Chapter 54: Chapter 54: System's Genesis - 2

"Those who demonstrate valor and wisdom shall be worthy to guide."

Elio paused, thinking of the elders Von Lucien told him about and their selfish actions. How had they so drastically misinterpreted these words?

I have also bestowed upon you the gift of longevity. Through the central statue, you may purchase additional years of life, extending your existence beyond the limit of 50 years. It is costly and requires sacrifice, but if you prevail, it shall be for all. Use this gift wisely, for the experience of a wise elder is an invaluable treasure for the city.

Know that there exist 41 mana deposits scattered throughout the world. Ten in each quadrant of your spherical world, and one in the center of the demon's city. These deposits are the source of your power, but also the origin of the monsters that wish to destroy you.

The Goddess created the demons and gave them monsters to challenge you. These beings emerge tirelessly from the deposits, seeking your annihilation.

Elio let out a trembling sigh as he read about the 41 mana deposits. His hands shook slightly as he turned the pages. "All this time... we've been living in a bubble, believing we were the only ones," he murmured to himself.

Regarding the expansion of the city, know that it is possible, but perilous. To grow beyond a million inhabitants, you must conquer and purify the mana deposits. Each conquered deposit will not only expand your territory but also increase the time and population limit I can protect.

The terraforming of the outside world is possible, but requires these deposits. Using runes and elemental control, you can gradually transform the outer wasteland into a habitable place.

He paused. 'Wait, spherical? The world is a sphere?' The idea left him stunned. He had always imagined the world was flat, extending infinitely beyond the city walls.

♢♢♢♢

I shall now reveal to you the first five levels, represented by the fundamental elements and the creatures that embody them.

The Goddess does not allow me to reveal combinations beyond the basic elements. However, this is not a limitation, but a challenge.

The next page showed a series of strange symbols. Runes, according to the book. Each accompanied by a description:

First Rune: The Sacred Flame

Mana + O2 → 2O* + Heat

Mana acts as a catalyst, separating oxygen molecules and releasing energy in the form of heat and light. This is the basis of the Sacred Flame, it can burn as long as it has sufficient mana.

The Sacred Flame, born from control over oxygen, is a formidable but dangerous power. I advise you to use it with extreme caution. Reserve its use, perhaps only an annual festival that will commemorate its existence, as was done with some things in another world I knew.

Elio blinked, surprised. He had never thought of fire that way. Elio wondered about that other world and what other experiences his Creator might have had.

Second Rune: The Holy Water

Mana + 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O* + Healing Energy

Mana unites hydrogen and oxygen, creating water with mystical properties. This holy water can purify, heal, and serve as a conduit for other powers depending on the user's level.

Third Rune: The Eternal Ice

Now, I shall speak to you of the first five creatures of the System, living manifestations of the fundamental elements:

Oxygen, the Salamander of Life: Resistance: 10 Defense: 1 Magic Damage: 1

Agile and adaptable, its mastery over this vital gas will allow you to breathe even in the most hostile environments. Its presence accelerates regeneration and purifies the air around it. Magic Damage when defeated and summoned: +5

Hydrogen, the Frog of Fluidity: Resistance: 20 Defense: 2 Magic Damage: 2

Master of transformation, its control over water and its states will allow you to mold the world around you. It can generate water from nothing and manipulate its state at will. Magic Damage when defeated and summoned: +10

Nickel, the Rabbit of Solidity: Resistance: 30 Defense: 3 Magic Damage: 3

Cold and resilient, its mastery over this metal will give you the strength to defend. It can alter the molecular structure of materials and create impenetrable magnetic fields. Magic Damage when defeated and summoned: +15

Helium, the Swift of Lightness: Resistance: 40 Defense: 4 Magic Damage: 4

Lord of the skies, its control over this noble gas will allow you to defy gravity itself. It can create zones of weightlessness and manipulate air currents at will. Magic Damage when defeated and summoned: +20

Carbon, the Elephant of Structure: Resistance: 50 Defense: 5 Magic Damage: 5

Powerful and versatile, its mastery over matter will give you the power to shape the material that sustains life itself. It can create complex carbon structures and manipulate them. Magic Damage when defeated and summoned: +25

These creatures are more than mere summons. They are extensions of your own power, manifestations of the fundamental elements that govern the universe. Treat them with respect and learn from them.

Elio continued reading, discovering that the challenge monsters could use the abilities of previous levels. "That explains why they become more difficult with each level," he reflected.

Then he came to the part that spoke about summoning these primordial monsters. His eyes widened as he read the numbers: 100, 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, and a million cores respectively for the first five levels.

"A million cores for the fifth level," Elio whispered, amazed. "No wonder no one has gotten that far."

You must prioritize your front line, your leaders in defense and attack, but...

All of you have the potential to become Summoners, for this you must strip the monsters of their power, the power of the goddess.

I shall always be with you, watching and waiting for the day when you are ready to face the challenges that lie beyond these walls.

With eternal love and infinite hope, Your Creator.

♢♢♢♢

The door swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Lucien, his eyes blazing with fury and concern.

The final game was about to begin.