Serenys’ Bargain

"…Haaahhh, fuck me… So, what do I get out of this?"

At that moment, Azarel declared, "Goddess Serenys has a wide variety of powerful skills. She can bestow upon you one skill of your choosing."

"A skill? Like an ability?"

Thalgor explained, "It is an ability that can assist you in various ways—passively, actively, or in combat."

"Hmm… Wait, before that, can't you just send me back home after the anomaly is dealt with?"

Serenys sighed, her tone tinged with sadness. "Unfortunately, I do not possess the power to open a bridge once more… And even if I did, I would be forced to choose another anomaly, forcing the cycle to continue."

"So I'm fucking stuck here, huh?" Damian vented, frustration clear in his voice.

"Not necessarily. If you gain enough power, you can return to your own planet on your own. Of course, one of my skills could assist you in that regard."

"Hmm, I see. May I see the list of skills, then?"

A panel appeared before him in the next second.

"Huh? What's this? A system panel?"

Serenys, sensing his confusion, spoke, "That is the Codex of Power."

"Codex?"

"Yes. It is a compendium that records everything that exists. The Codex has many names, but it is most commonly called the Codex of Power. Every being encounters it at the beginning of their true evolution."

"I see… So this must be your list of powers?" Damian asked.

"Precisely. Keep in mind, you may only choose one skill of any rank, so choose wisely."

He then thought, Hm? Ranks? …Ahh, I see. The ranking system goes from F to L, huh?

The ranks, in order, are:

F → E → D → C → B → A → S → SS → SSS → L

But why can I only choose one skill? And what's this "Innate" skill?

As if sensing his curiosity, Thalgor explained, "Each rank influences your combat capabilities differently. Skills are categorized based on their impact on existence itself.

For example, a 'D' rank [Barrier] consumes little energy, but if you pour more into it, you can still block powerful attacks—provided you're strong enough. On the other hand, an 'S' rank [Time Stop] drains energy at an extreme rate. The longer you use it, the more energy it consumes.

Skills must align with your talents and class. If they don't, your body won't register them—like how someone without a time affinity can't use [Time Stop].

Skills don't always consume energy either. Some require life force or stamina instead. Additionally, they can be classified as passive or active abilities."

"And the 'Innate' skill?" Damian asked.

"An innate skill is one a being is born with. It automatically occupies one of the five available skill slots and is tailored to a being's class. However, not everyone possesses one—the chances of having an innate skill are only 5%."

"I see… So how do I check my talents?"

"Simply say or think the word 'Status,' and your full status will be displayed."

Damian thought, Status.

STATUS

Name: Damian Ashford

Age: 20

Class: All-Star

Class Description: A unique class possessed by only one being. Grants exceptional talent in every field of existence but only up to Rank A. Growth beyond Rank A is impossible regardless of effort.

Talent Rank: A

Attributes:

Strength: F-

Speed: F-

Durability: F-

Agility: F-

Endurance: F-

Intelligence: F-

Sense: F-

Innate Skill: Systematic Analysis (A)

Skill Type: Active

Effect:

When activated, the skill rapidly analyzes all available information in the user's surroundings and constructs the most optimal course of action based on the user's intent.

Functionality:

-Instantly provides tactical and strategic analysis.

-Breaks down combat patterns, environmental factors, and complex problems.

-Generates real-time predictions based on available data.

-Simulates different scenarios and provides the best possible solutions.

Activation Cost:

-Mental strain increases with complexity; excessive use may cause fatigue or disorientation.

Limitations:

-Accuracy depends on the data available; missing or false information can lead to incorrect conclusions.

-Continuous usage may cause cognitive overload, limiting prolonged activation.

So I have a nice innate skill… but all my stats are at F-. Guess the system has subranks: F-, F, and F+. Makes sense. But what's this class? The All-Star? And I'm limited to A-rank? That's kinda sad… but at least I have access to all power types. Should I ask them what to do? …Nah, I'll figure it out on my own. For now, I should pick something that helps me get back home.

Serenys then spoke, her voice firm. "Time is of the essence. Maintaining a mortal's physical body in my haven drains my energy. I cannot afford to waste any more."

"…Alright," he muttered, irritation still lingering. He barely had time to choose a skill properly.

Damian exhaled slowly, his patience wearing thin. No matter how much he tried to stay calm, the thought of being stranded in an unfamiliar world gnawed at him. He had a life before this—a future, plans, people he cared about. And now? Now, he was left grasping at whatever scraps of hope he could find to make it back home.

Then, an idea struck him.

Wait a second… can't I use [Systematic Analysis] to determine the best skill for me? …Yeah, that should work. Hopefully, I can find something useful.

His eyes lit up at the thought. Taking a deep breath, he activated it.

[Systematic Analysis]

Instantly, his mind surged into overdrive, scanning through every skill in the Codex at an incredible speed.

The divine beings in front of him sensed the shift immediately.

Serenys observed him closely. "It appears he already has an innate skill… and he seems to like it."

Azarel smirked. "I guess that means we don't have to replace it."

Thalgor shot him a glance. "…You're just happy we're not losing two skills instead."

That was right. If Damian hadn't possessed an innate skill, Serenys had planned to grant him two—one innate and one standard skill.

"Obviously," Azarel snorted. "This brat cusses too much—even in Her Grace's haven."

Serenys chuckled softly. "It's alright, Azarel. He doesn't seem like the type to serve anyone, even if he suffers for it. To him, freedom matters above all else. Even now, he's trying to find a way back home… while secretly keeping his guard up against us."

Thalgor nodded. "Of course, oh Heavenly Grace. It is only natural. After all, the boy had no choice in being thrown into Velmora for our sake."

"Hmph, I still don't understand why it had to be him. I could have gone instead and handled everything myself."

"No. If a divine being like you intervened, the other gods or entities would take notice. They would kill you, and we would be weakened as a result. Cease your frustration toward the boy just because you cannot take action yourself."

"Tsk."

While the two continued their argument, Serenys kept her focus on Damian. He was still deeply engrossed in the Codex, seemingly ignoring them. Yet, as she watched him, a smile formed on her lips.

Even while searching for a skill, he's paying attention to our conversation. Looks like he possesses a mental skill as well. I wonder what he'll choose… since I can't see his future. And… will he notice that method too?

After a few moments, [Systematic Analysis] deactivated, and a slight discomfort ran through Damian's head. He grumbled internally,

Damn, they really were talking about me while I was right there… Hmm, there's a slight pain in my head. So it drains mental strength, huh? But the processing speed was insane. It really is a perfect skill for me… I guess I have my results now.

There are currently four methods that can help me get back home.

Skills

[Portal]

Rank: S

Description: Creates a portal between two locations.

Conditions: The destination must be within sight or vividly remembered. Requires divine energy.

Limitation: Consumes large amounts of divine energy for long distances.

[Time Repair]

Rank: SS

Description: Rewinds time on the user's body, restoring injuries and reverting their location to a previous state.

Conditions: Affects only the user's body, not external factors. Requires divine energy.

Limitation: Excessive use causes severe mental strain and memory instability.

[Sacrifice]

Rank: S

Description: Exchanges something of value for an equivalent reward.

Conditions: The cost scales with the exchange, often requiring a portion of lifespan as payment. Requires divine energy.

Limitation: Cannot sacrifice anything for an increase in lifespan.

These three skills could help me get home. But each one comes with a serious problem.

[Sacrifice] requires an equivalent exchange. For all I know, it could demand an entire world just to send me back. And since I'm not a genocidal maniac, that's a no-go.

[Time Repair] lets me rewind my body's state, including my location at the moment of activation. If I had enough energy, I could keep rewinding until I returned to the point I was summoned. I'd need to find a way to incorporate spatial travel, but it's one of the better options.

[Portal] might be the best bet—it's a straightforward way to travel between dimensions.

All three require divine energy… She's trying to make me her follower, isn't she? No way I'm falling for that. Which means… I'm left with only the fourth method. But if I ask for that, they might kill me… Ah, screw it. No other choice anyway.

Damian took a deep breath, meeting the gazes of the three beings before him.

"I've decided what I want."

The two champions fell silent. Serenys tilted her head slightly.

"And what have you chosen?"

Damian spoke with unwavering resolve.

"I won't take any skill."

"Hm?" Azarel and Thalgor voiced their confusion.

"Instead… I'll take your divine energy."

A heavy silence filled the space. None of them had expected that.

"You dar—" Thalgor's enraged voice thundered, but Serenys raised a hand, stopping him.

She was grinning.

"So you really figured it out, huh?"

"Yeah… Those three skills were altered to require divine energy. I doubt that restriction was natural. Meaning, you modified them—to make me dependent on you."

Serenys remained silent, still smiling.

"You wanted me as your follower but knew I'd refuse if I realized the catch beforehand. But the fact that you're using divine energy to keep me here proves it can be used for dimensional travel. So, the only safe way for me to return home is by taking it myself."

"…Ahahahahaha… You really are sharp. That skill of yours is something else."

"Of course… You're desperate to have the anomaly killed, which means you don't care how the future unfolds. Divine energy would make me strong enough to handle the anomaly.

And finally—you can't harm me while I'm here. Otherwise, you'd have already forced me into servitude with your mental manipulation skills."

Serenys's smile widened.

"So, I took a gamble—to see if you'd get angry, and to confirm whether you were willing to part with divine energy. Turns out, I was right on both counts."

"True, true. Looks like I've been had, ahahahahaha."

"Of course, I want divine energy that isn't bound to you—it should be mine alone."

Azarel's expression darkened.

"You wish for uncontracted divine energy? You imbecile, how dare you—"

"Azarel, calm down. My plan has failed, and I have no other options. But he has no options either—I can't send him back regardless."

It's a shame he didn't blindly accept a skill. Even giving him two wouldn't have made him my follower. Whatever blocks my powers from gazing into him would've been useful, but now…

"But—"

"Quiet, Azarel." Serenys's tone turned cold.

Azarel flinched but ultimately bowed, though she shot Damian a furious glare.

Heh. Yeah, fuck you too.

Serenys exhaled softly. "Very well. Let's make the deal."

Divine Contract

Party A: Damian Ashford

Party B: Serenys, the Goddess of Time

Condition 1: Party B shall grant Party A uncontracted divine energy.

Condition 2: Party A shall kill the anomaly for Party B by any means necessary. Failure to do so will result in Party A's soul becoming the property of Party B.

By fulfilling Condition 1, Party A shall retain the uncontracted divine energy.

Damian added, "Include a clause stating that you and your followers won't attack me after I kill the anomaly. Of course, I won't attack them either."

Serenys smirked. "Hmm, fair enough. Added."

Damian read over the contract carefully. It seemed solid.

"Okay, I agree."

Immediately, the divine contract split into glowing particles. Half entered Serenys, and the other half merged into Damian.

A strange sensation washed over him.

So this is what forming a contract feels like… It's weird. I don't feel anything, yet at the same time, I do.

Serenys then spoke. "The contract is sealed. Now, you will be transported to Novaros. The anomaly is there."

Damian nodded, then hesitated. "Wait, how do I find them?"

"…I don't know."

"…Huh?"

"I can't track the anomaly."

"…Fuck."

"But that also means neither Veltrissa nor I can track you either. The same goes for the anomaly."

She paused before adding, "I do know one thing—they will be the same age as you."

Damian cursed under his breath but quickly collected himself. So anyone born within a year's span is a suspect. Great. Just hope I don't die before figuring it out.

"…Alright. Send me in."

Serenys raised her hand, and a swirling portal began to form. The two champions looked at Damian one last time.

VOOOM-!

Thalgor spoke firmly, "Damian Ashford… Try not to die."

Azarel added coldly, "…Kill the anomaly, or I'll come for your head."

Serenys's voice was calm. "Your divine energy will manifest upon your awakening. Complete your mission, and you get to keep it. Best of luck, Damian Ashford… you'll need it."

Before he could respond, a blinding light engulfed him.

And once more, the world faded to darkness.