Writer's POV
Johan lay on his bed, eyes wide, frozen in place. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear, overloaded with questions that clashed and tangled with no clear answers. In front of him stood something… not human, not entirely monstrous either. It's very presence defied logic.
Should I run? he thought. But he knew—if it could appear before him in a flash of light, then it could easily catch him.
Should I attack? Scream?
None of the options felt safe—none of them felt foolproof.
Then, the creature spoke, its voice deep and strangely calm. "I am who I am. Once of an extinct race. But through you, I have been reborn."
Johan's breath hitched.
"I am the last existing being of a race once feared by all others. A race so advanced, so mighty, that even the stars trembled at our presence. We were unmatched in technology and power. That is why… they feared us."
The voice darkened.
"In their fear, they united. Multiple races—some of them ancient—and with the help of the Ghost, they annihilated our entire planet. I watched as my people died. As I died. Then… he came."
"Who?" Johan asked, his voice hoarse.
"A High Demon," it replied. "He salvaged what was left of me—my dying fragments—and fused them with our most sacred tech. Then, with the blood of a child—you, Johan—he crafted something new. Something… divine. That child became the host. He locked away your powers until you could mature… until the time was right."
Johan trembled. "So, I've had this power all along?"
"Yes," the voice confirmed. "I've lain dormant in your body for years. I couldn't awaken fully, but I could sense your affinity… your habits. You loved video games. So, I used what little control I had to shape your power in that image—missions, levels, skills, stats. It's the easiest way for your mind to process the ascension of a god."
A pause. Then Johan asked cautiously, "What's your name?"
"I don't have one," it said. "Only the Young Master can give me a name."
"Then… can I call you Lucy?" Johan offered.
There was a pause—then a soft hum, like a system being rebooted.
["Lucy… Name accepted. Thank you for the great honor."]
Johan smiled slightly. "And please—stop calling me Young Master. Just use my name."
"Understood, Johan."
"Lucy… earlier you said something about a transformation being complete. What did you mean by that?"
"Your body," Lucy began, "had lost its brilliance over the years. Without your powers, your divine strength degraded. Now, with the first lock broken—triggered by the hairpin—you've undergone your first transformation. You've become a low-level demon. As you unlock more of your bloodline, your form and power will evolve accordingly."
"So… I'm stronger now?"
"Yes," Lucy replied. "Even before your transformation, your demon blood made you stronger than the average human. But now, post-transformation, you are at least twice as powerful. Demons are naturally more powerful than humans. This is only the beginning."
"I see…" Johan nodded. "Alright. Open the menu."
[Deity System Interface]
Name: Johan Morby
Age: 16
Level: 1
EXP: 000 / 1000
Race: Human / Demon /???
Bloodline: Demon Deity Bloodline /???
Bloodline Progress: 0.00
Strength: 14
Agility: 15
Speed: 13
Defense: 10
Mind: 30
Energy: 6
Missions: Currently Formulating…
Store: Locked
Skills: None
System Level: 1
Johan scanned the stats again and frowned. "Nothing's changed... Then why did you say Body Condensation Complete earlier?"
Lucy fluttered in front of him—her form now visible.
She looked like a miniature fairy. Delicate, with glowing white skin, small ethereal wings, and bright eyes. She floated effortlessly in the air, staring at Johan with a faint smile.
"That message referred to me," she said. "I was supposed to exist only as a voice within your mind, guiding you silently. But I managed to draw on some leftover energy from my people's sacred treasure—and combine it with your demon bloodline to condense a physical form. This body," she gestured to herself, "is the result."
Johan raised an eyebrow. "So… if I'm right, things like strength, speed, and agility are based on my physical fitness, right?"
Lucy nodded.
"Then what exactly is Energy?" he asked.
JOHAN'S POV
I stared at Lucy, still processing everything.
"So… what exactly is Energy?" I asked.
Lucy nodded, folding her tiny arms. "Have you ever wondered why some people get exhausted after using their abilities? It's not just physical fatigue—it's deeper than that."
I leaned in, listening.
"Without knowing, most people—especially humans—tap into a vital force. We of the higher races call it Qi or Mana. It fuels their skills and abilities. Once they use it all, their bodies start compensating by draining their physical strength, which leads to exhaustion, collapse… even death."
She paused, wings fluttering gently.
"But demons," she continued, "are different. They draw from the ambient demonic energy in the atmosphere. That's why they're more efficient and can fight longer. It's also why you, being part demon, have a unique edge."
I nodded slowly, taking it in. "I see..."
"That's all I can reveal for now," she said, "but it's enough to help you survive."
Lucy suddenly blinked, as if receiving a new message.
"Oh! I almost forgot—" she gasped. "The High Demon left a gift for you. A one-time temporary access to the store to choose two beginner abilities. After that, it'll close again until you gain more experience."
My heart skipped a beat. "Okay then… Open Store."
[Deity System – Store: Skills & Items]
[Skills – Select Two]
Discerning Eyes [Level 1]
Grants you the ability to scan and access detailed information about objects, creatures, or items. Upgradable: Each level reveals deeper data. Use Case: Intelligence gathering, weakness detection, identification.
Hell Flames [Level 1]
A demonic flame born in hell itself. Most effective against sinful beings, burning with purifying fire. Scales with level: More control, more power. Use Case: Combat, purification, intimidation.
Blacksmith [Level 1]
Enables forging of weapons and ammunition. The higher the level, the better the quality. Use Case: Crafting, gear enhancement.
Tamer [Consumable Skill]
Lets you tame beasts or monsters up to one level above your own.Not upgradable: Depends entirely on your strength and willpower.Use Case: Summoning, beast companions, tactical advantage.
[Consumables – Points Required]
Health Potion – Restores HP based on quality.
Cost: 20 Points
Energy Potion – Replenishes Energy.
Cost: 50 Points
Strength Potion – Adds +5 to Strength.
Cost: 100 Points
Agility Booster – Adds +5 to Agility.
Cost: 100 Points
Lucy hovered beside me. "You can only choose two skills for now. Make your decisions wisely. Each path leads to different strengths."
I clenched my fists, staring at the options. This was it—the first real step into becoming something more than human.