The control panel of my 'Gift'— a supernatural ability bestowed upon me—glowed azure as I browsed through its settings. Before me, the panel displayed the 'SubSpace Edit' menu, summarizing the core statistics of my Gift: - Current Rank: F - Current Level: 1 - Total Amount Of Slots: 10 Cost For Edit are (G) Karma Points.' My current balance? A mere 10 points.Intriguingly, despite the countless hours I'd spent at the Sacred Hall, I'd never come across an option to edit the core features of my Gift. Should I change the Rank, which would redefine its essence, or just the Level? Increasing the Level would most likely expand my SubSpace storage slots, yet keeping it in the same Rank would limit its overall potential.Considering the cost of (G) Karma Points for each edit, this was a decision of utmost gravity. My pool of Karma Points had remained stagnant at 10, even after nine hard-earned level-ups. The panel didn't specify the cost per edit, making it a risky gamble. After wrestlin
"Alright, Damian, just breathe," I quietly admonished myself. My words echoed in the deafening silence that surrounded me, bouncing off invisible walls that only I could perceive. I could feel the tension coursing through me, threatening to override my logic with fear and panic. I knew I had to counter this with tranquility. So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and let the cool air slowly fill my lungs. I held it for a moment before exhaling, feeling my tension partially dissipate with the expulsion of air.In the throes of my current predicament, it was easy to fixate on the uncertainties, the potential perils that seemed to lurk around every corner. It was easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of things I couldn't control. But I knew that surrendering to this fear was not productive. Time was my ally, and I intended to use every second wisely to come up with a strategy to navigate the myriad challenges that loomed ahead.I forced a semblance of positivity i
"Let the games commence," I declared, as a rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins.In mere seconds, propelled by my significantly enhanced agility and speed, I crossed the desolate hallway, landing at the staircase in the blink of an eye. A glance around revealed the vanished remains of the slaughtered monsters; the system had efficiently eliminated their bloodied carcasses, turning them into demon cores and assorted artifacts. As a result, even their spilled blood was being absorbed into oblivion.The staircase was devoid of any creatures. I made haste, descending to the third floor and soon found myself on the second level."This will be a true test of skill," I muttered under my breath.I found myself confronted by a teeming horde of Demons. I stepped cautiously into the wide hallway of the second floor, and instantly, dozens of creatures fixed their malignant gazes upon me, baring their sharpened fangs threateningly. An initial estimate s
The battlefield was a grisly panorama of lifeless bodies, a tribute to the fierce struggle that had just concluded. I stood triumphantly amidst the bloody carnage, a satisfied grin marking my face as the fallen demons dissipated, metamorphosing into experience points for me. As their spectral bodies vanished into the ether, they generously bequeathed their valuable cores.Although my successful onslaught facilitated a level-up six times, it was a disappointing number compared to my aspirations. It felt as if the mountain I was scaling was growing steeper with every step; every subsequent level-up becoming an increasingly challenging feat to accomplish. This was a common principle I'd encountered before in the role-playing games and novels I'd immersed myself in, but to experience it firsthand was another story.As I surveyed the battlefield, my gaze was drawn to the scattering of luminescent purple stones — the residual cores of the fallen demons. I let out a low,
Upon my entry into the house, a few subtle signs had indicated that all was not as it seemed. The disorderly state of the house suggested that its occupant was either particularly unclean or… As I inhaled deeply, the lingering human scent wafting in the stale air confirmed my suspicions. Someone had been here recently, possibly even now. Although this raised some alarm bells, I decided to keep my focus on my own objectives. After all, the person didn't project any immediate threat. But once I wrapped up my self-assessment and had a better understanding of my abilities, it seemed only natural to confront the lingering presence in the house.I pondered, “For all I know… This might not be his home.” In the chaotic world that unfolded around us, concepts such as property rights had become rather ambiguous. Nonetheless, it was a surprise to stumble upon a resident in this dilapidated shelter.After successfully rendering the intruder unconscious, I fetched a s
With a confident smile, I responded to his desperate plea. "Certainly, I'll assist you," I assured the trembling man tied before me. Relief began to replace the terrified expression on Arthur's face."R-Really?" His voice wavered, seemingly unsure whether to take my words at face value."In all honesty, I've been struggling to escape this place on my own," I admitted, exhaling a heavy sigh. "I need your assistance just as much as you need mine.""Even with your high level?" He questioned in disbelief."Well... the situation is a little complicated..." I confessed, masking my unease with a vague reply.It had become quite apparent that Arthur was a novice when it came to navigating this world and its embedded system. I'd initially regretted not being among the first batch of summoned individuals, assuming I'd missed out on crucial information. However, it appeared that even the early arrivals were clueless about many aspects of this world.If I could garner Arthur's trust and collabora
With a confident smile, I responded to his desperate plea. "Certainly, I'll assist you," I assured the trembling man tied before me. Relief began to replace the terrified expression on Arthur's face."R-Really?" His voice wavered, seemingly unsure whether to take my words at face value."In all honesty, I've been struggling to escape this place on my own," I admitted, exhaling a heavy sigh. "I need your assistance just as much as you need mine.""Even with your high level?" He questioned in disbelief."Well... the situation is a little complicated..." I confessed, masking my unease with a vague reply.It had become quite apparent that Arthur was a novice when it came to navigating this world and its embedded system. I'd initially regretted not being among the first batch of summoned individuals, assuming I'd missed out on crucial information. However, it appeared that even the early arrivals were clueless about many aspects of this world.If I could garner Arthur's trust and collabora
My mind reeled at his revelation.“Is this fool for real?!” I internally exploded.All the kindness I had shown him, all for naught? Such a waste!“There’s no point in an alliance then. I’ll have to figure out another way-” I caught myself before speaking my thoughts aloud.Suddenly, my attention was caught by the sight of the fine tools I had noticed earlier. Knives and other well-crafted makeshift weapons lay strewn on the ground a few meters away.A grin spread across my face as an idea took form in my mind.“He might still end up being useful, after all.”An uncomfortable silence settled between us, only to be broken by Arthur's hesitant voice.“E-Erm… So…” he stammered, his eyes darting around the room in anxiety.He was clearly wondering about my next move. Luckily, he might not be as useless as I initially thought.“A-Ah, I apologize. I was momentarily lost in thought.” I quickly reassured him, keeping up my friendly facade.“Tell me, Arthur, could your Gift have anything to do