Raphael had long suspected that the system granted to him by the god wasn't just for passive assistance. There was something more to it—something deeper. And today, he was about to find out just how far it went.
---
It was early morning, and Raphael, or rather Asha, lay in her cradle, the faint morning light filtering through the cracks in the old wooden shutters. The events of the last few weeks weighed heavily on his mind—his new life, the discovery of magic in the world, and the unnerving realization that his friend was likely the powerful **Prince Alistair**.
As Raphael pondered his next steps, a sudden message appeared in front of his eyes, brighter and more vivid than usual.
> [System Level Up: Level 2 Achieved]
> [New Functions Unlocked]
For a moment, Raphael didn't know what to expect. He had seen the system evolve over time, tracking his abilities and providing small bits of useful information. But something felt different now, almost as if—
["Good morning, Raphael."]
The voice was soft but clear. It echoed directly in his mind, causing him to flinch for a second. He hadn't heard another voice in this form since his reincarnation, at least not like this.
["Who...who's speaking?"] Raphael asked internally, knowing his newborn body couldn't actually form words.
["I am your system,"] the voice replied calmly. ["Now that I've reached Level 2, I have gained the ability to communicate directly with you. I can now provide advice, answer questions, and help guide your decisions more effectively."]
Raphael took a mental breath, his mind racing with possibilities. A talking system? This could change everything. It was no longer just a silent observer in the background; it was an active companion.
["So...you're not just some text on a screen anymore?"] Raphael asked, his curiosity piqued.
["Correct. I've always been aware of your thoughts and actions, but I had limited ability to communicate. With each level, I'll gain more capabilities. For now, I can answer simple questions and provide detailed information on your skills, abilities, and objectives."]
This was exactly what Raphael needed. His mind was filled with questions, and now he had a direct line to a source that could give him the answers.
["What can you tell me about my abilities?"] Raphael asked, testing the system's new function.
Immediately, a new set of glowing screens appeared before him.
> [Raphael (Asha)]
> Age: 2 weeks
> System Level: 2
> Abilities:
> – [Learning Ability] (Enhanced): You absorb and retain information at a rate 10x faster than average humans.
> – [Prediction Power] (Limited): Your intuition allows you to sense possible outcomes, but its power is limited by your age and the situation.
> – [Magic Potential]: Locked until age 6.
> – [Combat Skills]: Locked until adolescence.
> [New Function Unlocked – System Communication]
> – You can now directly communicate with the system.
> – Additional functions will unlock as you progress.
["It looks like some of my powers are still restricted,"] Raphael muttered in his thoughts. ["But at least I have something to work with."]
["Indeed,"] the system's voice chimed in. ["You're still young, and much of your power is tied to your growth. However, your learning ability and prediction power will be key in the coming years. And now that I can communicate with you, I'll help you make the most of those abilities."]
---
As the days passed, Raphael found himself relying more on the system's guidance. Whenever he had a question about the world, the system was there to provide insight. Whenever he observed something new, it would offer additional context.
One day, while lying in his cradle and observing the faint conversations of the maids outside his room, Raphael decided to test the system further.
["What can you tell me about the political situation here?"] he asked.
There was a brief pause before the system responded.
["You are currently residing in the duchy of Rovanis, under the rule of Duke Verris, your supposed father. This duchy is part of the Kingdom of Allurith, one of the five major powers in this continent. However, power is centralized under the royal family, with Prince Alistair being the most prominent figure."]
Raphael's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Prince Alistair. He was convinced now more than ever that the prince was his reincarnated friend.
["Prince Alistair… What's his story?"] Raphael pressed, eager for more information.
["Prince Alistair is the heir to the throne of Allurith. His rise to power has been meteoric, with unmatched talent in both magic and combat. He's beloved by the people but feared by the nobles for his ambition. There are rumors that his goals may extend beyond mere rulership of the kingdom."]
Raphael frowned. His friend's newfound power and influence sounded dangerous. ["Does the system have any information on how to stop him?"]
["At this point, no direct strategy can be provided. However, your objective remains the same: prevent the destruction of this world. As you grow and develop your powers, more paths will open to you."]
---
One evening, after yet another long day of absorbing knowledge and piecing together the world around him, Raphael began to drift off to sleep. But just as his eyes were about to close, the system spoke again, its voice now lower, almost ominous.
["Raphael, there is something you should be aware of."]
["What is it?"] Raphael asked, his thoughts instantly alert.
["There are entities watching you. Ever since your reincarnation, I've detected faint presences. Their intentions are unclear, but they seem to be aware of who you are...or at least what you are."]
A cold shiver ran down Raphael's spine. Entities? Watching him? He had already been wary of his father and the political schemes around him, but this was something else entirely.
["What kind of entities?"] Raphael asked, though he wasn't sure he wanted the answer.
["I cannot determine their nature yet, but be cautious. These presences are not ordinary. They may be tied to your mission...or something else entirely."]
The weight of those words settled over Raphael like a dark cloud. His mission was already daunting, but now there were hidden forces at play, watching his every move. He wasn't just dealing with the fate of this world—there was something far more dangerous lurking in the shadows.
As he closed his eyes, Raphael knew that this was only the beginning. The system had leveled up, and so had the stakes. He also thought that his only hope is his gift.