After checking the time as they stepped out of the store, Zumi realized it was exactly 9:00 a.m. Zumi led them toward a nearby park, a quiet place where only a handful of people lingered. Just as they arrived, Zumi's phone buzzed with a message from Gia. She had delivered everything he'd requested: a complete dossier on the ten mafia families of the underworld, details about their elusive leader, and profiles of each family's core subordinates.
A satisfied grin tugged at Zumi's lips. He tapped back a reply: Good girl! Little Hawk, thank you. Now, once you've told Bia to meet me at noon at the Monastery, get some rest, alright?
Gia responded almost immediately, her devotion evident in every word: Okay, Master Zumi. I love you!
Turning his attention back to Hina, Zumi guided her to an open field at the park. From his side, he brought forth the gauntlets he had purchased for her. Holding them out, he said softly, "These are for you."
Her heart swelled with gratitude, a smile breaking across her face as she accepted them. Zumi explained that the gauntlets were fire-resistant and enchanted with a powerful effect that boosted both fire damage and physical strength by fifteen percent. Hina's eyes lit up—fire and raw strength were her specialties. Overcome with joy, she blushed deeply, wrapped Zumi in a quick, fierce hug, and whispered, "Thank you."
Without hesitation, she slipped the gauntlets on and began practicing, throwing strikes and movements with renewed vigour. Yet even as she trained, she angled herself so she could keep Zumi in clear sight. As his personal guard, she never allowed him out of her watchful gaze, no matter what she was doing.
Meanwhile, Zumi settled onto a nearby bench, his mind already turning inward. He called upon the system, intent on finding ways to grow stronger. A thought had been lingering with him for some time—his love for fire abilities was undeniable, but what if he could push further? What if he could merge fire with lightning itself, forging a new power altogether—lightning that burned like fire, fire that struck with the force of a storm? He said System Status, Just then, the system screen appeared:
The Charisma System
Host: Zumi Gold
Age: 24
Armor: Legendary Armor: The Veil of Ember
Weapons Tab
Titles: The Legendary Monkey King
Goddess Wife Found: 1 of 3
Bia: Force and Strength
Attributes:
Strength: 229
Dexterity: 227
Charisma: 242
Wisdom: 241
Intelligence: 241
Constitution: 240
Sub Points:
Charm: 240
Damage Points: 245
Legendary Qi: Level 10
Zumi nodded with satisfaction at his stats, but frowned at the tedious process of manually allocating attribute points. He craved automation—a way for the system to distribute points without his constant input. The gold Essence required for upgrades was another frustration, being so difficult to acquire. A solution flickered in his mind: the Level 10 request cards still unused in his inventory. Perfect for addressing both issues. He focused first on the system upgrade problem, retrieving a request card from his Eagle storage bracelet. "System," he commanded, "I wish to use this Level 10 request card to establish an alternative method for upgrades—something more accessible than gold Essence." The system responded with a gentle ping. "One moment, please. Processing request." After several minutes of silent anticipation, another chime sounded as the request card dissolved from Zumi's palm.
System Notification
A new way that the system can upgrade is Charisma Crystals.
Charisma Crystals are the embodiment of your growing influence, forged from loyalty, gratitude, and dominance. They will now serve as the sole currency for system upgrades.
Acquisition Rules:
Each time you gain a System Character, you are awarded 1 Charisma Crystal.
Each time you make significant progress in conquering the Underworld of the Mafia, you are awarded 1 Charisma Crystal.
Each time you aid another on a profound level, earning their immense gratitude, you are awarded 1 Charisma Crystal.
You may also spend Request Values to wish for additional Charisma Crystals directly.
Upgrade Requirement:
The system requires 5 Charisma Crystals to advance to the next tier.
System Adjustment Reward:
To honour the host's request and stabilize the transition from gold essence, the system has granted you 5 Charisma Crystals free of charge.
Remember: Charisma cannot be bought. It must be earned through respect, fear, and devotion.
Zumi's lips curved into a satisfied smile as he read the notification. This new system was vastly superior to the gold essence method. Five free crystals right off the bat—what a windfall. Without hesitation, he issued his command: "System, use all five crystals to upgrade now." The familiar chime sounded, followed by the system's mechanical response: "Utilizing five Charisma Crystals for upgrade. Please wait." After a minute of anticipation, another chime rang out. "System successfully upgraded to Level 8. All attributes increased by 300 points. New function unlocked: System Shop. Note: Shop purchases require real-world currency, as items are sourced from an interdimensional supernatural marketplace."
Zumi was thrilled and immediately opened the system shop. A fully digital interface—like an online marketplace—materialized before him, and he wondered what he might buy. What if he could acquire an AI assistant to oversee everything, instead of having system messages constantly pop up? He wanted to converse with the system rather than stare at screens.
He clicked the search button and typed "AI," producing a list of results. One entry caught his eye: an AI voice named Celestia. The description promised that once purchased, Celestia could be linked to any system function, summon a customizable digital interface on demand, and adopt any appearance or voice he chose. At a price of two million, Zumi thought it well worth the cost and bought it immediately.
Next, he decided to expand his storage capacity. His only option so far had been the standard storage bracelet, but he craved more room for clothes, supplies, and food. Searching "inventory" turned up item code Omega Inventory—a boundless storage space permanently tied to its owner. It cost ten million but offered infinite capacity, and time inside it stood still, so anything stored would never spoil. Without hesitation, Zumi also purchased the Omega Inventory.
The instant the transaction was completed, he felt a surge of energy as the Omega Inventory linked to him. He sensed its endless void and realized it was empty. Then he spoke, "System, link my new AI, Celestia, to handle all system functions."
A system screen flickered on: "Linking system with Celestia AI… Please wait." Three minutes later, it reappeared: "How would you like your AI assistant to look?" Zumi smiled—he'd always admired Olivia Munn. "System, make Celestia look like Olivia Munn and give it her voice."
"Done," the system replied. Instantly, the interface dissolved, and a holographic figure resembling Olivia Munn appeared. In her familiar, soothing tone, she said, "Pleasure to serve you, master."
Zumi beamed. No more sterile menus—just his personalized AI assistant. "Celestia, please tell me my new stats."
"Of course," she replied, reciting his updated parameters. Talking with the digital likeness of his favourite actress, Zumi felt elated.
Attributes:
Strength: 529
Dexterity: 527
Charisma: 542
Wisdom: 541
Intelligence: 541
Constitution: 540
Sub Points:
Charm: 540
Damage Points: 545
Legendary Qi: Level 310
Satisfied with his status, Zumi turned his attention to his final goal: enhancing his fire abilities. "Celestia," he said, retrieving the last request card from his inventory, "use this to fuse my fire abilities with lightning—create something entirely new." The AI nodded as the card dissolved between his fingers. "Fusion successful," she announced moments later. "You now possess Aetherflame—a transcendent element that manifests as royal purple and violet flames laced with silver lightning. Unlike ordinary fire, Aetherflame doesn't consume indiscriminately; it responds to your will as naturally as breathing. Those who witness it see not merely an element, but a force of divinity—a living storm captured in fire's form."
Core Traits
Perfect Control: Zumi wields Aetherflame with absolute mastery. It does not harm him, drain him, or rebel against him. It is part of his essence.
Unstoppable Burn: It incinerates matter, energy, and even spiritual constructs, while also shocking with the raw force of lightning. Resistance to one element does not defend against both.
Shaping Power: Zumi can forge weapons, shields, wings, or constructs from Aetherflame, each infused with lightning-fast strikes and the devastating burn of violet fire.
Abilities
Stormfire Arsenal – Weapons and armour made of Aetherflame surpass all mortal materials, striking with unbreakable force and blistering speed.
Annihilation Bolt – A concentrated beam of violet fire-lightning that travels faster than the eye can track, obliterating anything in its path.
Celestial Inferno – Zumi can expand his Aetherflame outward, covering entire battlefields in a storm of purple fire and lightning.
Godfire Aura – The very presence of Aetherflame around Zumi distorts the air, making enemies feel as though the atmosphere itself is burning and sparking against them.
Dimensional Flame – At its peak, the flame is so intense it can scorch through barriers, shatter space-time boundaries, and unravel enchantments with ease.
Happy with everything, Zumi got up from the bench. The holographic figure of Celestia faded from view, prompting a moment of concern. "Celestia? You're still there, right?" he asked quickly. Her voice answered from the air around him, though her image remained absent. "Yes, master. I am here. Would you like me to reappear?" Zumi relaxed at the sound. "No, that's okay. As long as I can hear your voice," he replied. Perfect.
Zumi glanced at the sun directly overhead and tapped his foot. "We're late." He turned to Hina, who had already materialized at his side, her hands resting in her pockets. He arched an eyebrow at her. "Think you can match my pace?" Without waiting for an answer, his body blurred—then vanished altogether. A rush of displaced air filled the space where he'd stood. Three heartbeats later, Hina's form dissolved into a streak of motion, leaving only footprints in the dust. Halfway to the Monastery, Zumi looked over his shoulder, eyes widening slightly when he spotted her silhouette just twenty paces behind.
Zumi slowed his pace just enough for Hina to catch up, his fingers ruffling through her windswept hair as she drew alongside him. The corner of his mouth twitched upward, betraying a flicker of genuine surprise at her speed. "Nice work," he uttered, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Hina beamed at him. She was panting slightly, but her smile couldn't be dimmed. Noting her breathlessness, Zumi tapped into his system and retrieved a small jade-green flask from the shop. Handing it to her, he commanded, "Drink this, it'll help." She took it hesitantly then gulped down the liquid inside. A soothing warmth immediately permeated her body, and her energy returned. Looking at Zumi with amazement, she asked, "What exactly is this?"
Zumi turned to face her, a soft smile playing on his lips. It's called Revigorating Elixir—replenishes your energy immediately after intense training or combat. It will come in handy."
They resumed their journey and reached the Monastery precisely at noon, where Bia stood waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing her, Zumi rushed forward and embraced her passionately. Their lips met with fierce intensity, a reunion that needed no words. Bia responded with equal fervor, her fingers threading through his hair as they melted into each other. The kiss deepened, becoming an intimate dance of desire and longing. Zumi pulled her closer, one hand at the small of her back, the other cradling her face with surprising tenderness despite the urgency of their embrace. They were completely absorbed in each other, oblivious to their surroundings until they finally broke apart, breathless. Only then did they notice Hina standing awkwardly to the side, her cheeks flushed crimson as she averted her gaze from their unexpected display of affection.
Zumi cleared his throat and gestured between the two women. "Hina, this is Bia." Hina extended her hand, then froze mid-gesture as Zumi added casually, "The Goddess of Force and Strength." Her eyes darted between them—the deity she'd heard legends about, and Zumi just kissed her with such casual possession.
Something twisted in Hina's stomach, a knot of awe and unease. She found herself bowing awkwardly instead, wondering if she should kneel, while simultaneously questioning how a mortal could possibly deserve such divine intimacy. The respect she felt for Zumi doubled, yet a small voice whispered that perhaps she should fear him instead.
Zumi gestured for them to follow him to the sanctuary, a serene chapel nestled in the heart of the Monastery. As they approached, Nyx—Zumi's childhood friend—stepped forward, prayer beads clicking softly between his fingers.
"Zumi, you've returned," Nyx said, maintaining his prayer stance. "How may I assist you?"
"I need information," Zumi replied. "Besides Bia, were there other goddesses connected to the Monkey King in his past lives? I believe there should be three more—the goddesses of Darkness, War, and Nature. Have you heard anything about them in this era?"
Nyx considered this for a moment. "There is a curious rumor from our monastery in Tibet. Each night at 4 a.m., a small girl appears in the main prayer hall. Before vanishing, she repeats the same message: 'Bring the Monkey King before me. I must speak with him.' This continues every six minutes until dawn. We believe it may be the Goddess of Darkness attempting to reach you."
"Interesting. Anything else?"
"That's all for now. I'll inform you if I learn more."
Zumi thanked him, his mind already set on travelling to Tibet. But first, he had unfinished business here—completing his quest to win Bia's devotion to him as Zumi, not merely as the Monkey King, and deepening his connection with Hina to make her a System Character.
Zumi thanked Nyx for his assistance, then led the way to the chamber where he and Bia had last met in private. At the entrance, he turned to Hina. "Wait here and ensure we're not disturbed." She nodded firmly, taking position outside as Zumi and Bia disappeared behind the heavy door.