Chapter 3: status and thoughts

Persephone thought she was shocked by what Mike's State was showing. But she has to admit that she is also a bit stunned by the state she was currently seeing.

As she recalls starting with abilities is extremely rare, especially in these times with Evilus around Orario. When there were the Familias of Zeus and Hera, there were many people blessed with abilities. But ever since the largest Familias were defeated by the One-Eyed Black Dragon.

The adventurers that existed with skills began to dwindle. Evilus has killed a large number of adventurers, especially in the dungeon. Many people have become much more cautious in the dungeon with Evilus around, so gaining skills has become more and more difficult for adventurers. Sure, Persephone knows that there are always exceptions. But finding those adventurers was difficult.

Due to Evilus, the adventurers were cautious. Thinking twice or thrice about the need to show off a skill to other people, never know who might be listening around you. She heard a rumor that an adventurer boasted an incredible ability that increased his status, and that he died in the dungeon along with his group of unknown causes.

Persephone doesn't know if this was true, but she will have to refrain from showing off certain abilities, even if she wanted to see other Gods' envious faces. She could be brutally honest many times to the point of arrogance, but she was also cautious and always thought things through before saying them.

Although these days, she doesn't have to think long to be able to say something to someone, because there are too many idiots and morons surrounding her. Many times Persephone wondered how mortals and even some gods can be so... Twit.

Persephone put those thoughts aside. And she concentrated on assessing the state in front of her.

Grim Determination: Exponentially increases the amount of exile gain. The effects of the increase will be based on strong negative feelings or the fulfillment of any goal of the user. The user becomes immune to mental effects and curse-based magic.

This was a terrifying ability, and it was also quite dark and sinister. Persephone can't be sure how much the Exilia will increase compared to other adventurers. But the fact that the new "son" of hers obtained a cheat ability like this sent shivers down her spine.

[The effects of the increase will be based on strong negative feelings]

That was somewhat disturbing. She doesn't know what kind of life Mike has had. But just by reading Mike's abilities, she can conclude that her life was not pretty and calm at all. Persephone thinks that for Mike to manifest his innate abilities with these kinds of feelings. He had to have been scarred deep in his soul.

Persephone didn't like the idea of strong negative feelings being a method to increase his status and help him get more exile than a normal adventurer can get. Fortunately, to her and her great relief. Mike can also increase his Exilia in another way.

[the fulfillment of any goal of the user]

From what she can understand is that if Mike has a goal that drives him, the Exilia will increase. But the Exilia gain will depend on how ambitious Mike is to meet that goal. In the last part of the ability, there is not much to say about it.

It can be explained by itself. Mike is immune to mental effects and any curses on him.

Cursed Body: Denies the soul leaving the user's container. When the container is damaged and enters a critical situation, the regeneration capacity increases, and its healing abilities will be affected by the amount of AGONY of the user. Damage caused by fire causes triple affliction to the user's container. The soul inside the user's container can be destroyed by excessively high temperatures.

Persephone doesn't know what to think about this ability. But she was able to admit that she was somewhat uncomfortable and anxious about both the pros and cons, especially the effects Mike might get from it.

The first paragraph was enough to leave her in shock.

[Denies the soul leaving the user's container.]

That's something that shouldn't be possible, but reiterating Mike's existence shouldn't be possible either. But even if she knows that. She couldn't help but be stunned. On the one hand, it brought her some relief that he couldn't die from any physical damage, but it brought her concern about how reckless Mike could be, not to mention that she doesn't want to imagine what would happen to the body if he finds himself in certain situations, critics.

And even if his healing abilities increase. That won't stop Mike from feeling the pain. In addition what he means by AGONIA? Persephone suspected that she wasn't referring to the kind of agony she knew. And about the last thing...she will keep her new member away from the fire.

She worries that even though Mike's soul can't leave the Gekai world by death. He can still be erased from existence, which is much worse than just dying.

Persephone looked at the last skill.

Gravitational Control: The user can control the center of gravity of the body. The amount of AGONIA increases the strength of the effect. Causes serious internal injuries from overuse.

This ability was more like a type of magic, but without using the mind. Just having this extremely rare ability would make Mike coveted by certain gods. But Mike didn't just get one or two abilities... he got three abilities early on so he was an absolute monster.

The last square did not like Persephone at all.

Remnant: The user can resurrect any living being. At the cost of a part of the user's soul. Resurrected users gain the effects of Cursed Body and the ability to use AGONIA momentarily.

"Your soul is mine. My soul is yours. Let the hate flow into your body, Let the sadness out of your body. Rise and cause grief to the people who tormented you"

His curse... Although this may be considered a miracle before mortals, many gods would not take it well and call him a heretic. She doesn't know what to think about this ability being herself from the underworld and considering death a natural cause of the world.

But she let herself not focus on that and worry about the cost.

[The user can resurrect any living thing. At the cost of a part of the user's soul]

Throwing away a part of your soul was too dangerous, too dangerous. Considering that your soul is your being, it defines who you are and records all your experiences, not to mention that the falna is linked to the soul and body of people.

She doesn't know what would happen to a person if it lose part of their soul, but she doesn't want to find out. So she will have to warn Mike about the consequences or implications. Not to mention that the chant to perform the curse has disturbing implications.

Though she couldn't help but be curious as to how he got this curse.

"Is everything alright Persephone?" Mike commented with concern since she was taking so long to tell him she was done "Did something go wrong with the blessing process?"

"Don't worry, everything went well. I just need to transfer your status so you can see it" she answered quickly not to worry him, but because she also wanted to verify one last thing.

Persephone tried to look at the story behind the curses.

It was the worst thing she could do. A sharp pain that you want has penetrated Persephone's skull. Blurry images flashed in her head, but she could make out a few of her.

A putrid creature spitting out what looked like metal. And three words remained engraved in her head and were repeated for a few seconds.

"YOU WON'T DIE"

Those three simple words brought terror to Persephone and she shuddered. She didn't know the context of those words, but something told her it wouldn't be very nice to find out.

Persephone's instinct told her that these words and their meaning had a lot to do with his, Vengeful ghost race. She has never seen anyone like him.

A vengeful ghost. It is said that it is a person who died a cruel and tragic death, who returned from Tenkai by forces unknown, some believe that it went by force of will or others because their soul was not satisfied. All to torment and take revenge on living beings, especially those who caused their death.

Persephone looked at Mike not knowing how to react to this mortal who was giving her too many surprises and anxiety the first day. But even then she didn't regret having him in her Familia.

Now, Persephone was more sure than ever that Mike will be one of the most important people in the dark events that are coming. Although she couldn't help but worry about how Mike would handle all these events.

She could only be there for him to help him.

==========================

I was starting to get nervous about Persephone being late. Was the process of giving blessings quite complicated and time-consuming? Or was it just my goddess who was rather clumsy and slow? I didn't know, but I didn't have time to think about it in detail because Persephone just groaned in pain.

"Huh? What happened?" I asked worriedly looking over my shoulder. My eyes began to appraise her subconsciously "is you, alright goddess?" I couldn't help but find this suspicious for some reason. What was she doing anyway?

Persephone shook her head. "Don't worry, I just have a little headache" she commented, holding her head with one hand before she passed me a piece of paper "You know... I had a feeling that you were interesting and impressive, but this..." she stopped touching her forehead and with the same hand hit the paper. "This is beyond my expectations" she shook her head in disbelief.

I grabbed the paper she gave me before starting to read it.

Michael Afton

Raza: Vengeful Ghost.

Family: Persephone.

Level 1.

Strength: I0

Endurance: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

AGONIA: S

My lips pursed into a thin line and my face began to look grim. I was sure my eyes started to glow unnaturally and creepily. The first thing I noticed was my real name, I wouldn't say I liked it. But there was little I could do, the second thing I noticed was my race.

Vengeful ghost. I couldn't help but let out a sour, somber laugh at how right that was. I had to admit that I was impressed by these blessings. My State reminded me of video games. I could only thank that this thing didn't give a summary of my life or worse my state of mind.

Although if you looked and carefully analyze the skills, they summed up parts of my life. Grim Determination, Remnant, Cursed Body, Gravitational Control. I came to assume that it is the specific order to understand my damn life.

I have already had each of these "skills" before my blessing. Although I didn't use some of them. The grim determination must be ever since I was at Circus Baby Entertainment and Rental (even though I could die, I kept coming back every night to save my sister). Remnant since the Scooper injected me and then Circus Baby activated it. I was trapped in a cursed body, so it's not surprising and I obtained Gravitational Control in a fit of blind rage (when I found out about my father's actions)

Despite having an idea about this state, I wanted to make sure, "So this is my state? Isn't it supposed to do something? Besides, because you are so impressed, isn't it normal for people to start with skills?"

Persephone just looked at me in disbelief for making light of my Status, though I could also tell that she was worried. "A blessed person is stronger than a civilian. You may not notice it now, but when you get into another battle again you will start to notice it. Also, almost all newly blessed people start with no abilities. It's rare to find someone who can start with and depending on the race you can get magic. For example, elves are known to learn magic even before they are blessed." Persephone explained before giving me a proud smile, "So to find someone who has three abilities to start with would be very unusual to the point that I think you're the only one to do it, not to mention your strange curse." She commented thoughtfully placing a hand on her chin.

"I see... so I'm special in a way?" I asked with some hesitation. If what she said was true. So finding someone who has three skills to start with would be impossible. Even though she was telling me that I was special… I couldn't help but sneer, I certainly didn't feel anything special to me.

I was just a walking corpse waiting for someone to destroy my soul or a god to judge me for my sins. I didn't think the gods in Gekai would be able to do it though. Not at least how I think it is a trial.

"Special? That's an understatement. You are unique Mike…you won't find anyone as special as you…I don't even think the incarnation of talent had as much potential as you do."

I rolled my eyes, I certainly was unique…I mean, I don't think anyone was a walking corpse in Gekai. Of course, I have the potential to be a vengeful ghost, I know that since I got control of gravity.

Old Man Consequences was very clear when it contacted me. That despite having great potential to help, it could also be a great unstoppable destructive being. I never liked having so much power. Of course, if it was my old self, then I'd be delighted. But now I knew better.

All this potential would be wasted on someone like me. A useless man who couldn't save anyone and murdered his brother. Maybe if I wasn't been such a jerk then my whole family would still be alive. Maybe I would never have died. I could have a wife and child, nephews, and maybe even grandchildren.

I could only click my tongue in frustration. No matter what has happened in the past, right now the only thing that matters is stopping this organization called Evilus at all costs. No matter what sacrifices I have to make.

And as much as I wanted to be with someone and live a normal life, I couldn't do it… I was damned, everyone around me was dying. Elizabeth, Evan, Mother, Charlie, Jeremy, and Henry. My father can die again as far as I'm concerned.

Look at Persephone, she was different. She's a goddess, so I wasn't worried about her dying. Of course, she can still go to heaven again. But that didn't mean she would die so it was a relief to know.

With her, I think... if I can let my guard down and be calm.

But there is something else that caught my attention "Incarnation of talent?" I asked curiously.

Persephone looked at me appraisingly for a few moments before she sighed, "I guess you're not aware... 7 years ago before Evilus arrived, there were the two strongest Familias in Orario. Being the strongest Familia they maintained the power and order in all of Orario. Zeus and Hera Familia. They had the strongest adventurers, having adventurers of levels 7 and 8" she explained.

I nodded in amazement. They must have been super strong. I still didn't quite understand this state thing. But if a level 3 was so strong that it seems like a blur to my senses. I don't want to imagine what kind of strength a level 8 adventurer will have. I shuddered just thinking about it.

But the million-dollar question was… if these Families were so strong then what happened to them? From the way the Goddess spoke in the subjective past, it meant that they either perished or withdrew which was unlikely.

"What happened to them?" I asked anxiously, fear running through my guts.

"Zeus and Hera Familia, worked together to attempt to complete the three great quests. The subjugation of the three calamities of the world. Behemoth, Leviathan, and the One-Eyed Black Dragon. They were able to complete the first two quests, but were slaughtered by the One-Eyed Black Dragon" She commented clinically and formally, as she watched my reactions.

I could only run my tongue around my lips due to my nervousness. Although I don't know what to think about what I just found out. But I shook my head, the One-Eyed Black Dragon was not my problem. So I don't have to worry about it.

"No one knows what happened to the One-Eyed Black Dragon after it massacred Zeus and Hera Familia. But rumor has it that it is waiting for the right moment to kill all mortals and gods." Persephone shrugged. "Others say it's still out there slaughtering everything in its path."

I didn't comment on anything, I just kept quiet, thinking about what it could mean to me in this world.

Persephone shook her head before continuing. "It doesn't matter. Right now there is more to fear from Evilus than the One-Eyed Black Dragon. Don't tell anyone about your status, Mike. If the gods find out about your status then you will be coveted by everyone and they will try to force you to join their Familias. Not to mention that there is no telling what Evilus will do if they find out about your Status. Especially because of this curse called Remnant"

I snorted, finding it appropriate to call it a curse. Many people may believe that it could be a miracle to "revive" people. But Michael knows that better than anyone. That was no blessing or luck. It was more of a punishment or curse placed on you.

I know that the Remnant is a part of the soul secreted in liquid. But I couldn't help feeling that this curse in my State worked differently than it does in my world.

The Remnant was a part of the soul, but the soul that this Remnant secretes does not remove that part of the soul. It's more like it split. Like a puzzle in that you separate the pieces, but then you can put them back together.

The description of this makes it sound like it removed part of my soul. Like when you cut a cake into slices and then eat that slice. Once you eat a piece of the cake, you can't get it back by any means.

I won't know for sure until I use it.

"What if someone sees me using one of the abilities?" I asked her.

Persephone was thoughtful for a few minutes "It doesn't matter. Even if someone does see you use your abilities, you don't explain how they work, just you tell them something short and sharp or be brutally honest and you tell them they don't care." Persephone shrugged shoulders "Also don't use Remnant unless it's absolutely important to you. I'm still not too sure about the consequences you'll have using this curse on other people. But I can assure you that it won't be pleasant."

I laughed humorlessly, nothing was nice in my life. But I was already used to suffering, so I just accepted my fate, resigning myself to the lifestyle.

"Don't worry I don't think I have to use it." I told her my thoughts, not accepting or rejecting her proposal "Anyway, are you hungry Persephone, I can cook dinner for us if you want" I asked curiously, but mostly I hoped she would accept.

"Oh. So you know how to cook?" Persephone gave me a cute smile.

I smiled at him with fake arrogance and winked at her "I don't want to sound arrogant. But the food I prepare is some of the most delicious worldwide. Or at least that's what people who have tried it have told me."

Persephone smiled seductively as she raised an intrigued eyebrow "I guess fortunate to find such a lovely man then" then she walked to the kitchen. I stared at her ass before looking away from her in embarrassment "Very good, I hope you don't let me down. And you can put on a shirt. I already hid your Falna anyway"

Despite having hot cheeks from embarrassment. I did not regret having looked at that part of her body. Although a question came to my mind. Are hormones going to be a problem again? I hoped not. But I was not the one who controlled the lust of my body. So I could only pray.

Look at the goddess Persephone. I was going to leave her wanting more when she tastes... my food. If anything I was proud of the food I prepared. And that was after a large number of people queued up to eat it.

I quickly put on the light blue long-sleeved shirt I used in Pizzeria Simulator. Before quickly walking to the kitchen. I immediately went to the refrigerator where the food was kept and opened it. Once I saw what was inside the food keeper, I looked at the bag of food Kaguya bought me before looking again at the food inside the fridge.

I smiled when an idea occurred to me, so as not to waste food. I started rolling up my sleeves while taking a knife out of a drawer.

It was time to get to work.

=========== Time Skip ===========

After finishing the food for both of us, I put it on the table. The dining room table was quite spacious, so 5-6 people could eat if seated correctly.

Persephone licked her lips hungrily, smelling the delicious now of food. "This certainly looks very delicious. I think something tells me this meal will be an absolute delicacy." Persephone commented grabbing the spoon before grabbing some food and putting it in her mouth, when she was chewing her eyes widened before letting out a groan at how delicious the food was "This is exquisite. I have never tasted such amazing food in the mortal realm" she praised me with a smile before looking at her food with a predatory eye.

I gave her a smirk "I'm glad you liked it. Persephone, that's something I'm proud of" I sat in front of Persephone watching her entertained and amused as she ate with absolute joy and pleasure. She looked like a child receiving treats. With her eyes illuminated by childishness.

For a few seconds. My vision was replaced by my family eating quietly while each one had a conversation. The nostalgia hit me hard and I felt my eyes water for a few seconds before I forcefully stopped them with a blink.

This is not the time to get sentimental, Michael, don't be stupid. I couldn't help but mentally scold myself. A tired sigh left my lips before I focused on my food.

I spent a minute debating whether I should eat it. My stomach was not hungry, I am not even thirsty even though I have not eaten or taken anything. I wondered if I needed to eat. Obviously,y I wasn't going to starve. Cursed Body wouldn't let me. But I don't know if my new body can function without eating.

I was pleased to feel alive again. It was a relief and a euphoria that I couldn't describe. So I don't want to risk my body not working properly if I didn't eat. Especially since I have to be 100% if I want to go to the dungeon.

Before Persephone who was distracted eating noticed my hesitation in eating. I grabbed the spoon and reluctantly grabbed a bit of food before taking it to my mouth and chewing.

I chewed it carefully, before taking a deep breath and swallowing. Nothing happened for a few moments before a wave of nausea hit me hard. A phantom pain worked its way up my throat and stomach. I did my best not to react, but my eyes filled with tears so I squeezed them shut and began to blink several times.

Y Persephone immediately noticed my pathetic sight.

"Mike... are you okay?" Persephone stopped eating and looked at me with concern.

I didn't answer him for a few minutes and forced my AGONIA to repair my affliction. A few seconds later the urge to vomit and the phantom pain disappeared. "I… I'll be fine" I evaded hoarsely. "I haven't eaten in a long time, so I'm not used to eating food" I admitted. There was no point in hiding this. She was going to find out sooner or later.

"Oh...is it because of...you know your situation?" Persephone asked with concern, clearly referring to my death or at least that's what I thought she was referring to.

I shrugged wearily "In a way... don't worry though I just have to get used to it again. To be honest I missed eating" I gave him a shaky smile.

"I see..." Persephone, seeing that she did not want to say anything about the subject, did not insist anymore and began to eat again, although the enthusiasm from before was gone and she was more thoughtful.

I cursed myself internally. Because I had to prepare food for myself. I should have eaten after she left. But no!... Excellent Michael, your great intelligence acts again, why don't you show a more pathetic state so that she worries more? I couldn't help but belittle myself. I gritted my teeth at the unnecessary drama it had generated. Now I got him to care about some silly drama in my stupid mind.

All from wanting to try to eat again, if there were no food at all then this shitty drama wouldn't have happened in the first place. I glared at the food, these edibles were the culprits for the unnecessary drama.

I wasn't going to act so pathetically again in front of the goddess. I let my AGONIA run through my body expelling all my negative feelings before I started devouring my food again with casual contempt.

Although nausea and pain returned, they went away quickly. Thanks to the fact that AGONIA immediately took away my afflictions. It's like an emotional tranquilizer. Which I was thankful for because the problem wasn't my new body it was my broken mind that was fucking with my body. My mind thinks that the food I eat is Ennard that is trying to enter my body, for that reason he seeks to expel what I ingested by force.

Fortunately,y the trauma was no longer as great as it was 40 years ago when I was screwed mentally. As if Evan's death and my mother's suicide weren't enough to haunt me at night. Then I had to deal with the trauma of my death.

I often wondered how I hadn't gone fucking crazy.

Once I finished my meal, I breathed a sigh of satisfaction at my completed goal without vomiting anything I ingested. Now that I thought about it, a strange burning started in my back as I set myself the goal of finishing eating these foods without going back to doing a shitty drama.

Reflect on what it could be, but I set it aside for now. Maybe it wasn't important or it was just my imagination.

I smiled at Persephone "you see goddess, nothing to worry about. It was just a momentary annoyance, nothing more" and it was true, compared to the agony I experienced in my death, this was just a mosquito bite. Somewhat annoying and uncomfortable, but no more than that.

"If you say so..." Persephone commented insecurely "if something bothers you or you have a problem or some kind of doubt, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll help as much as I can, you're part of my Familia. So it's natural to help us mutually."

I nodded "Okay. Persephone I'll keep that in mind." Then I gave her a warm and friendly smile "Really, thank you"

"Oh and don't worry about the dishes. Since you made the food, then I'll clean them," she commented

I didn't have many people who cared about my health, so having someone else watching over me brought me some relief. Maybe when I fully trust her I can comment on all my afflictions. But for now,w was not the time.

I just nodded before starting to speak "Well..." I got up from my seat, stretching my back. "…If I want to go to the Guild tomorrow morning, then I'll go straight to bed. This day has been long so I'm tired... Have a good night. Persephone" I said goodbye to her, giving her a last thankful smile.

Persephone smiled back at me "Good night. Mike"

I go to my room, but before I leave I look briefly over my shoulder. Persephone was looking at the window that was in the dining room with a fixed and thoughtful gaze. I was curious as to what she was thinking, but I decided not to say anything, so I started to walk away and go straight to my room.

My body wasn't exhausted, despite all the long walking and fighting with that criminal bastard. But mentally I was exhausted, since Pizzeria Simulator I haven't been able to rest mentally well, so sleeping a little early will help me regain mental strength for tomorrow.

Now that I thought about it, I needed to buy new clothes and wash the ones I currently have. But since I had no other clothes, I couldn't wash them because otherwise I would be left naked. Fortunately, it didn't smell bad. I could only smell a little bit of dust, but I was kind of sure I could hold out for now before I inevitably get Valis.

When I entered my room I closed the door and took off my boots before he threw me face down on the soft bed. It didn't take long before mental exhaustion took over my mind. I could only have one last thought.

Tomorrow I was going to take out all my anger in the dungeon. So I pitied myself the poor monsters that came across me.

The dungeon would know why I was the vengeful ghost with the most potential and the most feared in my old world.

.

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Author's Note: A bit about Michael Afton's state of mind and what he thinks about Orario's situation when Zeus and Hera Familia were around. The next chapter will be about Michael going to the guild and depending on the words to the dungeon