How do I initiate a rank up?

Niven thought, before putting it out of mind and then equipped the title [Giant Slayer]. It was best to ignore the other System messages for now. Settling the aftermath of the battle took precedent. Any decisions that involved his future required careful consideration and could not be rushed.

Besides, he still had a whole host of questions he needed to have answered. Niven still wasn’t very happy about being forced to deal with the sandworm, even if it had proved itself mostly trivial.

『Well done. You didn’t let me down. Now come over. I have something to show you.』

As Niven was walking over to retrieve Apollyon, it buzzed in his mind. It was only natural. His ‘partner’ was able to communicate even after leaving his grasp. That its telepathy did not require contact was known during their first meeting, when it beckoned him from who knows how far away.

Niven picked up his pace and looked into the maw of the sandworm, where he expected Apollyon to be.

It can move on its own, why can’t it just come out?

Lifting its craggy upper jaw, a blast of burning hot air rushed to his face. The heat that radiated from its core reminded him of standing in front of the outpost’s furnace.

He would know. He was a common guest to the smithy here. It’s gone now, but he often went there to help out. His experience with a needle did not end with simple garments. There was nothing wrong with making himself useful.

Closing his eyes and turning his face away, he yelled into that burning void, “Are you going to get out of there, or are you going to force me to reach into that?”

He wasn’t able to catch a glimpse of Apollyon before he turned away, but that alone was enough for him to judge that it would be impossible for him to get it out without suffering at least a few severe burns across his body.

How did it even get lodged into that thing’s body, anyway? With how sharp it is, it should have gone clean through… My throw wasn't that weak, right?

Without getting a response, Niven decided it was probably another one of its tests. Based on how it rescued him from the brink of death before, a few minor burns was nothing. He had cut the flesh on his shoulder to get rid of that sticky flame during that fight because he knew as much as well.

Heaving a heavy sigh, he went inside the worm’s mouth. Even though it looked massive from the outside, when he really went in, it was rather tight. He could only crawl when he went deeper inside.

His arms and legs burned hotter than he expected, but he knew that it was only temporary. He could only grit his teeth and bear it. Even if he wasn’t in the mood to play these games, nothing could be done. Yet as he pushed the sandworm’s head down and gazed into what looked like its stomach, he soon found the reason why it wanted him to look. It seems Apollyon had ceased being a spear from the moment it entered the monster.

Branching tendrils splintered out from the tip and shaft, piercing the sandworm countless times from the inside. By now, it ran along the worm's inner linings like veins. In fact... Niven brushed his fingers along the sides and felt numerous ridges. He had indeed mistaken Apollyon itself for the veins of the beast.

It was no wonder the beast fell from a single throw. It was no simple puncture.

If he were pierced like that…

Niven shuddered at the thought.

So if I had made the connection from the beginning, I didn't need to crawl inside?

Thinking back, parts of it were indeed visible from the outside.

As if sensing Niven’s distress, Apollyon whispered,『My form is malleable. This is something you should consider in future battles. I did this on my initiative because otherwise your battle would drag on too long. There’s no lesson to be learned with how defensively you fight. This should be enough of a reminder of my true abilities, right?』

Indeed, he thought back to their initial meeting. That Supplicant likely experienced the horror of fighting Apollyon firsthand. Though more likely, it wasn't much of a fight at all. When he thought about it like that, it truly was a fitting end for the one that caused him so much grief. Even if it wasn’t enough for him to forgive that bastard, he was at least comforted by their suffering.

But using Apollyon correctly…

Niven was so tunnel visioned by Apollyon taking the form of his former weapon that he mistakenly used it in the exact same manner as he was trained. How many times had he been reminded of this?

Yet… He couldn't help but feel that this was one big misdirection. If it hadn't wanted him to connect its current use to his old style, then why even take on the shape of his former weapon in the first place? Doing so would invariably lead him to lean back on his old habits.

Was this another form of manipulation that he didn’t understand?

By shattering his perspective again and again…

In a way, this could be Apollyon saying that he could never use his old weapon the same way again.

Niven sighed.

This was why he hated dealing with people that didn’t speak their mind. Every move had some bullshit deep meaning that his subconscious somehow picked up but his conscious mind did not. Until he knew their techniques full well, he would only ever be dancing to their tune.

Maybe he was just being paranoid, and from a certain perspective, was. He didn’t have any right to consider such things with his current standing. But it could also be said that his distrust of Apollyon was brought upon by its very encouragement. It had masterfully cultivated his current mindset of asking questions before everything. After all, it had made itself crystal clear that it wanted a rather distorted form of individuality. A puppet without strings.

Niven quashed that deduction. If he continued, he would just be back to thinking in circles. He’d also made a promise to himself that he would play Apollyon’s game no matter the consequences.

Bah. I’ve already decided to let it teach me. I’ve already decided to learn despite opening myself up to its manipulation. Why am I even considering these useless things?

It had just become a habit. A new habit borne from the trauma that Supplicant’s attack had inflicted upon him and then exacerbated by his interactions with Apollyon.

Trying to shift his train of thought, Niven commented, “So… I’ve become level 10.”

He hoped that saying so was enough for Apollyon to decide to stop playing around. He’d seen what it wanted to show him, it was about time for them to get out.

His hopes were proven true.

『Let’s go.』

With that, Apollyon’s tendrils cut open an exit right beside him, allowing the midday sun to enter the corpse.

So… It wants me to use it like that? How can I even begin to direct so many moving parts?

While Niven wanted to air out his grievances, advancement was higher on his list of priorities.

“I’m at the threshold, but it didn’t prompt me to rank up. Can you tell me how to do it?” Niven asked.

『The System is information, and information is the System. How you utilize it depends on what you understand, and how you understand it. To bring up the paths you can take, just say, ‘Semi-Data Shell ID: Niven, Request: link to Node ∎∎ / Query: Tier 1 Rank Up Classes / Order: Affinity, highest first / Filter: Requirements = Met / Limit: 5 entries.’ It’s rather direct. Of course, this isn’t the way most people do it, but it's the most direct method in my experience.』

『Everyone has their own way of interfacing with the System. The fact that charisma and luck didn’t show up for you before you met me should clue you in on this fact.』

“I think I understand. By saying that… incantation, we are basically asking it a question?” Niven was able to somewhat decode what Apollyon had said. It helped that these seemingly unfamiliar terms it spouted came with them an inexplicable meaning.

Was that what it meant by the System being information?

That even the keywords used to converse with it are universally understood...

It affirmed,『Indeed. First we connect to Node ∎∎ - you’re welcome for the introduction, by the way. Then we ask for five options."

“Why five?” He asked, “Wouldn’t it be better to just see all of them?”

『Start small so you can get an idea. Plus, didn’t I say most wouldn’t meet the requirements for even one? While I admitted that your life has been quite eventful after meeting me, it’s not that strange in the grand scheme of things. And it's not like we can only see five. We could always turn the page, so to speak, if you don’t like your options.』

That was enough to relieve him. The more to choose from the better. Since there was no inherent difference - the only thing necessary was more time - he didn’t mind jumping through more hoops.

『Also, on the off chance you meet the requirements for too many classes, if we don’t put a cap, you might have your mind fried by the flood of information your brain cannot process.』

『The System is fair』It lamented.

『It is equally dispassionate to all things. It simply offers knowledge and information. What you do with it, and what happens to you after you receive it does not matter to it. It does not offer any after-delivery services, at least not to my knowledge. Thus, it is better to err on the side of caution.』

It made sense. But could he really fail to take in a few words? Maybe he was being overly confident. Nevertheless, it was better to heed Apollyon's words. He wasn't the expert, here. And most importantly, it was his life that was on the line should things go awry.

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“Is it that dangerous?” He asked.

『Normally… not so much. However, we are accessing the root. A node itself. The information we receive is thus immeasurably purer. Less filtered and close to the original. The way I give is more manual. I prefer it that way, and with time, you should too.』

『The System is information incarnate. Thus, it is only natural that the two safest ways of interacting with it are through better understanding or utter ignorance. If you want to be under my tutelage, you must tread the former path. So, do you trust me?』

Niven didn’t hesitate before responding, “You don’t have to question me. Let’s start then.”

He'd become soul-bound. It's not like their connection could be any more intimate than it was now. He began, “Request, link to Node…” Then stopped, confused.

“How do I pronounce it?”

No matter how he tried to enunciate the ∎∎, it did not work.

Apollyon replied, not finding fault with him,『Hmm… I suppose it is rather difficult with unaugmented human vocal chords. Would you mind if I changed it for you?』

Niven gave his consent, “We’re already this far in. Go ahead.”

Apollyon melted and exited the worm. It was back to its gray, slimy appearance. Compacted to such an extent, it was almost cute in a way. It flowed over to him and adhered to his throat, and over the next few seconds, Niven could feel subtle changes happening in it.

『Here, lemme test it out first.』

Apollyon debugged, and Niven was made to squawk, “∎∎.”

『Works fine now. You try.』

With Apollyon’s help, he was able to say the entire phrase, “Request, link to Node ∎∎”

Immediately following that, his panel received a prompt.

Linking to Node ∎∎

Connecting…

Connection established.

『Say the next part in one breath. It’s imperative to not allow it to give you information without limit.』Apollyon cautioned. Niven knew that it had to be very important for it to stress so many times.

Niven took a deep breath. He wasn’t very nervous before, but he was starting to after being told the dangers so many times. He couldn’t possibly mess up spectacularly here, right?

“Query, Tier 1 Rank Up Classes… Order, affinity, highest first… Filter requirements equal met. limit, five entries.”

Niven looked at his System panel in anticipation.

Success.

Received: Request: link to Node ∎∎ / Query: Tier 1 Rank Up Classes / Order: Affinity, highest first / Filter: Requirements = Met / Limit: 5 entries

Processing…

Processing…

It was after only a second that a follow up came.

Class:

Requirement:

Benefits

[U][Starchild] :

A child of a Star, borne or adopted, it does not matter. Abilities depend on Star.

Rank up automatically until Tier 6

Affinity: 87% (Artificial)

A star has sensed you. It wants to know more about you. It wants to love you. It wants to adopt you.

Accept this class and it can gaze upon you with its motherly eyes. From there, it can see what you see, feel what you feel. And, with time, you can feel what it feels as well.

ALL Negotiable

[U][Summoning Anchor]

A summoning class that bridges the gap between worlds, often the beachhead, the anchor for multiversal incursion. Loads coordinates of other words and becomes the portal.

Because it is a portal, those that cross are not subject to any base restrictions.

Rank up automatically until Tier 5

Does not have contracts inherent in general summoning classes

Affinity: 85% (Artificial)

Own more than one world coordinate

Come into contact with a world core

Be on conversational terms with an otherworldly entity

+ 1 Str, Con, Dex / LVL

+ 2 Int, Wis / LVL

+ 1 Free / LVL

[U][Anchored Portal]

[SR][Mana Spearman]:

Blessed with an overwhelming affinity for Mana, but chooses to use it with finesse by pairing it with spearmanship as opposed to using it in its more primordial form.

Prowess and fine mastery are the hallmarks of this path

Affinity: 80% (Artificial)

Possess mana capacity over 1000

Primarily use the spear

Possess skill [Mana Channeling]

+ 1 Dex / LVL

+ 5 Wis / LVL

+ 1 Free / LVL

[U][Mana Overload]

[E][Infused Thrust]

[F][Mana Wave]

[R][Weaponmaster]:

Simple mastery of a single path of weaponry failed to impress. With a vision of higher heavens, there is so much more that is possible. Now, you look towards the endless array of armaments to satiate your desire for growth.

Affinity: 78%

Be proficient in a conventional weapon for your race

Be proficient in an unconventional weapon for your race

Possess a [Legendary] or above weapon

Understand unconventional ways to use weaponry

+ 1 Str, Con, Dex, Int, Wis / LVL

+ 1 Free / LVL

[E][Mastery]

[F][Combat Sense]

[SR][Herald-Of-Ill-Fortune]:

Plagued by misfortune, yet not against it. With the will to utilize one’s misfortune to their advantage, a Herald-of-ill-Fortune understands the fact that all things can be leveraged.

Rank up automatically until Tier 3

Affinity: 70% (Artificial)

Be the sole survivor in a tragedy

Be aware of current luck value

Possess luck below -10

Consciously lower own luck value over 5 points

+ 2 Con / LVL

+ 3 Int, Wis / LVL

- 0.1 Luck / LVL

+ 1 Free Point / LVL

[F][Curse of Misfortune]

[F][Scry Fortune]

[U][Anchored Luck]

These options… Told him a surprising lot about Apollyon. And all of them were a direct result of his bond with it. He wasn’t sure if he should have been happy or depressed about that fact. Were there really no achievements to his name that warranted a class?

Or was a class that he himself earned lacking affinity, so it failed to show up?

“I got Starchild, Summoning Anchor, Mana Spearman, Weaponmaster and Herald-Of-Ill-Fortune.”

Niven described his options to Apollyon, hoping for some advice.

Yet the response was rather noncommittal.

It asked,『Any of them stick out to you?"

True to its word, it would not be making choices for him.

"The first two. They sound strong… And a little unnerving." He replied truthfully.

It agreed,『You are right to worry. Perhaps I should touch upon what this process is. Ranking up is something done to a semi-digital shell because at your core, you are a being whose existence is rooted in the material world. You are not an information based existence like the System’s administrators or more devout adherents. Beings whose very nature can be changed with a single word. If they say they are a cat, their shape will become a cat.』

『Thus, the System can only augment you, but never define you. Unless you take that step yourself, of course.』

“What does that have to do with any of this?” Niven complained.

『What I mean is that a rank up is essentially modifying the semi-digital shell that encompasses you. But if that rank up puts you under the eyes of other beings... They are under no such obligation to stay neutral. Though that's not to say the System will not warp you. With time, your material existence will be influenced by the information encased within that shell.』

Apollyon likely noticed Niven’s blank look before switching tracks and asked,『What do you think of when you hear the word [Soldier]?』

“Duty. Comradery.” Niven replied.

『What about obedience and hierarchy?』It teased.

Niven wasn’t particularly amused and motioned for it to continue, unfazed. He knew those full well and wasn't all that opposed to it. Not eliciting a response, it then said,『Regardless, these words contain information. Information that molds you into who you are."

“So the System’s messing with my mind?” Niven questioned. That was pretty much the only conclusion he could draw from those words. He wasn’t sure what he would think if he were to receive an affirmation. Was it just another thing he had to just accept like Apollyon? It seemed like ever since his eyes were open to the real world he had to just make accommodation after accommodation.

『Of course not. We are made by our surroundings. The things that we come into contact with change us, as much as we - it. The System is far, far more impartial than anything else. It’s what makes mistakes in utilizing it so painful. After all, it’s all your fault for being careless.』

Niven considered its words.

So, the System is like a book. What I learn from it is of no consequence to it... but the way it imbues information is much less rigid, displaying it right into my mind. Just as I cannot read an entire book in a second, my body cannot process the barrage of information the System could send.

The safest pick should be Weaponmaster or Mana Spearman. I’m stuck with Apollyon, and it’s probably best for me to make the most of it, so of the two, the former should be better.

Starchild is a no. See what it sees… bah, I can tell by now that it’s not a good thing. Summoning Anchor seems like suicide. What if there’s a god on the other side? Multiversal conflicts… It’s best to not be caught up in the middle of that. I can’t count on Apollyon to bail me out.

Herald of Ill Fortune is also a no. A tier 0 already provoked a tier 2. With a few more levels and an even greater decline in luck... a tier 1 is forced to fight a tier 4?

Niven cringed.

I’m not ready to face a Supplicant. Far from it.

None of them were ones he felt were particularly good. Especially since all of them were a result of his pact with Apollyon. Maybe that was why they didn’t sit right with him.

“How about we see if there are any others?” He asked.

『It’s your choice. Just say, ‘Semi-Data Shell ID: Niven, Request: link to Node ∎∎ / Query: Tier 1 Rank Up Classes / Order: Affinity, highest first / Filter: Requirements = Met / Limit: 5 entries / Skip: 5, first.’ It’s the same, just with a little bit added to the end.』

“Thank you.”

Niven was still very grateful that it answered all his questions. At the end of the day, it was right in that him failing to understand was not because it was unwilling to teach. Though with how much it liked to mince words Niven felt that they were still rather similar.

He spoke the first part like last time.

Linking to Node ∎∎

Connecting…

Connection established.

Then, Niven took a deep breath again.

“Query, Tier 1 Rank Up Classes, order, affinity, highest first, filter requirements equal met, limit five entries, skip, five, first.”

It was the second time he had said something like this, so it went much smoother. None of that mattered, though, as the System understood regardless.

Received: Request: link to Node ∎∎ / Query: Tier 1 Rank Up Classes / Order: Affinity, highest first / Filter: Requirements = Met / Limit: 5 entries / Skip: 5 first

Processing…

Processing…

But this time he didn’t get what he wanted.

Error.

Items Found: 0

Niven’s face turned a little ugly as he furrowed his brows at this result. Did he really have to choose between 2 rather bad options?

『Judging by the look on your face, it turned up empty, right? So I guessed right. You should only have 5 total options.』

Niven looked back at his only options. He felt that there was really only one option he could choose.