Yun's voice was laced with disgust, "What bullshit is this? This is why I feel so uncomfortable. It's not a beneficial inner energy, it's more like a curse. Its name is so grand, but it's utter trash. I don't want it."
The words spilled out of his mouth like venom, as he gazed at the energy within him with contempt. The sensation was akin to a festering wound, a constant reminder of its presence. Yun's mind raced with thoughts of rejection, his instincts screaming to expel this unwanted force from his being.
"How could something so supposedly powerful feel so vile?" he wondered, his thoughts a jumbled mix of frustration and revulsion. The name of this energy, once touted as a blessing, now seemed like a cruel joke.
[ Congratulation! Host for becoming the Earth's Guardian you get a new skill as a reward. ]
[ Skill Name: Lifespan Extension Breathing Technique
Description: By mastering this ancient breathing technique, you can increase your lifespan. By practicing this breathing technique your lifespan or vitality will increase by 2 times. For example if you practice for 1 second you will get a lifespan of 2 seconds.
Beware: moving from your place during practice will negate the effects.
Prerequisites: None
Cooldown: None
Limitations:
1. Must remain stationary during practice.
2. Cannot be used in combat or while under attack.
Maximum lifespan gain: 10000 Years.
Additional Effects:
1. Increased vitality and energy.
2. Enhanced mental clarity and focus.
3. Improved overall well-being.
Risks:
1. Prolonged practice can lead to muscle atrophy and decreased physical strength.
2. Excessive use may cause mental fatigue and decreased cognitive function. ]
He pondered for a moment before his thoughts shifted to the skill the system had offered. "Hmmm...this skill does seem somewhat useful," he admitted. "But why didn't I receive any vitality potions as a reward this time?"
Yun's question hung in the air as he waited for the system's response. Instead, he was met with a prompt:
[ Do you want to learn this skill? ]
Yun's brow furrowed in confusion. "Eh? I need to learn this skill, but why are you asking me now? You never asked me this question when giving me other skills before."
The system's response was curt: [ Y/N. ]
Yun's hesitation was brief. "Yes," he replied, expecting the skill to be his.
But the system's next message left him stunned: [ Failed! ]
Yun's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean I failed? I thought I was supposed to learn the skill!" He glared at the system's message, his mind racing with questions. What had just happened? And why was the system being so cryptic?
[ Skill: Lifespan Extension Breathing Technique can not be learn.
Condition to Learn this skill: you need to spend 10000 years on earth as a guardian without leaving the earth. ]
Yun's voice was laced with frustration as he addressed the system. "System, what are you trying to say? You could have mentioned this in the skill description itself. Now, you're just being vague and annoying!"
The system's response was dismissive. [ It is what it is. ]
Yun's exasperation grew. "Ugh, you're getting annoying! Wait a minute...to learn this skill, I have to live on earth for 10,000 years? But let me calculate...my lifespan is not even that much. I'm currently 1,734 years old, and I've consumed vitality potions worth +5,692 years till now. That means my remaining lifespan is only 3,958 years."
Yun's eyes widened as he realized the enormity of the requirement. "How am I supposed to learn this skill if I don't even have enough time left in my lifespan? This is ridiculous!"
The system remained silent, offering no solution or compromise. Yun's frustration turned to despair as he gazed at the system's unyielding message. "Failed" seemed to mock him, a constant reminder of his mortality and the impossibility of achieving his goal.
Yun's inquiry hung in the air, "System, will I receive vitality potions as rewards in the future as well?"
The system's response was curt. [ There is a limit to everything. From now on, you will no longer receive vitality potions. However, you have acquired a technique to increase your lifespan. ]
Yun's eyes narrowed, "System, don't pretend ignorance. Is there no alternative?"
The system's reply was enigmatic. [ Yes, there is one. ]
Yun's curiosity piqued, "What is it?"
The system's response was unexpected. [ Don't learn this breathing technique. ]
Yun's expression turned incredulous, "....System, the issue isn't whether I can learn this technique or not, but my dwindling lifespan! I must venture into the universe, and heaven knows how long that will take."
As Yun's words trailed off, the weight of his predicament settled in. The system's cryptic messages and the burden of his own mortality loomed before him like an insurmountable obstacle. The vast expanse of the universe beckoned, a daunting journey ahead, with the clock ticking away on his limited lifespan.
Yun's desperation echoed through the void, "Is there no other way to increase my lifespan?"
The system's response was stark. [ ...Sacrifice your abilities. ]
Yun's confusion was palpable, "???"
The system elaborated. [ This means you can gain lifespan in exchange for your abilities. However, the exchange rate will be steep. ]
Yun's anxiety grew, "How much can it be?"
The system's reply was chilling. [ Three abilities are required for a lifespan of just one day. ]
Yun's mind reeled as the weight of the system's words sank in. The cost was exorbitant, three precious abilities for a mere day of existence. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but wonder if the price was too high to pay.
Yun's voice trembled as he asked the system, "Calculate how many abilities are required for a lifespan of 10,000 years."
The system's response was staggering. [ 10,950,000 abilities. ]
Yun's eyes widened in disbelief, "Ok... How many abilities have I copied so far?"
The system's reply was astonishing. [ 11,001,050 abilities. ]
Yun's jaw dropped, "Are you kidding me?! You want to take away almost all of my abilities?! I have plenty of time, I'll find another way. And if I don't, then I'll exchange the abilities."
But the system's response was unforgiving. [ You can't. This offer is only valid now, and you'll never be able to exchange lifespan for abilities again. ]
Yun's heart sank, realizing the gravity of the situation. The system's offer was a cruel ultimatum: surrender almost all his abilities or forfeit the chance to extend his lifespan. The weight of the decision crushed him, and he knew he had to find an alternative - or risk losing everything.
Yun was trying to say something, "Then I... "
But Yun's thoughts were interrupted by the system's sudden announcement. [ One more thing, Yun. As the guardian of Earth, you will no longer be able to copy abilities from any living being on this planet. This includes abilities that are different from the ones you've already copied. ]
Yun's eyes widened in shock as the system continued. [ Time left for the offer to expire: 10 seconds. ]
The countdown began, and Yun's mind raced, "9s...6s... Oh! So it's a trap! You got me good this time, system. It seems I have no choice."
With only seconds left, Yun reluctantly accepted defeat, "I accept defeat. Do whatever you want."
The system's response was swift. [ 10,950,000 abilities exchanged for 10,000 years of lifespan. ]
Yun's frustration boiled over, "...You are mean, system!"
The system's reply was laced with sarcasm. [ It's for your own good. ^_^ ]
Yun's eyes narrowed, realizing the system's true intentions. He had been outmaneuvered, and his abilities had been sacrificed for a mere extension of his lifespan. The bitter taste of defeat lingered, but Yun knew he had to move forward, determined to find a way to reclaim his lost abilities and outsmart the system once again.
Yun let out a deep sigh, "System, use the Self Future Prediction Voucher."
The system responded. [ The Self Future Prediction Voucher is being used. ]
Five seconds passed, and the system asked. [ What did you see this time? ]
Yun's eyes were wide with wonder, "I-I saw a vast universe, and I was like a guardian standing outside a planet, governing it. I could feel everything on that planet - the mountains, rivers, creatures. It was as if I had been given permission to do anything I wanted, whether it was to create destruction or change the entire world order."
He paused, trying to process the vision, "But that planet didn't seem like Earth. It was completely different. Before I could see anything else, time ran out."
Yun's mind raced with questions, "What did this vision mean? Was it a glimpse of my future? And what was that mysterious planet?" The uncertainty only added to his determination to uncover the truth.
The system announced. [ Looks like your path and destiny have been decided. ]
Yun nodded in resignation, "Yeah, it seems so."
Then, he instructed the system, "Use the Merger Voucher on the Guardian Orb, Chaos Energy, and Lifespan Extension Breathing Technique."
The system questioned. [ Host, why did you choose the Lifespan Extension Breathing Technique? You'll have to wait 10,000 years to use this skill. ]
Yun's response was optimistic, "Anything can happen with the Merger Voucher, right? Who knows, this limitation might also be removed."
The system complied. [ As you wish. Merger Voucher is being used. It will take 10 minutes. ]
Ten minutes passed, and the system reported. [ Host, there have been changes in all three items selected after using the merger voucher. ]
Yun's curiosity was piqued, wondering what transformations had occurred. Had the merger voucher truly removed the limitations, or had it introduced new possibilities? The uncertainty only added to his excitement, as he eagerly awaited the reveal.
[ 1. Since the level of Guardian Orb is already high, there is no change in it, but the following changes have been made in its additional skill Planetary Protector Clone.
Skill Name: Planetary Protector Clone
Description: As the guardian of the Earth, you can create a powerful clone of yourself that will protect the planet in your absence. This clone will serve as a formidable safeguard, ensuring the Earth's safety and security while you are away.
Activation Condition: To activate this skill, you must be leaving the Earth for a period of time, but you can return at any time without penalty.
Clone Characteristics:
1. The clone's energy level will be equal to yours, allowing it to perform at full strength.
2. The clone will have access to all of your abilities, including any upgrades or enhancements.
3. The clone will be able to protect the Earth for an indefinite period, as long as you are away.
4. If you return to the Earth, the clone will remain active and continue to protect the planet, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Time Limit: None.
Purpose: This skill allows you to ensure the Earth's protection while you are away, providing a powerful and reliable guardian that will defend the planet against any threats.
Strategy: Use this skill to explore the universe, complete quests, or take on other challenges without worrying about the Earth's safety. With this skill, you can have peace of mind knowing that the Earth is protected, even when you're not there to defend it yourself.
Additional Benefits:
1. Energy Sharing: The clone will be able to share energy with you, allowing you to replenish your own energy reserves if needed.
2. Telepathic Connection: The clone will be able to maintain a telepathic connection with you, allowing for seamless communication, coordination and keeping you informed of any developments on the Earth.
3. Autonomous Decision-Making: The clone will be able to make decisions autonomously, allowing it to respond quickly and effectively to threats without needing your direct input.
4. Earth Shielding: If the shield created by you shattered or destroyed the clone will be able to generate a powerful shield around the Earth in your absence, protecting earth from harm and preventing damage.
5. Threat Detection: The clone will be able to detect and alert you to potential threats to the Earth, allowing you to take action before they become a problem.
Caution: If any external force attacks the earth in your absence, the clone will protect the earth. But when you return, it will not participate in the war with you and fight the enemy. ]