Chapter 48 - Overmind…
Li's stat window was, by far, the longest of all the group, displaying an impressive amount of information. However, what stood out the most was the overwhelming number of new skills he had acquired, which left everyone surprised.
Before Adam could ask, Li smirked arrogantly and explained that the reason he had gained an unusually large amount of points and rewards was due to the Plot Device "Golden Ending" that he had obtained prior to entering the scenario. This, combined with achieving the rare ending by completing the most difficult subplot, had granted him the best of the best.
"That said, there are only two things I want to do, and the reason I've shown you my profile... The first is because I have this thing called 'Team Voucher Bonus'. I have no idea what it does, but from the name, I imagine it will affect the entire team."
Li shrugged and made a casual gesture with his hand to activate that strange option he had received as an extra reward.
"Hey, stop! At least let me check its hidden information first!"
Adam shouted, but it was too late. The option had been activated, and a large window appeared in front of the entire group. On the screen, a huge slot machine was displayed, with vibrant colors and lights flashing like neon signs. The most striking thing was the words above the machine: "Plot Device Gacha."
image [https://i.imgur.com/wCNu2bF.png]
⌠The 'Team Voucher Bonus' has activated a special event and summoned the 'Plot Device Gacha Machine'. This will randomly select a Plot Device for each member of the 'No Name' team. These can be of any rarity type. Good luck!⌡
With that, the machine inside the window began to spin rapidly, making a noise reminiscent of real-life slot machines for several seconds. It then stopped on a row of sevens and started to glow, revealing the results on another screen of the same size that was displayed for everyone present.
⌠Congratulations to all members of ‘No Name’ Team, you have received a random Plot Device each! Use them wisely!⌡
⌠Li Xie Jie: Plot Device “Feigning Healthiness (SSR-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠Even in your worst condition, you will appear as if you’re healthy as ever.⌡
⌠Kazue Rima: Plot Device “Attack! Attack... Retreat! Retreat! (UR-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠When the enemy forces charge at you, something will happen to make them retreat.⌡
⌠Drake Shaw: Plot Device “I Choose to Stay (SSR-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠Used at the end of a scenario, you can remain inside the story for a minimum of one day and a maximum of one year (one minute outside the scenario regardless of the duration).⌡
⌠Sebastian Rüegg: Plot Device “Equal-Opportunity Evil (UR-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠Evil-aligned characters inside a scenario will really like you.⌡
⌠Nikolai Volkov: Plot Device “Dude, Not Funny! (L-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠Dude, rude! Cancel and reverse any immediate outcome inside a scenario once.⌡
⌠Adam Scholar: Plot Device “Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are (UR-class)” has been acquired.⌡ ⌠There's no way your prey can hide from you; they will always be revealed once you mark it as your target.⌡
Saying that the entire group was stunned by the outcome would be an understatement. No one had expected a reward specific to Li to turn into something for everyone else, especially something as valuable as high-level Plot Devices.
Each of them quickly read what their reward said and, at Li's insistence, revealed it so the others could also see. They were all interesting and even useful, but the one that caught everyone's attention was Nikolai's. It was none other than a class L Plot Device, the highest rank possible according to what Adam had seen in the shop before the last scenario. It was an unimaginable stroke of luck, especially since its effect was so vague and lacked any additional information.
"*Tsk* What a waste... But okay, that's how things are here. I just hope you know what you just received. Knowing this place, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could even bring someone back to life with it."
It was incredible, and even Nikolai was so stunned that he didn’t know what to think. Mostly, he didn’t fully understand the existence or functionality of plot devices; however, he knew he had gotten something akin to winning the lottery. Kazue couldn’t contain herself and quickly jumped toward him, eagerly talking about all the things he could do with something so convenient. Drake had to step in, calming her down and stopping her from overwhelming him.
Adam watched them for a while, thinking about what he could do with his own Plot Device, so he didn’t notice that Li had returned to the store and was selecting something without telling anyone or going through the discussion process as the previous two team members had. No one realized this until the familiar sound of a purchase echoed from the store.
Everyone immediately turned to see the sudden materialization of an enormous serpent made entirely of some kind of green energy, crackling like electricity, in front of Li, who, with a grin stretching from ear to ear, summoned his spellbook and opened it before the entity.
*GRROOWL*
After a tremendous roar, the creature quickly descended into the pages of the book, merging with them. The book began to glow and shake violently until it eventually burst into flames. This was unexpected, and Adam turned to look at Li, who, for some reason, did nothing but keep smiling, as if he knew that this didn’t mean his precious item was being destroyed.
⌠The soul of 'Shin Kuria Draak', the solar wyrm, has fused with the treasure [Lesser Demonic Grimoire (Replica) - Rank E] and transformed it into a form capable of containing its power.⌡ ⌠The treasure [Lesser Demonic Grimoire (Replica) - Rank E] has been transformed to [Heretic Solar Grimoire (Replica) - Rank B].⌡
“That’s more like it!”
Li suddenly spoke, grabbing the object, which was now transformed into a completely new book with golden edges and a binding shaped like a dragon's jaws, a stark contrast to its previous appearance as an old, worn tome. Adam tried to seize the moment to examine the details, but Li was too quick, snatching the grimoire with both hands. To Adam’s great surprise, however, Li triumphantly displayed the grimoire for all to see.
“Go ahead, take a look and see what a true high-level object looks like... Six thousand points invested, and it clearly wasn't a waste.”
[Heretic Solar Grimoire (Replica) - Rank B ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Spellbook featuring a vibrant green cover adorned with intricate golden motifs, encapsulating the essence of ‘Shin Kuria Draak’, the solar heretic wyrm. This powerful tome enhances any magic cast using it, amplifying its potency significantly. Additionally, it grants the user access to a unique spell [Shin Kuria Draak Lv1], allowing them to summon the wyrm as a devastating homing projectile that seeks out its target with relentless precision.⌡ [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Treasure rank is too high, additional information not available.]
"That's how you improve things—by seeking compatible elements that resonate well together to maximize their potential!"
Li exclaimed proudly, and truthfully, he had every reason to be. Though he'd never admit that this wasn’t something he knew for sure, it had been a gamble based on his deduction after Adam shared everything about his Spectronomicon. The gamble had paid off perfectly. And speaking of gambling… he wasn’t done. Li went back to the store, despite being out of points, as he still had the free item exchange left. He didn’t need to think much about it or search too much, since he had already spoken with Thaddeus about what he wanted as a reward.
Adam, having already given up hope that Li would follow the guidelines they’d set for the team, simply watched as the selection was made. It didn’t take long, and the boy expected some sort of weapon or similar item to appear, but he never imagined that, out of nowhere, a strange light would burst from one of Li’s eyes, accompanied by a scream of pain.
Everyone was startled, and both Drake and Adam moved closer to check what had happened; however, almost immediately, Li waved his arms abruptly to signal them not to approach. At the same time, he began to laugh loudly as he stood up.
"Hahaha, this is amazing! How did I never think of this before?"
As he said this, a red glow emerged from his right eye, revealing that it was no longer normal. In fact, Adam felt like he had seen it before… A chill ran down his spine at the memory. Even though the encounter hadn’t been disastrous, his body still remembered the pain that followed after crossing paths with Commodore Kathlene, as that eye was identical to the ones she had.
[Synthetic Eye - Rank B ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Mechanical marvel from a steampunk world, functioning as a normal eye but with enhanced capabilities providing unparalleled clarity and precision, allowing its user to bypass any skill that relies on sight as an activation condition. The eye grants the skill [Lock On Lv1], improving targeting accuracy, and boosts any sight-related skill by one level.⌡ [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Warning: This treasure requires a special type of body, one accustomed to mechanical transplants or a specialized intervention to function correctly; otherwise, it may cause irreversible damage to its possessor.]
He had to admit it was impressive, even though he knew that the "Make it fair!" option was responsible for allowing him to use such a delicate mechanical transplant like an eye without any negative effects. What he didn’t know was that the idea had come to Li after observing the blonde and his new body, capable of absorbing low-level skills. In a way, it could be said that this had worked out perfectly.
Having finished, it was now the turn of the next team member, either Sebastian or Nikolai; however, both declined to go next, stating that they still had no idea what they truly wanted to purchase and were still struggling to grasp the whole system. Understandable, really, so Adam had no choice but to step forward and open his status window for the others to see.
⌠Name: Adam Scholar ⌡ ⌠Age: 1⌡ ⌠Species: Demi Lich - Rank E⌡ ⌠Points: 2267⌡ ⌠Potential: D⌡ ⌠Merits: None⌡ ⌠Titles:⌡ ⌠Ghostmarked Warden: Bound and Cursed⌡, ⌠Luck's Last Laugh⌡ ⌠Skills:⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Lv4⌡, ⌠Lesser Undead Control Lv2⌡, ⌠Ghost Phasing Lv2⌡, ⌠Memetic Resistance Lv5⌡, ⌠Mark of the Damned LV10⌡, ⌠Mgehye'lloig Lv1⌡, ⌠Sinful Covenant Lv1⌡, ⌠Light of the Six Sins Lv1⌡ ⌠Treasures:⌡ ⌠Necronomicon Single Page [1/5] (Replica) - Rank F⌡, ⌠Spectronomicon - Rank ?⌡, ⌠Thaddeus’s promised reward x1 (Pending)⌡
Adam pondered carefully about what he should buy. He had enough points to get the "Phantomcaller Ring" he'd seen before entering the second scenario, or maybe something even better. However, finding a way to generate cursed energy was no longer a priority. Slowly, his gaze drifted toward his left arm, where the chain-shaped tattoo leading to the relic etched into the palm of his hand was now more prominent than ever—a clear symbol that the Ghost Empress's curse was more active than it had ever been. Could there be something he could purchase that would help him? It seemed unlikely. Any skill or item he obtained below level 10 or rank A would be inevitably corrupted by the [Mark of the Damned], and acquiring something of that level was out of the question. Even the simplest treasures at rank B exceeded ten thousand points in price.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Still, there was something that prevented Adam from simply resigning himself to his fate. He had just witnessed Li's rank E grimoire transform into a rank B before his eyes through the correct interaction. But how would he know what the correct interaction was at this point? Especially since anything he bought would be corrupted before he could even combine it with something else. It was despairing, and there didn’t seem to be any way out. However, an unexpected glimmer of hope suddenly struck him: what if he didn’t use an existing item from the store?
"Drake, please, I have a question."
Adam asked his companion to come closer and explain how the 'Idea Forge' worked, that option in the store that had absolutely nothing and from which he had obtained that curious random skill. Drake calmly explained that all he had done was state what he wanted, but he had been quite specific about his desire, guided by the system... Or, well, at this point, it was more than obvious that the one who had spoken to him was not the system itself but one of the patrons observing him.
After that explanation, Adam turned his gaze back to the screen, which prompted him to indicate what he was thinking... What did he truly want? Something to rid himself of the curse? Something to subdue it? Perhaps a skill to wield it in some way? No… what he really wanted was to stop being everyone's puppet. He was tired of being deceived by almost everyone he had trusted in some way. The shadows of Li and Thaddeus loomed over him like an inescapable presence, just like the towering white figure of the phantom who manipulated him at will, constantly reminding him that he was nothing more than her toy.
"I want something that will restore my autonomy, something that will help me become my true self, something that can conquer the curse that plagues me and finally make me the master of my own life, no matter the consequences."
⌠Suggestion accepted, initiating the materialization of the user's idea.⌡ ⌠…⌡ ⌠Succes!⌡ ⌠Assigning a proper point value to the idea⌡ ⌠…⌡ ⌠Succes!⌡
⌠Overmind Parasyte - Rank A+: 5000pts⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠The "Overmind Parasyte" is a bizarre creature resembling a human frontal lobe, it attaches itself to a host's brain and gradually drains its life essence. Once attached, the parasite gains total control over the victim's body, including full command of their skills. It can merge the host’s abilities with its own to create enhanced versions or seal them entirely, making the victim a puppet to its will while growing more powerful with every moment of control.⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Notice: As a member of the Undead race, you are immune to the [Vitality Absorption Lv5] of the parasite⌡ ⌠Hint: As a sentient non-living creature, you have a chance to fight back the parasite infection and gain control over it.⌡ ⌠Warning: …⌡ ⌠You have not enough points to buy this skill⌡ ⌠Do you want to save the new ‘Idea’ in your log for later browsing?⌡ ⌠Y/N⌡
The result wasn’t what Adam expected, especially since he had anticipated receiving a skill, not a physical object—much less something that would need to be inserted into his brain. Still, if that was the way to break free from his chains, it might be worth a try... Although, it didn’t really matter what he thought at that moment, because the cost of that creature was far beyond what he could afford, so in the end, it wasn’t useful to him.
After a bitter sigh, Adam simply resigned himself to the fact that there was nothing he could do for the moment. However, Drake, who was standing next to him, approached and tried to ask if he was okay.
"Are you alright? Did you find anything that could help you?"
“Yes, but it’s too expensive, I can’t afford it now.”
This was something no one could help him with, and Drake knew it. After all, they had already confirmed last time that points were non-transferable and they couldn't "purchase" anything together. The only option left was to save up for one or two more scenarios if he wanted to afford what he had found.
"If I could do something to help you, I would. Seriously."
Drake spoke, feeling both embarrassed and frustrated, knowing full well the torment Adam endured due to his curse. The boy had shared everything—the excruciating pain that accompanied the use of his skills, even when used involuntarily, and how he felt like little more than a puppet for the ghost from the first scenario. But suddenly, to everyone's surprise, Li spoke up in a loud voice.
"If you want to help him so much, why don’t you give him your merit?"
Both Adam and Drake opened their eyes in surprise. It was true; the merit exchange menu specified that merits could be transferred from one user to another at will. So, technically speaking, it was possible to give points to someone else if they later redeemed those merits. However, that was unthinkable; Adam had no right to ask them for something like that.
"Sure, I'll give you mine."
“What?”
Adam was so surprised by those words that he couldn't respond for a moment. It wasn't until he finally regained his composure that he was able to speak.
"No, it’s not necessary. The merits are important, as Kazue said. You don’t have to do that for me... Besides, even if I accepted, it wouldn’t be enough points to buy this item."
“Then I’ll give you mine as well!”
This time, it was Kazue who spoke, almost shouting and raising her hand as if she were answering in class. This shocked Adam again. Why would they do something like that for someone they had just met not long ago?
"This would help you get rid of your curse, right? The truth is, having a curse on your arm is mega cool, but I’ve seen how much it affects you. If this helps you control it, I have no problem giving you my credit; I just have to earn a better one again!"
The girl’s honesty and genuine desire to help were inconceivable to Adam, who still couldn't believe anything they were saying. It didn't make sense. He had gone from being surrounded by people who only took advantage of his naivety to those who genuinely wanted to help him for no apparent reason.
"Oh, if that's still not enough, you can take mine too. I don’t need it, and if it helps you in any way, that would be even better."
Sebastian said, finally standing up and approaching the boys with his usual smile, offering to give his rank D merit as well. It was completely outrageous since new users needed the points more than anyone. However, at this point, Adam didn't know what to say or do, and before he could gather his thoughts, a system window appeared in front of him.
⌠User Drake Shaw has traded a Merit Rank C with you.⌡
⌠User Kazue Rima has traded a Merit Rank C with you.⌡
⌠User Sebastian Rüegg has traded a Merit Rank D with you.⌡
It was done, and the boy felt completely overwhelmed, to the point where he didn’t even seem aware when, encouraged by the others, he turned back to the shop and redeemed the merits for points, totaling 4,767 points. This was still insufficient to buy what he needed, something he communicated once he regained some clarity, beginning to feel desperate as he realized he now had no way to repay them for what they had invested.
"I can lend you one."
Li then spoke, having used the moment to approach the group with a malicious smile that made it clear he was plotting something.
"But only on the condition that you pay me back as soon as possible with interest—let's say, the equivalent of an A-rank merit."
It was madness—an A-rank merit meant he'd have to repay 5,000 points. But did he really have any alternative? Under normal circumstances, he would never have accepted something so ridiculous. Yet now he felt the pressure of having redeemed the points everyone had given him for nothing, even though none of them seemed truly bothered by it.
“Fine…”
Adam reluctantly agreed, feeling a sharp pain in his stomach from the stress he was going through at that moment. However, Li wasn’t about to let such an opportunity slip by as just a simple verbal agreement.
"No, we’ll use that contract skill you have, the one you said you’ve used before. That way, neither of us can go back on our word, agreed?"
That was an understatement, as all Li had to do was give his merit, and he knew it, leaving only Adam with the binding condition. But again, what real options did he have? They both shook hands as a sign of agreement, activating the skill [Sinful Covenant lv1] and displaying the result on an additional screen.
⌠Skill "Sinful Covenant Lv1" has successfully established a pact between user Adam Scholar and user Li Xie Jie⌡
⌠User Li Xie Jie has traded a Merit Rank D with you.⌡
After exchanging the final merit for points, Adam finally had 5,367, enough to buy the [Overmind Parasyte]. However, his chest still pounded violently, and the pain had gone beyond a simple stomach ache. There was something he hadn’t told the others, something only he had been able to read, and yet he was still going through with it, even though it could be mortally dangerous for all of them.
⌠Warning: Your body has a 0.001% chance to succeed due to your potential and power.⌡
The warning in the additional information was clear—the probability of success was minimal, even less than minimal. But it was the only thing Adam had to cling to at that moment. He was deeply grateful to everyone who had helped him, yet even so, he allowed himself to be selfish one more time. He would risk everything for the chance to be free, even if it meant putting his companions at risk.
“For what it's worth… I’m sorry”
The boy murmured before pressing the confirmation button, accepting the transaction, and purchasing the item in question. However, it didn’t appear, and nothing happened for several seconds. What had happened? Could it be that there was some kind of error?
Adam's doubts vanished in the next instant when a sharp, agonizing pain pierced his head, causing him to scream at the top of his lungs and fall to his knees, clutching his face as if he wanted to rip it off. Drake and Kazue were startled at first but quickly crouched beside him to hold him and prevent him from hurting himself, though there was nothing they could do about the cries of suffering the boy was exclaiming.
⌠“Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” has begun to take control of the user’s body!⌡ ⌠“Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” is being affected by "Mark of the Damned Lv10"⌡ ⌠“Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” has resisted.⌡ ⌠…⌡ ⌠“Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” is being affected by "Mark of the Damned Lv10"⌡ ⌠“Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” has resisted.⌡ ⌠…⌡ ⌠Warning: “Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” will begin taking ■■ control of the user’s ■■ ■■!⌡ ⌠Notice: Title ‘Luck's Last Laugh’ has activated its effect.⌡ ⌠Hehe⌡ ⌠The user’s body has successfully assimilated “Overmind Parasite - Rank A+” against all odds! Congratulations!⌡
At that precise moment, the pain vanished completely, along with Adam's consciousness. He fell to the ground with his eyes rolled back, the shock from the pain overwhelming him.
Adam didn't know how much time had passed, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself floating in that space he always ended up in when he lost consciousness. However, this time, there was a significant change... Before him was not the infinite void, but the thin, fragile-looking body of the ghostly empress, ensnared and trapped by a multitude of black tentacles that held her firmly, rendering her unable to escape. Behind her, a gigantic, lidless eye observed both of them—a sphere as large as a building that could only belong to an eldritch abomination from the most convoluted horror tales that existed.
"You! ... I grant you a bit of freedom, and this is how you thank me? Ridiculous. If you think something like this can contain my infinite resentment, then you are a hopeless idiot and not the intelligent being I thought you were. You have only prolonged your suffering. Remember this: you belong to me. There is no place or space where this isn’t true."
The phantasmal figure spoke as the last parts of her blurry face were wrapped in the tentacles until she was finally buried beneath a constantly moving mass of black appendages. Adam didn’t know what it all meant; was that nightmarish beast the parasite? What had happened to his mind? He barely managed to turn his floating body, only to come face-to-face with something that sent chills down his spine. Before him lay a true army of spectral beings of all kinds as far as the eye could see, from small Ghoul-Type humanoids to the gigantic Demon-Type from the first scenario, all staring at him intently.
There was no way to escape from that; the boy's body floated uncontrollably, making it impossible to flee. Did they want to take revenge for their empress, or were they coming to free her in some way? Adam swallowed hard and braced for the worst. But to his disbelief, all those beings did was bow—some even kneeling, paying homage to who, in their eyes, was their new emperor.
"Waah!"
Adam opened his eyes with a scream, disoriented and unsure of where he was, only to calm down enough seconds later to recognize that he was in the bed of his own room. The piled-up items and the desk full of unread books were still there. Quickly, the boy raised his left arm and examined it closely, noticing that there was no trace of the chain tattoo or the relic in his palm.
"Ha...hahaha...hahahaha!"
He didn’t know why, but his first reaction was to start laughing in relief.