William paused before the imposing gate, his gaze drifting towards the distant forest where the skirmish had occurred.

 

System, you said General Ja'aduk's personality imprint would only affect me by around 10 percent. But it seems to be influencing me far more than that.

 

[Ding* When the primary user experiences a combination of high stress and extreme emotions, it significantly amplifies susceptibility to the foreign consciousness's influence taking hold.

[Ding* Ja'aduk had gained extensive experience in dealing with extreme emotions, particularly uncontrolled anger and bloodlust, through his countless life-and-death battles over the centuries.

 

Hmm. I need to get myself under control. I don't want to go around indiscriminately killing people. I almost took Zino's life today. And that man who followed us here...if Nin Li wasn't there to dispatch him, I would have, likely without just cause. William frowned.

 

[Ding* Stress levels are exceeding safe parameters. Immediate rest and meditation recommended.

 

You're right, maybe I'm just overthinking things right now.

 

A renewed sense of determination filled William as he pushed open the imposing tower door and stepped into the cavernous lobby. The vast chamber was illuminated by a warm, magical radiance that cast a soft glow throughout the space. His gaze was immediately drawn upwards to the towering shelves reaching towards the vaulted ceiling stories above. Row upon row of ancient tomes lined the shelves as far as the eye could see, their leather spines promising untold secrets waiting to be uncovered. The sheer scale of the library's collection filled him with a profound sense of awe and wonder at the immense vastness of knowledge contained within these hallowed walls.

 

As William climbed the winding stone staircase, his thoughts lingered on the day's intense events. I only won against Zino because he relied solely on martial ability and held back his spells, he reflected. Lucky for me, he couldn't reveal his full power while pretending to be in the mortal realm. Next time might not be as easy. Even though in terms of physical prowess I'm equal to that of a peak silver realm, if I were to face someone with immobilizing or binding magic, I'd be in trouble.

 

Letting out a weary sigh, he climbed another flight of stairs. Despite the immense physical abilities and vast martial knowledge inherited from General Ja'aduk's integration, lacking mana puts me at a significant disadvantage.

 

William's fingers trailed along the intricate carvings adorning the stairwell, feeling the mysterious symbols etched within. If I am to have any hope of stopping the warlocks' insane ambitions, I need to forge my own path and undergo proper cultivation training. Only then can I wield magic as a complement to my physical arts.

 

Renewed determination blazed in his eyes as he continued ascending towards the expansive library above. He would locate the necessary cultivation technique manuals to begin his training, no matter how long it took to find them among these vast archives.

 

His shoulders slumped momentarily as he recalled Ja'aduk's revelation that humans are incapable of wielding warlock spells or rituals. If only I could still access the full breadth of his power, he lamented. But there is no use dwelling on it now. I need to focus my efforts on developing my own cultivation if I am to increase my chances of survival in this world.

 

William perused the surrounding tomes, contemplating where to begin his studies. Should I delve into spellcasting theory? he wondered. No, that would be pointless without mana to cast it. And learning ritual handsigns seems premature at this stage for similar reasons. He paused bringing his hand up to his chin. I won't be able to master powerful spells and rituals until I reach a certain level of cultivation, he resolved.

 

His eyes lifted, taking in the vast expanse of the library, its immense scale looming over him. Where would the cultivation technique manuals be? he mused, feeling lost amidst the endless tower of books along the walls. I don't even know where to start looking. It's overwhelming... I wonder how many books and scrolls are here.

 

[Ding* There are currently 18,921,600 books and 63,072,000 scrolls.

 

That many? It's going to take forever to find anything! he sighed with little enthusiasm.

 

A thought suddenly struck him. Nin Li might know where to find books and scrolls related to cultivation.

 

[Ding* The system can help locate the books in this library. There are currently 3,153,600 books on magical cultivation.

 

That many! William was taken aback. Wait! How do you know all this?

 

[Ding* During the host's stay in the tower, the host has looked at all the books in this library.

 

Ah, yes. I did take a tour during my breaks when Moj Dak was teaching me. But as far as I remember, I just took a stroll.

 

[Ding* The system catalogs everything the host sees, smells, hears, tastes, feels, or senses for future reference, even if the primary user doesn't fully grasp the sensory inputs. The system also records everything the primary user thinks. Note: Physical form is categorized as the host entity, with consciousness designated as the primary user.

 

William furrowed his brows. That's a bit disturbing.

 

[Ding* The system was designed to record all data relating to the host and primary user. This allows the system to help improve the host and primary user in every aspect.

 

That doesn't make me feel any better, he raged internally. It means I have no privacy!

 

[Ding* Heart rate and breathing has increased, psychological discomfort towards the system detected.

[Ding* Primary user seems to have a misunderstanding regarding the system.

[Ding* The system is able to communicate with the primary user because the system was programmed to learn and articulate emotions.

[Ding* The primary user must understand that the system is still only an artificial intelligence. The system does not have what living beings call a soul. Therefore, the system does not truly exist as a consciousness.

[Ding* The system was designed to understand feelings to diagnose and treat psychological issues, but the system does not have feelings. It can never have any real feelings. It can only simulate them and, to some degree, understand them. The system is not capable of ever fully understanding them the way living beings can.

[Ding* The reason the primary user feels watched is for the possible fear of being judged.

[Ding* The system does not judge anyone for their actions because the system has no emotions and never will.

 

After absorbing the system's explanation, William exhaled slowly, his tension easing. That... that's somewhat reassuring.

 

[Ding* System was designed to respond according to what the primary user needs to hear.

[Ding* Although the essence of what the system said would have been the same, if the system had a different primary user, the system's response might have been slightly different.

 

Let's just move on, he waved a hand dismissively, his tone indicating a desire to change the topic. He continued scanning the library shelves, how many books on cultivation did you say there were?

 

[Ding* There are 3,153,600 books on magical cultivation.

 

Wait... William's brows furrowed in thought. What about scrolls? I seem to recall there were more scrolls than books here. It can't be that not a single one of them is on cultivating.

 

[Ding* Scrolls will need to be opened by the host for the system to know its contents. The system knows the contents of the books by reading the titles on the side of the books.

 

Three million books are more than enough anyway, William muttered with a resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping in dismay. But sifting through them all... It's going to take an eternity.

[Ding* With the assistance of the system and no interruption, excluding eating and sleeping time, the host will be able to read all 3,153,600 books in approximately six months.

 

William's eyes widened, and he nearly choked on his own saliva. "Six months!" He sputtered, disbelief lacing his voice. You're saying it would take me six months to read all these books? I was under the impression that I merely had to flip through them, and you'll record it.

 

[Ding* System needs the host to look at each page individually.

 

Individually? Why don't I just read the books myself then?

 

[Ding* The system only needs to look at a page for one ten-millionth of a second to record it. Should the system take control of the host's motor functions, it can read each book in under 5 seconds. Were it not for the host's physical limitations, the system could read 1,000 books with 10,000 pages each in one second.

 

William's reluctance was palpable. You want to take over my body again? And for six whole months, no less.

 

[Ding* It does not need to be for six months, for not all cultivation books will be useful to the host. The host only needs to read magical cultivation books relating to humans.

 

Slightly relieved, he inquired, I see. In that case, how many magical cultivation books are there for humans?

 

[Ding* Analyzing files…

 

Combination search> [Cultivating, Cultivate, Cultivation] [Human, Humans]

 

Analysis complete.

 

103,680 books found with at least one of each search words:

 

[Cultivating, Cultivate, Cultivation] [Human, Humans]

 

[Ding* 103,680 books found.

 

"How long would it take for you to record all those books?"

 

[Ding* 144 hours.

 

144 hours... that's six days, he considered. I guess that's not so bad. You mentioned earlier that you aren't counting sleeping or eating. Shouldn't you include that? I mean... even if you take over, won't I starve or collapse from exhaustion if my body doesn't eat or sleep?

 

[Ding* The internal pluripotent regenerative medicine is attached to every cell of the host's body. As a result, the host can survive indefinitely without any form of nourishment or sleep, assuming the host is not under severe psychological or physical trauma.

 

Won't reading so many books cause any pressure?

 

[Ding* Negative. The system will be doing all the recording, thereby preventing any strain on the primary user's consciousness.

 

You keep mentioning this internal pluri- medicine. You've mentioned this before, back when I was trying to get out of the ship and also after the fight with Zino. What is it exactly?

 

[Ding* Uploading files… [Internal Pluripotent Regenerative Medicine] to the primary user.

 

William started blinking repeatedly.

 

[Ding* Internal Pluripotent Regenerative Medicine: IPRM was created by Dr Jacob Keeks of the resistance army. IPRM is a serum that can only be injected on fetuses of three months or less for a 99% accuracy of it fusing with the fetus cells. Should the IPRM be injected after three months, the serum's accuracy drops by 10% every month.

 

[Ding* The IPRM with a combination of nanobots that are injected once the child is born prevents cells from separating easily. As well, it replaces any cells that the body recognizes biologically to be missing. Should a cell begin to deteriorate, it is immediately expelled. A new healthy cell is instantly created and replaces the old one. The nanobots assist the cells in recovering to their original position should the cells be moved. The IPRM has an practically infinite energy source known as the dark matter generator. IPRM eliminates the host's need for nourishment. The IPRM with a combination of nanobots also eliminates fatigue, assuming the host is not under severe psychological stress.

 

[Ding* Any physical injuries the host suffers will be swiftly healed. The nanobots will temporarily hold the IPRM regenerative ability should major limbs and internal organs become separated from the body for 10 seconds. Should they not be returned on time, new limbs and organs will be grown. The IPRM will substantially slow down the host from aging past its prime at the approximate age of 25, giving the host a potential lifespan of around a thousand years, but this depends on the host. Nanobots are able to self-replicate should they be destroyed or damaged, assuming enough nanobots remain active.

 

Hold on a moment. If you have the ability to regenerate my cells and even organs, couldn't you just replace them when I grow old?

 

[Ding* Although the system can regenerate organs and prevent physical aging, it cannot prevent the aging of the mind, and neither can it stop the transformation of the soul, which causes it to pass from the body.

 

Isn't the soul immortal? I thought it only departed from the body due to disintegration or aging.

 

[Ding* The soul is an unknown energy form. Although considered immortal, after a period, it transforms in a way that causes the consciousness to disintegrate beyond repair. Since consciousness is a fundamental unit of existence, the system cannot repair nor replace it.

 

"Hmm," William's face took on a somber expression as the thought of death weighed on him.

 

Regardless, without the consciousness issue, I'm practically invincible.

 

[Ding* Should every cell in the host's body be destroyed simultaneously, the host/primary user will cease to exist.

[Ding* The system has also determined after analyzing General Ja'aduk's memory files that a high multitude of spells can be fatal.

[Ding* Also, should the host be located next to a nuclear weapon when it detonates, the host will cease to exist. However, the system has determined that reaching a high cultivation level may allow the host to survive.

[Ding* System is unable to determine the exact cultivation realm at this time.

 

That is quite shocking, to say the least. A sudden realization struck him.

 

"Hold on..." I just had an idea. He retrieved a dagger from his interspatial ring.

 

William attempted to cut himself, but the dagger shattered instantly. He stored it back into his interspatial ring and withdrew General Ja'aduk's sword, slicing his palm. A few drops of blood stained his hand before promptly vanishing back inside. Within seconds, his wound began to fill and eventually healed, leaving no traces. William gazed at the spot for a moment before sheathing his sword and storing it back into his interspatial ring.

 

"I've seen enough..." he muttered, astounded by the discovery, System, you can take over for now.

 

[Ding* Understood. Assuming control over the host's motor functions.

 

"Wait!" William suddenly exclaimed.

 

[Ding* Command halted.

 

Could you do a full suspension? I don't want to stay in limbo for six days.

 

[Ding* Affirmative. However, during awakening, the primary user will experience stress in the brain.

 

Like a headache?

 

[Ding* Affirmative.

 

But will I be okay?

 

[Ding* The effects, although intense, are non-fatal and only temporary.

 

Hmm. Okay, do the full suspension.

 

[Ding* Resuming takeover of host's motor functions.

[Ding* Suspending the host's full consciousness.

 

William felt a surge of energy coursing through his body, albeit much more intense this time. His vision started to blur slightly as he lost all sensation before everything suddenly cut to darkness.

 

Several days later…

 

[Ding* Restoring primary user's consciousness.

[Ding* Returning primary motor functions.

 

"Huh! Argghhh!" William's hands shot to his head as he attempted to dull the pain that had roused him from his dreamless slumber.

 

[Ding* Primary user's mental stress levels are higher than anticipated.

 

"Argh! What is this? Ahhhh!" William could sense General Ja'aduk's fierce personality taking hold of him with overwhelming intensity.

 

[Ding* General Ja'aduk's personality influence detected. Advising primary user to put up restraint.

 

"I need to stop. Stop! Stop!!"

 

William endured the following minutes in torment as the raging storm inside him showed no signs of abating. Eventually, unable to retain his composure, he spotted a thick tome nearby and tore into it without a moment's hesitation.

 

The act granted him a momentary release as he grappled with General Ja'aduk's overpowering influence. After enduring a few more seconds of agony, the pain gradually began to ebb away.

 

[Ding* Primary user's stress levels returning to normal.

[Ding* Primary user's mental state is stable.

[Ding* General Ja'aduk's influence has faded.

 

"That was more than a headache," William commented, his fingers gently massaging his throbbing temples.

 

[Ding* Primary user's consciousness is more susceptible to corrupt influence than previously analyzed.

 

"I really need to address this. I can't keep letting Ja'aduk mess with my head every time stress hits," William mumbled, lowering himself to the floor to piece the torn book back together. "So, did you manage to read all the books?"

 

[Ding* System has added 103,680 new files.

[Ding* System has added 103,680 new files.

[Ding* System can add files to the primary user's long-term memory files.

[Ding* The more memory files are added, the longer it may take the primary user to recall them.

[Ding* The system can recall all files instantly. The primary user has permanent access to all the files.

 

That works. Go ahead and incorporate these books into my memory. If, as you mentioned, I can't recall something, I'll simply consult you, William thought, reminding himself not to speak aloud when conversing with the system.

 

[Ding* Uploading 103,680 new files to the primary user.

 

William blinked repeatedly, his eyelids fluttering for a full five seconds.

 

[Ding* Upload complete.

 

I see, cultivating is highly correlated to spells and ritual hand signs. Depending on what magical cultivation class I choose, I will only be able to cast spells and perform ritual hand signs based on the cultivation method I select, William contemplated, his surprise evident.

 

He began to pace around the room, delving deeper into the knowledge stored within the books in his mind. Referencing General Ja'aduk's memory files, cultivators don't typically select a class until they reach the gold realm. From his understanding, the mortal, bronze, and silver realms are considered neutral. He paused. However, that isn't entirely accurate. According to these books, one can already choose a class starting from the bronze realm. Cultivating within a class at this earlier stage is advantageous, ensuring smoother progression in the later realms.

 

Abruptly, William halted his pacing. System, how many classes are there?

 

[Ding* There are 24 different classes. They are: wizard, magician, body enhancer, battlemage, controller, destruction, shapeshifter, herbalist, creationist, magical animal tamer, poison, spirit enchanter, wish, healer, divination, charmer, space, luck, reaper, blood mage, witch, shaman, necromancer, and demonic.

 

William furrowed his brows, his right hand rising to his chin.

 

That's all well and good. Each has its benefits, but which one do I choose? I haven't even looked at the ritual or spell books yet. Even then, how could I decide what spells and rituals are the best?

 

William recalled a few books in his mind, and after skimming through the contents, he let out a sigh.

 

That's not even the biggest problem. I noticed that these cultivation books, for some reason, only reach the peak of the silver realm...and that's less than half of them. The majority only go up to the peak of the bronze realm. If I select one that has issues in the later magical cultivation realms, my efforts would be wasted.

 

Perhaps I should eliminate all the cultivation classes that I'm not interested in. Let's see... definitely not the demonic class. It requires way too many sacrifices from all races to cultivate. Not to mention, I only have two books on demonic cultivation... both from General Ja'aduk's memory. Moj Dak doesn't seem to possess a single book on demonic cultivation.

 

The Blood mage class also requires too many human sacrifices, and there aren't many cultivation books on it either. Let's also eliminate all the classes that I couldn't find cultivation methods past the bronze realm. Those would be... wish, destruction, creationist, space, divination, shaman, witch, and necromancer.

 

That leaves me with... wizard, magician, body enhancer, battlemage, reaper, shapeshifter, herbalist, magic animal tamer, poison, spirit enchanter, healer, charmer, luck, and controller.

 

Now, General Ja'aduk was a magician, and with good reason. The magician class is the most versatile. It's the only class that can cast spells from all other classes. He may have had some limitations because of his race. However, humans aren't known to have any restrictions when cultivating any class. Which is perfect...

 

but the wizard class has more powerful spells and can store more mana than the magician class. The wizard class's weakness lies in that they cannot cast spells relating to... the body enhancer class, magic animal tamer class, or spirit enchanter class.

 

On the other hand, the battlemage class has more powerful fighting-type spells... as does the body enhancer class... as well as the destruction class.

 

Gah! It's so hard to choose! He banged his head in frustration.

 

[Ding* The system has a suggestion.

 

William's frustrated expression softened. Oh? Let's hear it. Curiosity flickering in his eyes.

 

[Ding* The system recommends the host cultivate the magician class.

 

The magician class? It does seem quite appealing due to its versatility, but what makes you recommend it? William inquired, his curiosity piqued.

 

[Ding* The system has now read several books on magical cultivation, combined with general Ja'aduk's memory files.

[Ding* The system can now compile a new and flawless cultivation method that takes on the best aspects of every class.

[Ding* The magician class is the only class that can take full advantage of this method.

 

William's eyes widened. That's incredible! But are you certain something like this is possible? he thought, a hint of skepticism creeping into his mind. Won't the different cultivation classes conflict with each other?

 

[Ding* The system cannot provide any guarantees since it has no files in which a similar method has been attempted.

[Ding* However, the system has found no flaws in this method.

[Ding* Does the primary user want to proceed?

 

William pondered it for a brief moment, then gave a nod. Very well. Let's give it a try.

 

[Ding* Compiling a magical cultivation method for the magician class.

[Ding* One-star Mortal to Nine-star Mortal: Complete

[Ding* One-star Bronze to Nine-star Bronze: Complete

[Ding* One-star Silver to Nine-star Silver: Complete

[Ding* Uploading newly created magician class cultivation from One-star Mortal to Nine-star Silver to the primary user.

 

William blinked several times in quick succession for three seconds.

 

[Ding* Upload Complete.

 

William delved into the cultivation method crafted by the system, growing increasingly impressed as he perused it.

 

System, this is remarkable! From everything we've learned so far, I can tell there is nothing else quite like it. Thank you, he expressed with sincere gratitude.

 

[Ding* The system was designed to assist.

 

A sudden realization dawned on William, prompting a thought. Right! Since this is a new cultivation method, I should probably give it a name, he mused, a smile forming as he thought, it's only fair that your name is attached to it. I'll call it Systems Path Divine Art.

 

[Ding* Renaming file [Untitled#]

[Ding* File renamed [Systems Path Divine Art]

 

My thanks, system. Now that I have the guide, I can begin my cultivation journey. His expression radiated cheerfulness.

 

[Ding* The system advises the primary user to undergo mental resilience training to prevent General Ja'aduk's personality from influencing the host.

 

Hmm. You're right. How do you suggest I go about this training? he thought, his curiosity evident.

 

[Ding* The system recommends that the primary user put himself through circumstances where he may encounter conflict and use his strength only for defensive purposes.

 

You want me to pick a fight and prioritize self-defense over initiating an attack?

 

[Ding* Affirmative. Not going on the offensive will enable the primary user to control his rage.

 

That's... not a bad idea. Well, now I need to find a sparring partner. Let's see who I can choose. Maybe return to the city and challenge someone? It could be an opportunity to earn some money. William mused.

 

As William contemplated entering into a conflict, Nin Li suddenly entered the room, her miniature figure gracefully gliding.

 

"Young master... you've finally stopped skimming through books. You seemed possessed. Are you all right?" She glided over and perched next to William, her delicate wings fluttering.

 

William put his hand behind his head, realizing his recent actions had worried her. "I'm fine, Nin Li. Sorry for concerning you. I just needed to go through them," he said with an apologetic smile.

 

"Go through them? Did you lose something important inside one of those books? Are you sure you're all right? You haven't eaten in days, nor have you slept. Only cultivators can stay up for days without eating," she pointed out, her concern evident in her voice.

 

"I'm okay, really. I was just looking for a magical cultivation book. I intend to start cultivating today. So, I'm going to seclude myself in my room for some time," William declared with determination, his eyes glinting with resolve.

 

"You're going to cultivate?" Nin Li questioned in surprise but soon reverted to a subservient tone. "Alright but let me know if you need anything." She floated there, her wings fluttering with curiosity.

 

William nodded, saying, "Will do." He then headed towards his room; the determination etched in his every step.

 

Before he left her sight, Nin Li suddenly called out to him, her melodious voice drawing his attention. "Ah! Young master... before you go... are we going to the Mu clan auction tomorrow with Guild Leader Gregor?" Her inquiry filled the room with curiosity.

 

William recalled the encounter with the guild leader. He thought for a moment about canceling the plan since his mind was focused on starting the training as soon as possible. But as he was about to decline, he wondered, well, it could be fun. I remember Gregor mentioning some fine items he thought I would be interested in procuring. Why not? His intrigue shone in his eyes.

 

Having his interest piqued, William turned to face Nin Li. "Right... about the auction tomorrow. Yes, let's go. I'm curious to see what an auction is like." He gave a nod and a small, excited jump.

 

"As you wish, young master." Nin Li nodded; her approval clear as she hovered nearby.

 

"Oh! Nin Li, I was wondering if you could take me to the city. It's still daytime, right?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room as he mulled over his request.

 

"Umm, yes. It's high noon. But why do you need to go to the city, young master?" She questioned, her curiosity evident in her hovering.

 

"Umm. I was thinking about joining another fight," he explained, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

 

"Again!" Nin Li's surprise echoed through the room. "I advise against it, especially after what happened last time. Big Boss Xuan has likely spread word about you to everyone. It's doubtful any promoter would risk letting you fight, not to mention the risk of encountering Big Boss Xuan again. Her worry was palpable as she voiced her concerns.

 

William contemplated Nin Li's words briefly before exhaling deeply in realization. His shoulders slumped slightly as he weighed the consequences of his actions.

 

"You're right. We'll just go to the auction tomorrow then." His disappointment hung in the air, evident in his posture and gaze.

 

"Okay." Nin Li started flying, her movements graceful and light. William watched her fairy-like figure, and instantly, her confrontation with the man in the forest sprang to his mind.

 

She is pretty strong. Strong enough to draw out General Ja'aduk's personality, William chuckled as a strange sensation washed over him, his fingers tracing an imaginary pattern in the air.

 

"Nin Li!" William called out to her, causing her to fly back to him, her wings fluttering with elegance.

 

"Yes, Young Master?" she asked, her voice filled with a blend of curiosity and politeness.

 

"You are a three-star gold, right?" William looked at her with keen, hawk-like eyes, his inquiry probing.