"What... what is this?" Rei was utterly shocked. He reflexively stood up, his clothes still soaked, reeking of the filthy stench of the sewer.
"What does this mean? And who are you? Why is there a voice inside my head?" Rei muttered in confusion.
{DING}...
[This is the host interface of the Immortal Super System. The attribute enhancement occurred as a result of body reconstruction using cosmic energy, which automatically advanced the host to the Awakening Stage: Early Phase.]
[Awakening Stage (Early): Awareness of energy emerges. The body surpasses human limitations. Significant increase in Endurance and Spirituality.]
Rei's hand touched the "yes" button under Spirituality.
He felt a sensation he had never experienced before—an energy, subtle yet cold and powerful, swirling within his lower abdomen.
It was Qi — spiritual energy — something he had never known existed until now.
He clenched his fist experimentally. His strength felt different.
If before, lifting a 20-kilogram rice sack required every bit of his effort, now he felt like he could lift it with just one finger.
Then, his eyes shifted toward the Immortal Balance: 0 IBP.
"How do I obtain this 'Immortal Balance'?" Rei asked, his voice trembling between excitement and fear of the unknown.
{DING}...
[IBP can be obtained by completing System Missions, defeating powerful enemies, or through the sacrifice of great spiritual energy. IBP is a universal resource that can be converted into money, strength, skills, and more.]
As Rei tried to make sense of his newfound power, another notification appeared.
[Daily Mission: Active]
[Objective: Get up from the sewer, clean yourself, and reach a dry place.]
[Reward: 10 IBP.]
[Failure: None.]
Rei smirked faintly. His first mission toward immortality was to get out of the sewer.
The world truly had a dark sense of humor.
He rose from the sludge. He no longer felt disgusted by the filth. His new body felt almost immune to it.
He leaped out of the sewer effortlessly, landing on the wet sidewalk without making a sound. His speed and agility were far beyond any normal human's.
[Daily Mission: Completed. 10 IBP has been added to the Immortal Balance.]
[Immortal Balance (IBP): 10]
Ten points. What could he do with ten points?
[Accessing System Shop. Category: Basic Pills and Potions.]
A holographic window appeared beside the status panel.
System Shop (Basic Tier)
Basic Recovery Pill — Heals minor wounds and fatigue. (1 IBP)
Instant Cleansing Potion — Removes all physical dirt and odor. (3 IBP)
Light Aura Breathing Technique — Enhances stamina and striking speed (LVL 1). (10 IBP)
Cash (1,000,000 IDR) — Physical money. (5 IBP)
Rei's eyes stopped at the last line.
Cash — one million rupiah, worth five IBP.
For a moment, temptation struck.
One million rupiah could pay rent and buy food for a week.
But then, he remembered Sarah's disdain, the drunk driver's mocking smile, and the stack of unpaid bills that once ruled his life.
"No," he whispered, his voice filled with newfound authority.
"Money is just a bandage. I don't need a bandage... I need a weapon."
His gaze moved to the Instant Cleansing Potion.
"I need to look presentable," he thought.
"System, purchase Instant Cleansing Potion."
[3 IBP deducted. Remaining Balance: 7 IBP. Instant Cleansing Potion sent to host inventory.]
A small vial appeared in his palm, shimmering with silver liquid. Rei drank it without hesitation.
The sensation was like bathing in a stream of pure, icy water.
In seconds, every trace of grime, stench, and mud vanished.
His shirt dried instantly, and even the wrinkles disappeared.
He looked clean again, despite still wearing tattered clothes.
[Remaining Balance: 7 IBP.]
Rei stared at the remaining points. His eyes fell on the Basic Recovery Pill.
"Buy two Basic Recovery Pills."
[2 IBP deducted. Remaining Balance: 5 IBP. Two Basic Recovery Pills added to inventory.]
Now broke again, Rei smiled faintly.
He had gained something far more valuable than currency—
the realization that he possessed the power to rewrite reality.
He looked toward the street. The car that had hit him was long gone.
The world had no idea what had just happened in that dark sewer.
To them, Rei Ardan was just another forgotten name.
But that had changed.
The system panel flickered again, displaying a more serious notification.
{DING}...
[Main Mission: Rise of the Sovereign]
[Phase 1: Establish initial influence within the city. Earn 500 IBP within seven days.]
[Reward: Advancement to Refinement Stage (Early Phase). Unlocks Intermediate Skill Category in System Shop.]
[Failure: System will enter hibernation. Host will revert to human level and become vulnerable to death.]
A cold chill ran down Rei's spine.
Failure meant returning to the weak Rei —
and this time, death would be permanent.
"Five hundred IBP in seven days," he muttered.
It was a daunting target. He had to find a way to earn IBP —
and that meant using his newfound power.
He looked at his reflection in a puddle.
Those were no longer the tired, defeated eyes of a poor student.
They gleamed with cold fire — calculation, determination, and strength.
Power wasn't a gift. It was a responsibility.
He remembered the words that echoed faintly when his soul first synchronized.
"Responsibility," he whispered.
"Yes... the responsibility to make sure I'll never be trampled again."