—Damn, why couldn't it be taller? I guess it would work with my father. So, system, what is the Destiny attribute?
[The "Destiny" attribute can be seen as a form of luck but with nuances. Destiny is a cosmic guide that directs a being towards a predetermined goal or place, while luck is merely the probability of certain events happening at random, without an underlying purpose. Luck influences immediate outcomes, whereas destiny pertains to the major events in life.]
The system's voice, unchanging and logical, explained without hesitation, but Alqatil perceived that the destiny of people had a much deeper nuance than he had initially thought. The idea of luck, so mundane and simple, crumbled before the reality the system was revealing.
[For example, if a being is at a crossroads to achieve something and a mystical object is inexplicably obtained, that's destiny. Meanwhile, luck is measured through probability. Imagine that, embarking on an adventure, you have a 1% to 100% chance of finding an orb. If you have an attribute of 40, your success probability would be 0.4%, plus whatever was already in your destiny—so if your destiny is 5000, it would be 50% added. Luck and destiny are different forces, but they combine to bring about significant events in someone's life.]
—Wow, what a complicated mess, but I think I got it. So, can you tell me how many protagonists there are in the novel?
[Affirmative. The novel currently has 5 protagonists and 20 heroines: 1 main protagonist and 7 main heroines, 4 assistants and 13 secondary heroines.]
—So, do I have to strip the protagonists of their destiny points or something?
[Affirmative, but host, don't think it will be that simple. A protagonist's destiny is influenced by a cosmic entity, a will that somehow resembles that of a being with a preference for certain events. What you must do is change the perspective of the heavens' will, make it see them as irrelevant or even odious. To achieve this, you must overcome the barriers destiny places in their path. This means you have to influence the opportunities and the heroes accompanying that protagonist.]
—Understood, and how can that be done?
[It's simple. Make the protagonist change their story at will. That is, make them go from being the protagonist to a villain, an assistant, or even, if necessary, eliminate them entirely from the narrative. This way, their destiny's influence on their story would be removed.]
—I see, but the protagonists aren't protected by plot armor, right?
[Affirmative, protagonists are under special protection that saves them from an altered destiny. But their story is a key piece, and if you manipulate it correctly, you can change their role within the plot.]
—THEN! How do I do it, SYSTEM?
[Simply be craftier. A protagonist can survive a simple shot, but if you shoot them with a bazooka or a nuclear bomb, it's impossible for them to survive. The other option is if you want the villain's halo. The halo gives you power similar to that of a being who has altered the course of the plot's events destructively.]
—Alright, and how do I get that halo?
[Simple: kill a protagonist. By eliminating one of the protagonists, you can absorb their destiny and their halo, allowing you to take their place in the narrative. This will give you great power and control over the story.]
Alqatil fell silent, absorbing the complex information he had just received. Somehow, the destiny of others could be shaped, and he had the power to steal it. Something as ambiguous and profound as people's destiny had become his to control.
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─────────Two Days Later───────────
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—So, this world is that weird and strange novel where the protagonist needs dual cultivation? But still, it's cultivation, so how do you cultivate? —asked Alqatil, a mix of curiosity and frustration in his voice. The concept of this new world overwhelmed him, but the hope of growth kept him alert.
[Host, based on what I have observed and gathered from your memories, cultivation involves gathering external energy and channeling it into a center called the dantian, then distributing it through spiritual veins. However, I must inform you that you lack a dantian and spiritual veins, which makes traditional cultivation not a viable option for you at this time.]
—So, how do demons use all those techniques? And why did this happen? —Alqatil's frustration became evident. He couldn't understand how others cultivated if he didn't have access to what seemed to be the foundation of everything.
[What you know is what I know: nothing. I don't know why you can't and others can, if this body is native here.] The answer was so cold and direct that it echoed in Alqatil's mind like an empty void.
—Guess I'll have to wait for my parents to initiate me, then... what should I do? —Alqatil sighed, resigned, but the determination in his voice never wavered. There was something inside him that he couldn't abandon, something that pushed him to keep seeking answers.
[Host, I would suggest you cultivate the soul. This process is neither simple nor quick, but it is the path to true power. Soul cultivation is a journey of self-discovery, a path only the greatest warriors or sages walk. It is an arduous process that requires introspection, patience, and above all, sacrifice. It is like the meditation monks practice for years, a constant reflection on oneself, a journey to the deepest part of being. Only through that inner work can you unlock your potential. The first time you do it, I will help you, so it won't require much effort, but after that, it's up to you. Shall we begin?]
—Alright, Mr. Parasite, how do I cultivate the soul? —Alqatil released the question with a crooked smile, as if mocking the situation, but deep down, the gravity of the system's words made him doubt his ability to understand such a process.
[Host, I ask you not to call me a parasite. Please respect me.] The tone of the response, though impassive, carried a subtle annoyance.
[To cultivate the soul, you must first connect with your inner self. This is not something you can learn in a day, not even in a week. It requires dedication and constant reflection on your own existence. Deep meditation is necessary, confronting your memories, your fears, your darkest desires, and your traumas. Everything you have lived, everything you have experienced, must be examined and understood. Only when you reach the root of your most hidden emotions and thoughts can you begin to unlock your soul's potential.]
—Alright, that sounds even more complicated, but I'm willing to try. —Alqatil closed his eyes, immersed in the stillness. He knew this wouldn't be an easy path. The gaze of his mind sank into the abyss of his being, facing the memories that tormented him, the silent screams of his unfulfilled desires, and the visceral rage toward his father that consumed him from within.
In the darkness of his mind, memories of his past life began to surface, filled with pain and betrayals that marked his soul with deep scars. He felt the rage burning within him, the frustration of having been unable to change his destiny, the helplessness of being a mere piece in a game he didn't understand. But amid all that chaos, there was something more: a spark, an unquenchable flame of desire to change, to transcend.
[The path will not be easy, but everything you have lived, everything you have overcome, will prepare you for what lies ahead. The strength you seek is not in techniques or others' approval but within the depths of your being.]
Alqatil let those words sink into his soul. He knew he had much to learn and that his journey had just begun. But this time, he wouldn't seek power in external techniques or others' approval but within himself. His soul would be his greatest weapon.
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Ding [Applying guide to the host.]
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Ding [Guiding the mind through deeper thoughts.]
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Introspective Monologue of Alqatil
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What am I? A man trapped between two realities. A young body, but a mind burdened by the weight of experiences. I'm here, searching for something, but I don't know exactly what.
The pain of the past doesn't fade; it is a constant reminder that haunts me. Betrayals, losses, wrong decisions. All of that is part of who I am now. But is that all I am? Is my only motivation revenge? Is my only purpose to banish those who hurt me?
I can't let that be the only thing that defines me. Maybe I'm not a hero, nor a villain. Perhaps I'm something in between, someone fighting his own demons, trying to find a balance between what was and what must be. My memories haunt me, but they also teach me. They force me to look forward, to question myself, to find something beyond the anger that consumes me.
I'm aware of the temptation to follow the easy path, the path of revenge. But will that really lead me to something better? Or will I simply sink further into the same cycle of suffering I try to avoid?
My story is far from simple. King Zolenos, my father, represents everything I detest about my former father and, at the same time, everything I am. Can I overcome his influence? Can I write my own destiny without being trapped in his shadow? Or is that what I have been destined for?
My struggle is not just against the world; it is against myself. But I can't stay trapped in this duality. I must move forward, I must find a way to advance, not only in external strength but also in mastering myself.
[Congratulations, host. You have overcome a significant internal obstacle. Your soul has grown in power and purity. As a reward, you will receive something more than just physical power.]
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Ding
[You have leveled up the "State" skill as a system gift.]
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Alqatil felt a new surge of energy coursing through his body, a power different from what he had felt before. It was something deeper, something that surged from within, from his newly acquired understanding. However, the mental fatigue quickly became apparent. The effort of delving so deeply into himself had left him exhausted.
'State'
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State
─────────────────────────────── Name: Alqatil Zolenos Age: 2 years Level: 1 (Xp = 0/100)
─────────────────────────────── Attributes:
─────────────────────────────── Hp = 100──── ?? = 0 Intelligence = 30──── Durability = 3 Vitality = 5 ──── Resistance = 2 Strength = 1──── Charm = 3 Luck = 10──── Destiny = 1000
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—This is... unexpected. It's just the beginning, but I already feel that something has changed.
Although the numbers were still simple indicators, there was something more behind them. Something he was beginning to understand, even if it was just a glimpse.
Suddenly, the exhausting introspection took its toll. His body gave in to fatigue, and before he could react, he fainted, falling to the ground with a sense of emptiness and at the same time a newly acquired power.
[Congratulations, host. You have completed 0.00000000000000001% of the journey towards soul mastery.]
Everything went dark. The screen faded, and time seemed to stop as Alqatil fell into a deep sleep, aware that his journey had just begun.