4 contemplation

Wrapped in bandages, Abel found himself in deep contemplation, momentarily in a vegetative state. He took his time to conserve and thoroughly digest the information.

Initially, Abel observed his surroundings. Judging by the luscious plants emitting mysterious energy and the fact that he was situated in a massive towering tree, he was sure this was Aethelred's tree – a tree so huge that some claimed it was the stairway to heaven.

Legend had it that those who approached the tree would witness their injuries and diseases disappear entirely. Furthermore, when Aethelred's tree bore fruit, it supposedly caused peculiar phenomena in the world. Consuming the fruit, according to the legend, would awaken something incredible within the person.

Though considered a legend, Abel found himself captivated by its allure. "What if I eat that fruit? Will I become stronger?" he mused.

Abel realized that to survive in this world, one needed power – power that could trample anything. Recalling his previous encounter, shivers ran down his spine.

As Abel delved into thoughts about the fight, he first pondered his unusual self. Why was he so angry? Why did his body refuse to comply with his commands? Did he not completely possess this body? Why was he so arrogant and prideful despite knowing he was as weak as an ant? And, most importantly, what was that line of code resembling a programming language?

Traversing a series of different thoughts and questions, Abel felt especially confused about the mysterious power he manipulated during that time. Contemplating this, Abel attempted to summon a word in his mind – "System." However, no response.

"Maybe it's not right? Maybe it has a different name?" he thought. "Status." Again, nothing.

Trying different calls, the same result persisted. Abel grew tired, gently closed his eyelids, calmed his breath, and focused on the tree. With a blank mind, he stared deep at it.

With each sway of leaves, whispers of the air, and the warmth of the sun, Abel started to perceive a bunch of codes. It was like a constant swarm of worms around the world, each with a different job and appearance. Strangely enough, Abel felt an understanding of these "worms."

Unable to move his bandaged body, Abel stared at the phenomenon, contemplating its origin. How did they appear? What did he do? What were they?

Searching for answers on how they appeared and if he was the one who made them appear, Abel, after serious deliberation, came to a conclusion. "Maybe it's my eyes," he remarked. He hadn't done anything except free himself from his thoughts and focus intensely.

As Abel stared at the codes, he knew he could alter them, just as before. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move the "worms" like he did previously. This time, Abel focused intensely on a small colony of these peculiar codes.

As if locking his gaze onto the target, Abel calmly muttered, "Move."

The swarm of code-like worms heeded the command, abruptly surging towards Abel. Initially startled, he felt only a rush of air as they approached. Realizing he had commanded the air, Abel was ecstatic, aware of the myriad possibilities for this newfound ability. By inserting a few lines of commands in coding terms, Abel knew he could do more.

His heart raced as he attempted again, but before he could experiment further, an abrupt shortage of breath struck him. Sweating profusely, he felt a squeezing sensation in his stomach, as if his dantian was being wrung dry.

"Of course, God wouldn't allow me to use this absurd ability without some restriction," Abel mumbled numbly, laughing at the realization. "And that restriction is my dantian, specifically the qi stored in my dantian, isn't enough."

His Qi acted as fuel, necessary for his ability, like a car needing fuel to run. The dantian represented the engine or hardware, requiring constant upgrades for increased speed.

Abel observed the codes floating around the room, pondering the countless possibilities at his fingertips after daydreaming. Sorting out his emotions, he began to think clearly.

First on his mind was the forging of the fangs. The silhouette had mentioned that the winner would receive full protection and support from the patriarch. But what about the defeated?

"What will happen to me, Abel Reysmith?" he wondered aloud. Thoughts of revoked status, banishment, or even execution sent shivers down his spine, though the last seemed too absurd.

Assessing his power, Abel discovered his surprising ability to adopt quickly and remember details with photographic precision. Yet, he felt his potential was wasted.

Contemplating the Reysmith family, Abel recalled their rule over the south of the Thalassan Empire, abundant in minerals monopolized by the Reysmiths. Known for their tyrannical sword technique, the mysterious Helios bloodline, and unique forging abilities with individual fire, the Reysmiths were a formidable family.

Realizing he was an heir to this grand family, Abel's blood surged at the thought. However, his brother, Zeke Reysmith, was destined to be the heir, sparking an unexplained hatred within Abel.

As Abel calmed down, he focused on the tree, and the lines of codes appeared once again. Determinedly, he summoned the wind and boldly altered the code, causing a wild behavior that eventually led to an explosive reaction. The scattered code hit Abel, transforming the cool breeze into a wind from hell, convulsing him in bed.

Whether from the intense heat or Qi overstrain, Abel convulsed as if electrified, his skin turning magnetic, making it harder to move his face. Yet, amidst the turmoil, one thought prevailed in Abel's mind – "Yes! I succeeded" – before he succumbed to unconsciousness once again.