The sound of boiling and the popping of oil continued resounding.
5 seconds later, feeling nothing happening, he proceeded to continue cooking his spam and eggs as if nothing happened.
'Why isn't it working?' He wondered. 'I have the energy to accomplish it and the desire to make it happen. What am I missing?'
Was it a lack of mystical knowledge? Perhaps.
But that shouldn't matter. As long as the "world" acknowledged it, it should work.
So he pondered, all the while ignoring the scrutinizing gaze of the Electro Archon.
'The idea that the Cardinal World's influence is too weak would be a stretch. After all, I gained [Magic Sense] almost instantly the moment I fully comprehended how it works. So that shouldn't have been the issue.'
She hummed thoughtfully before shaking her head. "Judging by your actions, you're trying to engrave your name into your soul, correct?"
"...Phenomenal deduction, as a reward; I grant you--extra egg."
"..."
The silence grew between us, I couldn't help it.
"Sorry," I said, shattering the awkwardness I created. I finished everything and continued eating.
It seems that she had not touched the plate I placed for her.
This bitch, does she expect me to also serve it to her? Nah. That couldn't be. I must've imagined it.
"Also, that entitled nonsense I spouted earlier--I apologize," I twirled the noodles with my fork and lifted it to my mouth. Is this the right taste? I swallowed and continued.
"I couldn't help it. Maybe it's the omnipotence this place granted me. I can't take anything seriously, and as you have guessed, it might've gotten to my head a little." With that, I slurped up a mouthful of spicy noodles.
Then, as if compelled by some unseen force, Dantalion suddenly blurted out--
"Sara, it's time to eat," He called out, more out of habit than anything. The next thing he knew, she was sitting between him and the Electro Archon, staring at the boiling noodles in front of her.
Kujou Sara, suddenly finding herself sitting with, what looks like, cheesy spicy noodles, boiling in front of her, thus almost instinctively said,
"Oh, today's buldak ramen--NO! Why are you alive?!"
***
Anyway, as the system stated, I can unlock features.
On my second day, just as I woke up. I suddenly remembered the reward I was supposed to receive.
And as if on cue, the panel appeared. Guess what it gave me... It was a whole package.
When I looked at the name, I got a little excited, somewhat getting rid of my drowsiness. The name of the gift was;
"ImHungry-Inator | Immortal High-Capacity Lunchbox"
Because of that, without reading further into its description, I hurriedly claimed it. Because of the word 'Immortal' in it, I ignored the rest... I was so full of expectations then, my expectations was through the moon.
Maybe it was because I had never received anything even remotely resembling a gift since I became a permanently unattended child.
Would Lumian's things count as gifts? No, I don't think so. I traded for them. A trade isn't a gift.
But.. Trade only happens when both things reach somewhat of an equal value. So was it a gift after all?
...Forget it.
When the system spat it out in front of me, I expected something legendary. I was filled with happiness and joy that nothing could possibly ruin it--It was named; Immortal something, after all. Oh, how wrong this pitiful, and naive self was.
It's just a green metal lunchbox... Honestly, it looked more like a toolbox at first glance.
Inside it were two containers--that also happens to be green with a silver lid, a thermos--that, of course, also happens to be green with a silver lid, and the utensils--that are fortunately just silver.
I am using it right now.
-
-Second day-
'Where's the immortal about it...?', I checked every container. Opened the thermos.
A thought crossed my mind: 'Is it indestructible?'
I hesitated, thinking of bending the spoons, and then smashing the lunchbox into the ground.
But... I couldn't bring myself to damage it!
What if It were not the case?! I haven't even used it yet, the spoon hasn't even touched my mouth yet! I don't want it to have dents, at least not for now!
Sigh... What am I doing? I'll just read the description--
===
*System Panel: Answer--*
*You may not ask anything outside the System's function.*
===
'HAH?! Do I have to figure this out myself?..', I should have read the description from the start before claiming it AAAAAAAAAAAAAA--
Ahem. I should train my thinking later.
Anyway.
I don't want to damage it, But I could--
===
*System Panel: Trial Quest--*
*Due to the individual Liliane's idiocy, said individual does not know the attributes of the item: "ImHungry-Inator | Immortal High-Capacity Lunchbox.*
*Find out all the item's attributes without external help.*
*Difficulty: Chore*
*Duration: 24 hours.*
*Reward: Gas mask. Permanent Quest: Ascension*
*Failure: As a being who was not supposed to be granted a system panel; In case of failure, the System Panel will be revoked until you prove yourself worthy.*
===
Suddenly seeing the system prompts one after another. I carefully read through everything this time.
Looking at the difficulty and duration... I should have plenty of time. I'll finish my routine quickly and get started.
---
-3 hours later-
Okay, good. If I finish the quest in a short time, I can just do more later.
Yep. So.
What was it I was about to do before getting the quest...?
Right, testing the thermos.
In no time, I seem to have already filled up the thermos. 'How is it not spilling?'
I kept pouring. The water level stayed the same.
I poured in all the drinkable water in the house, but for some reason, it still wasn't overflowing.
The only change? It had become heavy.
This should be the 'High Capacity' part--I already expected that.
So, the first one should be; that only the weight of that supposed capacity would remain.
I waited for the system's confirmation.
However, nothing came.
Uhh, okay. Fine! I was about to do this anyway, even without you giving me the quest! Stop acting like I need you when I would have been fine even on my own!
-
Maybe out of embarrassment. Or perhaps it was the realization that my life had suddenly undergone a major change.
At that time, I was more easily agitated than usual. I don't know for sure, I am not smart enough to figure it out yet.
But in the end, I completed the trial quest within a few hours.
Mostly because I had to boil more water.
Speaking of boiling--
Temperature.
I could change the temperature of the water inside depending on which hand held the thermos.
Left hand for cold. Right hand for hot. Holding it with both hands made the temperature adjust automatically to the environment.
Now, question:
Why don't I just dump all the water I have in it and stop wasting time boiling it first?
Simple. It won't boil inside.
From that day on, I stopped using regular plates and utensils for eating.
Why bother?
It had cleaning attributes and high capacity. I could fill the thermos with an absurd amount of water and not have to refill it for days.
The two containers? Same deal. I filled them up with absurd amounts of food so that I wouldn't have to cook for several days--a different dish for each container, of course.
It also has absurd durability.
The thermos accidentally slipped from my hand due to its weight. The only dent it left was on the ground.
Also, the way I found out the last attribute is by guessing. I just thought, 'I guess if this can support this amount of food, it can probably somewhat prolong its--'
I didn't even have to finish my thought before the system just rewarded me right there and then.
It's still absurdly heavy. Left in a mine, it could probably sustain the workers for days.
With its high durability and weight, I can even use it for my training.
I just attached a steel cable to it and hung it on my pulley--
...But why am I talking so much about the Lunchbox when It happened just a day after I acquired the system? Isn't there anything else that happened after that day to my present; today?
Nope, nothing worth mentioning after that. The lunchbox has been the best that happened up to now.
Well, except for one thing… It was a quest related to the 'Permanent Quest: Ascension' it is about acquiring a core.
But still, nothing this week has topped the lunchbox--
I halted my thoughts about the lunchbox.
'Yep, that's enough eating for now, I will eat again somewhere before 5 pm,'
I closed the lid of my thermos after drinking and placed it back inside the lunchbox. The same for the containers--both looked as full as when I first packed them, despite me just eating.
Once everything was neatly packed inside the lunchbox, I closed the lid with a soft click. Gripping the handle as firmly as I could, I lifted it with ease. Now, I could comfortably carry it with me.
With that settled, I pushed myself to my feet, brushing off any lingering dust from my lap with a few firm pats of my left hand.
'How do I go about this... hmm.' As I sat my gaze on the system panel in front of me, on it stood my 89 percent progress of forming my core from the Ascension quest.
The moment the quest started on its own, It instantly jumped to 54 percent.
That time I asked the system why it did so but I didn't get an answer, it's as if I'm talking to a wall.
Fortunately, at that time, I had already known how to get an answer to what I wanted from it.
Just deduce everything, use all the clues and information it shows you, and work your way to where you want it to go and It will confirm it for you.
For example, based on what's written on the quest. Its "root" quest; Permanent Ascension. Just from its name, you can easily deduce that its a quest that would make you stronger, pretty easy.
Following that is the name of the branch quest of it; Core Acquisition. Well, a core has always been part of something right? Either as a source of something or a... Y'know, Uhm, hmm, Yeah. Don't know what else.
Anyways, Body. That's what you can get from combining just those 2 information. By that, I concluded that the instant 54 percent came from my body, and the rest should be the percentage of my understanding of my physical limits.
Fortunately, as long as you have basic critical thinking and common sense, the system is a rather generous company.
'Hmm, now that I think about it, critical thinking shouldn't even be considered a skill, having low to none at all should make you be considered as someone disabled--Oh it goes up?'
---
Liliane stopped. Her eyes flicked away from the system panel to the sky above. The sun shone brightly, but the thick canopy overhead filtered most of its glare. A cool breeze swept past, bringing with it the quiet sounds of nature.
She glanced back at the system screen.
My progress had increased--a tiny ".2" tacked onto the number. However, what made her pause was the message that followed it.
===
*System Panel: Permanent Quest; Ascension.*
*-A mind that does not question is a mind that is not living.*
===
'...Because I said those things about people without critical thinking? Are you serious?'
===
*System Panel: Points Deduction.*
*0.2 progress deducted from the Quest; Core Acquisition.*
===
'This... Ugh.'
***
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent of Teyvat.
".03?! POINT. ZERO. THREE?!--"
My frustrations were evident.
That's It. I will be doing something else.
Like all great swords, the body is forged under heat and pressure--But push it too far, and it melts into useless slag. Maybe shaping myself like this isn't ideal for my current state.
I desperately swam toward the shore. The moment I reached land, I scrambled to untie the rope around my waist. Once free, I bolted toward the towel I had left behind before swimming--Just like I had the past few days.
There is no way I will take my sweet time only wearing my underwear. What if there is suddenly a whole camp of Hilichurl trying to relocate?
Sure, a Favonius Knight patrols the vicinity every now and then. However, that's what they do, they PATROL, if they do not have the ability to mitigate the threat of a whole camp of Hilichurls trying to relocate they would just flee and report it to have it be dealt with later.
But what if, I happen to be alone?
What do I do then? How can I survive a whole camp of Hilichurls trying to relocate? Seduce their wives with my manly, massively toned, hypnotizing body? Okay, that got me curious though... I had this question since I was a child.
Is there a female Hilichurl?
Hold on, stay with me now.
Unless they happen to be some type of elemental being--which just so happens they weren't--they should have a female counterpart.
I shook my head and got back to drying off. I had already stripped off my underwear before wiping myself down, so once I was dry, I slipped into a fresh pair. Then, with great difficulty, I pulled on my pants, which I'd folded neatly near my towel earlier.
Finally, I reached for my shirt. With my shaky sore arms, I picked up my carefully folded shirt and wore it. My arms were trembling from exhaustion, but I managed to put it on.
'There's no way I can work at the smithy today...'
"Ugh, I should've done this after work..."
I risked my life for what? Point-zero-three progress?! I'd rather watch Wagner make out with some guy--EUGH, ew. No, just imagining it--ugh.
But seriously, what am I doing wrong?
It's already been two weeks since I started, yet my progress is only at 12.7%? My body has barely changed! Even meditation barely works!
This system has been useless so far.
...
Okay, I might sound ungrateful, but hear me out. It lets me use Analysis--except it's specifically [Analysis (Inferior)].
Yeah. Inferior.
It identifies things.
Literally.
I looked at a rock and used Analysis (Inferior)
===
*Analysis: Answer--*
*Rock.*
===
Incredible. Truly, a marvel of modern intelligence.
The only thing that made it so I wouldn't completely just ignore it and live my life as usual was the quest function.
Aside from the Permanent Quest, it sometimes gives me Trigger Quests--quests that activate based on certain actions or events.
Just like now.
As I gazed at the horizon, trying to rest my aching body, I heard splashing coming from my left.
===
*System Panel: Trigger Quest--*
*-Drink any being of Hydro.*
*Difficulty: You can handle it.*
*-Reward: A refreshed mind and body. Glock 19 Blueprint.*
*Failure: Would not obtain Freedom Weaponry. A sore body and an exhausted mind for a week. Scent of Failure (Everyone in your vicinity automatically vomits).*
===
The moment I saw that, I didn't even bother looking. I immediately sprinted to my right to put as much distance as possible between me and whatever was making that sound.
"It hurts so baaaddd AAAAA--"
Right. My body was still screaming from my earlier swimming torture.
Maybe it was the unbearable pain, or maybe it was the fact that I had already widened the gap, but I stopped and finally turned to look.
Hydro Slimes. Three of them.
Small ones, thankfully.
Not too dangerous--as long as I don't get too close. Their method of killing is horrifying. They'll knock you off your feet, then shroud your head with their gelatinous bodies, drowning you while slipping right through your fingers if you try to grab them.
"...And you want me to drink those?"
---
"SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT!--"
I can't feel half of my body anymore!
But it doesn't matter! I am about to finish the trigger quest!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!
In my hands, wrapped tightly in a towel, is a Hydro Slime! Right now, I'm squeezing it for dear life, drinking the water dripping from the towel--water that came straight from the slime!
As anyone with a working brain is aware, drinking directly from slimes can be harmful to humans due to its high concentration of Hydro.
However, if I succeed here! With this quest's reward! I will have a refreshed mind and body!
I can't fail anyways, if I fail, the consequences are too severe!
Therefore--this little thing is getting DEHYDRATED until every last drop is inside me!
Slimes are considered a last resort for hydration. But, That means someone out there must have tried it and survived!
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!
---
"..." My body felt cold.
===
*Trigger Quest: Successful--*
*Would you like to claim your reward now?*
===
"..."
Please.
===
*System Panel: Answer--*
*Later?*
===
"..." Stop messing with me. I can't feel my body, you fuck.
My mouth is even hanging open!--
===
*System Panel: Answer--*
*Lol*
===
"Mmhhotherfu--Oh--I CAN MOVE NOW! THANK THE ARCHONS!"
Bartobosis's balls--I feel so good right now! I feel like a narcissist drowning in the validation of others!
WOOOOO!
I feel amazing!
"THIS WORLD IS SO BEAUTIFUL I WANT TO FUCK IT--WOOOOOOO!"
I screamed at the top of my lungs, arms spread wide as if the sky itself would embrace me.
This is too good! What is this feeling?! But does it matter?!
"Hehehe..." A dumb grin spread across my face.
"I should invite Wagner for a drink! Happiness should be shared with everyone! HAHAHAHA!"
And with that, I marched towards the city, all my past frustrations and stress erased from existence.
...I should calm down first.
---
"Yo."
A young man leaned casually against the smithy's foundation, appearing out of nowhere.
"Yo--What? No, more importantly, why had you only arrived now?" Wagner narrowed his eyes. "With your shit talent, you should be practicing every damn minute--"
"It's on me today."
Wagner stared at the young man for a long moment. Something was definitely off with this kid today.
"What are you talking about."
Fortunately, today's workload wasn't too demanding, so he could entertain his apprentice's nonsense for a bit.
"Me. You. And the gang. It's on me."
The young man pointed at himself, then at Wagner, then made a small circular motion, as if sealing some unspoken deal.
"... Are you retarded--"
"What? You scared? I would be." A smirk crept onto his face. "After all, last time you lost, I named your shop after me." He points his thumb to his chest.
"..."
Oh, this little shit.
"Seven, after work."
'I will re-educate this kid about humility.'
"...And put in a commission at the Adventurers' Guild for materials. The Knights of Favonius are placing a major order."
"Ugh... come one, man..."
***
"Didn't you like these?" Dantalion said to Kujou Sara.
Kujou Sara, in contrast to her earlier outburst, now remained silent. Though, calling it an outburst might be an exaggeration--it was more of a startled yelp, really.
'Who wants to eat your nutritionally lacking noodles right now?!'
She clenched her fist and jaw silently, she directed her eyes to the Electro Archon.
"Shogun-sama... If I may be permitted to ask, why is Her Excellency dining with... this thing?" She cast a wary glance at Dantalion's black, smoke-like form from the corner of her eye. Meanwhile, he remained unbothered, eating his meal as if this were nothing more than a casual picnic.
Ei gently placed her teacup on the table and met the General of Tenryou Commision's gaze. Word for word, it was heard clearly by the Tengu Warrior.
"Watching him struggle, thinking he has outsmarted me--I find it amusing." She shook her head right after, "Look at him. He still doesn't realize that I know exactly what he's trying to do with my energy."
Dantalion didn't interrupt her this time, opting to continue eating his fire noodles.
"His first, second, and third attempts all failed, each using a different method. His fourth is still ongoing." Ei glanced into the distance, a soft chuckle escaping her. "Then, in his desperation, he tried enriching his 'soul' by carving his name onto it."
Suddenly, Ei turned to Sara. "Lower your head to me."
Kujou Sara obeyed without hesitation. The moment Ei's hand touched her head, streams of knowledge surged into her mind.
Dantalion, watching the exchange, muttered under his breath, "That's the kind of Anti-Dumbass spell I want..."
-Chapter END-
Latest Chapter: Chapter 24 - Beggar
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