Gaining Easy Experience

Essences from killed monsters are absorbed into Amaterasu as experience points (XP). Some of the XP are absorbed by the survivors for just being nearby, which bother me more than it should have.

Likely because it feels like they are leeching, especially when I am unable to acquire any of it.

This is because I am not part of the new System. I am still a part of the old System, where most of my powers originate from. Not all of my powers, obviously, as relying solely on the System is quite stupid, not to mention extremely dangerous.

While the System has never failed me before, I have heard plenty of stories about the System refusing to support the players in dire situations, resulting in their gruesome death. Not really sure how those players manage to tick off the System, and I like to know, just so I can avoid it if possible.

The System is probably sentient, but it has never talked to anyone before, so it is just my gut feeling.

I had initially thought that some of the XP would go to my avatar, but then I realize I have not named the avatar like I had done so with Amaterasu and Magneto. It is not because I had forgotten to. No. It is because it will make the avatar unique. Hence, I cannot duplicate it via the Shop System.

The avatar is designed to be used and discarded. Moreover, the avatar will burn itself out long before it can reach sufficient level to be useful, and that is all thanks to the massive amount of spiritual energy coursing through it. Massive amount of magical energy too, and that is in the form of Runic Stigmas.

And therefore, it is better to reserve all the XP for Amaterasu or Magneto, and I do mean all of the XP.

None of the XP should go to the survivors, as they are not my party.

Speaking of Party, I can create one via the System, and from experience, I should be able to add anyone to the party as member, allowing them to gain XP without being involved in combat. Of course, normal people in the party cannot gain XP, but they can fill up member slots for some Quests.

I am still stuck on "Proving Ground" Quest despite killing so many monsters already. It is likely a glitch – and that is a problem, as completing Quests will reward me things that I cannot acquire otherwise.

"Did that sword just gain experience?" one of the survivors questions, and his remark doesn't surprise me since it is the fourth day.

Anyone who has survived for this long on their own or within their own group will have noticed all the gaming-like mechanics. Usually the kill monsters and get stronger.

They might have also acquired a skill or two from the System, thus gaining its acknowledgement. Doing so would allow them to level up, separating them forever from the rest of humanity.

Once the Zone collapses, those who manage to survive will become instant celebrity. They will also be enlisted into the military, and if they refused – let's just say quite a lot of players have gone missing in the previous timeline.

"Yes," I answer and ignite my blade, allowing the black flames to surge around the edge. "It is a magic weapon, and the more I kill with it, the stronger it becomes."

I unleash an inferno of doom against the Lizardmen, burning them all into ash, leaving nothing behind, not even a Fire Crystal to be looted. Not a huge loss, as I can I buy it from the Shop System.

"And as for who I am," I response to the previous question. "I am a Merchant."