Chapter-20 Escape into the Dark [Part-2]

"???"

Startled by the system's words, Karna quickly stepped back from the crystal, identified by the system as a Pure-grade Mana crystal.

"System! What do you mean by Mana poisoning?" Karna decided to ask the thing which concerned him the most.

[Host was not born in this world and has not developed any kind of resistance toward Mana.]

"What?! Is it because of my low Mana affinity?"

[No, host. Mana affinity refers to your ability to effectively utilize mana,"] the system clarified.

Karna's expression shifted to one of shock as the realization sank in. "Wait! So, you're telling me that I'm constantly being affected by mana in this world?" he exclaimed, a mixture of disbelief and concern crossing his face.

[Indeed, host, this world is abundant with Mana, and it is your low resistance to it that places your life in perpetual jeopardy] 

The system displayed the current mana damage negation, showing a mere 0.9%. It was clear that Karna's resistance to mana was exceedingly low.

[Host needs to increase his Mana damage negation to a minimum level of 5% in the next 40 days if Host wishes to continue living in this world, or Host's body will start to be adversely affected by the mana in the world.]

"Hmm, so I need to increase that if I want to survive in this world, or I'll face the consequences. Which, to be clear is my death."

[Yes]

"And I'm sure you have a way for me to boost my resistance?"

[Yes]

"Then it's okay," Karna sighed with relief upon hearing the system's assurance.

He continued with a sense of resignation, "First a goddess, now the mana in my surroundings wants me dead; what's next? The world itself or the demon emperor?"

Karna mused with a dejected expression, shaking his head in disbelief. 

[Um, host, There is something I think you should know.]

"Huh?"

[Does the host remembers when I altered Host's data in the Mana archive?]

"Hmm, yeah, and I told you not to worry about that; you had to do that. And if it weren't for you, I would be dead by now."

[Thank you, Host, for your kind words.]

[But you see, host, the Mana Archive stores information in three different tiers: Common tier information, which is already known by everyone; Rare tier information, which is only known by some beings;

And the last is Unique tier information, which is forbidden information and is either lost in the passage of time or is only known by a handful of beings.]

[The Mana Archive also guards all this information according to their tiers; the higher the grade, the more securely it is guarded.

Currently, I am able to read and copy all data from the Common tier and Rare tier information's, and for me to read and copy data from the Unique tier information, I need a clue or link to that forbidden information to achieve that.

However, I am currently unable to change or delete information in the Mana Archive in any of the three tiers of information.]

"Then how were you able to alter my name or my existence?"

[I was able alter Host's name because of two reasons: one, I had already merged host's soul and my core by 50%, so when I tried to alter host's name, the Mana Archive accepted it like host himself was doing it.]

"Hmm, I see," saying that Karna thought deeply for a second or two before he again spoke "Okay, then what's the second reason?"

[The second reason was...]

<ERROR! >

<The question cannot be answered as it goes against one of the core regulations.>

<Host's confirmation required to continue this topic>

"Eh? Now what's that's suppose means."

"Which core regulation?" Queries about the regulation, Karna asked the system.

<The system cannot knowingly bring any kind of physical, emotional, or soul damage to its host.>

"Hmm, that's a good regulation, but what does it have to do with the second reason?" Karna was pleased to learn about the regulation preventing any harm to him.

However, he remained curious about the second reason, wondering if the system was intentionally hiding it.

[The answer might emotionally hurt the host.] the system answered.

"What?! Emotionally hurt me?! What nonsense is this?!"

"Just tell me already; we don't have much time," Due of his exhaustion and hunger, Karna spoke a little angrily.

As the system's notification of "Command accepted" resonated in his mind and the same displayed on the green panel, its voice continued, providing an explanation for the action it had prompted. 

[The second reason was the presence of the Host, whose significance was scarcely acknowledged within the vast expanse of the Mana Archive.

Host's arrival in the world had failed to garner substantial attention and was, therefore, only partially recorded within the annals of the Archive.

It seemed that the Host, your existence was deemed inconsequential, rendering it a mere footnote in the grand tapestry of mana knowledge.]

"Ouch! Haha, do you truly believe that such remarks can inflict emotional pain upon me?" Karna responded with laughter, though inwardly he couldn't help but feel a tinge of offense.

"Now, have you finished? While I do appreciate new insights, we are currently pressed for time and cannot afford to indulge in such matters."

[Host, The issue lies in the fact that when I successfully modified your name within the Mana Archive, your existence rating escalated from common to rare.

This change occurred because the Mana Archive recognized you as a threat to its own existence. As a result, it will now attempt to inflict harm upon you through indirect methods.]

"Huh? Ehhhhhh?"

"What do you mean by bringing me harm? I have done nothing wrong to him. It was you who changed my name, not me."

[Host and I are not two different existences but one.]

Karna appeared visibly shaken, his mind racing as he slowly lowered himself to sit on the ground. With a bewildered expression, he began counting on his fingers, each point representing a different threat.

"First, a goddess; second, the Mana itself; third, the demons; fourth, the monsters; and now, fifth, the Mana Archive.

And I have no doubt that some humans, particularly those who follow that wretched Rebecca, will also seek to eliminate me once they discover my existence."

.[I am sorry, Host.]

"No, you didn't do anything wrong."

"I also did nothing to deserve all of this, but I still have to be here, far away from my parents," Karna reassured himself, trying to find some solace in the midst of chaos.

As the weight of his situation sank in, Karna realized the enormity of what he had been through in just a single day.

Thoughts flooded his mind, questions swirling without answers. How was he going to survive? How long could he keep running?

Was there any hope of returning to his parents, or was he destined to be stuck in this unfamiliar world forever?

Emotions that he had suppressed earlier began to surge within him. The overwhelming reality began to numb his body and mind. His breathing grew irregular, mirroring the turmoil inside him.

[Host, I don't think you need to worry about demons, the goddess, or even about mana archive for now.]

"Hmm, why?" Karna's thought process was suddenly broken by the sudden voice of the system.

The system responded, [Both the goddess and the mana archive lack the capability to directly harm you.]

[Additionally, as long as I am with you, they won't be able to locate your exact location. So, you don't need to worry about them for now.]

Karna listened attentively, hoping for more information.

[And once you reach human territory, you can find safety from the demons for a significant period of time. Human territories are all well-guarded and provide a level of protection against demon attacks,] the system explained, offering a glimmer of hope.

Karna felt a sense of relief hearing this, realizing that there were factors working in his favour.

The system continues to speak.

[And the other dangers like magic, monsters, and even humans or other beings can be dealt with by becoming stronger. And, you already know what kind of system I am, host. If you want to, you can become stronger with me. Anything that comes in your way; whether it's monsters, demons, humans, dragons, or even gods, all will be in the end devoured.]

Karna's dim eyes gained their focus after hearing these words. He felt better.

His will, which under the constant remainder of the situation he was in had started to weaken, but now, after hearing those words, he also realises that losing hope would not bring him anything good.

With renewed determination, Karna stood up from the ground, his resolve shining in his eyes.

He understood that losing hope would only hinder his progress.

Instead, he needed to stay focused and adapt to his current circumstances.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke with conviction, "You know what? You're right. I should concentrate on one step at a time."

"For now, my priority is to find a way out of here. Once I achieve that, I can start thinking about what lies ahead."

His words echoed in the cave, and Karna took a moment to gather himself, ready to face the challenges that awaited him.

"Tell me about these Mana crystals; they have Mana in their name, so I'm sure they're important in this world."

Now calming down, he asked hoping that they might help him somehow.