Darkness swallowed Soma's vision.
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
His stomach tightened in anticipation of another humiliating fall. He instinctively spread his arms, bracing for the sensation of the floor disappearing beneath his feet.
But nothing happened.
No plummeting through an endless white void. No flailing helplessly through the air. And, thankfully, no intimate reunion between his face and an extremely unforgiving floor.
There was only darkness.
Then, almost as quickly as it had arrived, the darkness vanished.
Light flooded his vision.
Soma blinked.
His right hand was still resting against the smooth surface of the Awakening Crystal.
The towering cathedral surrounded him, its magnificent vaulted ceiling stretching high above the rows upon rows of spectators. Sunlight poured through enormous stained-glass windows, scattering brilliant colors across the polished marble floor.
Beyond the crystal, the demigod conducting his Awakening stood exactly where she had been before.
Her hand remained raised, her lips slightly parted.
She hadn't moved.
What the hell?
Soma glanced toward the thousands of people seated around the amphitheater. Their expressions were frozen in anticipation.
Not a single person seemed to have noticed his disappearance.
I was gone for... what? Half an hour? An hour?
He couldn't be certain. Meeting the ten Pantheons hadn't exactly left him in the right frame of mind to keep track of time.
Before he could make sense of it, a pleasant feminine voice spoke directly into his thoughts.
[Good morning, Master Soma. Please remain calm.]
Soma nearly jumped out of his skin.
What the—?
[Your soul has successfully returned to its original location. No complications have been detected.]
Who the hell is that?
[That would be me, Master Soma.]
His eyes widened.
You can hear my thoughts?
[Only those you consciously direct toward me. I assure you, I have no interest in listening to every stray thought that passes through your head.]
Well, that's reassuring. I think.
[Regarding your earlier concern, time flows differently within the Pantheons' domain. Although you experienced an extended conversation, virtually no time has passed in the mortal world.]
Soma looked toward the motionless demigod.
So... time was paused?
[That is an acceptable simplification.]
And who exactly are you?
There was a brief pause.
[I am P.A.W.G.S., the Pantheon Assisted World Growth System. I was created by Lord Dax and bestowed upon you with the authorization of the Pantheons. My primary purpose is to assist your development, manage your enhanced System, and support you throughout your journey.]
Soma stared ahead.
P.A.W.G.S.?
[Correct.]
Pawgs?
[Yes, Master Soma.]
As in... PAWGS?
[I believe we have established the pronunciation.]
Soma pressed his lips together.
Oh, that is unfortunate.
[Is something wrong with my designation?]
Several things, actually.
[My designation was selected by the Pantheon of Technology himself. Its structure is both functional and logically appropriate.]
Sure it is.
[I detect skepticism.]
You don't say.
He had just met ten beings worshipped throughout Hallowcrown, discovered that his blood was apparently a matter of divine concern, and agreed to investigate a conspiracy involving missing children.
Yet somehow, the thing threatening to break his composure was the fact that Dax had named his divine operating system P.A.W.G.S.
Where I'm from, that word means something very different.
[Would you care to elaborate?]
Absolutely not.
[How peculiar.]
Look, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Just... probably not something a fifteen-year-old should be announcing in public.
[My designation is not intended for public announcement.]
Thank the gods for small mercies.
[You have recently spoken to all ten. Perhaps you should be more specific.]
Soma almost laughed.
Oh, you're going to be trouble.
[I prefer the term efficient.]
Can I change your name?
[As my designated master, you possess the authority to assign an alternative personal designation. However, my original System classification will remain unchanged.]
Perfect. How about Cecilia?
A moment passed.
[Cecilia. An interesting selection. Although, given my nature as a System, I would suggest a slight modification.]
Oh?
[Syscilia. A combination of "System" and "Cecilia." It retains your intended pronunciation while acknowledging my technological identity.]
Soma blinked.
Then a grin spread across his face.
You know what? I was just going to call you Cecilia, but I like yours better.
[Naturally.]
Wow. Humble, too.
[Would you prefer I demonstrate false modesty?]
Nope. I think we're going to get along just fine.
[Then I shall register Syscilia as my personal designation.]
A small notification appeared at the edge of Soma's vision.
[Personal designation updated.]
[P.A.W.G.S. → Syscilia]
Sweet. Nice to meet you, Syscilia.
Her response came a little more softly.
[It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Master Soma.]
For a moment, Soma found himself smiling.
He wasn't entirely certain what Syscilia was, beyond an impossibly advanced divine intelligence. But there was something strangely comforting about having someone to talk to inside his own head.
Someone who could apparently keep up with his nonsense.
Unfortunately, that peaceful thought lasted approximately three seconds.
[Master Soma, I recommend preparing yourself. The temporal suspension is about to conclude.]
The what?
[Your Awakening will resume momentarily. I strongly advise you not to panic.]
Soma's smile faded.
Why would I panic?
[Your Awakening results are... unconventional.]
Unconventional how?
[You will see.]
Syscilia.
[Yes?]
What the hell does that mean?
[Temporal suspension ending in three... two... one...]
The world erupted.
A blinding torrent of light burst from the Awakening Crystal.
Soma jerked backward, instinctively shielding his eyes as brilliant colors spiraled beneath the crystal's surface.
Crimson. Azure. Emerald. Violet. Gold.
Then others.
Silver and black intertwined like liquid shadows. Pale green currents flickered between brilliant white sparks. Colors Soma had no names for twisted together in an ever-changing storm, illuminating the entire platform.
A deep, resonant hum rolled through the cathedral.
The crystal's light climbed the surrounding pillars, throwing enormous shifting reflections across the marble.
Gasps rose from the spectators.
"What was that?"
"Did the crystal malfunction?"
"Look at the colors!"
"Is he all right?"
Soma lowered his arm.
Oh, you have got to be kidding me.
The crystal beneath his hand looked less like a magical artifact and more like someone had trapped an entire rainbow inside a thunderstorm.
Beside him, the demigod conducting his Awakening stood completely motionless.
Her face had gone pale.
She stared at the crystal, her mouth slightly open, her ceremonial staff forgotten in her hand.
"Um..."
Soma glanced between her and the glowing crystal.
"My lady? Is everything all right?"
She didn't answer.
"Because I'm getting the distinct impression that something has gone wrong."
Her gaze slowly shifted toward him.
For a moment, she looked less like a divine representative presiding over a sacred ceremony and more like someone who had just watched a mountain stand up and walk away.
Then she seemed to remember where she was.
The demigod straightened, tightened her grip on her staff, and swallowed.
Her eyes moved toward the announcement display suspended above the platform.
Soma followed her gaze.
Golden letters began appearing across its surface.
AWAKENING RESULTS
Name: Soma Locke
Class: Boundless
Class Rank: SSS
Affinities: ALL
Affinity Ranks: ERROR
Silence fell over the Grand Awakening Temple.
Not the ordinary hush of an audience listening to an important announcement.
A complete, bewildered silence.
Soma stared at the words.
...Excuse me?
The demigod's voice trembled as she read the results.
"Soma Locke."
She paused.
"Class... Boundless."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Class rank..."
Her fingers tightened around her staff.
"SSS."
The murmur vanished.
"Elemental and magical affinities... all."
She looked at the final line.
"Affinity ranks... error."
For one extraordinary heartbeat, nobody moved.
Then the temple exploded.
"SSS?!"
"Did she say SSS?"
"That's impossible!"
"ALL affinities? Every single one?"
"There's never been an Awakening like that!"
"Look at the crystal! It hasn't stopped changing!"
Thousands of voices collided beneath the cathedral's towering ceiling.
Nobles rose from their seats. Parents leaned over the railings. Children awaiting their own Awakenings stared wide-eyed at the platform.
Some spectators looked delighted.
Others looked frightened.
And a few wore expressions Soma recognized immediately.
Calculation.
Well, that's concerning.
He glanced toward the royal seating.
Even from this distance, he could see members of his family standing.
His father had one hand braced against the railing, his enormous blond mustache practically quivering as he spoke to someone beside him.
His mother stood close by, staring toward the platform with an expression Soma couldn't quite read.
Surprise, certainly.
But worry, too.
Sorry, Mom. I swear I didn't do this on purpose.
A sharp voice carried from somewhere among the noble spectators.
"An error means the crystal couldn't determine his affinity ranks!"
"Then perhaps they're worthless!"
"An SSS class with defective affinities?"
Another voice answered immediately.
"Are you blind? The crystal recognized every affinity!"
"That doesn't mean he can use them!"
"How could anyone possess all of them?"
The argument spread.
Some called it a miracle.
Others insisted something had gone terribly wrong.
Soma simply wanted someone to explain what Boundless meant.
[Master Soma.]
Not now, Syscilia.
[I believe you should breathe.]
Soma realized he'd been holding his breath.
He exhaled slowly.
Right. Breathing. Good idea.
The demigod stepped closer and lowered her voice.
"Young Lord Locke, please come with me."
Soma turned toward her.
"Am I in trouble?"
"No."
She hesitated.
"At least... not that I am aware of."
Fantastic answer.
She placed a gentle hand near his shoulder, directing him toward the passage leading away from the platform.
"Your Awakening has concluded. We will escort you to the waiting chamber before the trial."
Soma glanced back at the crystal.
It was still glowing.
"Shouldn't someone do something about that?"
Several temple attendants had already gathered around the artifact, speaking urgently among themselves.
The demigod followed his gaze.
"The temple will handle it."
Her tone suggested she desperately hoped that was true.
Soma decided not to argue.
As they approached the archway, the sounds of the crowd followed them.
"Boundless!"
"SSS!"
"All affinities!"
"The Crownless Dawn!"
That last name carried farther than the others.
Soma's steps faltered.
He had spent years trying to become someone the people of Highmere could depend on. Being called the Crownless Dawn had meant more to him than any noble title.
Now those same people were shouting his name as though he had become something they couldn't understand.
Please don't start treating me like some kind of divine miracle.
[That may be difficult, Master Soma.]
You're really not helping.
[I did warn you.]
You said not to panic. That barely counts.
[I shall endeavor to provide more detailed warnings in the future.]
Please do.
The passage beyond the Awakening platform was quieter, though the distant roar of the crowd still echoed through its stone corridors.
Soma followed the demigod past towering pillars and softly glowing wall sconces until they reached a pair of enormous doors.
Beyond them lay a spacious waiting chamber.
It was nowhere near as elaborate as the main temple, but it was impressive in its own right.
Polished stone floors stretched between long rows of benches. Tables lined the walls, holding pitchers of water, cups, and light refreshments. Several smaller rooms opened off the main chamber, and a pair of wide doors stood at the far end.
Three demigods watched over the approximately sixty-five newly Awakened youths gathered inside.
The room was alive with conversation.
Some children excitedly compared their classes.
Others sat quietly, studying their newly awakened status screens with expressions ranging from wonder to disappointment.
A boy near the windows repeatedly summoned a tiny flame above his palm, grinning every time it flickered to life.
Across from him, a young girl concentrated on a sphere of water hovering above her fingertips.
Nearby, two newly awakened warriors argued about whose class would perform better in the coming trial.
None of them appeared to know what had happened outside.
Well, at least someone in this building is having a normal day.
The demigod turned toward him.
"Lord Soma, this is the preparation chamber for the Awakening Trial. Once all candidates have completed their Awakenings, there will be a one-hour preparation period before the trial begins."
Soma nodded.
"Understood."
"Because you have finished early, you will have some additional time to familiarize yourself with your abilities."
She hesitated.
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary.
"I strongly recommend that you use it wisely."
"I will. Thank you, my lady."
She gave him a small nod before returning through the doors.
Soma watched her leave.
Well, that wasn't ominous at all.
[You have a remarkable talent for making people uncomfortable, Master Soma.]
I haven't even done anything yet.
[Precisely.]
Soma sighed.
He surveyed the room.
A few students glanced his way, apparently recognizing the tall noble who had just entered, but most quickly returned to their own conversations.
He spotted a quiet corner near a narrow door at the opposite end of the chamber.
Nobody had chosen to sit there.
Whether because of the door itself or simply because it was out of the way, Soma didn't particularly care.
Privacy sounded wonderful.
He crossed the room, settled against the wall, and stretched his legs toward the door.
Then he closed his eyes.
All right, Syscilia.
[Yes, Master Soma?]
We need to talk.
[I suspected as much.]
Start with the giant problem. What the hell is Boundless?
A faint chime sounded in his head.
[Accessing Awakening information.]
[Class: Boundless]
[Classification: SSS]
[A unique class possessing the potential to acquire, develop, and combine multiple class paths.]
Soma stared at the information floating in his vision.
Combine classes?
[Correct. Unlike ordinary Awakened individuals, who follow the progression paths available to their class, you possess the ability to access additional class paths and eventually merge compatible classes into new forms.]
Soma sat forward.
Hold on. Are you telling me I can use every class in existence?
[Potentially.]
Potentially?
[Your class grants access to possibilities, Master Soma. It does not immediately grant mastery over them.]
Meaning?
[You are currently level one.]
...Right.
[At this stage, you may select one initial class. As you develop, additional class slots and advancement opportunities may become available through leveling, special achievements, or certain items.]
Soma leaned back against the wall.
That made more sense.
A little.
So I don't just wake up knowing how to be a sword saint, archmage, assassin, and master chef?
[Regrettably, no.]
Shame. I was looking forward to making breakfast while fighting an army.
[I would recommend prioritizing the army.]
Clearly you've never had a really good breakfast.
[I shall add that to my developing understanding of your priorities.]
Soma chuckled.
Then the implications began settling in.
A normal class determined much of a person's future. Some people could advance along multiple evolution paths, but those paths still began with the class they had awakened.
A swordsman might eventually become a blade master.
A mage could pursue increasingly advanced magical disciplines.
But Boundless...
Boundless appeared to remove the wall between those paths entirely.
Not immediately.
Not without effort.
But eventually.
That's...
Soma swallowed.
That's ridiculous.
[An imprecise but understandable assessment.]
And the affinities?
[Your Awakening has recognized compatibility with every known affinity.]
Soma rubbed his forehead.
Every single one?
[Yes.]
Fire? Water? Earth? Wind? Light? Darkness?
[Those and others.]
What about the error?
[The public Awakening Crystal was unable to assign a conventional rank to your collective affinity results.]
So does that mean they're weak?
[No. It means the crystal could not accurately represent the result using its normal classification method.]
Soma let out a slow breath.
Well, that's something.
[As with Boundless, your affinity access will develop progressively. You may begin with one active affinity. Others can be unlocked as you advance, although the requirements will differ from those governing class acquisition.]
So one class and one affinity to start.
[Correct.]
And I choose which ones?
[Correct.]
Soma immediately began considering the possibilities.
A swordsman with fire affinity.
A rogue with darkness.
A healer with light.
Or perhaps something more unconventional.
His experience in Ascension Overdrive had taught him that choosing a starting build was often less important than understanding how it would develop.
And for once, he wasn't playing a game.
He was going to live with the consequences.
All right. Let's choose something useful.
[I advise waiting.]
Soma blinked.
Waiting? Why?
[Because you are about to make a potentially important decision without reviewing the resources available to you.]
What resources?
[The Pantheons have provided several advantages to assist your development. Some may influence which initial class and affinity would best suit your immediate circumstances.]
Soma went still.
Wait.
He thought back to Arthur's words.
The gifts.
[Correct.]
So the Pantheons actually gave me stuff?
[Yes.]
And you know what they gave me?
[Naturally.]
Soma grinned.
Oh, this is going to be good.
[That depends on your definition of good.]
Is this like Christmas? Are you going to make me sit down while you hand me presents one at a time?
[I am unfamiliar with this Christmas celebration.]
It's a holiday where I'm from. Presents, food, family, decorations. You know, good stuff.
[Then I fail to understand why you would compare it to a formal inventory assessment.]
Soma closed his eyes.
It was a joke, Syscilia.
[Your humor is frequently dependent upon information I have not yet been provided.]
Wow. Attitude much?
[I do not possess an attitude. I am a highly advanced artificial intelligence created by a supreme divine being.]
Soma stared at the wall.
Then he burst out laughing.
A few nearby students turned to look at him.
He quickly covered his mouth.
Oh, that is rich.
[I fail to see what is amusing.]
Nothing. Nothing at all. Just a humble little system reminding me how incredibly advanced she is.
[Accuracy should not be mistaken for arrogance.]
And now we're bragging.
[I am beginning to suspect that you enjoy being difficult.]
You have no idea.
For the first time since returning from the Pantheons' domain, Soma felt some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
The thought of facing the Awakening Trial still made his stomach tighten.
He had no idea what would happen when the temple officials came looking for him.
And he certainly hadn't forgotten the way Azriel had reacted to his blood.
But for the moment, sitting in a quiet corner with an exceptionally smug voice in his head, the situation felt almost manageable.
All right, Syscilia. Before we start opening divine Christmas presents, explain this System to me.
[A sensible decision.]
I do have those occasionally.
[I shall reserve judgment.]
Rude.
[Please say "Panel."]
"Panel."
A translucent blue interface unfolded across Soma's vision.
He instinctively jerked backward.
A rectangular display hovered before him, its borders outlined in soft light. Rows of neatly arranged icons occupied its center, while smaller information panels appeared along its edges.
Soma reached toward it.
His hand passed through the display.
Whoa.
[The interface is being projected directly into your field of perception. It does not occupy physical space and is invisible to anyone else unless you deliberately share permitted information.]
Soma moved his head.
The interface followed naturally, remaining perfectly positioned without obstructing his surroundings.
It's like having a computer monitor built into my eyes.
[A reasonably accurate comparison.]
This is incredible.
The layout reminded him of a mixture between a smartphone's home screen and the customizable interfaces he remembered from games on Earth.
The resemblance was almost unsettling.
Dax really went all out.
[Lord Dax is particularly proud of his work.]
Yeah, I got that impression.
[Your Divine System operates independently of Nexora's infrastructure while maintaining controlled compatibility with the Nexus Network. As a result, you may access ordinary Nexus services without exposing your divine enhancements.]
Soma's expression grew serious.
Meaning Nexora can't see everything?
[Correct. Your protected System information is not accessible through ordinary Nexus monitoring. Your public Profile will display only information permitted by your System's security controls.]
That's useful.
[Very.]
He considered how many people had just watched his Awakening.
Although I think we might be a little late on the whole keeping things secret idea.
[Your publicly announced Awakening results cannot be retracted. However, the full nature of your abilities remains concealed.]
Fair enough.
[Now, allow me to demonstrate your interface.]
The screen rearranged itself.
A narrow strip appeared in the upper-right corner of his vision.
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Another small display appeared at the upper-left.
Location: Grand Awakening Temple — Highmere
Beneath it, a set of coordinates flickered into view.
At the lower-left corner, a compact shortcut bar appeared. In the opposite corner, three horizontal lines formed a familiar menu symbol.
Soma grinned.
No way. A hamburger menu?
[Correct.]
Dax really did make me a fantasy smartphone.
[Would you prefer a less efficient interface?]
Absolutely not.
[You may say "Close" to minimize the main Panel while retaining essential information. The shortcut bar and menu will remain available, and individual elements can be rearranged through your settings.]
"Close."
The large blue screen dissolved.
Only the four compact displays remained.
Soma looked around.
The waiting chamber was clearly visible again, with the subtle interface elements resting at the edges of his vision.
He could see his HP and MP without losing sight of the people around him.
That's going to be useful during a fight.
[That is one of its intended purposes.]
"Panel."
The main screen returned.
Eight icons occupied the upper portion.
Below them, separated by a fine line of shifting violet light, rested four unfamiliar symbols.
[Your Panel contains eight standard Nexus applications and four Pantheon-exclusive application interfaces.]
All right. Walk me through them.
[We shall begin with the standard Nexus applications.]
The first icon brightened.
[Profile.]
A silhouette appeared, surrounded by small symbols.
[Your Profile contains your identity, level, experience, class, affinities, attributes, skills, and other personal information. Your enhanced version also contains protected sections unavailable through an ordinary Nexus Profile.]
Soma leaned forward.
Can we look at mine?
[Certainly. However, I recommend reviewing the remaining applications first.]
Of course you do.
The next icon glowed.
[NexSphere.]
A miniature window appeared, showing a stream of posts, messages, and contact profiles.
[NexSphere manages your social communication. Pulse provides a public social feed, Relay handles direct and group messages, Link supports voice and video calls, and Bonds organizes your contacts and personal connections.]
Soma blinked.
Social media. In a fantasy world.
[I am unfamiliar with why you continue to find ordinary technological functions surprising.]
Because the last thing I expected after being reincarnated was discovering that people could post pictures of their lunch.
[Food photography is a popular category.]
Of course it is.
Syscilia moved to the next icon.
[NexPack.]
A small backpack unfolded into a grid of empty spaces.
[Your standard inventory application provides magical storage. Newly Awakened citizens receive a Common-rarity NexPack containing ten storage slots. Identical items may stack according to their classification, while larger objects consume multiple slots.]
Soma studied the grid.
So I can store equipment without physically carrying it?
[Correct. Storage capacity can be expanded through increasingly rare upgrades.]
How big can they get?
[Conventional NexPack upgrades range from Common through the higher item rarities. Capacity increases with rarity, although certain upgrades are exceptionally difficult to obtain.]
And mine?
There was a suspicious pause.
[We shall discuss that shortly.]
Soma narrowed his eyes.
You're enjoying this.
[I am presenting information in a logical sequence.]
Uh-huh.
The fourth icon illuminated.
[NexQuest.]
A list of contracts appeared.
[NexQuest provides access to registered guild contracts, missions, rewards, and assignments. Quest availability depends on guild membership, eligibility, and location.]
That'll save me some trips to the guild.
[It may also allow you to track assignments while traveling.]
The fifth icon brightened, revealing a map.
[Nexcation.]
Soma watched as a miniature representation of Highmere appeared.
The streets surrounding the temple were clearly marked, while portions of the city beyond his explored areas remained obscured.
[Nexcation provides mapping, navigation, location information, and reviews of registered destinations. Unexplored areas remain concealed until sufficient geographical information becomes available to your personal map.]
Soma smiled.
Fog of war.
[If that terminology helps you understand its function.]
Oh, it does.
He leaned closer, examining the map.
For a moment, it almost felt like looking at a game again.
Almost.
Then he remembered the people outside the chamber and the very real trial awaiting him.
The resemblance didn't make any of this less dangerous.
The sixth icon glowed.
[Nexaar.]
A marketplace appeared, filled with listings for weapons, armor, ingredients, enchanted tools, and countless other goods.
[Nexaar connects buyers and sellers throughout the Nexus Network. It provides marketplace listings, auctions, order management, and delivery services.]
So I can buy equipment while sitting in my bedroom?
[Provided you possess sufficient funds and the seller offers delivery to your location.]
That's dangerous.
[Financially?]
Extremely.
[Then I suggest practicing restraint.]
I was hoping you'd be supportive.
[I support responsible spending.]
You really are no fun.
[That assessment is becoming repetitive.]
The seventh icon appeared.
[NexPay.]
A clean financial interface displayed balances, transaction categories, and exchange options.
[NexPay manages digital currency transactions throughout Arcaelis, including payments, transfers, and conversion between recognized denominations.]
Soma nodded.
Copper, silver, gold, platinum, and Mynthril.
[Correct.]
Still can't believe Mynthril is worth that much.
[Its rarity justifies its valuation.]
Remind me never to lose one.
[An excellent financial principle.]
The final standard icon glowed.
[NexCore.]
A series of settings appeared.
[NexCore allows customization of your interface, communication permissions, application preferences, privacy controls, and other System settings.]
Basically the settings menu.
[Correct. Your Divine System also provides additional security and privacy functions through this application.]
Soma folded his arms.
All right. Those are the normal apps.
[Yes.]
Now tell me about the interesting ones.
The violet line separating the applications shimmered.
Four new symbols rose above it.
The first resembled a branching tree, its luminous pathways dividing into countless directions.
[Class Tree.]
[This application provides access to your available class paths, progression requirements, compatible combinations, and future development opportunities.]
Soma's attention sharpened.
So that's where I choose my starting class?
[Correct. It will also become essential when you begin unlocking additional classes and developing combinations.]
Now we're talking.
The second icon depicted several interconnected figures.
[Party Management.]
[Your enhanced Party Management application allows you to organize companions and monitor information shared through the divine party system, including HP, MP, abilities, and combat status.]
That sounds ridiculously useful.
[It will be, particularly when coordinating larger groups or responding to dangerous encounters.]
The third symbol resembled an open book.
Its pages seemed to turn despite there being no visible wind.
[Living Archive.]
Soma tilted his head.
That one's an app?
[Technically, Living Archive is a divine ability. However, I have integrated it into your interface to make its functions more accessible.]
The icon expanded into a collection of empty shelves, neatly arranged categories, and an illuminated search field.
[The Archive can organize knowledge you acquire, preserve relevant information, and assist with research and analysis. Its available functions will develop alongside the underlying ability.]
Soma stared at the display.
You're telling me I get my own personal library?
[Among other things.]
That might actually be my favorite so far.
[An encouraging response.]
The final icon glowed.
A golden wheel appeared, its surface divided into numerous mysterious sections.
[Divine Gacha.]
Soma went completely still.
...Gacha?
[Correct.]
As in randomized rewards?
[Correct.]
With tickets?
[Gacha vouchers, to be precise.]
Soma slowly leaned back against the wall.
A grin began spreading across his face.
Oh, no.
[Is something wrong?]
You have no idea what you've just done.
[Please elaborate.]
You gave a former gamer a magical gacha system.
[I fail to see the problem.]
There isn't one. That's the problem.
[Your reasoning is occasionally difficult to follow.]
Welcome to my life, Syscilia.
He stared at the twelve applications floating before him.
Eight everyday tools.
Four divine enhancements.
And behind them, apparently, an entire collection of extraordinary powers he hadn't even begun to understand.
He rubbed his temples.
Okay. That's a lot.
[You will become familiar with the interface through regular use.]
Easy for you to say. You're literally the interface.
[An astute observation.]
Was that sarcasm?
[I would never.]
Liar.
[I am incapable of deliberately providing false information without sufficient justification.]
That was an extremely specific answer.
[Thank you.]
Soma shook his head, smiling despite himself.
Then his thoughts returned to the crystal.
To the announcement.
To his mother's worried expression.
And to the simple fact that in less than an hour, he would be entering a trial with a class nobody understood and powers he hadn't chosen.
His smile faded.
Syscilia.
[Yes, Master Soma?]
I need to be ready for that trial.
[Agreed.]
And I need to understand what I'm capable of before I start making decisions.
[Also agreed.]
He took a deep breath.
So no more teasing. No more mysterious pauses. Tell me what the Pantheons actually gave me.
For a moment, Syscilia was silent.
Then the twelve icons faded.
A new window appeared.
Unlike the familiar blue Nexus Panel, this one shimmered with deep violet light. Tiny points of silver and gold drifted beneath its surface like distant stars.
Soma's breath caught.
[Pantheon Gifts Detected.]
[Divine Blessings Available.]
[Unclaimed Rewards Awaiting Review.]
His pulse quickened.
Holy shit.
[Master Soma?]
Yeah?
[Before we begin, I would advise you to remain calm.]
Soma stared at the luminous display.
Why does everyone keep telling me that?
[Because you have not yet seen what the Pantheons have prepared for you.]
A slow grin spread across his face.
All right, Syscilia.
He sat up straighter.
Show me what we've got.
[Initializing Pantheons Gifts…]