[As I mentioned before, it was a present from me, and I thought my messenger had passed on my messages to you.]

Ruvian felt slightly taken aback or puzzled; regardless, he quickly delved into his recollections of meeting the blind songstress. From what he could remember, the gift referred to was The Editor System. So, he assured her of what he recalled. "Yes, I did get the gift. While altering the enchantment of a regular item is indeed beneficial, I seriously question whether it will assist someone who is extremely weak."

The voice chuckled mischievously.

[Did you overlook the fact that my messenger suggested you make yourself more significant to the story? Have you forgotten about the reward associated with it?]

Ruvian reflected on it, as he recalled it fairly well. However, he's uncertain about the benefits apart from the system creating additional quests and enhancing plot point rewards.

"I do recall it, but it would be helpful if you could explain what other Editor Skills are available as my narrative relevancy tier rises."

[I see. Well, I suppose I can reveal it to you.]

At that moment, a vision filled his consciousness, allowing him to perceive what the upcoming editor skill could achieve if he advanced to the next level.

Ruvain felt a wave of shock and surprise wash over him. This? It was indeed accurate what she had mentioned. He wouldn't have to exert himself with this ability to boost his stats. The skill's name floated before him, accompanied by a symbol of a lock beside it.

Skill: [Customization of Character Stats]

Ruvian needed a moment to fully comprehend what was before him. The skill's name floated in the middle of his sight, plain and unremarkable, yet the significance of it weighed heavily on his chest. Next to it, a faint silver lock glimmered. He gazed at it for some time, then a long, slow breath escaped him.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

This wasn’t just a basic buff hidden behind a complicated spell tree or a potion for increasing stats. It was far more ridiculous. The design displayed in that fleeting vision was straightforward. He grasped the ramifications instantly, as clear as daylight. If this ability were ever unlocked, if that mechanism ever released, he would acquire the power to alter the numbers directly. He could modify his own attributes. It was the sort of power that made one feel a bit nauseous just contemplating it.

For a moment, it caused Ruvian to chuckle—not out of humor, but due to the unsettling and harsh timing. And it wasn’t limited to just his own attributes. With sufficient narrative significance behind him, he would access more than just himself. He could delve into the framework of allies and companions and rework them.

Strength, mana resonance, perception, agility, affinity modifiers... everything was on the table. It was akin to adjusting a slider in a character customization menu. And naturally, there was a catch.

“…Plot Points,” he whispered, his tone devoid of emotion. “Of course it costs Plot Points.”

Because nothing could ever be straightforward.

The System never offered power without a cost, and the Author always seized the opportunity to tighten control. True, she provided him with tools, but they were always bound by the same stipulation.

Be relevant.

Advance the plot or disappear into obscurity. And now, even this power to alter himself and those around him was chained to that same resource.

Taken from NovelBin, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“What about the Mana Resonance? I know that the only way to earn that is to kill Voidspawn or master a spell. Is there no other way than that?”

[You can also earn that through completing a certain quest. But you can also trade it with Plot Points with the ‘Customization of Character Stats’ skill.]

“I see.” He gazed at the locked skill once more.

“Real subtle,” he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm. “You’re really pushing the narrative agenda now, aren’t you?”

Nevertheless, he couldn’t dismiss its potential value. “Alright,” he said quietly, almost as if to himself.

“At least the rewards are worth it.”

[It is...]

Becoming stronger before Arc III?

Before the Vazrun Island Arc?

Now that seemed feasible.

“Since you insist, I’ll be a little bit more wild.”

***

The next morning arrived with little grace.

Ruvian strolled down the stone pathway that ran through the academy’s southern wing, his strides steady but his mind anything but settled. The sun shone brightly, and the sky was clear. However, none of that could compensate for the ordeal he had just faced.

He grumbled softly to himself. “So, now they do want to teach us.”

After days filled with silence, disregard, and barely concealed disdain, a lecturer had finally arrived to address their so-called “mandatory” core subject.

The instructor didn’t even take the time to introduce himself properly. He simply walked into the classroom, dropped a pile of dusty texts onto the desk, and began speaking.

The class focused on the Foundations of Mana and Magical Theory, which initially seemed promising, until the instructor spent two hours reciting concepts that could have easily been summarized in ten minutes if he possessed even a hint of respect for efficiency.

Then, he even gave an assignment about a detailed comparative report on at least five mana refining techniques, complete with historical context and practical implications.

Which was due next weekend. That alone would have been enough to sour his mood for the day. But it wasn’t the worst part.

Nope. That came next. Chapters first released on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

His next class will be his first elective class which was in the Mathematics Hall, located in one of the older buildings near the west courtyard, and Ruvian could already sense its burden weighing on him as he climbed the steps.

He sighed in disbelief. He realized immediately that his last lecture had run over time. This was the ploy used to give Class E a demerit for arriving late to their elective class.

To make matters worse, there hadn't been a single other Class E student enrolled in this elective besides him, so he had no evidence to support his claim that his previous lecture had gone long, but he knew they probably wouldn’t care to listen to his explanation.

Furthermore, none of his classmates chose math.

“I guess nobody likes Math, even in a fantasy world.” he remarked sarcastically.

In his previous world, math and science were essential components of any serious education. You couldn’t complete school without them. They were foundational. Indispensable. However, in this place? They were just electives, an extra course nobody opted for. Although the basics were covered in general lectures, but anything more? It's up to the individual.

“Optional, and apparently, solitary.” he mumbled with a deadpan expression.

Ruvian had three key reasons for choosing this elective.

Firstly, Silvena D’Elvoire. A figure too significant to overlook, particularly now that the plot had begun to stray from its original trajectory. If he wished to grasp the direction this new path would take, he had to observe her closely. Being in Class E made it more challenging for him to monitor their progress. So, attending this elective would give him the chance for that.

Secondly, Professor Mathias Orlan. The man was not merely a mathematician fixated on calculations. This professor had invaluable lessons to impart, and learning from him was essential, even if it meant tolerating his notorious temperament.

Lastly, promotion points. Advancing through the ranks of Velthia required more than just proficiency in combat or magic. Academic performance played a crucial role. Although mathematics may not carry the same honor as spellcasting in this context, it nonetheless contributed to his academic progression.

“If anything, math can be a great subject for boosting one's scores. If someone understands how it functions, it's merely just a matter of pretending. Not that hard since I have a good foundation though.” he whispered, mostly to himself.

He wasn't being boastful, and there was no trace of arrogance in his voice. He simply described, with clarity, that the equation adhered to specific rules and logic. He had been raised with this mindset. In his previous world, achieving high marks in mathematics was never a matter of difficulty. It was never a problem to him at all.

At last, he reached the hall.

“Hah... Crap, I'm really late.”

The heavy wooden door to the hall stood just a few paces ahead, shut tight. Which meant the class had started a while ago. Which also meant that every single person inside would notice when he pushed it open.

With a resigned breath, he dragged a hand through his hair and stepped forward, mumbling under his breath as he reached for the door handle.

“…I hope I get out with all my limbs intact.”

PP = 1460

ME = 195