LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 8: Choice(1)
[REPEATING TO THE HOST, IT IS "EVIL GOD BREEDER" SYSTEM.]
Sein, though uneasy about the system's ominous name, held onto a sliver of hope. Anxiously, he asked, "What exactly can you do?"
[ DING! THIS SYSTEM WILL ASSIST THE HOST IN EVOLVING BEASTS, GUIDING THEM TOWARD TRANSFORMATION INTO POWERFUL AND DOMINANT EVIL GODS. ]
With the sound of the system's confirmation, Sein was certain that the entire function of the system was similar to its ominous name.
When he first learned about the system, he had imagined himself becoming a powerful figure, respected by others. But now, the only image that came to mind was a group of people chasing him, shouting for his death.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. "Don't stress, Sein," he thought, trying to calm his nerves.
Seeing Sein's stress, the system responded:
[HOST, YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THEM CAUSING HARM OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. YOUR BEASTS WILL REMAIN 100% LOYAL TO YOU, EVEN IF THEY BECOME EVIL GODS.]
"Then why did you ask me to check for compatibility above 75?" Sein questioned, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.
[HOST, IT'S MAINLY FOR A SENSE OF RITUAL,] the system replied nonchalantly.
Sein let out a heavy sigh, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Massaging his temples, he asked, "Can you just tell me your functions? Might as well know what I'm dealing with."
[There are only two main functions: the Evolution Panel and Identification. Host can learn more by simply thinking about them.]
Curious, Sein focused his mind, and the details of the functions appeared clearly in his thoughts.
The first function, Identification, was straightforward. By concentrating on an object, creature, or entity within his view, the system would provide details about it. However, the information was limited—the greater the difference in level between him and the target, the less he would learn.
The second function, Evolution Panel, was the core of the system. This function allowed Sein to guide his beasts in evolving, with the ultimate goal of transforming them into "Evil Gods," as the system had described.
Curious to test the system's functionality, Sein focused on Kuro, who rested comfortably in his arms. With a slight effort, a translucent panel materialized before his eyes.
[Name: Kuro
Species: Dark Dog (Juvenile)
Potential: Above Average
Power Level: 0.5 * Ordinary Human
Introduction: A juvenile member of the Dark Dog species, possessing limited potential. However, fate has now granted it an extraordinary opportunity.]
Sein's brow furrowed as he read the details, particularly at the phrase "above average potential." Unable to hold back, he asked, "System, what do you mean by 'above average potential'?"
[Ding! Potential classified as 'above average' refers to beings whose limits lie below godhood. Such individuals may reach the Demi-God level but lack the capability to ascend further.]
Sein's face froze, his fists clenching in frustration. He felt an overwhelming urge to grab this smug system and shake some sense into it.
In the world of Belmond, the power hierarchy was well-defined and deeply respected. It progressed through : Awakened, Master, Grandmaster, King, Emperor, Saint, Legendary, Mythical, Demi-God, and finally God.
Each rank upto Mythical level was further divided into four sub-levels: Low, Medium, High, and Peak.
Demi-Gods were hailed as the pinnacle of mortal power, revered for their strength and influence. They shaped the fate of kingdoms and ruled with unmatched might. Only 18 Demi-Gods existed in the entire world, standing just beneath the 4 Gods, who were the ultimate, godlike beings.
And yet, this ridiculous system had the audacity to label beings capable of reaching the exalted Demi-God level as merely "above average." Sein couldn't help but feel that the system's standards bordered on delusional.
As if sensing Sein's disbelief, the system chimed in,
[ Host, do not confine your perspective to the realm of Belmond. There exist countless realms far beyond this one, where the very foundations of power differ. In some of these realms, even the lowest beings begin their journey as Gods.]
Sein was taken aback, the system's words leaving him momentarily stunned. After a pause, he asked, "Then wouldn't your so-called 'evil gods' just be ordinary beings in those higher realms?"
The system responded, its tone steady,
[ Host, you misunderstand. The term 'Evil God' is just a term, not related to a realm. At their final form, there would be no one left to compete with them. So you don't need to worry much.]
Listening to the system's explanation, Sein let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the system was more powerful than he had first thought.
Not lingering on it, he moved on to the second function: the Evolution Panel.
As soon as he thought about it, a dark, eerie panel appeared in front of him. The background was filled with twisted tentacles and blinking eyes, making Sein nearly have a panic attack from the sudden, unsettling sight.
Cursing under his breath, he forced himself to focus on the function.
On the panel, there was only one entry: Kuro's picture and name.
Sein focused on it, and the image suddenly split into two parts.
It was as follows:
[
1. Dark Dog → Temporal Hunter → ..... → Lord of Tiandalos Hound, M Mh'ithrha.
2. Dark Dog → Dream Hunter → ..... → Lord of Nightmares, Nyxathar.
]
Sein focused intently on the two evolution paths before him, realizing that he had to choose one for Kuro. Each path presented a distinct future for his companion. As he concentrated on the first, the following information appeared:
[Lord of Tindalos Hound, Mh'ithrha
The Lord of Tindalos Hound, Mh'ithrha, is an ancient and formidable entity that exists beyond the conventional boundaries of time and space. It commands the Tindalos hounds, apex predators who can slip through dimensions, relentlessly hunting those who dare to meddle with time. Anyone who becomes the target of these hounds cannot escape, as they are bound by the relentless pursuit of the hunt.
]
Sein was shocked after reading the details of the first path, but he didn't make a decision just yet. He shifted his focus to the second path:
[Lord of Nightmares, Nyxathar
Nyxathar, the Lord of Nightmares, reigns over the realm of dreams and the deepest fears that haunt the human mind. It resides in the darkest corners of fear and terror, feeding on the anguish of those it torments. Nyxathar has the power to invade the subconscious of others, distorting their dreams into horrifying nightmares and growing stronger with each fearful soul it encounters.
]