Chapter 3: Rejected and Adopted

Chapter 3: Rejected and Adopted

[Your Abilities have been updated]

[You have attained the Supreme Extraction System]

An Extraction System? This puzzled Ruthar. What exactly could it extract, and how would this be useful in his life?

He imagined using the skill to process various raw materials, assuming such things even existed in this world.

'No, there must be some way to access information about the system, like those...'

[...]

Suddenly, another notification popped up, providing exactly the information Ruthar needed. It appeared that this system operated based on his thoughts.

[Supreme Extraction System: With this system, you can connect your soul to a maximum of five beings in the world. By doing so, you can extract every skill and achievement that person has accumulated throughout their entire life.]

[Extracted skills will be multiplied by two to ten.]

[You can only connect to someone by touch. Once the connection is established, it can never be broken.]

'Bingo! Who invented this thing? I love that genius!' Ruthar thought, smiling even as a baby, stunning Kimara who had been observing his expressions.

"What a strange child," she murmured, unaware that Ruthar understood her, although he couldn't speak.

'You wouldn't understand, old lady.'

Ruthar's thoughts quickly turned strategic. With this system, he could surpass all expectations. More importantly, he could change his destined role as a slave, perhaps even outdo his sister.

But who should be the first victim to have their gifts and talents stripped for his gain?

'In the earlier chapters of the novel, there won't be any overpowered characters...'

He sighed, feeling the weight of his infant body and mind. Children needed a lot of sleep.

'I dare you, don't fall asleep on me! We sleep a quarter of our lives away; don't add to it now.'

Despite his efforts to stay awake, sleep inevitably claimed him within seconds. How frustrating...

***

This world was dominated by monsters, curses, demons, and all manner of malevolent beings. Yet, there were also magical creatures like elves, dwarves, and humans.

They all lived in disharmony, and though some might argue that the world was a battleground of good versus evil, those who read this as a novel knew it was really about who was strongest.

In this world, two things were paramount: magic and swordsmanship, skills every human learned. However, the art of Exorcism was a tale unto itself.

Only the four known Kingdoms practiced this art, using it to vanquish evil beings, spirits, and monsters. It was considered the most powerful skill, but only if mastered completely.

Becoming a Master, or even finding one, seemed impossible; they were as mythical as legends.

'I know they exist, but they are far beyond our current reach.'

Ruthar Hellborn opened his eyes again, taking in his surroundings. A cradle? That was his current reality.

As soon as he became conscious, Kimara picked him up carefully. She unzipped her gown, revealing her ample breast.

'What the heck, is she going to feed me? Wow, it's so large! Although she looks about thirty, it's still... No, Ruthar, focus on the issue here.'

As she brought him closer, Ruthar greedily latched onto her breast, sucking on the nipple and the flavorless milk that flowed into his stomach. 'So bland. Isn't there supposed to be some sugar in this?'

While feeding, he realized what had been overlooked. The slaves of the Darkdawn family, and indeed every royal family that practiced Exorcism, were forbidden from having children.

The presence of milk meant Kimara had recently given birth, in direct violation of their law and orders.

'How did she conceal a pregnancy for nine months while serving her wicked sister? Was the baby hidden in her... No, concentrate, Ruthar.'

The risk of discovery was immense, a scandal no one would dare risk. No wonder she never ascended to the kingdom.

'For now, I will enjoy these privileges. I have also decided who will be the first to be linked to the Supreme Extraction System.'

[Enter the name of your first subject:]

The most advantageous person for Ruthar to draw from would be his sister, Rotexa Darkdawn.

Although she might be seen as one of the protagonists, she was truly an antagonist at this stage. She would be key in his plans to dominate this novel.

[Rotexa Darkdawn✓accepted]

[Touch the subject to Activate Extraction]

The real challenge would be making contact.

According to the novel, Rotexa would undergo brutal training under Kithara, becoming the most formidable of her siblings.

'The optimal time to connect with her is during the early stages, but I need to be stronger to even meet her... I still remember her brutal deeds at the age of three, which haunted me for a week.'

As sleep overcame him again, Ruthar made no effort to resist, understanding that struggling was futile.

'All I need to do now is train intensely for the next few years.'

...

...Author's Note...

Thank you for reading; I hope you are enjoying the book so far. Please support me on WSA by becoming a fan and contributing a power stone or more.