Chapter 185: Chapter 185: SYSTEM.

David's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat, as the system's cold, metallic display unfolded before him.

"[You have consumed Aurumaris, the Gilded Core,]" it intoned, the weight of those words pressing against his thoughts.

"[You have acquired the Aurumaris Empyreal Core Physique as a result, altering your blood aspect to one that nears the divine,]" the display continued, lines of light etching themselves into his vision like burning runes.

He took a deep breath, letting the revelation sink in as he reached for a piece of warm, crusty bread, tearing off a bite. The familiar taste felt almost surreal against the backdrop of newfound power thrumming within him. His eyes, a deep stormy blue, flicked down to the interface that glowed subtly beneath his gaze. It listed the gifts that accompanied his transformation, each word as sharp and golden as the core he had consumed.

"[Abilities and Effects: