Chương 16: Penalty
[Suspicious Activity Noticed]
"Huh?"
[Penalty]
[Irregularity in Statistics]
"Wait, wait, wait!"
[Suspicious Rise of Statistics in the Early Times of the Main Story-Quest]
Did the Emberhorn system catch on to me!?
I slumped on the ground with my ass, power slipping out of my hold as my nose began trickling crimson blood again.
"Ah, shit. I didn't need this." I cursed as I forced myself to stand up, making my way towards Smool's unconscious body.
I drifted my hand on the empty air, pulling the system window.
[Marketplace]
I tapped on it, sure that products would've been showing there.
The Emberhorn had begun its first phase of stretching its authority on Earth. The first Main Story-Quest was already over.
I know for a fact hundreds of thousands have died.
I scoffed at myself in contempt, "Yet I dared to talk like that to Smool earlier, thinking I could actually do something…"
I couldn't help but further frown as I looked at numerous corpses, some didn't even have any wounds. They had died because of Ares's authority that stretched within our expanse.
[Healing Potions: 10 Coins]
"Ten coins? That's cheaper than I had expected."
Ah, it's because we're still in the early quests.
I bought ten as I dropped down on my knees next to Smool, his forehead had a gash that I quickly used whatever cloth I could tear from my own clothes and wrapped it around his head.
I then fed him the potions one after another, their effect already visible as I let him rest inside the burnt Cofee house.
The barren streets of the early apocalyptic city stretched out before me, a haunting reminder of the world that has begun to crumble under the weight of chaos.
The red notification of the system window, like a judge passing a sentence, had delivered its verdict: "Penalty: Stripped of All Enhanced Abilities for 30 Days for Suspicious Activity."
"Sigh..." I had abused the very statistics that were meant to help me survive, and now I had to face the consequences of my hubris.
As the system window faded away, leaving me alone amidst the wreckage and corpses, I couldn't escape the overwhelming sense of shame that washed over me.
I really didn't need to become defenseless in such a world. I thought to myself.
What am I supposed to do now, scurry up behind Smool? Normally, and obviously, I won't do that.
The weight of my actions settled heavily upon my already fatigued shoulders, dampening my spirits as I navigated the treacherous remnants of the city.
The once familiar tasks that I would've effortlessly accomplished were now going to become insurmountable challenges.
To make matters worse, Smool cast a disdainful gaze upon me once he woke up.
"Tch… You got a penalty?" He questioned as he softly felt the wound on his forehead over the cloth.
"To think a guy such as you judged me about my use of the system, and then, not even a few hours later, you abuse the heck of it." He scoffed.
"But it had to be done… To think Mythological beings are also included in the System." He bit at his nail as he pondered over the details of what I had told him.
"That aside, for risking yourself to save me, I thank you." He bowed.
"That's my line…" I voiced without energy, recalling how he jumped in front of danger's way without hesitation.
***
The days stretched into agonizing weeks.
During the time without the system's grace, I was a nothing. I realized that the system was the one that made me regain my confidence back.
I stumbled through the decrepit streets, my body battered and bruised after the Second Main-Story Quest was done, we had just gone through a battle between each other to secure the bread of the day, otherwise, the system would eliminate who didn't do so.
The absence of my abilities left me vulnerable to the relentless dangers that lurked around every corner as I tried to assist Smool with whatever effects I could receive from my weapons.
During my time without the system, at my suggestion, Smool had established a council with Isolde, a woman in her late twenties as the leader.
The cities and countries had slightly calmed down after the First Main-Story Quest, but when the Second came by, the rampage of people had gotten rid of those too.
They destroyed whatever they saw in front of them.
***
With the council set by Smool, the one who was the most powerful in the country currently, was filled with people who had hardened their resolve to live in this world that was reaching its end.
I sought solace in the company of those who still believed in redemption, in the power of change. I dedicated myself to helping others, using what little knowledge and experience I possessed to support those in need.
Guiding the ones who didn't know of the system, helping them choose the right skills and attributes. Showing them how hidden quests could also be activated.
"..."
Or so y'all thought I would.
Fuck no, I ain't the run of the mill character.
I already know my abilities and I think I'm quite alright with my current mental state. I don't have to go through annoying 'development' because I abused the system to survive and save my ass.
Well... I should really become more mature, shouldn't I? What is up with my thoughts...? Just the fact that I think of myself so highly is enough to prove that I really need to grow as a person.
It was an obvious thing to do.
Of course, I did indeed try to help others through my knowledge and Smool witnessed my efforts to rebuild my shattered honor. It was a flicker of respect in his eyes, a willingness to see me rise from the depths of remorse.
With the approaching end of my penalty, where the Second Main-Story quest happened, a newfound resolve burned within me as I had taken it upon myself to train both physically and mentally.
I had trained the way of the dagger, the sword, and martial arts in the meanwhile trying to build core muscles, even though the system's benefits were still with me, I still wasn't able to use my skills or anything stat-related.
The city, country, and the world scarred and ravaged, needed and patiently awaited my return.
Well, it didn't but still. I am currently one of the strongest in the world with the system. Doubtlessly.
***
Step, step, step!
And right now... I was facing against a D-Rank Monster moments before I regain my access.
The creature lunged, its claws slashing through the air where I had stood a mere moment ago. I rolled to the side, feeling the rush of wind as its attack narrowly missed. As I regained my footing, I focused on the dagger in my hand. Its blade shimmered with an otherworldly glow, a reminder of the power it contained.
I waited for the right moment, watching the creature's movements closely. It charged again, this time its massive jaws snapping shut inches away from me.
I sidestepped and lunged forward, driving the Mythic Killing Dagger deep into the creature's flank.
The creature thrashed, its immense strength threatening to dislodge the dagger from my grip.
"Kgh!" I held on, my muscles straining as I wrestled against its fury.
Summoning every ounce of determination, I twisted the dagger within the creature's flesh, aiming for its heart.
With a final, desperate surge of strength I sent to my muscles, I felt the blade pierce through and its heartbeats slowly falter. The monster's struggles grew weaker until it finally collapsed, its life force ebbing away.
I stood there, panting, covered in sweat and the creature's ichor.
"Huff, huff..." Panting, I opened the system window right away.
[Time Remaining Until the System's Unlocked: 00 Weeks, 00 Days, 00 Hours, 00 Minutes, 12 Seconds]
Ding.
[Access to the System has been Regained]
Ding.
[Lenticulars' Appointment has been selected]
[After deep consideration, the Lenticulars have chosen the players they wish to show their support for]
[The list of Lenticulars offering their support to you will be shown in a list]
[Choose]
{ [Lenticulars willing to support player-1-B-612:
[The Thunderer of Skies]
[The Lunar Selene]
[Composer of Violin Seasons]
[Salvator of the Ground] }
I gazed over the numerous modifiers, wondering whom they might've been of, and then, I frowned as I gazed at the last one.
{ [The King of War] }
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