I Became A System

There was one thing that I hadn't discussed with Elena. Despite that thing made her suffer, it is still a great help for her right now. The title, [Cursed Child].

The title itself is not just a design or decorative. It plays a greater role in her system.

But yeah, I still can't accept the torment Ellena experienced.

---

Name: Ellena Lumbert

Age: 17

Sex: Female

Title: [Cursed Child]

Fear Level: 2

Fear Experience: 90/150

Fear Points: 28

Abilities: [Lightning Manipulation], [Hair Disguise], [Stealth], [Trace], [Arm Acustomization], [Footwork Acustomization]

---

"Ellena, would you like to know what I am planning right now?"

"Obviously, yes. Do you still need to ask that?"

As I hovered over the details on the transparent screen board in front of Ellena, I just laughed awkwardly.

Title: [Cursed Child]

Effects: 65% chance that people will become afraid of you for a short amount of time. The effect will start with a 120 seconds duration in uncomposed situations. Revealing the black hair will quickly activate this [Title] and after that, people will lose their memory of the activation of the [Title].

After reading the texts on the screen, Ellena gave a delighted smile before turning her hair back to black. And in just a matter of seconds, people fell into fear as they looked at her.

"This takes a long time before having the fear points. Aaron, please collect and don't let one fear points get away. I'll distract this Goblin General."

Ellena started rushing as soon as she finished talking. She sprayed the demons' faces with sand from the ground. The demon started losing its balance and tried to remove the sand covering his vision.

Points emerged from the top of people's heads. The title's effect was going well as they are following the movements of Ellena.

Wow... It was my first time seeing this effect, even though I knew what it was. Ellena had them all spellbound, including myself.

The participants of the expedition were trembling and bathed in fear. They won't remember this and it will remain myterious to them that they will think of passing out for a short amount of time.

I'm not sure how they feel, but they lose their cool because they can't do anything but fear Ellena.

Two minutes have passed and Ellena was already finished in distracting the demon. She changed her hair color back to blue and then stood back in her position from earlier.

"Now, what's next? Please do the thinking... I'm not really confident in my decisions."

I just made a snickering sound in response to Ellena's amusing remark. She has learned to become funny.

I shifted my focus to the demon. The lining of the demon is the important target. It will either remove his skin or use another method to tire him out to kill him. 

Now, what should we do? This demon had obviously only used about 10% of his stamina. He can at least continue to use his rune until everyone is tired out.

It was fortunate that Ellena knew what she must do. While the distraction, she didn't use her stamina to save it. Hm... Maybe she didn't need me anymore.

After a few seconds, I finished collecting the fear points. I calculated it and almost lost my composure. Ah... that would be so bad. It may even deafen Ellena's mental hearing of me.

That was really a haul. That amount of 111 fear points... It was good. However, exchanging the ability to outperform for more powerful opponents will not suffice.

Once again, my system nature activated and reported the total amount to Ellena.

"111 fear points collected. You now have 139 fear points in total. Fear system has level up! The system is now level 3! Current EXP: 60/200"

Ellena breathed out. The people started reacting again and now faced the demon who was still rampaging.

"Aaron, can I exchange that amount for the ability to exceed a stronger foe?"

"Nope. The level up only made 20% down the exchange rate of points. Berserker ability is 240 points."

"I see... Then show me other abilities that would give me the highest success rate that can be exchanged with the current total points."

I mentally nodded and dug deep into my knowledge of all the available skills. I found the appropriate amount, then I reported it immediately. There appear to be three unconditionally beneficial abilities.

---

[The stamina usage is computed based on the current 100% of the host's stamina]

[Pressure Aura]

[67% success rate of proper use]

[Cost 100 points]

[Gives 30% debuff to enemies' rune within the 10-meter diameter. Stamina usage is 10% per minute]

.

[Stamina Recovery]

[54% success rate of proper use]

[Cost 110 points]

[Recovers 10% stamina per minute to allies within 10-meter diameter. Stamina usage is 30% per activation]

.

[Blinding Light]

[39% success rate of proper use]

[Cost 90 points]

[Blinds enemies within the 50-meter diameter for 60 seconds. Stamina usage is 35% per activation.]

---

I can't even be shocked. This is excessive for a level up. The computation of stamina is accurate. I can help Ellena at any time with this. Also, the interface has become more like a computer. The design evolved as well, into a more user-friendly, hovering, and detailed screen.

Furthermore, because of the variety of potential applications they have in this situation, these skills are the most convenient and useful. Maybe we won't even need to remove that demon's rune.

Ellena opened her mouth to ask me a question. "What would be the best? Isn't it the highest one?"

I answered her honestly. "Yes. It is the most useful. That was just an insurance, that's why I showed for varity of abilities."

"What is the best way to use this pressure aura?"

"It is, of course, to activate it and weaken the enemy. However, we need the other participants help."

"Yes. Exchange it, I will talk to the leader to stall time. I will fake my rune to him to believe our plan."

Ellena rushed to the expedition leader and discussed our plan.

"Leader, please stall time for me. I will use my rune, it is close-combat and I have an ability to Strengthen than a stronger foe."

At Ellena's remark, the leader's eyes widened, then came back to a serious one.

"You know you should not joke in this situation. Other veterans are losing their lives to have the others flee."

Ellena made the leader doubt it, but Ellena was an insistent one. She can work things out. 

Her development didn't just help her adapt to different situations, but also pass through them. Earlier, her sarcasm worked well and even made her relationship with Selena better.

"You know that I fought that monster? Please, let me use my ability, or it will be useless for their sacrifice."

The leader thought deeply and looked at Ellena's determined eyes. He let out a sigh and stood up. He smiled at Ellena and turned back to the battle.

"I see... Okay, I will stall time. The tide is up to you." The leader said before going back to help the other veterans to stall time.

The [Pressure Aura] is useful in this situation, not just because of its effects. Even though it takes 10% of stamina, it debuffs the enemy and it is not noticeable when activated. The rune will just glow, but they won't know what kind of ability a person has. We were lucky that we could fool anyone... To think that the information being monopolized by the temple is quite beneficial to us.

Since Ellena said that she would activate her ability, even her rune would glow, they would just assume that it was a CC ability. Even it is strange for a CC rune to glow strong, they won't know that Ellena activated a magic type ability.

CC runes have less light on activation since owners control their stamina, making the light dim.

I returned my attention to the fight and saw the demon lose 30% of his ability potential, causing him to move slowly.Ellena activated the ability just a second ago, so it was reasonable to see the demon making mistakes in his moves.

Even though everyone was taken aback, they persisted in their fight.

The expedition team was not affected by the ability's effect because Ellena saw them as allies and they were too weak to detect unknown threats and energies.

They fight fiercely. Ellena was at the back of the line, supporting them anonymously.

The leader activated his CC rune. Apparently, even though he only had 20% of his stamina, he kept up with the demon since it was weakened.

The leader's ability is Feinting. He can clearly make some feint with at least... 78% chance of fooling. And the weaken state of the demon made it 100%. 

He then depleted his stamina by making a series of feints and precise attacks. The others backed him up, causing the demon to take a lot of damage from their attacks.

I was at the back, or supposedly above... couldn't help but feel excited. There is a 67% chance of success rate because of unknown situations, like the support that others can give. Their remaining stamina, etc.

The newcomers activated their runes and used their abilities to help, and, as the seeds of their efforts grew, the demon was extremely exhausted. And in just 3 minutes, Ellena lost 30% of her stamina, making her gasp and search for air.

"Ellena, the veterans are starting to lose their stamina, making them lose their consciousness."

"Yeah. I think I know what to do."

Ellena stepped up and sprayed sand into the eyes of the demon. As the eyes are the most open and soft part of his body, we can pierce through them and send some shocks, enough to shut his heart down.

"Ellena, now!"

She thrust her sword into the demon's eye, who was now kneeling due to exhaustion and loss of vision. She pierced it deeply, allowing some blood to come out. Ugh. Talking about disgusting, their blood is even beyond strange. They are violet.

Ellena used her remaining stamina to fuel her lightning. Her rune glowed a strong blue. She conducted it to the sword, enough to hide the sparks but the swords was obviously glowing red because of heat.

"Ahhhh!!!" A war cry from Ellena, probably to push more of her stamina to release more stronger energy and high voltage. She really knows how to understand her abilities.

The demon was electrocuted. His body shook as his left eye turned upside down and then came to a halt. Ellena released the melting sword then checked the demons who seems to have no life.

Ellena released a breathe as her knees tremble and surrendered. "The monster is dead." She uttered and as a result, the remaining conscious participants of the expedition shouted for victory.

***

Everyone rejoiced at the victory. Among them, they were cheering for Ellena and others were too exhausted to express their relief.

"That was really good. It was my first time seeing a close-combat rune glow like that." The leader expressed his amusement to Ellena while sitting down, supporting his back on a big boulder.

Selena, on the other side, was smiling and joined the conversation. "That was my first time too. Supposedly, was it a magic ability?"

Ellena didn't react to Selena's suspicion. She's suspicious of Ellena, obviously because it is not common to see a CC rune owner to glow their rune that strong.

"It wasn't really good information to be spread. I stated that my rune was close-combat, but I did not specify my ability."

Ellena is playing a smart card. She's dodging every suspicion. However, Selena is not that stupid. Ellena's abilities continue to pique her interest.

The leader just let out a soft laugh and then closed his eyes.

"Hah... Just forget about that! The important thing is that we are already safe. We must return immediately so that we won't get attacked by stronger monsters. We were just lucky that the monster suddenly got weak."

When it comes to observing new things, the leader is a moron. However, he is intelligent enough to devise a strategy and comprehend situations, as demonstrated earlier. They might not have survived if it hadn't been for him.

"Nevermind that, Ellena. Thank goodness that you were such a stupid and noble person. You're selfless, aren't you, Ellena?"

Ellena looked at Selena, who was wiping off her sweats in a concerned manner. It seems that she was thinking of something inside of her. 

"Ellena, is there something wrong?" I asked her.

'It was just, earlier I was too stupid to insist the leader to fight that monster. I don't know what urge me, but I just want to save the people that will be affected by the future threat of that monster... what is it again?'

Ellena asked me an important question. An information I had just learned earlier when they encountered the demon. Such commonplace occurrences for people aren't all that great, and they are a warning sign of greater dangers.

Dungeons aren't actually normal warps that appear in dense places with mana. Those were dimensional warp gates. The was the reason that dungeons appeared in warp gates because it was a bridge from other dimension, or world.

The appearance of dungeons from their old times was the beginning of the existence of demons in this world. Dimensional chaos is the cause of these dungeon appearances, and such a thing should not be overlooked. Ellena needs more strength to fight those entities... Because I know that she will just be the same as in her previous life.

Even if I can't persuade her, she has a strong, justice personality. Her character are becoming fit as the chosen child of the gods.

"Ellena, there is something you need to learn about those things." I started my explanation with a simple statement. I'll have to feed her this information gradually.

'What is it?'

"Those monsters, the goblins are creation of demons. The variants, are the children of demons. And the Goblin General, was a lower kind of demon. Demons are dimensional chaos, which is why dungeons appear so that they can merge their world with this one."

Ellena seemed to not understand my words. After all, it was her first time hearing it, and it wasn't common knowledge among people. She may be the first person to discover this in this era.

'Are these demons causing danger to people?'

I can't really disclose more information that would get her to her previous self. That was the reason for this time reset, so that she wouldn't make the same mistake. The mistake of challenging the gods for her people.

The demons are dangerous enity, but her ability as a human is greater than others. It was also her mistake for not noticing it, so this time, I will also help her notice it.

I don't want Ellena to suffer again. She's precious, and the reason for my existence in this world. Even if it comes to using my previous knowledge, I will do it. Even I sacrifice others... However, my only ability to help her is to decide efficiently. I will help her to be wise, even more.

'Aaron?'

I came back to reality after I heard Ellena's call. 

"Sorry. I have something to suggest to you. Would you want to join the rankings?"

'What do you mean?'

"Join the ranking in adventurers' guild. I know that you want to pursue a career in an adventurers' guild, but there is still more there. Join the rankings, and you will learn more about what you need to do. That's my suggestion."

'Even though I can't understand what you have just said, I know I can trust you. And of course, I will join the rankings.'

***

The expedition team returned safely with minor injuries. It was fortunate for them to stay alive. Ha! Be thankful to Ellena... Silently?

The overflowing dungeon was rated as a medium-high threat by the dungeon investigators.

There are 8 dungeon threat levels that the guild disclosed after their safe return.

[Always Level]

It is a threat level that is normal and common. 

People can anticipate the threat and they can save themselves in that dungeon. Commonly, the monsters that appear in dungeons that are assessed as Always Threat are just slimes and weaker mobs.

[Night Level]

It is a dungeon with predictable threats.

People can survive inside a dungeon as they are only second to the weakest mob found in dungeons.

[Environmental Level]

Because it is an overflowing dungeon, this poses a threat to the surroundings outside the dungeon. But the threat was only higher a little than the previous one because monsters are over populated they start to get out of the dungeon. 

[Forestal Level]

It is a threat to the region/area outside the dungeon. It is also an overflowing dungeon and the monsters are starting to get stronger. Variants may appear outside the dungeon. A subjugation team is needed to clear the threats outside the dungeon.

[Disaster Level]

It is a destructive threat to the region/area. As variants and unknown monsters are common, a subjugation of veterans and higher is required.

[National Level]

As the name says, it is a national threat. A whole nation may face the threat of that dungeon. The nation's actions in clearing this dungeon may become more stringent.

[Continental Level]

A threat that moves the whole continent to act. Countries will take action to clear this dungeon.

[Global Level]

Apocalytpic Threat. No other expelanation.

I returned my focus to Ellena, who was standing in front of the receptionist's desk.

"Miss Ellena, what can I do for you? Uh! Wait! I would like to congratulate you for your successful participation! We never knew you were such a great fighter!"

Ellena smiled awkwardly at that sudden recognition and praise.

"Ah-! Haha. Thank you."

"Then what can I do for you?"

Without hesitating, she finally said her motive. "I would like to join the Aventurer Ranking Membership."

The receptionist wasn't surprised and she just smiled. "Finally. You made a good decision."

"Eh? Why?"

"The guild master eagerly wanted you to join the ranks! And now that you have decided to join, the guild will have another promising amateur!"

"That's it? I see... Thank you for the compliment."

"Then, please fill up this form. You will need to update your membership by reporting your achievements. It can be a successful subjugation quest, or an escort. There are numerous quests suitable for your rank. "

And that's how Ellena became a full-fledge adventurer.. She will earn a great experience in this one.