Chereads / The Interwoven Fates / Chapter 4 - δ

Chapter 4 - δ

The silence in the small room was heavy. Alqatil felt a constant pressure on his chest. He knew his fate was tied to something greater, something he did not yet fully understand. There were days when the darkness in his mind consumed him, confronting him with the evil he had acquired. Part of him fought against that darkness, trying to hold on to the humanity he had left, but another part knew that, in this world, that struggle was meaningless.

The distant song of a bird broke the silence, pulling his concentration away. The melody seemed to mock him, a tranquil serenity contrasting with the internal chaos he felt. Alqatil closed his eyes for a moment, trying to block the distraction, but frustration consumed him.

—"What kind of system is this? Why does everything seem so empty and pointless?"—he thought in frustration, his small hand tightening around his mother's fabric, unable to grasp much beyond his immediate surroundings.

—"System, could you give me an explanation?"—Alqatil asked, frowning.

[ Certainly, host... ] The system's voice sounded soft and warm. [ I am an echo of ancient energies... born before the chaos... before the Big Bang... in the eternal void. I was created in darkness and later fell into a deep slumber. But in my rest, something changed... something woke me. I needed a soul, someone to connect with, someone to shape me... someone like you. ]

[ I need you to exist, host. You are the spark that gives me life... and together, we can reach a potential beyond all that is known. ] The voice slowly faded, transforming into something deeper and more primal.

[ From now on... I will guide you, but remember, I am not just a voice. ] The new voice resonated with a firmness that cut through the air, as if it belonged to an ancient being. [ My existence depends on you. Without your soul, I am nothing... but with your strength, we can conquer the unimaginable. ]

Alqatil felt the impact of those words.

[ The connection we share is deeper than you imagine, host. My existence intertwines with yours, and without your will, I would disintegrate. ]

—"So... you need me to exist?"—Alqatil asked, his voice low, though his mind was filled with questions.

[ Yes... you need to know that I support you, but you also support me. Together, we can shape a destiny that even time cannot erase. ] The system's voice, now back to a deeper tone, like the roar of a beast.

[ But what truly matters... is that without you, I would cease to exist. And without me... you wouldn't reach your true potential. ]

The connection between them felt denser now, as if it were an unbreakable bond, made of pure energy.

—"System..."—Alqatil interrupted for a moment. —"Could you change that voice? I prefer something more neutral, less... varied."

[ Understood, host. ] The system adapted to the request swiftly, and the voice that emerged was much more neutral, a blend of clarity and power, without the previous variations. [ From now on, I will speak as you have requested. ]

Alqatil felt a strange sense of satisfaction upon hearing the system's even tone. It was as if, on some level, he had taken a bit of control over their new connection.

[ The missions assigned to you are not simple tasks, host. They are tests directly tied to your soul, your deepest desires, your passions, and your fears. Each mission reflects who you are and what you can become. ] The system's voice resonated firmly, almost as if sealing a promise that each mission would be pivotal in Alqatil's journey.

[ There are three main categories into which these missions are divided, each with a distinct purpose. Not all missions are easy, but all are necessary for your growth, for the evolution of your soul. ]

[ Main missions are those that set the course of your destiny, the ones that cannot be ignored. These missions do not adapt to your desires or personal ambitions, but they are necessary to unlock the powers sealed within you. Remember when you were reborn, a being of my original caliber granted you those abilities. These are powerful rewards directly from the system, and completing them will allow you to access more advanced abilities, new levels, and significant changes in your existence. ] The system paused, as if weighing the impact of its words. [ Without completing these main missions, progress toward your maximum potential will be impossible. ]

[ Secondary missions, on the other hand, align with your most intimate desires, the goals that forge your character and your path. These are optional missions that, when completed, will elevate your attributes, skills, and capabilities uniquely. These missions reflect what drives you, what defines you as a being. The system does not compel you to undertake them, but your rewards will be directly related to the dedication and effort you put into them. Here, your choices are more important than in any other type of mission. ] The system's voice softened slightly, as if offering advice.

[ Lastly, there are tertiary missions, the most delicate of all. These missions focus on the narratives of heroes or protagonists. They are offered as challenges in the stories of others, such as those who seek justice or wish to change the course of their lives. Unlike main or secondary missions, tertiary missions do not offer significant tangible rewards. Their greatest benefit is gaining additional attributes and fate, depending on how well the mission is executed. The quality of your decisions will determine the amount of power you will gain from them. ]

[ Every mission you complete will change you, host. The system will guide you, but you will decide how to play the game. Remember, the main mission is the only one that is mandatory. Without it, the path to your true power would halt. ] The system's tone became serious again, as if emphasizing the importance of its words.

—"I see? So you are a primordial being, and I suppose you have your own personality, right? Then, could you tell me how many things I can know and how I can elevate my skills?"—Alqatil thought in his mind.

[ Host, at this moment, your understanding is limited; you possess simple thoughts and mortal perception. The scope of what you can comprehend is restricted to basic concepts, mere human theories. ] The system's voice resonated with a tone that seemed to signal the truth of its words, as if speaking from a higher dimension that Alqatil had yet to fully grasp.

[ My essence, on the other hand, does not have a fixed personality. I am not an entity with stable emotions or intentions; my form shapes, adapts, and configures according to your actions, your decisions, your way of thinking, and the evaluation of your soul, meaning I evolve with you. Soon, I will be more human-like. ] The system's voice turned more introspective, as if its own words resonated with its limited understanding. [ At this moment, my knowledge is almost nil. I woke up only ten years ago, so what I know is what you know, plus what I have been able to observe during this time. ] The tone became somewhat somber, as if the system reflected on its own inability to access the information it once possessed. [ This is because my existence depends on you, host. You are the key that allows me to exist and develop. ]

[ As for skills, they are divided into three fundamental classes: system skills, active skills, and passive skills. The first are those provided by the system and can be mainly improved through missions; they can only be obtained from the system. Active skills need to be used frequently to increase their effectiveness, while passive skills improve through the repetition of related actions. ] The system's voice became more analytical, with a more neutral tone, as if explaining a concept it already mastered. [ For example, the passive skill of poison immunity can only be increased if you are repeatedly exposed to poison. The more exposure, the more efficient the skill becomes. ]

[ Active skills, on the other hand, need to be used consciously. The more you use them, the faster they will increase. However, their use must be consistent, as the strength of these skills comes from the accumulated experience in their practice. At this moment, we suggest you frequently use the active skills you possess. ]

[ As for system skills, they can only be elevated through the main or secondary missions you complete. They can also be increased through direct use of the skills, but missions must be completed to unlock their full potential. ] The voice stabilized, returning to its grave and resonant tone. [ Currently, your "State" skill allows you to evaluate both yourself and others, but its efficiency and accuracy depend on your level and experience. To increase it, we suggest evaluating those who are significantly above your current level. For example, if you evaluate 20 people who are 20 levels above you, your skill will increase considerably. ]

—"I see. Then, if I were to evaluate my mother, would it work?"

[ Possibly. ] The system's response was simple but loaded with deep meaning. The implication of the words was clear: everything had a purpose, even seemingly insignificant evaluations.

Alqatil decided to look at his mother and, after murmuring "state," it didn't work. So he opted to say "evaluate."

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Evaluation

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Name: Abigail Rosenov

Age: 22

Level: 18

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Attributes

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Fate: 300

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