Chapter 3: The System

"System," I called out, my voice steady. "Explain yourself."

A familiar mechanical voice echoed in my mind, carrying a faint metallic tone.

[Greetings, Host. You may refer to me as the Character Fate Analysis System, though alternative names such as Fate Insight System or Destiny Identifier System would also be acceptable.]

I raised a brow. Character Fate Analysis System? Sounds like something straight out of a novel.

"And what exactly do you do?"

[My function is simple. I analyze and classify the characters within this world. I can identify whether a person is a Hero, Heroine, Villain, Villainess, or a Supportive Character. In addition, these roles may fall under various specialized categories, such as Shining Hero, Demonic Villain, or other unique classifications based on their traits and influence in the world.]

I crossed my arms, intrigued. "So, if I encounter someone, you can tell me their role?"

[Indeed, Host. However, understand this: when you refused to choose between Hero and Villain, a hidden trait of the system was unlocked.]

A hidden trait? Now this was getting interesting.

[Had you chosen Hero, the system would have bound you to the Hero's Path. Likewise, had you chosen Villain, it would have forced you onto a dark trajectory of chaos and destruction.]

"So either way, I would've become a puppet." I smirked. "How tragic."

[Correct. But by refusing both paths, you've awakened the Dual Fate Trait.]

"Dual Fate…" I murmured. "That means I can play both sides?"

[Yes. The world will perceive you as a hero or villain depending on your actions. You may switch freely between roles, creating fear, admiration, or chaos as you desire. No restrictions apply.]

A slow grin tugged at my lips. "That's perfect."

[Furthermore, quests will now adapt to your choices. Whether you save or destroy, you will gain Hero Aura or Villain Aura. These are not mere numbers—they represent your influence over fate itself. Accumulating Hero Aura makes the world see you as its savior, empowering you to absorb the aura of other heroes through mentorship or guidance. Accumulating Villain Aura allows you to manipulate and corrupt others, turning villains into tools for your ascension.]

"Let me guess. The stronger I grow in either aura, the more I can intervene with protagonist freely and Increase the SP I possess?"

[Correct. Your Aura is your weight in changing the fate and order. Hero Aura grants divine protection, coincidence-based luck, and plot resistance. Villain Aura spreads fear, weakens enemies' convictions, and bends darker forces to your will.]

Kai Zheng's smirk widened. A system that let him dance across the moral spectrum, weaving between admiration and dread? It was built for someone like him.

Most protagonists were shackled by rigid systems—either saviors or monsters. But him? He could be both. Or neither. The rules didn't apply.

Balance was the key. Play the hero, then become the villain. Each side would fuel his rise.

"System," I said, "status."

A glowing screen shimmered into view:

[STATUS:

Name: Kai Zheng

Age: 16

Affiliation: Heavenly Sword Sect Disciple

Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm – Initial Stage

Talent Grade: Dark Blue

Hero Aura: 0

Villain Aura: 0

System Points (SP): 0

Hidden Trait: FEAR

Inflicts fear on weaker enemies based on perceived superiority.

Range: 5 meters (Upgradable)

Abilities:

• Metal Manipulator – Telekinetic control of metal and rock-based objects. Range: 10 meters | Weight Limit: 500 KG (Upgradable)

• Teleport – Instantly blink to a visible location. Usage: 1/day (Upgradable) ]

My eyes skimmed the data, then landed on my Talent. "System, wasn't it just Blue before?"

[Host's soul has a unique nature due to its past existence. When integrating with this body, Host's powerful soul enhanced the foundation of the vessel, resulting in an increase in talent.]

[This is an extremely rare occurrence, as talent is typically fixed from birth and does not change. However, due to Host's circumstances, the body's affinity with cultivation has been optimized, raising the talent grade to Dark Blue.]

That explained the sudden surge in affinity. Most cultivators here likely struggled with Green or Yellow talent. I was already leagues ahead.

"Hah, not bad. I also broke through from the peak of Qi Foundation to the Foundation Establishment Stage," I muttered.

I narrowed my eyes, considering the implications. Talent determined cultivation speed. The higher the grade, the faster one could absorb Qi, refine it, and break through realms.

Most disciples in the sect likely had Green or Light Blue talents, struggling for years to advance. With Dark Blue, I was now significantly above average.

Then my eyes moved to the hidden trait—Fear.

Fear... an ability that forces opponents to tremble at my presence. Limited by their perception of me, but that's easy enough.

All I have to do is show them that I'm superior, and their own minds will do the rest. The stronger they are, the harder it will be—but who cares? Weaklings will crumble instantly, and the strong... well, making them submit will be even sweeter.

Imagine a genius cultivator, renowned and untouchable, brought to his knees by nothing but my existence-Delicious. And with upgrades, I could make entire sects bow without lifting a finger.

My eyes gleamed as I moved to Metal Manipulator.

At first glance, it's... average. Telekinesis limited to metal? I was expecting something more grand. But... wait. Metal is everywhere in a cultivation world. Weapons, armor, even spiritual treasures. With this, any sword in a fight is mine.

Their weapons will betray them, their defenses will crumble, and their precious treasures will serve me. I'll become a walking arsenal. And the sensing ability... I'll never be caught off guard. Upgrade this, and maybe I'll be able to forge my own weapons mid-battle.

"Just imagine it—dozens of swords floating around you, their blades gleaming under the sun, each one ready to strike at a mere flick of your will. Obeying your every thought like loyal hounds. Tch… now that's cool."

The possibilities are endless. if it was upgraded enough, i don't need to ask the system to understand them.

Teleport caught my attention next.

A short-range blink. Limited to my line of sight for now, but that's hardly a downside. Instant repositioning means I'll never be cornered, never trapped.

A perfect tool for ambushes and retreats. With upgrades, I could blink behind someone mid-attack or vanish before an enemy strikes. And eventually... long-distance teleportation.

Who could touch me then? Who could escape me?

A realization settled over me as I reviewed my abilities. Fear, Metal Manipulator, Teleport—each one powerful, versatile. With these, I was already far beyond the average cultivator.

I folded my arms. "System, these abilities… You gave them to me, didn't you?" It only made sense. A cheat-like system granting me power after transmigration? That was the usual trope, wasn't it?

But the system's response was unexpected.

[Negative. These powers are not granted by the system.]