Choice

Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. 

The system had finally responded, not only acknowledging my persistent efforts but also rewarding me with a newfound power—the Character-Specific Skill called [Reality Affirmation]. 

But the story didn't end there.

[System Alert]: Do you wish to change the Character-Specific Skill - [Reality Affirmation] into an Attribute? [Yes/No].

The latest System Alert had presented me with a crucial choice: whether to transform my newly acquired Character-Specific Skill, [Reality Affirmation], into an Attribute.

'What to choose…'

As I contemplated the decision, I couldn't help but wonder about the fundamental differences between a Character-Specific Skill and an Attribute.

"What truly sets apart a Character-Specific Skill from an Attribute?" I muttered silently, curiosity evident in my voice.

With no immediate response from the system, 

[...]

I realized that the responsibility of deciphering the distinction between these two facets fell solely on me.

Relying on my intuition and observation thus far, I aimed to discern any clues based on the description and characteristics of the Character-Specific Skill.

After careful consideration, I noticed a peculiar detail—the mention of a specific characteristic: aspect. It stood out as the defining characteristic responsible for the functioning of the skill.

I observed that there were two slots for Aspects, already occupied by [Basic Manipulation] and [Object Enhancement].

Considering my current skill rank of—Initial One Star, I speculated that with the evolution of the skill, I would gain more Aspects. 

Simply put, as the rank of my skill increased, new aspects would be added to my repertoire.

However, realizing that my speculation lacked confirmation, I confidently asserted, "In the case of a Character-Specific Skill, new aspects would be added with the evolution of the skill."

To my surprise, I received no immediate response from the system, 

[...]

Indicating that my assertion was incorrect. I pondered over my mistake, trying to uncover the reason behind it.

Upon further contemplation, I realized a crucial factor that I had overlooked.

"In the case of a Character-Specific Skill, new aspects are unlocked with the evolution of the skill. I know this," I asserted.

[System Alert]: Congratulations! Your understanding has increased by 2.

It was intriguing to observe that replacing the word "added" with "unlocked" was able to generate a response from the system, and resulted in an increase in my Understanding.

But why did this happen? I believe I have a grasp on the reason. 

'The concept of rank advancement and skill evolution.'

It was pretty simple actually.

Based on the newly arrived prompt, it can be concluded that Character-Specific Skills follow a predetermined path of evolution, with the skill owner having limited control over their development. The system or underlying mechanics play a significant role in determining how the skill progresses. As the skill owner invests time and effort, the skill naturally advances through ranks and evolves.

The specific aspects or abilities that unlock during this evolution are chosen by the system, and the skill owner discovers them as the skill evolves.

In contrast, Attributes offer a greater level of autonomy for the skill owner. They allow the skill owner to actively add aspects based on their preferences and goals. The skill owner has control over how the Attribute evolves and the specific aspects that are added to it.

This ability to shape and select aspects provides a more personalized and intentional evolution process for Attributes.

In essence, the Aspects of a Character Specific Skill adhered to a predestined course of expansion, while the Aspects of an Attribute were a canvas awaiting the skill owner's artistic touch.

Still, it was but a mere speculation.

However, If my speculation held true, it would be a significant revelation.

To validate these speculations, I confidently asserted, "In the case of an Attribute, new Aspects are added with the evolution of the skill."

[System Alert]: Congratulations! Your understanding has increased by 3.

"There you go…" I whispered, a triumphant smile curling my lips as my theories found validation.

* * *

Over the course of another day, I found myself still engrossed in contemplation, mulling over the decision at hand. 

The system alert lingered, unanswered, serving as a constant reminder of the choice I had yet to make. With each passing moment, new thoughts and considerations flooded my mind, urging me to seek greater clarity and understanding.

I made a conscious decision to wait and carefully deliberate for several reasons. Firstly, I reminded myself that there was no imposed time limit, allowing me the luxury of time to thoroughly analyze the options and gather as much information as possible. 

I let the system alert remain in the air, affording myself ample opportunity to weigh the pros and cons.

Secondly, a vital consideration occupied my thoughts—what if in the future I acquired a better skill to change into an Attribute? This uncertainty gnawed at me, emphasizing the importance of making the right choice.

However, it was equally ignorant to wait indefinitely, as I had no knowledge of when or how I would acquire a new skill… Or if I would acquire a skill with remotely similar possibilities to what [Reality Affirmation] could offer as an Attribute. The description of this skill alone hinted at its potential, allowing me to shape and affirm the fabric of the world through the sheer force of my conviction. The boundless possibilities that an Attribute based on this skill could hold were undeniable.

At the very least, I was certain that transforming [Reality Affirmation] into an Attribute would be the best gamble I could make. Through my assertions, I confirmed that converting the skill would grant me an additional aspect slot.

However, beyond that, I remained unaware of any other surprises an Attribute might hold.

After all, even with vague assertions, I could only gain a limited number of prompts. Even guesswork requires some accuracy; and for that requires some initial knowledge, and in this case, I was completely clueless.

With a resolute heart, I pressed "Yes" in response to the alert suspended in the air.

Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through my body.

A whirlwind of emotions stirred within me as the transformation unfolded. Doubt, excitement, and anticipation mingled together, creating a sense of both fear and hope. For a brief moment, everything around me began to fade away as I focused on the swirling mix of amplified emotions. It was an unsettling feeling, but amidst it all, I found a sense of calm.

After a certain time, I opened my eyes to behold a radiant display hovering in front of me.

[System Alert]: Congratulations! Your Character-Specific Skill—[Reality Affirmation] has now transformed into an Attribute.

"It was the right decision to turn this skill into an Attribute now," I declared, even before looking at the skill panel. The reason behind my conviction was the considerable amount of time the transformation process had taken. Though I had no clock to measure the exact duration, I estimated it must have been at least an hour.

Realizing that attempting the transformation in a moment of panic would have sealed my fate, I reaffirmed the significance of my decision. This realization marked the third reason why I chose to change the skill at this particular moment.

Setting those thoughts aside, I eagerly exclaimed, "Let's see what we've got!"

As I spoke, an Attribute panel opened before me