Without hesitating, Julian snapped his fingers and then;
A shimmering screen drove out of the device. It spun around very quickly, swiftly facing him.
The screen seemed like it was made of glass, but then, it was not a real screen—more of a hologram.
Julian attested to it by trying to touch it, but it proved to be truly a hologram, like it wasn't even there.
He shrugged, saying in his mind:
'Impressive.'
And then, with the sound of glass shattering, he heard a light angelic female voice:
'[Exion system activating!]'
Julian made no expression; he only stared at it blankly, like he was waiting.
And then—
'[Exion system Activated]'
The screen went blank and made a:
Shhhhhhh! sound.
Julian waited patiently, knowing that his waiting would actually be worth the wait.
With the similitude of the sound of thunder:
'Crack!'
He heard something strike the screen. He couldn't actually see it, as it was only a sound.
And then, he could clearly see his stats:
EXION SYSTEM INTERFACE:
Name: Julian
Class: Galactic Knight
System Sync: 14%
Level: 1
Title: None
Core Stats:
HP (Health Points): 100
EP (Energy Points): 60
Strength: 38
Agility: 46
Endurance: 52
Intelligence: 59
Perception: 29
Willpower: 64
Skills:
Galactic Shield Lv.1
Gravity Control Lv.1
Equipment:
Costral Blade (Sword)
Abilities:
1. Gravity Slam
Exion Fragments: 0/500
Julian stared at it, not knowing how to act. Of course he ought to be pumped up and excited, but for some reason, he wasn't.
Not that he wasn't glad—just that he didn't understand what was facing him.
But then, he studied it.
His strength was normal, although it was quite disappointing as he had wanted more, but nonetheless…
His agility was pretty good but still not something spectacular or a thing that would cause awe.
His intelligence, to him, was pretty good. This was the one he liked a bit.
His endurance was average.
His perception was utterly disappointing.
And the last of his core stats? Well, his willpower was something that he could boast of.
The things he didn't understand were his skills, equipment, and abilities.
He looked at the device, a bit surprised that it had gone silent. He was expecting it to at least start saying something.
"What does this sync stuff mean?" he asked, his voice laced with steeze.
The device flickered a silver light before it said,
"[It means how deep the system has fully connected with your body—that includes the suit also.]"
Julian thought about this for a few seconds.
"So it means the system is just 14 percent connected with my body system?"
"[Yes]," the alien device said. "[The more you use it, or the more battles you win and enemies you kill, it syncs well with your body.]"
Julian nodded his head in the affirmative.
"Mind if I keep asking you questions?" he asked.
"[Sure]," the device said. "[That is part of the main reason I was created.]"
"Help me explain the skills, equipment, and abilities."
"[Sure]," the device said and began:
"[Galactic Shield:
Duration—1 minute (60 seconds). Cooldown—12 hours. Its long cooldown makes strategic use crucial.
It costs no EP.
Upgrade System—Fragment-based upgrades: You can upgrade the Galactic Shield by finding specific fragments. These upgrades could enhance the shield's absorption amount, damage reduction, or add new effects.
Fragment Types, Shield Core Fragment: Increases absorption amount. Damiegs Fragment: Enhances damage reduction. Geidys Fragment: Adds a chance to reflect projectiles or energy attacks.
As you collect fragments, you can upgrade the Galactic Shield, unlocking new effects or improving its existing capabilities.]"
Julian nodded, quite satisfied with the explanation.
So he would have to pick up fragments to upgrade—it sounded interesting.
The device continued:
"[Gravitational Manipulation, Skill Name: Gravity Control.
You can manipulate gravity, creating localized effects that can attract, repel, or stabilize objects and enemies.
It has many effects, like:
Attraction, Pulls enemies towards you, repulsion, It Pushes enemies away. Stabilization,Creates a stable gravity field around you, reducing knockback and stun duration.
Cooldown is 30 seconds.
Like the Galactic Shield, Gravity Control can be upgraded using fragments. These upgrades could enhance the skill's range, effects, or add new capabilities.]"
Julian was very well impressed with this particular skill.
"So it means I can control gravity?" he asked.
"[To an extent]," the device replied.
Julian almost whistled.
This was literally the best so far.
Julian waited for the device to continue speaking, but to his astonishment, it stopped.
"Why did you stop?" he asked the device.
"[Explaining all your stats to you will surely waste time, and that is one factor we don't have right now,]" the device said.
"Then how do I now know the remaining?"
The device paused a bit before continuing:
"[You have a power to comprehend, so all you have to do is to quickly close your eyes and just think about your system's stats.]"
Julian found it odd, to be honest. He was wondering why the device had explained two to him and now wanted him to think about the rest himself.
But when Julian hesitated, he realized that the device was more of a master to him than just the bringer of his system—and right now, it was trying to teach him, without him even knowing, how to use his powers.
Well, he complied, and closing his eyes, in that split second he saw the explanation he was looking for, of his stats.
Now, he saw something like visions, and in those visions, he was fighting, with all his powers in use.
He saw the Gravity Slam, a devastating punch that unleashes a massive amount of force, dealing massive damage to enemies and the environment.
In the vision, when he punches the ground or an opponent, the Gravity Slam unleashes a shockwave, damaging enemies within a small radius.
The Gravity Slam also deals significant damage to enemies, potentially stunning or knocking them back.
He saw that the punch could also create a visual effect, such as a shockwave or a burst of energy, to emphasize its power.
Julian couldn't help but open his mouth, even though no one could see it as the helmet was covering it.
He saw about the EXION fragment.
When Julian absorbs a chip, it becomes an Exion Fragment, which contributes to his System Sync progress.
Each Exion Fragment absorbed contributes to Julian's System Sync percentage.
Collecting a set amount of Exion Fragments (for example, 500) allows Julian to level up and upgrade his abilities.
He saw that his current progress was:
0/500
And the Costral Blade, his sword?
Well, it is a swift and deadly sword that glows silver when in use, slicing through enemies with ease.
And then the vision stopped, and when Julian opened his eyes, he saw the scenery in front of him to be scenic—which was a contrast because it was actually in ruins.
"I saw it all," Julian said. "I saw it."
"Great," the device said. "Glad you're getting the hang of your powers."
Julian almost smiled but then frowned it away. He didn't want to be happy, not when he was still lacing the loss of Luiin.
"So what do I do now?" he asked the device with a grim face, which was yet again hidden by the helmet.
"To conquer the Imperium of Archos, you need allies—and so now, you and I head to planet Seisymy. It is ruled by a horny empress, and if you bend to her desires, she'll let you have a mass of robotic monsters who will be very helpful for you in battle."
Julian looked at the device intently.
'Bend to her desires?' Julian thought.
And then he realized:
'Horny empress?'
'Bend to her desires?'
He immediately understood.