The darkness before my eyes receded slowly, giving way to shapes and colours as my vision cleared. Blinking a few times, I took a deep breath and sat up, immediately noticing the thick, foul-smelling grime coating my skin. My body was slick with blood, oil, and a black, tar-like substance that made my stomach churn just looking at it.
The first thing I did after waking up was run out of the cave. After a short sprint, I came upon a small waterfall and decided to take a bath there.
The moonlight glistened on the water as it cascaded down a rocky cliff into a shallow pool below, its coolness calling to me.
I approached, grateful for the chance to wash away the grime from the rune ritual. The icy water felt like a blessing as I scrubbed away the blood and tar, watching it swirl and disappear in the stream. Once I was finally clean, I took out a fresh set of clothes from my bag, feeling the soft fabric against my renewed skin.
As I stepped out of the water, the first thing I noticed was my height. Somehow, I was taller—my limbs leaner yet stronger. Everything about my body felt... aligned. It was as if every part of me was working together perfectly, with no strain, no discomfort. I flexed my hands, marvelling at the strength and precision in each movement.
My senses were sharper—each sound around me clearer, each scent distinct.
But most importantly, there was something profound in my mind—a calmness I'd never felt before.
There was no hurry, no worry, just a steady peace that seemed to settle deep within me.
After dressing, I caught sight of my reflection in a small puddle by the waterfall. I hardly recognized the person staring back at me. I was leaner, my features sharper and more defined. My gaze was calm, focused, with a depth that hadn't been there before. It was like seeing a stranger, yet I knew this was me—the new me.
My hair, once inky black, now seemed darker than the abyss itself, as if it were devouring the light. My fair, tender skin had become baby-soft, yet I could feel its strength and resilience.
My crimson eyes, with a hint of gold that had always seemed to glow and burn with fire, were no longer blazing with intensity.
Instead, they radiated a profound calm, as if nothing could scare me, as if nothing could deter me from my path. The guilt of stealing the rune, the uncertainties about the MC—everything was gone. I now knew what kind of person I was. After finding inner peace, I had discovered the real me.
I realized I was a selfish person. If I wanted something, I would take it—nothing would stop me. The guilt was now all gone. Left was only a determined will to explore this new world.
Now that my emotions were calmed, I prepared to leave this place, as it had nothing left to offer me.
After a few hours, I reached the eastern gate of the city. Getting in was easy—no one questioned me, as I was unawaken, had no storage artifacts, and was just a kid.
As evening approached, I headed back to the inn and asked the receptionist to deliver food to my room. Once inside, I lay down on the bed and opened my status screen.
---
Name: Ash Burn
Age: 6
Level: 3 (0/1000)
Class: (LOCKED)
HP: 100/100
***
Strength: 12
Agility: 11
Intelligence: 12
Vitality: 14
Magic Power: 18
Charm: 8
***
[Skill Creation] (Un-Ranked)
Description: The ability to create new skills from imagination per level. The more diverse and unique the imagination, the more powerful the skills created.
[Mana Manipulation] - (Level 3)
Description: The user's ability to absorb and control mana has drastically improved. The flow of mana within their body is now more refined, making the absorption process smoother and more efficient. The body's ability to channel mana directly into physical strength allows for feats that were previously impossible.
[Sword Mastery] (Level 1)
Description: Basic understanding and technique with a sword. Increases proficiency with sword-related tasks, allowing for greater precision and effectiveness. As the skill level increases, the user's insight into sword techniques improves.
Skills (2/3)
---
Looking at my status, I was satisfied. My overall stats had improved—my mana, stamina, and health were all up. More importantly, I'd reached Level 3, and my Mana Manipulation had upgraded as well. I was one step closer to my awakening. If I were the old Ash, I would have been worried about finding the elven swordsman.
But now, with this deep sense of calmness, I analysed my options carefully. After some thought, I decided to leave this place and track down that old man after my first awakening.
But before that, I needed to solve the problem of money. I had an idea for that.
For now, though, I wanted to create a cheat skill, if possible.
'Skill Creation'
[Which skill does the host want to create?]
'Devour'
[Initializing... Error!! Error!!]
[Initializing... Error!! Error!! Error!!]
[Skill can't be created.]
[Not enough authority.]
F*ck, I knew it. It won't let me create an OP ability.
'Copy'
[Initializing... Error!! Error!!]
[Error!! Error!! Error!!]
[Skill can't be created]
[Not enough authority]
F*CK!!!
Fine, then. How about...
'Inventory'
[Initializing... Error!! Error!!]
[Skill can't be created]
[Host is not awakened yet]
F*cking idiot system! It's not creating anything! B*tch!!
Though the Rune of Stability helped me think clearly, it didn't eliminate my emotions entirely. That's why I was so angry. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself and thought about how I could make money. Which skill would be most suitable for that?
'Skill Creation'
[Which skill does the host want to create?]
'Inspect'
[Initializing...]
{ Skill Creation Successful }
***
[Inspect]-(level 1)
Description: The ability to carefully examine objects, places, and people to discern hidden details, uncover secrets, or identify points of interest.
***
Finally, phew...I need to get awakened if i want to create even most basic skills.
Now I could make some money before heading out toward my next goal.
As Ash found his inner peace, a new idea began to take shape in his mind. It wasn't another wild power-up or cheat skill.
This time, it was different. The Rune of Balance. A Rune that could balance his stats, aligning his strengths in perfect harmony.
He paused, letting the thought settle. Balance.
Just like stability it was just as the name implies a rune for a balanced growth. His mind churned with the pros and cons of pursuing it.
The advantages were clear. With the Rune of Balance, his strengths could be optimized. It would allow him to refine every aspect of his being, making him more well-rounded, capable of adapting to any challenge. His growth would be steadier, more sustainable.
But there was a even a thought how will Ray as the Real MC will grow if I take it.
As soon as this thought came I dismissed it because I am selfish it's better to be Powerful yourself than to depend on others.
And the Story itself was disrupted when a variable that was 'Me' Entered this world.
If I balance my stats, I won't have to worry about weaknesses, or at least, I won't have glaring ones. I can always improve them later.
As for What will happen to the MC of the Story, "I don't care how he will grow. I should focus on my growth."
With a steady resolve, he made up his mind.
"I'll go for the Rune of Balance," he muttered to himself.
Getting it wouldn't be easy—it would be tough, even—but not impossible. All he needed to do was use the people around him.
They would unwittingly create a path for him. It would work. Yeah, let's try it. If it failed, nothing would change. After all, the next rune—the Rune of Balance—would be nearly impossible to find, even if someone passed right by it.
It is hidden very thoroughly I don't know how but the MC finds it with his Heavenly LUCK.
In the story Ray has Heaven defying luck as Mentioned in the Title of the Story 'Heaven's Favourite' his luck is that good after getting the system that he always stumbles upon the Runes and other Treasure's required for his growth.
He is even prepared for unexpected Ambush just because of a Hunch.
Thinking about the MC my mind hurts at how unfair the Cheat of MC was, Even his Talents were fraudent.
Well Who is to complain at least My talent of skill creation is also fraud.
"Well It doesn't matter, as I am going to Trample his luck with the knowledge of the future and steal his opportunities", said Ash while smiling Chillingly.
***