"Hmm? Ten million Vacuous Attribute? Extraordinary? So, can you explain the power system of these Traits to me?"
A blue panel appeared in front of Arov as the system promptly responded.
[Certainly. There are a total of three Main Realms: the Mortal Realm, Divine Court, and finally, the God Domain.]
[The Mortal Realm has various names for their power ranks, but the official operating system categorizes them as follows:
Grandmaster
Master
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze]
[Due to limited knowledge, this power scale is often unknown to inhabitants of planets located on the outskirts of the universe.]
[Next is the Divine Court. At this level, every Trait possessed by an entity will be imbued with divine attributes unique to the Trait. Generally, Traits are categorized by their capabilities, such as:
Myth
Legend
Extraordinary
Epic]
[Each Trait at the Divine Court level is divided into three sub-levels, which are further denoted numerically from 1 to 3.]
[That's all.]
"Hmm, then what about the God Domain?"
[There is no definite information regarding Traits at this level. However, it is certain that only entities surpassing this universe possess them.]
"Wait, then how can I have [Sight Beyond Space-Time] if only beings stronger than the universe can possess it?"
[Think about it yourself. Perhaps this Trait originates from your future self. The probability is very high.]
"…," Arov squinted suspiciously at the system.
He had never been afraid of his secret—that he possessed a system—being revealed. What bothered him was the mystery behind the existence that created this system.
[One more thing. Having a high-tier Trait doesn't necessarily mean someone is strong. However, they are certainly unique existences with distinct characteristics.]
"Hmm? But shouldn't having a high-tier Trait make you stronger?"
[Why don't you use yourself as an example?]
"…" Arov froze momentarily.
It was true. He possessed an extremely high-tier Trait.
And yet, he was weak.
This reasoning felt convincing enough.
The system continued.
[Traits can be enhanced, but currently, I lack information on how to achieve that.]
"Wait, then how did you enhance Traits?"
[As I've mentioned, this ability is merely a bonus. The reason Traits can be upgraded is because of you, Arov.]
Child of Fortune chimed in immediately.
[Child of Fortune: Yep, you're a little special. Vacuous Attribute isn't even a system feature. That mysterious form of energy is something only you possess.]
"I see," Arov muttered as he gazed at the gaping hole in the sky after this conversation.
What's the wisest choice for a protagonist when confronted with a mystery about their own existence?
Some might immediately start running around, striving to become stronger in hopes of uncovering the truth someday.
Others might feel disbelief, attempting to deny it.
But for me?
Let's hunt down the existence toying with my destiny—or the Creator behind this system.
"System, upgrade Abyssal Rift Eye to Extraordinary (1)."
[Command executed.]
[Vacuous Attribute is being consumed…]
10,000,000...
9,000,000...
8,000,000...
Arov stared at the status panel before him, watching as his Vacuous Attribute was slowly drained.
When it finally reached the last million, Arov felt an intense throbbing sensation from his right eye.
The vertical slit bordered by gold and black began an extraordinary transformation.
The vertical line, previously resembling a sharp cut, started closing, morphing into a deep violet pupil that gave the impression of infinite depth.
The crimson surrounding the pupil gradually reverted to pristine white.
The pupil, now appearing as an unfathomable abyss, was adorned with golden star-like specks, enhancing Arov's otherworldly aura even further.
[DING!]
[Congratulations! Your Trait (Abyssal Rift Eye) has evolved into (Voidforge Eternia).]
[Due to special circumstances, the rank of (Voidforge Eternia) has been altered.]
[Voidforge Eternia (Growth-Type)
Type: Trait
Create energy vortexes that radiate endless void energy. Each user discovers unique abilities from this Trait, and these abilities are imprinted as Voidforge Eternia's Skill Effects.
Skill Effects: - ]
[Child of Fortune: Congrats! You're really blessed with good fortune. ✋😐🤚]
"Damn, this is like pulling an SR in a gacha game, only to end up with a surprise UR." Arov was left speechless.
Lately, his luck had been outstanding.
"System, what's the conversion ratio for Vacuous Attribute to stats?"
[The conversion ratio is 1:10. Previously, Child of Fortune used 100,000 Vacuous Attribute points to add 10,000 Luck stats.]
"Hmm, status."
[Arov Quills
Race: Human(?)
Level: 1,695
Titles: Humanity's Hope, Hero, Bearer of Fortune, Demon King, Daylight Slaughterer.
Strength: 8,789 (Title: 150, Buff: 150)
Agility: 8,812 (Title: 150, Buff: 150)
Vitality: 8,784 (Title: 150, Buff: 150)
Dexterity: 8,799 (Title: 150, Buff: 150)
Mana: 8,777 (Title: 150, Buff: 150)
Luck: 10,000 (Title: 350)
Traits: Sight Beyond Space-Time, Child of Fortune, Devil Change, Voidforge Eternia.
Equipment: ...
Vacuous Attribute: 868,442]
With more than 800,000 left, should I enhance my Luck stat further?
While Arov pondered, Child of Fortune quickly interjected.
[Child of Fortune: I wouldn't recommend it. Out there, some entities can absorb and steal their opponent's fortune. Carelessly increasing your Luck stat will only make you their next target.]
"Alright, I'll take your advice," Arov said while forming a gray-edged violet portal in his hand.
"It seems I can now imbue the portal with properties."
Clasping his hands together, he opened them slowly, revealing a small portal imbued with an absorption property.
He placed the portal on the ground.
A faint suction field emerged, slowly pulling in everything within a 5-meter radius.
"If we consider its potential, this Trait truly has vast and limitless growth directions. The only barriers are its energy consumption and the user's imagination."
Without his 8,777 Mana stat, he would've been drained after just a few uses of this portal ability.
Still, this marked incredible progress. With it, I can develop aggressive and flexible strategies.
Arov had a brilliant idea.
He created another portal, this time human-sized, attempting to connect it to a place etched in his memory.
It felt as if his consciousness was drifting, fumbling for the location he had in mind.
Moments later, Arov formed a matching portal on the other side.
Meanwhile, Thaluna, who had been observing Arov from afar, watched him mumbling and shouting to himself like a lunatic.
She stepped through the portal and immediately found herself in the exact location Arov had envisioned.
"Hahaha! Incredible! As expected of a Growth-Type ability, the potential is truly limitless!" Arov shouted from the rooftop of a school building.
He gazed at the cityscape sprawled out before him, a wave of nostalgia washing over.
He had no friends.
Whenever he tried to connect with someone, they would retreat upon learning of his origins.
A life without parents, without family, without anyone by his side.
Memories of scavenging through trash for a scrap of food.
Memories of picking up leftovers discarded by others.
Memories of working tirelessly for meager pay.
Until someone finally offered him help and a place to stay.
It was the grandmother Arov loved dearly.
Before her passing in an accident, she had left a letter as if sensing her impending death.
To this day, Arov carried that letter wherever he went.
Reaching into his pouch, Arov pulled out a piece of worn paper.
He opened another portal, heading toward a steep cliff.
The setting sun bathed Arov in its golden glow, making him appear angelic in the twilight.
"Can you light this for me?" Arov kept his gaze on the distant sunset over the ocean.
Thaluna, who had slipped through the portal using illusion magic, was startled.
"You can see through my illusion now? Not bad for a human," Thaluna snapped her fingers, conjuring a small flame that lit the paper in Arov's hand.
He watched the paper burn one last time before letting it go, the ash drifting away on the ocean breeze.
"Goodbye. Thank you for everything."
A soft light illuminated the paper as it disappeared into the horizon.
---
1315 word, 2 chapter today