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Name: Serafine
Title: The Sun Who Burns The World
Race: Human
Nation: Oradale
Class: None
Level: One
Ethos: Illusory Radiance [Can Be Renamed]
Meta Energy: 10/10
Ruination Points: 0/10
---Stats---
-> Radiance: 0
-> Clarity: 0
-> Burn: 0
-> Finesse: 0
-> Charisma: 0
Ability: Mask of Light (Level One)
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Huh? Was this some kind of video game now? Seriously, what was with all this system nonsense? And wait, she had an Ethos all along? Illusory radiance? What in the sunburned world was that supposed to mean?
She blinked at the cloaked figure standing in front of her, looking like a walking mystery wrapped in a cape. "Well, if you want some time to process this, I can leave you be..." he said with the calmness of a monk who had all the time in the world, and then left.
"Please," Serafine grumbled, her voice dripping with exasperation
First, she was just... her. Then she was... whatever this was. And then there were these random system messages, an Ethos, some weird blinding sun powers. Was this a new reality? Was she in a video game? Why wasn't there a tutorial to explain all this? She grabbed her hair in frustration, tugging at it like it owed her money. "What the actual hell is going on?!"
'Ugh, you know what... Nevermind...' she thought, shaking her head as she let out a frustrated sigh. She paused for a moment, then focused, trying to remember how she triggered this whole bizarre system nonsense.
'Okay, think. What's the trick here? How do I summon this system again?' she muttered to herself. "Let me try this... What's Illusory Radiance?"
Ding!
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[Ethos: Illusory Radiance]
[Description: It manifests as a blinding, radiant light that allows one to manipulate perceptions. At first glance, it appears to be a gift of warmth, hope, and beauty, fitting for someone once believed to be a saintess. However, beneath the dazzling facade lies the potential for devastating consequences. The brighter her light, the more it blinds others to the truth, enabling her to deceive, manipulate, and lead people astray.]
[Extra Description: It is the bad side of the sun and light.]
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"Man... that's quite vague..."
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[Ruination System Activation: First Mission]
Objective:
To fulfill the mission of Ruination, you must release your attachment to your recent wills and oaths, especially those binding you as the "Saintess" or any vows tied to your old identity. Let go of your past responsibilities and embrace the freedom to seek what lies beyond.
Instructions:
Forget about the duties that have weighed you down. Cast aside any lingering thoughts of being bound by your oaths.Find something that resonates with you. It could be a new goal, an ambition, or a revelation you've never considered before.
Reward:
Completion of this task will grant you 50 Ruination Points (RN).
Note:
You must release the past entirely to proceed. Embrace the unknown, Serafine, for only in doing so will you truly begin your journey of Ruination.
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Something that always held her back? Oh, there were plenty of things. Like the overwhelming urge to punch kids, or maybe cursing out priests because, honestly, some of them just deserved it. Not to mention her occasional impulse to commit war crimes.
Okay, maybe that was a stretch, but in her defense, it was probably for a good cause... probably. Maybe. Who's counting?
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[Soul Sigil Description: An Enhancer of the Ethos]
Soul Sigil: Mask of Light
State: Stage One
Level: One
Ruination Points (RN): 0
Primary Effect: When entering combat, Serafine's Illusory Radiance Ethos is enhanced, allowing her to create an aura of light that can blind enemies in a radius around her. Enemies within the radius are reduced in defense by 20% for 5 minutes.
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"This is all frustrating me!"
Serafine kicked a stone, the sound echoing as it bounced across the dirt path. She was beyond frustrated. How had all of this happened? How had she not realized sooner?
She glanced at the tree next to her, eyes narrowing as she stomped over to it, grabbing a low-hanging branch.
"Ugh, how did I only discover this now?" she muttered to herself, yanking the branch down, only to trip over her own feet and stumble dramatically into the dirt. 'Oof!'
"Great. Now I'm falling over too," she groaned, propping herself up against the tree.
The mysterious man, who had been watching her the whole time, stifled a laugh. "That's because you've spent too much time in the church, Serafine. Your powers were suppressed there."
Her brows furrowed as she stood up, dusting herself off. "What are you talking about? I've always been... well, me! A little weak, sure, but that's just me!"
"Your true nature, your Ethos, is tied to your soul, remember? Being in the church disconnected you from it. It's why you felt weak and out of sorts."
Serafine stared at him, clearly not enjoying being the clueless one. "So... you're saying I've been dumb this whole time?"
"More like... suppressed," he said, his tone barely holding in a smile.
Her frustration boiled over, but she tried to reign it in. "I don't want to be some sort of.. ugh! This is too much. Being a criminal is hard as hell! I've barely survived my first life, and now I'm supposed to... do what? What kind of mess am I in?"
Before she could say more, a notification flashed across her vision. System Punishment Activated: Fail to comply, -5 points.
"Really?" she grumbled, scowling at the invisible screen. She turned to the mysterious man. "Help me. I need to think of something. Anything. That will fix this. I'm not cut out for whatever this system thing is."
The man gave her an exaggerated shrug, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "How about... a whorehouse?"
"A whorehouse?! Are you serious?"
"Why not? Could be a good way to get reconnected with yourself," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"...I'm really not sure if I'm ready for this."
"Well, it's a start," he shrugged.
"Fine," she finally muttered, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "I guess... it is tempting..."