CHAPTER 15

I woke up in a cold sweat. Looking around, I noticed that dawn was only a couple of hours away, so I decided to check my system as I caught my breath.

[Status]

[Character Status]

* Name: Callen Byleth-Ipos

* Class: Noble

* Title: None

* Level: 12

* XP: 300/3200

* HP: 170/170 (5/minute)

* Mana: 250/250 (10/minute)

* Strength: 15

* Vitality: 12

* Agility: 12

* Intelligence: 20

* Wisdom: 20

* Stat Points: 24

* [Quest Log]

* Objective: Escape the facility.

* Progress: 16/16 targets eliminated.

* Claim reward?

* [Inventory]

* Weapon: Ancient Enchanted Blade

* Clothing: Research facility garb x3, Tattered research facility garb x1

* Food: MRE ration packs x4

* Potions: 3 Health, 2 Mana

* [Skills]

* Legacy:

* Echoes of the Ancients (5/100): Channel the knowledge and abilities of your ancestors, a vast array of skills, combat techniques, and magical prowess.

* Observe: Assess beings at a glance. Threat levels and information are recorded.

* Arcane Singularity (3/100): Create and control miniature black holes.

* Racial:

* Devil Physiology: You possess superhuman strength, speed, endurance, flight, and enhanced senses.

* Demonic Power: You have access to Devil Magic, allowing you to bend the world to your will. The only limit is your imagination.

* Hashfa: You speak all mortal tongues as if you were a native.

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* Combat:

* House Ipos Swordsmanship (27/100): The legendary sword style of The Demon Ipos himself. It is said that Ipos reaped the lives of Angels in The Great War in a manner so graceful yet deadly that it resembled a farmer mowing down their crop.

The quest log has a blinking button labelled ‘claim reward’. I must have missed that in all the action. I mentally press it, and golden text appears at the centre of my vision.

‘Congratulations on surviving your first quest. We knew you were not entirely useless! House Ipos may yet have a worthy descendant.’

Confetti and fireworks accompany that message, along with a fresh headache. What on earth is wrong with this thing? Even my system, my legacy, is mocking me.

‘Don’t worry about it, bub. We all start from somewhere. Even if that is at the level of a somewhat talented toddler.’

‘Is this thing…. sentient? I demand a refund.’

‘Ahem – House Ipos bylaws, section three, part seven a, All purchases are final, and we take no returns or provide refunds.’

Go fuck yourself, whomever you are.

‘As I was saying before being rudely interrupted by an uppity great-great…grandson, you have now unlocked the full functionality of your Legacy. You can claim your ancestors' skills, items, and even artefacts after demonstrating your skills and proving your worth. We will let you know when these requirements are met. Now, here is a freebie on me.’

[Legacy point gained!]

Ignoring my snarky system, I focus on that alert, which brings up an explanation and a new screen.

‘Legacy points can be used to claim rewards from the Legacy Tree. The first reward for all House Ipos members is the Sword Style of the Great Founder. His generosity knows no bounds, which is why House Ipos maintained its position among the 72 pillars.’

This is more self-congratulatory than a child praising themselves for their unmatched genius after stuffing some blocks down an appropriately shaped hole. At least it’s useful.

‘Oi, do you want this Legacy or not?! I could always shut the system down.’

Oh mighty Ipos, forgive the transgressions of this ignorant one. Your endless generosity humbles us.

‘That’s more like it, here you go.’

A trio of golden grand oaks appeared before me. Their depiction is almost lifelike, from the flowing roots to each leaf on their numerous branches. The one in the centre had a single glowing root, labelled ‘House Ipos Swordsmanship,’ with an accompanying point on the trunk labelled ‘Sword of Ipos.’ This tree was titled ‘Path of the Warrior.’ The other two trees were named ‘Path of the Mage’ and ‘Path of the Craftsman’, respectively.

The roots on each tree were clearly labelled, while further choices were obscured. Despite the less-than-helpful labels, I somehow have an innate understanding of each option available. Although I had many roads open, considering my current situation, only three options are immediately beneficial.

Path of the Mage – ‘Elemental magic for dummies.’ A basic magical manual that will teach me attacks that won’t destroy a mountain when used. Not yet, at least.

Path of the Mage – ‘Gravity? Newton was wrong.’ An instruction manual for gravity magic. Even I, out in the boonies, knew how absurdly rare and powerful that branch of magic is, not to mention the possible synergies with Arcane Singularity.

Path of the Craftsman – ‘Alchemy for dull children.’ An instruction manual for Alchemy; wars were fought for less—a source of income and possibly life-saving potions. Can I afford the attention from that, though?

Hmmm, I had a few ideas about where I want to go from here. Say what you wish about growing up poor, but it gives you some perspective. I chose and pulled out an MRE ration from my inventory. Jumping out from the tree, I quickly took flight towards Belial City.