"Wh-what?! Why do you look exactly like me?!" Art exclaimed in shock, his eyes wide.
"Of course! I integrated a part of your soul when this simulation system awakened... and thus, I was created!" The voice remained calm, unhurried.
"So... you're saying you're me, but only exist in my subconscious?!" Art frowned, still doubtful.
"Well, you could say that. Now that you understand, can you make your subconscious space more comfortable for simulations?"
"Of course! But speaking of which... what exactly can this simulation system do?! So I can optimize it! And how do I change the appearance of my subconscious—or is it now this system's space?!"
"My sole ability is to simulate the powers you'll gain after absorbing spirit rings—whether before or after obtaining them!"
"So... this system only compares my strength before and after getting a spirit ring?! " Arthur stared intently, trying to process the explanation.
"Correct!" the system affirmed. "I don't grant you new powers. I only unlock the potential you've absorbed from the spirit rings!"
Arthur nodded slowly, then suddenly perked up. "Then... show me the changes after I obtain the 'Moonlight Vine' Spirit Ring!"
According to the books, it's just an ordinary spirit plant... but to me, it feels extraordinary! Arthur thought to himself.
SWOOSH!
A holographic screen appeared, splitting into two with a shimmering effect:
---
### 🔹 BEFORE (Level 10)
- Physical Strength : 9
- Speed : 4
- Healing: 1 (Only minor scratches...)
### 🔹 AFTER (Level 12 – +2 Levels!)
- Physical Strength: 11
- Speed: 4
- Healing: 5 (Can heal minor internal injuries)
- Ring Effect Yellow 100-500 years: "Moonlight Surge" → Each strike can either heal the target (if Arthur wills it) or inflict deeper wounds with lunar energy
"So now... I can choose whether my punches heal or destroy?!" Arthur clenched his fist, feeling warm energy coursing through his muscles.
"Exactly!" the system replied cheerfully. "But remember, the effect depends on your level. Right now, you're in a simulation based on baseline stats—your actual spirit power is only Level 6, but here you're at Level 10! Oh, and to get a second spirit ring, you'll need the first one!"
Arthur let out a long sigh. "Meaning... I have to train hard before I can even get a spirit ring?!"
"Yep! And the second spirit ring can only be absorbed at Level 20!" the system added excitedly. "But don't worry—each spirit ring can boost you by 1 to 3 levels, depending on your soul affinity!"
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Soul affinity?!"
"Yup! Every spirit ring has different attributes. If it matches your 'Wuhun Soul,' you'll get a huge boost! If not... maybe just +1 level. Bummer, right?!"
Arthur nodded slowly, then suddenly declared, "So right now, I need to train to Level 10, then hunt for my first spirit ring?!"
The system grinned widely. "Or... you could test your new power right now. Wanna try?!"
SWOOSH—!
The white room instantly transformed into a moonlit forest, bathed in an ethereal glow. Before Arthur stood a giant spirit wolf, its crimson eyes burning like embers!
"Go on, test your strength! Strike it—heal or destroy? The choice is yours!"
Arthur took a deep breath, then stepped forward, ready for battle!
Arthur took a deep breath, then stepped forward with unshakable resolve! Ready for battle!
"This is my first battle in this life... and in my past life too! But it seems I'm at a disadvantage here—even though I already have the first Spirit Ring in this simulation!" Arthur thought to himself, teeth clenched.
Cautiously, he kept his distance from the monstrous wolf—a beast nearly 4 meters tall! Its eyes glowed red, drool dripping from its razor-sharp fangs. How do I take down something this huge?!
"Wait... why does this spirit beast seem familiar?"
"Of course you've seen it before!" The System suddenly interjected. "In that book Uncle Jack showed you when you were 3 years old—to scare you!"
"Ah! That book?!" Arthur barely dodged as the wolf lunged, its claws tearing through the ground where he had stood just a second ago. "Wasn't that just some fictional story bought from a passing merchant in the village?!
CRAAASH! Wood splintered as the wolf's tail smashed into a tree behind him.
Then—a flash of knowledge surged into Arthur's mind. "Blood Moon Wolf"—that was its name! Apparently, the System had analyzed a creature he'd encountered or studied before.
"So... that's it!" Arthur grinned, newfound confidence burning in his chest. "Finally, I know what to do!"
He began studying the monster's attack pattern: three quick strikes, then a split-second pause—that was the opening!
"Hah! You might be faster... but you're not fast enough to lose me!" he whispered between ragged breaths.
Now—counterattack!
His first Spirit Ring shimmered, energy surging through him. His movements were graceful yet deadly—like the legend said: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!"
"This will be a long fight... where victory or defeat hinges on—A SINGLE MISTAKE!" Arthur roared, eyes blazing.
Deliberately, he left a fake opening—pretending to stagger after an attack. The wolf took the bait, charging from exactly the angle Arthur wanted!
"How long has it been? I've lost count... but I'm almost there!" he thought, blood dripping from a gash on his arm.
The Blood Moon Wolf's weakness: the longer it absorbed lunar energy, the stronger it became—but also the more unstable its spirit grew! Each of Arthur's strikes amplified that chaos, worsening the beast's internal injuries.
"This... has to be the final blow!" Arthur groaned, his body pushed to its limits.
The System remarked calmly: "So, this is the limit? Let's witness the conclusion of your first battle."
"I WILL WIN—THIS IS THE FINAL STRIKE!!!"
BOOOOM!
An explosion of energy erupted—and...
TO BE CONTINUED!