The world disappeared, leaving me standing in an ocean-like space—my soul sea. Dark colors stretched into the distance, but far away, a single light shone like a guiding beacon. In the center of my soul sea stood the silhouette of a throne, waiting in silent authority.
As I took in the sight, the spell's voice echoed once more.
[Aspirant! Your trial is over.]
[You sought out the Emperor where it all began to be your teacher. Under his guidance, you endured countless physical and mental trials. Through relentless training and unyielding resolve, you mastered everything he had to offer. In one final test, you faced each other, and you emerged victorious, wielding all that he had taught you.]
[You have slain the ascended human, Qin Shi Huang.]
[You have achieved the impossible.]
[Final appraisal: Glorious. Your will is truly unyielding.]
A small smile crept onto my face. It felt good to have my efforts acknowledged, even by the cold, impartial voice of the Spell.
"And now, the truly important part," I thought.
[Dreamer Christopher! Receive your boon.]
[You have been bestowed a True Name: King of Men.]
Pride swelled in my chest at those words. This was the greatest recognition I could receive.
[Your Aspect is ready to evolve. Evolve Aspect?]
"Yes."
"Wait… didn't I completely forget to check it at the start of all this?" I realized. "Well, it doesn't matter now."
[Dormant Aspect 'Apprentice' is evolving…]
[New Aspect acquired.]
[Aspect Rank: Divine.]
"Yes! With this, I can keep up with the main characters!"
[Aspect Name: Sovereign's Edict.]
[Aspect Description: 'To command is to shape the world. To be acknowledged is to reign. The weight of a throne is measured not in gold, but in the will of those who kneel—or those who fall.']
"Ohh, that sounds cool."
[You have acquired a new Attribute.]
[You have acquired a new Attribute.]
[You have acquired a new Attribute.]
I summoned my runes in anticipation.
Name: Christopher
True Name: King of Men
Rank: Dreamer
Soul Core: Dormant
Soul Fragments: [4/1000]
Memories: [Veil of the Sovereign's Sight]
Memory Rank: Ascended
Memory type: Garment
Memory description: [The blindfold of the greatest king, taking the light from the wearer in exchange for protection and perception.]
"The description is simple enough. I won't be able to see, but my senses will be enhanced. The protection part likely focuses on shielding my mind."
Echoes: -
Attributes: [Mind-Body mastery], [Enhanced senses], [Master of the Chi-You]
Attribute: [Mind-Body mastery]
Attribute description: [You are in full command of both your mind and body.]
Attribute: [Enhanced senses]
Attribute description: [All of your senses are enhanced]
Attribute: [Master of the Chi-You]
Attribute description: [You are the master of the ancient martial art style Chi-You]
Aspect: [Sovereign's Edict]
Aspect rank: Divine
Innate ability: [Sovereign's Tribute]
Ability description: [You can directly absorb a portion of the soul essence of equal or stronger Nightmare Creature conquered by you and the humans who acknowledge you as their leader.]
Aspect ability: [Heavenly Gaze]
Ability description: [You can see the flow of power, identify weak points and advanced intuition in battle.]
'All of this is really good, but now to the most important part, the flaw.'
[All power has a price.]
[You have recieved a flaw.]
Flaw: [Mirror Touch Synesthesia]
Flaw description: [You feel everything another person feels when you see them.]
"It's slightly different from the one I remember my teacher having, but similar enough. I can work with this."
"Now... it's time to wake up."