I Hate Systems
chapter-966

'It seems the supernatural element here is related to faith.' Compass Carburettor thought as he observed the morphing expressions of the sibling duo. Of course, it was him all along, acting mysterious the moment a chance presented itself.

What Arnark had said when he sacrificed Lore was indeed the truth, as he verified it before he was assimilated into the world. All six of them would have the same starting point. Compass Carburettor too had installed the same setup, after all, he had absolute confidence in gaining the utmost benefits from the most precarious of situations thanks to his experience wealth.

So, even if their starting positions were horrible, he would reach the top and amass enough strength to destroy his enemies. Beginning with absolutely nothing was his intention.

But, in the version Arnark introduced where everyone had the same starting positions, there was one difference. Of course, even he couldn't change the clause that everyone would have the same starting position. Practically the majority of Compass Carburettor's authority had been condensed to form that.

Moreover, Arnark feared that by trying to give himself an advantage, he would mess up the rules and create some loophole that Compass Carburettor would take advantage of to become a broken character.

And hence, he too reinforced the same startling line concept. But, fundamentally, he was different from Compass Carburettor. Therefore, despite the starting line being the same for all six, it had been pushed forward.

Meaning, all six of them would be placed in a position where they had immediate access to the supernatural element of this world. Whether or not they could take advantage of that opportunity would depend on their ability.

The arrogant Arnark didn't wish to remain weak and struggle to gain power in such a world. And hence, he made this setup where the option was presented right at the starting point itself. Of course, he was confident in grasping that chance.

As Compass Carburettor understood Arnark's character, he grasped that this was his chance to gain power. Therefore, he had to maintain a vague stance and force the sibling duo to give out more information.

With that, he would have a better understanding of everything. Which was what led to his question, "You sure we're related?"

This was to prompt them to reveal what they were expecting out of him. If he went by a normal route of questioning, his ignorance would be laid out in full display. Whatever opportunity existed would slip past him the moment that happened.

After all, opportunities disdained a show of ignorance.

'Is he a Saint? Or a Deity? Dammit, I cannot tell.' Pneua was vexed. After all, if the other party happened to be a Saint, it spelled disaster for them. But if he were a Deity, then it was their once-in-a-lifetime chance for greatness.

'No, in both cases, there's no harm in being polite. I should probe for details somehow while establishing a mode of conversation.' The gears in her mind spun rapidly as Pneua thought and formed a plan of action.

"We're from the Shukagat Village situated on the southern foothill of this peak. I'm Pneua," Pneua then pointed at Pnolli, "And this is my younger brother, Pnolli."

"That's fine," Compass Carburettor stared at them blankly, "So, are you sure we're related?"

Just when Pneua was about to despair, a spark flashed in her mind, 'Wait! He asked the question a second time. If it's a Saint, they would instinctively know every one of their faith. Moreover, we don't have a strand of coloured hair, so it's obvious to anyone that we're not affiliated with any faiths. But, if he asked it again, then it could only mean one thing.'

She became sure of her conjecture as she stared at Compass Carburettor, 'This is a Deity! Seeing as how he seemed to have been one with the environment for so long, it only makes sense he's a Deity. A human would have been eaten up long ago.'

'Moreover, he was lying on our mountain. This means that our mountain originally had a Deity. But due to a lack of faith, we were abandoned.' She thought, getting excited by her train of thoughts, 'Does that mean we somehow triggered his awakening? Then, this is our chance.'

'Grandma used to say something about our village's legend. Dammit, I just can't remember it since she died so long ago. Maybe dad knows it.' Realising that she had been thinking for a tad longer than usual, Pneua hurriedly bowed even deeper, "Yes, I feel we're related."

"Hoh?" Compass Carburettor raised an eyebrow and stared at her, urging her to continue, "How are we related then?"

"Your Lordship," Pneua said with a solemn tone, "Long ago, many centuries ago, when our ancestors fled from their homes due to war, a Deity gave them refuge and blessed them to settle here. That was how the Shukagat Village came to be over the years."

"The legend in our Village states that the Deity never made an appearance after that and over the generations, that legend became reduced to a mere story. But!" She got up with a start, "Now that I've laid eyes on your Lordship, I know for sure that you're our Guardian Deity."

'Hmm, so that's the backstory for this place, huh? A rather convenient setup, I must say.' Compass Carburettor thought in praise, 'A legend passed down through time but none to take up the seat. So, it's ripe for my picking. The case must be similar for the others too.'

'But first, if there's truly Deities in this world, then I should be careful in what I say. I fear my actions would influence my powers.' Thinking as such, Compass Carburettor motioned for the sibling duo to get up as he stared at Pnolli, "How's life in the village?"

"There's danger due to the wild animals attacking our village during the night, but we've been able to manage that thanks to the able-bodied uncles in the village." Pnolli said in a hurry, "There's plenty of rice to eat from the farm produce. We have lots of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and spices. And we also hunt the animals for meat."

"There's nothing that we lack." He said in excitement, "there's even plenty of medicinal herbs in the forest, all thanks to the blessing of your Lordship."

'Blessing.' Compass Carburettor noted another point where a lot of emotion was infused by Pnolli when uttering it, 'It seems they are all normal humans living normal lives. But, it seems a Deity can grant beneficial factors through the form of a blessing.'

'Then, I should be careful.' Compass Carburettor gained a fairly decent understanding of the power system of this world, 'Since the power system was created using our foundations, it should be regarding this faith, which should just be Mental Energy infused or amplified by emotions of devotion. That means, their faith towards me would determine my powers.'

'That's a tricky mess.' Compass Carburettor understood the underlying fault in this power system, 'Since it's all dependent on the people, even if I become powerful, if my believers are harmed, I lose my authority.'

'Hah!' He chuckled, 'That's a good one, Arnark.'