[CONGRATULATIONS, THE ETERNAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN INSTALLED]
His head suddenly hurts, but after a few seconds, it goes away. The basic commands were ingrained in his brain.
From what he understood, he needed but a thought to issue a mental command to open the system panel.
'Status'
[Name: Lucien Eternal
Bloodline: --
Physique: --
Age: 18
Talent: F
Cultivation: Beginner (0)
Technique: --
Skills: --
System Points: 0]
Looking at his trash status, Lucien did not despair.
Instead—
Shop.
Three categories appeared before him.
Techniques.Skills.Items.
Lucien focused on Skills.
The list seemed endless. Dozens—no, hundreds—of skills waited silently, each one radiating promise. For a brief moment, excitement surged through him.
Then he noticed the price.
SP.
System Points.
His excitement cooled instantly.
There were no instructions. No explanation. No hint of how to obtain even a single point.
So the system giveth—and withholdeth.
After briefly scanning the techniques and items, Lucien shifted his focus, there was no need to look at something he could not possess for now.
Inventory.
Three black boxes floated before him.
Two were sealed, their surfaces dull and unresponsive.
Only one responded to his presence.
With a mental command, Lucien opened it.
Nothing happened.
For a heartbeat…then another.
And then—
Pain.
Not sharp.Not sudden.
It flooded him.
Every cell in his body screamed as if being torn apart and reforged at the same time. Lucien clenched his teeth, biting down hard enough to taste blood. He buried his face into the pillow, muffling any sound that might escape.
The pain only grew.
Relentless. Merciless.
In the end, it was more than his consciousness could endure.
Lucien's vision darkened.
And he lost consciousness.
When he opened his eyes, many hours had already passed, and it was almost evening.
Looking at his body, there seemed to be some strange black substance all over his body and even on the bed.
After cleaning everything for half an hour, he once again looked at his status.
[Name: Lucien Eternal
Bloodline: --
Physique: Blank Codex Physique
Age: 18
Talent: F
Cultivation: Beginner (0)
Technique: --
Skills: --
System Points: 0]
[Blank Codex Physique: Can adapt to anything and everything. Constant replenishing of Mana. ]
'The description sounds insane, but the grade of the physique isn't written. There is no way this physique is normal,' Lucien thought, 'Regardless, I have to increase my strength fast and upgrade my talent.'
Although Lucien did not show it, he was really desperate because without sufficient talent, one cannot reach a certain cultivation rank. For example, an E rank or an F rank will remain in the beginner rank for the rest of their lives, no matter what they do, unless they can upgrade their talent. And any item that can upgrade talent is so rare that they cannot afford it. Hence, most people remain in beginner Rank for he rest of their lives.
However, Lucien had a way to upgrade his talent through the system shop. It's just that he doesn't know how to get SP.
Just then, the bracelet on his wrist sent a mental signal, and he touched it. A hologram appeared in which someone had sent him a report. It was a communication device, really sturdy, able to survive most fights, although you have to buy stronger ones as you become stronger.
Anger flashed through his eyes, but soon he pulled himself together. After giving some instructions, he relaxed. Just then-
[First trial: 00:59:57]
It was a notification from the system. Lucien did not know what kind of trial this was or how we could participate in it. He just decided to wait.
___
Cecilia walked through the streets, her footsteps soundless.
Pure white hair flowed down her back, untouched by ornament. Her purple eyes were calm—so calm they felt distant, as though the world itself failed to reach her. More than beautiful, she looked unreal.
Like an angel that had taken a wrong turn and descended into mortal soil.
"Cecilia, wait!"
Jack's voice echoed behind her.
She didn't stop.
His jaw tightened, but he quickened his steps and caught up, placing himself in her path.
"Did you hear me?" Jack said, forcing a smile. "We should talk."
Cecilia looked at him.
Just once.
Her gaze passed through him like cold air.
She stepped to the side and continued walking.
Jack's hand clenched.
"I'm talking to you," he snapped—then corrected himself quickly. "Cecilia."
Still no response.
Anger flashed in his eyes, but he swallowed it down.
"You should at least listen," he said, lowering his voice. "After today… Things have changed."
That made her stop.
Jack straightened, mistaking it for interest.
"You awakened SSS-rank talent," he continued. "My parents already know. They're very interested."
Cecilia turned slightly. Not fully. Just enough.
Jack took that as permission.
"Our families are going to be connected sooner or later," he said. "You might as well become my girlfriend now. It'll make things easier—for both of us."
Silence.
Her presence grew colder.
"You don't have to worry," Jack added, smiling confidently. "With my family's backing, no one in this city would dare touch you."
She resumed walking.
Jack's smile shattered.
"Hey—!"
He reached out and tried to grab her wrist.
But before he could even do that, her fist connected with his stomach.
The impact came like thunder.
Jack's body left the ground.
He crashed into the far wall, the stone cracking on impact. The air rushed out of his lungs in a wet, broken gasp as pain exploded through his chest.
He slid down slowly, barely conscious.
Cecilia stood where she was.
Unmoved.
She looked at him then—properly this time.
"Know your place."
Her voice was calm. Flat. Almost bored.
Then she turned and walked away.
Jack lay there, trembling.
In just a few hours…
She had become something else entirely.
He clenched his fists, blood seeping between his fingers.
"Enjoy it while you can," he muttered hoarsely.
Hatred burned in his eyes.
With his family's influence, he could do anything in this small city.
And he would make her regret it.