"But now I understand what this is—it's a Numerical Cube."
Jin gazed intently at the floating screen, the faint glimmer of understanding solidifying into certainty.
When Jin possessed his innate ability, Mathematician, he gained a vision of existence unlike any other—a world built on algorithms and mathematical codes. By rewriting these equations with his own numbers, he could replicate anything: skills, abilities, items, and even beings themselves.
The Numerical Cube was his mental archive, an imaginary space where he stored all he had copied, each item preserved as pure data, waiting to be called upon.
As he studied the floating screen, Jin knew without a doubt—this was the Numerical Cube. The future Jin had left it behind, filled with secrets he had yet to unlock.
Master is correct.
"Well, of course."
Jin smiled with pride, secretly pleased that the floating screen always addresses him as "Master."
If Master is pleased, grant me a name.
"A name... hmm. Yes, that might make it easier to address you."
Feeling generous, Jin decided to give it a name. Referring to it as a "floating screen" all the time didn't sit right with him, especially since this Cube was his key to growing stronger once more.
He rubbed his temples, considering names.
"Let's see… since you're a Numerical Cube, how about… 'Cube'?"
Jin nodded, satisfied, clearly proud of his naming skills. The Cube, as expected, accepted without hesitation.
Thank you for the name, Master.
The Cube's words took Jin by surprise, its communication strikingly human-like. For a moment, he wondered if it might be sentient, but after a closer look, he dismissed the thought. It wasn't truly intelligent—it was simply programmed to respond this way.
Jin played around with Cube for a while, exploring its features and uncovering its capabilities.
During his search, he discovered several interesting elements, including a type of currency labeled Skill Points.
"What are these Skill Points?"
Skill Points are used to enhance the level of skills.
'So, I can just upgrade my skill levels with these?'
Jin mused. Normally, skill levels only increased through repeated use and deep understanding, which took time. Enhancing skill levels with Cube would mean he could also advance his understanding of them almost instantly.
"And how do I obtain these Skill Points?"
Skill Points can be acquired as rewards and gifts.
"I see... but why bother with all this? Just give me the Master Key."
Master cannot be granted the Master Key directly. You could once wield all abilities because your body adapted with Mathematician. But now, your body would explode if given access to everything at once. That's why you created me—to help you grow stronger, bit by bit.
Jin sighed. Cube was right; he couldn't handle everything at once. No one could. Every soul had a limit, as all skills and Abilities were stored within it. Pushing past that limit would shatter it.
'No, the soul itself is indestructible. It's the body and mind that would collapse under the pressure.'
Jin sighed, rubbing his temples as he lay back on his bed, contemplating.
"Since I've Awakened, let's break through to Level 20 first."
Jin sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes and focusing, drawing his soul, body, and mind into alignment.
Leveling up was a process of achieving Perfect Harmony—a state where the soul, body, and psyche were perfectly unified. This process of unity was called Harmony Cultivation, with each level representing a step toward complete integration.
For Jin, who once could control his levels at will—able to reach peak completion or regress to the beginner stages—getting to Level 20 in one attempt felt almost easy. Confidently, he began, sinking into meditation.
A few minutes passed. Jin opened his eyes, frustration dawning on his face.
"Why can't I level up at all?!"
Master, with an unnatural soul, you've lost the ability to cultivate through conventional means.
Jin's eyes widened.
"Wh-What?! Then what was the point of creating a new soul?!"
Master can still cultivate by absorbing Harmony Essence.
"H-Harmony Essence? What's that?"
By defeating other Awakened beings, Master can absorb a portion of their Harmony Essence, which will allow Master to level up.
"Oh… now that makes sense."
Feeling calmer, Jin mulled over this new mechanism. Understanding the situation, he nodded to himself.
Not wanting to dwell on it further, Jin decided it was time to consult Albedo.
Jin left his room and made his way downstairs in search of Albedo. He entered the dining hall on the first floor and spotted Luke and Jay setting two plates of food. The food was kept in stainless steel containers to preserve its heat and freshness.
The dining hall was expansive, its elegance enhanced by soft candlelight and intricate paintings adorning the walls. Above the center of the room hung a grand chandelier, its crystal prisms casting a warm glow that illuminated the entire space and gave it a regal, almost enchanted feel. In the center stood a large dining table, capable of seating twenty people, its polished surface gleaming under the chandelier's light.
At the back of the hall was the entrance to the kitchen. Though Jin had yet to see anyone working inside, the meals were consistently fresh, hot, and beautifully presented, hinting at skilled chefs operating behind the scenes.
Jin realized he hadn't encountered anyone else in the mansion besides Albedo, Luke, and Jay, yet every corner of the estate was meticulously maintained. His own room, too, was always spotless. He assumed there must be maids and other staff tending to the mansion's upkeep, quietly ensuring everything stayed in perfect order.
Noticing Jin enter, Luke called out to him.
"So, you're finally awake! Slept a whole seven days."
"Congratulations," Jay added, smiling. "Lord Albedo said you've Awakened. That's impressive."
"And here I thought you were an old man or something…" Jay muttered under his breath, but not loud enough for Jin to catch.
"What was that?" Jin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, uh, I meant—how are you feeling?"
Jay stammered, trying to cover his slip.
"I'm fine. By the way, where is Albedo?"
Luke smirked at Jin's casual tone.
"That's Lord Albedo to you."
"Yeah, yeah. Lord Albedo. So, where is he?"
"He's not here right now," Luke replied, clicking his tongue.
"But you've been out for days. Why don't you join us and eat something?" Jay offered, gesturing to the table.
'Food, huh?'
Jin thought to himself, surprised to realize he didn't feel hungry at all—even after seven days without eating. Then he remembered his Trait, Undying Soul, which seemed to eliminate his need for food.
Handy, he thought with a smirk.
"So, are you joining us?" Jay asked again, looking hopeful.
"No, I'm not hungry."
Luke stared at Jin, a curious glint in his eyes. He raised his hand slightly.
"You've Awakened, right? So why can't I sense any spiritual energy from you?"
Jin met Luke's gaze calmly.
'He has sharp eyes.'
Without answering, Jin left the mansion and walked toward the mountain stairs, steeling himself as he approached the beginning of the trail.
Nearby, he noticed a weathered sign that read: Beware. Those who lack willpower will be crushed with their first step.
'What the hell?'
Jin unimpressed by the warning. Ignoring the caution, he placed his foot on the first step.
In that instant, a heavy aura descended upon him, completely overwhelming and crushing. It felt as if an elephant had fallen on him. Without any struggle, Jin collapsed to the ground, pinned by the sheer weight of the force.
'T-This aura… is it Albedo's?'
[Trait: Null All]
With that, Jin's Trait activated, creating resistance that pushed back against the oppressive aura pressing him down. He slowly rose to his feet, shaking off the effects of the aura.
However, the experience had drained him of any desire to venture further up the mountain. He stood there, catching his breath and assessing the situation.
"I never thought I'd see someone resisting my aura at Level 1,"
A voice called out from above, filled with surprise and intrigue.
It was Albedo, gracefully descending from the skies to land near Jin.
"I never took you for the type to enjoy this kind of challenge. I thought you were more cautious and cunning."
"I… I wasn't trying to do anything! I just want to get to that cave," Jin stammered.
"To that cave? Why? You just woke up after seven days. You should rest for a bit," Albedo replied, his tone shifting to concern.
"It's fine. I have a skill that keeps me from getting tired,"
Albedo smiled softly and extended his hand.
"Come on. As long as you hold my hand, you won't be affected by the aura."
'Do I really need to?'
Jin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Yet, realizing he had no other choice, he reluctantly took Albedo's hand. It wasn't that he was opposed to holding someone's hand; it was just that this was Albedo's hand. Jin couldn't help but acknowledge how strikingly beautiful Albedo was—more so than many young noble ladies he had encountered.
'Why am I so flustered? He's gay… right?'
With Albedo's hand in his, they began to ascend the mountain. The overwhelming aura that had once pressed down on him was now gone, allowing Jin to move freely.
Suddenly, a realization struck him.
'Wait a minute. Didn't I manage to climb the mountain just fine the last time?'
Indeed, during his earlier ascent for his Awakening, he hadn't held Albedo's hand at all—he had been perfectly fine on his own.
Realizing this, Jin quickly dropped Albedo's hand. To his surprise, he felt no negative effects.
"Oh, you figured it out. What a pity."