LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 10 – The tastiest cookie of them all.
Name: Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod
Powers: Dark Offering, Camouflage, Storage, Teleport, Reality Travel, Evolution, Enhancement, Increase Compatibility 1(New), True Tongue 1(New), Unreality Affinity 1(New), Void Affinity 1(New), Space Affinity 1(New), True Sun Affinity 1(New), Immortal Body 1(New), Immortal Soul 1(New), Divinity 1(New), Sanitization(New)
Basic Energy: 809
Evolution Energy A: 186.5
Enhancement Energy A: 4
Yes, this is my new status.
I came a long way in one and a half days.
Of course, most of it came from merging with Trod. I am not too happy about being forcefully turned to resemble another person, god, or Eldritch Monstrosity, whatever you would like to call it.
But I can probably live with it. Not every day do you get the chance to become a god.
Sure, it isn't free, and I paid the price, and I will probably pay even more, but after fusing with Trod, I am a bit more at peace with the idea.
Probably because it changed part of me, no doubt.
Anyways...
"Those powers are becoming an eyeful. Some ordering should be done. Trod! Put all the Powers related to my body under a different section. Call it Host Abilities." - I ordered.
{Affirmitive.} - It answered.
Following that, the improved menu was presented.
Name: Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod
Powers: Dark Offering, Camouflage, Storage, Teleport, Reality Travel, Evolution, Enhancement, Increase Compatibility 1, Sanitization
Host Abilities: True Tongue 1, Unreality Affinity 1, Void Affinity 1, Space Affinity 1, True Sun Affinity 1, Immortal Body 1, Immortal Soul 1, Divinity 1
Basic Energy: 809
Evolution Energy A: 186.5
Enhancement Energy A: 4
"Better. Now... What do my future cookies look like?"
Nodding in satisfaction, I checked the functions and Powers that were previously locked or didn't check.
Camouflage-
Add Function:
- Conceal Presence 1
- Alter Appearance 1
- (Locked)
Conceal Presence 1: Able to conceal the Host's presence and eliminate sound and scent to an extent. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
Alter Appearance 1: The Host can minorly alter his appearance. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"I guess it's useful. Would be a legendary skill for an agent, that's for sure."
Storage-
Add Function:
- Automatic Sorting
- Time Flow Control 1
- Segmentation 1
- (Locked)
Automatic Ordering: Automatically sorts all items that enter the Storage into designated areas. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
Time Flow Control 1: The Host can control the relative time flow speed of the Storage Space up to a factor of 2. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
Segmentation 1: The Host can segment the Storage into two parts, allowing each segment to experience different conditions. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"Well, at least it seems convenient. I will think about it later."
Teleport-
Add Function:
- Mass Teleportation 1
- Waypoint
- (Locked)
Mass Teleportation 1: Allows the Host to teleport with one more living creature, but the cost of carrying it is ten times that of the owner. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
Waypoint: In the same reality, the Host can teleport between Dark Idols he had built before for a relatively cheap cost. Price: 100 Enhancement Energy A
"Mass teleportation is cool and all, but pricey. As for Waypoint, it seems dependent on Dark Idol. The first time I see two powers synchronize." - I muttered thoughtfully.
Reality Travel-
Add Functions:
- Unanchor
- Improved Selection 1
- Information Gathering 1
- Strategic Insertion 1
- Arrival at Waypoint
- (Locked)
Unanchor: Can unanchor from a Reality. Caution: An unanchored reality will be forever lost to the Host. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Improved Selection 1: The Host can specify the kind of reality he wishes to enter. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Information Gathering 1: The Host will receive relevant information before entering a new Reality. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Strategic Insertion 1: The Host can select his starting location in a 1,000km radius from the original landing location. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
Arrival at Waypoint: Instead of arriving at the original location, the Host can come in a Dark Idol. Price: 1,000
"All of these functions are expensive as hell! But, on second thought, they are also important. By unanchoring, I can reselect another world, a great boon. Improved selection can allow me to avoid entering another zombie apocalypse. Information gathering is a must, and Strategic Insertion is even more so. The last thing I want is to land on a volcano or the middle of the ocean. And that waypoint thing popped again. This thing seems important."
Increase Compatibility 1-
Enhancement Options:
- Increase Compatibility 2
Increase Compatibility 2: Increases the compatibility between The Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod and the Host. It is a prerequisite for unlocking many functions and powers. Price: 1,000 Enhancement Energy A
"Oh, wow. The price directly increased by a whopping 10 times. I guess I can put this aside for now."
Sanitization-
Add Functions:
- Empowered Sanitization 1
- Sanitize Area 1
- Sanitize Other
Empowered Sanitization 1: Can Empower the effect of Sanitization, removing Energy-Based or Divine taint and harmful organisms. Price: 25 Enhancement Energy A
Sanitize Area 1: The Host can activate Sanitization on a 3-meter radius around himself. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
Sanitize Other: The Host can use the power of Sanitization on another for a cost. Price: 100 Enhancement Energy A
"Well, the first two aside, I can sanitize another person? Doesn't that mean I can cure someone of all diseases? Hey, Trod! Can this thing cure cancer?" - I asked.
{It can kill cancerous cells, not heal the aftermath. But yes, it can, in essence, cure cancer. If the Host also wishes to heal, check Touch of the True Sun 1.}
"Oh? A healing power? I should check it, then."
I said and checked.
{Unlock new Powers has been selected.}
{Please select a power to unlock.}
- Empower Words 1
- Touch of the True Sun 1
- Void Shield 1
- Displace Object 1
- Mark of Zeal 1
- Analytical Eye 1
- (Locked)
- ...
Six powers in total. Each of them with a spell-like name out of some fantasy tabletop game.
"Linear Warriors, Quadratic Wizards." - I said with a playful smirk and checked them.
Empower Words 1: Imbue your True Words with Energy, giving them more substance and power. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"Oh, cool. I can shout someone to death." - I held back a giggle.1LOL, Skyrim reference.
Touch of the True Sun 1: Cover your hand with True Sun Flames, either damaging the Host's foes or healing his allies, including himself. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"This one gives me paladin vibes. It reminds me of my first DnD character." - I said with a shrug.
Void Shield 1: The Host erects a Void Shield around himself, protecting him from Kinetic and Energy blows. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"Ah, the humble void shield. Always wanted to have one, but I don't know how strong is it. Can it withstand a bullet?"
Displace 1: The Host can displace an object in his line of sight. Energy consumption is significantly increased when used on living creatures. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"This... could be fun. I see a lot of potential in it."
Mark of Zeal 1: The Host can plant the Mark of Zeal on an unresisting or weak-willed creature, turning them into Zealots. Zealots branded with this mark will be filled with unyielding faith toward Ic'thotl'itrod and will view the Host as the living incarnation of Ic'thotl'itrod, making them unwaveringly loyal. Zealots are considered an extension of the Host's power and can siphon Basic Energy to the Host from their kills. The Host can also help Strengthen his Zealots through energy infusion. The Mark of Zeal takes a long time to produce and is expensive to form at the Host's current level, so use it wisely. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"...Again? Really? And this time, faith-based mind control? For real? What am I supposed to do? Make a secret society? Create another Illuminati? Make them worship my divine cock!? I said, I fucking HATE religious nutjobs!" - I retorted exasperatedly.
"Trod! What the heck is up with all the religious bullcrap!" - I demanded.
{The Host is considered the weakest level of pseudo-god. All pseudo-gods can master similar powers, given enough time.} - Trod answered mechanically.
"Grr... Fine. Whatever." - I resigned myself to my godliness.
Analytical Eye 1: The Host can scan a creature or item, gaining information on them. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A
"Yay. I feel more like a protagonist already." - I rolled my eyes, still bummed from the previous one.
After finishing checking the enhancements, I had one more thing to check.
My evolutions.
Until now, I only looked at the names but didn't get to check them for real.
"Trod! Show me my possible Evolutions."
{Yes.}
Currently available evolutionary routes:
- Standard. Cost: 10 Evolution Energy A. 100 Basic Energy. Estimated Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Soldier. Cost: 13 Evolution Energy A. 130 Basic Energy. Estimated Time: 2 hours and 52 minutes.
- Stalker. Cost: 13 Evolution Energy A. 130 Basic Energy. Estimated Time: 2 hours and 52 minutes.
"Oh? The time halved?" - I asked, surprised.
{Yes. Your immortal body doubled your regenerative abilities, doubling your evolution speed.}
"Great! Now, let's see what these babies can do..." - I muttered and checked them.
Standard: The Host will remain visually unchanged, but his body composition will improve, giving a balanced improvement in all aspects. It is weaker than other evolutionary paths but retains the most potential.
"Normy, meh." - I shook my head and skipped it.
Soldier: The Host will gain increased size, muscle mass, toughened bones and skin, and enhanced Stamina, Endurance, Vitality, Resistance, Adaptability, and Shock Resistance, making him an ideal soldier on the battlefield. As a tradeoff, Agility, Dexterity, and Flexibility will improve less than average, and it requires more food energy to function, but other aspects will improve by the standard.
"There's the swole! Kinda makes me wonder if I will look like a goddamn bullshit boss if I pick this." - I wondered.
Stalker: The Host will gain longer limbs and height, compact muscles built for explosive strength, and enhanced Agility, Dexterity, Flexibility, Senses, Instincts, and Reaction Speed, making him an ideal stealth hunter and scout. As a tradeoff, Muscle mass and toughness will improve less than average, but other aspects will improve by the standard.
"And there is the generic assassin build. Great." - I sighed.
"Now that I think about it, it would be great to see what they look like..." - I muttered.
And then, an idea popped.
"Hey, Trod! Can you show me a projection of how I would look after evolving into these things?" - I requested.
{Yes.} - It answered.
And then, I got three projections in my head.
The first one, the standard path, was zoomed in first, showing me, well, myself. The only difference is that my body was slightly adjusted, probably to remove some minor flaws in my build. It was like looking at the ideal version of myself.
And then came the soldier path. In this build, I was over 7ft tall, my shoulders as wide as a door, and my muscles overflowing with power, forming a natural armor of muscle and bone. My arms and legs were like large pipes, and my hands were big enough to crush a kid's skull. Undoubtedly, that was a killing machine. Finally, my dick had a body befitting its size... Or I would like to say, but it also got bigger! Even my balls! Jeez, do you want me to rip a girl in half?!
And finally, the Stalker path. In this build, I was around 6ft 5inch, my limbs longer and more slender. Despite looking more like a scarecrow, my body was covered by compact muscles full of explosiveness, able to explode with tremendous power. Luckily, my dick was untouched here.
If I only cared about appearance alone, then the standard build is my thing. Alas, it is too weak compared to the other two. And I can also devolve in the future.
Which leaves the Soldier's Hulk-like appearance and the Stalker's slender man look. Jeez.
"So... Soldier or Stalker, hah?" - I rubbed my chin.
The power aspect is one thing, but the appearance is another. It would be hard to explain how I changed so much.
"Hey, Trod! Is there any way for me to revert to my current look if I evolve into a Soldier or Stalker?" - I suddenly asked.
{Yes. Alter Appearance 3 will be sufficient while maintaining partial functionality.} - It answered.
"Oh, cool! And, wait. It can change my size... down there?" - I asked expectantly.
{If the Host is referring to his male reproductive organ, then yes, it can.} - It answered.
"YES!!! Praise Ic'thotl'itrod! AMEN!" - I went down on my knees and sang in praise with clasped hands.
By far, this is the tastiest cookie of them all.2LOL!!! So petty.
{This is an ability most Pseudo Gods can achieve with enough training. It is merely altering their physical form.} - Trod said.
"Shut it, Trod! Let me have my moment!" - I snapped angrily and continued to pray to Ic'thotl'itrod.
Although Trod is the remnant will of Ic'thotl'itrod, it is not the god itself. It is like a computer program that Ic'thotl'itrod coded. I have zero qualms about scolding it.
{...} - It remained silent.
After praying to the dead god, I got on my feet, feeling refreshed.
"Now that the appearance aspect is gone, what is better? Soldier or Stalker?" - I wondered.
If I pick the Soldier, I can swing my axe like a twig, mowing down dozens of mobs and even fighting a bullshit boss head-on. I can also ignore more punishment and will be less afraid of an ambush. If I can get my hands on one, I can also wield a minigun or 50-cal machine gun like a regular gun.
On the other hand, the Stalker build is more like a hit-and-run thing, having the ability to kite but can take little punishment. Still, I can probably perform some awesome acrobatic tricks with it.
"But then again, I should also put into consideration my powers. I can teleport, so mobility is less of an issue. I also have an Immortal Body and Healing Powers, so I can sustain more punishment and survive. My powers are built around close-quarters combat, so I should consider this."
"One is more like a teleporting magical tank, and another is a blinking assassin." - I muttered while scratching my head.
They both sound cool, but I had to choose.
"... You know what? Fuck it. I have time to choose." - I said and turned on the News.
I just got back from hell. I deserve my me time.
As for what was on the News...
"Oh, tomorrow will be a bit hotter than usual? Okay."
"Ah, jeez, another violent robbery? Seattle is going to shit."
"Someone got run over by a rich drugged-up punk. Great. Fucking Neaveu riches."
"Supers fighting in the Ukraine war? Supers from foreign countries joining the fray under pretense? Hah... The cold war is still on, hah?" - I shook my head.
Like new high-tech, Supers are also used, superhuman soldiers with enhanced physiques and superpowers, like elemental control or telekinesis. There are even rumors some of them can go invisible, fly, be immune to bullets, or control minds, but that is only hearsay.
"Now that I think about it, aren't I becoming a Super?" - I tilted my head.
As things stand, I will soon evolve and take my first step into being a transhuman. Also, I have all those affinities and spells and even divinity. I can be considered a Super.
"Meh, who cares."
Shrugging to myself, I closed the TV and went to sleep.
Tomorrow I am hitting the gym!