As I delve deeper into the system, I realize that I currently have no quests or missions to undertake. It's a strange sensation, knowing that my actions will shape the world around me, but not knowing the exact rules of the system. I understand that quests and missions are related to the main story, but I'm unsure how to progress it. Do I have to take specific actions, or are the quests assigned randomly? The lack of clear answers from the system is frustrating.

I begin exploring the skill ranks, which are divided into four categories: common, rare, unique, and unranked. Common skills cost 600 points and are basic, with limited use in combat. However, their true value lies in combining them with other high-ranking skills. Rare skills require 1200 points and are not ideal for combat, but can prove useful in survival, development, and long-term use due to their cost-efficiency. Unique skills are the most interesting, as they vary widely in function and power. They possess evolution phases, meaning they can't be compared to other skills, and their effectiveness depends on the user. Acquiring a unique skill requires accumulating 6000 points, making it a significant investment. But it could be well worth it, given the uniqueness and power of such skills.

I also delve into the different types of physiques available to various classes. As a cursed individual, I am unable to change my physique, but it's still interesting to learn about them. Mages, for instance, can acquire physiques that improve their mana sensitivity or capacity, while swordsmen can gain physiques that improve their aura flow, body flexibility, bone refinement, and dense muscle.

While the information is something that I could purchase, the system's policy is vague and brief. For 300 points, I can obtain information from up to 50 years in the past. For 600 points, I can learn about the present and the near future. And for 1300 points, I can access information about events up to a week in the future. However, the system has strict guidelines on how I can request information, and it can be costly or even denied. Materials are another option for improving my abilities, but they are prohibitively expensive. The system offers a range of materials, from low- to high-ranking, but I am better off finding them on my own. Finally, the system has an option for me to slightly alter history, but I have no idea how it works or what the requirements are for using it. The system only states that I must meet the criteria, but it doesn't provide any further information.

"Now that I have the information I need, I need to prepare. Although I don't have any tasks, I do know where I can get a free gift," I smirk to myself. Not knowing my location, I painfully make my way toward an old lady who is passing by.

"Excuse me, ma'am, I'm a bit lost. Do you happen to know where I might find that old fountain that's falling apart?" I ask.

The granny, with an annoyed look, replies, "Kid, you're better off staying away from that place. Don't you know how filthy it is? There's bound to be a plague around there."

"Of course, I don't plan to go there, but I left my belongings near that place. Can you please just point the way?" I say with a pleading look.

"You poor beggar, leaving your belongings near that place was a bad idea. Anything left there is already contaminated," she says with a disapproving look.

"Please, ma'am, I left something very important there. I really need to get it back," I drop to my knees and plead.

"Ugh, you kids never learn. Well, it's not my problem. If you go two blocks down, turn right, then continue straight, you'll find the place, but please be careful. It's full of pests there," she says with a worried look.

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help," I say as I get up and start walking toward my destination.

It is a painful journey, and I quickly run out of breath. But I know I have to bear it. The further I walk, the filthier it gets. Of course, this is to be expected. There aren't many people around anymore, most believe that this place is cursed. The amount of trash, excrement, and rodents around here is insane. It takes me nearly an hour to get to the fountain with this damned body.

Just as I had described it, it is a place connected only by two small alleyways. There lies a large fountain with a statue of a young woman kneeling while holding a blade horizontally. The whole place is filthy with piles of trash and excrement everywhere. The stench is burning my lungs, and I have to hold back from throwing up. The fountain is falling apart, cracks surround it, and it is covered in stains and moss. There is no water, to be more precise, the water is now a black sludge that could probably kill someone. The statue at the center of the fountain is around two meters tall. On the statue itself, there isn't a single crack, but it is still covered in moss and stains.

I feel disgusted just being near this place, but I have to hold back my urge to leave. This is no ordinary statue. This is the statue of Ilka, the companion of one of the many heroes that have existed throughout history. The great demon war was a war created by humans, who thought of themselves as a superior race to the demons. During this war, the humans took 30% of the demon's territory within the first five years. However, things changed drastically when the great demons started making their move. Within a year, they took their territory back and started taking the human territory. Once the tables turned, there was chaos everywhere. The demons were out for revenge, that is until the next hero appeared.

The way that a hero gets their unique power is through believers. As more people believe in the hero, the stronger they become, and the more abilities they acquire. During the war, the hero and his companions are ambushed by a group of demons led by Aell. Unfortunately, the hero is hurt and can't fight at his full strength.

✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱

-In a mountain range near the tree of Junipra

The deafening sound of clashing swords and magic spells fills the air as the four warriors fight for their lives on the battlefield. Jackson, an expert archer, unleashes a barrage of arrows that take down dozens of enemies in a single second, his skill with a bow is unparalleled.

Ava, the group's mage, struggles to cast a spell amidst the chaos. Her movements are frantic, her hands shaking as she tries to harness her magic. "What's taking so long, Ava?" Jackson shouts over the sounds of battle, frustration clear in his voice.

"I'm trying, but these bastards are jamming my magic!" Ava shouts back, sweat dripping down her forehead as she continues to concentrate.

Meanwhile, Arthur, a magic swordsman, is locked in combat with Aell, a powerful enemy wielding a cursed sword. Although Arthur is a skilled fighter, he struggles to land any hits on Aell, who seems to effortlessly dodge every attack.

The battlefield is a mess, the once-beautiful mountain range now lies in ruins, the ground covered in rubble and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

As the battle rages on, I find myself in a one-on-one fight against a high ranking demon, a fierce demon who is equally skilled in hand-to-hand combat. We trade blows, my fists meeting his kicks with equal ferocity. "What's your name, demon?" I ask, impressed by his fighting style.

"Huh? I was under the impression that humans detested demons, but my name is Baji!" he says as he proceeds to throw a combination of nine kicks.

"Huhuhu. I still hate demons, but I should remember your name as a fellow martial artist before I kill you." I gather my mana and aura simultaneously into my palm and, in an instant, push a hole right through Baji.

"Hahahahaha, you have a fusion skill Khoff Khak Khak, well played," are Baji's last words before dropping to the ground. I look back at Arthur, he is sweating, and his movements are slow. "He's reaching his limit," I murmur. I run at full speed, although my Aura reserve is low. I can't risk Arthur getting hurt here. He is already depleted of mana and has barely any aura left.

I make it to Arthur's side, but Aell is already there, his cursed sword aimed at Arthur's heart. "You're still a bit too weak, dear hero," Aell sneers. "I'm going to finish you off now."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," I growl, clenching my fists. "Arthur, get behind me."

Arthur nods weakly, stumbling back as I step forward to face Aell. The cursed sword glows with an eerie light, and I can feel its malevolent energy radiating off of it. I know I have to act fast.

I charge at Aell, my aura flaring up around me as I prepare to strike. But Aell is too quick, and he dodges my attacks with ease. I can see that his sword is draining my mana with each strike, and I know that I can't keep this up for much longer.

Arthur struggles to stand, his magic drained from the battle, but he manages to prop himself up against a rock, watching us with a fierce look in his eyes.

I know what I have to do. With one final burst of energy, I leap towards Aell, my fist charged with mana. He swings his sword at me, but I dodge it and land a powerful punch to his gut. Aell stumbles back, and I know I have him. But the cursed sword is still in his hand, as he falls, he thrusts the sword toward me. I feel a searing pain in my chest as the blade pierces through me. I fall to the ground, gasping for air as blood pours from the wound. "I'm taking you with me, you bitch," Aell says before collapsing.

Arthur rushed to my side, tears streaming down his face. "No, don't die," he whimpered. "Please, don't die."

But it's too late. The wound is too deep, and I know that even if we make it to a temple, I won't be able to heal from this cursed injury. I don't have much time left. "Hahaha," I laugh, the sound raspy with blood.

"Why the hell are you laughing?" Arthur asked, his voice thick with grief.

Kneeling down and looking up at the sky, I said, "Hey, Arthur... Khoff Khak Khak... let my name be known far and wide... Khoff Khak Khak..."

Ava spoke up, her voice shaking with emotion. "Stop talking, the Saintess is on her way," she said.

I laughed weakly. "Hahaha... I never thought I'd see you with that face, Ava... Arthur, promise me I won't be forgotten... Khoff Khak Khak... I want to be remembered as the great Ilka... Khoff Khak Khak... bury me with this cursed sword... build a statue over my grave and have the people praise the great Ilka for her sacrifice... I don't want to be forgotten... Khoff Khak Khak... please..."