Sora: "Hi, I'm looking for the Hestia Familia."
Hestia eyes me, scanning my appearance once more before narrowing her gaze.
"Why are you looking for my Familia?" she asks.
"You see, I want to jo—"
Before I can finish my sentence, the world freezes.
Everything around me locks in place. The air itself feels solid, as if space has been sealed around me.
I immediately reach out.
"Jarvis, what's happening?"
Silence.
"Jarvis, you there?"
[Creator of the system is directly connecting to host in 3 seconds. Please stand by.]
A portal opens beneath me.
"What's GOING ON—"
Falling.
For two seconds, I plummet through an abyss before suddenly landing in the same room where I met the wish giver before.
And there he is, seated just like before.
I don't waste time.
"What's happening? Why am I here?"
The Creator sighs, folding his hands.
"Well, boy, looks like you're in some serious trouble. And I'm currently working to get you out of it."
Trouble? I tense.
"What do you mean? I just entered the city—I was only trying to join a Familia!"
"That's exactly the problem," he says, eyes darkening. "The overseer of this world does not want you interfering with his plans. Until now, he ignored you because you were just roaming in the forest. He left the world's laws to deal with you."
"But now, you're attempting to change the future by joining Hestia's Familia. If I hadn't interfered just now, he would have either killed you or thrown you into the World of Darkness. Without a teleportation crystal, you would have suffered an eternity of silence and isolation."
Shock hits me like a tidal wave.
My entire existence—the dreams I built with my newfound power—was almost erased.
I had assumed that with my strength, I could live as I pleased. But now, I realize there are stronger forces at play.
A new goal crystallizes in my mind—I must get stronger. Strong enough that no entity can ever threaten my will again.
I exhale, regaining composure.
"So what now? Am I permanently banned from this world? Is this the case for every world? Will I never be able to change events or connect with the characters?"
The Creator scowls.
"Boy, who do you think I am?" he snaps. "That overseer is a fool if he thinks he can force my successor to abide by his rules. He doesn't even care about this world—whether it thrives or collapses is irrelevant to him. He's simply enraged that a former mortal is acting freely in his domain without my permission."
"As if I would ever ask for his consent!"
His words strike deep.
A surge of relief flows through me—he's standing up for me, just like Father once did.
"Sorry for doubting you. And... thank you. One day, I'll be strong enough to repay everything you've done for me."
His expression softens.
"Don't worry about it, boy—I do this for myself too."
His casual tone carries deeper meaning, but before I can question him, his gaze suddenly sharpens.
He freezes, then grimaces.
"Change of plans."
His voice turns grave.
"A higher god interfered.* He wasn't pleased with my actions and demanded a trial to settle this."*
"The overseer chose the trial—and it's not good. The god, however, doesn't mind, saying you need at least this level of strength to qualify as my successor."
I feel the weight of his words—but I don't falter.
"Don't worry about me." I say firmly. "I'm no coward, and I don't run or hide behind others. Whatever the trial is, I'll face it head-on."
The Creator grins.
"That's what I expected. I'm proud of you, kid."
His face turns serious again.
"Your trial will take place at the final floor of Orario's Dungeon. There lies the Black Dragon—an Immortal Realm monster, meant to be the final boss for Bell and Ais' teams at the story's end."
"At least fifteen Level 10 adventurers were required to safely defeat it."
"You're going in alone."
I tighten my fists, feeling the magnitude of the challenge.
"If you die, you lose everything—your system, your wishes, and your power. You'll reincarnate as a normal soul."
"Understand the gravity of this."
I breathe in deeply, centering my resolve.
"I understand. For my future, for you, and for what I desire, I will make it."
The Creator nods.
"Good. Prepare yourself for the trial."
"I can't directly assist you during the fight, or the higher god will notice. However, I can grant you something now to help you in battle—so choose wisely. You have five minutes."
I quickly run through my options before my mind locks onto an idea.
"Wait—do summons count as external assistance?"
The Creator grins knowingly.
"Clever thinking, boy. I have just the thing."
"You know the manga Solo Leveling? I'll add a job function to your system—Shadow Emperor, instead of Shadow Monarch—boosting the original skills."
"You'll also be able to buy shadows in the store—including characters you wish to summon."
[Job Function Added: Shadow Emperor] [Skills Acquired:]
{Reanimation} – Can store and reanimate souls. Shadows regenerate endlessly, as long as mana exists.
{Shadow Extraction} – Create shadow soldiers from fallen enemies.
{Shadow Exchange} – Instantly switch positions with a summoned shadow.
{Ruler's Authority} – Absolute mana control.
{Emperor's Domain} – Shadows within the area of influence receive enhanced stats.
{Name Bestowing} – Grants higher ranks to shadows.
In my mind—YES YES YES YES!
"Now, choose three shadows to buy. Hurry—time is short."
"Jarvis, you there?"
"Yes, sir."
"Open the store. Buy me Blood-Red Commander Igris, Iron, and Tusk from Solo Leveling—now!"