{A/N: The if you see these letters in parenthesis, "BG", "IT", and "AD", they mean Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced."
***
'Status,' I say in my mind.
Instantaneously, the system attribute panel pops into view.
As I stare ahead at the holographic display, the interface bathes the room in an otherworldly glow, which casted imaginary shadows on the walls.
Each detail was created with precision, from the intricate patterns adorning the edges to the subtle gradients that flow seamlessly into the dark backdrop in which the words are upon.
The holographic symbols shimmer and shift, their iridescent hues mesmerizing to see; like shining liquid gold in the night sky.
The Celestial Imperium System's name is emblazoned in bold, glowing letters that shimmer with a mesmerizing mix of black, blue violet, and deep glowing gold.
Each letter seems to dance with its own celestial energy, casting a radiant aura that illuminates the darkness around it.
Every shift of movement that occurred resulted in golden-violet sand-like particles to waft off to the sides.
It was as if I was staring into the heart of the universe itself, where the real cosmic forces converge and their mysteries await discovery.
My new name and identity, Terra Uru, is emblazoned in gold letters, its edges tinged with a mesmerizing blue violet glow that seems to radiate from within.
It's like staring into the heart of a nebula, lost in its swirling depths.
Beneath my name, the sections of the panel appear like words in an ancient tome, words that I understand, but should not; glyphs and symbols that are familiar and not so familiar.
The colors shift and swirl, casting an ethereal light that dances across my toned upper body.
'What kind of D*sney Channel sh*t is this? I could stand here all day looking at this.'
Looking at the Supremea Kingdom, my new beloved country and planet, emanates celestial energy, symbolizing my allegiance to a place of unmatched might and majesty.
The symbols representing my rank, titles, bloodline, attributes, Z-Gene, skills, inventory, and quests shimmer with a brilliance that transcends my small brain and even space and time.
Almost like I'm witnessing the universe doing the cosmic version of the dougie with creation and destruction; particles would disappear and another would take its place.
'This… is the first law of Thermodynamics,' I mentally say, amazed at the power of whoever created this system. And just simply being able to understand and witness that in action. A small flash appeared at the bottom right of my vision, I ignored it though.
Seeing if I could touch the holographic display, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me as I realized I can.
I could actually feel the interface. It was like running your hand along sand. Except, that sand had the consistency of water. The screen had splashed and rippled like water to whatever amount of pressure I had applied.
This is no mere interface. I would go as far as to say it was a bridge. A portal to a place of power beyond my current scope of thinking.
Coming out of my reverie or whatever that was, I began to fully inspect my status screen and not just the display.
***
•CELESTIAL IMPERIUM SYSTEM•
Host: Terra Uru
Affiliate Powers: Supremea Kingdom
Rank: Steel Knight (BG)
Titles:
• Celestial Infant (Locked)
• Prince of Supremea
• Ethereal Luminary
Bloodline: Celestial Imperium (Locked)
Attributes:
• Strength: 200 megatons
• Speed: 8000 mph
• Aether: 60,000 units
Z-Gene: Dimensional Convergence (BG)
Domain:
•Domain Sovereignty (Locked until Gold Knight Rank)
Skills:
1. Stellar Fusion
2. Dimensional Shift
3. Aetheric Nullification
4. Celestial Claw Mastery
5. Soul Decipher
6. Celestial Appraisal
Inventory:
• Welcome Gift Bag
Quests:
• [No Quests Assigned]
***
Going through the list, I was amazed at how concise and accurate the system's information was on the strength and speed attributes.
In Z-Gene, people at each Rank in power possess calculated thresholds for maximum weight lift and maximum speed output. These thresholds determine when their bodies are sufficiently strengthened to ascend to the next level.
In addition to meeting predefined thresholds for maximum weight lift and maximum speed output, people must also attain a specific standard in their Aether energy capacity levels. Only when all three criteria are met can they advance to the next rank.
During the advancement phase, people with accumulated Aether, which cannot be contained or further strengthened within the body, utilize the Gene Breakthrough Serum and absorb Aetheric Essence Crystals.
This process enables them to break through their body's limits and replenish spent Aether, facilitating a lengthy transformation.
As such, right now, I'm able to lift and exert a force of 200 megatons.
With that amount of force, I could destroy a mountain at full power. Not to mention his running sped, I would be a force to be reckoned with back in the 23rd Century.
What truly caught my attention is Terra's Aetheric energy levels. At the beginner Steel Knight rank, he should've had a value of, at most, 30,000. To say he was gifted would be an understatement.
Compared to the protagonist, I'm like a dragon in comparison to his 40,000. Having a lower Aetheric value than someone else isn't just about numbers; it signifies the energy your body possesses, your inherent gifts, and ultimately, your endurance in battle.
Everything in regards to my stats checked out, I then focused on the Z-gene. This is what I really wanted to know about. The author never stated what the name of his Z-gene was nor what kind of abilities it came with.
'I guess I'll find out now.' I waited no longer and mentally clicked on Dimensional Convergence name.
—
[Z-Gene: Dimensional Convergence
• Description: The Host's abilities and powers are augmented by an unknown dimension of power that has granted him access. Even in his low-level state, the Host possesses untapped cosmic potential, allowing him to access a fraction of the immense power dormant within him. As he grows and matures, so too will the potency of this ability, gradually unlocking new levels of cosmic abilities.
• Abilities:
1. Dimensional Surge: The Host can tap into cosmic energy to unleash a surge of power, elevating his physical and spiritual strengths and durability to levels comparable to that of his enemies and even further. It also grants invincibility and immortality, rendering the Host impervious to physical and spiritual harm and granting him eternal vitality.
*Consumes all units of Aether and lasts 5 minutes. Duration time is correlated to remaining Aether.*
2. Celestial Shield: The Host generates a protective barrier of cosmic energy around himself, capable of deflecting even the most devastating attacks. This shield absorbs and disperses kinetic energy, magical forces, elemental attacks, and psychic attacks providing him with formidable defense against all manner of threats.
*Consumes 1000 units of Aether per activation. Can strengthen shields with an additional 100 units.*
3. Cosmic Nova: The Host channels the raw power of the cosmos into a concentrated burst of energy, unleashing a devastating shockwave that obliterates everything in its path. This cosmic nova annihilates matter, disrupts space-time, and unleashes cataclysmic forces capable of destroying large swathes of land with ease.
*Consumes 20% of Aether units.*
4. Galactic Resonance: The Host attunes himself to the cosmic energies of the universe, gaining heightened awareness and insight into the nature of reality. This resonance grants him enhanced intuition, allowing him to anticipate his opponents' moves, perceive weaknesses in their defenses, and exploit strategic opportunities with precision and finesse.
*Consumes 1000 units of Aether per minute.*
With Dimensional Convergence, the Host possesses abilities that elevate him above ordinary warriors, allowing him to confront formidable adversaries and emerge victorious in battles of significance.
As he continues to grow and evolve, this power will expand and evolve alongside him, unlocking new levels of cosmic mastery and propelling him ever closer to his ultimate destiny as an Imperium being of incomparable power and wisdom.]
—
It probably took about 10 minutes for me to actually start thinking. My mind went blank after reading that Terra could become invincible and immortal for 5 minutes.
Despite the skill being at the beginner level, it still was this powerful. How vastly superior would it become at full mastery and the Mythic Knight rank? Just thinking about it made my vision blur.
Moving on, I wanted to see exactly what this Celestial Imperium bloodline was all about. The system's making this thing seem like the most powerful thing in existence. Let's see.
—
[Bloodline: Celestial Imperium
Description: The Celestial Imperium is an ancient and revered bloodline that traces its origins back to the dawn of creation itself. Born from the union of celestial beings and mortal souls, the members of the Celestial Imperium are imbued with divine essence and blessed with immortality, granting them eternal life and extraordinary powers beyond the comprehension of mortal beings. A new member being born every few million years.
Traits and Abilities:
1. Immortality: Members of the Celestial Imperium are blessed with eternal life, their bodies immune to the ravages of time, disease, and injury. They do not age and are impervious to death by natural means, ensuring their continued existence for millennia to come.
2. Divine Heritage: The blood of celestial beings flows through the veins of the Celestial Imperium, granting them a connection to the cosmic forces that govern the universe. This divine heritage imbues them with extraordinary powers, including mastery over celestial energies, profound wisdom, and unparalleled psychic abilities.
3. Regenerative Healing: Members of the Celestial Imperium possess remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to heal from even the most grievous wounds in a matter of moments. They can regenerate lost limbs, organs, and even regenerate from near-fatal injuries with ease.
4. Enhanced Physiology: The bodies of the Celestial Imperium are infused with celestial energy, granting them enhanced physical attributes such as strength, speed, agility, and durability. They possess superhuman abilities far beyond the capabilities of mortal beings, allowing them to perform feats of strength and endurance that defy the laws of physics.
5. Celestial Affinity: Members of the Celestial Imperium have a natural affinity for celestial energies, enabling them to channel and manipulate cosmic forces with ease. They can harness the power of stars, planets, and galaxies, wielding celestial energies to devastating effect in combat or for benevolent purposes.
6. Wisdom of the Ages: The Celestial Imperium are repositories of ancient knowledge and wisdom, their minds enriched by centuries of experience and insight. They possess a deep understanding of the cosmos, its mysteries, and its inhabitants, guiding them in their quest for enlightenment and understanding.
7. Immortal Legacy: The Celestial Imperium pass down their immortal bloodline through the generations, ensuring that their lineage endures for eternity. Each member of the bloodline carries the collective memories and experiences of their ancestors, enriching their understanding of the world and their place within it.
The Celestial Imperium stands as a beacon of hope and enlightenment in the universe, its members wielding their immortal powers for the betterment of the universe. With their divine heritage and boundless potential, they are destined to leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of existence for countless eons to come.]
—
Looking at this attribute panel made me wonder if I was the protagonist or if Newt is. There's no way someone this overpowered actually exists in this universe.
Let me get this straight, Terra has invincibility, immortality, innate ancestral knowledge, cosmic insight, dimensional travel/portal creation, apparent domain control, foresight, near-instant regeneration, guaranteed breakthroughs, solar energy manipulation, soul reading, naturally planetary-level, supreme psychic affinity, all-damage nullification, superhuman brain and intellect, and melee and weapons combat master.
"F*CK, he truly is OP!!!" My voice trembled as I blurted out in consternation. The sound came bouncing back to my sensitive ears, waking me up.
Though he only had a little under half unlocked right now, just this bit is enough to place him on the Empire's Glory List.
The author should've just ended the story right after introducing Terra.
Thanos snap and BOOM! All the enemies are dead.
Story's over.
How the hell does someone like him even die?
Once his bloodline awakens, he could fight demons two ranks above himself. Possibly even three. Not to mention the absurd versatility he'll get when he has access to his domain. He should be unmatched.
Terra's memories after the original story ends are completely missing. I can't access them at all.
Terra remembered that he had memories but it was like they were forcibly taken. He knew that he died but can't remember how, who, or when.
All that's there is a months after the story wrapped up, he dies.
~Sigh~
I can't cry over spilled milk at this point. Moving forward is the only path. Now that I know the full scale of Terra's abilities, I must plan accordingly.
No man can wait for Death to come knocking. You must meet him half way and duke it out.
Whoever wins gets to teabag.
A sound of doors opening and heels hitting the ground took me out from somber thoughts.
I could hear light laughter and feminine voices on the second floor, their walking measured and elegant.
How I knew this? Partly from my enhanced hearing and partly from my knowledge of who the pair of women walking are.
My sister and her friend.
"Zani, if you like my brother, then just say so. No need to put your mother ahead as to why you are here visiting him," Terra's little sister says, a teasing smirk on her face. "Remember…"
"For I am the smartest in the empire. Yeah, yeah, I know, Zara. No need to remind me for the 12 millionth time," the girl on the left, Zani, replies with a quick roll of her eyes.
"Besides, I only came bec—" her words got stuck as she turned her head to look in direction on instinct. I was currently floating off the ground, sitting in the lotus position with my back facing to them.
I simply manipulated the Aether around me to form a flat surface underneath myself. To onlookers, it seems as though I was floating.
However, for those sensitive to Aether movements, the invisible construct became quickly apparent. But that wasn't all. I began to weave intricate patterns and shapes with Aether in the air. They were both mesmerizing and beautiful to behold.
With mental exercises complete, I began to reduce the patterns until nothing is left. My eyes were still closed.
My sister and her friend approached me slowly, stopping less than 10 feet behind me.
My sister, leading the way, was the first to speak.
"Brother, why are you out of the Rejuve Chamber? You know—" My sister's words cut off abruptly as she yelped in surprise, finally noticing the large pool of black-red blood on the ground.
Without wasting any time, she tried to forcibly grab me, but I remained unmoved.
"Brother, hurry up and get back inside the chamber. We can still save you," she pleaded, her tone filled with desperation.
"Don't worry about that. It isn't my blood. That's the poison and dead blood cells that were in my body. I am completely healed now," I reassured my sister, my tone firm yet calm.
Placing my feet firmly on the floor, I stand to my full height, my sculpted back muscles casting an imposing figure compared to the two girls, both around 5'6".
Turning around with closed eyes and a stoic expression, I notice Zani's heavy blush at seeing me in nothing but black shorts.
"Where is father?" I inquire of my sister.
"He's with Zani's father. Why?" she responds, clearly puzzled by my sudden question.
"Tell him to activate Directive Crimson Sky. Enemies of the family have been identified."
With those words, I swiftly move in front of Zani and deliver a devastating punch to her temple.
'Humph, wh*re.'
The force of the blow sends her hurtling through the medical room, crashing through holographic displays on the other end.
She crashes against the stone wall, a cracking sound soon follows. Most likely a broken spine.
"TERRA, WHAT THE HELL?! WHY'D YOU PUNCH MY BEST FRIEND?" Zara's voice reverberates with fury and betrayal as she confronts me, her eyes filled with shock and anger at the sight of her brother striking her closest friend.
"She poisoned me. Zaniba is not your friend. Her visit today was no coincidence. The poison she'd given me had worn off, and she was here to deliver another dosage," I asserted.
My sister shook her head vehemently, torn between disbelief and conflict at my revelation. The realization that her beloved brother accused her best friend of such treachery left her grappling with a difficult choice: family or friend?
With time ticking away, she knew she had to decide swiftly. Her choice could either strain her relationship with Zani or sour the bond with her own brother. The weight of the decision hung heavy upon her.
But Zara's intellect was not to be underestimated. Her reputation as the smartest among us was well-earned, far beyond mere boasting.
Without hesitation, she tapped on her all-function device, swiftly contacting our father and conveying the disturbing revelation I had shared. Without delay, he activated the kingdom's strongest defensive measure: Crimson Sky.