[Ding~ Would you like to open it?]
'A Rookie Gift Package?' Matthew thought to himself.
"Open it," he said excitedly.
[Ding~ Congratulations! You have received 1 S-Rank Skill Creation Card.] [Ding~ Congratulations! You have received $10,000 in cash.] [Ding~ Congratulations! You have obtained the Untalented skill.]
[Ding~ Would the Host like to view the details of the Untalented skill?]
'Wow... I didn't expect that.'
"Yes, I do."
[Ding~ Displaying details... Skill: Untalented Rank: S Effect: If the user wants to work on something, it increases their learning speed and proficiency in that field to the level of a genius. Note: You're not untalented anymore. HA!]
"Okay... that note at the end is weird, but oh well. This is actually a very useful skill. I can advance in any field I want, whether it's technology or magic."
"Okay, now it's time to create my own skill. I don't know when danger might strike, so I don't have much time."
"Can the System list S-Rank skills for me in order of their usefulness?"
[Ding~ Of course, whatever the Host wishes...
1. Mental PowerEffect: Grants the user nearly Multiverse-level mental energy. Note: Think of a number, and I'll tell you what it is.
2. Reality ManipulationEffect: You can manipulate reality at a near-Multiverse level. Note: Isn't this a bit of a cheat?
3. TelekinesisEffect: You can manipulate all matter to the extent your mind can handle. Note: Congratulations, you can now be cool.]
. . .
'I'm tired of being surprised. Although I designed this system in my head, it seems like things get more complicated when you actually use it. Hmm, let's think. Although there are many great options, I think it would be better to choose something that can protect me first.'
'Telekinesis has good potential, but it doesn't come close to the potential of Mental Power, at least according to the description.'
'And although Reality Manipulation is my dream, it's not what I need the most right now. I have a feeling that the effectiveness of future skills will depend mainly on my mental strength.'
[Ding~ WIS +1 to the Host for logical thinking.]
'What? Can the System give me stat points?' he asked excitedly.
[Ding~ In response to the Host... No... I was just joking. Aren't you humans into that sort of thing?]
'...' Matthew was speechless.
'Hahaha... This System is really cool. Keep it like this, okay?' he laughed.
[Ding~ In response to the Host... Okay... I can joke around more if the Host wants. Would the Host like to activate 'Joker Mode'?]
'...'
'No, I think you're fine as is. Thanks.'
[Ding~ In response to the Host... Anytime! You're welcome ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ]
'When did it learn to use emojis?'
[Ding~ In response to the Host... I just remembered that I can do this. Isn't it great? =￣ω￣=]
"..."
"Anyway, let's get back to the topic. System, create the Mental Strength skill."
After saying that, he waited a bit.
[...]
"W-what? What happened?"
[Ding~ In response to the Host... The Host didn't say 'Please'. The System feels he doesn't deserve such service with rude words. （︶^︶）]
"…"
"You're right."
"Please..." Matthew said shyly.
[Ding~ Mental Strength skill created. 1 S-Rank Skill Creation Card used.]
As soon as the notification sounded, I started to feel a tingling in my head. It was light at first, but it kept growing in intensity until I felt like my brain was swelling—like a balloon about to explode.
But then, I heard something snap, like a chain breaking.
The moment I heard it, relief washed over me. I had never felt my mind so light before. There had always been a slight heaviness, a fog, but now it felt as light as an atom. It felt so incredible, I couldn't believe it.
[Ding~ Congratulations to the Host. Your Mental Strength has almost reached the level of the Multiverse. ~(≧▽≦)/~]
"So, what exactly can I do now?"
[Ding~ In response to the Host... I don't want to spoil it. The System suggests the Host find out for themselves; otherwise, where is the fun?]
"Matt! Where are you? Let's go! I hope you're not falling asleep again, or I'm coming in!" Sam yelled from the hallway.
"Ok-Okay, I'm coming! No need to get worked up... wait," Matthew said, opening the door.
"Damn, I was so worried about 'Little Matthew'," Sam said with a playful grin.
"HAHAHA, you joker... let's go. The others are probably waiting for us," Matthew joked back.
From what he retrieved from his memories, Sam was truly one of his predecessor's best friends. Unlike the others, Sam hadn't treated him differently after learning about his orientation.
'How ironic that my predecessor was also gay,' Matthew thought.
Together, they boarded the bus to school.