Shift

[Opening the Attribute panel]:

[Reality Affirmation]

[Type]: Attribute

[Rank]: Initial One Star

[Description]: Reality Affirmation, once a Character-Specific Skill, has undergone a profound transformation within the confines of confinement. As an Attribute, the once limited skill now takes on a new form, empowering its wielder to transcend boundaries and explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. This Attribute bestows upon its bearer the ability to shape and affirm the very fabric of the world through the sheer force of conviction, surpassing the predetermined evolution of a mere skill.

[Aspect]: (2/3)

[Basic Manipulation]: The character can manipulate minor aspects of their immediate surroundings, such as shifting small objects or altering the color of nearby objects.

[Object Enhancement]: The character can temporarily enhance the physical properties of objects, making them more durable, sharper, or lighter.

[Comprehension]: 10

At first glance, the transformation of Reality Affirmation from a Character-Specific Skill to an Attribute appeared seamless. While there were subtle differences, such as change in skill type and the addition of an extra aspect, the overall essence remained familiar.

However, upon closer look, the description of [Reality Affirmation] has gone through change, adapting perfectly to its new Attribute form.

The most remarkable surprise of all was the significant growth of Comprehension, soaring from its starting value of 0 to an impressive 10.

Apart from these, everything else about it remains largely the same. With no other surprises to be found. Nevertheless, these changes are more than enough and are warmly welcomed.

* * * 

Sitting on the hard ground in one of the corners of my cell, my back against the prison bars. I observed a droplet of water within the small plastic cup that accompanied my meager meal.

"Ho...?" I exclaimed, a sense of satisfaction evident in my voice as I observed a water droplet changing its color from the cloudy, musky shade to gray, its color changing under my influence.

The prison water, tinged with dirt, was far from pristine, still it regained a certain level of drinkability. It was filtered and treated to meet the minimum standards for consumption. Though not ideal, it served as the medium through which I explored the extent of my newfound powers.

This transformation was, of course, due to the aspect of Basic Manipulation. With it, I could manipulate minor elements of my immediate surroundings.

When I first acquired [Reality Affirmation] as a Character-Specific Skill, I attempted similar manipulations, but my efforts met with failure. Now, however, I understand the reason why.

Back then, my Comprehension of the skill was at 0, a stark contrast to the current value of 10.

Motivated by curiosity, I yearned to explore the capabilities of my new Attribute. I decided to test my ability to move the droplet just a few centimeters, and to my delight, it worked flawlessly.

Yet, what surprised me was that manipulating liquids demanded a higher level of mental fortitude and concentration compared to solid objects. Shifting a pebble's color or position proved to be much easier in comparison.

Driven by my eagerness to delve deeper, I directed my attention toward the other aspect of [Reality Affirmation]—Object Enhancement.

Object Enhancement endowed me with the power to temporarily enhance the physical properties of various objects. I could make them more durable, sharper, lighter, and more, unlocking a realm of possibilities.

Interestingly, I discovered that Object Enhancement came more naturally when applied to liquids. For instance, I effortlessly enhanced the durability of a single droplet of water, increasing its resistance to evaporation or compression. Similarly, I could augment its sharpness, making it more effective for cutting or slicing.

However, when attempting to enhance the properties of solid objects, such as pebbles, I encountered greater challenges. Achieving the desired changes demanded heightened mental fortitude, intense focus, and precise visualization. Making a pebble sharper or more durable required intense concentration and unwavering clarity in visualizing the desired alterations.

During my exploration, I also noted that my Comprehension had increased by 3, reaching a total of 13.

* * * 

The guards seemed unusually restless lately, which was quite rare considering their typically stoic demeanor.

"Something is off," I thought to myself, though being confined in a prison cell prevented me from seeing the cause firsthand.

It all began on the day the alarm went off. Time was difficult to discern, but I could only speculate that it was night time since I had been trying to sleep.

As a denizen of the lower levels, I had long been deprived of the outdoors. Days and nights blended together in an eternal confinement. Menial jobs or any form of interaction with the outside world were non-existent for those in the lower levels. We received our meals within our own cells and were under constant surveillance, cut off from all means of communication.

But today, something was different.

"You are being transferred to the upper floors," the guard announced, looking directly into my eyes before motioning to his colleague to proceed with the process.

Confusion engulfed me, and I couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

The guard paused for a moment, then without turning back, he responded, "We're not obligated to explain." With that, he continued walking.

Though I couldn't see his face, I could sense the gravity of the situation from his tone.

Curiosity gnawed at me as I pressed for answers. "Why the sudden transfer?"

"The lower floors have been affected by incessant rain, causing a malfunction that led to flooding. We're evacuating the lower fifth and fourth floor, including your level. It's a precautionary measure," the guard responsible for my transfer explained.

His words made sense, yet a nagging doubt lingered in my mind.

Why were only the lower three floors affected? Well, there could be a lot of possible reasons, such as problems in the drainage system or it could be the groundwater seepage. There could be structural damage or equipment failure due to heavy rainfall.

Still, it was not the time to speculate.

As I stepped out of my prison cell, the small plastic cup with the dirty water in hand, wrapped in a thin blanket, I scanned my immediate surroundings. The dimly lit corridor stretched before me, lined with identical prison cells. Similar scenes played out in every corner, inmates being escorted with a mixture of resignation and curiosity etched on their faces.

"There is going to be a shortage of cells," I mused, realizing that new inmates were imminent. I couldn't deny a hint of excitement at the prospect.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I turned to the guard walking behind me and asked, "Which floor are we going to?"

Anticipating a response like the lower first or second floor, I was taken aback by his surprising answer.

"To the second upper floor."

It was a completely unexpected turn of events.