Adam stared at the exception notice. A wide smile slowly spread across his face. He had been worried when the red warning popped up but this was perfect. His Administrator class could break the rules. The glowing blue interface pulsed then another notification appeared.
[Congratulations! You have successfully modified the system]
Whenever your experience meets the requirements for leveling up a consent message will now prompt you before proceeding.
Adam's grin grew even wider. He had done it. He had exploited a loophole no ordinary player could have ever imagined. The gamble had paid off beautifully. Now he was in control of his own progress. He could accumulate massive amounts of experience without increasing his level keeping his power hidden while it grew exponentially.
"This gives me a huge advantage," Adam thought. "I'll be able to get far ahead of everyone before they even realize what's happening."
With this new confidence he whispered to himself "Okay. Time for phase two." A flicker of doubt crossed his face. The error message was a reminder that his power was not unlimited. "What if the system rejects this one?" he wondered. The uncertainty gnawed at him. He straightened his posture his resolve hardening. He would not back down. "It's worth a try," he said his voice firm. He had to push the limits to understand them.
Steeling himself Adam raised a hand and commanded "Reality Manipulation Activate." He was using his last daily charge. The familiar blue glow of the system interface appeared.
Reality Manipulation skill activated.
His eyes lit up with fierce determination. He was just beginning to grasp the skill's world-bending potential. This was not a player skill. It was a tool of creation. "This skill…" he whispered his voice filled with reverence. "It can change the rules themselves."
A new interface popped up.
System active. Reality Manipulation mode enabled.
The small microphone icon on the screen blinked steadily waiting for his command. Adam spoke his voice calm but authoritative. "Listen system. I want to create a new skill. I'll call it 'Mark and Attack.'"
The interface flickered processing the unusual request. A new prompt appeared.
Define skill parameters.
Adam exhaled. He had to be precise. Every word mattered. His voice was steady as he began to explain the first phase. "The first phase is the mark. It will allow me to place a glowing red mark on any target simply by looking at them using the power of my gaze." He paused visualizing the mark in his mind. "This mark should only be removable by my command. No one else should have the power to erase it."
The system recorded his instructions in real time. A soft chime sounded from the interface.
Mark parameters accepted. Target-locking mechanism enabled.
Adam smirked. The system had understood perfectly.
"Perfect," he muttered. "Now for the attack part." Without pausing he refocused his attention on the glowing interface. A new window popped up ready for his next set of instructions.
"The second phase is the attack," Adam began his voice steady. "Once a target is marked I can command any object around me a knife a sword a simple stone to attack the marked target."
A rush of exhilaration shot through him. He was creating a unique game mechanic that could completely shift the balance of power in his favor. This skill would make him incredibly dangerous. "The object will relentlessly follow the target until it hits them. Once the attack is complete the mark will disappear automatically."
The interface pulsed as it processed the more complex command. After a few tense seconds a notification appeared.
Attack parameters accepted. Tracking mechanism integrated.
Adam's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Both parts were accepted. "This is even better than I hoped," he whispered. He had just created a personalized attack skill simply by asking.
"Is the skill ready now?" he asked impatiently. The system responded but not with a simple "Yes." A red warning window appeared.
Skill status Partially complete.
High energy consumption detected.
Warning Overuse may cause exhaustion.
Frustration flashed across Adam's face. Limitations again. He hated being told he could not do something. He pushed the feeling down. He would not accept "partially complete." "I don't care about the risks," he said firmly his voice leaving no room for argument. "Complete the skill. Finish it now."
The system paused for a split second a moment of virtual hesitation. Then with a faint final chime a new notification appeared.
Skill successfully created Mark and Attack.
The official description materialized before his eyes.
[You can mark any living or non-living object using your gaze. Once marked any object you command will attack the target with precision tracking it until the task is completed]
Adam read the final description. It was exactly what he wanted. His heart pounded with exhilaration. He could feel the power of his new skill flowing through him. A clear victorious smile spread across his face. "Alright," he whispered his voice filled with triumph. "Let the game truly begin."
He closed the interface with a swipe of his hand. The dense forest was silent again. The tall trees loomed overhead their leaves rustling in the cool breeze. The air smelled of damp earth and the soft chirping of crickets provided a rhythmic background noise. Adam's mind was consumed by his next move. He clenched his fists feeling a surge of energy. "This skill…" he thought his blue eyes narrowing. "It's a weapon. And I'll make sure it becomes the most feared weapon in this game."
The forest seemed to hold its breath as if sensing the gravity of the moment. Adam stood among the shadows his presence radiating a palpable intensity. For the first time since waking in his old room he felt like he was more than just a player. He was actively rewriting the game's rules.
As soft moonlight filtered through the leaves his journey took a monumental leap forward. He was no longer just correcting his past mistakes. He was building a new future. The creation of "Mark and Attack" was just the first step. The true adventure had just begun.