In particular, a chocolate bar with an inviting and tempting appearance seems to be calling me, while my stomach growls insistently.
The chocolate feels like a distant luxury, a small treat I can't afford right now.
Unfortunately, I can't afford anything, even if I had my wallet, because it seems that a digital currency called Aethys is used here.
The advanced technology of this world has surprised me: transactions are made through digital devices, and there is no sign of physical currency.
"I'd better leave now," I think to myself. "If I stay here, I might do something foolish due to my growing hunger." I don't want to compromise my integrity and end up in jail for the madness of stealing from a store, so I decide to walk away.
At least I managed to gather important information by listening to people's conversations on the street and observing the news on some building displays.
I discovered that this world is called Aethraxis, which is where the global currency gets its name.
In Aethraxis, there are individuals with supernatural powers known as Aetherians. These individuals have received special gifts from the world, and some cities revere them as deities.
Their powers vary greatly, from elemental abilities to manipulating time and space.
I am currently in the city of Thaloria, a large urban center that can be compared to some of the most expansive metropolises on Earth in terms of surface area.
Thaloria is a vibrant city with crowded streets, lively markets, and towering skyscrapers.
Thaloria is protected by a Grade S hero. While they may not seem comparable to comic book or anime heroes, the power classification in this world is extremely strict: to become a Grade S hero, one must possess enough strength to destroy an entire city alone.
These heroes can be compared to walking atomic bombs and are indeed considered natural disasters capable of changing the course of events.
[Name: Orion Lennox (17)]
[Role: Loser lv. 10 (Max)]
[Vitality: 9]
[Strength: 7]
[Agility: 7]
[Intellect: 11]
[Fortune: 31]
[Perception: 10]
[Stat Points: 20]
[Traits: Blessed by Fortune]
I opened the status interface and noticed that some information had changed.
My fortune has increased to 31, and the traits section, which was previously empty, has been updated to "Blessed by Fortune."
I still have 20 stat points available and, if used wisely, I can increase one of the two available stats: intellect or perception beyond its limit.
After a moment of reflection, I decided which stat would be best to enhance.
"Add 19 points to intellect."
[Intellect has increased to 30]
I chose to boost intellect because, in my current situation, heightened senses wouldn't be particularly useful.
In many cases, the ability to think logically and strategically makes the difference between life and death.
A sharp and calm mind increases the chances of success, especially when it is necessary to assess every decision with cold precision and choose the path that ensures the best possible outcome.
[Intellect has reached its human limit, and you have unlocked the new trait: Calculating.]
After a few hours, Orion's body begins to move, and his eyelids slowly open.
"Am I... alive?"
I check my body and find no signs of changes or injuries, only a strange sensation that something inside me has disappeared.
"Let's see the effects of the new trait." I try to set aside the unsettling feeling, as it's not helpful right now.
[Trait: Calculating]
[Effect: You are able to compute and analyze any information as if it were stored in a vast mental archive.
This grants you an almost limitless memory, allowing you to create countless scenarios of the future, present, or past based on the data collected.
Your mind can simulate and evaluate various possibilities and consequences, aiding you in making informed and strategic decisions.]
[Commentary: Those who rely on brute force are feared, but those who maneuver the game like a chess master embody an invisible terror. True power lies in the ability to foresee and orchestrate events, rather than in mere physical strength.]