My eyes pan around the area, a small enclosed space, dark with stone and dirt in every crevice. The growling and rumbling from the monsters echo through the tunnel to my left. "I seem to be in a cave," I think, noting the persistent growling of the monsters.
"System," I call out, my voice barely above a whisper.
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[System]
Rank:—
Species: Human
Ability: Path not chosen
Attributes: —
System status: Default
Aspect: Unpredictability and Anomaly
Unpredictability: This aspect defies normal patterns and expectations, making them difficult to predict and understand. It can also change events and battles at will.
Anomaly: This aspect erases any ability to track your past or your current self.
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I stare dumbfounded at the system panel. It's so different compared to the rest. This system has no mana, agility, leveling, or the other necessary stuff. Rather, it has weird attributes and aspects.
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[System]
Price: Nothing
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It appears out of nowhere. "Wait, it can hear my thoughts?" I stare at it for a while and consider if it should answer my questions. Then I see it as an opportunity to learn more about it. "Answer my question," I command.
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[System]
The leveling system operates on a ranking basis, progressing through distinct batches. As you ascend in rank, new levels and abilities become accessible, though your current level will not be displayed on the system panel but revealed through pop-ups. Advancing in rank may also trigger transformations, altering your species until you reach your final form.
Due to a divine glitch intertwined with the system, the path of progression is unpredictable, with hidden attributes and unforeseen features potentially unlocking along the way.
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"An error?" I blurt out, not being able to control when I talk or not. That is going to be a problem later on.
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[System Update]
Indeed, when the god fragmented the system, he embedded hidden elements within it. While I managed to identify and remove most of these intrusions in time, a few residual fragments remain scattered throughout the system.
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This only makes me think, is it going to deduct my exp?
[Yes, that's true as a way to not further the spread.]
I sigh, taking in how much my life has changed. Is this what I was sent here for? Even with a bunch of questions playing out in my head, there's only one thing I know for sure: this blessing I received will not go to waste. I will use this power to take down the gods and reform this universe to my will.
At least that is what I am telling myself, the chains still bound to my neck, restraining me from completely submitting to my path of destruction.
The numbness subsides, and I finally understand why I couldn't move.
[That's right. To fully synchronize your soul with the body, I had to restrict movement a bit so everything could go smoothly.]
"Thank you," I mumble as if it has feelings. I immediately try to move my hand, and it works. Each of my pale white fingers tightens into a fist. Then I try to wiggle my toes and successfully do it. My blood boils with excitement, but with excitement, there's always a price to pay for it.
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{System]
First main quest:
Clear Barcus, dungeon of the lower-tier beasts.
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The system displays in front of me, its words entangling with my fate, whether I might die or live to get out.
"Low-tier monsters falling into the category of fantasy monsters, basic goblins, orcs, horned wolves, things that would normally be weak outside of dungeons, but they are way more powerful in dungeons with different variations to the normal ones outside," I say, fully submerging myself in the memories of the lives I watched and the information I have gained through time.
I might not have a drop of clothes to fight in, nor any armor, but I'll try my best. It might be good enough since I don't have any weapons, but I have a brain, something most people forget they have when fighting.
The system catches me off guard. "I guess fate is on my side this time," I think, tapping on the glowing red words, a bit relieved, happy to have a weapon too. Yet, when it forms and drops in my hands, my face twists with dissatisfaction.
"A dagger," I grumble, watching the rusted blade barely shiny, only showing one of my deep red eyes. Connected to it is a worn-out handle.
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[System]
Dagger's name: Gluttony
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"Weird name to give a dagger." I can't be mad at this point; I don't have a single set of clothes or armor, nor do I have a good weapon to defend myself from afar. I will have to go up close and personal with the monsters. And if things couldn't get worse... the system appears once more, slicing through my notions.
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[System]
Mini quest: Defeat ten goblins
Rewards: Fighting experience
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It's either I'm dumb or the system is making fun of me because a reward I gain is fighting experience? However, there's nothing I can do but accept the quest and fight. After all, I can't leave this place until I defeat the boss and kill all the monsters from the ground up.