"What do you mean it's my ability?" I demanded, my confusion and frustration growing. "I'm an outsider, a foreign entity brought into this world. I shouldn't have any skills or abilities tied to this realm." I pressed for answers, my mind racing with the implications.
[Your spatial manipulation is a rare gift. Is it truly necessary to know its origin?] the system replied, its tone neutral and unhelpful.
"That doesn't answer my question!" I exclaimed, my patience wearing thin. "How did I acquire this ability? What's the connection between me and this skill?" I urged, my anxiety spiking as I realized the potential consequences of possessing such power.
After all I had been summoned by an unknown being (possibly a celestial) for reasons unknown to me. And now I have some bogus power.
That's smells fishy to me.
The system's response was infuriatingly calm. [Do you recall the vast expanse of space you traversed to reach this world?] it asked, as if my previous outburst was of no consequence.
I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Yes, I remember," I replied, my voice still laced with tension.
[During that journey, you unknowingly influenced a fragment of space and time. As your connection to the cosmos grew stronger, your soul evolved, and you inadvertently acquired the ability to manipulate space.] The system's explanation was matter-of-fact, but it only sparked more questions.
"So, you're saying I got this ability because I traveled through space?" I asked, my skepticism evident.
"Then why don't I have a time manipulation skill as well? Why just space?" I demanded, my frustration boiling over once more.
"So, you're not going to elaborate further, huh? That's what I thought."
I decided to press on, curiosity getting the better of me. "Assuming I accept your story, is acquiring space manipulation really that simple? I mean, it's not every day that someone just casually develops the ability to manipulate space."
The system's response was hesitant, [You weren't meant to be conscious during your space travels. However, the prolonged exposure to space and time inadvertently strengthened your soul, allowing you to grasp space manipulation to some extent. As for why you don't have time manipulation as well... I'm not entirely sure].
I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "So, it's my fault that I have abilities that surpass Ryuk's from the game?"
The system's response was matter-of-fact, [It's a result of your unique circumstances].
I let out a deep sigh, deciding to drop the issue. "You know what? I'm done with this conversation. Whoever brought me here will have to face me once I'm strong enough, right?"
The system's response was tinged with surprise, [I'm not sure. Maybe].
I smiled wryly, my mind already racing with plans. "Good. I'll just have to become strong enough to demand answers. It's not like it changes my plans much, anyway. I already intended to become stronger to survive in this world."
Now in regards to how I grow. I want to say it shouldn't be that difficult but that'd just be a lie.
In this world, System holders like myself relied on absorbing Portal Crystals, or simply "crystals," to grow stronger.
These crystals were obtained from the carcasses of creatures that emerged from the Portal.
By absorbing the essence of these crystals, System holders could level up and enhance their abilities.
However, there was a catch - exceeding the daily absorption limit could be fatal.
Moreover, the experience points gained from each crystal depended on one's innate talent.
My dilemma was that I wanted to strengthen myself without alerting my father or the rest of the royal family.
But acquiring crystals was a challenge. I could either brave the impossible task of fighting and killing a beast from the Portal, which was beyond my current capabilities, or rely on others to obtain them for me.
Asking Sarah to purchase crystals on my behalf was an option, but it would likely get back to my father and the queen, defeating the purpose of secrecy.
That left me with one viable choice: asking my father directly. It was a risk, but it might also provide an opportunity to speak with him and potentially persuade him to keep my crystal usage a secret from the queen.
Maybe, just maybe, he would agree to keep my confidence.