Moving on from his thoughts on the system, Alan returned to analyzing and attempting to understand his status sheet. Clap. Rubbing his hands together, Alan said, “Alrighty, what’s up next on the list here… Titles?”
Titles
A New Beginning
A Title given to all system-integrated sentient inhabitants of the multiverse. Allows for participation in a system-generated Tutorial.
All Stats +2
Voice of the World
Obtain a World Core. Rarely given to species outside of World Spirits.
All Stats +5,
All Stats +10%,
Primary Affinity set to 100%
The One and Only
A unique being who is the sole member of its species, integrated into the system for the first time.
All Stats +10,
All Stats +20%
First Classer
First to receive a class in your integration.
All Stats +2
“Ughh… all these blue boxes will take some time to get used to. System, how does this work anyways? Is it directed by intent or keywords?” A resounding silence was once again all Alan received. “Well, it seems like the system doesn’t like personal questions… Bit miffed that the system doesn’t provide adequate treatment to everyone… Just because I asked a personal question. Kind of petty, don’t you think? For a deity-like existence that supposedly spans the multiverse, that’s pretty human behavior.” Alan grumbled to his surroundings in the hopes of a response.
Pfft. Even goading the system into responding gets me nowhere. “Guess all I have to rely on is my dashing good looks and ingenuity to figure this out.” Glancing down at his new physique brought Alan up short. With a slight shrug, Alan moved on, “Welp, I guess it’s just my ingenuity now. Better give it the good ol’ College try. At least this time, I won’t have to worry about any relationships muddling up my time.”
“Now, where was I? Oh yeah!” Status.
Name
Alan Woods
Race
Grim (F)
Titles
A New Beginning, Voice of the World, The One and Only, First Classer
Class
Grim
Profession
N/A
Level
1
Stats
Strength
33
Intellect
35
Dexterity
32
Wisdom
37
Endurance
33
Will
37
Vitality
35
Charisma
32
Perception
31
Luck
36
Free Stat Points
0
System Currency
0
“Alrighty, so it seems to work mentally. That's nice; I would hate having to speak aloud whenever I want to view my status. I’ll be drawing enough attention as is...” Hmm… “I’m not sure how in the world I’m supposed to figure out if this works off intent. I mean… If I already know they’re called Titles, then it’s not like it would pull up if I ask for named achievements, right? Or are they labeled as Titles because that’s what I attributed them as and not the system?” Ugh… Alan groaned as he dragged his palm down his face. “Why on earth would someone design a system and not provide an introduction or tutori— Alan’s eyes brightened as he clapped his hands together, “Wow, I’m an idiot. If it didn’t work off intent, it would’ve popped up when I had said Titles without actually wanting it to pop up.” Alan shook his head at his idiocy and pulled up his list of Titles. Titles.
Titles
A New Beginning
A Title given to all system-integrated sentient inhabitants of the multiverse. Allows for participation in a system-generated Tutorial.
All Stats +2
Voice of the World
Obtain a World Core. Rarely given to species outside of World Spirits.
All Stats +5,
All Stats +10%,
Primary Affinity set to 100%
The One and Only
A unique being who is the sole member of its species, integrated into the system for the first time.
All Stats +10,
All Stats +20%
First Classer
First to receive a class in your integration.
All Stats +2
“Now, let’s see what we have here.” The first Title didn’t inspire any confidence in Alan that his current Titles would bring much as it seemed to be a basic Title every new integration would receive. Reading through the remainder of the first Titles description, however, caused Alan’s face to go through a maelstrom of emotions, finally resting on a rictus of fury. “What the fuck does this mean access to a system-generated tutorial! Why am I stuck here without information or assistance when I should be in some training area for whatever changes have happened outside? And you better fucking respond this time!”
[Inhabitant was deemed deceased during the transfer process for those applicable to attend.]
“Well, I’m obviously fucking alive!” Alan shouted as he waved towards himself while glancing down at his body. “Or, well… alright, a point on the deceased part, but my soul was still intact and operating like any other species. Are you trying to tell me you haven’t come across an undead race before? That’s not what I gathered from… from Gwen. Seems like you just made an error, and I’m the one who is getting shafted over this?”
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
[No error was made, as the inhabitant had no life signature on a world bereft of the undead. As this event occurred due to outside forces tampering with an unintegrated world, you were provided a guide to assist you. You’ve even managed to claim a fortuitous encounter through all odds, all on your own.]
Alan wasn’t sure if his emotions were clouding his judgment, but he was nearly certain the system had been snarky with that last statement. “Fortuitous encounter? Please do tell me how it was fortuitous that I fucking died! How is that considered a fortuitous encounter!? And what guide are you talking about? The only questions I’ve had answered were from you, and you stated you weren’t my guide and wouldn’t be answering nearly any of my questions outside of the current situation.”
[Through your encounter, you gained a unique species, a unique class at level 1, and claimed a world core, which was only possible due to the system integration. Any one of these achievements could be considered fortuitous, especially claiming a recognized world core through the system. Additionally, you’ve been given access to quests and opportunities outside the reach of normal integrated inhabitants. Your system-provided guide will be able to assist you throughout an extended period, drastically more than the time available during the tutorial, making the duration your guide will be indisposed inconsequential.]
Alan hadn’t been entirely certain before, but now he was positive the system wasn’t some lifeless machine, as their last response was dripping with condescension. Regardless of its attitude, he couldn’t argue with the system's logic. He had benefited greatly from his fall to those icy depths. Not only did he survive, even if he was now some type of undead, but he gained what seemed to be a substantial boost in his stats which would benefit him greatly in his hopes of surviving in this new world. He was still unsure whether his new species would be as beneficial as the system made it out to be, as he knew how people reacted to undead on earth. There were just too many movies where people would kill them on sight. The bright side was that at least it was unique and came with its own class.
“Why would you even provide a faulty guide that I can’t even use when I need it?” Alan mumbled. He knew he was running out of road quickly and would have to get off his high horse. “Sounds like you’re just attempting to cover for your mistake instead of taking responsibility.”
[Your guide was the closest available entity that met all system requirements and was deemed able to assist in your integration to the multiverse. Familiarity with the guide and your rising mental instability were additional factors in the selection of your guide.]
Tck. Couldn’t it at least give me an out here… “What are the requirements to become a guide? Can anyone become a guide if they have sufficient knowledge of the system?”
[Information unavailable.]
“Ugh! Can you at least tell me when my guide will be available?”
[Inconclusive. Additional information is required. Reach level 2.]
“Why is it inconclusive if you’re the one who assigned me the guide? Shouldn’t you know what is going on?”
[Your chosen guide has become intertwined with your soul; high probability your species and class have affected the guide, resulting in your current position.]
“Are you trying to say it’s my fault I don’t currently have my guide's help? What does it even mean that they’re intertwined with my soul? Are they going to take over my body or something? Who even is my guide? You said that I was familiar with them.”
[No additional information is available at this time. Reach level 2.]
Taking that as the end of his discussion with the system, Alan returned his focus to his status once again. Hopefully, he could get through the rest without having another argument with the system. He still found it unfair that he wasn’t allowed into the tutorial, but at least he was allowed a unique opportunity that could pay off in the long run. If he survived. Now, what was it that the system said? Something about quests? “Wait, wait… Finish the status screen first. Keep getting distracted.”
Reading over the remainder of his Titles, Alan understood what the system meant by telling him that his species was a fortuitous encounter for him. His unique race came with a powerful Title, providing a huge stat boost for his early survival with the flat base increase and the stat modifier of twenty percent, which would make a major difference when he leveled up and gained more base stats. That wasn’t even the only unique Title Alan obtained; If the system was to be believed, obtaining Gwen’s heart was another outcome that should have never happened, providing him with more base stats and another percentage modifier.
Viewing his Titles, Alan knew the societal paradigm would undergo a dynamic shift, where influence was no longer solely based on wealth but on personal power. A world where the only limiting factor in growth was oneself. Everyone had the potential to eclipse the mortal limits known to mankind. Thankfully, Alan had a lead he was intent on keeping. It was a gift he wouldn’t let go to waste as he had a real chance to leave behind a legacy, to be in charge of his life, and see how far he could take himself. He’d live his life to the fullest, but he wouldn’t be able to do that if he had to follow someone else's orders or beliefs.
“I never imagined that my death would ever hold the potential for me to truly live and make something of myself… I… I have to make this count. That is unless there is some sort of super death? System?”
Alan sighed as the system ignored his inquiry. “I’ll take that as a no… Best not go losing my undeath then. Though, I wonder if it’s still considered dying if I’m undead.”
Moving on from his straying thoughts, Alan was happy to realize he most likely had a lead on most of this world's inhabitants, as the most crucial information he learned from his Titles was that Titles had vastly different attributes to gain, depending on the rarity or challenge in obtaining the Title. Out of his four Titles, one was limited to the first who achieved the accomplishment, one was a generalized Title that every newly integrated inhabitant would receive, and the last two seemed to be very rare Titles as they were acquired through unique circumstances. He would be the only one on Earth, or whatever his new planet would be called, that would receive the First Classer Title. It left the question of what other limited Titles were out there to claim.
Looking at his stat gains from his Titles, he realized the bulk of his stats came from his Titles, nearly quadrupling his starting stats. Alan didn’t know how his stats worked yet. If his strength stat rose by a factor of four, would he be four times stronger? Alan had a hunch it wouldn’t be so clean-cut as to have a linear progression. He knew the system wouldn’t provide him with that type of information from their previous conversations. He would just have to figure it out through trial and error or wait and hope his guide would have more answers for him. Regardless of how his stats would function, one of his largest concerns was to keep this information close to keep every advantage he could. He knew he would need it when socializing as an undead.
Alan curled his fingers, clasping them to his palm in a vise-like grip that dug furrows through his palm. Pursing his lips, Alan stared at his hand as the black ichor that now filled his veins streamed down his arm in small rivulets before they splashed to the ground. Alan had grown up believing in a higher power, but it seemed as if, in the multiverse, they were as common as raindrops in a storm from his perspective. If he was to survive and live by his own will, he’d need to gain power, so he decided to make a vow.
Not a vow to some god but a vow to himself and for himself. He owed it to himself. He owed it to Gwen. She sacrificed herself for him, saving his life. Her last words told him to live his life to the fullest, for himself and the life she could never truly live. He’d honor her in the only way he thought he could, by growing as strong as possible so that he could explore and live freely in this new multiverse. He’d start anew and keep every advantage he could for himself.
My name shall be forevermore Grim, and no matter what happens or who hinders my path, I’ll climb to the peak and leave a legacy worth more than Time can hold. And what’s more eternal than Death itself?
As Alan’s vow came to an end, the blood flowing from his hand burst into an ominous Violet-black light, bathing the previously dark ice caves in an eerie glow that refracted down throughout the tunnel. A terrified scream pierced the air, emanating through the surroundings as if a banshee was wailing for the bad omens to come. Luckily for Alan, he was the only one who would ever know of his womanly screech.
[A Vow, Spoken from the Deepest Depths of One’s Soul. Heard and Accepted. Rejoice as Your Vow has been Recognized by the System.]
The suddenness of the System speaking to him was followed by an abrupt system prompt that filled Alan’s vision.
System Recognized Vow
A Vow spoken with the purest of intent to uphold that which you stand for. A Vow which you have carved onto your soul, whether knowingly or unintentionally done, you have bound yourself. Should you break your Vow, your soul will shatter and disperse, never to be a part of the multiverse again. All accounts of you will be stricken from the System. Any mortal memories of you will be forgotten. All associated assets will be seized by the System. Only the gods will be able to mourn your loss if there is any loss to mourn.
[To Finalize Your Vow, A Name Must Be Chosen.]
Alan’s eyes widened in disbelief as he read through the System prompt. He couldn’t fathom how such strict penalties could be enforced over a vow. He hadn’t known what had triggered this outcome, but he couldn’t see a reason to accept such restrictions. He had the full intention of living by his vow to himself, but that was the point; it was to and for himself. The system coming in and enforcing it made his teeth clench as he forced himself to remain calm and not make it worse. He just wouldn’t finalize his vow. The system could screw itself if it thought it would ruin this moment.
[Failure to finalize your vow will result in negative repercussions to your status and a system-generated name being applied.]
Alan stared up at the cave ceiling, looking up at where he visualized the system to be as he grumbled. “What does it matter if I name my vow? It has nothing to do with you! So how can you tell me that you’ll enforce my vow and add punishments that are this severe? Who are you to add these stipulations whether I follow my own word or not?”
[You established the vow by linking it to your soul, and the system has recognized it in accordance with the Cosmic Accords. System benefits are applied through the analysis of your race, class, and vow. This includes the contents of the vow, the severity it was made, and the correlation between your vow and the name provided.]
Alan abruptly clamped his mouth shut, biting his tongue to prevent the tirade he had begun to prepare toward the system. Giving a moment for his thought to catch up, his simmering anger began to cool at the mention of benefits. “Benefits?” Alan’s demeanor drastically shifted, appearing as if he was having a happy reunion with a college or high school friend. The smile that stretched across his face that would’ve put a Cheshire Cat to shame revealed his true motives.
Alan hadn’t seen much difference in the System penalties and how he would view himself if he gave up on his vow, he just didn't want to accept someone, even the system, telling him what his vow meant to him. Having it be recognized by the system would be a constant reminder of the day his life changed forever and the day he was saved by the woman trapped in ice. It also might just come with some benefits.
Coughing into his hand, Alan cleared his throat. “Absolutely, you’re absolutely right. I initiated this vow. Whether intentional or not, I must take responsibility. But what to name it? What do I want this new life to mean?” Alan crossed his arm as he rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “Hey, System? Will this hinder me if I follow a direction and decide to traverse an entirely different path later? How does this work? Does it follow the spirit of the vow, or is it more like the letter? I won’t burst apart if I lose a fight or have to follow someone else's orders for a time?”
…[It is linked to your soul. Only you will decide if you’ve broken your vow. Just know you may lie to others, but your soul will always hold the truth.]
“Well, alrighty then. If I’m going to attempt to leave a legacy that can compete and outlast Time, I should choose something similar. We have a characterization of time known as Father Time, but Father Death just sounds dumb.” Hmm. What was it that the system said about my class? “Oh, yeah! How about Death’s Progenitor? Eh, but It might be a bit sacrilegious for other undead in the multiverse, though.” Hmm… Wanting to avoid any scenario that might lead him into any initial conflict, Alan thought about what would serve as a steadfast reminder whenever he looked at his vow.
“If I’m going to leave a legacy that surpasses time, then what’s a better reminder than the one embrace we all share when time runs out?” Alan finalized his vow as he fidgeted in unreserved nerves and excitement.
[Name Accepted. Your Vow Has Been Sealed Onto Your Soul. Do Not Stray From Your Vow.]
The previous prompt disappeared from Alan’s vision, only to be forcibly replaced with a new one. The new System prompt contained his vow, now sealed by the system, to be a part of who he was forever.
Vow: Death’s Embrace
A Vow carved onto the soul to forever be a part of who you are and will be. As a System recognized vow, a unique benefit will be generated that will be limited to the creator of the vow. It can not be lost, stolen, or replicated by any means.
Vow: My name shall be forevermore Grim, and no matter what happens or who hinders my path, I’ll climb to the peak and leave a legacy worth more than Time can hold. And what’s more eternal than Death itself?
Soul Weapon -- Scythe Scepter, Unnamed (Unique, Growth):
A reaper in life; a shepherd in death. An Arbiter of Souls is not born into a position of authority but forged through dedication and understanding. May your path be straight and narrow.
“It’s a weapon?”