Xero stared at the system screen, his pulse quickening as he read the gacha options. The interface was clean and intuitive, displaying a large circular wheel with swirling cosmic energy at its center. Below it, two buttons glowed softly: "Single Draw - 10 System Points" and "Ten Draw - 100 System Points."
"Well, if I'm going to do this, might as well go all in," he muttered, his finger hovering over the ten-draw option. "I've got exactly one hundred points, so this is it."
He pressed the button, and the screen erupted in brilliant light. The cosmic wheel began spinning rapidly, stars and galaxies blurring together in a mesmerizing display. One by one, ten items materialized from the swirling energy, each accompanied by a flash of different colored light.
[Congratulations! You have drawn the following items:]
The first item appeared with a golden radiance that made Xero's breath catch. The text that followed seemed to pulse with ancient power.
[One Above Physique (King Stage) - The legendary constitution once possessed by the Eternal Emperor who ruled over thirteen realms. This physique grants immense physical prowess and the foundation for limitless growth. Current stage: King. Future stages await those who prove worthy of ascending beyond mortal limitations.]
Xero felt a strange warmth spread through his body as the physique integrated with his being. His muscles felt denser, his bones stronger, and his very cells seemed to hum with newfound vitality.
[Heavenly Fiend Bloodline - The bloodline of the Seraphim Demon Lord who walked between light and darkness. This cursed heritage grants immense power but comes with the price of eternal conflict between divine and demonic nature. Many who possessed this bloodline were driven to either transcendence or madness.]
A surge of conflicting energies coursed through his veins, hot and cold simultaneously. Xero felt his aura shift, becoming more complex and layered than before.
[All-Seeing Eye - The divine sight once wielded by the Celestial Sage Aethon, who gazed too deeply into the cosmic truths and was driven to madness. This ability allows the bearer to perceive the true essence of all things, limited only by their current power and understanding.]
A sharp pain shot through Xero's left eye before subsiding, leaving behind a faint tingling sensation. When he blinked, the world seemed somehow more vivid, more detailed than before.
[Morpheus Blade - The shapeshifting weapon of the forgotten Sword Emperor Valdris, who carved his legend across a thousand battlefields before vanishing into the void. This blade adapts to its wielder's will and grows stronger with each battle.]
A sleek, silver weapon materialized in his hand, its form shifting subtly as he gripped it. The blade felt perfectly balanced, as if it had been crafted specifically for him.
[Divine Summoning Card - A creation of the Void Sage Kethara, who sought to bridge the gap between realms. This card contains the essence of unknown entities from across the dimensions. When activated, fate itself determines which being will answer the call. Single use only - the mysteries of the void cannot be easily commanded.]
The card appeared in his other hand, its surface completely black except for swirling silver patterns that seemed to move when he wasn't looking directly at them. Ancient runes bordered its edges, pulsing with interdimensional energy.
[Divine Realm (Sea of Consciousness) - A fragment of the Celestial Gardens that once bloomed in the heavens before the Great Sundering. This realm exists within your sea of consciousness, manifesting as a mystical seed that will grow into a personal dimensional space. Size and features expand with the owner's spiritual power.]
Xero felt a strange sensation in his mind, as if a door had opened to a vast space he'd never known existed. Deep within his consciousness, he could sense a small, crystalline seed of pure potential taking root.
[Thousand-Year Life Extension - The final creation of the Immortal Alchemist Serentha before her ascension. This blessing extends the recipient's natural lifespan by one thousand years, allowing time to pursue the greater mysteries of existence.]
The life extension integrated silently, though Xero felt a subtle shift in his perception of time itself, as if the urgent pressure of mortality had lessened.
[Blessing of Fortune - The personal blessing of Fortuna, the Goddess of Luck herself, granted to only seven mortals throughout history. This blessing subtly influences probability in the bearer's favor, turning near-misses into narrow victories and disasters into opportunities. Even the gods respect the weight of true fortune.]
A warm, golden light settled around Xero's heart, leaving him with an inexplicable sense of optimism and the feeling that the universe itself was slightly more inclined to smile upon him.
[Ancient Dragon Bloodline - The bloodline of Pyraxis the Eternal, the first dragon to master both creation and destruction. Grants affinity with draconic magic and the potential to unlock dragon transformation. Works in harmony with other bloodlines.]
This integration was more intense than the first, sending waves of power through his entire being. He felt his teeth sharpen slightly, and his eyes gained a faint golden glow.
[Supreme Fire Affinity - The blessing of the Flame Goddess Ignara, who forged the first stars. Grants mastery over fire magic and immunity to most fire-based attacks. The flames you wield will burn with divine authority.]
Heat coursed through his veins, though it felt comforting rather than painful. When he flexed his fingers, small sparks danced between them.
[System Points Remaining: 0]
Xero staggered slightly as the final integration completed, his body adjusting to the massive influx of power and abilities. The room around him seemed different now—his enhanced senses picked up details he'd missed before. The dust motes in the air moved in patterns that suggested air currents, the stone walls held traces of ancient magic, and he could somehow sense the structural integrity of the building itself.
"This is incredible," he whispered, examining his hands as small flames danced harmlessly across his palms. "I can feel everything."
He looked around the room with fresh eyes, and reality crashed back down around him. This wasn't the grand estate he'd initially thought. The walls were rough stone, functional but unadorned. The bed was simple wood with a thin mattress. The window was small and unglazed, letting in cool air along with the light. The furniture consisted of a single chair, a small table, and a washbasin.
"This is more like a cheap motel room," he muttered, his enhanced perception picking up the scent of countless previous occupants. "Where exactly am I?"
He moved to the window and peered out. Instead of manicured gardens, he saw a bustling street filled with people in medieval-style clothing. Market stalls lined the cobblestone road, and the air filled with the sounds of commerce and conversation. The architecture was indeed a blend of Eastern and Western styles, but it was clearly a common town rather than a noble estate.
Xero gathered his new possessions—the Morpheus Blade shifted into a simple knife that he could conceal, the summon card tucked into his pocket, and the Divine Realm Seed and Celestial Healing Pill he carefully stored in his tunic. The bloodlines and physique were now part of him, and the fire affinity made him feel warm despite the cool air.
He made his way downstairs, his enhanced hearing picking up conversations from the floors below. The staircase was narrow and worn, leading to a common area that looked like a typical inn. A few patrons sat at wooden tables, nursing mugs of ale and engaged in quiet conversation.
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged man with graying hair and kind eyes. He looked up as Xero approached, his expression brightening with recognition.
"Ah, you're awake! I was starting to worry," the innkeeper said, wiping his hands on a dirty apron. "You've been unconscious for three days. Found you collapsed right outside my door, no memory of how you got there."
"Three days?" Xero asked, his voice steadier than he felt. "I... I'm sorry, I'm having trouble remembering things. Could you remind me where I am?"
The innkeeper studied him with concern. "You're in Moonshire, lad. This is my inn—The Weary Traveler. Name's Garrett." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "You sure you're feeling alright? You look different somehow. Stronger."
Xero nodded, trying to project confidence he didn't entirely feel. "I'm feeling much better, actually. Garrett, could you help me get my bearings? I'm a bit lost."
"Of course, lad. Moonshire's a decent-sized town, good for folks looking to make their way in the world." Garrett gestured toward the window. "If you're looking for work or adventure, the Adventurer's Guild is three blocks north of here. Big building with a sword and shield hanging over the door—can't miss it."
"And if someone wanted to learn... magic or fighting?" Xero asked carefully.
"Ah, ambitious are we?" Garrett smiled. "The Moonshire Academy is on the hill overlooking the town. They take students twice a year, and the next enrollment is in two weeks. Fair warning though—they're selective, and tuition isn't cheap."
Xero nodded, absorbing the information. "Thank you, Garrett. I appreciate your help."
"Think nothing of it, lad. Will you be staying another night? Your room is paid through tomorrow."
"Yes, I think I will," Xero replied. "I need to... figure some things out."
As he headed back upstairs, Xero's mind raced with possibilities. The Adventurer's Guild could provide immediate opportunities to test his new abilities and earn money. The Academy might offer structured learning about this world's magic and customs. With his enhanced physique, dual bloodlines, and magical affinity, he had advantages most people could only dream of.
But first, he needed to understand what he'd become. The All-Seeing Eye ability was already showing him far more than he'd expected, and he suspected he'd barely scratched the surface of his new powers.
Back in his room, Xero sat on the simple bed and held up the Morpheus Blade. As he concentrated, it shifted from a knife to a sword, then to a spear, responding to his will with fluid grace. The weapon felt alive in his hands, eager to be used.
"Alright, Xero," he said to himself, flames dancing around his free hand. "Time to figure out what you're really capable of. This second chance isn't going to waste itself."
Outside his window, the town of Moonshire continued its daily rhythm, unaware that something extraordinary had just awakened in their midst. The real adventure was about to begin.