"Is this something new? Or just something the author never got around to using?" He held the vial up to the crimson light. "And how do I even use it?"
A notification appeared:
[SPIRIT SEED INFORMATION]
Spirit Seeds are rare objects that grant special abilities to those who consume them. Each seed contains the essence of a natural force or concept. Once consumed, the seed bonds with the user's spirit, granting them access to its power.
The Mythical Seed is extremely rare, appearing in only 1% of Spirit Seeds.
ESSENCE DRAIN: Allows the user to absorb a portion of another being's essence through physical contact. Absorbed essence can be converted into stat points.
WARNING: This ability is considered parasitic in nature. Excessive use may result in negative consequences.
Pierre's eyes widened. "Wait, this sounds like... it's basically the same as Jack's Boobie Boost, just with a different name."
He reread the description. "No, not quite. This seems more general—any essence through any physical contact."
Still, the similarity was striking. Had the Administrator given him a version of the protagonist's power as some kind of sick joke?
Pierre set the vial aside and picked up the folded paper. It was high-quality parchment, sealed with a drop of blue wax stamped with a symbol he didn't recognize—a triangle containing a circle and a line.
He broke the seal and unfolded the note. The handwriting was elegant but sharp, as though written with a quill pen in a hurry:
Pierre,
Congratulations on your second chance at life. Consider this a game between us—you criticized a story, now you get to live it. Your leveling system is unique to you. Others have Spirit Seeds. You have something more.
The Mythical Seed is my gift to you—a tool that pairs perfectly with your hidden potential. Use it wisely. Drain essence, convert it to stats, and grow stronger without anyone realizing your true power.
I'll be watching your journey with great interest. Try not to die too quickly. It would be disappointing.
P.S. - If you manage to reach the Great Sea without dying, I might even tell you why I chose you.
— OneAboveAll
Pierre read the note twice, his heart racing. OneAboveAll—the same username from the web novel forum, the same entity who had warned him to "look left" before the truck hit.
"So this wasn't random. That bastard targeted me specifically." Pierre crumpled the note, then thought better of it and smoothed it out again. "And now they're treating my life like some kind of entertainment."
He reread the part about his leveling system.
"Computer, or whatever you are—explain my leveling system."
A new notification appeared:
[UNIQUE LEVELING SYSTEM]
Your leveling system differs from the standard Spirit Seed progression. While others' abilities grow linearly with their Spirit Seed level, your power operates on a different principle.
STAT RANKINGS:
F: 0-199 (Lowest tier)
D: 200-399
C: 400-599
B: 600-799
A: 800-999
S: 1000-1199
SS: 1200-1399
X: 1400-1500 (Highest tier)
CORE ATTRIBUTES:
Strength
Endurance
Dexterity
Agility
Spirit
CURRENT STATS:
Strength: F-0
Endurance: C-400
Dexterity: F-0
Agility: F-0
Spirit: F-0
LEVEL UP REQUIREMENTS:
You can level up when at least two of your stats reach C tier (400+). However, maxing out stats before leveling up provides significant advantages.
THE HIDDEN MECHANIC:
When you level up, your stats appear to reset to F-0, but your actual power is calculated using a special formula that incorporates your previous maximum stats.
THE FORMULA:
For level 1:
- Max stats: 1,500 (X-rank)
[Stat Rebirth Formula]
For any level n (where n > 1):
New Base = (Previous Max × 1.5) + 250
Pierre stared at the information, trying to process it. "So... I start with trash stats, but if I max them out before leveling up, I get a massive boost to my base stats in the next level?"
He did some quick mental math. If he maxed out all stats to X-1500 before leveling up, his level 2 base stats would be (1500 × 1.5) + 250 = 2,500. Add the potential 1,500 growth in level 2, and his maximum stats could reach 4,000—far beyond the normal X-rank cap of 1,500.
He looked at his current stats again. Only his Endurance was at C-400, while everything else was at F-0. According to the level-up requirements, he needed one more stat at C-400 to level up. But the system strongly suggested maxing out all stats before leveling.
"So my first goal is to get all my stats to X-1500 before leveling up. And this Essence Drain ability lets me convert others' essence into stat points."
Pierre picked up the vial containing the Resonance Seed. "I guess I need to consume this to activate the ability?"
[CORRECT. CONSUME THE RESONANCE SEED TO ACTIVATE YOUR ABILITIES]
Pierre uncorked the vial and held it up. The golden liquid caught the crimson light, creating flickering patterns across his face. The seed inside pulsed faster, as if sensing its imminent release.
"Bottom's up, I guess." He tilted the vial back and swallowed the contents in one gulp.
The liquid tasted like honey mixed with lightning—sweet at first, then shocking. The seed itself had no taste, but Pierre felt it dissolve on his tongue, releasing a surge of energy that spread through his body like wildfire.
[RESONANCE SEED ACTIVATED]
[ABILITY UNLOCKED: ESSENCE DRAIN]
[USE PHYSICAL CONTACT TO DRAIN ESSENCE FROM OTHERS]
[DRAINED ESSENCE CAN BE CONVERTED TO STAT POINTS]
[WARNING: EXCESSIVE DRAINING MAY CAUSE HARM TO TARGETS]
Pierre felt a strange new awareness spread through his fingertips—a sensitivity to the life force around him, though there was nothing to sense in this void.
"So I touch someone, drain their essence, and convert it to stats." He flexed his fingers. "Simple enough, though the warning about harm is concerning."
He returned to the note from OneAboveAll. The challenge was clear—survive long enough to reach the Great Sea, and maybe get some answers about why he'd been chosen for this twisted game.
"Alright, I've got money, a power, and a goal." Pierre looked around the void. "I guess I'm ready to start."
[CHARACTER CREATION AND GIFT PACKAGE COMPLETE]
[BEGINNING STORY INITIALIZATION]
[WELCOME TO PIRATE LORD'S GREAT ADVENTURE]
[GOOD LUCK, PIERRE]