43 SYSTEM QUEST

[System start-up skill]

(Inspect skill)

< allows the user to view the information of anyone or any object he chooses. This skill can level up a maximum of ten times. The higher the level of this skill, the higher chance of its success.

<Level = 1/10

(Passive Regeneration)

<This skill allows the wounded user to heal his wounds instantly. Skill is most effective when the user is resting since it drains the user's stamina. As this skill levels up, the user may be able to use it multiple times with less stamina drain.

<Level = 1/10

These were the system skills that Ethan received. The Inspect skill and the passive regeneration had thrilled him so much that he had burst out into full-blown laughter. The Protectors in his head also hadn't helped matters with their silly comments. Ethan had then gone on to view his 'user status' which had popped up just like the previous screen the moment he thought of it.

[Name : Ethan Brunson]

[Being : Human]

[Level : 1]

[Exp : 0/100]

[HP : 10/10]

[Strength : 15]

[Agility : 15]

[Stamina : 15]

[Durability : 15]

[Magic : 0]

"Woah...that is one long stat," Ethan said out loud. Hermes and Mr.Twist were still looking at him with clear worry so he decided to explain himself before Mr.Twist suggested they cart him off to an asylum. That will be very humiliating. Ethan thought.

"It's my system. It just rewarded me with two start-up skills. That was why I was laughing, sorry." Ethan explained. Hermes just looked thoughtful whiles Mr.Twist looked like he had been hit with a stink bomb.

Somehow he had managed to scrunch his face far enough for his upper lip to reach the tip of his nose. Ethan wondered if Mr.Twist was trying to scare him but his next question made Ethan aware that the face Mr.Twist had pulled was just his 'confused face' which made Ethan wonder what his 'scary face' would look like.

"System?, What system?" The old Janitor asked.

Ethan sighed. Was he going to go through the whole explanation he had done not Soo long ago again?, He asked himself. Luckily, Hermes came to his rescue.

"When we unlocked the power in the accessory, Ethan here got something called a system which is like a game screen. We don't know how he got this since the other Protectors also claim to not know such a thing. We are yet to find out the workings of this system." Hermes informed a bewildered Mr.Twist.

"By 'other Protectors', you don't mean to say the elder gods are here, do you? I thought you said they were dead. Where are they? I have to pay..."

"They are dead, Lucian" Hermes stopped Mr.Twist mid-speech. 'Mr.twist is called Lucian?, The name doesn't suit him at all.' Ethan thought to himself.

"But you just said the other Protectors claimed to not know this system thing. How can they claim anything if they're dead as you say?" Mr.Twist asked with his upper lip dangerously close to covering his nostrils. Ethan was watching this in fascination. Mr.Twist sure is one amazing person. Ethan said to himself.

"Oh, they're dead alright but they're still here. It's quite complicated. I'll tell you everything later. Until then let's focus on the food you brought." Hermes suggested. Mr. Twist, still looking unconvinced just nodded before placing the food basket on the tiled floor and proceeded to bring out the different containers of food.

"Er. Hermes..so Mr.Twist was the assistant you claimed had recommended me to you the last time?" Ethan decided to confirm what Mr.Twist had said not too long ago.

"Yes... Lucian had mentioned you when I told him I needed someone worthy to grant the Protectors power. Why he mentioned you though was never discussed. I refused outright due to reasons I'm sure you're well aware of." Hermes disclosed.

Ethan looked closely at Mr.Twist who was pretending he hadn't heard what Hermes and Ethan had been discussing. His head was bent as he squatted and arranged the different dishes Infront of Hermes and Ethan who were on opposite sides.

Ethan felt he should thank the old janitor for mentioning him to Hermes for such a great and important role. Someone had believed in him even when he wouldn't have recommended himself for such a task. The feeling of someone seeing potential in him, even if said person was Mr.Twist still felt great, especially since he had never felt worthy of anything big in his entire life.

"Thank you, Lucian.. your action that day, even though it had been unsuccessful still means a lot to me. I will never forget that you believed in me when no one else did." Ethan informed the old janitor.

"Don't worry youngster. It was the right thing to do, and the universe has shown it so." Mr.Twist lifted his head and smiled at Ethan. This smile was unlike his normal crazy smile. This particular smile was calm and peaceful. It lighted his whole face and for that brief moment, Ethan saw the beautiful man under the horrible disguise of an old crazy man. Magic sure is a powerful thing. Ethan said inwardly with a smile at Mr.Twist.

'system, can you elaborate more on my 'magic stat' and how I can increase it?' Ethan asked the system.

[Magic : the art of obtaining a desired result or effect through the use of incantations or the power to control natural forces to do one's bidding. This stat will enable the user to use abilities that will be unlocked as he progresses. Magic points will be awarded when an ability or power is unlocked or when a quest is completed.]

"You know we can tell you what magic is, right? You don't have to ask this system everything. We are here to help you." The voice, which Ethan had now learned belonged to Zeus informed him.

'Oh, sorry. You guys have been silent for a while now so I sorta forgot about you. I don't get everything the system has said about magic. Can you tell me a bit more?' Ethan, who was now eating with Hermes asked.

"Magic is what allows us to do our miracles like, wipe someone's memory, disguise ourselves, open portals among many others. But most important of all uses of magic is that it's what allows us to wield and use our unique powers. None of us can use our powers without magic." The elder Protector pointed out.

"So I believe the system is saying that, since you're still somewhat ordinary until you get at least one of our powers, you won't be able to use any magical abilities at all. Or until you get a quest which I don't how you're supposed to." Zeus finished.

'so I have to either unlock a power or complete a quest. If this is like in those old games then I believe quest completion is tied to exp+magic points which means I can level up until I unlock a power while gaining magic points as well.' Ethan exacted. I wonder how I can get quests. Ethan said to himself.

"I believe you'll do well to focus and finish your training with Hermes before you think of quests which are normally tough and will only distract you from your... 'DING!!' a loud sound that filled Ethan's whole head drowned out the Protectors voice.

[First Quest Update]

<Topic : Finish Your Training With Hermes

<Issuer : Zeus

<Quest Form : Major

<Quest Reward : +10 in all base stats. +200exp. +3 level-ups. +New system skill.

Ethan whistled as he saw the system rewards. Sweet. He thought. But his joy was short-lived for at that very moment he received a new system message.

<Time limit : 1 month

Ethan spat out the food in his mouth out of shock. 'what? How am I supposed to learn a mixture of different Martial arts in only a month? What bullshit is this?' Ethan thought in anger.

"Hihihihihi" an annoying voice that Ethan had learned belonged to the war god, Ares, resounded in his head. "Things just keep getting better and better", The annoying voice declared mid laughter.