《Genesis Chosen Hero but I rather quit》


 Prologue: The Last Hero of Eldoria

    The kingdom still stands.


    Barely.


    I walk through the ruined streets of Eldoria, the once-proud capital of the world. The sky is thick with smoke, the air stained with the scent of blood and fire. Bodies litter the roads¡ªmen, women, children¡ªslaughtered like animals. I step over them, my boots dragging through the filth, my limbs too numb to shake.


    This wasn''t supposed to happen.


    We fought for them. We bled for them. We¡ªthe Heroes of Eldoria¡ªwere meant to protect this kingdom.


    And in the end, it was the kingdom that killed us.


    The Purification Order


    The first decree came like a whisper. The royal court called it the Purification Order, a sacred duty to cleanse humanity of its "corruption."


    Heroes. Deviants. Those blessed with power.


    We were never meant to exist, they said.


    Our magic, our abilities¡ªthey called them a curse, a stain on mankind''s purity. At first, we thought it was just paranoia. The King had always been wary of magic, but we were his champions, weren''t we?


    But then came the executions.


    One by one, the nobility turned on us. Our allies, the people we saved, stood by and watched as the purge began. They clapped as the heads of my friends were put on pikes. They cheered as the bodies of my comrades burned in the city square.


    And when we fought back?


    They called us traitors.


    I see their faces as I walk through the rubble. I hear their voices in the howling wind.


    Reyna, the Stormheart ¨C My second-in-command. She was wild, fearless, the kind of warrior who laughed in the face of death. They caught her in the city slums, dragged her through the streets, and cut out her tongue before they killed her. She died on her knees, lightning still crackling at her fingertips.


    Darian, the Adamant ¨C My oldest friend. The unshakable shield of our party. He held the eastern gate for three days alone, buying time for innocent civilians to flee. They found his body covered in blood, a hundred corpses piled at his feet. He died standing.


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    Lucien, the Phantom Blade ¨C The fastest swordsman I ever knew. He once told me that if he ever had to die, he''d do it on his own terms. And so he did. Instead of letting them take him, he threw himself into the abyss of Eldoria''s great chasm. His body was never found.


    Selene, the Everlight ¨C The only one who still believed in peace, even at the very end. She tried to negotiate with the king. She walked into the royal court alone, unarmed. They burned her alive in the palace courtyard as an example.


    Aeris, the Dawnflower ¨C My heart. My light. My everything.


    She smiled at me before they took her away.


    She knew I couldn''t save her.


    And I knew that if I saw what they did to her, I would burn this kingdom to the ground with my own hands.


    So she told me to keep looking forward. To survive. To build something that would last.


    So I ran.


    I was the only one left. The last Hero of Eldoria.


    The final days of my life, I drag myself into the ruined palace, my breath shallow. My body is broken, my mind barely holding together.


    I should have died with them. I should have let them kill me.


    But I didn''t and now, I have one last thing left to give.


    I collapse against the shattered throne, pressing my hands against the cold stone floor.


    Magic surges through me, raw and uncontained, turning the air thick with golden light. I pour everything into it.


    A system. Not just a spell, not just a relic¡ªbut something greater. Something that can outlive me.


    The Genesis System. The knowledge of everything we lost. The memories of those who died. The truth of what happened here, so that no one will ever forget.


    But it can''t just go to anyone.


    No.


    It must be someone worthy.


    I write the conditions into the system with shaking hands, my blood dripping onto the marble. Someone with a good heart. Someone who still believes in humanity. Someone willing to die for others.


    Not like me. Not someone who failed.


    Ten days. That''s how long it takes.


    Ten days without sleep. Without food. Without rest.


    The pain becomes unbearable. My mind fractures, but I keep going. The calculations, the connections, the balance¡ªit all needs to be perfect. I carve the final sigils into the air with what remains of my life force.


    The Genesis System is complete. And so am I.


    My vision blurs. My body refuses to move. A soft chime echoes in the silence, and a translucent screen flickers into existence before me.


    [System Initializing¡­]


    I force a weak smile.


    It worked.


    The screen flickers, words shifting, forming a message I know will be the only thing left of me.


    If you are reading this¡­ you are the last.


    I exhale, closing my eyes. The embers of Eldoria burn around me, turning everything to ash.


    And in the darkness, I see her.


    Aeris.


    She stands in a field of golden lilies, the ones she used to love. The sun catches in her hair, making it shimmer like woven fire, and when she turns to me, her smile is soft¡ªwarm, like the first light of dawn after a bitter night.


    "You always overworked yourself" she says, shaking her head, teasing.


    "You were never meant to carry everything alone, Elias."


    My fingers twitch, reaching for her, but she is only light and memory, always just beyond my grasp.


    "You did well" she murmurs, and my chest tightens at the gentleness in her voice.


    Did I? I don''t know anymore.


    But if she says so¡­ maybe it''s enough.


    But maybe, just maybe¡ª


    Hope will rise again. Someone stronger than me can change the fate of this world.

 Chapter 1: Christian Arkwright

    I hate this world.


    I hate this life.


    Every morning, I wake up in my shitty apartment, the ceiling cracked, the air thick with mold. The landlord barely fixes anything, but I still pay rent because I have nowhere else to go. The buzzing fridge hums loudly, vibrating like it''s trying to break apart. I open it out of habit, already knowing what''s inside.


    Nothing.


    Okay, not nothing, but close enough. A sad, crumpled packet of instant noodles, an almost-empty water bottle, and a carton of milk when I pull the door open. My stomach growls. Too bad. I grab the noodles and toss them onto the counter.


    "Breakfast of champions." I mutter, ripping the plastic open.


    My phone buzzes. I glance at the cracked screen and sigh. Another overdue bill notification.


    Electricity. Rent. Debt. Same cycle, different day.


    I plop down on the rickety chair and absentmindedly scroll through my notifications.


    Work emails. Spam. A text from my boss reminding me to stay late¡ªagain.


    I huff out a bitter laugh. "Love that for me."


    By the time I graduated, my parents were already drowning in debt.


    Loan sharks came knocking¡ªno, breaking¡ªinto our house. They didn''t just threaten my parents. They hit them. They hit me.


    I still remember the sting of it. The bruises that never really faded. The way my mother sobbed, begging, while my father bowed so low his forehead bled.


    "Just focus on school" they said.


    "We''ll handle everything else."


    They lied.


    Now I work a shitty engineering job designing machines I''ll never afford. Overworked. Underpaid. Executives slap their names on my projects while I go home to this.


    I shovel half-cooked noodles into my mouth, scrolling past pictures of old classmates in their fancy clothes, smiling in their big houses, their happy families, their successful careers.


    "Maybe I should sell my body" I half joke bitterly.


    "Might finally afford a phone that isn''t four years old."


    I snort, but it''s not funny. My phone freezes mid-scroll. Then dies.


    I blink. Tap it. Nothing.


    "Oh, you''ve got to be fucking kidding me."


    I shake the damn thing like that''s going to magically bring it back to life, but the cracked piece of garbage remains unresponsive.


    A faint reflection stares back at me from the black screen. Me.


    Tired, hollow eyes. Skin paler than it should be, dark circles smudged underneath like permanent bruises. My hair¡ªa dull, lifeless brown¡ªis tied in a lazy ponytail, stray strands falling into my face. My hoodie, the same one I''ve had for years, is worn thin at the elbows, barely shielding me from the cold.


    Twenty-four years old. And I already look like I''ve been wrung dry by life.


    "Perfect" I mutter, shoving it into my pocket. "Just perfect."


    I grab my bag and head out, making my way through the dirty, neon-lit streets. The cold bites at my skin, but my jacket''s too thin to actually help. Not like I can afford a better one.


    I should''ve listened to my parents, huh? Study hard, get a degree, find a good job, and everything will work out.


    Bullshit.


    My girlfriend of three years dumped me in the most clich¨¦, humiliating way possible. I walked into her job, surprise coffee in hand, only to find her with her pants halfway down, tangled up with some blonde in his office chair. She saw me, eyes wide, mouth open like she was going to come up with some grand excuse. I didn''t even have the energy to yell. Didn''t scream. Didn''t cry. Just held up my middle finger, turned around, and walked off.


    She didn''t chase after me. Of course she didn''t.


    She''s now richer and better. Living the high life while I scrape together enough for instant noodles. Meanwhile, that blonde homewrecker gets to enjoy my hard work, my ex''s shiny new promotion, and probably some overpriced vacations, while I''m stuck here freezing my ass off.


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    Funny how the cheaters always end up winning, huh?


    I hate this life. Maybe I should just walk into traffic and be done with it.


    I turn the corner, seriously hoping for a truck to just come hit me and be done with it while shoving my frozen fingers deeper into my coat pockets.


    Then I hear something close by.


    A muffled scream.


    I stop. Turning my head and looking around to find the direction of this noise.


    Across the street, near a rusted alleyway, a man in a dark hoodie has his hand clamped over a kid''s mouth. The boy¡ªmaybe six or seven¡ªthrashes wildly, his tiny fists pounding against the man''s arm.


    The doors of a black truck slide open.


    No.


    People walk past. Pretending not to see. A few glance, then look away.


    Are these people serious? No one is doing anything? Just looking away like this is some kind of minor inconvenience? That''s a child. A terrified, struggling kid, and everyone is just pretending it''s not happening?


    Something burns in my chest¡ªdisgust, rage, disbelief.


    I don''t care how shitty my life is; I am not the kind of person who ignores this.


    My feet are already moving.


    "HEY! HEY, YOU FUCKING CREEP!" My voice shreds through the night.


    The guy''s head whips around, but I''m already running. The kid screams into the man''s hand, eyes wide with panic.


    No time. No plan. I just slam into them.


    THWACK


    The impact knocks the man back, his grip loosening just enough for me to yank the kid free. He stumbles, gasping, but I grab his wrist and run.


    "FUCK!" The man lunges for me, but I''m already bolting through traffic.


    Horns blare. Tires screech. A car nearly clips my leg, but I don''t stop. The kid clings to my arm, panting.


    "Mr¡ªMr, they''re gonna¡ª"


    "I KNOW!" I gasp my lungs burning.


    "JUST HOLD ON!"


    Almost there¡ª


    Then¡ªBANG.


    A white-hot explosion of pain rips through my skull.


    The world tilts. My vision shatters. I hit the pavement.


    So this is it? I can''t move. The street is cold, but the back of my head is warm¡ªtoo warm.


    Funny. I always thought getting shot would hurt like hell, some unbearable, searing agony. Turns out, if it''s clean through your head, it''s almost... painless. Just a dull impact, then nothing. Like someone flipped a switch.


    People are screaming. Someone is shouting for 911. Footsteps rush toward me.


    I should be scared.


    But all I can think about is¡ªDid the kid make it?


    I hope he did. My eyelids grow heavy. The noise fades. The pain fades. Everything fades.


    I really hope I get some peace this time. No more stress, no more bullshit, just... rest. Maybe I''ll even see Bruno again. My dumb, lovable mutt who died when I was twelve. God, I missed that dog. I hope he''s waiting for me.


    [System Initializing¡­]


    A voice. Soft. Unfamiliar.


    [Analyzing Soul Data¡­ Complete.]


    [Welcome, Administrator.]


    Wait¡­ what?


    [Genesis System rebooting after 76 years of inactivity.]


    [Administrator Slot: Vacant.]


    [New Administrator Confirmed:¡ª]


    Voices? In my head? That¡ª that doesn''t make sense. I should be dead.


    Am I hallucinating? Is this my brain firing off random nonsense in my last moments? Isn''t there some theory that you relive your memories for seven minutes before you go? Maybe that''s what''s happening. Maybe this is just one last cruel joke before the end.


    [Administrator Confirmed:¡ªElias Vaughn.]


    A sharp ringing fills my ears. My whole body tenses.


    Who the hell is Elias Vaughn? That''s definitely not me. The system, or whatever this is, hesitates. The text blurs, like even it''s confused.


    Then, the letters dissolve.


    [Administrator Identity Error.]


    [Correcting¡­]


    [New Administrator Confirmed: Christian Arkwright.]


    A cold shiver crawls down my spine.


    Christian who?


    My breath catches.


    Hey, God, I think you got the wrong name. My name is Vance Ross, not this Christian-whatever.


    Something feels wrong¡ªmore wrong than just being dead or hallucinating.


    It hits me all at once¡ªI''m not just waking up, I''m waking up as someone else. My body, my voice, even my breath feels wrong. Too light. Too soft. My limbs ache like I''ve been lying still for days, but it''s not the exhaustion I know. It''s different.


    Panic claws at my chest. My fingers twitch¡ªslender, pale, delicate. Not mine.


    The floating screen pulses again, words forming in golden light.


    [Primary Abilities Bestowed:]


    Creation Magic


    Spatial Manipulation


    Magic?


    My brain short-circuits. Excuse me?


    Before I can even process that, another notification flashes.


    [Warning: You are a Deviant.]


    [Deviants are to be executed by royal decree.]


    [Status: In Hiding.]


    I freeze.


    Oh, fantastic. Not only am I not dead, but I''ve apparently been dropped into a world where people like me get executed. Can''t catch a damn break, huh?


    The screen flickers again¡ªthis time, the text warps on its own. The golden glow dims, and a final message, faint and fragmented, pushes through.


    [If you are reading this¡­ you are the last.]


    My pulse pounds in my ears. A soft static hums in the air.


    [The world has forgotten me, but you must not forget what I left behind.]


    [Survive. Learn. And when the time comes¡­ create hope again.]


    Then¡ªso quiet it''s almost lost in the noise¡ªcomes a whisper.


    "Welcome back, Elias."


    A pause. A hesitation.


    The system flickers, like it''s glitching again.


    "¡­Welcome back, Christian."


    I stare at the screen, my thoughts a chaotic mess.


    What the actual fresh hell is going on?


    My whole body shudders as an overwhelming flood of sensations slams into me all at once. My limbs feel alien¡ªtoo smooth, too delicate, too... wrong. My chest rises and falls with breaths that aren''t mine, and the way my muscles move, the subtle shift of joints¡ªit''s off in a way that makes my stomach lurch.


    And then the memories hit.


    Not mine.


    Flashes of faces I don''t recognize¡ªthen suddenly, I do. My mother''s warm smile, my father''s tired but kind eyes. The way they used to hold me when I was young. My childhood home, the smell of fresh bread from the kitchen, the laughter that used to echo through the halls. I remember them alive.


    But then, memories that aren''t mine crash into me. Streets that should be unfamiliar, yet my gut tells me otherwise. A palace¡ªa grand throne room bathed in golden light.


    The knowledge presses against my mind, demanding to be known, yet I reject it.


    This isn''t me. This isn''t my life.


    But it feels real. Too real.


    My fingers curl, shaking. I lift them up, staring at hands that aren''t mine. Pale, slender, perfectly smooth¡ªuntouched by years of hard work, by the small scars I once knew.


    "No, no, no. This isn''t right!" I murmur, my voice breathy and unfamiliar.


    Even that sounds wrong. Lighter. Softer. Not Vance Ross.


    Panic surges in my chest.


    I need a mirror. I need to see.

 Chapter 2: Starting as G but my mana is ???

    Pain.


    A dull, aching sensation crawls through my limbs, radiating from the base of my spine all the way to my fingertips. My eyelids feel heavy, like they''ve been glued shut for days. I try to move, but the moment I shift¡ª


    THUD.


    My body collapses onto the cold, wooden floor.


    For a moment, I just lay there, stunned, cheek pressed against the hard surface as I process what just happened.


    What the hell?


    I just woke up, and I''ve already hit rock bottom¡ªliterally.


    I groan, pushing my arms against the floor, but my limbs tremble like I''ve never used them before. My breath comes in short, uneven gasps.


    My muscles feel¡­ wrong.


    Weak. Absurdly weak.


    "What the actual hell is this?" I mutter, my voice rasping from disuse.


    This body is fragile. Too light. The slightest movement makes my limbs shake like a newborn foal. I grit my teeth, dragging in a breath before forcing myself up. My fingers scrabble for something¡ªanything¡ªto support me.


    My hand finally catches the edge of a nearby wooden table. With a hiss, I heave myself up, arms straining against the effort. My legs wobble, knees threatening to buckle, but I grit my teeth and refuse to fall again.


    Slowly¡ªagonizingly slowly¡ªI stand.


    My breathing is ragged, my heart hammering as if I just ran a marathon.


    This isn''t normal.


    I look down at myself, blinking rapidly as my brain registers the differences.


    Gone are my familiar limbs, the ones toned from years of engineering work and the gym session. Instead, I''m smaller. Lean, but not weak¡ªa warrior''s build, shaped by discipline and combat rather than neglect.


    But the height. My eye twitches.


    Why the hell am I shorter?!


    I raise my hand, pressing it to the top of my head as if that will somehow make the height difference disappear. It doesn''t.


    I must have lost at least five centimeters. I was barely 175cm last time man.


    Now I get NERFED!?


    "Oh, you got to be kidding me."


    And then I see my reflection.


    A tall, antique mirror sits against the far wall, its polished surface catching the glow of afternoon sunlight. I stare, expecting to see my usual tired face¡ªbrunette hair in a messy ponytail, dull brown eyes, the lingering signs of exhaustion permanently etched into my features.


    But the person staring back at me is not Vance Ross.


    White hair. Not silver, not platinum blonde¡ªwhite. It cascades over my shoulders in soft waves, unnervingly pristine.


    Grey eyes, stormy and sharp.


    Pale skin, unmarred and smooth, nothing like the slightly tanned complexion I had before.


    I don''t look like me but hey at least I''m still a man..


    I look at my chest to just double confirm.


    Nope flat like an ironing board.


    I inhale sharply, gripping the edge of the table like it''s the only thing keeping me tethered to reality.


    This is real. This body, this room, this entire absurd situation¡ªit''s real.


    Speaking of the room¡ª


    I finally take a moment to look around.


    The space is large but minimalist, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through wide, arched windows. Heavy curtains, a deep shade of navy, are partially drawn back, allowing light to spill across the polished wooden floor.


    The walls are lined with intricate bookshelves, filled to the brim with leather-bound tomes. A grand oak desk sits near the window, covered in neatly arranged parchment, an inkpot, and a sleek, silver mechanical device¡ªsomething that looks suspiciously like a typewriter, but sleeker, more refined.


    A bed sits against the far wall¡ªlarge, ornate, draped in soft, dark fabrics that look ridiculously expensive.


    The furniture is a strange mix of historical and advanced technology. The architecture screams 1900s aristocracy, but the presence of sleek mechanical devices hints at something more¡­ evolved.


    A fantasy world, but with technology that doesn''t quite belong.


    Interesting.


    My fingers brush against the smooth wooden table again, grounding myself as I take everything in.


    I exhale slowly. I''m in someone else''s body. In an unfamiliar world.


    And for some reason, I am now Christian Arkwright from the memories I have from this body and whatever that mumbo jumbo was earlier.


    I close my eyes and let out a long, exhausted sigh.


    That notification thingy is gone. No floating screens, no ominous text, nothing. I wonder if I can call it back?


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    I mean, I''ve read enough manga and manhwa online to know how these things usually go. What else was I supposed to do with my free time? It''s not like I had friends to hang out with, and my ex¡ªbefore I caught her cheating¡ªwas always ''too busy with work.'' My bad for thinking the best of people.


    "Alright¡­ SYSTEM."


    Nothing.


    I frown. "Status? Menu? Open Interface? Uh¡­ Game Log?"


    Still nothing. Not even a flicker.


    Okay. Rude.


    I sigh and tap my chin. Maybe it''s voice-locked or something? I did take Chinese in university¡ªworth a shot, right?


    "ϵͳ? (X¨¬t¨¯ng?)"


    Nothing.


    "²Ëµ¥? ״̬? (C¨¤id¨¡n? Zhu¨¤ngt¨¤i?)"


    Still nothing.


    I groan, rubbing my forehead. "Seriously? Come on, I know how these stories go. I should have some kind of fancy UI or floating text!"


    I try to think back to what the system was doing earlier.


    It had a name¡­ Genesis System.


    "Genesis?"


    Ding.


    A bright light flashes before me, and suddenly, a familiar floating screen appears.


    I blink rapidly, adjusting to the sudden glow. The screen hovers in front of me, semi-transparent with sleek golden text that pulses faintly against a dark background. It looks almost like a futuristic interface¡ªclean, minimalistic, but undeniably magical.


    [Welcome, Administrator.]


    I shift on my feet, finally standing properly. The screen moves with me, floating effortlessly at eye level like it''s tethered to my vision. I take a cautious step forward. It follows.


    Weird.


    Curious, I walk towards the antique mirror across the room. I angle my head, watching the reflection¡ªonly to feel a cold chill crawl up my spine.


    The system doesn''t reflect back.


    I wave a hand through the air where the screen should be, but the mirror only shows me¡ªpale skin, white hair, stormy grey eyes¡ªnothing else.


    "Oh, great. I must be schizo or something" I mutter under my breath.


    [That''s rude.]


    I freeze. My jaw slowly drops as I stare at the words now flashing across the screen.


    Did¡­ did the system just talk back?


    [Yes.]


    I swallow hard.


    Okay. Cool. No big deal. Just a floating, telepathic system that can apparently read my thoughts. Yep totally normal.


    "Well, uh¡­ how do I see my info and stuff?" I ask hesitantly, shifting my weight from foot to foot.


    "I did see some magic thingy earlier¡ªwas that really real?"


    [Indeed. Magic is an innate ability in this world, though not everyone is capable of wielding it. Your current body possesses remarkable magical potential.]


    I narrow my eyes at the glowing text. "Right¡­ So, does that mean I can throw fireballs or something? Or do I have to go find some ancient wizard to unlock my ''true potential''?"


    [Your abilities are unique to you. Would you like to view your status?]


    I cross my arms. "Took you long enough to offer. Yes, show me my status."


    [To access your status directly in the future, simply say ''Genesis Status'' instead of navigating through the menu.]


    I hum in thought. "Huh. That''s kind of like a shortcut¡­ reminds me of using apps back home."


    As the thought settles, my gaze flicks to the newly displayed screen. My brows furrow as I read through it, taking in every bit of information.


    Name: Christian Arkwright


    Height: 170 cm Age: 20 Blood Type: O-


    Potential: EX


    My brain screeches to a halt. "EX potential?" I mutter under my breath.


    I''ve played enough mobile MMORPGs to know that SSS-tier is usually the best, but EX?


    What even is that?


    "Hey, system, what does EX rank mean? Is this like¡­ a secret god-tier thing?" I ask, crossing my arms.


    The system remains silent.


    [...]


    I blink. "Oh, don''t tell me. You don''t know, do you?"


    [This system lacks comparative knowledge of ''mobile games.'']


    I scoff. "Oh, really? You appear out of nowhere looking like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, floating in midair, probably more advanced than any computer back home¡ªbut a mobile game is where you draw the line?!"


    [This system is not required to retain knowledge of unnecessary entertainment data.]


    I gape at the text. Did it just call mobile games unnecessary?


    "Excuse me?! You literally function like a game interface! How the hell do you not know what a mobile game is?!"


    [INVALID QUERY.]


    The text suddenly expands, glowing bigger, bolder, and almost blinding, as if the system is shouting back at me.


    [THE GENESIS SYSTEM DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH TRIVIAL FORMS OF HUMAN ENTERTAINMENT.]


    I let out a defeated sigh, rubbing my face "Fine, whatever. Not like arguing with you is gonna change anything. Let''s just see my stats."


    My eyes scan the screen, and then¡ª


    Rank: G


    I blink. Squint. Rub my eyes.


    Nope, still says G.


    "Wait¡­ G? Lower than F? Are you serious?!" My voice rises in disbelief.


    "You''re telling me I have EX potential, but I''m stuck at the lowest rank possible?!"


    The system, in what I can only describe as the most mockingly indifferent way possible, flashes a tiny [Shrug] notification.


    My eye twitches. "Oh, you little¡ª"


    I drag my attention back to the screen, scrolling down. My abilities section comes into view.


    Abilities:


    Creation Magic - [???????????]


    Spatial Manipulation - [???????????]


    Locked


    Locked


    Locked


    I exhale, staring at the question marks like they personally offended me.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me. Even my abilities are keeping secrets?"


    Then, at the bottom left corner of the screen, small text flickers into existence.


    [To learn more about an ability, simply ask Genesis.]


    ''''Huh. Well, let''s try this. Genesis, what does Creation Magic do?''''


    [Creation Magic is a highly specialized form of magic allowing the manifestation of matter, concepts, or energy. However, its full capabilities are currently unknown due to user rank limitations.]


    I narrow my eyes. "That''s just a fancy way of saying, ''I don''t know either,'' huh?"


    [If your deduction is correct, I will confirm it. Otherwise, I will deny it.]


    I straighten slightly, my engineering brain kicking into gear. "Alright, so if I can manifest matter, does that mean I can create objects from thin air? Like, say, a chair?"


    [Affirmative.]


    I blink. Okay, that''s a start.


    "What about¡­ food? Could I conjure a meal?"


    [Affirmative, with sufficient understanding of its structure.]


    My fingers tap against my arm. "And people? Could I¡ªwait, no, that''s basically necromancy, isn''t it?"


    [Negative. Creation Magic does not extend to replicating living beings.]


    I exhale, nodding slowly. "Got it. So it''s basically material transmutation with some added flexibility?"


    [Correct.]


    I smirk. "See? Was that so hard?"


    "Alright, next question¡ªGenesis, what does Spatial Manipulation do?"


    [Spatial Manipulation allows for the control, distortion, and restructuring of space itself. This includes, but is not limited to: teleportation, spatial storage, dimensional folding, and localized gravitational shifts.]


    I stare at the screen, blinking slowly. "That sounds¡­ completely broken."


    [It is highly advanced magic requiring precise control. At your current rank, only basic applications are available.]


    I rub my hands. "Right. Because warping space itself is apparently basic."


    The more I think about it, the less sense it makes. The concept of manipulating space¡ªas in, physically altering dimensions and distances¡ªshouldn''t even be possible. Back in my world, the closest thing to spatial distortion was quantum mechanics, and even that was theoretical at best. This is on an entirely different level.


    "So, let me get this straight. I can bend space, create pocket dimensions, and maybe even mess with gravity?"


    [Affirmative.]


    I exhale, trying to process this. "Yeah, sure. No big deal. Just casually breaking the laws of physics. Totally normal."


    [Your understanding is limited by prior knowledge from an inferior world. Adaptation is required.]


    I scowl at the screen. "Did you just call my world inferior?"


    [Statement: Factual.]


    I roll my eyes, deciding to move on before this system finds another way to insult me. My eyes drift down to my stats section, hoping for something¡ªanything¡ªthat makes up for my garbage rank.


    Attack: G


    I clench my jaw. Seriously? Even my attack stat is bottom-tier?


    Defense: G-


    I choke. Negative G?! Is that even possible?! How am I supposed to survive with negative defense?!


    And then my gaze lands on the final stat.


    Mana: ???


    I pause, tilting my head. "Wait, what''s with the question marks?"


    The system, as if sensing my confusion, flashes another [Shrug] notification.


    "You have got to be kidding me" I groan.


    "So you can rank everything else but not my mana? What, did your system break?"

 Chapter 3: Shes HOT

    The door swings open with a sharp creak.


    I freeze mid-rant, my hands still thrown in the air from yelling at the floating system. My eyes snap to the doorway, where a woman stands with an eyebrow raised and an unmistakable look of mild exasperation.


    She''s tall¡ªnot absurdly so, but at least 175 cm¡ªwith broad shoulders and a frame that suggests she knows how to handle himself. Her long black hair is slightly tousled, as if she''s run his fingers through it too many times today. Sharp blue eyes flicker between me and the still-glowing screen floating in front of me, her expression unreadable.


    "So" she drawls, crossing her arms "I come back from a long day of lecturing to hear the man I rescued screaming at the top of his lungs like he''s possessed. Should I be worried?"


    I blink. My brain takes a second to catch up.


    Oh. Oh.


    This is the woman who saved me? This woman? She fine.


    I lower my hands awkwardly, glancing at the system screen still hovering beside me like a tattletale.


    "No need to be worried about me" I say quickly, waving a dismissive hand. "Just¡­ adjusting."


    She doesn''t look convinced, but she lets it slide. "So, how do you feel?" Her voice is calm but probing.


    "You were ambushed by a group of bandits. They were planning to sell you to the kingdom."


    Kingdom?


    My mind stutters.


    Where the hell is this body''s memory? Shouldn''t it be coming to me, filling in the blanks, like in all those novels I read? Why am I drawing a complete blank here?


    I exhale sharply. "Well¡­ where exactly are we?"


    She frowns. "You really don''t know? You have amnesia?"


    I hesitate.


    Do I?


    "Uh¡­ I remember my name?"


    Her eyes narrow slightly as she studies me. "Which is?"


    I lick my lips, my mind scrambling. "Christian Arkwright."


    Her gaze doesn''t waver. "And?"


    "And¡­ that''s about all I''ve got." I let out a nervous chuckle.


    "No hometown, no family names, no past experiences coming back in vivid flashbacks. Just a blank slate with a fancy name."


    She exhales through her nose, her arms still crossed. "That''s¡­ concerning."


    "Tell me about it." I rub my forehead.


    "So, where are we exactly? Maybe something will jog my memory."


    Her expression softens just a bit, like she''s debating how much to say. "We''re in Valtheris, the capital of the Estrellian Kingdom. Estrel for short if you feel lazy. You were found on the outskirts, unconscious, and brought here for treatment."


    Valtheris? Estrellian Kingdom? Yeah, none of that rings a bell.


    I sigh. "Well, that clears up absolutely nothing."


    I glance at her, shifting awkwardly. "So¡­ what do I owe you for helping me?"


    She waves a hand dismissively. "You don''t need to. You were a victim." Then, a small smirk tugs at her lips.


    "But if you''re feeling particularly generous, why not stay here for a bit and watch over some kids?"


    I blink. "What? Your kids?"


    My voice rises slightly. "I''m not a father! And more importantly, I''m not even anyone''s husband!"


    She chuckles, shaking her head. "Not like that. They''re my kids, but not really. More like¡­ adopted, you know?"


    Before I can fully process that, she turns toward the door. "Come on, you should at least meet them."


    I push myself up from the bed, still struggling to adjust to this body. As I take a hesitant step forward, I glance around the house, taking in my surroundings.


    The hallway outside the room is lined with dark wooden panels, the kind that looks like it belongs in an old noble estate. A grand staircase curves down into a wide foyer, with large windows letting in the soft glow of the afternoon sun.


    The air smells faintly of old parchment and something sweet¡ªfreshly baked bread, maybe?


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    I grip the railing as I step onto the first stair, my legs still weak from whatever ordeal this body went through. "This place is way too fancy for a woman who just said she takes care of kids."


    She chuckles as she walks ahead. "Stick around. You might be surprised."


    As I step onto the floor, I pause, feeling the texture beneath my feet. The wood is polished, smooth but slightly cool against my skin, almost too pristine to belong to a home with children running around. Each step echoes softly, absorbed by the large space around us.


    Before I can dwell on it, a figure appears at the base of the stairs¡ªa woman about my height, dressed in a neatly pressed maid outfit that fits the era of this place. Her posture is straight, professional, but the warmth in her expression softens her presence.


    "Queen Seraphina" she greets, dipping into a small curtsy. Her voice is polite, but there''s a familiarity to it, like she''s used to speaking with her casually.


    "Welcome back. I see our guest is finally awake."


    I barely register her words as I call out mentally


    Genesis.


    The familiar glowing text flickers into existence before me.


    [Yes, Administrator?]


    I don''t hesitate.


    Who the HELL is this woman?


    [Queen Seraphina Costa. Lecturer at the Royal Academy of Valtheris. Adoptive guardian of multiple war orphans. You are currently residing in her estate.]


    I blink in disbelief.


    I''m sorry? Lord? As in, like, those nobles who have land and are rich as hell and all that?


    [Affirmative. Based on modern-day economic standards, Queen Seraphina Costa''s wealth is equivalent to that of a high-ranking corporate tycoon, possessing vast land holdings, multiple estates, and considerable financial influence. Or in simpler terms, she''s basically a multi-millionaire.]


    I hesitate before asking another question, curiosity getting the better of me.


    Is she single?


    For a moment, the system stays silent. Then, a faint cranking noise fills my head, like some ancient mechanism struggling to process my request.


    [Status: Divorced.]


    A slow, wicked grin spreads across my face, one that I imagine would make even the devil proud.


    Multi-millionaire noble, divorced, and a guardian of orphans? Oh, this just got interesting.


    Before I can relish in my own thoughts, the door swings open again, and a young man steps inside.


    He''s tall¡ªalmost as tall as her¡ªstanding at 170 cm, with a lean but toned build. His black hair is slightly unkempt, his piercing blue eyes filled with an expression of instant disdain as he scans the room. The resemblance between him and Seraphina is uncanny¡ªsharp features, the same intense gaze¡ªbut unlike Seraphina''s composed demeanour, this kid looks one second away from punching a hole through the wall.


    Then, he opens his mouth.


    "Why is there an ugly man here?"


    Silence. My brain stutters.


    Excuse me?


    Even Seraphina looks momentarily taken aback. The maid stiffens.


    I, meanwhile, just blink, utterly confused.


    The boy scowls, gesturing toward me. "No, not you" he says to the maid before pointing directly at me.


    "I meant him. The one with the weird hair."


    An invisible second arrow pierces through my chest.


    I gasp dramatically, clutching my heart. Betrayal. Absolute betrayal. Pain. Real pain.


    Seraphina clears her throat, fixing the boy with a sharp look. "Adam, that was uncalled for."


    The boy¡ªAdam¡ªshrugs, arms crossing. "I''m just saying what I see. He looks weird."


    I inhale deeply, forcing a strained smile. "Wow, thank you for that glowing first impression. Really feeling the love here."


    Seraphina sighs. "Adam, this is Christian Arkwright. He was found unconscious after a bandit attack. He''s recovering, so go easy on him."


    Adam raises an eyebrow. "Bandits? What kind of bandits leave behind their merchandise? Sounds fishy."


    I narrow my eyes. Wow. This kid really has no filter.


    "Yeah, well, I guess I''m just lucky like that."


    Seraphina pinches the bridge of her nose, looking like a woman on the verge of a headache.


    "He''s a guest in this house. Try not to make him regret waking up."


    Adam exhales, rolling his eyes. "Fine. Whatever. Just don''t expect me to babysit."


    He turns on his heel and strides off, leaving behind an air of mild hostility.


    I cross my arms, exhaling sharply. "Well, he''s a delight. Is he always like that, or did I just win the special treatment package?"


    Seraphina rubs her forehead. "He''s¡­ difficult. But he''ll come around. Eventually."


    As we start walking through the halls, I take in my surroundings. The estate is massive, its walls lined with dark oak paneling and intricate gold detailing. Chandeliers hang from high ceilings, their crystal ornaments casting fragmented light across the polished marble floors.


    The place practically screams old money.


    Paintings adorn the walls, most of them depicting past noble figures, landscapes, and grand battles. Just as I begin to admire one particularly dramatic painting of a warrior standing atop a mountain of bodies, Genesis flickers to life.


    [Lord Cedric Costa, first of the Costa lineage, led the conquest of Eastern Valtheris and established the noble house over three centuries ago.]


    I blink.


    Huh. So, what? This guy was some kind of warlord?


    [Affirmative.]


    Well, that tracks.


    Before I can ask more, we step into the kitchen.


    The scent of warm bread and roasted meat fills the air, and the space is bustling with energy. A long wooden table sits in the center, surrounded by children¡ªranging from toddlers to teenagers¡ªwaiting eagerly for their meals. Their clothes are clean but simple, and their faces light up the moment they see Seraphina.


    I linger beside her, scanning the room. The kitchen itself is grand yet practical, with rows of copper pots hanging from overhead racks, a large stone oven at the far end, and a massive wooden island stacked with fresh ingredients. Everything feels warm, lived-in¡ªlike an actual home.


    One of the younger kids, a girl with curly red hair, tugs at Seraphina''s sleeve. "Did you bring us anything today, Queen Seraphina?"


    She chuckles, ruffling her hair. "Not today, Millie. But we do have a guest. Be nice, alright?"


    Millie turns to me, her bright green eyes full of curiosity. "Are you the weird man Adam was talking about?"


    I clear my throat, forcing a smile. "I am not weird. Adam is just¡­ very friendly."


    Before I can dwell on the conversation, my eyes drift to the freshly baked bread and roasted meat spread across the table. The sight makes my stomach tighten in longing. For some reason, it reminds me of those simple sandwiches from the convenience store back home¡ªcheap, processed, but weirdly comforting.


    I really wish I could have just one more taste before I died...


    A sudden weight appears in my hand.


    The room falls into absolute silence.


    I glance down¡ªand nearly drop what I see. A convenience store sandwich. Plastic wrap and all.


    What. The. Hell.


    The air turns ice cold. The children stare, wide-eyed. Even the maid freezes, her hand gripping a ladle mid-stir.


    Seraphina, to her credit, is the first to react. "Nobody speaks of this outside this house. Understood?"


    In perfect unison, the children and staff recite, "If we see powers, we did not."


    Before I can even process what just happened, Seraphina grabs my wrist. "We need to talk. Now."


    Without waiting for a response, she pulls me out of the kitchen, the sandwich still clutched in my fingers.


    Meanwhile, in the corner of my vision, Genesis flickers to life with celebratory text.


    [Congratulations! Creation Magic has leveled up! LV 1 Unlocked!]

 Chapter 4: Lets get WET

    I sink into the plush embrace of the king-sized bed, the sheer comfort unlike anything I''ve ever felt before. The fabric is soft¡ªtoo soft¡ªalmost like I''m being cradled by a cloud, and the mattress? Pure heaven. If I didn''t know any better, I''d think this bed was enchanted.


    "I could die here and have no complaints" I mumble, stretching my limbs and sinking even further into the ridiculous comfort.


    Meanwhile, across the room, Seraphina is pacing.


    Not just pacing¡ªprancing.


    Her steps are sharp, controlled, but the sheer intensity of her movements tells me she''s deep in thought. One hand is shoved into her pocket while the other runs through her black hair in frustration. She mutters under her breath, glancing my way occasionally, probably wondering if I''m about to explode or sprout horns after what just happened in the kitchen.


    Honestly? I''d be worried too but my attention isn''t on her.


    Inside my mind, Genesis hums to life, its golden text appearing in my vision.


    [Creation Magic: Level 1 Unlocked.]


    I squint at the floating text, curiosity bubbling up.


    Alright, Genesis, what exactly does Level 1 let me do?


    [With Level 1 Creation Magic, you can now estimate the mana cost of simple items before manifesting them.]


    I hum thoughtfully.


    So, I won''t accidentally drain myself dry making a sandwich again?


    [Affirmative. However, you may still create complex items, but be warned: the more intricate the structure, the higher the mana cost. Attempting to manifest something beyond your level may result in unconsciousness.]


    I freeze mid-stretch. Excuse me?


    You''re telling me that if I try to create, say¡­ a gun, I might just pass out on the spot?


    [Potentially.]


    Great. Fantastic. So, in other words, my magic is a high-risk, high-reward nightmare.


    I sighed


    Alright, noted. No summoning overly complicated stuff unless I want to take a magical nap.


    Curious, I mentally swipe to my status screen, eager to see if anything else had changed.


    Name: Christian Arkwright Rank: G Potential: EX


    Attack: G


    Defense: -G


    Mana: ???


    Abilities:


    Creation Magic - Level 1 [??????????]


    Spatial Manipulation - [??????????]


    Locked


    Locked


    Locked


    I frown, tapping my fingers against the blanket.


    So my rank is still garbage, my attack and defense are tragic, and my mana stat is just a bunch of question marks. But at least I leveled up one thing... whatever that means.


    Seraphina finally stops pacing and turns to me, her piercing blue eyes locking onto mine.


    "What kind of powers do you have? And do you know you''re not allowed to have them? You''re a Deviant."


    The words hit me like a brick to the face.


    Deviant.


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    My breath catches as a memory flickers to life¡ªthose floating messages from when I first woke up.


    [Warning: You are a Deviant. Deviants are to be executed by royal decree. Status: In Hiding.]


    My grip tightens on the blanket as reality sets in. "So the kingdom wants to kill me, right?"


    Seraphina exhales heavily. "Yes."


    I close my eyes for a moment, then shrug internally.


    Fuck it, we ball. Not like I had much to lose anyway.


    "Alright then" I say, sitting up straighter.


    "What was that earlier with the kids? That whole ''If we see powers, we did not'' mantra¡ªwhat''s that about? Do they have powers too?"


    Before I can say another word, Seraphina moves fast. Her strong, callused hand clamps over my mouth, silencing me instantly. Her grip is firm but not painful, her palm rough from years of wielding a weapon.


    "Don''t say that so loudly." Her voice is a low whisper, urgent, serious.


    "I''m trying to protect these little ones from the Purge."


    I mumble against his palm "Puhge?"


    Genesis lights up in my vision just as Seraphina lets go of me, both of them speaking at the same time.


    [The Purge is a systematic cleansing initiated by the kingdom to eradicate all individuals classified as Deviants¡ªthose born with unnatural abilities deemed a threat to societal order. Any discovered Deviant is executed on sight.]


    "The Purge," Seraphina says grimly, "is the kingdom''s way of keeping magic under control. Anyone with unregulated abilities¡ªDeviants, as they call them¡ªare either killed or disappear without a trace. No trial, no mercy. Just death."


    I inhale sharply. Oh. Oh, that''s bad.


    I exhale, levelling her with a dry look. "So, you going to kill me now or give me up?"


    Seraphina scoffs, crossing her arms. "Don''t be stupid. If I was one of their dogs, I would''ve taken the bounty for myself already. But I don''t see the point."


    Her eyes flicker toward my hand. "Besides, you just created food out of thin air. What else can you create?"


    I pause, thinking it through.


    Hot mature lady saved me = bandaged me and healed me = saves children from this ''''purge'''' = stupidly rich = never asked anything from me = wants to protect kids.


    Hmmm¡­ yeah, why not? Plus, my mana being ??? is a nuisance, and I don''t know my limits anyway.


    "Alright, let''s try something" I murmur, closing my eyes. My mind pulls from the countless novels I''ve read, envisioning a fire sword¡ªsomething straight out of fantasy.


    First, the hilt¡ªsturdy, wrapped in black leather, designed to fit perfectly in my grip. I picture runes etched into the metal, glowing faintly with power. The blade itself? Long, sleek, forged from a mystical alloy that can withstand extreme heat. The flames licking along its edge burn blue, hotter than any natural fire, radiating a dangerous but mesmerizing glow.


    Brick by brick, the image solidifies in my mind.


    Then, it happens.


    A flicker of blue energy forms before me, pixels¡ªno, arcane bricks¡ªsnapping together, piece by piece, the shape assembling itself in mid-air. The heat intensifies, making my skin prickle. With a final pulse of energy, the sword materializes in my grasp, its burning edge crackling in the silence.


    I stare at it, feeling the sheer heat radiating from the blade, the weight perfectly balanced in my hand.


    "Holy shit" I whisper.


    Across from me, Seraphina looks like she just witnessed the impossible. She stares at the blazing sword in my hand, then at me, then back at the sword¡ªbefore her legs give out and she sits on the floor, completely bewildered.


    "What... the hell?"


    Before I can answer, Genesis lights up again.


    [Congratulations! Due to successfully creating an elemental weapon, a complex manifestation, Creation Magic has levelled up from Level 1 to Level 10!]


    I blink. Wait, what?!


    More notifications flood my vision as a new section appears under my abilities list.


    New Sub-Abilities Unlocked:


    Basic Weapon Creation: Swords, daggers, bows, and polearms can now be created with standard materials.


    Elemental Infusion: Weapons can now be imbued with basic elemental properties (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind).


    Blueprint Memory: Objects successfully created once can be replicated with reduced mana cost.


    Material Reinforcement: Strengthen existing creations to increase durability and efficiency.


    I gape at the list, my grip on the sword tightening. That escalated quickly.


    I glance down at the sword, the heat radiating off it becoming unbearable. The flames flicker wildly, licking at the air as if eager to consume something.


    "Uh¡­ so what do I do with this? It''s getting kinda hot."


    Genesis flickers in front of me with a familiar, unhelpful [Shrug] notification.


    I deadpan. You''re supposed to be the all-knowing system, and that is your answer?


    Seraphina, still sitting on the floor like her entire worldview just shattered, blinks up at me.


    "That''s¡­ actually a good question. How do you turn that thing off?"


    I stare at her. She stares at me.


    "I don''t know?" I offer with a tilt to my head to try make myself look innocent.


    Her eye twitches. "You just created a flaming sword out of thin air, and you don''t know how to put it away!?"


    Before I can respond, she groans and shouts "Mina! Get the maids in here! We need to deal with this heat!"


    A flurry of footsteps echoes through the halls as several maids rush in, armed with buckets of water, damp cloths, and even a few magical cooling artifacts. Many, many, many failed attempts later, the fire finally dies down.


    I sit there, soaked to the bone, my wet hair sticking to my face like I just survived a damn tsunami. The air still hums with lingering heat, and the entire room smells like singed fabric and damp wood.


    Genesis, the little shit, flickers in my vision again. [Suppressing laughter¡­]


    I glare at the screen. I will dismantle you.


    Then, I glance downward¡ªand freeze.


    Oh. Oh no.


    My bare chest is on full display, the wet fabric of my white shirt clinging to me in a way that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.


    My eyes flicker toward Seraphina.


    She is very much aware of the situation. Her face is bright red, her gaze flickering anywhere but at me, before she abruptly grabs a towel and throws it over me like a woman fighting for her life.


    "Cover yourself."


    I blink at her, then at the towel, then back at her.


    Oh?

 Chapter 5: The FOOD sucks!

    The room is dark, save for the faint slivers of moonlight filtering through the curtains. The house is silent, the only sound being the occasional rustling of trees outside. It''s midnight, and yet, here I am¡ªwide awake, staring at the ceiling.


    I shift under the thick, luxurious blankets. The bed is absurdly comfortable, and yet, sleep refuses to come. My mind is still racing from everything that happened today.


    The system, Seraphina, the damn fire sword incident¡­ and the fact that I nearly flashed a QUEEN because of some overenthusiastic maids.


    I sigh, rolling onto my side. "I''m so bored."


    Genesis flickers to life in my vision.


    [Would you like a sleep aid?]


    I narrow my eyes. "What, like some magical melatonin?"


    [Negative. I can list various methods to induce sleep, such as deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and¡ª]


    "Yeah, no thanks." I groan, sitting up. "If I can''t sleep, I might as well do something useful."


    That''s when an idea sparks. Creation Magic.


    I glance down at my hands.


    I levelled it up so much earlier¡ªwhy not put it to use?


    Closing my eyes, I focus. Instead of something flashy like a sword, I picture something small, familiar, useful¡ªa notebook. A simple one, like the ones I used back in my world.


    I envision the cover, smooth and flexible, with a slight texture beneath my fingertips. The pages, crisp and lined, ready to be filled with thoughts, sketches, or plans. The binding, sturdy enough to hold everything together.


    A soft blue glow flickers in the air before me, tiny arcane bricks forming piece by piece. In seconds, the notebook materializes in my lap.


    I let out a slow breath. "Huh, that worked?"


    Flipping it open, I run my fingers across the pages.


    Perfect.


    But what''s a notebook without something to write with?


    I focus again, picturing a simple pen¡ªa smooth barrel, an easy grip, ink that flows seamlessly. Another flicker of blue light, and the pen appears between my fingers.


    I twirl it experimentally. "Alright, now we''re getting somewhere."


    With nothing else to do, I start writing, testing the ink, scribbling notes, even doodling a few things from memory. For the first time since waking up here, I feel¡­ normal.


    - THE NEXT DAY -


    Mina stood before her, hands clasped as she gave her report. "The maids have knocked several times, my queen, but there''s been no response."


    Seraphina sighed, putting her quill down. "He''s either still asleep or ignoring them."


    After a pause, she shook her head. "I''ll check."


    She pushed open the door quietly, her footsteps light against the wooden floor. She hadn''t heard anything suspicious, but something told her to check on him.


    The moment she stepped inside, she froze.


    The floor was covered in sheets of parchment¡ªno, not parchment. The texture, the cut, even the way they were stacked felt unnatural to her, almost too uniform. The ink sprawled across them in complex diagrams, sketches of things she had never seen before. Strange symbols, unfamiliar mechanisms, ideas that made no sense in her world.


    Her sharp blue eyes landed on the object in his hand¡ªa small, bound book with thin, delicate pages. She picked it up from his hand and feel this weird contraption.


    A slender, ink-filled stick moved effortlessly between her fingers, leaving perfect, dark lines on the paper with unnatural precision.


    Her brows furrowed. What in the world¡­?


    There was something unsettling about the items. Not in a dangerous way, but in how foreign they felt¡ªhow utterly out of place they were in this world. The book, the writing tool¡­ they carried a sense of advanced craftsmanship beyond what even the royal scholars could produce.


    And yet, here he was, casually creating with them like it was second nature.


    Seraphina exhaled, stepping further inside. "What¡­ is all this?"


    Behind her, the maids, who had been peeking curiously from the hallway, gasped at the sight before them.


    The entire room was a chaotic battlefield of scattered papers, dozens upon dozens of sheets sprawled across the floor. Complex diagrams, strange symbols, and sketches detailed with almost frightening precision covered every surface. If a medieval scholar walked in, they''d either pass out or have an existential crisis.


    But the real absurdity is Christian himself.


    He is asleep¡ªor, rather, in a position that vaguely resembled sleep. His upper body was sprawled face-down on the ground, while his legs remained perched on the bed like he had collapsed mid-thought.


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    Seraphina ran a hand down her face. What the hell am I looking at?


    In Christian''s dream, a deafening drumbeat blasted through her head.


    Christian shot up instantly, eyes wide, his body moving on pure survival instinct¡ªhis stance immediately shifting into something resembling a karate-ready pose, fists raised and legs positioned for a fight.


    Seraphina instinctively took a step back, watching in bafflement as he wildly scanned the room like he was about to punch a ghost.


    Then, his brain caught up.


    The mess¡ªpapers scattered everywhere like a scholar''s worst nightmare.


    Seraphina standing in the doorway, looking utterly dumbfounded.


    The maids behind her, staring like he had sprouted a second head.


    The system''s glowing text, flickering nonchalantly in front of him, giving a lazy [Shrug].


    He blink. Then blink again.


    "¡­What the actual hell?"


    The room remained silent as everyone stared at him, waiting for an explanation.


    Seraphina crosses her arms. "Yeah, no, really¡ªwhat is all this, Christian?"


    His eyes darted between the mess he made and the audience she had unintentionally gathered.


    "Uh¡­ I can explain?"


    Instead of elaborating immediately, he turn to Seraphina, lowering his voice.


    "Do the maids know? About the kids?"


    She exhale through her nose, her gaze steady. "Yes. They don''t serve the kingdom. They serve this house."


    With that reassurance, he took a deep breath.


    If they were all in on this secret, then might as well make things more efficient.


    He focused, pulling energy through his fingertips.


    Thirty notebooks. Thirty pens.


    Blue light flickered across the room as objects materialized in neat stacks on the table. The air vibrated with residual magic, and then¡ª


    Gasps filled the room.


    The maids stared in awe, their eyes wide with excitement. "He made these from nothing!" one whispered in disbelief.


    Another tentatively picked up a notebook, flipping through the crisp, lined pages with reverence. "This¡­ this is incredible! No more messy ink stains!" she exclaimed.


    Seraphina, equally astonished, grabbed a pen and twirled it between her fingers, testing the balance. She open a notebook and pressed the tip of the pen to the page. The ink flowed effortlessly¡ªsmooth, controlled, and immediate. No dipping, no blotting, no waiting for it to dry.


    "This is¡­ vastly different from quill and parchment" she murmured, her voice tinged with admiration.


    "It''s faster. More precise. No wasted ink."


    The maids nodded eagerly, each testing the writing tools, their excitement growing. "This could change writing!"


    Christian stood at the center of it all, smug as hell, arms crossed over his chest, his posture exuding absolute satisfaction. Her lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk as she basked in their amazement.


    Genesis, ever the dramatic system, flickered into his vision with a celebratory fanfare.


    [Achievement Unlocked: Revolutionary Scribe!]


    [You''ve successfully introduced a world-changing innovation! Would you like a title to go with that?]


    He snorted. Damn right I would.


    [Creation Magic Level Up! ¡ú Level 11]


    [New Sub-Ability Unlocked!]


    [Sub-Ability: Mass Production]


    [You can now create multiple identical items at once with a reduced mana cost. The more you create in one go, the more efficient the process becomes. Be mindful¡ªcreating too many at once may still result in exhaustion.]


    His eyes widened as he read the description. Oh? Now this is neat.


    Seraphina, still flipping through the notebook, looked up and cleared her throat.


    "Christian, join me for breakfast in the dining hall."


    With a stretch and a yawn, he nodded, following her out. As they walked through the hallways, his eyes wandered over the grand estate, but nothing prepared him for the sheer scale of the dining hall.


    The dining table is enormous, stretching across the lavish room, made of deep mahogany with intricate carvings along the edges. The polished surface reflected the soft morning light that streamed through towering stained-glass windows.


    Every child from the orphanage, including Adam, was already seated, chatting quietly as they waited for the meal to begin. Behind them, maids and butlers stood firm, disciplined and poised, awaiting orders.


    Christian''s gaze drifted to the food before them¡ªfreshly baked bread, golden and steaming, crisped to perfection. Platters of roasted meats, seasoned with aromatic herbs. Bowls of rich, creamy soup, their scents tantalizing. Fresh fruit, vibrant in colour, arranged in a decorative spread.


    Near each plate, goblets of polished silver reflected the morning light, filled with what looked like fresh juice or wine, depending on age. The entire setting screamed luxury, yet the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming.


    As he eyed the spread before him, a thought crossed his mind.


    Usually, in the novels, manga, or manhwa, the food always tastes amazing to the protagonist, right?


    [Correct] Genesis replied in its usual monotone.


    Grinning in anticipation, Christian eagerly took a bite of the roasted meat, expecting an explosion of flavour.


    His jaw slowed. Then stopped.


    Why the hell was this so bland?!


    He tried the bread next¡ªit looked warm and fluffy but tasted like air with a hint of flour.


    The soup? It smelled rich but had all the depth of water with a couple of herbs thrown in.


    His excitement rapidly turned into betrayal. He furrowed his brows and stabbed the meat with his fork like it had personally offended him.


    We''re in a fantasy world, right? So why does this taste so¡­ plain?


    The maids and butlers stiffened, exchanging uncertain glances. One of the butlers hesitantly stepped forward. "Christian, is there an issue with the food?"


    He set his utensils down with a thud. "Okay, tell me exactly how you cook this. What ingredients do you use?"


    The butler, clearly unsure how to respond, glanced at one of the maids, who hesitantly stepped forward. "Well, we prepare the bread using the finest ground flour, water, and a bit of salt. Once kneaded, it is baked in a stone oven until golden brown."


    Christian''s eye twitched. No yeast? No butter? No sugar?


    "And the soup?" he pressed.


    "We boil bones for several hours to create a hearty broth, then add boiled vegetables and a touch of salt for flavour" the maid explained proudly.


    Christian resisted the urge to groan. No herbs? No spices? No depth of flavour?!


    "What about the meat?" he asked, now dreading the answer.


    "The meat is seasoned with salt and cooked over an open flame until it is fully done. Sometimes, we brush it with a bit of animal fat for extra richness."


    Christian clutched his forehead.


    So that''s why everything tastes like disappointment! No real seasoning, no complexity¡ªjust the absolute bare minimum!


    Genesis flickered into view, its text appearing with an exaggerated [Sigh], followed by a lazy [Shrug].


    [You are in another world. A world without modern technology, where seasoning and cooking techniques have not evolved the way you are used to. Also, you haven''t even stepped outside the house yet, so maybe you shouldn''t complain about free food.]


    Christian scowled. Excuse me for having standards, Genesis. My taste buds are suffering.


    His stomach grumbled, but the thought of eating another bland meal made him want to cry.


    Nope. Absolutely not.


    Fine, if they don''t have real seasonings, I''ll make them myself!


    Focusing his Creation Magic, he imagined spices¡ªsalt infused with herbs, pepper, finely ground garlic powder, onion powder, and even butter. One by one, glowing arcane bricks snapped into existence, forming neat jars of modern cooking essentials on the table.


    The maids and butlers gasped, staring in disbelief.


    Christian smirked. "Alright. Now let''s fix this tragedy of a meal."

 Chapter 6: FLAVOUR! FLAVOUR!

    As soon as he finish conjuring the spices and butter, Genesis flickered back to life with an audibly exhausted sigh.


    [New Title Unlocked: "Insufferable Gourmet"]


    [Effect: Any food personally prepared by you will automatically taste better¡ªnot because of skill, but because it would be a disgrace to let you suffer through another bland meal.]


    He blink. Then scowled. Excuse me? Insufferable Gourmet? Are you calling me a picky eater?!


    [Yes.]


    He nearly choked on air. What the¡ª! You''re supposed to be on my side!


    [Incorrect. I am here to observe and manage the system, not coddle an administrator who throws tantrums over seasoning.]


    His hands clenched into fists. Mental warfare it is.


    You listen here, you glorified notification panel, I am revolutionizing the culinary world! I deserve something more respectful!


    [Would you prefer "Whiny Food Critic" instead?]


    Christian inhaled sharply through his nose. He was going to fight this system.


    Meanwhile, in the real world, the meal continued. Despite his newfound title, the food before him still carried the blandness of a tragically medieval world. As he forced down the last bite, tears welled in his eyes, the taste of lost potential and despair weighing heavy.


    Slamming his hands on the table, he stood up. "Alright! Since I apparently have to do everything myself, I''ll show you all how to actually cook with these!"


    The maids and butlers scrambled to gather with their new notebook and pen, their eyes shining with curiosity as she walked them through the proper way to use seasonings. He explained measurements, balance, why butter made everything better, and most importantly, how baking with yeast actually worked.


    Under his guidance, the kitchen became a lively battlefield. The scent of freshly baked bread, now fluffy and rich, filled the air. Roasted meat, now properly seasoned, sizzled under a layer of golden butter. Soup, once as lifeless as boiled water, now carried the depth of real flavor.


    The staff stood in awe as they took their first bites, their expressions shifting from hesitation to pure delight.


    Then, Genesis chimed in again.


    [New Title Unlocked: "Bare Minimum Chef"]


    [Effect: Teaching others how to cook results in better-tasting food, but without storage methods, it will still spoil like everything else in this world. Welcome to reality.]


    He exhale through my nose, gripping the nearest wooden spoon.


    Genesis, I swear to every god in this world, I will find a way to uninstall you.


    Across the kitchen, Mina and one of the senior butlers, Edwin, watched the scene unfold¡ªChristian gripping a wooden spoon like a weapon, glaring furiously at thin air.


    Mina leaned in slightly, whispering "Is he... fighting with someone?"


    Edwin, an older gentleman with decades of experience under his belt, stroked his chin in deep thought. "Perhaps. Or perhaps this is simply how people with powers behave."


    Mina hummed, considering the idea before nodding sagely.


    "That does make sense. People with magic are always a bit... eccentric."


    Edwin nodded in agreement, biting into the freshly buttered bread. "Indeed. It is best not to question it."


    Meanwhile, Christian, still fuming from his mental war with Genesis, stomped his way back to his room, muttering under his breath.


    Genesis flickered in his vision, still smug from their earlier exchange.


    [Would you like to file a formal complaint?]


    "Oh, I''ll do more than that" he growled.


    But the moment he entered his room, his steps halted.


    Seraphina sitting on his bed, one leg crossed over the other, watching him with a neutral yet intense gaze.


    "Do you want to leave this place?" she asked, her voice calm yet firm.


    He blink. "What?"


    "Do you know where you come from?" she continued.


    "Is your amnesia getting better?"


    My throat tightened.


    Oh. She had a point. A damn good one.


    He had been so caught up in the absurdity of cooking disasters and magical bickering that he hadn''t even thought about the bigger picture.


    Where was this body originally from? Did he have parents? A hometown? A life before he woke up here?


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    Overwhelmed, he swallowed hard, unable to answer. "I... I don''t know."


    Hismind raced, and in desperation, he called out to Genesis mentally.


    Who was Christian before I woke up?


    For the first time, Genesis hesitated.


    [Error. No access to that information.]


    Christian''s mental form twitched. Excuse me?


    [The system does not possess omniscience. That data is either restricted or does not exist.]


    His eye twitched harder.


    Restricted?! Are you telling me I woke up in a body with missing memories and even YOU don''t know what''s going on?!


    [That is correct.]


    Mental Christian lunged at the floating text, hands outstretched as if to strangle it¡ªnot that he could.


    YOU USELESS PIECE OF CODE!


    [Attempting physical violence against the system is futile. Also, rude.]


    Seraphina sighed, watching him visibly fume at whatever invisible entity he was mentally battling. "Then let''s just have you stay here" she said, her tone shifting to something more thoughtful.


    "Maybe it''s complicated having someone like you not officially registered into the household, but sending you away might be worse. You could be robbed again¡ªor worse, caught by the kingdom."


    Christian swallowed, suddenly grounded back into reality.


    She leaned forward slightly. "How do you want to go about this? Do you want to register as a maid? A caretaker? What do you want?"


    Christian hesitates. He hadn''t considered this at all¡ªwhat was his place here?


    Then, as the memories of training the staff, organizing the kitchen, and dealing with Genesis'' antics came back, an idea formed in his mind.


    A slow smirk tug at his lips. "I want to be the Head of Household Affairs."


    Seraphina raise an eyebrow. "That''s¡­ quite the title."


    He cross his arms. "I just revolutionized your entire food system. Let''s be honest, you need me."


    His lips twitched slightly, amused. "Fair point."


    As she stood up and walk away, Christian noticed something odd¡ªher face seemed a bit warmer than usual, the faintest flush on his cheeks. The sight sent a strange, unfamiliar flutter through his chest, making him blush just the slightest bit.


    Before he could dwell on it, Genesis flickered in his mind with an all-too-pleased tone.


    [Oh? Is the administrator flustered?]


    He scoffed, quickly shoving his feelings aside. "Women like that are impossible for me. She''s divorced, which means she''s probably still hung up on her late husband, missing him in her bed while crying herself to sleep."


    The words felt strangely familiar¡ªa little too close to home, paralleling the nights he himself had spent curled up, alone, pretending he didn''t care.


    Shaking off the thought, he turned his focus back to something actually useful¡ªcreating something to preserve food properly.


    He closed her eyes and imagined a fridge, meticulously breaking it down in her mind. The cooling mechanisms, the metal casing, the insulation layers, and most importantly, the wiring and how it all connected to generate cold storage.


    The sheer complexity of it made his brain ache, but he pushed forward, running through every component and function he could remember from his past life.


    Then, Genesis blared in excitement.


    [Creation Magic has levelled up! LV 20 Unlocked!]


    [New Title Unlocked: Visionary Creator]


    [Effect: Your understanding of mechanics and engineering has improved significantly. Complex blueprints are easier to visualize, mana consumption for intricate creations is reduced, and innovations you introduce may influence future technological advancements in this world.]


    [New System Function: Missions Enabled!]


    Christian blinked at the sudden flood of notifications, but his gaze snapped to the last one.


    [Missions must now be completed to advance. Failing or ignoring tasks will result in... consequences.]


    He froze.


    Genesis, what kind of consequences are we talking about here?


    [Wouldn''t you like to know?]


    [New Missions Assigned:]


    Create a Sustainable Storage System ¨C Now that you''ve thought of refrigeration, it''s time to make it a reality. Design and produce a working prototype to store perishable goods.


    Develop an Efficient Cooking Tool ¨C Firewood and open flames are inefficient. Construct a safer, more controllable method for heating and cooking food.


    Improve Water Purification ¨C Clean drinking water is essential. Invent a way to filter and purify water to prevent disease.


    Construct a Basic Sanitation System ¨C Hygiene is lacking in this world. Implement a waste management system to reduce illness and improve quality of life.


    [Failure to complete missions within the allotted time will result in penalties. Good luck, Administrator.]


    Christian narrowed his eyes.


    Can I please know what a penalty even is, you damn system?!


    Genesis flickered before him, as if agitated, before responding.


    [Fine. Penalty test initiated.]


    Before he could react, a new notification popped up.


    [Complete 10 pushups in 5 seconds.]


    Christian blinked. "Wait, wha¡ª"


    He barely managed to lower himself into position before reality shattered around him. The next thing he knew, he was somewhere foul.


    The air was thick, humid, and putrid, the stench making her gag instantly. The ground beneath her squelched, the sound enough to churn her stomach. It smelled like rotting flesh, unwashed bodies, and despair.


    He vomited immediately.


    Genesis'' text flickered smugly. [Penalty active. Enjoy your 10-minute stay.]


    Christian barely had time to process before his stomach heaved violently. The stench was unbearable¡ªthick, rotten, and suffocating. A wet, disgusting squelch echoed beneath her as she stumbled, her boots sinking into what she could only hope was mud.


    He gagged again, his body rejecting the sheer filth of the place, and before he could stop himself, he vomited onto the ground. The sound was grotesque, echoing in the eerie silence around her.


    Desperate, he yanked his shirt up to cover his nose and mouth, trying to block out the revolting air, but it barely helped. His eyes watered as he forced himself to look around.


    What he saw made his breath catch.


    It was a wasteland¡ªa barren, decaying stretch of land that looked like a battlefield abandoned for years. Collapsed buildings, broken weapons, and scorched earth stretched far into the horizon, the remnants of a war long forgotten.


    His mind worked fast.


    This place¡­ it''s not just filthy. It''s a graveyard.


    Gritting his teeth, he activated his magic, focusing hard on a solution. If he was going to be stuck here, he needed a way to survive the next ten minutes.


    With careful precision, he conjured a mask¡ªcloth-lined with scented herbs, filtering out the worst of the stench. The moment he put it on, her lungs finally got a reprieve.


    Genesis flickered smugly. [Smart move, Administrator. Now enjoy your stay.]


    Meanwhile, back in the real world, a horrid stench began seeping through the halls of the estate, a vile mix of rot and filth that sent the maids and butlers into a panic.


    Mina and Edwin followed the foul odour, their noses wrinkling in disgust as they traced it to Christian''s room. Worried something had gone horribly wrong, they hurriedly pushed the door open.


    What they found made Edwin instantly retch.


    Christian lying on the floor, his shirt covered in muck, his entire body reeking of something ungodly. The sheer strength of the stench hit them like a physical blow, making Mina gag as she quickly covered her nose with a handkerchief.


    Edwin, after barely regaining composure, wheezed, "What¡ªwhat happened to you?!"


    Mina, eyes watering, tried her best to remain professional despite the sheer assault on her senses. Clearing her throat, she forced a smile and asked, "Would you like a bath, Christian?"


    Christian, utterly defeated, could only lift a single, weak thumbs-up.

 Chapter 7: The ELF QUEEN

    Steam curled around Christian as he sank deeper into the warm bath, letting the water soothe his aching muscles.


    A week. I have been here a full damn week. A week of system nonsense, cooking revolutions, and the endless struggle of surviving in a medieval fantasy world that had no concept of proper seasoning. And now? Now, I''m staring at this damn system screen with the mission deadlines ticking down like a bomb.


    [Mission: Create a Sustainable Storage System ¨C Time Remaining: 4 Days]


    [Mission: Develop an Efficient Cooking Tool ¨C Time Remaining: 5 Days]


    [Mission: Improve Water Purification ¨C Time Remaining: 6 Days]


    [Mission: Construct a Basic Sanitation System ¨C Time Remaining: 7 Days]


    Christian groaned, sinking lower until only his eyes peeked out from the water.


    "Thinking is easy" he muttered.


    "Actually creating things? That''s the nightmare." He ran a wet hand through his damp white hair, scowling at the mission log.


    "I made a sword covered in ice, a spear infused with wind¡ªwhy the hell is a fridge my breaking point?"


    Genesis flickered in his vision, ever unhelpful.


    [Would you like an answer?]


    He rolled his eyes. "No, I like talking to myself for fun."


    He sighed, closing his eyes. "Do I need to think about the materials for every damn part? The coils? The insulation? The power source?"


    [Correct.]


    "Of course it is." He exhaled, watching a bubble rise to the surface before sitting up, glaring at Genesis.


    "Alright, genius, what kind of electricity does this world even have? Because if you tell me they''re still rubbing sticks together, I''m going to scream."


    [This world utilizes various forms of energy conversion.]


    Genesis'' text shifted as an explanation appeared.


    Mana-Powered Artifacts: Directly infused with magic, but require consistent mana upkeep and are costly.


    Lightning Crystals: Naturally occurring minerals that store and discharge electricity, used in noble estates but highly unstable.


    Alchemy-Based Energy: A rudimentary magical science that converts alchemical reactions into heat or light but is inefficient for large-scale use.


    Christian rubbed his temples. "Right, so no convenient wall sockets. Great."


    He leaned against the edge of the tub, lost in thought. "Mana stones are out. I''m not about to drain myself dry trying to keep milk cold. Lightning crystals sound like a fun way to electrocute myself in my sleep. And alchemy is just¡­ medieval chemistry with extra steps."


    He kicked at the water, sending ripples through the bath. "I need something stable. Something renewable." His fingers tapped against the tub''s edge.


    What if I used magic differently? A spell that mimicked refrigeration? A compact formation that regulated temperature without constant input?


    Genesis flickered again.


    [Administrator is thinking dangerously outside the box. Proceed with caution.]


    He snorted. "I live dangerously, Genesis."


    He leaned back, eyes gleaming. "If I can''t make a fridge the normal way, I''ll just have to cheat the system."


    Genesis'' text pulsed.


    [Define: Cheat.]


    Christian smirked, flicking water at the system screen. "You''ll see."


    Later that night, he stood in the noble courtyard, bathed in the silver glow of the full moon. The space is vast, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and stone pathways that lead to ornate fountains carved from marble. Delicate lanterns flicker with soft golden light, casting long shadows over the cobblestone floor. A gentle night breeze rustles the leaves of towering trees, their branches stretching toward the heavens like skeletal fingers.


    Christian crossed his arms, staring up at the sky. His mind raced with ideas.


    A waterwheel and a hydro-generator... If I could harness the flow of water, I could create a renewable power source.


    And, by sheer luck, this estate was close to a fast-moving river.


    A grin stretches across his face. "Perfect."


    Without hesitation, he dashed toward the estate walls. Genesis flickered to life in his vision, words appearing rapidly.


    [Warning: Escape attempt detected.]


    Christian scoffs. "Oh, please."


    With one fluid motion, he leaps, catching the top of the stone wall and pulling himself over with practiced ease.


    [New Observation: Administrator possesses unexpected athleticism.]


    I try to land gracefully, brushing off my nightwear.


    "I''m an engineer. You think some physical obstacle is gonna stop me?"


    Genesis flickered in amused silence as he sprints toward the river. When he arrived, the sight is breathtaking¡ªmoonlight dances on the water''s surface, illuminating the deep blue current that rushes through jagged rocks. Mist rises from the riverbanks, curling like ethereal spirits in the cold night air. The sound of the water, roaring and unrelenting, fills the air like an ancient hymn.


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    Wasting no time, he conjures the blueprint in his mind. The waterwheel takes shape first, each piece forming from shimmering blue light before solidifying into reality. Next comes the generator, wires weaving through the structure like veins, magic-infused copper gleaming under the moon. The final surge of energy drains him slightly, but with his ??? mana reserves, it barely makes a dent.


    He exhales, stepping back to admire the work. The waterwheel turns, the generator hums, and for the first time since waking in this world, Christian feels truly accomplished.


    Genesis pings a notification.


    [Administrator has successfully created a renewable energy source. Impressive.]


    I form a grin. "Damn right it is."


    [New Title Unlocked: "Innovator of the Flow"]


    [Effect: Increased efficiency in magical engineering, slight mana cost reduction for large-scale creations.]


    [Stat Boost: Intelligence +3, Mana Control +2]


    I blink as the notifications scrolled across.


    "Oh? Finally, some respect. Took you long enough, Genesis."


    [Recognition is given where it is due.]


    [Status Updated:]


    [Level Up! Christian is now Level 2.]


    [Creation Magic ¡ú Level 22]


    [New Detailed Stats Unlocked:]


    Strength: G (0/10)


    Speed: G+ (5/20)


    Durability: G- (0/5)


    Intelligence: S (3/2000)


    Mana: ??? (???/???)


    Mana Control: S (2/2000)


    My eyes widened as the status screen changed.


    "Oh? Now we''re talking. About time you stopped being vague, Genesis."


    [Clarification: Administrator''s growth is now measurable. Proceed with caution.]


    A sudden chill prickled at the back of Christian''s neck. Instinctively, he tensed, his mind snapping to attention.


    Someone is behind me.


    Without hesitation, he mentally commanded his magic¡ªbrass shield, dagger¡ªthe constructs forming almost instantly in his hands. His fingers tightened around the cool hilt as he spun around.


    "Who''s there?" he demanded, eyes scanning the moonlit trees.


    A figure emerged from the shadows, bow drawn, arrow notched and aimed directly at him.


    "Don''t move" a female voice commanded, firm and unwavering.


    ''''And explain that big metal thing you just made."


    Christian huffed, adjusting his stance.


    "Let''s put that down and talk, yeah?" he said smoothly, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.


    He lifted his hands slightly into the air¡ªstill gripping his weapons, but signalling no immediate aggression.


    Genesis flickered in his vision, its text appearing lazily.


    [Administrator attempting diplomatic approach. Noted.]


    The elf moved with practiced grace, circling Christian with her bow still raised, her emerald eyes scanning the human before her with suspicion. Moonlight caught the strands of her silvery hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Christian, despite the tension, felt his heart skip a beat.


    Holy shit. An actual elf. And she''s adorable.


    He fought the overwhelming urge to reach out and ruffle the girl''s hair.


    Nope. Bad idea. This one wants to kill me right now.


    The elf''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    "Explain what this construct is. Why are you disturbing the natural balance?"


    Christian inhaled, straightening his posture. "It''s called a generator. It uses water to create energy, so I don''t have to burn wood or use unstable magic crystals. It''s renewable, efficient, and doesn''t poison the environment."


    The elf''s expression darkened. "And yet, you force the river to obey your will. That is no different from destruction."


    Christian met her gaze, unwavering, even as the elf took a step closer, the bowstring taut, the arrow aimed directly at his heart.


    He forced himself to remain calm, his voice steady. "I don''t know what kind of elves you are, but I assume you don''t destroy nature. And honestly? I respect that. I''m thankful for it."


    The elf narrowed her eyes but said nothing, waiting.


    Christian exhaled. "But what I''m doing isn''t destruction. I''m trying to make energy production sustainable. People burn forests, mine unstable magic stones, and poison rivers just to survive. This?"


    He gestured toward the generator with an iron-faced resolve. "This is different. This is the future. Renewable energy¡ªsomething that doesn''t drain the land dry. Think about it. The river keeps flowing, undisturbed, while we harness only a fraction of its movement. No smoke, no waste, no scars on the land. Isn''t that better than the alternative?"


    The elf studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes assessing every inch of Christian''s stance, his tone, his words. Then, in a slow, deliberate motion, she lowered her bow. Christian exhaled, relieved, but before he could fully relax, he really saw the elf for the first time.


    She is absurdly tall.


    200 cm? 210?? Christian''s brain short-circuited.


    What the hell?!


    Before he could process the towering presence before him, rustling filled the air around them. Shadows shifted, and one by one, figures emerged from the trees¡ªan entire unit of elves, all armed, all aiming their bows directly at him. Dozens of piercing green eyes locked onto his every move, their arrows taut and ready to fire.


    Christian swallowed hard, his heart pounding.


    Thank god I didn''t panic¡ªor worse, pee myself.


    The towering elf finally spoke, her voice smooth yet commanding.


    "I am Sylwen Vaeloria, Queen of the Elves. And you, tiny human¡ªwho are you?"


    Christian blinked, still gawking at Sylwen''s absurd height.


    A literal elf queen. And she''s THIS tall? What is in elven genetics, tree growth hormones?!


    He shook himself out of the stunned daze and cleared his throat. "Uh¡ªChristian. Christian Arkwright. Engineer and currently questioning my entire existence right now.''''


    In the background, elves began inspecting the generator, their fingers tracing the smooth metal and cautiously tugging at the long, thin wires. Sylwen watches them briefly before turning her piercing gaze back to Christian.


    "And these... long things? Where do they go?"


    Christian, now somewhat calmer, looks up at the towering elf and answers,


    "I''m going to connect it to the estate so they can preserve food longer and reduce waste."


    He exhales sharply.


    And, frankly, I want to finish this assignment as soon as possible so I don''t have to experience another punishment from Genesis.


    Sylwen raises an elegant brow, her curiosity deepening. "Preserve food? And how does this... prolong its life?"


    Christian straightens, slipping into his engineer mindset. "Temperature control. When you lower the temperature, bacteria and mold grow slower, delaying spoilage. Think of it like winter¡ªfood lasts longer in the cold. This generator helps keep things at a stable low temperature, ensuring food doesn''t rot quickly."


    Sylwen taps a finger against her chin, considering Christian''s words. Then, after a brief pause, she asks


    "Can we have this as well? My people need such a method¡ªand we are willing to pay."


    Christian blinks in disbelief.


    Wait. A business deal?


    Something clicks deep inside him. A realization. A golden opportunity.


    Growing up poor, struggling even in death¡ªthis is his chance to change that.


    His lips curl into a slow, devilish grin.


    Sylwen, watching her expression shift, instinctively reaches for her dagger.


    "Why do you suddenly look so menacing?"


    [New Achievement Unlocked: ''Intimidation Tactics'']


    [Effect: Your presence alone is now enough to unnerve even beings thousands of years older than you. Slight charisma boost when negotiating with wary individuals.]


    [New Stat Bonus: Charisma +2]


    Christian''s grin widens as the notifications flicker before him.


    Oh, Genesis, you really know how to make a man feel special.


    [Correction: No, you looked hideous just now.]


    Christian waves a hand as if to clear dust from the air.


    Whatever, Genesis. You''re just jealous.


    Meanwhile, Sylwen studies him closely, her expression unreadable. The more she watches this small human, the more convinced she becomes that Christian is... unique. Not in the way great warriors or wise sages are, but in a way that makes her question reality itself. This tiny creature¡ªbold, absurd, and disturbingly opportunistic¡ªmight just be dangerous in ways no one had ever considered before.

 Chapter 8: I saw the Queens Chest

    Christian wakes up with a sharp clarity, last night''s revelations settling into something tangible. His mind hums with calculations as he mentally constructs the fridge from scratch, going over every detail¡ªinsulation, cooling coils, a mana-powered compressor, and the necessary wiring. The pieces fit together in his mental blueprint, forming something efficient and self-sustaining.


    He smirks.


    It''s time.


    A brief memory flashes in his mind¡ªSylwen, effortlessly hoisting coils of heavy wiring over her shoulder, barely breaking a sweat as she carried them all the way to the estate. Christian had stared in mute amazement before muttering


    "Why do I even struggle?"


    Later that night, Sylwen had unfolded a map, pointing to a marked location.


    "Four kilometers from here" she had said.


    "If you need more, this is where you''ll find them and us."


    Then, without another word, she had vanished into the night.


    Now, standing in the quiet kitchen, Christian knows exactly where to go when he needs more supplies.


    The air is still, the early morning silence broken only by his own steady breathing. He rolls up his sleeves, flexing his fingers, and gets to work.


    Piece by piece, the fridge takes shape. The outer casing forms first, sleek and sturdy. Inside, the insulation layers settle into place, followed by carefully coiled metal tubing to conduct the cold. A compressor forms, powered by a mana conduit he designs on the spot, converting stored energy into a regulated cooling effect.


    Even with his ??? mana, the mental strain is unlike anything he has faced before. Constructing weapons had been easy¡ªsolid, simple. But this? This is a system, a delicate, interconnected machine that demands precision.


    A headache creeps in, his vision swimming slightly, but he grits his teeth. Not stopping now.


    The last of the components slide into place. With a deep breath, Christian steps back, staring at the newly formed fridge standing proudly in the kitchen.


    A silent prayer forms in his mind as he connects it to the hidden wiring he had installed in the dead of night.


    The moment he flips the switch, a soft hum fills the air.


    It works.


    A triumphant grin stretches across his face, exhaustion threatening to pull his down, but he refuses to fall.


    He grabs the butter they had been keeping in a simple cloth wrap and places it inside the fridge, watching in satisfaction as the cool air envelopes it. Before he can revel in his accomplishment, Genesis suddenly bursts into view, showering his with glowing confetti.


    [Milestone Achieved!]


    [First Major Infrastructure Complete!]


    [New Title Unlocked: ''Architect of Innovation'']


    [Effect: Increased efficiency in large-scale magical construction. Slight reduction in mana strain when creating complex structures.]


    [Task Completed: Create a Sustainable Storage System!]


    [Level Up!] [Creation Magic -> Level 23]


    [New Stat Boosts: Intelligence +5, Mana Control +3]


    His status updates flicker before his eyes, showing his growth:


    Strength: G (0/10)


    Speed: G+ (5/20)


    Durability: G- (0/5)


    Intelligence: S (8/2000)


    Mana: ??? (???/???)


    Mana Control: S+ (5/2000)


    At precisely 8am, a loud scream echoes from the kitchen, followed by frantic shouting.


    Christian, who had been lounging in the drawing room, bolts upright.


    "Oh, what now?" he mutters before rushing to check it out.


    He arrives to find the maids and butlers staring at the fridge, eyes wide with shock. Cold air drifts from the slightly open door, mist curling around their hands as they cautiously reach inside.


    Seraphina steps forward, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "What... is that?"


    Christian still slightly out of breath, grins. "A fridge. It keeps food cold and fresh for longer, which means no more spoiling ingredients or wasting supplies."


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    The staff murmurs among themselves, astonished, before one finally asks


    "But what about the butter? We can''t rely on Mr. Christian to create it for us forever."


    Christian blinks, completely dumbfounded.


    Wait... they don''t know how to make butter?


    Before he can respond, Genesis flickers to life with an exaggerated [Knock Knock] notification, as if knocking his head.


    [Reminder: You are in an older world. Technological advancements do not exist yet.]


    He groans, facepalming. "Alright, listen up! Butter is made from milk. Here''s how you do it:


    Separate the cream from fresh milk by letting it sit so the fat rises to the top. Churn the cream by shaking, stirring, or using a butter churn until the fat clumps together. Drain the buttermilk that separates from the solid butter. Rinse the butter with cold water to remove excess buttermilk. Knead and add salt if you want it to last longer. It''s that simple.''''


    The staff listens, eyes filled with awe and curiosity. Seraphina studies him carefully before exhaling.


    "You truly are something else."


    Christian waves a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, now if you''ll excuse me, I''ve got a stove to build."


    The staff exchanges puzzled looks. "A stove?" one of the maids asks.


    "What does it do?"


    Christian sighs, rubbing his forehead. "It generates controlled heat to cook food more efficiently. Instead of open flames and unreliable temperatures, you can adjust the heat as needed. Think of it as fire, but smarter."


    He watches as their expressions remain blank before throwing his hands up.


    "Oh, what the hell¡ªI''ll just make one."


    With a deep breath, he focuses, mentally constructing the stove. Using the same principles that power the fridge, he channels energy from the hydro-generator, ensuring stable and adjustable heat levels. The metal forms under his hands, smooth and sleek, complete with temperature dials and a heating element designed to simulate controlled flames.


    As the final piece solidifies, the stove materializes in front of his, appearing from shimmering particles before landing with a loud thud against the floor.


    Christian blinks. "Oh yeah... I forgot how heavy it is."


    He places his hands on his hips, taking a deep breath before attempting to push it into place. It doesn''t budge. He grits his teeth, trying again, only for Genesis to flicker into view with an obnoxiously dramatic sigh.


    [Observation: You possess the intelligence of a genius, yet the strength of a particularly frail twig.]


    Christian groans.


    Thanks, Genesis. Love the encouragement.


    Seraphina and her son, Adam, step forward, arms crossed.


    Seraphina raises an eyebrow. "Move aside, Christian. Before you collapse."


    Too exhausted to argue, he steps back and watches as they effortlessly shift the stove into position.


    He exhales, looking worse than a corpse, before turning to the group.


    "Alright. Now, let me show you how it works."


    He flips the switch, and within seconds, the heating element glows, emanating a steady warmth.


    "This dial controls the temperature. No more worrying about unstable flames or burned food. It''s powered by the hydro-generator, meaning it''ll last long-term. Just keep it clean and don''t mess with the wiring."


    The gathered staff stares at the humming stove in awe, the realization dawning that their cooking methods have just been revolutionized.


    [New Title Unlocked: ''Bringer of Modern Flame'']


    [Effect: Increased efficiency when creating fire-based technology. Slight boost in structural durability of crafted items.]


    [Task Completed: Develop an Efficient Cooking Tool!]


    [Level Up!]


    [Christian is now Level 3]


    [New Stat Boosts: Intelligence +4, Mana Control +3]


    His status updates flicker before his eyes, showing his continued growth:


    Strength: G (0/10)


    Speed: G+ (5/20)


    Durability: G- (0/5)


    Intelligence: S (12/2000)


    Mana: ??? (???/???)


    Mana Control: S+ (8/2000)


    Despite the exhaustion gnawing at him, a sense of accomplishment settles in. He had brought something new into the world¡ªagain.


    Later that evening, Christian sits alone in his room, savouring the flavours of a well-cooked meal for the first time in ages. The stew is rich and perfectly seasoned, the roasted vegetables crisp and flavourful, and the buttered bread melts on his tongue in a way that feels almost sinful. He leans back with a satisfied sigh, reveling in the taste of food that no longer suffered from a lack of proper cooking techniques.


    As he relaxes, a thought creeps into his mind.


    Genesis, what does sanitation in this world look like?


    Genesis flickers to life, responding immediately.


    [Current Sanitation Standards: Varying by region. Nobility often have access to limited indoor plumbing, while common areas rely on chamber pots, outhouses, and natural waterways for waste disposal. Public sanitation is minimal, leading to common outbreaks of disease.]


    Christian frowns, crossing his arms. "So basically, filth everywhere. Great."


    He taps his fingers against his thigh, mind whirling with possibilities. "Alright. We need something better. Latrines with proper waste management, a clean water source that doesn''t involve people dumping their waste right back into it, maybe even a basic sewage system..."


    He exhales sharply.


    "Yeah, this one''s gonna be tough."


    [Genesis: Vance, you are in a fantasy world. Don''t you think there are ways to solve this without relying on actual science?]


    Christian hisses "How dare you¡ª!"


    Before pausing, the gears in his mind shifting.


    Maybe Genesis had a point. Maybe I''m limiting myself by thinking only in terms of modern engineering.


    With renewed determination, he pushes off the bed and calls for one of the maids.


    "Where''s Queen Seraphina?"


    Minutes later, he strides into her study like he owns the place¡ªonly to freeze.


    Seraphina stands shirtless by the fireplace, her muscular frame illuminated by the warm glow, a long scar running across her chest.


    Christian swallows hard, his thoughts grinding to a halt.


    He is drooling mentally.


    Genesis shrieks into his mind with a deafening drumroll.


    [Snap out of it!]


    Christian jolts upright, wiping his mouth as Seraphina raises an eyebrow while swiftly covering her breast with a towel.


    "Are you... alright?"


    He clears his throat, pretending nothing happened.


    "Uh, yes. Actually, I have a question¡ªwhat kinds of species exist in this world?"


    Seraphina, still weirded out, slowly begins to explain.


    "The world is home to many species. Humans, of course, but also dwarves and elder dwarves¡ªwho are shorter but master craftsmen. Elves, including dark elves, who have a more complex history, often at odds with humans but now maintaining fragile peace. Then, there are dragons, who rarely appear but are said to have wisdom beyond all others."


    She leans back slightly, watching Christian''s reaction.


    "Mixed humans¡ªhalf-elves, half-orcs, even half-demons¡ªare scattered, often shunned by purists but proving their worth in different ways. Demons, while once seen as enemies, have some factions that work alongside humans. Ogres, cyclopes, and orcs tend to live in their own clans, many still wary of human expansion."


    Christian listens intently. "And they''re all just... coexisting?"


    Seraphina chuckles darkly.


    "Not easily. After the Great War¡ªthe one that purged all the so-called heroes¡ªmost of the races had no choice but to negotiate. The war left everyone too weak to fight another one. Treaties were signed, but tensions remain. Some alliances are strong, others are brittle. Peace is more of an uneasy agreement than true unity."

 Chapter 9: Heroes of the fallen

    Seraphina leans back in her chair, arms crossed, her expression thoughtful.


    "The Heroes of Eldoria... they''re remembered as the greatest threat to the kingdom''s survival. That''s what we were taught, at least."


    Christian tilts his head. "Taught how?"


    Seraphina exhales sharply.


    "That they were arrogant, reckless. That Elias Vaughn, their leader, was the worst of them¡ªa manipulator who orchestrated wars and rebellions in secret, using his influence to bring ruin to the world."


    She shakes her head. "He was called the ''Harbinger of Chaos.'' The one responsible for nearly tearing civilization apart."


    Christian narrows his eyes. "But? I can hear it in your voice. You don''t fully buy that."


    She hesitates before nodding.


    "My father once met Elias Vaughn. He told me that Elias was... different. Not some power-hungry tyrant, but a man devoted to his people and his wife. He always spoke of him as someone who genuinely wanted to help others, even if it meant making difficult choices. He could be wrong, though. Bias clouds judgment, and history paints a very different picture."


    Christian hums in thought, but before he can respond, a strange static buzz fills his ears.


    Genesis flickers erratically, the text on his interface distorting as if something inside the system is... resisting.


    [¡ªSYSTEM ERROR. UNKNOWN DATA SOURCE DETECTED.¡ª]


    A sudden chill washes over Christian as a new notification appears, but unlike before, it feels different. Less like a calculated system alert and more like a whisper from something buried deep within.


    [¡ªMessage Retrieved: "To the One Who Bears This System..."¡ª]


    Christian inhales sharply, his fingers clenching. "What the hell?"


    Seraphina watches him curiously. "Something wrong?"


    He quickly hides his expression, forcing a casual shrug.


    "Nah, just¡ªtired. Thanks for the history lesson, though. I''ll see you later."


    Before she can question him further, he spins on his heel and strides out of the room.


    Seraphina watches him go, her gaze drifting toward the window. She exhales, raising a hand, and slowly, the air around him shifts. A faint, shimmering aura flickers to life around his fingertips, pulsing with restrained energy¡ªnot as broken as creation magic, but powerful nonetheless.


    Her fingers curl into a fist. "There were many records that burned after all the heroes died"


    She mutters to herself.


    "The truth erased. The kingdom even changed its name from Eldoria to Estrel, like they were trying to bury the past."


    She clenches her jaw, her thoughts dark.


    "But the past doesn''t just disappear there has to be somewhere that the Kingdom forgot to burn.''''


    The moment he steps into his quarters and locks the door, he pulls up the message.


    The screen flickers once¡ªthen a voice fills the air.


    Ragged, weak, barely above a whisper, but unmistakably human.


    "If you''re hearing this... then I failed."


    Christian''s breath catches. The voice continues, hoarse and filled with exhaustion.


    "They will tell you I was the villain. That I wanted to rule. That I betrayed them. Don''t believe it. I fought for them. I fought for a future where power wasn''t a death sentence. And in the end, it was power that got us all killed."


    A sharp intake of breath. Then, softer.


    "I don''t know who you are. But if you''ve inherited this system... don''t let them rewrite the past."


    Silence follows. Then, barely above a whisper¡ª


    "Live. Hope. And when the time comes... choose better than I did. You are chosen because..."


    A burst of static cuts through the message, the voice abruptly ending as the system glitches violently.


    Christian stares at the screen, his mind racing.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The last hero of Eldoria. The ''Harbinger of Chaos.''...


    Something in his gut tells him the truth is far from what history claims. And for the first time since waking up in this world, he feels something heavy settle in his chest.


    A responsibility he never asked for. And a story that isn''t finished yet.


    His fingers twitch, and he exhales sharply. "Genesis, what the hell was that?"


    The system flickers uncertainly before responding.


    [Unknown. The data does not exist in my current archives. However, I was given a task¡ªto deliver this message should I ever register you listening to Elias''s history]


    Christian narrows his eyes.


    "So, you don''t know where it came from? No hidden files, no corrupted logs?"


    [Negative. But the existence of this message implies that there is more information buried beyond my accessible limits.]


    He leans back, kicking his feet into the air. "Great. Just great."


    After a moment of silence, he exhales sharply.


    "Genesis, what exactly is recorded in history about the heroes? What did they do?"


    Genesis flickers for a moment before responding.


    [Official records state that the Heroes of Eldoria were instrumental in multiple conflicts, often acting outside the kingdom''s authority. They were seen as both saviours and destroyers, their power shaping wars as much as it ended them. The kingdom credits them with victories but also blames them for countless losses.]


    Christian frowns. "That''s vague. Give me something specific."


    [Records cite Elias Vaughn as the strategist behind several major battles. Reyna the Stormheart single-handedly wiped out an enemy battalion with weather manipulation. Darian the Adamant held off an invasion alone for three days. Lucien the Phantom Blade assassinated high-ranking officials accused of war crimes. Selene the Everlight attempted diplomacy but was executed for treason. Aeris the Dawnflower was...]


    The system hesitates, as if searching for more data.


    [No further records available.]


    Christian grips the edge of his desk.


    "So, they weren''t just warriors. They were a force of change. But history twists their actions to fit a narrative."


    He exhales, then leans forward. "So how do I get stronger?"


    Genesis flickers before responding.


    [Physical stats¡ªStrength, Speed, and Durability¡ªcan only improve through rigorous training and physical conditioning. Magic, Mana, Mana Control, and Intelligence, however, increase through the use of Creation Magic or by completing missions. The more you utilize your abilities, the more they will evolve.]


    With that, Christian bolts from his room and runs straight back to Seraphina''s study, bursting through the door¡ªonly to freeze instantly.


    Seraphina stands in the middle of the room, mid-motion, changing into just her underwear.


    Christian''s eyes widen as he takes in the sight.


    "Holy ass.."


    The system flickers to life, unprompted.


    [Observation: Large proportions detected.]


    Christian nearly chokes on air.


    Genesis, what the hell?! Let me enjoy it ALONE


    Seraphina quickly noticing his presence, grabs a towel and wraps it around her waist with a sigh.


    "You really have no sense of knocking, do you? I sleep with nothing on¡ªit''s cooler that way."


    "Yeah, yeah..." Christian mutters, though his eyes betray him as they struggle to look away from her ass.


    He clears his throat, shaking off the momentary distraction. "Anyway, have you ever met elves?"


    Seraphina raises an eyebrow. "Only through diplomacy. Why?"


    He crosses his arms. "Because I met one. In the back of the estate. And she wants my generator and fridge."


    Seraphina''s jaw practically drops. Her mouth hangs so wide open that Christian swears he could fit ten donuts in there and still have room for more.


    "Elves never interact with humans unless absolutely necessary!" she exclaims.


    Christian shrugs with a smirk. "Guess I''m special."


    Taking a breath, he continues.


    "Now, how can I travel four kilometers north from here? Because, one, I''ll be exhausted walking that distance, and two, I want someone strong to come with me."


    Seraphina, still recovering from the shock, runs a hand through her hair.


    "Well, if you''re looking for a faster way to travel, we have horses, but if you want something more stable, there are carriages too."


    Christian hums in thought. "Horses, huh... might be a good chance to learn how to ride."


    She leans back against her desk.


    "As for someone strong to accompany you, I suppose I could go myself. But if you''re looking for a proper escort, there are knights or mercenaries available."


    Christian smirks. "Oh? And here I thought you''d let me run off alone."


    The next morning, Christian and Seraphina prepare for their journey. With supplies packed to last a week, they step out into the courtyard where a carriage awaits them. Before he can climb in, several orphan children rush to him, hugging him tightly.


    "Stay safe, Mr Christian!" one of the younger ones cries out.


    Christian ruffles the child''s hair, a fond smile on his lips. He had spent his free time playing with them, teaching them little tricks and skills.


    "I will, don''t worry. Just make sure to listen to the maids while I''m gone, alright?"


    Meanwhile, Seraphina entrusts the estate to her second-in-command, a stern but capable man named Garreth, while her son, Adam, is left to oversee operations in her absence.


    Once inside the carriage, Christian takes in the interior¡ªlined with plush seats, sturdy wooden panels, and a soft overhead lantern illuminating the space. The ride will take a couple of hours, giving them time to settle in.


    Seraphina, now dressed in a sharp traveling coat over a durable tunic and leather armour, rests her sword against the seat beside her. Christian, opting for a more practical outfit, wears a reinforced jacket with light padding and sturdy boots fit for travel.


    As the carriage begins moving, he stretches, glancing at Seraphina


    "So, two hours, huh? Got any good stories to pass the time?"


    Seraphina smirks, leaning back.


    "That depends. Are you interested in battle stories or political nightmares?"


    Christian groans. "Neither. Tell me something entertaining."


    She chuckles. "Fine. Ever heard about the time I had to negotiate with a tribe of orcs using nothing but a loaf of bread and a misunderstanding?"


    Christian leans forward, intrigued. "Oh, I have to hear this. How did that even happen?"


    Seraphina chuckles, shaking her head. "It was during one of my father''s diplomatic missions. I was supposed to stay back, but I got curious and wandered too close to the orc camp. One thing led to another, and suddenly, I found myself face-to-face with their chieftain."


    She stretches slightly, as if reliving the moment. "They thought I was there to challenge them, but I had no weapon¡ªjust the loaf of bread I was carrying from our camp''s rations. So, in a moment of pure panic, I held it out as an offering. Turns out, they interpreted it as a traditional peace gesture."


    Christian blinks. "Wait... you''re telling me you made peace with a tribe of orcs using bread?"


    Seraphina nods, grinning. "Not just any bread. Apparently, their culture values food offerings highly, and that particular loaf was made with honey¡ªsomething they rarely had access to. By the time my father arrived, they had already welcomed me as an honoured guest."


    Christian laughs. "Wow that is actually impressive."

 Chapter 10: The Forest of Elves

    The carriage moves deeper into the dense, ancient forest, where the thick canopy above lets only slivers of sunlight through. Towering trees, their roots sprawling like the veins of the earth, loom over them as the air becomes noticeably cooler. Christian watches as the well-worn dirt path twists and narrows, guiding them toward the heart of elven territory.


    Then, he sees them.


    Perched high in the trees, hidden between the thick foliage, watchtowers stand tall¡ªeach manned by elves with bows drawn, arrows already nocked and aimed directly at their carriage.


    The moment the carriage nears the gates, the guards tense, their piercing gazes unwavering. One wrong move, and they would likely be filled with arrows before even stepping foot onto elven land.


    Christian exhales sharply before stepping out first, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture.


    "I want to meet with Sylwen. You know, your queen."


    One of the guards scoffs, stepping forward. A tall and imposing elf with sharp, calculating eyes¡ªher voice dripping with disdain.


    "Preposterous. A queen meeting with a puny human like you? Don''t make me laugh."


    Christiane''s eye twitches. It''s not just her condescending tone¡ªit''s the way she speaks. The arrogant, smug cadence, the slight tilt of her head, the way she practically breathes superiority.


    It''s exactly like my ex.


    His fingers twitch, and for a single, glorious moment, he considers summoning a sword wreathed in purple flames and reducing everything in his path to ash.


    Would it be worth it? Probably.


    Before he can act, the massive gates creak open, and a commanding voice echoes through the space.


    "Calm yourself, Vaelin. I invited them."


    The guard¡ªVaelin¡ªimmediately stiffens, her jaw tightening before she bows her head in reluctant acknowledgment.


    Through the gates steps Sylwen, exuding a natural authority that silences the tension in the air. Her silver hair catches the faint sunlight as she approaches, eyes calm yet piercing as they shift between Christian and Seraphina.


    "Welcome, Christian Arkwright, Queen Seraphina. I see you''ve met my ever-skeptical captain of the guard."


    Christian forces a pleasant smile as he lowers his hands, though his irritation still simmers.


    "Yeah. She''s a delight."


    Vaelin mutters something under her breath, but a sharp glance from Sylwen silences her.


    With that, she gestures for them to follow. "Come. We have much to discuss."


    Inside the elven meeting hall, carved seamlessly into the massive trees, Christian listens as Sylwen lays out the root of their problem.


    "Our tribe is growing larger by the year" Sylwen explains, her expression serious.


    "But our ability to store food is¡­ lacking. Our supplies must be consumed within a day or two, or they rot. This forces us into constant hunting and foraging cycles, which is beginning to exhaust our lands."


    Christian hums in thought, his fingers tapping against the wooden table.


    He''d always assumed elves lived off some mystical, nature-friendly diet, surviving on the energy of the land or some nonsense like that. But now?


    They eat¡­ meat? And plants?


    His brain short-circuits.


    WAIT¡ªElves aren''t strict vegans?! What the hell, fantasy authors!?


    Genesis flickers to life in front of him, its text appearing with an almost mocking lilt.


    [System Note: Congratulations, Administrator. You have unlocked Basic Common Sense.]


    Christian glares at the floating text, feeling utterly and completely betrayed by everything he ever read.


    This is unacceptable. I demand a refund from reality.


    Seraphina, watching his expression shift from intrigue to sheer frustration, raises an eyebrow.


    "Are you¡­ okay?"


    "No." Christian deadpans.


    "Reality is a lie, and I hate it."


    Sylwen watches them both with mild amusement before refocusing.


    "So, Christian. Can you help us?"


    Snapping back to the issue at hand, Christian nods. "Yeah. I think I can."


    Then, a thought strikes him. "What about powers? This world doesn''t seem too fond of them."


    Sylwen''s expression darkens slightly, a shadow of old memories passing over her face.


    "That is a complicated matter" she admits.


    "The war changed everything. I fought in it myself. And while the kingdom wants you to believe the heroes of that era were reckless, dangerous figures... the truth is not so simple."


    She leans back, eyes drifting as if recalling events long buried.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Were they destructive? Yes. Some of them destroyed entire forests while fighting high-ranking demons. But what''s worse? Losing a few trees, or returning home to find your family slaughtered? The kingdom''s version of history is... convenient. The heroes weren''t perfect, but they weren''t the villains they''ve been painted to be."


    Seraphina, arms crossed, tilts her head.


    "Then explain something to me. The records say that Elias Vaughn led an assault on the southern human settlements, wiping out entire villages. Was that justified?"


    Sylwen''s gaze sharpens. "That? That was not an attack. It was an evacuation mission gone wrong. The villages were already burning¡ªraided by demons. Elias and his people arrived too late to save most of them. When they tried to bring the survivors out, the kingdom called it treason, labelling them as the ones who started the destruction."


    Christian, sitting to the side, jots this down in his mental notes, processing the difference in narratives.


    Seraphina isn''t done. "And the siege of Elnora? The records say the heroes used forbidden magic to obliterate the fortress and everyone inside."


    Sylwen exhales slowly. "That was a last resort. The fortress was a stronghold for corrupted nobles experimenting on captured warriors, including elves. We tried to negotiate their release¡ªElias tried¡ªbut when that failed, he chose the fastest way to end their suffering. Was it clean? No. But the alternative was watching thousands rot in cages."


    Christian watches Sylwen''s expression, a mix of bitterness and regret.


    She''s wondering just how much of history has been rewritten, and how much has been erased outright.


    Sylwen exhales, steadying herself. "On one hand, the kingdom''s version of history is just a very, very exaggerated truth. Yes, the heroes were destructive, and yes, their battles reshaped the land. But it was for the greater good. I''m sure every hero in Elias Vaughn''s party had to measure the lives they saved against the lives they sacrificed. They weren''t perfect."


    She looks down at her hands for a moment before meeting Seraphina''s gaze.


    "If anything, I believe that made them the most human. Even when the decree came to kill them all, they didn''t resist. They could have survived, could have disappeared into the world and lived in hiding. But they chose to die for the sake of humanity. So, it''s hard to say."


    Her voice softens, her expression unreadable.


    "I''ve made peace with it. Especially with Elias. He tried his best."


    Since neither Christian nor Seraphina speaks, Sylwen breaks the silence.


    "If you''re worried that I''m some rat for the kingdom, don''t be. We elves have our own stance on the heroes. To us, they were more good than bad. So don''t be afraid. Plus... I pay very generously."


    She reaches into a pouch and drops a heavy bag onto the table. The weight alone makes a dull thud, and when it spills slightly open, gold coins gleam in the dim light.


    Even Seraphina, usually composed, raises an eyebrow.


    That kind of money wasn''t easy to come by¡ªeven for a top noble.


    "I will pay 1,000 gold coins for two generators and a couple of fridges" Sylwen states.


    Christian, who had been diligently making mental notes, promptly abandons them the moment he sees the number.


    One thousand gold?!


    Genesis flickers to life.


    [Administrator Inquiry Detected: What is the value of 1,000 gold coins?]


    [Processing...]


    [In this world, 1,000 gold coins can buy:]


    A fully furnished noble estate with servants for ten years.


    The annual salary of a royal knight captain lifetime.


    Enough supplies to feed a village for 30 years.


    Christian stares at the information, blinking slowly.


    I could be rich...


    His mind drifts into a luxurious daydream. He envisions himself lounging on a grand estate, surrounded by beautiful maids and impossibly handsome butlers catering to his every whim. Dressed in nothing but an extravagant robes, he reclines on a lavish chair, sipping the finest wine, giggling to himself as mountains of gold surround him. The life of an absurdly wealthy man¡ªthis is his destiny.


    In reality, however, he is giggling like a madman, eyes sparkling with unfiltered greed.


    Sylwen raises an eyebrow and glances at Seraphina. "Is he... alright?"


    Seraphina sighs, facepalming. "He''s... peculiar."


    Regaining his composure, Christian clears his throat and straightens up.


    "Alright, I accept your offer. Now, where can I find a strong flowing river or a waterfall?"


    Sylwen, amused by Christian''s sudden shift back to business, gestures for them to follow. As they walk, Christian takes in the breathtaking elven state. The streets are lined with intricately carved wooden buildings, seamlessly blended into the massive trees they rest upon.


    Bridges made of woven vines connect the structures, glowing with soft bioluminescent flowers that illuminate the paths. Every elf he passes is either elegantly beautiful or strikingly handsome, their features refined as if sculpted by nature itself.


    Exiting the settlement, the forest around them shifts in an almost dreamlike manner. The trees hum with latent magic, their leaves shimmering in shades of emerald and silver. Then, they arrive at the river¡ªits waters flowing with an unnatural clarity, glowing faintly under the dappled sunlight.


    A powerful waterfall crashes down from a cliffside, sending mist into the air, filling their lungs with crisp, clean energy.


    Christian nods in approval. "Perfect. Now, this is where I need strong people."


    With renewed focus, he begins crafting. Thanks to his titles and upgrades, the mental strain is drastically reduced, and his mana feels untouched. Within a mere 40 minutes, he completes three generators¡ªtossing in an extra one for free¡ªand nine fridges powered by the strong current.


    He gathers the elves around and explains the intricate wiring, showing them where the energy is stored. The fridges are placed in a single designated area, making food preservation far easier.


    "And if the river ever weakens" he adds, "I''ve engineered the generators to absorb solar energy as well. The panels will store excess power during the day, ensuring continuous operation."


    He smirks, dusting off his hands. "So, I''d say that''s a job well done."


    A system notification pings before his eyes.


    [System Update: Level Increased!]


    [Christian has levelled up from Level 3 to Level 5.]


    [Creation Magic ¡ú Level 30. New sub-abilities unlocked:]


    Auto-Construct: Allows automated construction of simple objects without manual guidance.


    Material Transmutation: Enhances the ability to alter material properties mid-creation.


    Blueprint Archive: Stores previous successful designs for instant recall.


    Mana Efficiency: Further reduces mana consumption during creation.


    [New Feature Unlocked: Optional Missions (Spatial-Related)]


    Dimensional Pocket Training: Learn to create and manipulate personal storage spaces to carry supplies without extra weight.


    Short-Distance Blink Mastery: Train in controlled teleportation for quick evasions and movement in battle.


    [New Missions Available: Physical Training Challenges]


    Endurance Runs: Sprint 10 km daily without stopping. (0/1)


    Weighted Training: Carry 50 kg while completing daily tasks. (0/1)


    Strength Drills: Lift and hold heavy objects for increasing durations. (0/60 seconds)


    Agility Courses: Navigate obstacle courses designed to improve reaction speed. (0/4)


    Combat Drills: Engage in controlled sparring sessions with trained fighters. (0/2)


    Balance Training: Traverse narrow surfaces to enhance coordination. (0/5)


    Flexibility Training: Perform extensive stretching routines to improve mobility. (0/7)


    Climbing Challenges: Scale trees, cliffs, or rock walls daily. (0/1)


    Endurance Sparring: Fight against multiple opponents without breaks. (0/1)


    Mental Fortitude Exercises: Maintain focus under extreme conditions. (0/7)


    Failure to complete weekly tasks will result in... appropriate disciplinary measures.


    [Mission Deadlines Updated: Remaining Days Adjusted]


    [Creation Magic Description Unlocked: " ???????. The power to manifest the intangible, shaping the unseen into reality. ?????"]


    Christian watches as his status screen shifts to a different hue, a deep indigo now overlaying its usual blue.


    Another notification pops up.


    [New Title Acquired: ''Hero of Preservation'']


    [Effect: Actions that sustain communities or prevent starvation yield increased rewards.]


    Christian grins, stretching his arms. Well, looks like I just became even more amazing.

 Chapter 11: Two Days Left

    Christian leans against the carriage window, watching the morning light filter through the trees as they leave elven territory. His mind drifts back to what the elves had done with their newly acquired fridges.


    They had wasted no time putting them to use. Shelves now stocked with perfectly preserved meats, exotic fruits, medicinal herbs, and even vials of enchanted elven wine. It was a far cry from their previous struggle to keep food fresh.


    He recalls the conversation with Sylwen the night before departure.


    "I need manpower for a new project" Christian had said, his tone unusually serious.


    "Something that benefits not just you, but everyone."


    Sylwen had studied him for a long moment before finally nodding.


    "If it aligns with our values, then I will send my people."


    Now, as the estate comes into view, the reality of that agreement hits.


    Behind their carriage, 1,000 elves march in disciplined formation. Their presence is almost ethereal, their elegant movements effortless even on uneven terrain. As the golden sunrise washes over them, their features seem otherworldly¡ªeach one breathtakingly beautiful or strikingly fierce.


    Christian peeks outside, grinning. ¡°Well, that ought to turn some heads.¡±


    Seraphina exhales slowly, adjusting her collar. ¡°That¡¯s putting it lightly.¡±


    As the carriage halts in the courtyard, the gathered staff and children freeze in place. The maids and butlers, usually composed, stare with wide eyes. The orphan children inch forward, whispering in awe at the towering, graceful figures.


    One of the maids finally breathes out "Mr. Christian¡­ what did you do?"


    Christian hops down, stretching his arms. ¡°I brought help.¡±


    He barely has time to enjoy their reactions before a system notification pings in his mind.


    [Water Purification: 3 days remaining.]


    [Sanitation Project: 2 days remaining.]


    Tch, cutting it close he mutters, rubbing his forehead.


    Genesis, give me a rundown on the current state of water purification.


    The system flickers before displaying an analysis:


    [Most commoners drink contaminated water, leading to widespread disease.]


    [Nobles rely on basic filtration through boiling or low-grade magic stones¡ªinefficient and unsustainable.]


    [Sewage often mixes with local water sources due to poor infrastructure.]


    [Alchemy-based purification exists but is costly and limited to wealthy regions.]


    Christian clicks his tongue.


    Alright, we¡¯re fixing all of this now.


    He quickly maps out a multi-phase plan mentally:


    Phase 1: Large-scale water filtration using layered sand, charcoal, and magic-infused stones.


    Phase 2: Diverting waste into a proper sewage system instead of contaminating water sources.


    Phase 3: Implementing mana-powered filtration towers connected to hydrogenerators for long-term sustainability.


    Phase 4: Educating the populace on proper sanitation and waste disposal.


    Christian crosses his arms and turns to Seraphina and the three elves accompanying them¡ªEryndil, a tall, soft-spoken male with keen observation skills, Vaela, a sharp-eyed warrior with braided silver hair, and Lyara, a younger elf with an inquisitive mind.


    "Alright, before we start, I need to know¡ªwhere exactly do you all get your water from?"


    Seraphina answers first, her tone measured.


    "For the estate, fresh water is drawn from underground wells and occasionally the river to the east. But during dry seasons, it becomes unreliable."


    Vaela nods. "Elven settlements rely on enchanted springs and deep forest reservoirs. Our purification is mostly magic-based, but it only sustains smaller populations. It would never work for an entire human city."


    Lyara frowns. "And commoners¡­ well, they get it from wherever they can¡ªstreams, ponds, even runoff from the mountains. It''s no wonder disease spreads so easily."


    Christian nods, rolling up his sleeves.


    "Alright, we¡¯ll tackle this in two parts. First, sanitation. Second, water purification."


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    He turns to the elves. "I need 700 of you to begin construction on a dam and long-term reservoir near the river to the east. The rest of you will help me build large underground cisterns for clean water storage at the estate. We¡¯re going to use a mix of earthworks, stone reinforcement, and magic to ensure they¡¯re sealed properly."


    Eryndil¡¯s eyes gleam with interest. "A sustainable water system¡­ It will take time, but it¡¯s possible."


    Christian smirks. "That¡¯s why we have magic to speed things up."


    He then snaps his fingers.


    "Next¡ªsanitation. We¡¯ll build a sealed sewage system that directs waste into underground treatment pits. Magic purification stones will break down harmful bacteria while natural alchemy accelerates decomposition."


    Vaela crosses her arms. "That¡­ might actually work."


    Christian grins.


    "Of course it will. Oh, and while we¡¯re at it¡ªI¡¯ve always loved the idea of open-air bathhouses from a book I read. Let¡¯s build one for the estate first. Then we¡¯ll work on a public version for the city."


    Seraphina rubs her forehead. "You don¡¯t do things halfway, do you?"


    Genesis flickers smugly.


    [Administrator¡¯s ambition exceeds rational limits. Noted.]


    Christian claps his hands together.


    "Alright, people! Let¡¯s get to work."


    He shuts his eyes for a moment, diving deep into his mental blueprint. With Auto-Construct aiding him, he visualizes the dam and reservoir, carefully laying out measurements, material requirements, and structural reinforcements. The Blueprint Archive feature recalls past structures, allowing him to refine weak points and enhance durability with earth magic and reinforced stone layers.


    Once satisfied, he manifests a large-scale blueprint onto enchanted paper, the detailed schematics unfolding in crisp ink. He hands it to the 700 elves, each also receiving a notebook thanks to his Mass Production skill.


    Turning to Vaela and Lyara, he recalls the cistern structure, tweaking its dimensions to match local conditions. With a flick of his fingers, he conjures another set of detailed plans, distributing them among the 300 elves assigned to sanitation and water storage.


    As the workers disperse, Christian exhales sharply, a wave of exhaustion washing over him. The sheer scale of mass-producing so many blueprints taxes his mind, but before he can dwell on the strain¡ª


    [Creation Magic ¡ú Level 31]


    [New Feature Unlocked: Ability Fusion]


    Genesis flickers to life.


    [Administrator can now merge compatible skills for hybrid effects. Experimentation is encouraged.]


    Christian blinks, then grins. "Oh, now that sounds fun."


    Genesis flickers again. [Would you like a tutorial?]


    Christian gasps. "Oh my god, you''re actually teaching me?"


    Genesis pauses. [...]


    [Contemplating.]


    A moment later, the system relents.


    [Introducing: ARCHIVE x MEMORY BLUEPRINT.]


    [New Fusion Ability Unlocked: Archive Memory Blueprint]


    Function: Allows instant recall and real-time modification of any previously designed blueprint, reducing mental strain when making adjustments mid-creation.


    Christian smirks.


    [WARNING: 5 Hours Remaining to Complete Daily Tasks.]


    Christian''s grin fades away as soon as the notification appears.


    [Tasks Due:]


    Sprinting: 10 km.


    Strength Training: Lift and hold heavy objects for 60 seconds.


    Endurance Load: Carry a total of 50kg throughout the day.


    Flexibility Drills: Complete stretching routines.


    Agility Course: Scale either a tree, rock, or cliff.


    Mental Fortitude: Maintain focus under extreme pressure.


    He groans.


    Genesis, do I look like I have time for this?


    [Observation: Administrator should have planned better.]


    Rolling his eyes, he decides to multitask¡ªhelping around the construction site while knocking out as many requirements as possible.


    He starts by hauling supply crates, using the weight to count toward his endurance load.


    Alright, this counts, right?


    [Confirmed: 17kg accumulated. 33kg remaining.]


    Next, he moves stone reinforcements, mentally timing himself.


    "One minute. Just hold... hold..."


    By the time he sets it down, sweat beads at his forehead.


    "Why does this feel harder than magic?"


    Eryndil, passing by, smirks. "Strength training?"


    "Shut up."


    To fulfill his sprint requirement, he dashes across the site delivering tools, startling several workers. Lyara watches in disbelief.


    "Does he ever slow down?"


    Seraphina sighs. "Not willingly."


    He finally climbs a towering tree, arms burning as he reaches the top. Catching his breath, he mutters


    "And they say magic is overpowered..."


    That night, as everyone retires to their beds or temporary quarters set up by Seraphina for the elves, Christian checks his system interface once more. His eyes narrow as he notices the incomplete task list.


    [Daily Tasks Remaining:]


    Sprinting: 2 km left.


    He groans, rubbing his face. "Of course, the hardest part is still left."


    With an exhausted sigh, he tightens his boots and steps outside. The night air is cool, the sky painted with shimmering stars, but he barely notices as he starts sprinting. Every muscle in his body protests. His lungs burn, his legs ache, and his body screams at him to stop.


    Why the hell am I burdened with this?! he mentally rages, gritting his teeth as he pushes forward.


    Genesis flickers to life.


    [Because you were chosen to be this world¡¯s hero.]


    Christian nearly trips. His frustration spikes.


    "I didn¡¯t ask for this!"


    [Your desires and requirements met the conditions. The system merely acted accordingly.]


    He clenches his fists, pushing harder, even as the exhaustion feels unbearable.


    "I never wanted to be anyone¡¯s hero!"


    He snaps into the empty night. But still, he doesn¡¯t stop running.


    Genesis flickers again.


    [Why?]


    Christian exhales sharply, his breaths ragged as he forces his aching legs forward.


    "Why? You really want to know why? Fine¡ªbecause my old life sucked."


    He grits his teeth, pushing harder against the burning in his muscles.


    "I spent my entire life scraping by, trying to make something of myself. I worked myself half to death, trying to be better, trying to prove something¡ªto who? No one. Myself, maybe. And what did I get? A life of struggle and then a pointless death."


    He wipes sweat from his brow, his pace unwavering.


    "I thought maybe, just maybe, if I had another chance, I could finally live for myself. But no¡ªnow I¡¯m stuck playing hero for a world I didn¡¯t ask to be in. Do you have any idea how exhausting that is?!"


    Genesis remains silent for a moment before responding.


    [And yet, you are still running.]


    Christian lets out a frustrated laugh. "Yeah. Because if I stop, I lose."


    Genesis hums.


    [If you never wanted this, then why did you improve the estate without anyone asking you to?]


    Christian stumbles slightly, his breath hitching. "I¡ª"


    He clamps his mouth shut, frustration warring with realization.


    "Because it was inefficient! It was a mess, and no one was fixing it, and¡ªI just could. So I did."


    [And why did you care if it was a mess?]


    He scowls.


    "Because... because it was annoying! If things are broken, you fix them. That¡¯s just common sense."


    Genesis remains silent for a long moment. Then, with what almost sounds like amusement, it responds:


    [Not everyone thinks like that, Administrator.]

 Chapter 12: F-

    For the past three days, Christian has been living in a waking nightmare.


    Every morning, he forces himself out of bed, muscles screaming in protest, only to throw himself headfirst into construction work¡ªhauling heavy materials, sprinting from one site to another, and climbing scaffolding like his life depends on it. Which, technically, it does.


    His daily physical training requirements loom over her like a death sentence, and he kills two birds with one stone by incorporating them into his work.


    Carrying 50kg? He lifts crates of stone and metal.


    Sprinting 10km? He dashes across the site, delivering tools.


    Climbing exercises? He scales half-built water towers, much to the horror of the supervising elves.


    Mental Fortitude Training? Trying not to scream every time Genesis reminds him he still has more tasks to complete.


    By the time the third day ends, he barely has the strength to check his status screen. But he does.


    And what does he see?


    [Physical Grade: F-]


    Christian stares. He refreshes the screen. It does not change.


    A strangled noise escapes his throat.


    "Are you telling me¡­ I went through hell for an F minus?!"


    Genesis hums, utterly indifferent.


    [Progress is progress, Administrator.]


    Christian closes his eyes and inhales deeply¡ªnot out of calm, but because he¡¯s resisting the very real urge to throw a rock at something.


    Despite his miserable ranking, he does level up in certain aspects.


    [Strength, Speed, and Durability Increased.]


    [New Passive Ability Unlocked: Adaptive Physique ¨C Reduces fatigue build-up over long periods.]


    [Special Reward Unlocked for Completing Three Consecutive Major Tasks.]


    He wants to be happy, he really does. But his body is in shambles, and he cannot process joy right now.


    At the very least, the projects are a success. The cistern system works flawlessly, ensuring clean, safe drinking water for the estate and surrounding areas. The sewage system is operational, preventing contamination and finally solving the sanitation crisis. The open-air bathhouse at the estate is complete, and the staff and orphans are obsessed with it. Plans for the public bathhouse in the city are finalized, set to begin construction soon.


    The moment he announces completion, he expects praise. Instead, he is met with two very angry individuals.


    Vaela and Seraphina physically restrain him from moving another step.


    "You look half-dead" Vaela says bluntly, arms crossed.


    "Sit. Down."


    Seraphina sighs, rubbing her forehead. "I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this, but I agree with her. Rest."


    Christian groans. "But I still have¡ª"


    [Mission Tasks Temporarily Locked. Recovery Mode Activated.]


    He freezes. Genesis just locked him out of work.


    Oh, you traitor!


    [Administrator must rest before further enhancements can be made.]


    He glares at the system notifications, but even his body betrays him, sinking into the nearest seat like dead weight.


    Fine, if Genesis is locking me out from work, I might as well check what special reward I got.


    Alright, Genesis, let''s see what I got.


    Genesis hums, and a flashy notification appears like an unboxing animation.


    [Congratulations! Special Reward Unlocked!]


    [New Feature: Elemental Integration ¨C Creation Magic can now be wielded like standard magic.]


    A line of text follows.


    [Did you ever want to use Fireball like you tried a few days ago? Now you can!]


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Christian''s eyes widen, excitement bubbling in his chest, but then he notices a very small, nearly invisible disclaimer written in microscopic font, as if it were part of a contract.


    [User must be able to imagine, feel the element in their mind, and properly channel mana to manifest it. Results may vary and are entirely dependent on YOUR skill.]


    Christian groans.


    Of course there¡¯s a catch.


    Still, curiosity gets the better of him. He lazily raises a hand, deciding to test this so-called elemental integration.


    Closing his eyes, he envisions a fireball, not expecting much. The mana within him stirs, flowing from his core like liquid heat, spiralling through his limbs and pooling in his palm. A tingling sensation spreads across his fingers as the air distorts¡ªwinds of fire curling together, flickering into existence.


    Before he can process it, the fireball bursts forth with a sharp crack, shooting across the room like an uncontrolled cannonball. It slams into a nearby pillar, scorching the surface but thankfully not breaking it.


    Silence.


    Christian stares, mouth slightly open. He definitely did not expect that to work.


    Seraphina and Vaela, who had been watching, mirror his expression.


    Seraphina is the first to recover. "If you really didn¡¯t want to rest, you didn¡¯t have to kill us."


    Christian, still staring at his hand, mutters "I¡­ I didn¡¯t expect that to work."


    Genesis flickers to life, its usual composed tone genuinely shaken.


    [Administrator... You successfully wielded elemental magic on the first attempt?]


    Christian snaps his head toward the system interface, eyes narrowing.


    Are you doubting me? ME?!


    Two days pass, and Christian remains confined to the estate, trapped in a cycle of training and frustration.


    His routine is set: wake up, complete his daily physical tasks, oversee the estate, and then fail spectacularly at the one thing he actually wants to do¡ªwielding magic.


    He manages to finish most of his physical requirements, but two still haunt him


    Combat Drills ¨C He doesn¡¯t know how to fight.


    Endurance Sparring ¨C He is not a fighter.


    And now, the mission countdown has dropped to 48 hours.


    "Damn you, Genesis" he mutters, glaring at the blinking timer.


    "I swear you do this just to spite me."


    Even worse? He can¡¯t cast magic anymore.


    The fireball had been a fluke. He tries again¡ªnothing. He knows he felt it before, but now it¡¯s like grasping at smoke.


    Frustration simmers in his chest as he finally marches up to Seraphina¡¯s door and knocks.


    When she opens it, he crosses his arms.


    "I need two people to spar with me. Or teach me. I don¡¯t know, I feel like learning."


    Seraphina blinks, clearly confused. "Why the sudden interest?"


    Christian shrugs, his expression comically unreadable.


    "Ah, well, you know. Since the Order wants to kill people like me and the sweet children, I figured I should learn how to protect myself."


    Seraphina stares at him for a long moment before sighing.


    "You¡¯re impossible. Fine. Adam and Garreth will spar with you."


    Minutes later, they step onto the training grounds, where some elves, maids, and every single orphan have gathered to watch.


    Adam, stretching his arms, smirks at Christian.


    "Go easy on me, yeah?"


    Christian exhales, rolling his shoulders.


    "Yeah, yeah, let¡¯s just get this over with."


    The fight begins.


    Christian throws the first punch¡ªand completely misses. Adam sidesteps effortlessly, watching as he stumbles forward, barely catching himself.


    "¡­That was sad" he comments.


    Christian grits his teeth and lunges again. Adam doesn¡¯t even move. Instead, he tilts his head slightly, and Christian trips over his own momentum, tumbling onto the dirt.


    The audience collectively winces.


    Vaela mutters "This is a disaster."


    Garreth, arms crossed, watches with mild amusement.


    "That¡¯s not fighting. That¡¯s flailing with extra steps."


    Christian groans, lying flat on the ground. "¡­I regret everything."


    Then, an idea sparks in his mind. Without standing, he activates his creation magic, summoning a wooden throwing sword in her palm. With a flick of his wrist, he hurls it toward Adam.


    Adam, eyes widening, reacts instantly¡ªhis own wooden training sword swings up, deflecting the projectile mid-air with a sharp crack.


    The crowd collectively gasps.


    Adam raises an eyebrow. "Okay. That was actually decent. Got any more tricks?"


    Christian still face-down on the dirt, groans. "Give me a minute."


    And then, the situation devolves into utter chaos.


    Christian fueled by desperation and sheer stubbornness, starts summoning and hurling wooden daggers and swords endlessly at Adam while screaming incoherent nonsense.


    "Go! Take this! And that! You fool! Accept your fate!"


    He yells, launching another poorly-aimed projectile.


    Adam, now dodging and parrying like his life depends on it, shouts back


    "Are you even aiming?!"


    Genesis, watching the spectacle unfold, exudes the energy of a mother who has given up on her child¡¯s life choices.


    [This is the world¡¯s only hero¡­]


    Christian hisses in his mind


    I didn¡¯t ask to be this world¡¯s hero, so you get what you see!


    With renewed vigor (and no strategy), he throws a javelin into the mix, sending it hurtling toward Adam. His eyes widen as he barely dodges, and before he can recover, Garreth is forced to join the fight, using his real sword to deflect the incoming projectiles.


    The audience watches in absolute disbelief.


    One of the orphan kids, Lina, whispers "Is¡­ is he winning?"


    A maid, Marianne, shakes her head. "I don¡¯t think anyone is winning."


    An elf, Eryndil, mutters "This isn¡¯t training. This is pure, unfiltered chaos."


    Vaela, arms crossed, sighs "At this point, he¡¯s just hoping something lands."


    Genesis, barely maintaining composure.


    [Administrator, I refuse to acknowledge this as a valid combat strategy.]


    Christian hisses back in his mind


    I never ask for this either


    With that, he kicks things up a notch. Summoning a spear wreathed in flickering flames, he spins it wildly like a performer in a circus, using the sheer momentum to keep Adam and Garreth at bay.


    To his surprise, it actually works.


    Adam, circling cautiously, mutters, "Okay, I¡¯ll admit¡ªthat¡¯s a little intimidating."


    Garreth exhales, tightening his grip on his sword. "Don¡¯t let his theatrics fool you. He¡¯s still flailing."


    Christian ignoring them both, creates another weapon¡ªa dagger infused with smoke magic.


    Without hesitation, he drops it to the ground, and the moment it hits, thick smoke erupts, cloaking the entire field.


    The audience gasps as he vanishes into the haze.


    "Oh, come on" Adam grumbles, waving smoke from his face.


    Within the dense fog, Christian manifests a wind-imbued staff, gripping it tightly.


    He lunges¡ªwild, untrained, and entirely unpredictable.


    What follows can only be described as an absolute disaster.


    With zero technique, he flails through the smoke, swinging wildly at shadows while Adam and Garreth are forced to defend against his chaotic barrage.


    The fight finally ends when Genesis chimes in with a notification.


    [Weekly Training Requirements Met. Task Complete.]


    Christian freezes mid-attack. Adam takes the opening to knock the staff from his hands, and Garreth swiftly moves behind him, pinning his arms to prevent further madness.


    Breathing heavily, Christian stares at the notification, then at the two men holding him in place.


    "¡­Well. That worked out nicely."

 Chapter 13: Progress

    The dam and reservoir were finally taking shape. After days of tireless labour, Christian rode out to oversee their progress, watching as hundreds of elves worked in unison. Earth magic reinforced the dam''s base while skilled craftsmen laid stone structures to guide the water flow. The reservoir, carved into the natural landscape, gleamed under the morning sun, already partially filled from diverted river channels.


    Vaela greeted him as she dismounted.


    "Everything is progressing as expected. The structural reinforcements are holding, and we''ve begun testing controlled water flow."


    Christian nodded, pleased.


    "Good. Make sure the spillways are angled properly. We don''t want unexpected flooding."


    He adjusted a few blueprint details on-site, ensuring the system''s long-term stability. The dam would not only control water for agricultural and household use but, in the future, provide the foundation for something far greater¡ªa sustainable energy source.


    Back at the estate, Christian met with Seraphina in her office. The scent of aged parchment and ink filled the air as maps and documents lay scattered across the desk.


    "I want to discuss something important" Christian began, leaning forward.


    "A power grid."


    Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "And that is¡­?"


    He exhaled, already expecting her confusion.


    "Think of it as a system to generate, store, and distribute energy efficiently. Right now, our hydrogenerators are producing power, but we need a structured way to send that energy where it''s needed. We can use mana-infused conduits to act as energy pathways, like veins in a body, ensuring a continuous flow."


    Seraphina rubbed her chin, intrigued.


    "So instead of each place relying on its own small power source, everything connects to a larger network?"


    "Exactly!" Christian grinned.


    "This way, even places that can''t afford their own generators can tap into the grid and get access to energy. We can start with the estate and expand outward."


    Before Seraphina could respond, a system notification popped up in his mind.


    [Sanitation System Operational for One Week ¨C Achievement Unlocked!]


    [New Title Acquired: Architect of Clean Waters (Lv. 1) ¨C Increases efficiency of water-related constructions. Level increases over time and with further contributions.]


    Christian smirked, satisfied. Progress was tangible, and now the system itself acknowledged it.


    His efforts weren''t just temporary solutions¡ªthey were changing lives.


    Seraphina studied him for a moment before asking, "How would it look?"


    Christian closed his eyes, visualizing the structure in his mind. Within seconds, he conjured a sheet of paper into his hand, the design materializing in crisp ink. He handed it to her.


    Seraphina took it, scanning the intricate diagram. She hummed in understanding.


    "Alright, this could work. But what if the river dies down one day?"


    Christian blinked, then smirked.


    "Good point. I should integrate a solar system directly into the estate and connect it to the generator or the grid as a backup power source. That way, we''re not entirely dependent on the water supply."


    Seraphina nodded. "That sounds more sustainable."


    Later that evening, curiosity gnawed at him.


    The name Elias Vaughn had surfaced too many times, always drenched in condemnation. If he wanted to understand why the world feared magic, he had to start with the man history branded as a villain.


    He made his way to the estate''s vast library, where towering shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, packed with books that carried the kingdom''s recorded past. Some of the orphans, intrigued by his search, trailed after him, eager to help.


    "We''re looking for anything on Elias Vaughn" he told them.


    The children scattered, returning with an overwhelming stack of tomes, each more damning than the last.


    ''The Harbinger of Chaos: The Fall of Elias Vaughn.''


    ''Tyrant of the Battlefield: The Man Who Doomed a Generation.''


    ''The Cursed Hero Who Betrayed the Kingdom.''


    Christian frowned as he flipped through the pages. Every account demonized him. He was depicted as a brilliant strategist turned ruthless warlord, a man whose magic led to widespread destruction. Nowhere did it mention his motivations¡ªonly his acts of destruction.


    Noel, one of the older orphans, hesitated before speaking.


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    "Mr Christian¡­ if he was so evil, why did he help people before the war?"


    He glanced at him.


    "What do you mean?"


    Noel shifted uncomfortably.


    "My grandfather used to say that Elias protected small villages. That he fought to keep people safe. But the books say he destroyed everything. It doesn''t make sense."


    Marie, another orphan, shuddered.


    "Maybe it''s because he was cursed. They say his power wasn''t a blessing¡ªit was a punishment."


    Christian''s fingers tightened around the book he was holding.


    A curse? That explanation felt convenient. Too convenient.


    A small flare of mana crackled in the air, and he turned just in time to see a faint glow emitting from one of the orphans'' hands. The boy gasped, shoving his hand behind his back as if burned.


    "I-I didn''t mean to!" he stammered, eyes wide with fear.


    The others recoiled slightly, the stigma of magic ingrained so deeply that even children were terrified of it.


    Christian sighed, closing the book in front of him.


    It wasn''t just history that needed rewriting¡ªit was the way people thought about power itself.


    "Magic isn''t a curse" he said, his voice calm but firm.


    "It''s a tool. Like fire, or water. It can be dangerous, but that doesn''t make it evil."


    He glanced at the elves who had helped build the reservoir, an idea forming.


    "Look at the elves" he continued.


    "Their earth magic literally shapes the land. If magic was inherently evil, wouldn''t that make them dangerous too?"


    The children exchanged looks.


    "Yeah, but..." one of them Lina, hesitated.


    "Elves don''t usually mix with humans. Until you came."


    Noel nodded.


    "And the kingdom emperor allows elves to use magic because their powers don''t cause harm. They''re exempt from the same restrictions placed on humans."


    Christian crossed his arms.


    "Well, what about me? Am I evil?"


    The children opened their mouths to immediately deny it¡ªbut then they hesitated. Their minds flashed back to multiple moments where Christian''s grin turned devilish at the mere mention of profit.


    Marie nervously shifted. "W-Well..."


    Noel coughed. "I mean... technically¡ª"


    Lina sighed, looking away.


    "Mr Christian, you kinda have that face when talking about business..."


    Christian narrowed his eyes. "Hmph. Traitors."


    Some of the children didn''t look convinced, their whole lives spent hearing otherwise.


    Christian understood.


    Change didn''t happen overnight.


    As he gazed at the books surrounding him, filled with what was likely rewritten truths, he muttered under his breath


    "History is written by the victors¡­ I need to find records they didn''t alter."


    Lina, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.


    "Well, demons actually remember history better than some elves. They write a lot of it down. Technically, they''re on good terms with humanity thanks to the kingdom, but it''s a very thin line. Elias killed a lot of demons without mercy."


    Deciding he needed to think further on this, he turned to the children with a small smile.


    "It''s getting late. You should all get some rest."


    Thankfully, Mina arrived just in time, gathering the orphans with a gentle but firm hand.


    "Come along now, everyone. Mr Christian has done enough storytelling for one night."


    The children groaned but obeyed, each bidding Christian farewell.


    "Goodnight, Mr Christian!" they chorused.


    Christian gave them a sincere wave and smile.


    "Goodnight. Sleep well."


    Christian hummed in thought. Well, they are demons, no? Wouldn''t they be inherently evil?


    Genesis flickered to life.


    [Not really.]


    A new system prompt displayed historical records, detailing demon society.


    Unlike the kingdom''s accounts, these described demons acting like any other race¡ªsome were good, some were bad. Well¡­ maybe 80% bad, but the point stood: no race was purely evil.


    Christian''s eyes narrowed as he read. The records also suggested that because Elias managed to kill the old Demon Lord, the new one was far more tolerant¡ªyet never forgot history.


    A thought nagged at him. In his mental space, he directed the question at Genesis.


    Just how strong was this Elias Vaughn?


    The system responded almost instantly.


    [Elias Vaughn was considered one of the most powerful combatants of his era and the world. His strength lay not only in his raw magical ability but in his adaptability. He wielded multiple elements, enhanced his physical body beyond human limits, and was known for his ability to dismantle entire armies single-handedly. In battle, he was an unstoppable force¡ªone that reshaped the war itself.]


    Christian exhaled sharply, absorbing the information.


    "So, he wasn''t just strong. He was a one-man catastrophe?"


    Curiosity gnawed at him, and before he could stop himself, he asked


    "Well, if I were to somehow fight him with my modern knowledge and my seemingly endless mana, could I win?"


    Genesis didn''t even hesitate. The moment he finished speaking, the answer came.


    [No.]


    Christian blinked. "That was fast."


    [Even if you tried one billion times with your current state, you would lose. It wouldn''t matter if you could think better than Elias. By all official accounts¡ªand even the rumours¡ªyou would lose. Infinitely.]


    Christian clicked his tongue, leaning back in mild annoyance.


    "That bad, huh?"


    Genesis flickered again.


    [Correct.]


    [Elias Vaughn''s feats are legendary, though much of his history is buried beneath propaganda. In war, he was an army unto himself. He single-handedly turned the tide in multiple large-scale battles, wielding destruction with terrifying precision.]


    [Against human armies, he dismantled entire battalions through a combination of elemental magic and close combat expertise. He fought with the precision of a tactician, predicting movements before they happened, cutting through formations like a blade through parchment.]


    [Against demons, his reputation was even more fearsome. He led countless campaigns deep into enemy territory, eliminating high-ranking demon generals with brutal efficiency. It is rumoured that he fought the previous Demon Lord in single combat and emerged victorious, though no verified records remain.]


    Christian leaned back, processing the sheer scale of his strength.


    "So, not just a powerhouse¡ªhe was a calculated powerhouse."


    A nagging thought refused to leave his mind.


    "If he was so damn powerful, how did he die during the purge?"


    Genesis hesitated for a brief moment before responding.


    [Two primary theories exist: First, Elias Vaughn willingly surrendered after all his comrades were killed. Second, the kingdom claims he was forcefully executed in a final battle against overwhelming odds.]


    Christian frowned. "And the unofficial account?"


    [There is a third, lesser-known rumor¡ªthat Elias died on his own terms. The details are scarce, but some believe he orchestrated his own demise rather than letting the kingdom claim victory over him.]


    Christian tapped his fingers on the desk, deep in thought.


    "So, either he was overwhelmed, gave up, or pulled off something no one understands."


    Genesis flickered again.


    [Because of his actions, magic became taboo for humanity and limited for certain races.]


    Christian frowned. "Which ones?"


    [Elves, demons under the new Demon Lord, and dwarves.]


    Genesis continued.


    [Elves are allowed to continue using magic because their earth magic is largely non-destructive. Dwarves, while not heavy magic users, utilize enchantments and runic forging, which do not directly harm anyone. As for demons, they rarely use magic anymore since Elias'' battle with the Demon Lord. The scars of that conflict run deep, and the new Demon Lord has enforced a strict policy to avoid drawing attention from humanity again.]


    Christian exhaled, running a hand through his hair.


    "So, thanks to Elias, human magic users are persecuted, and the few races still practicing it either keep it minimal or have political exemptions. Sounds like a damn mess."