After all the realizations and internal debates, I finally managed to get some sleep. The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly more grounded but still overwhelmed by everything.
As I stretched and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, a familiar ding echoed in my mind. A message from the system popped up in front of me, glowing with an unusual intensity.
Hm? What is it?
[After analyzing every possible scenario for you dealing with your mission, the probability of your success is currently at 1%.]
I stared blankly at the screen, blinking in disbelief.
One percent? What the hell do you mean it's only one percent?!
I reread the message, but it didn't change.
Analyzing all the scenarios and still giving me only a one percent survival rate? What kind of stupid shit is this?!
I started pacing the room, trying to make sense of it.
I've read the whole book, cover to cover. I know every twist, every turn, every hidden plot point. And you're telling me that with all that knowledge, my chances are still just one percent?
I punched the wall in frustration. "I mean, sure, the Demon King is strong, and yeah, my classmates are stacked against me. But one percent? Really?!"
I threw myself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
Okay, let's break this down. It's me against twenty-three students, each with their own unique powers and abilities. And they've got the main character and his team on their side, the guy who's practically a demigod with all his plot armor and protagonist perks.
I sat up, rubbing my temples. So, it's understandable why the odds are against me. But still, one percent? That's like saying there's a chance, but not really.
I stood up again, kicking the bed in frustration.
And what do they mean by 'analyzing every possible scenario'? Are they factoring in my current skills and abilities? Or are they just looking at the big picture, where I'm supposed to take on all my classmates and the main character head-on?
I glanced at the screen again, the glowing message taunting me.
Alright, so let's say they're taking everything into account. My current skills, my demonic energy capacity, my knowledge of the novel... Even with all that, they're saying it's almost impossible for me to succeed?
I gritted my teeth, feeling the frustration boil over.
"Screw you! I don't believe it! You think I can't do this? To hell with that!"
I stared at the screen, fists clenched tightly.
I'm not just some side character in their story. I've got my own strengths, my own abilities. Sure, it's tough, but it's not impossible. I've been training, learning, and growing stronger every day. There's no way it's just a one percent chance!
I slammed my fist against the wall again, harder this time.
"I refuse to accept that. I'm going to prove them wrong. I'll find a way to beat the odds, no matter what it takes."
Just as I was about to vent my frustration further, another message appeared:
[To address this imbalance and increase your chances of survival, you have been granted a special reward.]
Ohhh a reward?! My ears perked up, and my anger vanished in an instant.
I looked at the screen again, suddenly all friendly and forgetting all the taunts from before.
"You know, now that I think about it, a little help would be nice. Yeah, definitely better to have some backup." I shamelessly reasoned with myself.
With a wide grin, I tried to hug the screen panel, but it automatically floated away from my reach. I stumbled forward, reaching out desperately.
Come on, don't be shy! Just a little hug...
The screen continued to move away, keeping just out of reach. I lunged for it one last time, losing my balance and crashing to the floor. I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, before coughing lightly and sitting up.
"So, what is the reward?"
[Never mind. I gave you a chance, but suffering might suit you better.]
My face changed completely, and panic set in. I scrambled to my knees, kowtowing furiously.
"NOOOOO!! Please, I was kidding! You know you're my favorite system! I'm nothing without you!"
I bowed so low my forehead hit the floor.
"I'm begging you! I need this reward. I'll be toast without it!"
The screen stayed silent for a moment, as if pondering my plea. I continued my frantic kowtowing, praying it would change its mind.
[Since the great me is benevolent and generous, I'll forgive you this time. But watch your tongue, or next time you'll get nothing.]
I plastered a fake smile on my face. "Sure, sure, I wouldn't dream of it."
Benevolent my ass!
[Actually, on second thought, suffering might be more amusing.]
"What?! No, please! I take it all back! You're the most magnificent, generous system in the universe! I need that reward!" I begged, my voice edging on desperation.
The screen flickered as if considering my words. I kept groveling, practically on the verge of tears.
After what felt like an eternity, the system finally relented.
[Alright, fine. Here's your lifeline.]
[Ding! You have received a Unique Trait: Accelerated Growth-5x]
I blinked at the screen, trying to process what just happened.
"Accelerated Growth-5x?" I muttered to myself.
The system, perhaps sensing my confusion, provided a detailed description.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
[Unique Trait: Accelerated Growth-5x]
[Description: This trait multiplies the speed at which you learn and master by five times. This includes physical training, magical skills, strategic thinking, and more. You will gain experience and improve at an accelerated rate, allowing you to become proficient in new abilities much faster than usual.]
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
I stared at the screen, trying to wrap my head around what I just got. "Accelerated Growth-5x? This... this is incredible!"
HA...
HAA...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I couldn't contain my wicked laughter as it echoed through the room. Covering my face with my palm, I felt like a maniacal genius plotting his grand scheme. My eyes turned into crescent shapes as a wide grin spread across my face.
"This is f*cking awesome! What a lifesaver! This is a seriously broken ability!"
I continued to laugh, feeling a rush of exhilaration.
"Now whatever initial plans I had can be put forward on steroids!"
I threw myself onto the bed, bouncing up and down like a kid on too much sugar.
"Do you realize what this means? I can catch up! There's actually hope to compete with the main character and his team!"
I rolled off the bed and stood up, my mind racing with possibilities.
"With this, I can train faster, learn new skills quicker, and become stronger at a ridiculous speed!"
I felt like a mad scientist who just discovered the formula for unlimited power.
One percent chance? Ha! I'll turn those odds so far around, they'll be doing backflips.
I stopped my celebratory dance and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
"Alright, Noah, focus. You need a plan. A solid, kickass plan."
This is my chance. My golden opportunity. I can't waste it.
I opened my skill panel again, reviewing everything I had. "I need to prioritize. What skills should I focus on first?"
I tapped on [Hellfire Burst], reading its description again.
"This one's good for offense, but I need to balance it with defense and agility."
I grabbed a notebook and started jotting down my thoughts.
"Enhanced Agility and Stealth will be crucial. I need to move quickly and avoid unnecessary fights. Demonic Regeneration will help me recover faster, which means more training time."
I made a mental note of my priorities, formulating a training schedule in my head. "I'll start with agility drills, then work on my fireball accuracy. After that, I'll focus on stealth exercises and endurance training." I nodded to myself, satisfied with the plan.
With that, I closed the panel and stepped out of my room.
The road ahead was tough, but I felt more prepared than ever. I was ready to take on the challenges and rewrite my destiny.
The journey to becoming the strongest demon prince had officially begun.