Don heard the words.
Finally.
Finally, he would get what he wanted—his right, just like everyone else.
He didn't know why it had been withheld from him for so long. But the old man had once told him: "The Source is just. It only withholds… in order to give."
Don had expected compensation. But he had no idea how eleven years could possibly be compensated for.
Then he heard the words that made him re-evaluate everything.
[You now have three choices.]
The Source's voice was calm, infinite, absolute.
[First: Unlock all the shackles on your body and release your bloodline from its restraints.]
A pause.
[Second: Choose any three skills you desire, and you shall obtain them—no matter what they are.]
Another pause.
[Third: I will grant you complete control over the planet and all those upon it.]
Don's breath caught.
[This is compensation for the years you were withheld from Me.]
The voice softened.
[But first… let Me connect you to Myself, as is your birthright—just like everyone else.]
Don was speechless.
What am I truly hearing?
A bloodline? Control over the entire planet? Any skill he wanted?
If I had known waiting would give me THIS… I would have waited longer.
But before he could process it, a white light shot out from The Source—fast, blinding, unstoppable—and attached itself to him.
He had no time to react.
The light gave him no time at all.
The connection began.
Don screamed.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Every bone in his body was being destroyed—shattered into dust—and rebuilt from scratch to withstand the connection.
He had heard about this from others.
Everyone who connected to The Source had to endure the pain of connection.
But hearing about it was one thing.
Feeling it was something else entirely.
This was agony.
Pure, searing, unbearable agony.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Fifteen minutes passed.
It felt like years.
Finally… it ended.
At last, Don could feel it—the Source's energy flowing through him, alive, infinite, waiting to be commanded.
But he didn't know how to control it. No one had taught him. No instructions. Nothing.
That accursed Alfred!
The moment he cursed the old man in his mind, he felt a sharp prick on his backside.
"Ouch!" Don yelped, spinning around. "What was that?! Am I imagining things?"
He looked behind him.
No one was there.
[What is your decision now?]
Don took a breath.
He was not a ruler. He knew that. He didn't want the planet or its people—he'd never truly felt like he belonged with them. He was only forced to live among them.
His bloodline? What even was that? He'd never heard anything about it before.
The choice was clear.
"O Source," he said firmly. "I choose the three skills."
[As you wish.]
The Source glowed.
Brighter. Brighter. Blinding.
Then it began to shrink.
From the size of multiple universes… to the size of a lemon.
Don's eyes widened in shock.
What's happening?!
In the next instant, The Source plunged into his chest.
"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING NOW?!" he screamed.
Then, just like that—he was back.
Back in his room.
Everything around him resumed motion. Sound returned. Time flowed again.
Don immediately tore off his shirt and stared down at his chest.
There, covering his entire torso, was a white circular tattoo—glowing faintly, pulsing with energy.
"What is going on here?!" he shouted.
Then, he heard it.
The Source's voice—inside his mind.
[Binding with host in progress…]
[Host possesses other connection signals…]
[Integrating with signal…]
[Binding successful.]
Suddenly, a translucent screen materialized before his eyes.
Glowing. Floating. Impossible.
╔═══════════════════════════╗
STATUS SCREEN
╚═══════════════════════════╝
— PRIMARY DATA —
• Name: Don Valdruun• Age: 12• Health (HP): {10/10}• Mana (MP): {500/500}• Stamina (STA): {5/5}• Experience (EXP): {0/10}• Affiliation: ??????• Level: 0• Status Points: 0
— ATTRIBUTES —
• Strength: 5• Agility: 6• Vitality: 4• Dexterity: 4• Stamina: 4• Wisdom: 8• Magic Power: 8• Intelligence: 8• Sense: 5• Luck: 50
— TITLES & TALENTS —
• Title: Survivor of Death's Deceit
Effect:You survived death once, and Death was impressed. Death granted you his gaze. Every time you approach death, you will receive a warning. If you survive, your power increases. If death defeats you, you become Death's slave.
• Talent: Child of Luck - #%#%#%%
Child of Luck:Luck has smiled upon you since your birth and helped you escape death. Luck has become your ally since the moment of your existence. Luck is with you every step of the way and influences everything for your sake.
Luck +45
— SKILLS —
• Skill: You may obtain any three skills.
╚═══════════════════════════╝
Don stared at the screen.
His mouth hung open.
His mind raced.
His heart pounded.
Then, finally, he whispered:
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!"