While the royal council boiled over with debates about Souta Kihara, the man himself was in the dungeon.

  Sitting on the cold floor, surrounded by shadows and silence.

  Yet the mischievous smile persisted.

  — System, are you there?

  The answer came without delay.

  — Always, sir.

  Souta raised an eyebrow.

  — I heard about new updates. Can you explain how I gained so much power out of nowhere? Does it have something to do with the ancient relics?

  The voice replied firmly.

  — Unfortunately, that information is not part of my records.

  He laughed, sarcastic.

  — So you’re like an A.I. that doesn’t know everything?

  — Would you like me to know everything? — the voice suggested.

  — Hm? Of course. That would be useful.

  ?

  A notification appeared:

  “New skill acquired: Hidden Oracle.”

  “Allows you to know everything, but answers are limited to what you ask directly.”

  Another followed:

  “New skill acquired: River of Minerva.”

  “Allows detailed and accessible explanations about any information.”

  The voice suggested:

  — Would you like to combine these skills?

  Souta smiled.

  — Of course. Please.

  An inner glow coursed through his body.

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  “Skills successfully merged.”

  “New skill unlocked: Oracle of Minerva.”

  “You now possess unlimited knowledge and detailed explanations.”

  He laughed.

  — That easy? So I know everything now?

  — You could say that. I am a personalized manifestation of your mind.

  — The most practical analogy would be to consider me your consciousness.

  Souta tilted his head.

  — If you know everything, could you tell me how I defeated Garra?

  — You defeated him... because you killed him.

  He burst out laughing.

  — How profound. I’m satisfied.

  — That’s all? I can offer infinite knowledge about the universe, the secrets of the cosmos, or about Magnapis...

  — I don’t want to know any of that. Those things aren’t asked. They’re simply believed.

  ?

  Souta rubbed his chin.

  — In that case, I’ll give you a name. — I’ve spent too long without a system, and calling you “system” annoys me.

  — As you wish, sir.

  — Tesla? No. Minerva? Already taken. Icecream? Too long.

  — I know. Creamy.

  — The name is fitting. After all, our tastes are slightly connected.

  — Whatever!

  ?

  He crossed his arms.

  — Creamy, why are these changes happening to me?

  — You are a variant.

  — The sacred relic destined for you, the pendant, evolved but never manifested.

  — While other relics adapt — like the staff that became a spear — the pendant remains inert.

  — Like a book without words.

  — This gives you the freedom to write your own destiny.

  Souta blinked slowly.

  — So I’m like the ancient gods when they created the relics?

  Before he could continue, another notification appeared:

  “New skill acquired: Blender.”

  “Allows you to combine and process information instantly, useful for strategies and analysis.”

  He laughed.

  — That sounds useful. But enough about relics. I want to explore my new skills.

  ?

  Creamy began listing:

  — “Merciless Spoon”: fast, powerful strikes capable of breaking anything — except sacred relics.

  — “Emanator”: turns you into a walking source of mana.

  — “Distrust”: distorts what enemies believe, leaving them confused.

  — Anything involving physical strength?

  — “Dopamine”: amplifies vigor, endurance, and strength.

  — I recommend caution when dealing with women. Excitement may cause addiction.

  Souta laughed, though annoyed.

  — What kind of comment is that? I respect women, you know!

  — I did not mean to offend you.

  — And this feeling? It’s like I’m liberated.

  — That is the effect of the “Protective Smile” skill.

  — The more you smile, the greater your confidence and emotional resilience.

  — But beware: it increases your arrogance. It may cause problems in the Beatrix Kingdom.

  — That explains a lot...

  ?

  Creamy suggested:

  — Would you like to test some skills now?

  — Can I really?

  — Although you could leave, I don’t recommend it. Use “Instant Step.”

  — Is that magic or a skill?

  — An innate reflex of your body.

  — Allows instant travel without spending mana.

  — You only need to know the coordinates or use the Oracle of Minerva to find them.

  Souta sighed.

  — I don’t want the details. Let’s get straight to the point.

  He stood up.

  The smile still burned on his face.

  — Goblins... Let’s hunt goblins.

  ?

  While Souta prepared for his hunt, two generals of the Demon King advanced toward the Kingdom of Termia.

  An enemy kingdom of Beeatrix...

  The attack on the Beeatrix Kingdom was about to begin.