The Anomaly's Path

”Status screen,” I muttered.

The air in front of me shimmered and soon familiar black and blue panels started to form. The system screen appeared before me.

—『 STATUS SCREEN 』—

NAME → Leo von Celestial

RACE → Human (High Noble)

AGE → 17

BLOODLINE → Not Awakened

CURRENT RANK → Initiate (Mid)

CORE → B-Rank

PATH → Pending

『 TITLES 』

∟ Heir of the Celestials

∟ Scum of the Human Domain

∟ Human Domain’s Failure

∟ Anomaly

『 AFFINITIES 』

∟ Lightning

∟ Space

∟ Black Flame (Dormant)

『 ATTRIBUTES 』

∟ STR (Strength) → F

∟ AGI (Agility) → F-

∟ VIT (Vitality) → F

∟ END (Endurance) → F

∟ INT (Intelligence) → S-

∟ WIL (Willpower) → A

『 SUB-ATTRIBUTES 』

∟ LUCK → Unpredictable

∟ CHARM → S-

『 ENERGY RESERVE 』

∟ Mana Capacity → F+

『 MANA BREATHING 』

▸ Foundation Breathing Art

『 WEAPON ARTS & MASTERY 』

▸ [None]

『 REGISTERED SKILLS 』

▸ Flash Instinct

『 ACTIVE QUESTS 』

▸ [!!!!!]

—『 STATUS CLOSED 』—

I stared at the window. Pretty much everything was the same. Nothing really changed. Most of my stats were the same except mana capacity. It was ”F” before. Now it was ”F+”.

”So my mana capacity increased. Definitely progress,” I muttered.

Then there were two more things added. One was mana breathing technique—before it showed as none. Same with skills. Now it was showing a skill.

I clicked on the Foundation Breathing Art.

[Foundation Breathing Art]

Rank: Advanced (Evolvable to Rare)

A breathing technique designed for those with weaker cores or damaged mana pathways. Focuses on slow, steady cycles that reinforce the user’s foundation.

Each breath pulls mana into the core, holds it until it compresses naturally, then releases it through the mana vessels. This process strengthens the channels over time, making them more durable and efficient.

Not fast. Not flashy. But it builds a base that other techniques can build on later.

I read it twice. The description was quite simple. Not complicated. Just... breathe in, hold, release. Over and over until my body stopped being trash.

Good enough for me.

Then I clicked on the skill. The skill information appeared before me.

[Flash Instinct]

Rank: C-Rank (Evolvable)

A sensory-combat skill that enhances natural awareness.

Passive Effect: Keeps senses sharp—hearing, peripheral vision, touch, and instinct. The body remains slightly tensed, ready to react. Subtle warnings when danger is near.

Active Effect: Sends lightning mana to the brain and spine for short bursts, increasing thinking speed and triggering instinctive movement. Body dodges, blocks, counters before conscious thought.

Flaw: Overuse causes neural damage—migraines, memory gaps, seizures. Use in short bursts only.

I stared at the flaw again.

Neural damage. Seizures. Memory gaps.

...Yeah. Definitely not something to mess with.

But the passive effect alone was worth it. I could already feel it—that slight sharpness in my ears, the way my skin prickled when something moved behind me. Nothing major. Just... awareness.

It was something.

Other than that, everything was the same. Same trash stats. Same stupid titles. Same everything.

Then I focused on the charm stat.

”Hey, is it just me or did my charm really increase?”

[It was definitely your delusion, Host.] the System spoke.

”No, I’m not kidding. Just look at it. I think it really increased. The size of ’-’ definitely increased a lot.”

[I think you should sleep. Your mind isn’t stable right now.]

”Damn bastard. You’re just jealous because of my handsome face.”

[Yeah, yeah, Host. I’m jealous. Now sleep.]

I clicked my tongue and closed the system screen. The panels faded in front of me.

I lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. For a moment, it was just silence in the room. Neither of us spoke.

Then—

”Hey System. I never asked you, but do you have a name? Did your master call you by some name?”

For a moment, the System didn’t speak. Then slowly, quietly—

[...No. I don’t have a name. No one gave me a name before.]

”I see.” I paused. ”Would you like me to give you a name then?”

[Honestly? I don’t mind if you give me a name. I would... be happy.]

A smile appeared on my face. ”Oh? So you would like me to give you a name? Then what about... The Bitch in My Head?”

[W-What?! What kind of name is that?!] The System’s voice was astonished, frustrated even. [Such an useless name for a mighty being like me?]

”Hehe.” I grinned. ”Then what about Glitchy Bastard? Or Useless Bastard?”

[Aghhh! W-What are these names?! It would be better if you just called me System! But these names? Hell no!]

The System sounded genuinely flustered. Annoyed.

”Pffft...” I started laughing.

Silence again.

Then, softer—”...Nova.”

I spoke the word quietly. My voice was soft and low.

”What about Nova? How does that sound?”

[...That’s a good name.] The System’s voice was low too. Quiet. But it sounded... pleased. [...Thanks.]

A smile appeared on my face.

”Hey, Nova.”

[Yes, Host?]

”Your master—the one behind you and behind my reincarnation. Is he powerful?”

A pause.

[...Yes. He is.]

”...I see.” My voice was low.

[But Host, you don’t have to worry. He will not harm you. One day, you will get all of your answers. But before that... you have to become strong.]

All of my answers, huh? That was good to hear.

”So in the end, I have to become strong.”

Honestly, I wanted to ask more questions from Nova but I knew he would not give me answers. Just like he can read my emotions and thoughts, I could feel his too.

So, when I asked him about the one behind my reincarnation, I felt something in his emotion. He was hesitant? Afraid? I don’t know. But one thing is true—he will not give me answers. At least not now.

I sighed and stared at the ceiling.

...I hope he answers my questions one day.

”Goodnight... Nova.” I muttered.

The System spoke in my head. And for the first time, it felt like it was smiling.

[...Goodnight, Leo.]