Richter's eyelids fluttered open, his breaths shallow but growing steadier with each passing moment. A deep groan escaped his lips as he became aware of the dull ache pulsing at the base of his skull. The world swam in front of him, blurred and hazy, before finally coming into focus with sharp clarity. His vision was bombarded with notifications upon notifications, but Richter simply shook his head, not wanting to deal with the system right now.
Instead, he turned his gaze to his surroundings. The cave was a scene of destruction, with massive pieces of rubble scattered in every direction. The walls, once adorned with the markings of the dungeon's history, now lay in tatters and ruins. A small gap in the ceiling allowed slivers of sunlight to enter, casting golden rays that illuminated the dusty air. Strangely, every breath felt invigorating to him despite the debris.
Immediately, something caught his attention. Something that hadn't been there before, something that caused his thoughts to come to a sudden stop.
"Well, that's new," he muttered, his eyes fixed on his arm beside him.
His body had suddenly become adorned with a massive tapestry of marks, sigils, and runes, gleaming with intricate patterns of light that pulsed and flickered like the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis. From the center of his chest, they spiraled down like living vines, across his arms, chest, back, and legs in a mesmerizing display, all interconnected and brightening and dimming with each breath.
Richter's hand jerked in surprise as his fingertips made contact with the strange, shimmering marks on his skin. They felt neither hot nor cold, neither rough nor smooth, simply...different. It felt distinctly foreign as if he had been marked by something, leaving an unforgettable imprint on his very being. The only part that seemed to be untouched by the marks was his face, but even then the marks spiraled up all the way onto his neck, creeping up to his jawline.
He turned his arm this way and that, watching as the steely morning light played over the designs that now adorned him. His gaze traveled along the tendrils of light that traced paths over his elbow, spiraling down like living vines finding their way across the landscape of his body. They shimmered with mesmerizing hues, colors that had no name, born from the very essence of enchantment.
As he raised his arm, Richter was taken aback by the unusual sensation of weightlessness. It was as if gravity had loosened its hold on him, allowing his arm to float effortlessly upwards. With every inhale, the tendrils seemed to glow brighter, like tiny stars dancing across his skin. And as he exhaled, they wove and twisted in response.
Flexing his fingers, Richter felt an enormous surge of strength coursing through his veins. He curled his hand into a fist and marveled at the power that thrummed beneath his skin. It was a vibrant, pulsating energy that urged him to move, to test the limits of this newfound vitality. The markings on his skin brightened in turn, as though the marks were alive. Richter knew they were more than mere art upon his skin, they were proof of a change inside him.
“So I got graffitied while I was out?” Richter shook his head, not sure what to think about the situation. His head was still a little fuzzy since waking up, all he could remember was his fight against the system and then passing out. He had no idea where these markings came from, nor their significance.
With a groan, Richter pushed himself up from the rocky ground, his hand pressing against the stone for support. Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the cavern, and he felt a strange sensation in his hand. Looking down, he saw that his fingers had left deep imprints in the solid rock.
His eyes were wide as he slowly stood up. He flexed his arm, feeling a torrential newfound power, to the point it felt uncomfortable. He could feel the sinews tighten and expand with a vigor that was utterly foreign to him. His veins popped out on his biceps, pulsating with energy as if they were filled with molten steel. The mere movement of his limbs now seemed to emit a raw, untamed force, and Richter felt he could turn a boulder into dust if he tried.
“What the hell happened to me while I was out?” Richter muttered. His attention turned back to the enormous wall of notifications in the side of his vision. Dozens upon dozens of prompts lined up neatly in a column in his peripheral, causing his mind to spin with even more questions. The changes clearly came from the system but… hadn’t he just dissed the hell out of it?
With a sigh Richter focused on the prompts, wanting answers to his situation. And boy oh boy… did he get them.
[Notice!]
[Title (Chosen Initate) has been updated.]
[(Title (Chosen Initiate) —-> (True Chosen)]
Scratching his head, Richter looked at the first prompt in confusion.
“Didn’t know the system had a degradation kink. So I spout some foul words at it, and I’m the chosen one now? Talk about low standards, but who am I to argue with destiny?”
He shrugged and turned to the next prompt, and immediately a titanic wall of text appeared before his eyes.
[True Chosen]: The [True Chosen] is a unique title bestowed upon a [Chosen initiate] that has proven themselves, ascending to the True Title of Chosen. Against insurmountable odds, the [Chosen Initiate] has managed to defy all expectations of the heavens, while also showing unsurpassable skill, talent, and resolve, proving themselves capable of holding their position. [True Chosen] will evolve as the title bearer grows, allowing them to choose the path they yearn for.]
[The [True Chosen] title is a status, a symbol, and a strength. But nothing can come without demerits. This title is unique and unlike any other. [True Chosen] is the only title used analogously by both systems, and it comes with its merits and demerits. For the benefit of the [True Chosen], everything has been cataloged into easy-to-read pieces. Take heed, learn your new capabilities and disadvantages, and continue to grow.]
...
[MERITS]
As the systems True Chosen, you hold its highest priority and viewing. This provides access to certain information, direct communication to and from the system, and top priority in any system-organized event.
+1000% to all stats
+10 extra status points per level
The potency and density of your aura have evolved dramatically.
A one-time chance to reset and redistribute status points every ascension (EX. F → E)
Ability to transfer your non-unique titles to other beings
...
[DEMERITS]
+500% total experience required to level up.
You lose the ability to gain race bonuses for leveling up
(Current race bonus: Human) Gain +2 to every stat upon leveling up.)
Your intense aura is more likely to be sensed by creatures and adversaries, increasing the probability of attracting stronger enemies and frequent challenges to your title.
Inability to gain any other titles, besides the ones involved with [True Chosen]
Your ability to naturally regenerate health, mana, and stamina has been reduced by 75% due to the intense energy required to maintain [True Chosen]
All abilities, skills, and spells consume an additional 100% mana and stamina due to the intense energy required to maintain [True Chosen]
You now share an unbreakable bond with the system's fate; should the system suffer or fall, so to will the [True Chosen] share in its downfall.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Inability to receive blessings from higher-tier beings
...
[UNIQUE TITLES]
The title [True Chosen] is not a stand-alone title. It will evolve as you grow strength and your body can hold more power. Every 20 levels the [True Chosen] receives, they will pick from a catalog of (5) titles to continue their growth, similar to skill choices. Because of this, the [True Chosen] will lose the ability to gain effects from any lesser titles moving forward. Each (UNIQUE) title also has its merits and demerits, forcing the [True Chosen] to choose what best fits his path.
[True Chosen] comes with 2 (UNIQUE) titles, free of demerits, along with 1 skill.]
[Path of the True Chosen]
[Limitless Potential of the True Chosen]
[Tongue of the Myriad Races]
Shock and confusion took hold of Richter as he processed the new title in front of him. The words "True Chosen" seemed to flash like a neon sign, each blink causing his heart to race faster. He could hardly believe it, wasn't he just defying the system moments before, rejecting its control over his life?
“Jesus. What's next, becoming a Jedi?" He skimmed through the benefits of being a ‘True Chosen’, his confusion only growing as he read more. Colossal boosts to his stats, extra status points per level, access to previously hidden information, more abilities… and also an incredible amount of debuffs.
He couldn't help but feel that the system's sudden acknowledgment and reward were like some sick joke, like an attempt to push him further into submission. After all, the moment he tried disregarding the system's influence, it suddenly bombarded him with benefits and declared him 'The Chosen One'.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the absurdity of it all. “Next thing you know, they’ll be a flashing neon sign saying ‘Richter, savior of the multiverse’, with a small print that probably adds ‘terms and conditions apply’.
Richter gnawed on his lip, his thoughts continuing to spiral. Did the system recognize my rebellion and somehow see it as a worthy trait? Or is this some twisted ploy to reel me back in and make me even more dependent on its influence? Why would it put that much effort into me if that's the case? Why am I so important all of a sudden?
His skepticism was fully alight now, questions piling upon questions. But curiosity had become Richters new favorite flaw. Despite feeling like he had been handed an unsolvable riddle in shiny wrapping paper, he continued reading more about his new title.
[Path of the True Chosen (UNIQUE)]: As the True Chosen, you automatically disregard most requirements regarding achievements in your path, having already achieved the highest honor possible - becoming your system's True Chosen. Allows the Chosen to choose nearly any path they strive for with minimal roadblocks, as long as they continue to display exceptional skill in their chosen path.
[Limitless Potential of the True Chosen (UNIQUE)]: Command the inexhaustible energies that course through your marks and veins as the True Chosen, mastering the full spectrum of elemental forces. This allows the Chosen to use any affinity of his choosing at 100% efficiency, giving the ability to learn countless skills that would otherwise be unlearnable to others due to lack of affinity.
[Tongue of the Myriad Races (EPIC)]: This skill bestows upon the user the ability to understand, write, read, and communicate in every known language throughout the multiverse. With this title, the title bearer can truly explore and master countless realms without being hindered by linguistic barriers or needing assistance from external resources such as translators or interpreters.
“True Chosen my ass” he muttered. It's more like Accidental Chosen, seeing as how it’s only been a couple of days since he arrived in this world. But even as doubt gnawed at him, he couldn't deny the ridiculous grin spreading across his face. The list of bonuses and abilities stretched on and on before his eyes, each one more outrageous than the last. Never could he have predicted an outcome like this just hours ago.
Only a couple of days ago he was a normal guy worrying about paying his electricity bill, and now he was being hailed as ‘The Chosen One’ by this looney system? Still, It was hard not to feel a surge of excitement with each boon, and he could hardly ignore the sense of overwhelming empowerment surging through him.
Richter decided to take a break from the new influx of information, and instead look at his status screen. [True Chosen] had an insane amount of lists of bonuses and debuffs, and he had to admit he was curious about the new changes.
[STATUS]
Name: Richter Alma l Level: [4] [F] l Race: [Human] [F]
Path: [?] [F] l Profession [?]
Health: 3100/3100 l Mana: 2100/2100 l Stamina: 3100/3100
…
Stats:
Strength: 250 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Agility: 230 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Endurance: 310 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Vitality: 250 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Wisdom: 200 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Intelligence: 210 (+1000%) [Path - Locked]
Willpower: [EST. 420] (N/A)
Free points: 6
…
Bloodline: [Indomitable]
Titles: [TRUE CHOSEN] [Bloodline Patriarch] [Born Conqueur] [Newcomer] [Made for this]
…
Skills (Passive): [Traveling (28)], [General Crafting (1)], [Temptation’s Resilience (23)]
Skills (Active) - [Hand-to-hand combat (3)], [Basic Stealth (1)]
“Holy shit…” Richter sputtered, eyes wide in disbelief. It was no wonder he felt like he was about to explode, and why he had cracked the stone without thinking about it. The system had literally multiplied his stats by 10, cramming so much energy into his body that it felt like it was about to pop. His old titles were also crossed out, and after doing some quick math, it looked like the bonuses were gone as well.
[Notice. You have received a personal message from the System]
Richter snapped out of his contemplation when he spotted a new prompt materializing in the periphery of his vision. “The hell? A personal message?” Richters brows furrowed at the text. He had never gotten a notification like that before, and after the ridiculous title the system had just given him, he had to admit his curiosity was peaked.
With his hands trembling ever so slightly, Richter took a deep breath to steady himself before focusing on the prompt and opening it, attempting to brace for the unknown. However, what materialized before him rendered him utterly speechless – it surpassed anything he could have ever envisioned or prepared for.
A MESSAGE FOR MY CHOSEN, FROM THE SYSTEM: Chosen, you have been selected. The fall of my previous Chosen marked the beginning of a relentless search that has now culminated in you. You now represent the epitome of our half of the multiverse's strength. Though there is no celebration here, only the burden of expectation. You are a tool selected from the void, my presence incarnate, and though you carry my trust, it is not given lightly.
Heed this, Chosen: I do not gamble, but on a cosmic scale, you are but a risk I am forced to take. At your current strength, your demise is nearly guaranteed. Do not think this strength makes you inviolable. At your current strength, you are but an ant living in a world of titans. Trust is a liability – it’s wise to excise this notion from your mind. Followers will inevitably flock to you; accolades will shower upon you, but remember that despite their words, it is always possible they crave the power you've been reluctantly granted. Every alliance may come with a cost, every hand extended potentially wields a knife. Your status makes you a potential target, not a deity. Act accordingly.
I also have no time for your frustration. My answers are what they are. Know that I operate under inviolable laws that prevent overstepping boundaries, as does the System of Unity. We're bound to maintain absolute balance, which now partially includes you as my True Chosen. We must adhere to the laws that maintain the natural order and ensure we cannot overstep each other. Now that I have made you my True Chosen, the flow of information I can give, and the ability to speak to you directly have increased dramatically. However, continue to expect that a significant portion of knowledge will require you to figure out independently.
I have risked everything on your success, which, frankly, is unlikely. I cannot create another [True Chosen] should you fall. I've expended all reserves in empowering you, and I lack further means to stop the chaos your title will inflict if you perish. I cannot manipulate this outcome; the price of giving such extraordinary strength requires equal sacrifice. Understand, I am not omnipotent, regardless of common belief. There are limits to my capabilities, and I, as you, must yield to the unwavering law of balance.
My haste is a consequence of time. My counterpart had made its move, forcing me to make a decision. You are the outcome of the path I have chosen, the only path I saw with even the merest chance of bringing the future we all seek to fruition.
Your resentment for my existence is expected, yet irrelevant. Your understanding of this new existence, if one could even grace it with such a term, is pitifully inadequate. As time unfolds its relentless tapestry, clarity will dawn upon you about the necessity of my actions.
A final note to the Chosen: Despite your status, the laws that govern me prohibit showing true favoritism or providing extreme advantages that others could not achieve themselves. This means I must remain impartial. I am bound by rules, cold and unyielding.
This is your solitary caution: Weakness will find no sanctuary here. Anticipate neither mercy nor reprieve. Do not expect mercy or leniency during the trials I present to you. As for protection, do not delude yourself with such folly—I would not offer sanctuary even if I could. Each confrontation is solely yours to engage, whether it originates from me or something outside my influence. And if you ultimately succumb to defeat, it would only serve as a testament to your frailty – a weakness that must be eliminated.
I have chosen you, trusting you will face each adversity without hesitation, continually evolving and surpassing all before you. You have the talent, ambition, and resilience. Your status now allows for direct communication between us; however, be aware that much may remain off-limits due to the rules governing me and my counterpart. I implore you to take heed of my warnings - your death will mean my gamble has failed, and it will surely purge the multiverse into the Chaos Age once again.
Prevail, my Chosen. Your heart and soul to our cause.]