Questions and answers

'I was wondering when this word was going to appear.

Evolution.

Arguably, one of the most popular ways to power up in fiction. So the system is capable of evolving me, or at least the possibility is there.

Should I pursue evolution? If it is anything to go by the standards of fiction, evolution is what I need right now to grow stronger even further.

Just stacking attributes can only get me so far. Acquiring inherent racial abilities could go a long way.

Normally, I would go for the choice immediately but thankfully, the system has been kind enough to warn me.'

"So, what are the risks?" Aster wanted to know what might happen beforehand.

The system wasn't particularly helpful in that regard.

[As stated before, evolution is a process of mystery. The existence of side effects of forced evolution is unspecified.]

"But what about the chances of success?"

[The chances of successful evolution are unknown but the risk of death is zero]

'Hmm, I see.'

Aster wanted to contemplate the choices available to him in peace but something had been bugging him.

'Looks like you are excited about this, I guess?'

The system existing in his soul felt strangely… stimulated. He got the feeling that the system was like a child tasting sugar for the first time.

'Speaking of a child, I ought to treat it better and not like a tool.'

"So, what do you think is the best decision in this situation?" Aster internally asked the system. He thought asking for its opinion was appropriate.

[The system's opinion on this matter is to go for it. With the newly acquired fragments, the system's performance had greatly improved. The scenario where the host dies or is permanently disfigured by failure is unlikely. At most, it would be a waste of time alongside temporary weakness as a result of over usage of energy]

'I can feel the confidence oozing from it, what the hell? When did it become like this?'

It was not a bad feeling. Aster felt assured by the system.

'Is there a rough estimate for the time it will take?'

[It is not fully confirmed, but the process is estimated to last 1 to 3 days.]

'Not fully confirmed, that is pretty alarming. How confident are you in your estimation? How are you estimating it anyway? Can evolution be calculated like algebra?'

[For the calculated percentage, it stands at around 80% As for the process of estimation, the system calculates the chances by virtually simulating every possible scenario imaginable and states the probability of successful scenarios]

'Right. Now would be a very bad time for me to evolve. I need a safe and stress-free environment to comfortably evolve which is like a dream at this point.

Why won't those pesky chickens and goats leave me alone? I'm not up for adoption. Sigh.'

'Wait a sec, isn't now the second-best time for me to evolve? I'm amidst an endless room, in the middle of nowhere, with no one in sight.

This guy surely had some guts of titanium for snatching me up in the middle of a conference of highest-ranking angels and demons. And the fact that he succeeded and hasn't been found out immediately or stopped speaks volumes about his skills.

Or maybe he was just suicidal. No, committed might be the right word.

After all, he was trying to kill me even on his deathbed.'

Aster looked at the corpse beneath his feet once again. 

The lower half, completely obliterated by the arrow, the torso, ridden with injuries inflicted during their clash, and the head? Gone, reduced to a meat paste on the ground.

'He still came after me even with half of his body reduced. I have to commend him for it.

The question is, who made this person come after me? I didn't do much to mess with a person, or a group, this strong when I was still amongst humans.'

The answer came instantly to him.

"Pff, haha!" He felt like laughing.

"It isn't even a question. Blake, that shiny bastard. I didn't know he had people like this under him.

If his lackey is this strong then… how strong is he?"

'None of my business. I will crush him in due time.

And hopefully, this new function of the system is the key to that goal.'

Aster resolved his will. He was going to put his complete faith into the system and pray he wouldn't turn up as a squid.

But just in case, he would search for alternate solutions.

'Are there any other functions unlocked?'

[Function: Skill customization is estimated to be possible for the system. However, it isn't possible with the current ability of the system]

Aster could have sworn he felt its tone change. It started to feel more alive since the acquisition of the fragments.

It made Aster wonder how random people got possession of the fragments. How did the system even crack into pieces in the first place?

'Hmm, skill function huh? Sounds useful. But that's for the future when I get more fragments.'

"Alright, I have decided. I will choose the evolution function and evolve right now."

[Understood]

Goosebumps appeared on his skin, and he felt hot energy coursing through his veins.

'But just in case, If I ever get found while evolving and is turned into a demon before the process is complete, can I evolve, err, de-evolve back to a human?'

[The conversion of human to a demon is dependent on demonic essence. Under normal circumstances, the demonic essence would be absorbed into the soul via the system so theoretically, it is possible]

'Ah, alright then. Let's get to it I guess.'

[During the evolution process, do you grant the system permission to complete the procedure by any means necessary?]

'Ominious. Sounds like a scam but okay I guess.'

As soon as he gave his consent, Aster's eyes rolled back to his head and he collapsed on the ground.

The next moment, his body twitched and shook before bursting from the inside out.

Blood, gut, and organs flew in every direction.

As soon as they hit the peak height they could achieve, the body parts froze mid-air and started getting pulled to a certain point.

Soon, a messy and bloody cocoon was constructed with Aster's old body.

Light pulsated within the core as a new body started forming.