Liam continued to admire Ray's presence, feeling a growing bond with his newly acquired system. It felt less like a tool and more like a companion, sharing his ambitions and quirks. Ray's voice held a note of pride, fueling Liam's curiosity.
"You really do have my inner personality," Liam smirked, sensing Ray's pride.
Ray chuckled, responding in a tone both playful and serious. "[What do you think the main World system is? A joke?]"
"Alright, alright," Liam said, smiling. "So, besides the obvious, do you have anything new to show me?"
Ray paused thoughtfully before replying. "[Didn't you already gather information about the world's skill and magic system?]"
"Yeah, I did," Liam nodded. "But I'm curious if there's something unique to our system—something I haven't come across yet."
"[Nothing beyond the basics for now, but don't forget,]" Ray said with a hint of pride, "[I'm the only system with seven skill routes.]"
"Seven skill routes… That's where sub-skills can emerge, right? As long as certain conditions are met?" Liam asked, his curiosity piqued.
"[Exactly,]" Ray confirmed. "[Each route is like a pathway, with skills branching out only if you unlock specific thresholds. It makes me unique compared to other systems.]"
"Fascinating…" Liam muttered, already imagining the possibilities. "But enough about the details for now. Should we continue toward the capital, or should I find a spot to train and level up?"
"[Heading to the capital could take some time,]" Ray considered. "[But there's a quicker path if you cut through the forest. It's more dangerous, though.]"
The decision didn't take Liam long. "Alright, then. The forest it is."
With that, he ventured toward the shadowed edge of the forest, where the vibrant light of the meadow gradually dimmed, swallowed by the dense canopy overhead. The air grew heavy and damp, filled with the rich scent of moss, decaying leaves, and ancient earth. Every step seemed to echo in the quiet, broken only by the occasional rustling of unseen creatures in the underbrush.
"Huh, it's kind of like entering a different world," Liam said, feeling a strange sense of nostalgia as he stepped deeper into the shaded landscape.
"[This might not be the best place to get sentimental,]" Ray replied dryly.
"Fine, fine," Liam chuckled, letting the nostalgia fade as he sharpened his focus. "Oh, by the way, could you show me my updated profile? I'm curious about the changes now that you're integrated."
Without hesitation, Ray conjured the profile for him.
---
Profile II
Aamon (Liam Hemsworth)
Level: 1
System Type: Sinful System [Tier 2]
Health: 100
Strength: 370
Agility: 170
Defense: 190
Dexterity: 15
Luck: 55% (45% + 10%)
[Possessed Skills]
1. Divine Shield
Active Skill: Barrier Creation
Passive Skill: Barrier Manipulation
Passive Ability: Retribution
2. Auto Counter
Passive Ability: Focus
Passive Ability: Counter
3. Empowerment
Passive Ability: Glass Cannon
Passive Ability: Time Disruption
Passive Ability: Stampede
4. Brew of Forbidden Arts
Passive Ability: Life Exchange
Passive Ability: Forbidden Arts
5. Mark
Passive Ability: Normal Mark
Passive Ability: Soul Mark
Passive Ability: Blood Mark
Passive Ability: Endless Variety
[Inherited Skills]
Mind Palace
True Light
[Blessing]
Blessing of Divine Shield
Fruit of Knowledge II
[Title]
Overworlder
Curse Lord
---
Liam's eyes scanned the profile with satisfaction. "Impressive work, Ray. But I can't help but notice a few changes."
"[Ah, you picked up on that,]" Ray replied smoothly. "[Evolution isn't always straightforward. As the system evolves, some skills adapt to better suit you while others become refined or replaced.]"
"Interesting… So, evolution isn't just an upgrade but a realignment," Liam mused. "And I see my dexterity's gone up, too."
"[You already know why,]" Ray hinted.
Liam grinned knowingly. "Right. With you around, I'm bound to improve faster."
Their conversation was interrupted as Liam sensed movement nearby. His Focus ability picked up on a group of figures lurking behind the trees, their towering shapes partially obscured by the shadows.
"What are we dealing with?" he murmured, narrowing his eyes as he tried to get a closer look.
"[Looks like orcs. Big ones,]" Ray replied, his tone turning serious. "[They're slower than those dark wolves you fought, but brute strength is where they excel.]"
"Perfect," Liam muttered, suppressing a smile. "Good thing Divine Shield is tough against physical attacks."
With a thought, he activated Divine Shield and added the Stealth attribute, creeping closer to the orcs. He moved like a shadow, observing the creatures as they clumsily swatted at tree branches, seemingly playing in the most primitive manner.
"Hideous creatures, aren't they?" he whispered, keeping his voice low.
"[They're monsters. Looks don't matter to them,]" Ray replied. "[But if you're itching to take them on, you'll get a good gauge of Divine Shield's durability here.]"
"Let's test it, then."
Liam dismissed Stealth, revealing himself in the dim light. The orcs, sensing a newcomer, turned with guttural growls, stomping forward with heavy, clumsy steps. Each movement betrayed their lack of finesse, but the sheer weight behind each step told Liam they would be a handful in close combat.
One of the orcs lunged forward, swinging a massive fist toward him. Liam held his ground, letting the Divine Shield absorb the impact with a satisfying, resounding clash. More orcs joined in, their combined blows hammering against the shield, their savage growls filling the air.
"Not too bright, are they?" Liam muttered, watching as the shield held firm against their attacks.
"[They're just brawn without brains,]" Ray commented. "[But be careful—enough blunt force could crack your shield eventually.]"
The orcs showed no signs of stopping, and soon enough, faint cracks began to spiderweb across the Divine Shield's surface. Sensing the danger, Ray spoke up.
"[Use Retribution now, or it may be too late.]"
Without hesitation, Liam murmured, "[Retribution]," unleashing the stored damage in a single, devastating burst. An invisible force slammed into the orcs, sending them reeling backward with bruises and gashes across their bodies. The force of their own attacks had been turned against them, and the sight of their battered forms brought a smirk to Liam's face.
"Not bad," he murmured, admiring the devastation.
"[Complimenting yourself, or the orcs?]" Ray asked with a hint of amusement.
"A bit of both," Liam admitted, catching sight of his rack-shaped Divine Shield floating toward him. "Oh, right—my loot delivery."
"[Your 'package' has been waiting since you entered the forest,]" Ray teased.
Liam chuckled. "I almost forgot! I can store these items with Avarice, right?"
"[Absolutely,]" Ray replied.
Liam activated Greed, and a black mist materialized, enveloping the shield as it dissolved into the air. After a moment, the mist faded, leaving nothing behind.
"Impressive," Liam muttered, marveling at the sheer power of the skill. "Every bit of this system is powerful."
"[You haven't even scratched the surface yet,]" Ray replied with a hint of satisfaction. "[Every skill, every route, every encounter—all of it will shape you into something beyond even your own imagination.]"
With that thought in mind, Liam moved deeper into the forest, feeling the pulse of his system thrumming within him, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Each step forward seemed to carry him closer to his destiny, and with Ray by his side, he felt unstoppable.