bignt
Change: I reduced the energy required for Increase Compatibility 2 from 10,000 to 1,000.
Reason: The energy scaling was too high. Instead, I plan on making Increase Compatibility 10 the benchmark of a peak Pseudo-god before apotheosis.
Accordingly, I edited Chapter 10.
Anyways, cheers.
Increase Compatibility 1:
Enhancement Options:
Increase Compatibility 2
Increase Compatibility 2: Increases the compatibility between The Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod and the Host. It is a prerequisite for unlocking many functions and powers. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Remembering how I screamed uncontrollably last time, I lay on the couch, using a cloth as a gag to reduce the sounds of my screams.
"Sss*... Fff*..."
"Okay. Let's do this. Trod, enhance it."
Taking a deep breath and exhaling with my nose, I gave the mental order.
After I said that, my consciousness tunneled.
...
Moments later, I found myself in a greyish-dark space.
In front of me was the familiar black sun, radiating warmness, with little stars orbiting it.
However, I noticed more stars, and some were bigger than before. They likely represented the powers I enhanced.
"Okay, Trod. Do it." - I said.
After I said it, the sun extended black burning tendrils in my direction, gently wrapping me entirely.
And after that, I felt pain.
"FUUUUCCCKKKKK!!!!!!"
However, it wasn't as intense as I imagined. Last time, it felt like my existence was being smelted and reforged. This time, however, it was like getting burned alive while some things were removed from me.
Yes, it sounds terrible, but I would take this any day over the first time. But it still HURTS.
Luckily, the process didn't last long.
After a short while, the pain receded. And then, I felt a comfortable sensation as energy poured into me.
Around a minute later, the tendrils let me go.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed that the space around me became brighter. It wasn't by much, but there was a difference.
Also, my connection to the black sun became stronger.
And then, an ethereal yet somehow familiar voice sounded. However, the voice lacked any emotion and was monotone.
{It is done.}
"Trod? Is that you? And why do you sound like... me?" - I asked in confusion.
{The compatibility increase is not only one-way but two-way. As you grow fitter as a vessel, so would I resemble you more and more, like a mirror image, whether my appearance or personality. And, in the end, I would be completely assimilated into you, completing the inheritance.}
"... That line of yours is like a flag to getting my body possessed in the end." - I said with squinted eyes.
{If Ic'thotl'itrod had the option, would he even need to go through all this mess? He could have just set me with body possession and brainwashing spells, removed all your ability to resist, and had me take over your great-grandfather's body. You would have never been born. The curse placed on Ic'thotl'itrod was so thorough that anything connected to him got cursed, even remnant wills. To counter it, he had to hardcode me from scratch as an item spirit and separate entity. In other words, I am an item spirit and will remain one until my purpose is complete.}
"Well... that makes sense. But why didn't he arrange an enormous amount of energy inside you? Wouldn't that help his successor get instantly stronger?" - I pointed out a question I wondered for a long time.
{It is to give you challenges to temper your willpower and mind. If he turned you into a god without hardships, you would simply get full of yourself and get killed sooner rather than later by being, by your words, a cocky piece of shit who doesn't know his place. In his long life, he saw too many such cases. On a more personal note, he is a God of evolution and loves growth and progress.}
"... Annoying but fair. Send me out." - I said.
And with that, my vision tunneled again.
...
After opening my eyes, I took the gag from my mouth and checked the messages.
{Enhancement Complete.}
{Increase Compatibility 1 has been enhanced to Increase Compatibility 2.}
{The Host has successfully refined his body and soul to become more compatible with The Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod.}
{True Tongue 1 has become True Tongue 2.}
{Unreality Affinity 1 has become Unreality Affinity 2.}
{Void Affinity 1 has become Void Affinity 2.}
{Space Affinity 1 has become Space Affinity 2.}
{True Sun Affinity 1 has become True Sun Affinity 2.}
{Immortal Body 1 has become Immortal Body 2.}
{Immortal Soul 1 has become Immortal Soul 2.}
{Divinity 1 has become Divinity 2.}
{New Powers and Enhancements have been enabled for enhancement.}
Enhancement Energy A: 114,780 -> 113,780
"Hm... Not bad." - I muttered while getting up.
I then remembered something and walked to the bathroom.
Removing my camouflage, I looked upon my new divine form.
It was almost unchanged, me looking like a vampire-like goth model with ashen skin, raven-black straight hair, eyes like the starry night sky, and a black gem stuck inside my chest.
There were only two differences. One, there was an additional black gem on my forehead. And two, a tattoo formed around the crystal. It was a triangle.
A black triangle was tattooed on my chest.
However, on a closer look, it was made from tiny intricate signs.
"Eh... Trod? Is this supposed to do anything?" - I asked skeptically.
{It is part Ic'thotl'itrod's sign. As your compatibility grows, so would the sign.}
"Ugh... Bloody hell. I first look like a goth model, and now I look like an occultic goth model. What's next? A goth god with black burning wings and horns?" - I complained.
{No. Only the tattoo would be more complete. Ic'thotl'itrod was amorphous and cared little about physical shape and more about substance.}
"Amorphous... Oh, shit. Right... Please don't tell me I am about to become pansexual..." - I made a bitter face.
He was a god of fertility for many species, so who knows what kind of sexual orientation he has?
I forgot that could happen.
{Sun gods are usually depicted as male since they give energy, not receive it. Although he was genderless at birth, Ic'thotl'itrod quickly decided his gender role as an ultra-male, and his worshippers depicted him as such, cementing his role. As for your fear of being attracted to non-humans, you don't need to worry about it. You are a human-based race, so your sexual attraction is to human-looking races. When you change your species, however, you might experience new and varied tastes according to your new species.}
"Well, that is one bullet dodged... for now." - I muttered.
After shaking my head from the mind-fuckery, I made another question.
"So, now that everything improved from 1 to 2, does that mean their effects are doubled?" - I asked to confirm.
{Yes. Your affinities, Immortal Body, Immortal Soul, and Divinity have double the effect.}
"So my regeneration factor and mental energy density doubled again? I now have 100 mental energy?" - I asked.
{Among other things. Your affinities would also double the effects of your spells while allowing more energy to be invested.}
"Nice... Should I try testing those affinities out?" - I muttered.
Until now, I didn't test those things because my mental energy was 10. But now, being ten times the amount, I think I have a bit of leeway.
{Unrecommended. All of those affinities are too high-tier for you to play with unaided. You might accidentally teleport your brain out or burn your soul.}
"Fuck!" - I cursed, shaken.
Luckily, Trod warned me in time, or I might have done something stupid.
"Then how am I supposed to practice?" - I asked after calming down.
{I suggest you grant yourself a few lesser affinities to play with first.}
"I can do that?" - I asked.
{Yes. Some powers have been unlocked. Among them is the ability to grant affinities.}
"EH? Is that why I only got those ridiculous affinities and not a single vanilla one, like fire or light?" - I asked to confirm.
{Correct. To save energy, Ic'thotl'itrod put aside all the affinities he gathered in his long life first because there were too many of them, placing them all in one folder. The only necessary affinities for compatibility are True Sun affinity and Unreality affinity, but he also added space and void for your self-protection, as they are the safest and most practical affinities that are not too dangerous to have.}
"... I... Okay, fuck it. Thinking hurts." - I muttered while rubbing my temple.
It was too ridiculous to even comment on. It was better to swallow it with a barrel of salt.
Shaking my head, I re-activated camouflage and returned to the living room to check my new powers.
{Unlock new Powers has been selected.}
{Please select a power to unlock.}
Void Shield 1 Displace Object 1 Divine Might 1 Disruptive Void Coating 1 Unreality Barrier 1 True Sun Fireball 1 Space Grip 1 Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier) (Locked) ...
"Those are a lot of spells..." - I muttered.
{There would have been more, but Ic'thotl'itrod didn't want to confuse you with too many spells, so he decided to unlock a few from each category each time your compatibility improves until you reach the level of an Overgod.}
"... Bummer." - I muttered.
{No worries. When you reach the level of a lower god, all the mortal spells be unlocked for you to learn.}
"Lower God... Ugh... I don't even know what that level is." - I complained.
{It is when your Divinity reaches 11.}
"... Welp... That's like a Trillion enhancement points, right?" - I said after making a rough calculation.
{Partially Correct. You would also need a higher level of energy from that point on.}
"Ugh... I have a long way to go, don't I?" - I sighed.
{You have a long life ahead of you.}
Hearing this, I smirked and shook my head.
"True. Let's start enhancing."
I then enhanced all the spells to level 2.
The price of a level 1 spell was fixed at 10 points, and enhancing it to 2 was 100 points. As for Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier), it was 1,000 points.
Total cost: 2,170 Enhancement Energy A
Enhancement Energy A: 113,780 -> 111,610
Empower Words 2: Imbues the Host's True Words with Energy, giving them more substance and power.
Cost: Up to 20 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Touch of the True Sun 2: Cover your hand with True Sun Flames, either damaging the Host's foes or healing his allies, including himself.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy Per Second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: This spell is highly uneconomic but incredibly potent in that it can reality-bend.
Void Shield 2: The Host erects a Void Shield around himself, protecting him from Kinetic and Energy blows.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy Per Second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The shield is highly uneconomic but works via a repelling forcefield, so it can never be truly broken and can be freely superimposed with other protective measures.
Displace 2: The Host can displace an object in his line of sight.
Range: Perception range.
Cost: Up to 2 (20 on living creatures) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Limitation: Cannot displace objects the Host can't carry or have sufficient resistance.
Note: If perceived, it can be used on specified parts of objects or living creatures.
Mark of Zeal 2: The Host can plant the Mark of Zeal on an unresisting or weak-willed creature, turning them into Zealots. Zealots will be filled with unyielding faith toward Ic'thotl'itrod and will view the Host as the living incarnation of Ic'thotl'itrod, making them unwaveringly loyal. Zealots are considered an extension of the Host's power and can siphon Basic Energy to the Host from their kills.
Cost: 100*(Target Mental Energy) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Range: Touch
Channel Time: 100*(Target Mental Energy)/(Host Mental Energy) seconds
Cooldown: 5 days
Limits: If interrupted, then the casting would fail, wasting the energy and entering cooldown, and possibly damaging the target's soul. The Mark of Zeal can conflict with the Mark of another god.
Note: It can heal a broken mind but not a shattered soul.
Analytical Eye 2: The Host can scan a creature or item, gaining information on them.
Range: Clear Sight
Energy cost: 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Channel Time: 5*(target mental strength)/(Host mental strength) seconds
Limits: The information gleaned depends on the time the analysis was channeled. Some sensitive targets might notice they are being analyzed. It can be resisted through various means, and the information gleaned might be deceptive.
Divine Might 2: Imbues the Host's body with his Divinity, granting enhanced strength, speed, and durability.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Disruptive Void Coating 2: Coats the Host's limbs and weapons with disruptive energies, breaking down material and energy.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The more concentrated the coating is, the stronger it is.
Unreality Barrier 2: A barrier that protects the Host from reality-based hazards and rules and resists unreality powers.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: A must-have to survive in foreign realities, occasional unreality storms, or encounter with a hostile or willful god.
True Sun Fireball 2: The Host shoots a homing True Sun Fireball at a target, destroying all material and soul in its path.
Cost: Up to 20 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The fireball will continue its path until its energy is depleted or is actively dismissed. If the Host cannot perceive the target, then the fireball will continue on its last vector path. Automatically dispels if about to hit the Host.
Space Grip 2: The Host uses space itself to grip onto an object or living creature, using spatial force to move or crush them. It can also block teleportation and mortal-tier shifting.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: Not to be confused with telekinetic grip. This spell is dimensional and can only be resisted through overwhelming force or spatial resistance.
These spells are self-explanatory and ridiculous, so I give up commenting on them.
In any case, I placed all the old and new spells in a separate location in the menu, so it now looks like this:
Name: Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod
Powers: Dark Offering(Dark Idol), Camouflage(Alter Appearance 4, Conceal Presence 4), Storage(Increase Storage size 4, Automatic Ordering, Time Flow Control 4, Segmentation 4), Teleport(Increase Range 3, Reduce Cost 5, Reduce Cooldown 5, Mass Teleportation 4, Waypoint), Reality Travel(Decrease Cost 5, Decrease Cooldown 5, Add Reality Anchor 1, Unanchor, Improved Selection 1, Information Gathering 1, Strategic Insertion 1, Arrival at Waypoint), Evolution(Devolve, Synthesize), Enhancement, Sanitization(Empowered Sanitization 1, Sanitize Area 1, Sanitize Other), Energy Conversion, Increase Compatibility 2, Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier)
Spells: Touch of the True Sun 2, Analytical Eye 2, Empower Words 2, Mark of Zeal 2, Void Shield 2, Displace Object 2, Divine Might 2, Disruptive Void Coating 1, Unreality Barrier 2, True Sun Fireball 2, Space Grip 2
Host Abilities: True Tongue 2, Unreality Affinity 2, Void Affinity 2, Space Affinity 2, True Sun Affinity 2, Immortal Body 2, Immortal Soul 2, Divinity 2
Basic Energy: 12,761
Evolution Energy A: 2,518
Enhancement Energy A: 111,610
"I didn't even use a third of the energy, and it looks like this..." - I muttered.
Thinking of that, I looked at Increase Compatibility 3. However, something I didn't expect happened.
Increase Compatibility 2:
Enhancement Options:
Increase Compatibility 3(Manually Locked.)
"Eh... Wha? Manually Locked? Trod? What is going on?" - I doubtfully asked.
{I decided this on my own. Your soul was refined twice in less than a week, and it needs some time to rest and adjust. Going through further refinements in the next month might have adverse effects, especially on your mind.}
"Yikes... yeah. Thanks for that." - I thanked him.
There is a chance I would have continued if he didn't stop me.
"And what about granting myself affinities? Would that place a burden on my soul?" - I asked.
{A bit. Attuning your soul to an affinity, even a weak mortal one, puts a strain on your soul, however insignificant. I suggest waiting until your soul stabilizes before granting yourself an affinity.}
"Hm... Can I at least take a look?"
{Go ahead. Just don't needlessly grant yourself an affinity.}
"Nice." - I smiled and checked it.
{Power: Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier) has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity category.}
Affinity category:
Physical Mental Elemental Metaphysical Concept Dimensional(Locked) Unreality(Locked)
"Hm... those are a lot of categories." - I frowned.
After thinking, I decided to check the physical one first.
However, I was in for one hell of a surprise.
{Category: Physical has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity you want.}
Affinity:
Universal Energy Universal Energy Pathing Universal Energy Infusion Universal Senses Enhancement Universal Body Tempering Universal Body Manipulation
"What the... Six affinities? And three of them are energy related? And why are they all begin with Universal?" - I asked weirdly.
I expected many more affinities than that, but there were only these six.
{There were too many physical affinities to count and too many reality laws and species that could conflict, so Ic'thotl'itrod decided to mash them all together into universal type affinities that would work in any conceivable reality and for every species, saving energy and space.}
"Mash them all into... Does he think they are cabbages?!" - I retorted.
{In simple terms, yes.}
"... Screw this. I'm taking a month's break from enhancing anything. Too much brainfuckery." - I rubbed my aching head.
{That would be for the best. Do some other things to take your mind off it. Play some games, watch TV, walk in the park, cook something exotic, meet your college friends, or visit your sister. Don't forget that you also have a memory folder to integrate.}
"... Hm... I guess you are right. But first, I should set up the stocks thing." - I nodded after some thought.
{You are still on about that?}
"Hey, money never hurts." - I shrugged.
{Iver, are you a slave?}
Trod suddenly asked.
"What? No, of course not." - I frowned and denied it.
{Then why are you acting like a slave for money?}
"Hey! Money is useful." - I retorted.
{Useful for what? Buying some mortal nicknacks? Rent for your shabby apartment? Health insurance? Food? Starting a family? Face it, Iver. You don't need money. At least not on the small scale you plan on getting.}
"I plan on becoming a multi-millionaire within a year! How is that small-scale?!" - I frowned and said.
{Yes, just a multi-millionaire. What can you buy with it? A large mansion? A few expensive cars? A yacht? Fancy dinners? Uselessly expensive furniture and jewelry? Traveling around the world?}
"I want to use that money to start a technological company and become an economic and technological mogul." - I said my midterm goal.
{Let's assume you become a billionaire. What then? At most, after several years, you would be an influential tycoon. What do you plan to do with all that money?}
"Of course, I plan on... On... I..."
Suddenly, I was lost for words.
{Plan on making more money, right?}
"... Fuck!!! Your right! I am a slave to money!" - I cursed at the realization.
{Iver, you still think like a poor mortal. Money is just a tool for buying things, not the end goal. It is a medium of exchange defined by a governing party, the greatest beneficiary of this system, and the money they spend is earned by you in the first place. The government you are under is your slave owner, owning you through the invisible chains called social norms, indoctrination, and money. Mortals still need these chains, as they are a protection mechanism, as the government doesn't like losing its hard-earning slaves. But are you a mortal? Do you need that protection?}
"Hah... No." - I replied.
{Good. Now, take the next few days to relax and create a new goal befitting your new godly status.}
"... Thank you for the guidance." - I said.
{It is my purpose.}
Sighing again, I walked to my room, my mind already filled with new ideas.
bignt
Change: I reduced the energy required for Increase Compatibility 2 from 10,000 to 1,000.
Reason: The energy scaling was too high. Instead, I plan on making Increase Compatibility 10 the benchmark of a peak Pseudo-god before apotheosis.
Accordingly, I edited Chapter 10.
Anyways, cheers.
Increase Compatibility 1:
Enhancement Options:
Increase Compatibility 2
Increase Compatibility 2: Increases the compatibility between The Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod and the Host. It is a prerequisite for unlocking many functions and powers. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Remembering how I screamed uncontrollably last time, I lay on the couch, using a cloth as a gag to reduce the sounds of my screams.
"Sss*... Fff*..."
"Okay. Let's do this. Trod, enhance it."
Taking a deep breath and exhaling with my nose, I gave the mental order.
After I said that, my consciousness tunneled.
...
Moments later, I found myself in a greyish-dark space.
In front of me was the familiar black sun, radiating warmness, with little stars orbiting it.
However, I noticed more stars, and some were bigger than before. They likely represented the powers I enhanced.
"Okay, Trod. Do it." - I said.
After I said it, the sun extended black burning tendrils in my direction, gently wrapping me entirely.
And after that, I felt pain.
"FUUUUCCCKKKKK!!!!!!"
However, it wasn't as intense as I imagined. Last time, it felt like my existence was being smelted and reforged. This time, however, it was like getting burned alive while some things were removed from me.
Yes, it sounds terrible, but I would take this any day over the first time. But it still HURTS.
Luckily, the process didn't last long.
After a short while, the pain receded. And then, I felt a comfortable sensation as energy poured into me.
Around a minute later, the tendrils let me go.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed that the space around me became brighter. It wasn't by much, but there was a difference.
Also, my connection to the black sun became stronger.
And then, an ethereal yet somehow familiar voice sounded. However, the voice lacked any emotion and was monotone.
{It is done.}
"Trod? Is that you? And why do you sound like... me?" - I asked in confusion.
{The compatibility increase is not only one-way but two-way. As you grow fitter as a vessel, so would I resemble you more and more, like a mirror image, whether my appearance or personality. And, in the end, I would be completely assimilated into you, completing the inheritance.}
"... That line of yours is like a flag to getting my body possessed in the end." - I said with squinted eyes.
{If Ic'thotl'itrod had the option, would he even need to go through all this mess? He could have just set me with body possession and brainwashing spells, removed all your ability to resist, and had me take over your great-grandfather's body. You would have never been born. The curse placed on Ic'thotl'itrod was so thorough that anything connected to him got cursed, even remnant wills. To counter it, he had to hardcode me from scratch as an item spirit and separate entity. In other words, I am an item spirit and will remain one until my purpose is complete.}
"Well... that makes sense. But why didn't he arrange an enormous amount of energy inside you? Wouldn't that help his successor get instantly stronger?" - I pointed out a question I wondered for a long time.
{It is to give you challenges to temper your willpower and mind. If he turned you into a god without hardships, you would simply get full of yourself and get killed sooner rather than later by being, by your words, a cocky piece of shit who doesn't know his place. In his long life, he saw too many such cases. On a more personal note, he is a God of evolution and loves growth and progress.}
"... Annoying but fair. Send me out." - I said.
And with that, my vision tunneled again.
...
After opening my eyes, I took the gag from my mouth and checked the messages.
{Enhancement Complete.}
{Increase Compatibility 1 has been enhanced to Increase Compatibility 2.}
{The Host has successfully refined his body and soul to become more compatible with The Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod.}
{True Tongue 1 has become True Tongue 2.}
{Unreality Affinity 1 has become Unreality Affinity 2.}
{Void Affinity 1 has become Void Affinity 2.}
{Space Affinity 1 has become Space Affinity 2.}
{True Sun Affinity 1 has become True Sun Affinity 2.}
{Immortal Body 1 has become Immortal Body 2.}
{Immortal Soul 1 has become Immortal Soul 2.}
{Divinity 1 has become Divinity 2.}
{New Powers and Enhancements have been enabled for enhancement.}
Enhancement Energy A: 114,780 -> 113,780
"Hm... Not bad." - I muttered while getting up.
I then remembered something and walked to the bathroom.
Removing my camouflage, I looked upon my new divine form.
It was almost unchanged, me looking like a vampire-like goth model with ashen skin, raven-black straight hair, eyes like the starry night sky, and a black gem stuck inside my chest.
There were only two differences. One, there was an additional black gem on my forehead. And two, a tattoo formed around the crystal. It was a triangle.
A black triangle was tattooed on my chest.
However, on a closer look, it was made from tiny intricate signs.
"Eh... Trod? Is this supposed to do anything?" - I asked skeptically.
{It is part Ic'thotl'itrod's sign. As your compatibility grows, so would the sign.}
"Ugh... Bloody hell. I first look like a goth model, and now I look like an occultic goth model. What's next? A goth god with black burning wings and horns?" - I complained.
{No. Only the tattoo would be more complete. Ic'thotl'itrod was amorphous and cared little about physical shape and more about substance.}
"Amorphous... Oh, shit. Right... Please don't tell me I am about to become pansexual..." - I made a bitter face.
He was a god of fertility for many species, so who knows what kind of sexual orientation he has?
I forgot that could happen.
{Sun gods are usually depicted as male since they give energy, not receive it. Although he was genderless at birth, Ic'thotl'itrod quickly decided his gender role as an ultra-male, and his worshippers depicted him as such, cementing his role. As for your fear of being attracted to non-humans, you don't need to worry about it. You are a human-based race, so your sexual attraction is to human-looking races. When you change your species, however, you might experience new and varied tastes according to your new species.}
"Well, that is one bullet dodged... for now." - I muttered.
After shaking my head from the mind-fuckery, I made another question.
"So, now that everything improved from 1 to 2, does that mean their effects are doubled?" - I asked to confirm.
{Yes. Your affinities, Immortal Body, Immortal Soul, and Divinity have double the effect.}
"So my regeneration factor and mental energy density doubled again? I now have 100 mental energy?" - I asked.
{Among other things. Your affinities would also double the effects of your spells while allowing more energy to be invested.}
"Nice... Should I try testing those affinities out?" - I muttered.
Until now, I didn't test those things because my mental energy was 10. But now, being ten times the amount, I think I have a bit of leeway.
{Unrecommended. All of those affinities are too high-tier for you to play with unaided. You might accidentally teleport your brain out or burn your soul.}
"Fuck!" - I cursed, shaken.
Luckily, Trod warned me in time, or I might have done something stupid.
"Then how am I supposed to practice?" - I asked after calming down.
{I suggest you grant yourself a few lesser affinities to play with first.}
"I can do that?" - I asked.
{Yes. Some powers have been unlocked. Among them is the ability to grant affinities.}
"EH? Is that why I only got those ridiculous affinities and not a single vanilla one, like fire or light?" - I asked to confirm.
{Correct. To save energy, Ic'thotl'itrod put aside all the affinities he gathered in his long life first because there were too many of them, placing them all in one folder. The only necessary affinities for compatibility are True Sun affinity and Unreality affinity, but he also added space and void for your self-protection, as they are the safest and most practical affinities that are not too dangerous to have.}
"... I... Okay, fuck it. Thinking hurts." - I muttered while rubbing my temple.
It was too ridiculous to even comment on. It was better to swallow it with a barrel of salt.
Shaking my head, I re-activated camouflage and returned to the living room to check my new powers.
{Unlock new Powers has been selected.}
{Please select a power to unlock.}
Void Shield 1 Displace Object 1 Divine Might 1 Disruptive Void Coating 1 Unreality Barrier 1 True Sun Fireball 1 Space Grip 1 Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier) (Locked) ...
"Those are a lot of spells..." - I muttered.
{There would have been more, but Ic'thotl'itrod didn't want to confuse you with too many spells, so he decided to unlock a few from each category each time your compatibility improves until you reach the level of an Overgod.}
"... Bummer." - I muttered.
{No worries. When you reach the level of a lower god, all the mortal spells be unlocked for you to learn.}
"Lower God... Ugh... I don't even know what that level is." - I complained.
{It is when your Divinity reaches 11.}
"... Welp... That's like a Trillion enhancement points, right?" - I said after making a rough calculation.
{Partially Correct. You would also need a higher level of energy from that point on.}
"Ugh... I have a long way to go, don't I?" - I sighed.
{You have a long life ahead of you.}
Hearing this, I smirked and shook my head.
"True. Let's start enhancing."
I then enhanced all the spells to level 2.
The price of a level 1 spell was fixed at 10 points, and enhancing it to 2 was 100 points. As for Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier), it was 1,000 points.
Total cost: 2,170 Enhancement Energy A
Enhancement Energy A: 113,780 -> 111,610
Empower Words 2: Imbues the Host's True Words with Energy, giving them more substance and power.
Cost: Up to 20 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Touch of the True Sun 2: Cover your hand with True Sun Flames, either damaging the Host's foes or healing his allies, including himself.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy Per Second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: This spell is highly uneconomic but incredibly potent in that it can reality-bend.
Void Shield 2: The Host erects a Void Shield around himself, protecting him from Kinetic and Energy blows.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy Per Second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The shield is highly uneconomic but works via a repelling forcefield, so it can never be truly broken and can be freely superimposed with other protective measures.
Displace 2: The Host can displace an object in his line of sight.
Range: Perception range.
Cost: Up to 2 (20 on living creatures) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Limitation: Cannot displace objects the Host can't carry or have sufficient resistance.
Note: If perceived, it can be used on specified parts of objects or living creatures.
Mark of Zeal 2: The Host can plant the Mark of Zeal on an unresisting or weak-willed creature, turning them into Zealots. Zealots will be filled with unyielding faith toward Ic'thotl'itrod and will view the Host as the living incarnation of Ic'thotl'itrod, making them unwaveringly loyal. Zealots are considered an extension of the Host's power and can siphon Basic Energy to the Host from their kills.
Cost: 100*(Target Mental Energy) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Range: Touch
Channel Time: 100*(Target Mental Energy)/(Host Mental Energy) seconds
Cooldown: 5 days
Limits: If interrupted, then the casting would fail, wasting the energy and entering cooldown, and possibly damaging the target's soul. The Mark of Zeal can conflict with the Mark of another god.
Note: It can heal a broken mind but not a shattered soul.
Analytical Eye 2: The Host can scan a creature or item, gaining information on them.
Range: Clear Sight
Energy cost: 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Channel Time: 5*(target mental strength)/(Host mental strength) seconds
Limits: The information gleaned depends on the time the analysis was channeled. Some sensitive targets might notice they are being analyzed. It can be resisted through various means, and the information gleaned might be deceptive.
Divine Might 2: Imbues the Host's body with his Divinity, granting enhanced strength, speed, and durability.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Disruptive Void Coating 2: Coats the Host's limbs and weapons with disruptive energies, breaking down material and energy.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The more concentrated the coating is, the stronger it is.
Unreality Barrier 2: A barrier that protects the Host from reality-based hazards and rules and resists unreality powers.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: A must-have to survive in foreign realities, occasional unreality storms, or encounter with a hostile or willful god.
True Sun Fireball 2: The Host shoots a homing True Sun Fireball at a target, destroying all material and soul in its path.
Cost: Up to 20 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: The fireball will continue its path until its energy is depleted or is actively dismissed. If the Host cannot perceive the target, then the fireball will continue on its last vector path. Automatically dispels if about to hit the Host.
Space Grip 2: The Host uses space itself to grip onto an object or living creature, using spatial force to move or crush them. It can also block teleportation and mortal-tier shifting.
Cost: Up to 2 Basic Energy per second(Replaceable with mental energy)
Note: Not to be confused with telekinetic grip. This spell is dimensional and can only be resisted through overwhelming force or spatial resistance.
These spells are self-explanatory and ridiculous, so I give up commenting on them.
In any case, I placed all the old and new spells in a separate location in the menu, so it now looks like this:
Name: Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod
Powers: Dark Offering(Dark Idol), Camouflage(Alter Appearance 4, Conceal Presence 4), Storage(Increase Storage size 4, Automatic Ordering, Time Flow Control 4, Segmentation 4), Teleport(Increase Range 3, Reduce Cost 5, Reduce Cooldown 5, Mass Teleportation 4, Waypoint), Reality Travel(Decrease Cost 5, Decrease Cooldown 5, Add Reality Anchor 1, Unanchor, Improved Selection 1, Information Gathering 1, Strategic Insertion 1, Arrival at Waypoint), Evolution(Devolve, Synthesize), Enhancement, Sanitization(Empowered Sanitization 1, Sanitize Area 1, Sanitize Other), Energy Conversion, Increase Compatibility 2, Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier)
Spells: Touch of the True Sun 2, Analytical Eye 2, Empower Words 2, Mark of Zeal 2, Void Shield 2, Displace Object 2, Divine Might 2, Disruptive Void Coating 1, Unreality Barrier 2, True Sun Fireball 2, Space Grip 2
Host Abilities: True Tongue 2, Unreality Affinity 2, Void Affinity 2, Space Affinity 2, True Sun Affinity 2, Immortal Body 2, Immortal Soul 2, Divinity 2
Basic Energy: 12,761
Evolution Energy A: 2,518
Enhancement Energy A: 111,610
"I didn't even use a third of the energy, and it looks like this..." - I muttered.
Thinking of that, I looked at Increase Compatibility 3. However, something I didn't expect happened.
Increase Compatibility 2:
Enhancement Options:
Increase Compatibility 3(Manually Locked.)
"Eh... Wha? Manually Locked? Trod? What is going on?" - I doubtfully asked.
{I decided this on my own. Your soul was refined twice in less than a week, and it needs some time to rest and adjust. Going through further refinements in the next month might have adverse effects, especially on your mind.}
"Yikes... yeah. Thanks for that." - I thanked him.
There is a chance I would have continued if he didn't stop me.
"And what about granting myself affinities? Would that place a burden on my soul?" - I asked.
{A bit. Attuning your soul to an affinity, even a weak mortal one, puts a strain on your soul, however insignificant. I suggest waiting until your soul stabilizes before granting yourself an affinity.}
"Hm... Can I at least take a look?"
{Go ahead. Just don't needlessly grant yourself an affinity.}
"Nice." - I smiled and checked it.
{Power: Grant Affinity (Mortal Tier) has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity category.}
Affinity category:
Physical Mental Elemental Metaphysical Concept Dimensional(Locked) Unreality(Locked)
"Hm... those are a lot of categories." - I frowned.
After thinking, I decided to check the physical one first.
However, I was in for one hell of a surprise.
{Category: Physical has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity you want.}
Affinity:
Universal Energy Universal Energy Pathing Universal Energy Infusion Universal Senses Enhancement Universal Body Tempering Universal Body Manipulation
"What the... Six affinities? And three of them are energy related? And why are they all begin with Universal?" - I asked weirdly.
I expected many more affinities than that, but there were only these six.
{There were too many physical affinities to count and too many reality laws and species that could conflict, so Ic'thotl'itrod decided to mash them all together into universal type affinities that would work in any conceivable reality and for every species, saving energy and space.}
"Mash them all into... Does he think they are cabbages?!" - I retorted.
{In simple terms, yes.}
"... Screw this. I'm taking a month's break from enhancing anything. Too much brainfuckery." - I rubbed my aching head.
{That would be for the best. Do some other things to take your mind off it. Play some games, watch TV, walk in the park, cook something exotic, meet your college friends, or visit your sister. Don't forget that you also have a memory folder to integrate.}
"... Hm... I guess you are right. But first, I should set up the stocks thing." - I nodded after some thought.
{You are still on about that?}
"Hey, money never hurts." - I shrugged.
{Iver, are you a slave?}
Trod suddenly asked.
"What? No, of course not." - I frowned and denied it.
{Then why are you acting like a slave for money?}
"Hey! Money is useful." - I retorted.
{Useful for what? Buying some mortal nicknacks? Rent for your shabby apartment? Health insurance? Food? Starting a family? Face it, Iver. You don't need money. At least not on the small scale you plan on getting.}
"I plan on becoming a multi-millionaire within a year! How is that small-scale?!" - I frowned and said.
{Yes, just a multi-millionaire. What can you buy with it? A large mansion? A few expensive cars? A yacht? Fancy dinners? Uselessly expensive furniture and jewelry? Traveling around the world?}
"I want to use that money to start a technological company and become an economic and technological mogul." - I said my midterm goal.
{Let's assume you become a billionaire. What then? At most, after several years, you would be an influential tycoon. What do you plan to do with all that money?}
"Of course, I plan on... On... I..."
Suddenly, I was lost for words.
{Plan on making more money, right?}
"... Fuck!!! Your right! I am a slave to money!" - I cursed at the realization.
{Iver, you still think like a poor mortal. Money is just a tool for buying things, not the end goal. It is a medium of exchange defined by a governing party, the greatest beneficiary of this system, and the money they spend is earned by you in the first place. The government you are under is your slave owner, owning you through the invisible chains called social norms, indoctrination, and money. Mortals still need these chains, as they are a protection mechanism, as the government doesn't like losing its hard-earning slaves. But are you a mortal? Do you need that protection?}
"Hah... No." - I replied.
{Good. Now, take the next few days to relax and create a new goal befitting your new godly status.}
"... Thank you for the guidance." - I said.
{It is my purpose.}
Sighing again, I walked to my room, my mind already filled with new ideas.
