CHAPTER 03-Obtaining ‘that’ once again

'Seven Sins System (Divine)'

As the name suggests, it's a system promoting the seven sins: pride, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony, greed and envy.

In fact, his system was like a binder, and actually bound seven systems with each having a Legendary Rank.

With seven legendary systems and some custom divine functions of its own, it was like a devil incarnate and without a doubt the divine rank suited it.

Later during his second life, he found that the black screen was the Sin System, the divine ranked one and it had severe backlash on people trying to find anything about it. Ambrosia died because she wanted to find out its name and Robert died because he wanted to replace it.

Ray had died because when the mages killed him, the magic directly affected him and not the system.

Ray didn't actually want to reveal his system to anyone this time around to prevent any chances of betrayal, and for that he used another function of his system.

When Ray focused on a specific sin in his system, the black screen would change and the specific system would replace it.

For example if Ray focused on the word 'wrath' in his mind, the black screen before him would change into a blood red screen and the name would change to 'Wrath System (Legendary)'.

Any appraisal skills used on him then no matter how high ranked would only show him with the Wrath System and nothing else.

Since such appraisal skills didn't reach the original divine ranked sin system anyhow, there was no backlash, and everyone would see him with the system he wanted until he willed otherwise.

Thus he could swap systems doing quests of different genres and obtaining variable skills while also hiding.

Black screen for the sin system, golden screen for the pride system, red screen for wrath, pink for lust, white for sloth, blue for gluttony, silver for greed and green for envy.

Having eight different screens, each with unique quests, skills, and natures, it was a lot to digest for a beginner, but Ray was highly experienced, and as such the moment he gained the sin system again, he swapped it for the 'Pride System' before Ambrosia could take any action.

He chose 'Pride' above the other because as an emperor having pride was a must and it wouldn't appear all that bad in the people's eyes.

Unless he went full pride mode and trampled every empire in existence and waged intergalactic wars, it would be rather appreciated.

'I mean… a lustful king, a greedy king, a jealous king, a lazy king, an angry king, a hungry king or a proud king. Everyone would choose to have a proud king. '

The brightness around him receded and he felt a tingly sensation as the appraisal spell hit him.

Ambrosia who had just cast the spell suddenly widened her eyes in disbelief and after a few seconds of properly digesting what she saw, regained her composure and spoke in a calm and majestic voice, filled with authority and supported with magic so that everyone in the hall could hear properly.

"Ray Celestia, the crown prince of the empire, I hereby declare you the owner of the Legendary ranked Pride System. Do you accept?"

Immediately the crown broke into whispers as they began conversing in hushed voices.

"Did she just say legendary rank?"

"No wait… the pride system? Is it another sin type system?"

"Another? What do you mean sin type system?"

"Do you live under a rock? The dwarf king has a system which has something to do with greed…"

"Yes… although not legendary it was extremely strong as his empire became the richest within just a few years of his reign."

"No, but why a sin type?"

"Bro who the fuck are you? How do you not know anything? The Holy Twilight Empire published a few weird laws when they were established, and in it they categorized a few systems as sin type, a few as good, holy, evil and who knows what else. Sin type systems were the highest in their importance list."

"Yeah, and apparently anyone with a sin type system could only enter the empire after thorough checks and permissions."

"Then… is the pride system evil?"

"Evil? Hahaha, man you're funny. Even the worst criminal can obtain a holy system, but that doesn't make him holy. If the prince is good at heart, no system will corrupt him."

"Dude are you a philosopher? Can you come with me to teach my son a few morals and ethics?"

"Yes yes I'm a philosopher, 10 gold coins for one lesson."

"No fuck you; you have no morals at all."

As the crowd kept muttering, Ray could see Isis looking at him with a smile but he could see both worry and joy in her eyes.

Now Ray had to make a choice. If he told yes, he would accept the pride system, but if he said no, his system would be reshuffled.

"I agree."

'I have no choice.'

Seeing Ray's firm and confident reply without any hesitation, Ambrosia smiled as she nodded.

"Henceforth, Ray Celestia will live with the 'Pride System', everyone, kneel and pay respects to his highness for he has awakened and will take the throne a week from now. May word be spread, a legendary system has appeared and the empire will soon thrive and be unparalleled under his wise reign."

And so, everyone kneeled except the Empress who just gave a slight bow.

"The ceremony has been concluded, a feast has been prepared just beyond this door, everyone is encouraged to partake in this happy occasion and enjoy to their fullest."

Saying so, Ambrosia got up and so did everyone.

Giving a slight nod to Ambrosia and Isis, Ray walked down the stage and entered the palace where he finally heaved a sigh.

Unknown to their knowledge, a certain red haired man wearing a mask was looking at the ceremony with amusement in his eyes.

'Interesting. Seems like another pawn has just appeared.'

And then he disappeared in the shadows. No one knew who he was, or if he was even there.

Following Ray's departure, Isis followed him, and so did Ambrosia, and finally after everyone from the stage had departed, the guests slowly walked beyond the door where the feast was waiting for them.

Not a single one wished to miss the feast, as a banquet prepared by the royal family was rare and extremely lavish. Furthermore people could wait and talk to the people from the royal family, even the prince and attempt to meet the Emperor or the Empress in this case. Even after excluding the royal family, it was an extremely good place to build connections with high standing nobles and powerful families.

And as such while heaps of appetizing food were displayed on tables, maids and butlers supplied food and drinks to people, a light melody was playing in the background and people were happily socializing with each other.

Meanwhile in the place, a few buildings away, Ray was having a discussion with his mother and aunt.

"My dear nephew! How long it has been!"

"I spoke with you yesterday."

"…"

"…"

"Ahem… About your system…"

Ray knew what his aunt would ask. Her cold face was only for strangers. For people she loved and considered her family, she was very caring and would jump on every chance to help them.

Seeing this beautiful woman whom everyone called cold talking to him with a worried and caring expression brought a weird sense of pride in him.

'Ah shit, must be the system. Not me. Not at all.'

Suppressing the feeling with practiced ease, he gave a charming smile to his aunt.

"You don't have to worry. The system cannot control me. And if anything severe does come up, I'll contact you or mother."

Isis who was standing just beside Ambrosia with a worried face slowly cheered up as she heard Ray.

"Listen Ray, whatever happens, if you find any trouble or anything troubling you, me and your aunt will always be here to help you."

"Sure. But don't worry; I know what I'm doing."

Ambrosia hugged Isis as she sighed as if she was 'heartbroken'.

"Ah how fast he has grown."

"Indeed. Soon he'll be the emperor and command the empire… the worries of a mother."

Ray couldn't help but sigh.

"Alright alright, let's go to the banquet. I just want to quickly end this and rest. Furthermore I still have to properly check out my system and stats."

"Ah sister, look at him, giving commands to the Empress, such a rebel."

Hearing Isis call her son a rebel Ambrosia chuckled before she looked at Ray and asked.

"So my dear nephew Ray? What are your stats?"

Ray had already begun walking away, but when he heard his aunt, he looked back and seemed to think a bit before he raised his fingers to his lips and smiled.

"That's a secret."

Turning back, he walked away towards the banquet hall with a smug smile on his face.

'These stats will be constantly increasing after all…'

Ambrosia looked back at Isis who shrugged in reply.

After that, they followed Ray to the banquet hall.