Solace sat on the massive tree branch, staring up at the dazzling night sky. The seven suns had set, giving way to a sky filled with countless stars, and the moons hovered gracefully in the sky, casting a soft light across the vast land. He exhaled deeply, feeling the cool night air brush against his skin as he pondered the next step in his journey.
"Alright, system," he murmured, his voice calm and steady. "Show me my status."
[System Status]
Name: Solace
Age: 16/100
Race: Aethernal
Cultivation: Level 1
Abilities: N/A
"Pretty short, but at least my race is correct," Solace said to himself, scanning through the system screen. When given the opportunity to choose his race, he had considered a number of options—human, dragon, maybe even something more exotic. However, he opted for something unique, a race that would stand apart from all others. He had created the Aethernal race, with specific parameters in mind. Now, he was the one and only Aethernal.
"Good," Solace muttered. "Now, what about my other cheat? And shouldn't the system have more functions to be considered a cheat?" He raised an eyebrow at the system, feeling a sense of impatience.
[You can open your starter kit to access your other cheat. As for my functions, they will evolve with your journey. The system is adaptive to your will. It will evolve once you decide how you will proceed in this world. However, the next evolution won't happen until after level 500.]
"Alright, give me the starter kit then," Solace replied, settling into the branch and preparing for whatever the system had in store for him.
[Starter Kit Unlocked]
The Abyssal Eye of The Infinite Path
The Abyssal Gaze of the Infinite Path is a rare and devastating ocular skill that channels the untapped potential of the universe into the cultivator's eyes. Unlike other abilities, it does not provide instant mastery but enhances the user's perception and understanding of the fundamental laws of reality, cultivation, and combat. This eye skill holds infinite potential, evolving as the user grows stronger and unlocks the mysteries of the world. It is the eye of a pioneer—always on the edge of discovery, with the promise of eventual omniscient understanding.
"Good," Solace said, a smile tugging at his lips. As the skill assimilated with him, he felt no pain—a direct result of his Aethernal bloodline, which could assimilate anything, even something as powerful as the Abyssal Eye. It felt as though the power merged seamlessly with his very essence, feeding into the core of his being without resistance.
"This is only the beginning," Solace thought as he took a deep breath, the excitement of his new abilities coursing through him.
He then spoke again, "System, explain to me the cultivation realms and how I should go about increasing my power."
[There are many realms of power in this world. The first realm is the foundation, where cultivators shed their mortality and develop rudimentary abilities. This realm spans from Level 1 to Level 500. At this stage, cultivators access basic powers depending on their affinities, which can be used to learn and refine skills from books. By the time you reach Level 500, you will gain the ability to fly and tap into the power of the laws themselves.]
[To level up, you need to kill cultivators or magical beasts. Each kill will release essence, which can be absorbed to enhance your power.]
Solace frowned. "Pretty barbaric, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but it works," he muttered to himself, shrugging off the uncomfortable truth. "Alright, then. What are my affinities? Haven't I already awakened?"
[Well… you don't have any yet.]
Solace's eyes widened. "THE FUCK?" he yelled, his voice echoing through the night. He had expected to have his affinities already, at least a basic understanding of his elemental powers. Instead, he was starting from zero.
[Solace, you don't have any affinities yet. First, you must determine how you wish to journey through this world. Once that decision is made, the system will grant you affinities. After that, the rest will be up to you.]
Solace took a deep breath, calming himself. It was disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. The system had said it would adapt to his decisions. He had the power to shape his path; he just needed to decide how.
"So," Solace began slowly, his tone now thoughtful, "the system's functions are based on my will, huh?" A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he began to formulate his plan.
He closed his eyes and visualized the path he wanted to take, the skills he wanted to acquire, and the person he wished to become. As he focused, the world around him seemed to pulse with a silent energy.
[System Functions Active!]
[Supreme Assassin System - Gacha]
-Functions
-Increased Leveling Speed: Each successful assassination will yield more accumulated essence.
-Assassination Hits: The system will provide a list of influential figures within this world. Each assassination grants a Gacha roll for rewards.
-Task: Random tasks will be generated that provide rewards upon completion.
Next Update: Second Realm of Power
[Choose two Affinities and a weapon of choice.]
Solace leaned back, contemplating for a moment. The system had presented him with an opportunity to shape his power in whatever way he saw fit. After a moment's thought, he spoke with certainty.
"I want to have affinities for Space and Shadows. And I want my weapon to be a Katana."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sudden sensation washed over him. He felt the presence of Space itself—vast, infinite, and yet intimately familiar. The shadows around him seemed to come alive, swirling in the air like sentient beings, embracing him.
And then, with a soft sound, a jet-black katana appeared in his lap, its blade gleaming under the light of the moons.
He reached down and gripped the hilt, feeling the weight of the blade, the cold edge that seemed to hum with the power of the darkness itself.
"Now," Solace muttered, looking up at the sky with a smirk, "let's begin, shall we?"