My Celestial Ascension Chapter 2 Should I Make A Harem Of Ten Girls?
Previously on My Celestial Ascension...
[Ding! System Reboot has been successful!]
[Ding! The system Activated!]
[Ding! Identifying the host....]
[Ding! Identify has been confirmed]
[Ding! Congratulations on activating the system, Host Yuan!]
[Ding! Please check the starter gift pact that has been sent to the host's system inventory during the next 12 hours!]
A translucent blue interface suddenly materialized alongside a mechanical female voice, prompting him to rub his eyes vigorously. He suspected he was hallucinating, but the notification remained fixed in his vision despite his efforts to wipe it away, confirming this was no illusion.
"Since I have been reincarnated into a world that believes in magic, the appearance of a system isn't that shocking. After staring death in the face, what else is there to fear?" Yuan muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he scanned the floating text.
"Little Yuan, are you alright? How are you feeling?" Lily asked, her voice laced with worry. Seeing her younger brother shaking his head aimlessly, she feared he was suffering from a migraine.
"No, I am perfectly fine. Big sister shouldn't worry so much."
"I'm glad to hear that, but we should go see your mother now; she has been incredibly anxious about you," Lily said, rising from the edge of the bed where Yuan lay.
"I need to wash up first. My body is covered in blood and staying like this is unbearable... You go ahead, big sis." He noticed his clothes were practically glued to his skin by dried blood, causing him immense discomfort.
"Alright, I'll head out, but make it quick."
She promptly exited and locked the door behind her. Once he confirmed she was gone, Yuan climbed out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. From the memories of the previous Yuan, he knew his father was a magic knight serving the kingdom. In this world, only the wealthy possessed indoor plumbing, suggesting his family was quite affluent.
"If I don't soak this off, it's going to hurt like hell."
Because his clothes were stuck to his skin, removing them felt like he was about to wax his entire body. To avoid the pain, he stepped into the shower and began washing while still fully clothed.
[Now that the system is operational, would the host like to review his status information?]
The voice echoed in his mind again, causing him to freeze mid-shower. This time, however, the tone had shifted. It was no longer robotic but sounded like a melodic young girl, possessing a charm that nearly dazed him.
'Damn, I've never heard a voice so beautiful!' Snapping out of his trance, he replied, "Okay, show me!"
—
[System Interface]
Host: Yuan Blank
Age: 19 years
Cultivation: None
Legacy: None
Bloodline: None
Physique: Heaven Devouring Physique
Physical strength: 8
Mental strength: 45
Soul strength: 120
Physical Defense: 5
Mental Defense: 121
SP: 0
«System Inventory»
«System Shop»
«Missions» [Currently None]
—
"Shit! This body is weaker than a chicken. Then again, my original body was just as frail, so I can't really complain about this one being weak."
'Sigh! It looks like I'll have to put in some serious effort to get stronger,' he muttered with a hint of disappointment. It was clear the original Yuan hadn't bothered with even basic exercise.
"Wait, what happened to my mana stat? Even if I haven't awakened, shouldn't it be there? And what exactly is this 'Cultivation' thing?"
Just as he was wondering about the missing mana stat, a realization hit him, and he broke into a fit of wild laughter.
"Hahaha, damn! I’ve hit the jackpot! This is supposed to be a world of magic where mages are the elite, right? But this is even better!" Having read countless novels and manga about Cultivation back on Earth, he knew the terrifying power of immortals. The prospect of cultivating in a magic world to achieve immortality sent a surge of excitement through him. Who wouldn't be thrilled?
'Maybe I should build a harem of ten women? With a harem, I could use dual cultivation to break through much faster than just meditating for hours!' As a former virgin otaku who spent his past life stressed about bills and devoid of romance, he began to fantasize about the benefits of dual cultivation.
(AN: I enjoy adding a bit of spice to the story; otherwise, it’s tasteless.)
"But first, I need to focus on gaining power as fast as possible. Without strength, I won't even know when death is coming..." A fierce determination burned in his eyes as he clenched his fists, fueled by a new ambition.
[Host, I advise you to check the beginner's gift pack in the system's inventory because it expires in 11 hours!]
Startled by the voice again, he regained his composure and asked, "I'll do that, but who are you? You talk and act like a real person, not just a machine. What are you?"
[I am a system spirit, Nora, answering the host's query. I was created as the system administrator to assist you whenever needed. I will fulfill the host's requests. This system's purpose is to provide Cultivation methods, weapons, and guidance to ensure the host stays on the right path. Please ask if you have more questions.] Nora explained.
"Then Nora, open that beginner's gift package immediately!" Yuan interrupted, eager to see his rewards.
[Understood!] Nora chirped.
[Ding! The beginner's gift pack has been opened..]
[Ding! Heavens Secret Arts cultivation technique has been received!]
[Ding! A spirit-grade high-quality weapon Blue Jade sword has been received!]
[Ding! One Sword One strike sword technique has been received!]
[Ding! A Mysterious box has been received!]
[Ding! 1000SP has been received from the beginner's gift pack]
[Ding! All the rewards have been placed on the inventory, would the host like to check?]
"It's been thirty minutes since I came into the bathroom. If I stay any longer, big sis will worry for nothing," he thought. "No, I'll check them later."
He finished his shower quickly and changed into clean clothes from the drawer. He chose a black shirt and trousers; the shirt featured golden patterns that made him look quite striking. For the first time, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. He saw a tall, lean man who looked like his Earth self but far more handsome, with golden eyes that radiated an aura of authority.
"I guess I still look like myself... just a bit more attractive! My eyes have turned golden, just like that man in that strange place. What did he say again? I missed it..." Remembering the mysterious golden-eyed man in that dark void sent a shiver through his body. He couldn't imagine how high that man's Cultivation must have been.
"Little Yuan, are you done yet? Come down quickly, mother wants to see you!" Lily’s voice called from outside. It was clear that despite her own failing health, his mother prioritized Yuan's safety above all else.
"Yeah... I'm almost done, I'll be there in a second!" he shouted back while fixing his hair.
"You know how protective she is, so don't keep her waiting. she's desperate to see you."
'Sigh! Based on my memories, she really is overprotective. I don't know what she'd do if something happened to me,' Yuan thought. His mother was the type to stay by his bedside for days without food if her own health didn't confine her to her room.
He finished dressing and stepped out to find his sister waiting.
"Sis, why are you still standing here? I would have found you!"
"I'm making sure you don't dawdle! We need to see mom now. Her condition is worsening by the minute; I don't think she has more than two months left." Lily spoke with a heartbroken expression, covering her mouth as tears fell while they walked toward their mother's room.
"..."
Yuan stopped dead in his tracks, staring at his sister with a strange look. The aura he suddenly emitted made Lily feel uneasy.
'What is happening... why is my life like this? I finally have a family after being an orphan, and now my mother is dying? What did I do to deserve this? What was my crime...?' He had been so happy to discover he had a family in this life, but learning his mother had less than two months to live was a heavy blow. Even though he wasn't the original Yuan, the pain of potential loss felt real, and tears began to track down his face.
'Why don't I remember this? Why is it missing from my memories...?' He questioned why he didn't know the severity of her illness. Suddenly, a warm embrace enveloped him. Looking up, he saw his sister holding him tightly.
"I know you're hurting, Yuan'er. I felt the same. When I first found out, I couldn't eat for days and fell into despair. But I have to move forward, and so do you," Lily said, crying as she hugged him.
"I understand, sister. But I promise you, I will find a cure for mother even if it costs me my soul!" Yuan declared with absolute seriousness.
"Let's go see her now, no more wasting time," Lily whispered, leading him to the room.
"Un," he nodded, following her to their destination. Soon, they stood before a door adorned with beautiful engravings.
'Why am I so nervous about seeing her?' He noticed his heart rate accelerating as they reached the entrance.
"What are you waiting for? Open it!" Lily prompted, noticing Yuan standing frozen.
"Un," he nodded again, turning the handle. The door opened with a soft click.
Inside, a woman lay on a large double bed. She had a mix of black and white hair and a beautiful face with pale, thin lips. Her body was frail from her sickness, making her look thin, but it was clear she had been a great beauty in her prime.
Watching her, Yuan was overwhelmed with emotions he had never experienced as an orphan. This woman was Anna Grace Blank, his mother.
"Mom...?"