[Aiden's POV]
[You have obtained an SSS-rank skill]
[SSS-rank Skill: Illusion Mantle]
[Type: Perceptual Deception]
[Description: An advanced deception skill that forges altered perception of the host's stats, abilities, and even appearance. However, real attributes/looks remain the same]
[Effects:]
Creates a complete false identity.
Can store and switch between multiple Illusion profiles.
Block high-level appraisal and detection technique.
Maintain the illusion even in stressful situations.
I read the whole panel once, then twice; it was the skill I needed so as not to appear as an interesting topic in the eyes of a powerful being yet.
However, just to clarify before I start celebrating, I asked, "System, can this skill even cause Illusion in Aetheris Record?"
[Absolutely, Host. Remember, this skill will not actually change your Aetheris Record but rather the way people inspecting it will perceive it.]
"I should try it..." I remarked as I was interrupted by the system.
[You have 140 Origin Points remaining; would you like to perform more Gacha pulls?]
"Hmm... I'm tempted to check out the Summon banner after this, but before that, I would like to ask, can I know what? How? And from where would these beings come?" I voiced my thoughts, which were tugging in my mind after reading Summoning Banner.
[Every summon would have their own story, Host. However, it is up to you to find out about it and make them completely loyal to you.]
"You are making a habit of being cryptic. Huh...I guess I would get to know later about it. One more thing though, would summons also come out as cards? Because I can't suddenly have 10 extra beings in the room." I added a question further.
[Yes, Host. Every Gacha you pull will appear in the form of cards, and you can store that card in the inventory to use it any time you want.]
"That's reassuring. Then let's not waste more time. System, kindly use 100 OP for 10 Gacha Pulls in the Summoning banner." I spoke enthusiastically.
[Okay, Host]
[Commencing 10 Gacha Pulls from Summon Banner]
As the system panel confirmed my command. I glued my eyes to the system panel to observe the peculiar process of Gacha pull. The cards moved in the same horizontal circular fashion, accompanied by a sweet 'tick' sound.
The pull continued for 10 consecutive rounds. I also got the much-awaited SSS-rank red-colored Gacha card, although no SS-rank card, but it was still amazing and satisfying.
[Would you like to use the Gacha card for summoning?]
I relayed my opinion: "Well, I think using one card should be okay. There won't be any extravagant display or something, right?"
[No, Host. Which card would you like to use?]
"Of course, an SSS-rank card." I answered while rubbing my hands with anticipation.
The single bright red card in all the cards disappeared from the panel and materialized before in the air. In the next second, the card burst with a glittering light.
There was a blinding for a second, and I was about to give the system an earful after its assurance of no extravagant display.
However, the next moment the light subsided, a system panel flickered to life, and a figure started to materialize before me.
[You have summoned an SSS-rank Battle Maid]
[Name – Seraphine Vaelron]
[Race – Seraph-hybrid]
[Rank – SSS (locked)]
[Class – Holy Battle Maid]
[Title – The Holy Execution Maid]
[Trust – 90%]
[Core Stats]
Strength – SS
Agility – SS
Endurance – SSS
Arcane/Mana – SSS
Luck – S
[Traits]
Maid's Perfection Protocol
Holy Purifier
Sacred Servitude
[Skills]
Silver Tray Counter (SS)
Purity Sweep (SS)
Order Guard (S)
Heavenly Servitude Judgement (SSS)
[Remark – A perfectionist who takes her maid duties seriously]
Before I could carefully read the totally unique system panel, the being completed her materialization. Another light shone in the same place, but this time it was more like soft and pure light.
The figure of the lady appeared before me as the holy light subsided. She had a silhouette of 6 wings made of light behind her, which gradually disappeared with the light.
Our eyes matched, and I witnessed her calm yet beautiful glowing crystal blue eyes.
However, she suddenly bowed down on one knee and uttered her first words, "Greetings, Master Aiden. I, Seraphine Vaelron, greet my master and request his permission to serve as his maid for the rest of my life."
"Huh?" I unconsciously muttered.She looked up with slightly confused eyes. I further added, "Ahem, I mean, how do you know my name?"
"Pardon me, master, I was in a hurry to introduce myself. I received your name and basic understanding of this world when you summoned me through the system, master," she answered, still bowing her head on one knee.
"Hmm...oh, you know about the system too," I replied, "but first raise your head and please sit on the chair over there." I pointed at the only chair in the room.
She looked up and answered, "A maid can never sit equal to her master. I am perfectly fine where I am, master."
"No, please sit in the chair. I don't think it's right if you continue to keep bowing while in this position. Also, I haven't accepted your request of becoming my maid yet, have I?" I explained with a slightly stern voice in the end.
She stood up and walked towards the chair, but I noticed a slight discomfort in her eyes. She walked to the chair with her armor clanking slightly as she took her steps.
She had silky white hair, tied in a flawless bun with ribbon. Her tall and hourglass figure added to the elegance and charm of her look.
She was wearing the classic maid outfit; her apron was marked with some kind of design. But the main attraction was her white armor, which probably signifies her 'battle maid' position.
The armor was thin and sticking to her body, accentuating her figure. As she sat on the chair, there was an unusual calmness on her face, although slight discomfort was still visible.
"Don't take it the wrong way; I just don't feel like talking to someone as powerful and beautiful as you while you are on your knee." I slightly explained so as to not make her feel bad.
"Thank you, Master, for this honor," she said politely.
"It's okay. Now could you tell me a little bit about yourself and also how much you know about me or this world?" I asked the first thing that came into my mind.
"Absolutely, Master. I am a hybrid angel who has experience working as a battle maid."
"I received basic information from the system, which includes cultivation ranks of this world, your current predicament, and a little bit about the races and geography of the world." She finished her explanation.
"Oh...then in the system panel I noticed your rank was SSS, so what would be the corresponding rank in this world?" I immediately asked.
"According to your world cultivation ranks, I am at the Zenith sub-stage of the Celestial rank. Although it's currently locked, and I can only exert power up to the Zenith sub-stage of the Saint rank." She answered.
My eyes widened as she revealed her power level. She was currently stronger than the Patriarch of the Arclight Clan.
Although I know more than anyone that there are elders and even my grandfather who are at Celestial or even in the fabled Eternal rank, maybe.
But nonetheless it was absurd again. A hallmark of the system works. "Why is it a system that her rank is locked?" I asked aloud since she knows about the system.
A system panel appeared with the answer. "What's the reason, my lord?" Seraphine asked impatiently.
I looked at her as I replied, "So, you can't see the screen. Apparently, I am the reason. But don't worry about it; when I break through into mid-tier, your power level will be restored."
"It's okay, master; I wasn't blaming you or anything. I just wanted to know that because I wanted to fulfill my duty and protect you with all my power." She hurriedly answered, but I noticed the slight change in her tone at the end.
'I am able to notice things more easily. Is this because of me being a primarch? Well, I will think about this later,' a thought bloomed in my mind as I conversed with her.
"Could you tell me a bit more about your life before the Summoning?" I asked.
"That...Master..." She was hesitating a bit, and I understood her position immediately and further added, "Don't worry, you don't have to tell me just now. You can share that whenever you feel like it."
She smiled for the first time as she replied, "Thank you for your understanding, Master."
[Trust – +1%]
A system panel appeared, and I raised my brows internally.Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door at this morning hour.