Aric released a heavy sigh. "Then they attacked our city again, and I was targeted once more. Only this time, civilians were also victims."
Clara looked at Aric with deep sympathy, sensing the goodness in him. "That's why I think I should stay here for a while. I'm not too worried about my other family members; they're strong and can care for themselves," Aric added.
Clara immediately stood up and walked towards Aric, extending her hand. Aric, taken aback, asked, "Why?"
"Come on. I'll take you for a walk around here. Maybe it'll help calm you down a bit," Clara replied.
Aric hesitated, thinking about the complexities of time travel. One wrong step or word could change the original timeline.
"Don't worry. The system has run simulations. If your actions might affect the original timeline, it will give a warning," C99 interjected.
"Really?!" Aric was surprised at the system's advanced capabilities.
"This system isn't something you can comprehend, Aric. Trust it," C99 responded. "Plus, if a thing was meant to happen, fate would still make it happen."
Aric understood that the Novas System and C99 were not from Earth or even the Milky Way Galaxy. They were far more intelligent and extraordinary. Deciding not to overthink it, Aric chose to accept Clara's invitation. "Alright, I—"
"Gruuuu~" Suddenly, Aric's stomach growled loudly. He hadn't eaten for several days, and the recent battle had left him exhausted and very hungry.
Clara couldn't hold back her laughter, tears welling up in her eyes. She quickly took out a food bag she had brought and handed Aric some food. "Eat up. Fill your stomach first before we go for a walk."
Aric scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. Without waiting, he took the sandwich Clara offered. As soon as he took the first bite, his expression changed.
"This is delicious!" Aric exclaimed, eating quickly not just because he was hungry but because the sandwich was incredibly tasty.
Clara blushed, watching Aric eat eagerly and praise the food. "That good? I'm glad."
Aric nodded enthusiastically. "Really. Did you make this?"
Clara's face turned even redder. She nodded shyly.
"You must be good at cooking other foods too, right? This sandwich is already so delicious."
Aric's compliment made both of them laugh. He continued enjoying all the dishes Clara had prepared, their laughter and shared moment lightening the heavy atmosphere.
"Ready?" Clara asked.
"Ready. But can I do some exercises first? My body feels stiff after being unconscious for a few days," Aric replied.
"Oh? What do you want to do? I can join you," Clara said cheerfully. "Besides, I can make sure we avoid dangerous monster areas."
Aric smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."
"Don't forget, today it's three times the usual," C99 interjected.
"Three times?"
"You were unconscious for two days, plus today. So, a total of three days, genius," C99 mocked.
Aric quickly opened his panel, and his eyes widened as he read his daily mission.
.
[DAILY MISSION]
Push-ups: 1000 x 3
Sit-ups: 1000 x 3
Weightlifting: 1000 kg x 3
Running: 50 km x 3
(EXP reward: 300 EXP. Punishment will be given if failed)
.
Clara noticed Aric's reaction and asked, "Why? Did you change your mind?"
"Yes. I changed my mind," Aric said with a chuckle. "It's going to be three times the usual. Are you sure you want to join?"
Clara nodded, excited by the challenge. "I like a good challenge. Besides, this way, I can get to know you better."
Coming from a military family, Clara had been trained with intense physical exercises from a young age. With the rise of the Novas, her training had only become more rigorous.
As a result, she often found it difficult to make friends, as her peers saw her more as a rival. The only close relationships she had were with her brother and cousin.
"If that's the case, let's get started. It's still early, so maybe we can finish everything before noon," Aric said.
Aric mentioned that he planned to run 150 km. He thought Clara would be surprised, but she revealed that it was also part of her daily routine due to her electrokinesis power.
She could create pathways of ionized air or electromagnetic fields to travel through, effectively 'sliding' along these paths at high speeds. Aric was impressed by Clara's ability. Meanwhile, Aric was struggling to finish the run. It was still too much for him.
When Aric used his 'scan' on Clara, he could only see her name, power, grade, and level. Everything else was marked with [???].
According to C99, Clara's power and strength in 3023 might far surpass Aric's. That was the reason why Aric could not use 'scan' on her.
For the weightlifting training, Aric didn't need to lift a one-ton object all at once. He just needed to accumulate the lifted weight to three tons for today.
For example, lifting a one-kilogram object three thousand times. Clara had no problem following Aric's training and was happy to have a friend to chat with while working out.
"C99, I forgot to ask. What's the reward for the secret mission the other day? Escaping from the four masked individuals," Aric asked while doing sit-ups, with Clara counting his repetitions.
"You can see it. It is still waiting for you to redeem. Open your panel."
Aric quickly did as instructed. his heart pounding with anticipation. He worried Clara might misunderstand his sudden change in expression.
.
[SECRET MISSION REWARDS]
.
1. 6500 EXP.
2. Maximum attributes for the level after the addition of EXP from [1].
3. 1000 Free Attribute Points.
.
[Redeem reward (YES/NO)]
.
Without hesitation, Aric mentally selected [YES]. As soon as the notification cleared, he opened his status panel, and what he saw left him astounded.
.
[STATUS]
[Name] Aric Valen
[Species] Human
[Power] Mimicrion
[Grade] S*
[Level] 10
[HP] 75000/75000
[EP] 75000/75000
[Attributes] Strength - 1500, Endurance - 1500, Agility - 1500, Vitality - 1500, Intelligence - 1500
[Free Attribute Points] 1000
[Cumulative EXP] 7300
.
"C99..." Aric called out, still processing the information.
"What is it?" C99 responded.
"I think I'm really overpowered this time," Aric said, his voice tinged with awe.
"Overpowered? You're lucky the system rewarded you like this. Otherwise, achieving such high attributes would be impossible," C99 lectured.
"You mean there's a limit to how many points my attributes can have?" Aric asked, thinking aloud.
"So, if I reach Level 100 with maximum attribute points, all my attributes will be at 15,000?"
C99 sighed, a mix of exasperation and relief. Aric's intelligence had improved. "Yes, but that's because you have an S* power grade, and only if you can achieve that."
"For others, like Elis with an S power grade, when she reached Level 100, the maximum attribute points cap at 10,000. However, reaching that maximum is extremely challenging," C99 continued, her tone becoming more serious, "Including you, Aric."
Aric fell silent, contemplating C99's words. Since receiving his new attributes, Clara had been observing him curiously, noting his sudden increase in strength and more defined physique.
Meanwhile, Aric was deep in thought about C99's explanation.
"If I don't reach maximum attributes, I'll only be on par with those with an SSS power grade or lower. Now I understand why power grades exist," Aric mused before adding, "And not every higher power grade wielder will be able to reach the pinnacle."
If Aric could see C99, he would have seen her smiling. She felt relieved that Aric was now smarter and on the right path to becoming the true heir of the Galactic Conqueror.
"Exactly. But that's not all. There are many other powers in the Universe that allow individuals with lower power grades to close the gap," C99 added.
"What powers are you talking about?" Aric asked eagerly, his determination to become the strongest on Earth and avenge Ryan driving him forward. "Can I learn them?"
"One of them is called Astral," replied C99. "And you can learn them."
"Astral..." Aric tried to recall if he had ever read about it.
"Enough. Don't overthink it. This is the first time you've heard of it. I will teach you over the next three years. How much you can absorb depends on your ability," said C99.
As soon as C99 finished speaking, Clara interrupted, "That's enough. Three thousand times! You're amazing, Aric. Not even tired."
Aric blushed. After receiving the rewards earlier, he felt an extraordinary strength coursing through his body. C99 had also finished transferring the information about the attribute limits for all power grades at every ten levels.
According to Aric's calculations, with his current attributes, he had no problem defeating anyone with a grade D power at Level 50. However, C99's voice immediately brought him back to reality.
"Remember, there are other powers you need to consider, like Astral. There's also bloodline power. All these can be critical factors in every battle, Aric," C99 reminded him.
"Those who master Astral at the highest level, even with grade D power, can surpass you, Aric. Not everyone relies solely on their superpowers," C99 added.
Aric nodded slowly, taking in her words.
"Huh? You're daydreaming again, Aric. Are you okay?" teased Clara.
Startled, Aric immediately replied with a laugh, "Hahaha! I'm okay. Sorry, I was just remembering something."
Clara chuckled. "No problem. Let's go!"
Clara walked alongside Aric, trying to get to know him better. Aric was her first friend who was almost her age, so she didn't want to miss this opportunity.
After about thirty minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the entrance to Tongass Forest, guarded by several Zenith officers. Based on the yellow emblem on their uniforms, they were Zenith Captains.
What caught Aric's attention was their uniforms. They were the classic style he had read about in history books. About fifty meters from the Zenith officers on duty, C99 asked Aric to buy time for about five minutes.
"What are you going to do?" Aric asked as he was curious.
"I need to register you as a resident of the Republic of Sienna in the year 2073. They'll scan your right eye for identification," C99 explained.
Aric broke out in a cold sweat at her words. "How am I going to pass that?"
"Don't worry. Your right eye is my eye. I've already accessed the database and registered you. Technology in this era is child's play for me," C99 replied with confidence.
Aric walked slowly towards the exit path guarded by Zenith officers, his nerves on edge.
"Young Mistress!" The Zenith officers saluted Clara.
Aric was taken aback. "Young Mistress?"
"I'll explain later," Clara said with a wink before turning back to the Zenith officers. "Drop the formality," Clara ordered politely.
"How was your day, Clara?" asked one of the Zenith Captains on duty.
Clara gave a thumbs up and said, "Everything is fine, Roberto. I want to go home."
Aric noted the captain's name, 'Roberto,' sewn onto his uniform and from the conversation. From Roberto's physique and demeanor, Aric guessed he was only about twenty years old and already a captain.
Aric didn't use his 'scan' ability because it would cause a soft light to appear on his right eye, which might arouse suspicion. But he could tell from Roberto's expression that he had feelings for Clara.
"Wow. Your intelligence has increased, Aric," teased C99.
Aric just smiled and didn't reply. He was ready for the drama he anticipated when Roberto seeing him with Clara.
Roberto turned his gaze to Aric. The sweetness he showed Clara was gone. "Who are you? I don't remember you entering here."
"Good luck!" said C99. If Aric could see her, she would be rolling with laughter right now.
"He has been here for three days. He came in when you were not on duty," Clara said, stepping in to protect Aric.
Seeing Clara answering for Aric made Roberto even more uncomfortable. "Oh. Is he mute? Can't he speak for himself?"
Roberto called over one of the Zenith officers at the guard post. "Get the security camera footage. Let's see if this mute guy entered here or if our Young Mistress has been deceived by a monster in disguise."
"Roberto!" Clara shouted, her voice trembling with urgency. But Aric quickly stopped her. "Let him. He wants to embarrass himself," Aric said sarcastically, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Oh, so he can speak." Roberto's gaze fixed on Aric, and he released his aura. Unfazed, Aric immediately used 'scan.'
.
[STATUS]
[Name] Roberto Carlito
[Species] Human
[Power] Hardened Skin
[Grade] S
[Level] 31
[HP] 140000/140000
[EP] 50000/50000
[Attributes] Strength - 2800, Endurance - 2750, Agility - 2800, Vitality - 2800, Intelligence - 1000
.
"Wait, I can scan him? Does this mean..."
"Yes. But you're not a match for him in this timeline, Aric," C99 warned, her voice tinged with concern.
Aric understood the power grades and the maximum attributes that could be reached. For someone with an S power grade at Level 30, the maximum was 3,000.
Roberto's attributes were all close to this limit, except for Intelligence. C99 had explained that increasing Intelligence was challenging for anyone without a power like David's or a system owner.
Seeing Roberto's near-perfect attributes, Aric realized he was no ordinary individual.
"Did you use your power? Why don't I feel anything?" Roberto sneered. "Oh, maybe your power is trash grade?"
Laughter erupted from Roberto and the other Zenith officers. If Aric still had Elis' aerokinesis power, he wouldn't hesitate to use the Power Booster, but that would lead to bigger problems. Attacking Zenith officers without cause would break the law and potentially disrupt the timeline.
"Roberto! Why are you picking on him?" Clara scolded. Until now, she had thought Roberto was one of the good ones. Today, his demeanor was vastly different.
Before Roberto could respond, an officer approached them. "Captain Roberto, this is the footage from the other day."
The officer displayed the recording on a device. "Play it," Roberto ordered.
Everyone watched the footage. Aric smiled with satisfaction while Clara was confused. 'Didn't he come from the teleportation portal?' The question echoed in Clara's mind.