Tatehan did not feel painful surges in his body, nothing happened actually - at least to him.
But that was to be expected as this was a system and ability awakening and not enhancement.
The first sound that broke the rather too short silence was:
[You have received your first ability…]
Tatehan's heart hammered against his ribs. This was it - the moment that would determine whether he'd survive whatever horrors waited on this alien world or become another corpse in the Martian dust.
He really hoped that it would be something good. Something that would make him face off against whatever monsters this planet had without dying in the first encounter.
The first ability that came to his mind was speed. That, to him, would be incredibly powerful - flying through the sky, out of reach of any horror he would be facing, felt like a dream come true.
His second wish was enhanced reflexes. Though it wouldn't be as efficient as super speed or any other spectacular ability, just being able to dodge a lethal attack would be... really invaluable in his opinion.
But then, it all depended on the system, the alien system. It depended on what it would give him.
[Gravity manipulation!]
The voice echoed through the spaceship.
Tatehan was speechless, his mouth slightly hanging open in shock.
What the hell!
That was completely unexpected. Not even a trace of that thought had crossed his mind. Gravity manipulation? How did that even work? Could he make things float? Crush enemies? The possibilities flooded his mind, making him dizzy with anticipation and fear.
"[Description: The ability to manipulate gravitational forces within a localized field. User can increase or decrease gravitational pull on objects and living beings, affecting their weight, movement, and trajectory. Advanced applications include creating gravitational wells, anti-gravity fields, and gravitational crushing forces.]"
Before Tatehan could voice a word, the voice continued:
"[But at level one, the skill is limited in scale and power. Currently it can only be used for slightly moving small objects - thumbs, fingers, lightweight items within a three-foot radius. But the higher the level, the more devastating it becomes.]"
Words appeared across his retina and he saw:
[HOST STATUS]
Name: Tatehan
Level: 1
Species: Human (Enhanced)
Knowledge: 5/100
Repair points: 0/100
[ABILITIES]
• Gravity Manipulation - Level 1
'Well, that is a short system,' Tatehan wondered. Where were the strength stats, the elaborate skill trees he'd imagined?
Frankly, he had been expecting his system to have things like strength, agility, and dozens of other attributes. As if the system read his mind, it replied:
[Knowledge is the key on Mars, and frankly in life as a whole. Strength without knowledge of how to use it is almost useless, and abilities without understanding how to apply them effectively is completely useless.]
That... actually made sense. Tatehan felt a grudging respect for the logic, even as disappointment gnawed at him.
More words filled his vision:
[RED DRAGON VESSEL - DAMAGE ASSESSMENT]
[Overall Condition: CRITICALLY DAMAGED]
[BROKEN SYSTEMS]
• Hyperdrive Core: OFFLINE - Cannot achieve light-speed travel
• Quantum Jump Engine: DESTROYED - No inter-galaxy capability
• Navigation Matrix: CORRUPTED - Limited directional control
• Weapon Systems: DISABLED - All offensive capabilities down
• Shield Generators: FAILED - No defensive barriers
• Communication Array: DAMAGED - Cannot contact other vessels
• Power Coupling: FRACTURED - Operating at 15% capacity
• Hull Integrity: COMPROMISED - Multiple breach points detected
[FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS]
• Life Support: STABLE
• Emergency Power: ACTIVE
• Basic Sensors: OPERATIONAL
• Holographic Interface: WORKING
[RESTORATION STATUS]
Current Progress: 0/100 Repair Points
Required Materials: Advanced Alloys, Energy Cores, Quantum Components
[SPECIAL CAPABILITY - DIMENSIONAL STORAGE]
At 40/100 Repair Progress: Vessel can be stored in Personal Void Space
- Accessible only to bonded pilot
- Summon/dismiss at will
- Protected from external detection
- Current Status: LOCKED - Insufficient repair progress
The enhanced processing power in his brain allowed him to absorb and analyze the information far more quickly than he could have as Gavin. Still, the sheer scope of what lay ahead made his stomach clench with anxiety.
Without any further explanation from the system, it was clear that he would have to engage in repairing the spaceship to unlock its true potential - the power it had possessed when it belonged to the Red Space Dragon.
Repairing the spaceship to its full capacity would require him traveling to distant planets, perhaps entire galaxies, in search of the materials and knowledge to accomplish such a monumental task.
The thought should have been terrifying, but the DIMENSIONAL STORAGE capability reassured him. That meant he wouldn't have to drag a massive spaceship around Mars while trying to blend in with human society. And since Mars already had many humans with ability-granting weapons like his own (his weapon being the spaceship), it wouldn't be practical taking it anywhere he went in its current massive form.
Upon reaching 40% restoration, he could transfer the vessel to his Personal Dimensional Space - a void realm accessible only to him. There, repairs could continue without risk of discovery or theft.
Tatehan nodded, genuinely impressed despite his nervousness. The system was more sophisticated than he'd initially thought.
But repairing the spaceship presented a problem. Fighting monsters sounded manageable - he could learn to use his gravity manipulation, maybe find other weapons to supplement his abilities. The idea of tearing apart Martian creatures actually sent a thrill through him.
But repairing advanced alien technology? Tatehan had never been mechanically inclined. Even back on Earth, in his relationship with his girlfriend, he should have been the one fixing light bulbs, repairing leaking roofs, handling basic maintenance...
Well, it had been the opposite in his case. His girlfriend had handled all the supposedly 'male' duties while he avoided anything requiring tools or technical knowledge. The memory stung now - not just because she was gone, but because his laziness might get him killed here.
But with the state of this ship, it was clear he'd have to change. At least he had motivation now: revenge.
Perhaps when the Red Dragon spaceship reached its full potential, he might finally be able to take vengeance for his girlfriend and Pearl. Maybe find if any of the space dragons had survived the great war and take their heads as payment for Earth's destruction.
The stats disappeared from his retina and the voice fell silent. He stood up and walked over to where the radio lay just a few feet away.
Picking it up, he turned it over in his hands, examining its futuristic design - all smooth curves and alien symbols.
"Are you the system?" He asked casually, expecting a reply from the device. Instead, he got an answer from the spaceship itself.
"[No]" came the voice, graceful as it was mechanical. "[That is merely a communication tool I used to speak with you when you first awakened.]"
Tatehan immediately dropped the radio like it was a live grenade.
Thunk!
Clang!
His heart pounded as the reality hit him - the entire ship was alive? aware? watching him?
"Then who are you?" His voice came out higher than intended.
"[I am the spaceship's AI, designed to assist you on your journey. I am also your system interface.]"
Tatehan processed this for several seconds, his enhanced mind working through the implications. A sentient alien AI, bonded to him, containing the knowledge of an ancient space dragon...
He shrugged, forcing himself to accept it. Life was fantasy now. He shouldn't question every impossible thing that happened.
Turning to the viewport, which showed Mars's horizon and rust-colored surface stretching endlessly, Tatehan asked:
"So what's the first task?"