Levi stood at the edge of the crater, staring at the Divine Hammer of Pangu like it had personally insulted his entire bloodline.
To the untrained eye, he appeared composed. A silent, towering figure in black, coat settling around him with the faint heat rising from the forge below. His eyes stayed fixed on the weapon embedded in stone.
To those with even the slightest social awareness, namely Master Genga and Reya, he looked like a man suffering a stroke while trying to solve quantum physics with his brain alone.
Reya leaned slightly toward the dwarf beside her. Her voice came out in a whisper. "He hasn't moved in three minutes."
"Aye," Genga muttered, scratching his beard. "Either communing with the gods or having some kind of episode."
Inside Levi's head, chaos reigned.
Internal system stability: nine percent. Emotional state: dissociating while pretending to be majestic. Thought speed: four hundred percent of normal. Inner monologue: screaming.
Okay. This is fine. Totally fine. I didn't fail. The hammer just didn't want to be lifted today. Maybe it's shy. Maybe it needs emotional support before being yanked out of the ground by a stranger.
A notification blinked into view.
SYSTEM:
Recognition confirmed. The Divine Hammer of Pangu has accepted the Host as worthy.
Lifting attempt failed. Strength parameter insufficient.
Strength evaluation: Pathetic.
Levi's mental process slammed into a wall.
Worthy? I was WORTHY?
SYSTEM:
Affirmative. Worthiness granted based on Soul Resonance, Conceptual Potential, and Inner Narrative Structure. Physical strength not included.
You mean I had it. I HAD it. And I didn't lift it because of my literal noodle arms?
SYSTEM:
Host exhibits substandard muscle density. Not recommended for lifting divine weaponry, heavy groceries, or buckets of water.
Levi's left eye twitched.
Reya cleared her throat softly. "Great Sir. Is something wrong?"
He didn't turn around. Just stayed perfectly still, hands loose at his sides.
"No," Levi said quietly. "Nothing at all."
Reya exchanged a glance with Genga. The dwarf shrugged slightly, looking uncertain.
System. I need you to fix this. Right now.
SYSTEM:
Query unclear. Please define 'fix this.'
I don't know! Make me stronger! There has to be something I can do!
SYSTEM:
Transformation into anime body type requires Advanced Body Remodeling, currently unavailable.
Then what CAN I do? I can't just stand here while everyone watches me fail!
SYSTEM:
Reminder: There is no formal quest to lift the Divine Hammer. Host may leave at any time.
Wait. What?
SYSTEM:
Affirmative. No penalties. Host engaged voluntarily.
You mean I could've just walked away?
SYSTEM:
Correct.
And you didn't tell me because?
SYSTEM:
You didn't ask.
He blinked rapidly. Took a deep breath through his nose. Let it out slowly.
Then, very calmly, whispered aloud, "I'm going to delete you with a rock."
Behind him, Genga's eyebrows rose. Reya's lips pressed into a thin line.
Is he... talking to himself? she thought.
Levi turned slowly, managing a smile. "I am in full control."
Reya nodded once, though her expression suggested she didn't quite believe him.
Okay. I'm not strong enough. But I'm worthy. That counts for something. I just need to figure out how to actually get stronger.
SYSTEM:
Suggestion: Increase Strength stat to required level.
How? I don't have Dimensional Crystals!
SYSTEM:
Incorrect. Host possesses 10 Royal Gold coins from Patron Velgrin.
And?
SYSTEM:
1 Royal Gold = 10 Dimensional Crystals. Total potential: 100.
Wait. That's actually a thing?
SYSTEM:
Yes. Mentioned in previous chapter.
"I forgot about the magic crystals," Levi said aloud, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Genga blinked. Reya tilted her head slightly, watching him with quiet concern.
Levi let out a breath. "I've been carrying the solution in my pocket this whole time."
SYSTEM:
Host memory: Suboptimal. Recommend writing things down.
Levi started pacing slowly, hands behind his back. His coat swished with each turn.
"I could've been prepared. I could've done this right the first time."
SYSTEM:
Host charisma remains intact. Reputation: Recoverable.
"You should've reminded me about the crystals."
SYSTEM:
Host responded to prior reminder with 'cool cool' and changed the subject to dessert.
"Fair point," Levi muttered under his breath.
SYSTEM:
Would you like to convert the coins now?
Levi stopped pacing. He reached into his coat and pulled out the leather pouch Genga had given him earlier. The weight of it felt heavier now. He stared down at the coins with quiet resolve.
"System," he said steadily. "Convert all ten Royal Gold coins into Dimensional Crystals."
SYSTEM:
Converting 10 Royal Gold into Dimensional Crystals.
Conversion complete. 100 Crystals acquired. Proceeding with enhancement protocol?
"Yes. Physical stats. Make me strong enough to actually lift this thing."
SYSTEM:
Initiating full infusion. Brace for moderate discomfort and possible temporary disorientation.
The moment the crystals activated, Levi felt it. A blooming warmth from deep within, like an overdue update to his entire biological system. The power wasn't flashy or violent. It was precise, clean, and efficient. Every fiber of his being tightened and adjusted.
Posture corrected. Muscles remembered things they'd never known. His limbs no longer protested simply existing.
A cascade of notifications flooded his vision.
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
SYSTEM:
Infusion complete.
You are not strong, not exactly, but you are no longer laughable.
Physical capability: Moderately improved.
Levi blinked.
"That's almost encouraging."
SYSTEM:
Your improvement is notable. You now qualify as 'functional' in casual conversation.
He stood straighter. His legs felt grounded. His arms no longer felt like they were made of wet paper.
His spine actually supported his weight properly. His core felt solid instead of nonexistent.
He took one step forward and didn't wince.
"Okay," he whispered, glancing at his hands. He flexed his fingers slowly. "This actually feels pretty good."
He raised his arms and tested his range of motion.
Nothing cracked.
Nothing hurt.
His body simply obeyed.
SYSTEM:
Enhancement level: Functional. Your presence may now be considered credible.
"System," he said quietly. "What skills did I unlock? Anything useful?"
SYSTEM:
None. No skills acquired. Skills must be purchased separately from the Dimensional Store.
Silence.
"Wait, what?"
SYSTEM:
You spent all available resources on Physical enhancement.
Skill acquisition requires additional Dimensional Crystals. You currently have zero.
Levi's head tilted slightly.
"So I just spent everything on raw stats and got no actual abilities?"
SYSTEM:
Affirmative. You are now stronger with no additional talents.
"Great," Levi muttered. "That's just great."
SYSTEM:
Host frustration acknowledged.
He rubbed his face slowly. "I should've saved some for skills. Why didn't you warn me?"
SYSTEM:
Host previously lacked Dimensional Crystals. Store data deemed irrelevant at the time.
You also stated 'max it out' without specifying parameters.
"I didn't know there was a difference!"
SYSTEM:
Clarification detected too late for reversal.
"So what am I supposed to do now? I'm slightly stronger and that's it?"
SYSTEM:
Try lifting the hammer. Statistical probability suggests success.
He rubbed his hands together slowly, then approached the hammer again.
The Divine Hammer of Pangu sat in its crater like a forgotten relic. Silent. Still. Waiting.
It looked smaller than he expected. Not tiny, but compact for something that caused seismic disturbances. Short handle, broad head, forged from dull gray metal that didn't reflect light. Runes were etched into the stone around it, as if the earth itself was holding it in place.
Levi cleared his throat.
"So just to confirm," he muttered. "I'm not about to die if I touch this, right?"
No response.
He glanced upward.
"System?"
SYSTEM:
Processing query.
"Take your time."
SYSTEM:
Answering: You are now approximately as strong as Mycoplasma genitalium.
Levi paused. "What is that?"
SYSTEM:
Mycoplasma genitalium is a parasitic bacterium approximately 200 to 300 nanometers in size. Known for causing urethritis in humans. One of the smallest organisms capable of independent reproduction.
He stared blankly into the air.
"So you're comparing me to bacteria?"
SYSTEM:
Technically, yes. However, your body is now moderately bullet-resistant. Unless the bullet is magical. Or large. Or fast.
Levi slowly sat down at the edge of the crater and held his head in his hands.
A bacteria. I just spent everything to become as strong as a microscopic organism.
SYSTEM:
Correction: The strongest microscopic organism in its category.
"That doesn't make it better."