< [Reward has been adjusted due to recent accomplishments.] You can choose one of each new ability from this list of Personal Attributes. Skills, and Bloodline Skills.>> There were a bunch of windows and skill options that he could choose from, the panels were cluttering up his vision and making his head spin from the amount of text he was seeing. Still, since he had multiple options he decided to read everything carefully and thoroughly. Then his eyes landed on one particular choice. < Rank: S -Your Dragon’s Heart had only given you half the strength of a true dragon, however, it is also the necessary part for you to become one with such beast, gaining the ‘Dragonkin’ bloodline skill will consume all of your skills related to dragons and increase their efficiency tremendously, your ‘Dragon’s Heart’ will give you a ‘Unique Magic’ and the Personal Attribute ‘Greater than Dragons’ will evolve into a new Sub-Skill ‘Dragon Monarch’ along with gaining the Bonus Effect ‘Beast King’, and lastly, the Personal Attribute ‘True Dragon Eye’ will become a Sub-Skill of the Dragonkin Bloodline Skill. [Your body will undergo similar effects as an Evolution when you choose this Bloodline Skill.]>> < Rank: S Origin: Bloodline Skill ‘Dragonkin’ Type: Passive Skill. Personal Buff. Debuff. Cooldown: None. Description: if one is truly greater than dragons, then they are their king. Your presence will naturally cause dragons to submit to your might and acknowledge you as their superior. Your majesty will become a lot harder to resist even among those who are a high-rank dragon and you’ll never lose against a dragon with a lower authority, when faced against one of your kin, you’ll gain increase Attack and your opponent will be inflicted with the ‘Submission’ debuff, allowing the skill to better assert its dominion. Bonus Effect: [Beast King] Dragons are one of the most powerful monsters to ever exist, their strength can grow strong enough that even the gods had once feared their power, with your Draconic Bloodline, you can easily cause any Creatures of the Gate to submit to you, and even if they possess similar strength, the effects will still linger and they’ll feel more wary to attack you. Because the Beast King’s effects are stronger, the Personal Attribute ‘Apex Predator’ and ‘Predator of All’ will be consumed and the Beast King Bonus will become twice as strong.>> Theodore wasn’t as interested in the other things, he was more intrigued by the fact that he could gain a new Unique Magic if he chose this Bloodline Skill. ‘Ouroboros, is dragon magic strong?’ [Of course, each dragon has their own unique spells that they come up with and use, I am more or less a dragon myself and I can tell you that my Chaos magic is a lot more powerful than any ordinary Chaos magic.] ‘Huh, can you tell me more?’ [Dragons use something other than mana, which generates from their ‘Cores’ or the ‘Heart’, your ‘Dragon’s Heart’ skill wasn’t in its full potential so it only acted as a predestined path to the ‘Dragonkin’ Bloodline. Anyhow, the ‘Core’ produces something called ‘Dragon Energy’ and dragons use them to shape their magic.] ‘So it’s mana, but stronger?’ [Yes, and very hard for anyone without a ‘Dragon Core’ to manipulate, without a proper core, the energy can backfeed into the body and kill them.] Theodore stared at the Bloodline Skill’s description as he felt his heart pounding inside his chest, he was excited, it was similar to opening a mystery box and he didn’t know what sort of spells his Dragon Magic could cast. ‘Okay, System, give me the Dragonkin Bloodline Skill.’ His own voice resonated inside his mind. [Very well.] [You have chosen the Bloodline Skill ‘Dragonkin’.] [The required skills have been consumed.] [The Bloodline Skill ‘Dragonkin’ has been added to the Bloodline Skill list.] [Your body is undergoing ‘Evolution’, it is advised that you change back into your serpent form.] Theodore suddenly felt shivers run down his spine, causing him to bolt upwards as he quickly shifted back into a snake, half of his body was still on the bed while his tail and upper body lay on the carpeted floor. It didn’t hurt, but it did feel weird. He watched as his scales began to change, they grew in size and thickness until they were deeply overlapping each other, he felt something growing out his back and turned around to see what it was. Dark green spikes protruded along his spine until they would stop near his tail, then a few seconds later, he would feel that his fangs were changing as well. He couldn't exactly see what was going on but he felt that several teeth had grown next to his main set of fangs. Then he suddenly blinked. ‘What the f*ck?’ He blinked again, which confirmed that he’d grown a pair of eyelids and the thin membrane that he’d used for blinking horizontally had grown thicker as well. ‘What’s the point of having two—Nevermind…’ Theodore thought that the Bloodline Skill was done with changing his appearance, but he was wrong, when he looked behind him he could see that his tail was moving further and further away from him, indicating that he was growing longer. ‘Please don’t fill up this entire room…’ Luckily for him, it stopped as soon as he had that thought. Theodore sighed before carefully moving towards a floor mirror on the other side of the room, it wasn’t meant for a large snake to check himself out, so he could only see his head. ‘What the—‘ He tilted slightly to the side and saw that spikes had grown along his jaw up to the side of his face; they would’ve looked like fins if the spikes weren’t big. ‘I really look like a dragon now.’ He thought he was supposed to be a snake in this ‘lifetime’. Theodore didn’t ponder about it too much and opened his mouth, checking out the extra fangs that’d grown next to the largest ones at the front. Only three pairs had appeared, two at the top and one at the bottom, but it was still a change nonetheless. ‘Does this mean I can produce more poison?’ [Yes.] The System answered for him. [You’ve fully become a mythical beast, your appearance now can no longer be called ordinary.] ‘Huh? Wasn’t I already out of the ordinary? No snake can grow to be as large as me.’ [You were once limited by your physiology, now as a Serpent Dragon, you are no longer bound by a snake's weaknesses.] Theodore blinked. ‘Wait, then doesn’t that mean I don’t need to hold back my ice magic anymore?’ [By technicality, yes.] While the fire magic and skills that he had was suppressing his ice’s abnormal temperature, he still needed to be extra careful not to go overboard since his fire magic was still very weak. He’d thought about picking another fire-based skill to further balance his Frozen Disaster, but with this unexpected outcome, he now had a free slot to choose whatever he wanted. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ‘Great! Okay, show me the reward list again.’ When the window reappeared in place of the skill’s description, Theodore began skimming through the options once again, he wasn’t looking for anything in particular and was simply looking for the ones that he thought would be useful. ‘Should I strengthen my lightning attribute? No…That sounds like a waste…’ Eventually, his eyes landed on something interesting. < Rank: A+ -An evolution of the skill ‘Ambitious Snake; Devour’, it has a higher success rate in consuming skills and you will have more control over the ‘Phantom Serpent’. You’ll gain more options when using the ‘All Devourer’ skill, the victim doesn’t have to die upon consumption and you can simply choose to target their skill with the sole condition of them needing to be used first, however, the stolen skills will be weaker and will disappear in 24 Hours afterward, to make a stolen skill permanent, you will need to slay and devour its previous owner. [You can now pick up to three (3) skills to consume.] [Stealing Bloodlines or Bloodline Skills are impossible.] [Stealing Spells or Sub-Skills will be considered as using the ‘Force Spell’ technique and you’ll suffer the consequences.] [The ‘All Devourer’ skill can be evolved into its final form. The conditions are unknown.]>> ‘Okay, I’ll pick this one.’ [The Skill ‘Ambitious Snake; Devour’ has undergone Evolution.] [The Skill ‘All Devourer’ has been added to the Skill list.] Now he needed to pick a Personal Attribute. While he was looking for the two previous skills, he’d seen something that could be quite useful for him in the future. He hadn’t used the ‘Venom’ attribute much at all, so he thought about possibly trading it in for some other useful abilities. And this Personal Attribute was perfect. < -Choosing this skill will allow you to gain insights on the arts of alchemy, you can now brew different potions and even alter the natural laws themself, with some practice, you can turn one object into another as long as it meets certain requirements such as mass, elemental structure, or size. When this attribute is used alongside the Skill ‘Master of Poison’, all related Sub-Skill of ‘Pro Alchemist’ will become stronger. You can level up this attribute twice by giving up the ‘Venom’ attribute.>> ‘Alright, this is my last choice.’ [The Personal Attribute ‘Venom’ has been consumed.] [The Personal Attribute ‘Pro Alchemist’ has been added to the Personal Attribute list.] [You have unclaimed rewards from Main Quest #3. Would you like to view them?] < Description: Even when faced against thousands of enemies, you did not yield and stood your ground against all odds. With such an accomplishment, the Demon Lord of Pride had become a respected yet feared title, they said that ‘Luck’ was your true strength and hence this title reflected it. You will gain a 100% chance of getting a random temporary skill when you’re in a disadvantageous situation.>> Theodore ignored the bad name and focused on the title’s effect; it could be considered to be his ace in the hole if he gets very lucky. ‘Random skill…Is it really random? Like flipping a coin?’ [Yes, the skill will be given regardless of your situation.] ‘Basically, I could get something very useful or just straight up trash.’ [Precisely.] Theodore wasn’t sure on how to feel about it, not only that he had to see the bad name each time he opened his attribute window, but he could pretty much die if the skill he pulled was useless. ‘Alright, and what about the new Personal Attribute?’ < Rank: B Type: Passive Skill. Requirement for Upgrade: Face against a group of more than 1,500 individuals. Cooldown: None. Description: An attribute awakened from your courage and recklessness, you have fought and won against an entire army in a total victory. With this Personal Attribute, when you’re out-numbered 1,000:1 or more, you will gain 1.5x increase in all stats including Mana Points.>> Theodore wasn’t exactly happy about the new attribute, it was completely useless in a one on one fight, though he couldn’t exactly complain since he’d already gotten a bunch of other skills. ‘What will this attribute evolve into?’ [Leveling up the Personal Attribute will decrease the requirements needed to receive the buff. Once ‘One-man Army’ reaches Level 5, it can then evolve into the Personal Attribute ‘True Commander’.] He didn’t know how or why a one-man army would become a commander, but he wouldn’t focus too much on it for now until it has its use. ‘Okay…What’s next now? Oh, you said I have a new information window?’ [Would you like to view the ‘Temple Status’ window?] ‘Temple Status window? Sure?’ < Known Titles: The Ouroboros. Demon King of Pride. Worshippers: 3,562 -Forest Trolls: 42 -Ragerians: 3,520 Overall Faith: 110% Overall Fame: 100/100 [You can view an individual’s ‘Faith’] Buffs: None. Temple Skills: None. [The Temple is too small.]>> ‘…How does the faith and fame thing work?’ [‘Faith’ is the medium that will increase your stats. ‘Fame’ will affect the ‘Temple Skills’ which can be gained through a worshipper’s contribution.] ‘Can you explain?’ [You are the one who controls your own ‘Fame’ level, if it drops below 50, then it’ll affect the worshippers’ ‘Faith’. A worshipper can increase your stat points through their high ‘Faith’ but they can also contribute to the Temple and create a Temple Skill, which you can distribute among your worshippers.] ‘…This is confusing.’ [Allow me.] Ouroboros spoke up. [Let’s say your friend, Merlin, has 100% faith towards you, he will not only give you Skill Points or increase your stats, but he will have a chance to create a skill when he’s doing something in your name, or as the System had put it: ‘Contribute to the Temple’.] ‘Ah, can I create my own Temple Skills?’ [Alas, no. However, you can mark one of your skills as a ‘Temple Skill’. Bloodline Skills and Unique Magic don't work though.] ‘Okay, I think I understand most of it…’ Theodore stared at the new window for a moment. ‘Why is the screen title blank?’ This time, the System was the one to answer. [You are still far from the realm of godhood, hence you do not yet have a name.] Even when he’d gotten the ‘Deitify’ skill, Theodore hadn’t thought about him becoming something as powerful as a god, he was fixated on going stronger as fast as he could and getting his revenge on Rhys. But now that he had a whole system window for it? Theodore wasn’t sure on how to feel about this. ‘Is it necessary for me to grow that strong?’ The question was more so directed at himself, but the System replied anyway. [Negative, but you will regret not giving your all when the options are all laid out in front of you.] ‘What…What do you mean?’ The System went silent, giving Ouroboros the opportunity to speak. [You can do whatever you wish, though becoming a minor deity wouldn’t do you any harm.] ‘Minor deity? Something like Lucifer?’ [Yes, though as the new Pride, you’re already walking down that path either way.] ‘…’ Theodore still felt a little skeptical, he wanted revenge, not to rule over mortals as a god. ‘Where is Asclepius anyway?’ [Ah, he said he had some business to attend to on Olympus, he’d left quite a while ago.] ‘…I was going to ask about being a god but I guess that'll have to wait.’ He dismissed the ’faith and fame’ window and decided to focus on his Skill Points now. After his fight with Mammon’s army, he’d reached level thirty and had gotten even more points to spend. ‘Anyway, System, do you have any recommendations on what to spend my skill points on?’ Theodore was wondering if any of his current skills can be upgraded using Skill Points, if not, he planned to invest most of them on his ‘Magic’ stat and then keep the rest for later. [The Personal Attribute ‘Agility’ can be upgraded to the max for 50 Skill Points.] ‘Can it evolve?’ [Max Level ‘Agility’ will become ‘Godspeed’, it has the same effects as ‘Agility’ but your speed will be increased by 5x instead. In total, you’ll need to spend 120 Skill Points.] Theodore was slightly taken aback, he could increase his speed up to four thousand units, he couldn’t even imagine how his opponent was going to hit him if he had that monstrous stat points. ‘Alright, do it.’ < < ‘Okay…Put three hundred Skill Points into ‘Magic’.’ < ‘Will increasing the Intelligence stat increase the chance of learning a new spell?’ [It affects the skill ‘13th’s Knowledge’.] ‘Figured, put another three hundred points into Intelligence then.’ < ‘Um…Put seventy in the Charm stat.’ < [The Sub-Skill ‘Dragon’s Heart’ has detected the increased ‘Intelligence’ stats!] [You have awakened a new Unique Magic!] [A new stat has been added to the attribute window.] < Lvl.1 Type: Versatile Magic. Requirement for Upgrade: Usage and increase proficiency. Cooldown: Depends on spell (??? seconds to ???) Description: Magic created from your Draconic Bloodline, it uses the ‘Dragon Energy’ (DE) that is stored and generated within your ‘Core’, it is a very adaptable magic that can change its form into anything the caster wishes, only your imagination and knowledge of the arcane can limit what sort of spell you can use. Spell List: -[None]>> Theodore stared at the empty spell list and immediately was excited, it was like being given a customizable toy. ‘How does it work? Do I just think about the spell?’ [It works similarly to the other Unique Magics, however, the Serpent’s Arcane is only a mere shell, hence you would need to set the magic’s element first and work your way up to creating different types of spells.] ‘Element?’ [I’m back!] Suddenly, Asclepius’ voice rang inside his mind. [Oh! Is that a dragon’s magic?] ‘Ah, Asclepius, you’re here just in time.’ [Do you need something?] The god sounded joyful. [I can help!] ‘I’m in the process of setting up the magic right now, do you know anything about this?’ [Eh? Why don’t you ask Ouroboros? He’s a dragon, right?] [My magic awakened its element based on my tales, I don’t think I would be of much use.] Ouroboros said in a low tone. [Though I would suggest using the ‘Divine’ element as the base.] [Oh yeah! You have the divine element, that would practically mean you have the Magic of the Gods!] ‘Is it strong?’ [Of course it is! That magic will grow alongside your divinity, the more you’re treated like a deity, the more powerful your magic will get!] Theodore was intrigued, after hearing what the god had to say, there was no point to consider any other option. He’d already have all the necessary elemental magic so gaining a god’s magic now would be best. [Would you like to set the Serpent’s Arcane as a ‘Divine Magic’?] As soon as the System had finished speaking, Theodore nodded his head and confirmed his option. [Great! Congratulations, mortal, you’re now just a bit closer to becoming a full-fledged deity!] Theodore could hear the sounds of clapping inside his head as Asclepius spoke. Now that he was finished with sorting out his skills, Theodore thought of getting some rest while thinking about what spells he could possibly create. He turned into his human form before hopping onto his bed once again. He opened his attribute window and looked at his progress so far. < Species: The Ouroboros Serpent (35 Meters) Titles: 13th Zodiac: Serpent Bearer. Demon King of Pride. Odds Conquerer. Lvl: 30 EXP: 0/34,000,000 Skill Points: 1 HP: 3,500,000/3,500,000 MP: 27,000/27,000 DE: 10,000/10,000 Rank: S+ Attack: 800 (S-) Speed: 850 (S-) Defense: 1,200 (S+) Charm: 270 (D+) Intelligence: 800 (S-) Magic: 1,100 (S) Elements: Ice. Fire. Draconic. Lightning. Divine. Personal Attributes: Thermal Vision (Lvl.MAX). Tongue Receptor (Lvl.MAX). Deitify (Lvl.MAX). All-Speak (Lvl.MAX). Scales of the Serpent (Lvl.1). Asclepius’ Guidance (Lvl.MAX). Final Desperation (Lvl.MAX). Hell’s Master (Lvl.1). One-man Army (Lvl.1). Pro Alchemist (Lvl.3). Godspeed (Lvl.1). Unique Magic: Frozen Disaster (Lvl.2). Immortal Flames (Lvl.2). Demon Arts (Lvl.2). Serpent’s Arcane (Lvl.1). Skills: Master of Poison (Lvl.2). Persistence (Lvl.2). Uriel’s Blessings (Lvl.2). Wild Thunder (Lvl.1). Asclepius’ Secrets (Lvl.2). 13th’s Knowledge (Lvl.MAX). Lord of Souls (Lvl.1). First Deceptor (Lvl.1). All Devourer (Lvl.MAX). Bloodline Skills: Embodiment of Chaos (Lvl.4). Super Regeneration (Lvl.MAX). Corrupting Touch (Lvl. 3). Divine Blaze (Lvl.MAX). Coldest Death (Lvl.2). The Great Cycle (Lvl.1). Forgotten Star (Lvl. 1). First Fallen (Lvl.1). Lightbringer (Lvl.1). Dragonkin (Lvl.MAX)>> He’d come a long way from the ones and twos stat points that he once had at the beginning of his adventure, it was satisfying to see his attribute window get filled up with so many useful skills, and looking at one of them reminded him of how he’d gotten them. ‘…Well, I guess this is enough.’ Theodore didn’t think he would need to worry about being weaker than his opponent anymore. He leaned backwards and let himself fall onto the soft mattress, a soft smile appeared on his lips as he closed his eyes. ‘That’s enough for today, I’ll get some rest.’ [Aw, I just came…Good night though!] [Good night, Theodore.] When the voices of the deities had died down, one final thought came to his mind. ‘There’s still a long road ahead of me.’