Chapter 3: "Choices in the Abyss"

The transition from the Soul Realm was like falling through a tunnel of stars, each point of light streaking past as if he were shooting through the cosmos itself. When the Leo opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a dark, endless void. Shadows swirled around him like smoke, twisting and folding into shapes that quickly dissolved back into the blackness. This place was unsettling yet oddly peaceful, a dimension where time and space felt fluid. There was no ground, yet he stood firm; no sky, yet he sensed vastness above.

His breath was steady, his senses alert. He knew that this was the place where he would make his choices. Suddenly, the void in front of him rippled, and a soft, glowing light appeared, gradually forming into a holographic interface.

"Welcome, Master," a feminine voice chimed in, smooth and comforting, with a hint of playfulness. "I am Eve, your Universal Navigator. I will be your guide, companion, and system interface in your journey across the multiverse."

The Leo felt a warmth spread through him, a comforting sensation that told him he could trust this AI, crafted specifically to aid him in his journey.

"Let's start by customizing your system," Eve continued. "You have several options available to tailor it to your needs."

A series of menus appeared, each one glowing with a soft light that cut through the darkness around him.

The first menu was labeled System Functions. Eve explained each function with a calm and informative tone:

1.Status: A complete overview of his physical and mental attributes, skills, abilities, and current power levels. This function would also display his growth potential and any special traits or enhancements he possessed.

2.Quests: Divided into various categories:-

> Daily Quests: Routine challenges that provide small, steady rewards for consistent progress.

>Yearly Quests: Significant challenges with substantial rewards, aligned with his long-term goals.

>World Quests: Missions tied to the unique challenges and objectives of each world he visits. These could include defeating powerful enemies, uncovering hidden secrets, or forging alliances.

>Special Quests: Triggered by specific events or circumstances. These are unique opportunities that offer rare or powerful rewards.

>Customized Quests: A unique option where the you could request a specific skill, item, or resource. Eve would then generate a quest tailored to earning that reward. Quests would vary in difficulty from Common to God, and rewards could range from basic items to rare artifacts or stat boosts.

>Restoration Tokens: Each quest completion could reward these tokens. A Restoration Token could restore the you to peak condition, heal any injuries, and even be used on others to bring them back from the brink of death.

3.Partner Function: This function categorized relationships based on their status:

>Wife: The highest level of affection and loyalty, offering the most benefits in terms of personal growth and support.

>Concubine: A tier for trusted partners who provide companionship and assistance but lack the bond of a wife.

>Slave: Those bound by loyalty or other means, serving the you with no autonomy.

4.Subordinate Function: A list of followers who are not part of the harem but serve the MC in various capacities—soldiers, assistants, or aides.

5.Relation Function: This function provided a percentage-based reading of how much any individual liked or hated the you, allowing him to navigate social dynamics effectively.

6.Point and Experience (EXP) System: Points could be earned through quests, battles, or other achievements. They could be spent in the Shop, which was divided into various categories—equipment, skills, consumables, and more. The EXP system allowed for traditional leveling up to increase the MC's stats and abilities.

7.Shop Function: Divided into categories like Weapons, Armor, Potions, Magic, and Custom Shop. In the Custom Shop, the you could use points to modify existing skills or even create new ones by providing a detailed description. This allowed for infinite possibilities in crafting a unique skill set.

The Leo's eyes scanned through the options. He was impressed by the sheer depth and flexibility of the system. Eve was designed to be the perfect guide, and this customized system would provide him with all the tools he needed to thrive in any world.

"Alright, Eve," the Leo said with a smirk. "Let's activate all these functions. No penalties for quests; it's up to me if I want to do them or not."

"Understood, Master," Eve replied cheerfully. "All functions are now active. Next, let's decide on your appearance."

The interface shifted, now displaying a 3D model of the Leo. It rotated slowly, and Eve began listing the customizable options.

"You may choose your height, build, hair color, eye color, and attire. You can also customize your face to suit your preferences. The chosen appearance will be your default form, though you can change it later using the system."

The Leo contemplated his choices and started making adjustments:

>Body: He chose a swimmer's body, with lean but well-defined muscles—not overly bulky like a bodybuilder but toned and powerful, suggesting both speed and strength. His height was chosen to be tall but not imposing, a perfect balance between being formidable and approachable.

>Hair: His hair would be long, flowing down to his mid-back. The top half would be a stark white, gradually transitioning into a mix of silver and platinum toward the bottom, creating a stunning visual effect. To add a unique flair, a few strands in ruby red fell across his face, covering one eye partially, giving him a mysterious and otherworldly appearance.

Eyes: His eyes were truly extraordinary. His left eye appeared like a swirling galaxy, stars and nebulae rotating within. When he focused or activated skills with it, the galaxy would shift and display the Northern Lights, vibrant and mesmerizing. His right eye was a deep, oceanic blue, capturing the essence of the most beautiful oceans within. Upon using skills tied to this eye, it would reveal Yggdrasil, the World Tree, its branches extending and shimmering as if alive.

>Wings: The MC chose to have a pair of angel-like wings, each one constantly changing colors—a blend of his hair and eye colors. These wings were both ethereal and magnificent, their colors flowing like a living canvas of light. When a feather detached, it would transform into the most beautiful rainbow, warm to the touch and offering comfort and minor healing to those who held it.

>Attire: He chose a look inspired by an assassin's aesthetic mixed with the sleekness of Alex Mercer's style. A black jacket with a high collar and a deep hood that cast a shadow over his face, leaving only his vibrant eyes and a hint of his ruby-red hair visible. Underneath the jacket, he wore a white shirt, adding contrast to the dark tones. His pants were black, fitted but flexible, perfect for both combat and stealth. He completed the look with black gloves and black shoes, designed for agility and speed. This attire was not only imposing but also practical for the variety of environments he might encounter.

"Changes confirmed," Eve announced. "You now have a form that is both striking and practical, ready for any situation."

The Leo felt a shift in his body, a strange tingling sensation, as his appearance adjusted to match his choices. He glanced down at himself, admiring the result. His new form felt powerful and perfectly attuned to his desires.

As the portal expanded, Leo took a deep breath, anticipation and excitement coursing through him. This was the start of his journey—a journey that would take him through countless worlds, where he would grow stronger, gather allies, and perhaps even find love in the vast multiverse.

Just before he stepped through, a warm sensation washed over him. Eve's voice was calm and reassuring. "Master, as this is your first world, it is considered a free entry. You will be placed in a setting that aligns with your abilities but offers room to grow."

Leo glanced at the list of worlds again, and his eyes caught an intriguing one: a world reminiscent of the anime Armed Girl's Machiavellism, a setting filled with intense battles, powerful heroines, and the complex dynamics of a unique school system. A small smile crept across his face. "This one."

"A fine choice," Eve replied with a hint of amusement. "You will enter this world at a time when a significant event occurs, one that will provide you with a suitable opportunity to make your presence known."

A glowing portal began to form in front of him, swirling with a deep blue light. Eve's voice grew softer but filled with excitement. "Prepare for transfer. You will be enrolled at the same school and placed in the same timeline as the original MC, where your story will truly begin."

As the portal expanded, the MC took a deep breath, anticipation and excitement coursing through him. This was the start of his journey—a journey that would take him through countless worlds, where he would grow stronger, gather allies, and perhaps even find love in the vast multiverse.

But just before he stepped through, a cold shiver ran down his spine. A voice, deep and distant, echoed through the dark dimension, carrying an enigmatic weight that hinted at ancient wisdom and a cryptic fate. "A soul that walks these paths will live a thousand lifetimes and die without regret, but only after embracing both light and shadow in equal measure."

The MC's eyes narrowed, the words sinking in like a distant prophecy. Yet, he did not waver. With a calm resolve, he stepped into the light, ready to carve his own destiny across the multiverse.

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