Chapter 87: Ashoka's Disappointing Rewards – The Underwhelming Gifts

For the past eight years, Ashoka had continued to sign into the mysterious system, expecting that the gifts he received would aid him in his reign over the Maurya Empire. However, as the years passed, he found himself increasingly disappointed. After the initial ten years, when he had received ten random abilities, the rewards had become sparse, and the gifts he had received in the last eight years were no more useful than the ones before. These abilities were mundane, normal, and had little to no value in the grand scheme of empire-building. Ashoka had hoped for more, but these gifts felt like empty promises from the system.

1. The Ability to Speak to Animals (Again)

The first of the eight random rewards was the ability to speak to animals. This gift, while novel at first, had already been given to Ashoka earlier. The first time he had received this ability, he had hoped it would help with understanding the behavior of wild animals or communicating with animals used in the empire's military. However, he quickly realized that the animals had little of value to offer in terms of information or strategic advantage. This second gift of the same ability seemed redundant and useless, offering no new benefits.

2. The Power to See in the Dark (Limited to Small Spaces)

Ashoka's second gift was the ability to see in the dark, but only in small spaces. This ability, while useful in certain situations, was not particularly valuable in the larger context of ruling an empire. Ashoka could now see clearly in dimly lit rooms or narrow hallways, but the vast majority of his challenges—whether in the battlefield or during diplomatic meetings—required vision beyond just small, confined spaces. The power had no impact on his empire's growth or the progress of his goals.

3. The Gift of Making Food Taste Better (Limited to Simple Dishes)

Another trivial reward Ashoka received was the ability to make simple dishes taste better. While this might have seemed like a luxury, it held no real value for an emperor. Ashoka could make plain food taste more flavorful, but his empire was not in need of gourmet dishes. The people's welfare, infrastructure, and military strategies were far more pressing concerns. This ability, like many others, was a minor comfort rather than a useful power.

4. The Ability to Make Plants Grow Faster (Only for Decorative Plants)

Ashoka had also been granted the ability to make plants grow faster, but only for decorative plants. While this might have been useful for beautifying the palace or the royal gardens, it had no real impact on the empire. It did nothing for agricultural development or the welfare of the people. The ability to make flowers bloom more quickly in the garden seemed like a trivial pursuit compared to the larger challenges Ashoka faced as a ruler.

5. The Power to Alter His Voice (For Entertainment Purposes)

Ashoka received the ability to alter his voice at will, but this ability was only useful for entertainment purposes. He could now speak in different tones, pitches, and even mimic other voices. While this might have been amusing in court or at banquets, it was not something that could assist him in statecraft or diplomacy. It was a power that could only entertain and amuse, offering no tangible benefit for an emperor who had much more serious concerns.

6. The Ability to Change the Color of His Eyes (Cosmetic)

The next gift Ashoka received was the ability to change the color of his eyes. While this may have seemed interesting, it held no value for a ruler. The color of his eyes had no impact on his leadership, and it certainly did not make him a more powerful or influential emperor. The ability to change his eye color seemed to be a cosmetic gift with no real application, offering only a superficial change.

7. The Gift of Perfect Posture (Only While Standing Still)

Ashoka's next gift was the ability to maintain perfect posture, but only while standing still. While this may have been useful for someone in the royal court or at formal events, it had little bearing on the everyday challenges of ruling an empire. The power to stand with perfect posture, while perhaps adding to his dignified appearance, did not help him in matters of governance, military strategy, or diplomacy. It was another trivial gift that had no lasting impact on the empire.

8. The Power to Heal Small Cuts and Bruises (Limited to Minor Injuries)

The final ability Ashoka received in the last eight years was the power to heal small cuts and bruises. While this may have been useful for personal comfort, it was not a game-changer for an emperor. Healing minor injuries could not help him with the larger, more pressing issues of empire-building—such as military campaigns, governance, or the well-being of his people. It was a small, insignificant power in the grand scheme of things.

As Ashoka reviewed the eight random rewards he had received, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. After the first ten years, when he had been granted abilities that seemed to hold potential, these later rewards seemed like a cruel joke. They were trivial, mundane, and ultimately useless in the context of his duties as emperor. Each ability had promised to enhance his reign, but in the end, they had offered little more than momentary distractions.

Ashoka had hoped that these powers would help him solve the challenges facing his empire, but they had not lived up to his expectations. Instead of gaining abilities that would enhance his leadership, his military prowess, or his diplomatic influence, he had received abilities that served only to amuse or comfort him in small, insignificant ways.

Sitting alone in his chamber, Ashoka reflected on the situation. The system had given him many gifts, but they had not been the tools of greatness he had envisioned. As he looked out over the empire he had worked so hard to build, he realized that true strength did not come from random abilities or divine gifts. It came from his leadership, his vision, and his unwavering determination.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Ashoka decided that it was time to rely less on the whims of the system and more on his own abilities as a ruler. The empire's future would not be shaped by trivial gifts, but by the decisions he made and the wisdom he cultivated.