[Spiritual Energy: 100/1000]
'What is this supposed to mean…?'
Like everyone else, Unwan knew that the total amount of Spiritual Energy was the same for all people. Only by advancing to the next stage, Reader or Genius, could that amount be increased. Even then, no one knew the exact numerical value of their energy.
Yet this… this clearly showed an exact number.
[100/1000]
Another strange detail caught his attention. Spiritual Energy was supposed to recover slowly over time, especially during sleep or meditation. But Unwan's energy hadn't increased at all. Not even after sleeping.
'But I clearly felt my Spiritual Energy recovering last night. Then…'
Unwan paused, carefully forming a assumption.
'Then this 100 is my fully recovered state, and…'
A chill ran down his spine. He was afraid of himself.
'Does that mean… 1000 is my level cap?'
His body trembled slightly. Seeing this, Genius Emma asked.
— Are you feeling alright?
— Y… yes.
'Maybe…'
But that assumption only raised more questions. Why exactly 1000? How could Spiritual Energy be increased? And… what would happen if it ever reached 1000?
These questions were deep and unanswered. Unwan instinctively understood that finding those answers would require time… and countless battles against Night Creatures.
And then, right there,he noticed yet another anomaly.
There were no numbers or lines indicating Soul Fragments.
According to everything Unwan knew, after the line showing the Grimoire's tier, there should have been a section labeled:
[Soul Fragments:]
For new Owners, it was always 0.
Its complete absence triggered yet another automatic question in his mind.
'Could my Spiritual Energy be… a different form of Soul Fragments?'
Absolutely not.
Soul Fragments strengthened the bond between a person and their Grimoire. Because of that, their spells grew stronger and easier to control. But Soul Fragments did not decrease when magic was used, unlike Spiritual Energy.
Little by little, his Grimoire, Grimoire of Universe was revealing itself to be something far more mysterious than expected. Strange name. VII-tier. Spiritual Energy and absence of Soul Fragment status.
It wasn't just strange. It was deeply unsettling. Unwan moved on to the next line.
One of the most important sections. Blessings and Curses.
'This is one of the most crucial parts. It describes a person's nature and weaknesses. Understanding this is like facing your enemy with a full arsenal.'
'You're talking too much.'
'More precisely, I'm thinking much.'
With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Unwan focused with all his strength, trying to translate the text as accurately as possible.
But when he finally wrote it down Disappointment washed over him.
[Blessing(s): [Wondrous], [Drinker of the Spring of Hope]
'What kind of 'Strange One' again? And what spring is this supposed to be…?'
No. he already had a rough idea what that spring was.
Still, there was something he had to ask.
— Miss Emma, I translated my blessings, but I still don't quite understand their mean...
Emma didn't let him finish.
— The next page contains the detailed descriptions of both blessings and curses.
— Thank you.
'Idiot. You should've just been patient and translated everything first.'
'I'm impatient. So what? Enjoying it?'
'Very much.'
And then… Curses.
[Curse(s): [Unliked], [???]]
Unwan leaned back in his chair.
In that instant, he felt as if he had grasped a fundamental truth of the world.
'So that's why no one likes me. That's why everyone hates me. All because of this filthy curse.'
Blessings and Curses usually took effect after becoming an Owner. But some people were born with them. Those people were called "The Fate-Bounds."
Realizing that his condition was a curse made Unwan slump down, tears welling in his eyes. Emma glanced at him. But said nothing, continuing the lesson.
He suppose most Owners react like this when they read their curses. At that moment, only one being stood by his side.
His wonderful companion.
'What about Nort? Does he hate you?'
Unwan froze.
He had completely forgotten about Nort. Slowly, he came back to himself. He really did have an incredible companion. Maybe it was a kind of illness, maybe it mocked him. But when things turned bad, it stayed.
'Alright. Let's continue.'
With that, the first page ended, and the back side revealed the descriptions of blessings and curses.
This part took much longer to translate. There were fewer short phrases and more complex sentences.
In the end, this was the result:
[Wondrous] — Blessing Description:
[Unwanted is tightly entangled in the threads of fate. His future appears predetermined, yet almost no one can truly perceive it. As a result, he will encounter fortunate events, bizarre coincidences, and profound misfortune alike.]
'Hm. So I'm lucky.'
In a way, that much was obvious.
'And unlucky at the same time.'
'Whatever.'
[Drinker of the Spring of Hope] — Blessing Description:
[Under the creed "Faith and Hope cost no payment," Bringer of Hope contract with the Daemon, creating the Spring of Hope at the cost of his own life.
Those who consume its waters with hope in their hearts will be healed. Their endurance will increase, and as long as hope remains within them, their strength will be enhanced.]
'Hm. It has more effects than I expected. And…'
Unwan smiled faintly. His assumption had been correct and the third effect pleased him greatly.
'So with a VII-tier and the strength amplification… this could become an unbeatable spell.
'Maybe.'
He moved on to the curse descriptions.
[Unliked] — Curse Description:
[Unwanted brings cursed threads of fate within himself. Any being who gazes upon him instinctively feels discomfort and aversion. Who would ever want to draw close to such a person?]
As he read, Unwan noticed subtle differences from what he already knew. Cursed threads, any being, Negative emotions.
'I don't think it's that bad.'
'Really?'
Finally, Unwan translated the last curse.
To be honest, it could barely be called a translation.
[???] — Curse Description: [ — ]