Evolution (2) [He Who Ascends ]

Ding! 

<<System Notification>>

[Attention, Players! The world is about to undergo its next evolution in 24 hours. Please make necessary preparations and ensure you are in a safe location during the transition. This evolution will introduce new challenges, quests, and opportunities. Good luck!]

[Remaining Time: 22 hours]

Arthur stared at the system notification, along with Lily as they both wondered what on earth was going to happen after the next evolution like the system said. Was the world really going to turn into a game? Were monsters going to start spewing out of portals like in the webnovels they read? What exactly was going to happen?

Arthur's brows furrowed, his mind racing with questions and speculation. The system notification had ignited a fire of curiosity within him, fueling his imagination with countless possibilities. He exchanged a glance with Lily, and they could both sense the anticipation and wonderment mirrored in each other's eyes.

"The next evolution... It's hard to imagine what exactly it will bring," Arthur mused, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Will the world truly transform into something resembling the webnovels we used to read? Will we encounter formidable monsters, hidden realms, and mystical artifacts?"

Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she considered the possibilities. "I wouldn't mind a few hidden realms and mystical artifacts. Just imagine the adventures we could embark on, the treasures we could uncover! But... what if the world becomes more dangerous? What if the challenges become even more perilous?"

Arthur leaned against the wall, deep in thought, his fingers absentmindedly tapping against the surface. "Lily, if monsters start appearing after this evolution, we need to be prepared. We've never fought before, not even a simple brawl. How do we even begin to face these creatures?"

Lily's brows furrowed as she contemplated the implications. "Now hold on, I've fought before."

"I wouldn't really count a chicken as an opponent, Lil," Arthur said, before smiling. "And, if I remember correctly, you lost that fight."

A blush ran up Lily's cheeks. "SHUSH! And, I totally won that fight. You're just stupid. Stupid bro."

"Yeah, yeah," Arthur rolled his eyes. "But seriously though, how do we even fight against these creatures? I mean we do have our skills, but it's not like that's a guarantee we can win, or even survive."

"You're right," Lily replied. "Something's telling me that the way we are now, we'll have a pretty hard time against the creatures that are going to be invading our world."

". . .Is that your [Divine Wisdom] skill talking?" Arthur asked. 

Lily blinked. "Huh. So, this is how it feels to have a skill being activated? But yeah, I guess it is."

"According to the games we've played, it looks like your [Divine Wisdom] skill's a passive one, eh?" Arthur said. 

"Yeah," Lily nodded. "And, it's making my stomach all queasy whenever I think about trying to battle against the system's creatures the way we are now."

"So, what do we do?" A flicker of uncertainty flashed in Arthur's eyes. "And, where do we start? It's not like there's a 'Monster Fighting 101' manual we can pick up from a bookstore."

Then, Lily snapped her fingers. "The system!"

"You're right!" Arthur said, before showing a puzzled expression on his face. "Wait, what exactly are we talking about?"

Lily's eyes widened with realization. "Oh, it's so simple! How could I have not seen this before?"

"Please divulge your findings, oh great enlightened one."

Lily threw another jab at her brother's stomach. "Can't you see? Until now, everything the system has done for us was to prepare for this 'evolution' of the world. It's been giving us hints, skills, and the talent necessary to fight against these monsters, basically, guiding us through this entire thing."

"Going by that theory," Lily swallowed, hoping she was right. "Maybe it'll provide us with information about monsters, their attributes, and any known weaknesses."

Lily looked at Arthur to see what her brother thought. Arthur was still going through what she said, but he did understand enough to tell her, "Well, go ahead. It's not like we have anything to lose if you're wrong."

Lily nodded. "Well, then."

"Ahem!"

Lily, filled with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, decided to put their theory to the test. He called out to the system, his voice filled with anticipation, "System, how do we level up in this new world? What is the mechanism behind our growth and progression?"

DING!

<<System Response>>

[Congratulations on your inquisitive nature, Player Lily! In this world, the path to power lies in experience, challenges, and the acquisition of rare treasures. Engage in battles, complete quests, unravel mysteries, and unlock the hidden potential within you. Seek out powerful foes and conquer them to gain valuable experience points (EXP) that will propel you towards higher levels. Improve your skills, discover new abilities, and harness the essence of your chosen legend to become an unstoppable force. Remember, every step forward is a step towards greatness!]

"YES!"

"What? What's wrong? Did it work?" Arthur asked, not understanding why his sister was suddenly jumping around the room like a monkey. 

Lily stopped, looked at her brother and realized that probably only she could see the message. "Hmph, well, see for yourself!"

With a ding, Arthur received the message as his eyes widened, absorbing the information. The world truly was becoming like the webnovels he had read, a world governed by game mechanics and the pursuit of strength. He turned to Lily, a grin forming on his face.

"So, you're right again," He petted his little sister's head. Lily only nodded with a satisfied smirk on her face. 

Then, Arthur saw his little sister's eyes widen, before she started to smile in delight. "And, what has the system told you now, oh wise sister of mine?"