'Systems, can I choose one from each of you or only one together?' Tia's inner voice wavered, echoing in the silent abyss of her mind.
Ding!
//
You can choose one of the two given options.
//
Beep!
<<<<<>>>>>
<<<<<>>>>>
A smile blossomed on Tia's face as the radiant expression of elation graced her, her eyes staring at the dark ceiling, flashing with the joy of opportunity.
'So, I see! I triggered this evolution at the same time for both systems.'
Just a single glance at all four options made her sigh at the difficulty of the upcoming decision. Each option was a gem in its own right, holding a unique allure.
Her thoughts lingered on the two witchy, magic-oriented options.
Tia grappled with her thoughts in the silent darkness. 'A magic core means more energy, but potions can provide that too. And my esper system already boosts my energy.'
The options floating before her eyes each held their own unique appeal, yet none seemed like a clear choice.
Rubbing her left temple, Tia tried to sift through her thoughts methodically. The instant-cast spell was tempting, but an extra ring could offer the same effect.
Her gaze shifted, and the alchemical option—its versatility and the range of possibilities it offered—started to lure her more and more.
'Learning spells faster with magic comprehension is good, but not essential. Gaining power is a marathon, not a sprint,' she reasoned, the practicality of her choice becoming clearer.
Yet doubt lingered, and her eyes, reflecting the dark ceiling above, betrayed her hesitance. The risk of relying too heavily on external objects and the potential to lose them was a vulnerability.
But as quickly as the doubt surfaced, she dismissed it. 'No, the alchemical option is the better choice. Being able to consume more potions and amplify their effects can't be ignored. The sheer versatility and potential for future growth with stronger and more varied potions are too great.'
Tia recalled the numerous times her potions had been instrumental—replenishing energy, healing wounds, and alleviating pain. They were crucial in every battle, making her fighting style as aggressive as they could keep her fighting.
'The more potions I master, the more potent this ability becomes. And if I ever lose them, I'd likely be in a situation where no ability could save me anyway,' she concluded.
Tia's decision, once seemingly concrete, wavered as her gaze settled upon the remaining options presented by the esper system.
Her head almost spun as she tried to think about all the possible synergies.
The meta and magic core options, when combined, promised a vast reservoir of energy that could also be harnessed for healing.
'At the same time, the alchemy one would have the same effect, as my mixture of energy and healing potions becomes even more potent.'
She raised her head in affirmation—the alchemy option was the most versatile one. 'I can rely on it for energy and healing, and with more advanced potions, I can also empower my body.'
Then, a swift realization struck her like a lightning bolt, making her slump back onto her pillow. 'The increase in my vitality and endurance from the meta option would indirectly boost my potion tolerance.'
Her head and thoughts spun in a chaotic vortex as it became even harder to decide, all the paths leading to the same, yet a bit different, places.
'In that case, that meta option with the magic core option would have an advantage as they wouldn't rely on external items as much.'
Her eyes pulsed brightly as she carefully looked at the last remaining option, making it all link together. Like the piercing sting of a needle, the realization of her unprotected mind resonated with painful clarity.
'I can use potions to fortify my body, replacing the meta option,' she contemplated in silence, 'but my mind would still be vulnerable, and neither the magic core nor alchemy one could fix it, at least, without any highly advanced and expensive mind-shielding potions that are still far away.'
The horrifying prospect of her thoughts being manipulated, her will subverted and enslaved to another's bidding, sent shivers down her spine.
If her body was attacked, she could react, but if her thoughts were controlled, then she wouldn't even know it.
'Also, that extra intelligence will likely boost my learning ability, supplementing the magic intuition. Alchemy and Enlightenment, body and mind, both nicely supplementing each other.' The glow in her eyes, which was filled with expectation and the thrill of growing stronger, brightened as it all fit flawlessly.
'Perfect! Also, telepathy isn't a bad thing...' She already witnessed what her cousin could do with it—she manipulated the courts, her family, the company board, and potentially even Tia herself. The power to read and control minds would open shortcuts and doors for her.
'I doubt it will be as strong as hers right from the get-go, but eventually, it will be worth it.'
Also, she now lived in a world of technology, and she could use it to compensate for the weaknesses of her own powers.
'What if I implant potion dispensers straight into the safety of my own body? Refilling them would be a pain, but if I keep them only for emergency situations, then it would be a great solution.'
Tia closed her eyes and confirmed her choices: 'Systems, I choose the Alchemical Human and the Enlightened Human.'
Her vision darkened, and her mind faded away into the sea of unconsciousness.