[Do you wish to start a paid simulation?]
'Damn, it's as if the Life Simulator itself is tempting me…' Adam thought, suppressing the urge that gnawed at his mind. After a short internal struggle, he finally gritted his teeth.
'I'm sorry for doing this, babe, but I can't help it.'
With that, he muttered the word 'yes' inwardly.
[Please note that the next paid simulation will cost double the price.]
Adam drew in a sharp breath.
'That means the next simulation will cost two low-grade mana stones. And what about the one after that? Why is the system being so stringent? Could it be undergoing some sort of upgrade? Maybe a hidden feature, a way to improve my ability?'
His thoughts trailed off as his gaze returned to the pale blue, luminescent screen hovering before him.
[Please choose a talent from the drawn talent pool]
[1. Researcher (White Talent): Your love for gossip is slightly higher than the average person.]
[2. Master of All (White Talent): You possess a commanding aura that naturally draws subordinates to you.]
[3. Gun Expert (White Talent): Your precision surpasses that of an average human. You can wield firearms with terrifying expertise.]
[4. Blood Curse (Red Talent): If grazed by a metallic object, you die instantly.]
[5. Arm Grip (White Talent): Enhances your arm strength and grip force.]
'Damn!' Adam cursed silently in his heart.
A red talent!
He had actually drawn a red talent!
But why did it have to be so deadly? If it had even a minor drawback or manageable side effect, he might have chosen it. Yet, with clear reluctance in his heart, Adam moved his gaze away from the red option and focused on the rest.
'Arm Grip… again?' he noticed, frowning. 'I'm still not choosing that. No matter how many times it shows up, I won't go for it, unless it's the only useful talent in the list.'
His brows furrowed deeper.
'Wait, why were five talents drawn this time? Does that mean the number isn't fixed? Or could it be because I chose a paid simulation?'
Unable to find a clear reason, Adam decided to shelve the thought for later when he initiated another simulation. For now, he returned to analyzing the available talents.
The first one, Researcher, was basically useless in his eyes. It offered no practical benefits, much less any combat capability.
'The tough decision lies between Gun Expert and Master of All. Both are white talents, but each has its appeal. This time, I plan to explore more of the world during the simulation. If that's the case, isn't Master of All the better option?'
Adam felt a headache creeping in as he pondered the choices. After a long mental debate, he made his decision.
'System, I choose the white talent, Master of All.'
If this talent truly allowed him to attract followers, then perhaps they could serve as a means of protection. Moreover, there was no guarantee the world he transmigrated into would support firearms at all.
Adam's gaze stayed fixed as the screen flashed with a radiant light. A new line of text shimmered into view.
[Please choose the alternate world you wish to simulate.]
[1. Xianxia Realm]
[2. Ultra Fantasy]
[3. Underworld]
[4. Realm of the Forgotten]
[5. High-Tech World]
[6. Ancient Immortal Realm]
[7. Dream Dimension]
'The same worlds as last time?' Adam immediately noticed. 'So these are the only ones available for now, probably until I upgrade the system.'
He stared at the glowing options, his heart thudding with anticipation. The Ultra Fantasy world was ruled out immediately.
'There's definitely something terribly wrong with that world.'
His eyes narrowed as his gaze trailed over the Ancient Immortal Realm, Xianxia Realm, and Realm of the Forgotten.
That last one sounded like a place drenched in doom and despair, a prison where even gods were banished. That eliminated it from his list.
Eventually, his choice narrowed down to two.
After another moment of stillness, he made his decision.
'System, I choose the Ancient Immortal Realm.'
The screen flickered and turned blank. Adam immediately sat up, his expression solemn. What would this simulation be about? Would he survive more than five years this time?
He had no way of knowing. He could only stare anxiously at the screen as it began to display new lines of text.
[Year 0: You were born into a royal family. You were very fortunate. This was a powerful clan of immortal cultivators, and they discovered that you possessed remarkable talent.]
[Shortly after your birth, your aunt entered the room and gave you a strange look. You thought it seemed seductive, but your newborn mind couldn't focus long on it.]
[Year 1: You were tested for your immortal aptitude. It was confirmed that you held immense potential for cultivation. In this world, people absorb immortal essence to walk the path of ascension. You were overjoyed to hear the news, even as a toddler.]
[Year 2: As time passed, you began to notice that your aunt, the maids, and even your sister often cast odd glances at you. You became increasingly worried and wondered if you'd die early again like the last time. Helplessly, you resigned yourself to letting them do as they pleased.]
[Year 5: You had grown steadily, repeatedly asking your parents to let you begin cultivation. However, they insisted that you must wait until you turned sixteen. Frustrated, you continued with the light sword training you had already begun.]
At this point, Adam held his breath.
'What are my aunt, sister, and the maids planning?' A chill ran down his spine. He couldn't shake the ominous feeling creeping into his thoughts.
The simulator was still processing data, and Adam let out a slow breath, bracing himself for what came next.
[Year 6: You were ambushed in your sleep. However, your aunt, who had been watching over you, intervened and slaughtered the attackers. She gazed at your unconscious form and whispered that she had been lonely for far too long, and that you should hurry and grow up.]
[You were completely unaware of the assassination attempt. Your parents never mentioned it. However, after that night, they became extremely strict about your whereabouts. Guards were now posted around you at all times.]
[Year 7: A year passed since the attack. You had become stronger than the average child, thanks to the food you consumed, infused with rich immortal essence.]
…
[Year 16: At last, you became a man by the standards of the immortal world. That very night, your aunt pounced on you. The night was long and filled with turmoil. Unbeknownst to you, it was the white talent Master of All that had been affecting your fate all along…]
'Damn!' Adam read the words and cursed again under his breath. He hadn't expected the talent that seemed so harmless, almost strategic, to twist his fate in such a bizarre direction.
'Then the maids... and my sister... the way they were always looking at me—damn it!'
...
A/N: I hope you enjoy the opening of this novel. Support by adding to your library and giving a power stone or two. Thank you.