Cedric stared at the screen, his eyes wide with astonishment. Before him appeared the legendary System, a concept he had only heard of in his previous life. Could this be a perk of his transmigration? His mind raced with questions as he finally spoke up,
"What can you do?"
In a monotonic voice, the System replied,
["This system is dedicated to helping the user survive in any type of situation and plan for the future. As for the system's secrets, please explore them yourself. As for the system's functions, detailed instructions will be given to the user."]
Cedric's curiosity piqued, and he requested,
"Show attribute panel."
A new window appeared in his mind, displaying his attributes:
[
Name: Cedric Steelwind/Alex
Life Level: Tier 0 [Evolving]
HP: 100%
STR: 8
PHY: 9
AGI: 12
DEX: 14
SOUL: Tier 1
MIND: Tier 1
AURA: Locked
SKILLS: Advanced Computer Proficiency
Hand-to-Hand Combat [Intermediate]
Hatchet (Dual Wielding) [Beginner]
]
After absorbing the information, Cedric inquired,
"What's the average attribute of a male?"
"The average attribute of a human male is 10 for a single attribute," The System replied,
Seeking clarification, Cedric asked,
"What is Tier 1, and how does this attribute panel work?"
The System explained,
"Every human being is a tier 0 creature, capable of having attributes up to 15 with considerable effort. Crossing 15 means evolving towards tier 1. Once you pass 20, you enter tier 1 territory. The attribute panel displays your attributes, and I can help you plan for attribute improvement."
Curious about the Tier 1 in his Soul and Mind attributes, Cedric questioned,
"Why is my Soul and Mind Tier 1?"
The System revealed,
"Host Alex's crossing over fused his soul and mind with yours, upgrading them to Tier 1. This grants protection against tier 0 magic spells and advanced computational abilities."
Cedric pondered aloud,
"So, magic is possible in this world? Could the creature from the accident be magical?"
The System confirmed,
"Yes, there were two tier 1 creatures involved that night. Collect more information about them for a better understanding."
Skeptical, Cedric inquired,
"Have you been with me from the beginning? Why show up now?"
The System clarified,
"The intrusion caused by Professor Grace Morton's tier 0 spell brought me forth."
Cedric's voice tinged with surprise,
"Wait, are you saying Professor Grace is some kind of witch?"
The System replied,
"Yes, Professor Grace Morton is a creature of tier 1 or above. Search for more information for her detailed attributes,"
Cedric's thoughts raced as he considered the implications. Professor Grace, a tier 1 creature, and the mysterious incident were somehow intertwined.
If all of this is true than the institute may be also involved and the secrets might run deeper than he had initially suspected.
"What is that Evolving option?" Cedric Questioned.
The System replied,
"Due to the cross over the host Cedric's bodies potential which were locked is being unlocked."
"Are you telling me this body is also not a normal human body," Cedric inquired.
The System replied,
[
Yes, the host's body is part human and part nonhuman.
]
Cedric let out a sigh, his brow furrowing as he contemplated the intricacies of his current situation.
"Damn, even this body's past ain't straightforward," he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"If someone purposefully locked away my potential, they must've known something about me." He scowled, frustration evident in his tone.
"And why the hell would anyone lock my powers? What the fuck could they possibly gain from it?"
His mind raced, a mix of confusion and anger simmering within him as he pondered the motives behind such a decision.
Cedric's curiosity led him to inquire,
"System, how much time will it take for the evolution process to be complete?"
The System's response echoed in his mind ,
["Approximately six months. The bloodline present in your body originates from tier 8 creatures. During this period, your body's attributes will experience rapid growth, advancing to tier 1."]
Cedric raised an eyebrow, processing the information.
"So, six months of changes ahead."
He continued, his tone a blend of inquiry and skepticism,
"Can't I gain experience and level up, similar to how it's done in games?"
The System's voice remained mechanical,
"No, that's not an option. I can assist in converting your physical training into attributes. Additionally, if you engage in combat and utilize techniques, I can contribute proficiency points for those skills by analyzing your opponents. However, the process won't resemble typical video game leveling."
Cedric's frustration became evident as he let out a sigh,
"Guess there are no shortcuts. It's all about putting in the effort, huh?"
Cedric's curiosity led him to pose a question,
"System, how does this proficiency in techniques work? I mean, I was in the special forces in my past life, so my hand-to-hand combat skills should be at least advanced level. And my hatchet fighting skills were top-notch in my team. But here, it's showing as beginner."
The System's response was clear and concise,
"Proficiency in this world operates differently from your past experiences. Here, it's based on the power levels of this realm. Advanced proficiency is only achieved if you can infuse aura into your weapon for a warrior and other conditions are required for a mage."
Cedric's curiosity sparked yet another question,
"System, what exactly is aura?"
The System's response was succinct and informative,
[ "Aura is a distinct type of energy that exists in this world. It's a force wielded exclusively by warriors of tier 1 and above."]
Cedric's eyebrows furrowed, absorbing the information.
"So, aura is like some special power that only higher-level warriors can tap into?"
The System's affirmative tone echoed in his thoughts,
["Yes. It's a powerful energy that adds an extra layer of potency to a warrior's abilities. Those who've attained tier 1 or beyond can harness it to enhance their techniques and skills."]
Cedric's brow furrowed, absorbing the information.
"So, it's not just about technique but also about aura. Got it."
The System continued, providing further insight,
["Let me clarify proficiency levels for you. It starts with
Novice/Apprentice, then Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Master, Grandmaster, and finally Transcendence."
Curiosity still burning, Cedric pressed on, "Can the system only help me gain skill proficiency points?"
The System's response held more possibilities,
[ "No, there's more to it. I can assist you in integrating skills to create new ones.
I can also help you pinpoint weaknesses in your skills and techniques."]
The curiosity burning within Cedric led him to a question he couldn't ignore.
"System, can I use spells too?"
The System's reply was honest and direct,
[ "I cannot provide that information at this time. Answers are only accessible when the host is fully awakened."]
Undeterred, Cedric pressed on,
"So, there's a lot I don't know yet."
The System's tone remained even,
["Correct. It's advisable to gather more information for a comprehensive understanding. My access is limited to the most rudimentary mystical knowledge and the knowledge present within your mind."]
Cedric's keen observation sparked another inquiry,
"Wait a minute. If my soul is tier 1, why did Miss Grace's spell work on me? Shouldn't it have been blocked?"
The System clarified,
["Your memory was locked by the system while you were unconscious. A high-tier creature attempted to access it. That's why you can't recall anything."]
The realization struck Cedric, prompting him to ask,
"Can the System lock my memories like that?"
The System's response held a note of authority,
[ "It was a unique circumstance when you were unconscious. All my actions require host authorization. I intervene only when you're endangered and unable to give instructions."]
Cedric's determination was evident as he made a decisive request,
"Then unlock my memories of that night."
Complying with his request, the System revealed a vivid memory. Cedric saw himself walking by the road, a sense of unease lingering in the air. Suddenly, the creature appeared, slamming him against a glass wall. His memory showcased a girl entering the scene, her gesture immobilizing the creature with a mere wave of her hand. As the memory faded, Cedric found himself staring into space, absorbing the reality of what he had just witnessed.
The truth unveiled before him, Cedric's mind buzzed with questions and possibilities. The girl's appearance and her power left him intrigued and eager to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding that fateful night.