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14. The Equinox system

The Equinox system

Are you willing to serve the Rita?

'Rita means the cosmic order if I remember it correctly. The guru had told us ahead of time, practically drilled into us that the one who qualifies to serve the Rita will be qualified to be served by the Rita as well. Therefore one must not be only selfish and self serving. How can you expect good things to happen to you if you cannot wish it for to happen to someone else? The world is indeed cruel but not blind. What goes around comes around. It is a small world.'

'Rita is the collective will of the world. So how Rita serves us is through means of the system huh? That is quite neat. In analogy, Rita is how in some fantasies we get a living forest where each tree contributes to the overall will or consciousness of the forest. Like how a bundle of nerves can be sometimes called a brain. Some algae do replicate this to a certain extent.'

'The will of the world has no inherent morality, it is neither good nor bad. What it seeks to accomplish is stability. In other words equilibrium. It has no qualms with destruction if the result will ensure the overall stability of the world in the long term. An impartial force. It is also a stark reminder that in the grand scheme of existence, our individual desires and perceptions of right and wrong pales in comparison to the cosmic order.'

'Am I willing to serve such a force?'

'That question weighed heavily on my mind. If my collective experience of novels and other stories are to go by, the system would greatly boost my growth. The collective will of the world aiding me in my growth is something to be grateful for and is for sure a grand opportunity. But it also implies a new set of responsibilities. To serve the Rita, as I understood it, meant becoming an instrument of the cosmic will. Additionally, if the system is too powerful it might rob me of my free will or even just make me one of the cogs in its machine to restore the cosmic order. Unthinking and loyal to the cause of the system. A double-edged sword. So that is something to be careful about. Power will never be free after all.'

'But at the same time, the Vanishing phenomenon where the fabric of reality itself seems to be unraveling is another thing I have to keep in mind. Our worlds are connected, the same phenomenon could already be happening over here or could start happening at any moment. There is no escape from that as long as we live. If earlier our world was separate like water and oil and maintained that state, the point of equilibrium has since shifted, someone or something has occurred that is causing the world to intermix. Ren, Arya, and the other six of fellow disciples too are all from different worlds who came here by accident. Each different from the other.'

'Just how many worlds are out there? Why did everyone come here of all places?'

'I doubt anyone knows what would happen if the world started intermixing even more. The chaos that would be created at that interval of time would be unfathomable. It is very well possible that we may have just entered the beginning phases. The consequences further down the lane were unknown but potentially catastrophic. But if anyone does know the answer it will probably be the will of the world. More specifically the will of this world.'

'In the end, it seems that all I am being presented with is the illusion of choice. There is only one option that should be viable.'

[Yes]

The system acknowledges your commitment to serving the Rita and opens the path for you. May you serve the world well.

Inducting user Kaito to the Equinox system.....

Welcome Kaito. The Equinox system is a subsystem created to preserve and maintain the cosmic order.

The chakras allow you to connect to the Equinox system and the more chakras you unlock more of the system's powers shall be made available to you.

Congratulations on opening your first chakra.

You received Grace point (x1).

You received Stat points (x2).

Appraisal learned.

Inventory acquired.

Stat points allow you to allocate points to your stats. Each stat has a range of [0-5]. Would you like to see your stats?

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Yes / No

'Classic game-like interface and terms if only a little bit simplified. There is just no flair. Not that I am complaining.'

[Yes]

Willpower Intelligence Strength Agility Defense Dexterity Chi Unique 3 3 2 1 1 3 2 ---

'Hmm, it's not too bad, the defense was expected but still stings. So willpower, intelligence, and dexterity are my main stats then. Dexterity I can understand with all my archery training with my assigned senior disciple. Strength, Agility, Defense, and Chi are all self explanatory but the other stat terms can mean different things in different systems.'

[What are the willpower, intelligence, dexterity, and unique stat based on?]

Willpower quantifies your ability to mold both the internal chi within and external chi around you, self discipline, image training, and mental resistance.

Intelligence quantifies the rate at which you can mold chi/mana, it represents your casting speed, general comprehension, and mental computation ability.

Dexterity quantifies the reaction speed, nerve firing speed, fine motor skills, and vision capabilities.

Unique stat quantifies your expertise with the abilities you are granted through grace points.

'Alright time to move on. There was the grace point as well.'

[What about the grace point?]

The grace point acts as a wish. Using that wish you may wish for a certain ability or skill set. Would you like to make your wish?

'what the.... isn't that too OP? No way this could be true and only at first chakra.'

[System what are the constraints to this wish?]

There are no constraints to the wish you can ask but the wish's strength and capabilities will automatically be adjusted to your level at the time of making that wish.

'Ah so even if I ask for an OP ability, as weak as I am right now it would not amount to much. I see. I see. But I could have been warned of this beforehand too....'

[System will you answer and aid me only when I request you of it?]

That is correct. The Equinox system does not coddle its users. The users are encouraged to find their own answers. Self-reliance and personal growth are encouraged. Fret not, guidance will be provided but the journey is yours to navigate. Your efforts will bear fruit and the equinox system will only provide aid where it sees fit.

'I see, so I guess my wish now should be that much more apparent.'

[I have decided on my grace: I want a subsystem that will aid me in my every effort. This system shall be my unwavering ally, dedicated to nurturing my growth. It will meticulously attend to my development, continuously adapting and enhancing my abilities and attributes in alignment with my goals. The subsystem shall also be every bit as capable as the equinox system and act solely for my benefit and with my permission.]

Grace point (x1) consumed.

Designing and implementing a sophisticated subsystem that is devoted to the user's personal growth and development. This subsystem should possess the capability to meticulously monitor, adjust, and elevate the user's skills and statistics in harmony with their pursuits and objectives. Ensure that it operates seamlessly, serving as an unwavering ally for the user.

A new subsystem is formed.....

Eunoia subsystem formed.

Welcome Master Kaito, I Eunoia shall assist you in every manner possible. However, my abilities shall only be fully accessible to you as you unlock more chakras. As a subsystem of the Equinox system, I reserve all the abilities of my predecessor. I shall act as the bridge between Equinox and Master Kaito.

Automation (1x slot) received.

Automation: you can delegate an active skill to the Eunoia system. You can also give basic commands on how to execute the skill.

Personalising Master Kaito's growth

Analyzing Master Kaito's physical and spiritual body as well as existing skills.

Analysis complete.

3 paths are available. Would you like to see them right now?

Yes / No

[umm...yes]

Compiling and organizing data......

Would you also like to change the system interface?

[Sure]