sun asked, hoping for an answer from The System.
[The Authority was able to alleviate most of the restriction and reduce the confinement period from 55 years to 5 years.] The System revealed.
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[What!? 55 YEARS!! Thanks to Authority, it was shortened to 5 years, but it will still take me a long time to get out of here. Wouldn't I starve to death? And I need to level up as soon as possible.] Sun voiced his concerns, but The System interrupted him.
[The Dimensional Area you're currently in is a safe place where hunger and thirst are almost negligible, so you don't need to worry about that.] The System reassured him.
[But would I die of old age then?] Sun asked.
[...]
[Young Master, as the Inheritor of Ancient Cosmic, your age will simply become a number. You already possess a skill related to energy, and as it ranks up, you will be able to absorb the purest form of life energy.
This energy can become your life force, effectively extending your lifespan. Your age has already been extended after acquiring the power of the creator.] The System explained straightforwardly to Sun.
Sun was stunned after learning about the life force absorption and contemplated the meaning behind it. "Absorbing life force... Does that mean I have to kill someone and take their life? What kind of energy is it referring to?" Sun wondered.
"But what good is a long life if I can't be there to protect my people? If I remain trapped here for 5 years, I'll still be stuck at Level 6. If I were to face Seraphine again, I could be killed without even realizing it." Said said.
The System then offered a suggestion to Sun, who was surprised by the fact that the System had its own consciousness. However, Sun quickly accepted this, reasoning that since Aurelius was the creator, he must have given the System a consciousness as well.
"Alright, go ahead. Let me hear your suggestion," Sun agreed, allowing the System to continue.
The System explained that staying in this Dimension had its disadvantages, but also some advantages. Time passes differently between this Dimension and Eden.
So, if Sun stayed at the Dimension for 5 years, it would be equivalent to 10 years passing in Eden. As for Seraphine, they were forcibly restricted by Aurelius within this universe, so the time will also pass the same in their situation.
The System continued its explanation, [Regarding your concern about leveling up, the restriction placed on you was to prevent you from leaving this 'Dimension Room'. However, there is a loophole. Since this 'Dimension Room' is connected to the 'Dimensional Area', which is currently merging with a random Dimensions, if the merging completed entering that Dimension doesn't necessarily mean you will remain under the same restrictions]
[There's also no need to worry about having to fight the same opponents. A part of the previous system is still connected to the Dimensional Area. If the Dimension you're in has opponents that are far too weak for you, we can re-connect and merge with another Dimension to find more suitable opponents. It may take some time, but it's a plausible solution.]
[Also, finding the 'Key' in the Dimension is not necessary. Since you entered this Dimension in a different manner, you are not limited by those restrictions. You can freely go in and out of the Dimension without needing a key. However, keep in mind that another restriction will be in place. The Dimension will recognize your being as an inhabitant making you a 'monster'. If you encounter someone trying to clear the Dimension, they may perceive you as a threat.]
"I still have the opportunity to level up without penalties if I enter the Dimension through the backdoor, right?" Sun asked.
[Yes, that's correct,] replied the System.
"In that case, it seems like I'll have to stay in this Dimension for a while and wait until the restrictions are lifted. When will the merging be completed?" Sun inquired.
[The estimated time is 00:05:34,] the System displayed a transparent window showing the estimated time of the merging.
"That's convenient. Now, let me choose a class and allocate most of my attributes. I need to think carefully since this is a crucial decision, considering the branch classes as well," Sun said as he accessed the Class options. He remembered that there were eight starting classes with their own evolutions. In his previous time, he had chosen the Warrior Class, but he also encountered an Evolution Orb along the way.
The orb had the potential to provide an evolution for his current class or allow him to combine it with another class, but it was a gamble with unknown outcomes. Once the orb was used, it couldn't be reused, and the class change would be permanent. Sun knew he had to be careful in his decision-making process.
Fortunately, he was able to obtain an excellent class after using an Evolution Orb, which he was able to transform into the ultimate class known as the "Sentinel." This class combined offensive and defensive combat techniques, protective spells, controlled aggression, and swift maneuvers to make Sun a formidable force on the battlefield. As a Sentinel, he became a legendary figure.
Now, another opportunity lay before him. He could choose to follow the path set by his future self or create a new path with no guarantees of what lies ahead. Sun had a specific class in mind, an unknown class that many wished for but lacked the necessary talent to obtain.
It was the class of a "Sword Weaver," a combination of Sword Mastery and Enchanter skills. However, achieving this class would require an evolution orb and extensive nurturing.
After careful consideration, Sun decided to pursue the Sword Weaver class, taking a gamble in the hopes of creating a formidable and unique class. He started by selecting the "Warrior" class and allocated his attributes accordingly, saving some points for future use or emergencies.
As Sun was contemplating his choices, the System quickly informed Sun that the Dimension had successfully merged, and he could now enter through a door in the corner.
Sun looked at the door, noticing its aged appearance with roots growing all over it. He also spotted small flowers with a mysterious glow.
"What's the deal with that door? Is it going to hold up?" Sun asked.
The System responded [Every time we merge with a Dimension, you may catch a glimpse of what might lie beyond the door. From the sight of roots and flowers, it appears that the other side should be a forest.]
Sun nodded in understanding. "Alright, let me equip the great sword I received from defeating the Imp before we enter another Dimension."
Sun examined the sword with awe, admiring its beautifully decorated hilt made of polished ivory with intricate golden designs. The pommel featured a symbol of balance and justice, radiating a faint glow. The blade itself was crafted from a mysterious alloy that blended steel and arcane magic, emitting subtle blue light.
As Sun marveled at the sword's craftsmanship, he wondered if there would be a level penalty for equipping it despite being at a lower level.
As Sun swung the sword, wisps of enchanting arcane energy gathered on the blade, creating an ethereal effect. The sword emitted a pulsating glow of power, with tiny magical symbols flickering across its surface. He could feel that his skill could be amplified in the presence of this great sword.
Curious, he checked its description.
...
Name: Magus Blade (A) (Great Sword)
Description: Magus Blade, an exceptional greatsword forged in the crucible of magics, radiates with a pulsating glow of raw power. It is a masterpiece that seamlessly harmonizes the elements of steel and magic, their synergy amplifying each other in a profound union.
+15 STR
+15 INT
•10% chance of activation of skill 'Nullify'
Restriction: Accessible to wielders who possess great talent in both magic and combat.
...
Sun exclaimed, "This sword is amazing! It has an 'A' quality as well. I'm excited to use this." He checked his attributes one last time before preparing to leave the Dimension
...
Name: Sun Ether
Level: 6 (7,500/10,500 EXP)
Title: Cosmic Traveler
CLASS: Warrior
HP: 2000/2000 (175/sec)
MP: 615/615 (75/sec)
Strength: 48 (+15)
Intelligence: 50 (+15)
Stamina: 40
Constitution: 40
Agility: 40
--------------
Free Attribute: 10
--------------
Active Skill: Cosmic Burst (F) [25.0%] | Auraforge (F) [15.0%]
Passive Skill: Cosmic Absorption (F) [0.0%] | Soulforge Ascendance (EX)
========
Skill Name: Authority (???) - Level: 1
Skill Name: Ancient Cosmic Inheritance
1st Seal: (Unlocked: Soulforge Ascendance (EX)
2nd Seal: (Unlocked: Authority (???)
3rd Seal: (LOCKED)
...