Harry's world was a symphony of chemical and physical pain. Every breath burned his chest, not just from the pressure of his broken ribs, but from chronic fear. He tasted the rusty iron of his own blood as he huddled in the tiny dungeon that was the cupboard under the stairs. The stench of old dust and his own misery was the only familiar scent.
His ribs protested with sharp stabs every time his heart attempted a strong beat. Panic—that primal, internal scream—had triggered the accidental magic, teleporting him not to safety, but right into Vernon's bloodshot eyes.
The result was now painted on his body: bruises, broken bones he didn't dare move, open cuts soaking through his old shirt.
With blurred vision and tears running through his eyes, Harry tried to move a finger. He couldn't. It was surrender. If he fell asleep now, he wouldn't wake up. And for the first time, he thought maybe he didn't care.
Then…
A pure, clean sound, detached from all that suffering, pierced the darkness.
"T I N G—"
A brilliant blue light, as out of place as a diamond in a landfill, filled the tiny closet. Harry opened his eyes barely a millimeter, forcing the swelling of his eyelids open.
A screen floated before him, bright and translucent, like glass etched with the coldest, most efficient calligraphy.
[OMNIVERSAL SYSTEM — ARCÁNUM CORE]
[A suitable host has been located.]
[Physical Condition: CRITICAL. Multiple bone fractures and internal bleeding.]
[Mental State: Fractured, in terminal resistance phase. Functional.]
[Compatibility: 99.8% (Immense Magical Potential Rate).]
[Do you wish to install the System?] This action will guarantee survival.]
[[Yes] — [No]]
Harry didn't understand the jargon, but the light was warm, not scorching. And the word "survival" resonated at the core of his despair. It wasn't a promise of happiness, but a simple, brutal choice not to die in darkness and pain.
A single drop of blood from his nose hit the floor.
Something inside him—perhaps animal instinct, perhaps the silent plea of a child's soul refusing to be erased—told him that this screen was his last chance.
He moved his hand. It was trembling, his fingers deformed and bruised. The movement drew an inaudible whimper. With an effort that used the last spark of his will, his fingernail grazed the word "Yes."
And he fell unconscious, not in pain, but in a darkness of acceptance.
[System Installation Initiated…]
[WARNING: Do not power off your Host.]
[Physical Repair: 1%… 5%… 12%…]
[Brain Stabilization: Completed.]
[Purge of Accumulated Damage (Years): Initiated.]
[Awakening of Inner Energy: Latent (Locked).]
[System Gifts Unlocked by Exceptional Compatibility:]
[GIFT 1 — Template: Shin Wolford (Kenja no Mago)]
[Installing…]
[Extraordinary Magical Affinity: ACTIVATED]
[Prohibitive Magical Control: Installed (Partially Sealed)]
[Technique Memory: Copying…]
[Unlimited Environmental Analysis: In Progress]
[High Intelligence: Increased]
[Template Progress: 10%]
[GIFT 2 — Ajarna Gate (Cheat Skill) [Isekai]
[Installing…]
[Ability: Gate to Another World]
[Ability to train, fight, acquire skills and items in a safe dimension.]
[Full potential for exponential growth.]
[Energy conversion between worlds.]
[Stat increase through real-world training.]
[Status: Active, world connected to Argena.]
[GIFT 3 — Longinus: Innovate Clear (DxD)]
[Installing Sacred Gear…]
[Type: Longinus]
[Ability: Creation of a world from scratch.]
[Dynamic evolution based on the user.]
[Manipulatory reality and laws.]
[Status: Basic form acquired.] Initial Dimension: Creating…
[Gifts installed.]
[Due to the critical condition of the Host…]
[Activating dimensional backup protocol.]
[[Emergency transfer to the Innovate Clear Dimension]]
A white light, not of danger, but of absolute peace, enveloped Harry.
His battered body vanished from the closet, and for the first time in his life, the small space that had been his prison and punishment was completely empty.