[Error. Error. Malicious enti– enti– STOP: 0x010010WK… Host: Error. Data corruption detected. More than 80% of the system’s functions are corrupted.]

“Well, that’s that then,” Viers observed the aftermath.

Other than ending a volatile variable that was Sigma/Renji, Viers also aimed at his system. Viers already had quite an assortment of cheats himself but he wouldn't say no to another cheat in his arsenal. If Viers could supplant Sigma as the system’s host then wouldn’t his strength rise by leap and bounds?

Alas, he failed.

With the system’s defensive mechanism effective to that degree, Viers didn't have the time to perform detailed observation and delicate operation. Viers didn't forget that his grip on Sigma’s soul was weakening, somehow wriggling out of his hands. By tomorrow, Sigma’s soul would be out of Viers’ reach.

Viers was a greedy person. He refused to do anything without some kind of profit and would wring out every value of the defeated to fuel his growth.

So rather than letting Sigma’s soul leave scot-free, Viers destroyed Sigma’s ego.

It was like making a person brain dead. Now that ‘Sigma’ was no more, Viers manipulated the empty soul to access the system.

Simply put, Viers used a mindless body to access a computer locked by a fingerprint lock. As a result, the otherworlder’s soul was no longer mysteriously slipping away but the system also suffered massive damage.

All in all, he took this as a win. Viers had triumphed against a bonafide MC with a cheat. Granted he must be one of the unluckiest MCs ever because he met Viers but victory was victory.

Even 80% damaged, a system fell into Viers’ hands

A shame Renji’s memories are also gone, I can't get more info about Earth Alter but you get some you lose some. Well, I’m sure I can find some use for this crippled system. For the time being, the immediate danger has passed.

Viers turned around, the girls were waiting while he accessed the white pillar.

“It’s done. Considering the circumstances, this is a good result. I thank you girls for the assistance.”

Farley had a few wounds here and there but nothing serious; she gratefully accepted Viers’ praise. Clarissa looked like a satisfied princess; it must have felt nice to cut loose after years and years of inaction. Paina on the other hand, seemed dejected and gloomy.

“Paina, your soul is injured… you tried to draw more power than you can handle. Go get some rest, you deserve it, all of you.”

“But Viers, I-”

“It's fine. You've done your best. All of us can see that,” Viers tried to soothe her.

The raven-haired girl looked unconvinced but Farley came to the rescue. “Paina, don't mind.” Farley cheerfully said, injecting her with positivity.

During the battle, she contributed the least and she’s the weakest. Paina must have realized that… In this kind of situation, a friend’s words are needed. I’m counting on you Farley.

Viers teleported with the girls to the White Flowers Meadow. This was their home now, after such a battle, Viers saw that the girls looked more relaxed upon their return here.

“I know it's too soon to be asking but how’s the progress about that Arte you mentioned?” Viers conversed with Clarissa who was back in the golden birdcage.

“Nowhere close,” the dark brown haired lamia princess shook her head. “After Wisdom Snake’s Unveiling Gaze, or Euryale Sight as you call it, I still need a lot of time to compile another Arte. It won't be ready anytime soon.”

“I thought as much… I have to go. We’re not in the clear yet. Later girls, enjoy your pajama party.”

The girls saw him off as usual, but this time Clarissa waved him a goodbye.

She’s beaming… the princess must be really happy blowing things up, Viers made half a smile before he logged out.

***

The earlier conversation with Clarissa was about his next ancient Arte.

After Euryale Sight, naturally Viers wanted more Arte from the Age of the Gods buried inside the Lamia Queen’s mind which only Clarissa could excavate. He was torn between what kind of Arte he should choose. Euryale Sight covered his weakness in the investigation departement so he wanted another skill to bolster his versatility.

Viers still didn't choose an attack type Arte for his second inquiry. Rather than more destructive power, he preferred to have something lasting for long-run survivability.

He knew full well that many problems couldn't be solved with firepower alone.

My survival is more important than the death of my enemies. What is their death’s value compared to my life?

In the end, Viers narrowed down what he wanted to two.

The first option was a stealth or speed Arte. The benefits were without saying, he could run or hide from enemies he couldn't beat yet. Besides, his movement type Arte was starting to feel lacking now. Rapid Water Steps was a very elementary water attribute Arte, it raised his movement speed and agility for a short period of time. Viers so far coped by casting that Arte multiple times to raise its effect but it had diminishing returns after the sixth multiplication.

The second option was an appearance-changing Arte. Viers would be a criminal in the future; his villainous way of life practically assured him of that. There was no need to mention the future, Viers was already being hunted down because of his identity as a survivor from Luxore town alone. Perhaps someone would recognize his face when he simply walked on the streets. If he could change his face then such a thing would not be a problem. It would be very useful for infiltration and spy missions too, a very useful ability to have.

Whether stealth or appearance-changing Arte, both are actually a quite common ability for xianxia novels MC to have.

Viers realized he was in a world very similar to those xianxia novels. With the Fables in his head, he had no shame of using those MCs as a reference. Viers was standing on the shoulders of giants.

Ultimately, he chose the second option, appearance-changing Arte.

How ironic Viers really became a wanted man as soon as he left Mokash town. But the Arte was not ready and so Viers landed in this situation.

Viers opened his eyes in the real world. The outside was dark now, his struggle with Sigma’s system lasted more than five hours.

So tired… I’m exhausted in mind and body. Let's check the situation first before hitting the bed. Euryale Sight!

Viers went out from the bandit’s hideout and climbed to an elevated place, he observed his surroundings using his super eyes.

Five… Ten… Twenty… Forty… About forty people. Jarret must be hard at work.

It occurred to him to try slipping through their net now but Viers was too tired.

They are all still far, I have time although not much. I’ll sleep for a few hours then make my move early in the morning. Also… 42.39% huh? Not bad.

With the healing factor, Viers was rarely exhausted to this degree. He destroyed Sigma's head thoroughly then he went to bed. Viers fell asleep seconds after hitting the pillow. Bandit Romell’s bed was very comfy.

***

A man opened his mouth widely, yawning. He also scrubbed his eye because of the sleepiness that made his eyelids heavy.

The night was cold and hours of search didn't bear fruit. Tiredly, the man looked at his pocket watch. It was almost 4 o’clock in the morning, not even first light yet.

“Hey, focus on the job. You want to die?” A nervous-looking teenager berated his sleepy-looking friend.

“Piss off, Liam. We haven't got any rest since yesterday. Is the guy we’re looking for still here? There might be forty of us but he might have slipped away already.”

“I hope that’s the case,” Liam said in a small voice, looking left and right in a twitchy manner.

“What, you’re afraid?” The sleepy man mocked.

“Use your common sense, doofus. You and I are Level 0. If he appears before us, you think we have a chance?”

“Relax, squad leader Tomburn is with us. We just need to back him up when this Cain fellow shows up. IF he shows up. Ain’t that right leader?”

No answer.

“Leader?” the sleepy man looked to his left, where Tomburn should be.

Nothing, not even Tomburn’s shadow.

A sound from his right, the sound of something falling. The sleepy man turned his head as quickly as possible. A faint creeping terror welled up from the pit of his stomach.

He saw Liam lying on the ground. Eyes opened, neck bloody.

“Eeek!”

His eyes bulged at the sight and a nervous gasp escaped his lips. His sleepiness faded like a drop of water in a desert.

Crack.

Was something broken now? The man wondered. Why is everything upside down? Wait, why am I falling face-first to the ground?

Darkness.

While he was in the dark, he felt someone moved him somewhere.

Ah, sleep at last. How peaceful. The sleepy man felt content.

***

Viers was absorbing the souls of three people he'd just stealth-killed. Their souls were part of the loot to Viers. Naturally, he would collect them.

The Level 1, he assassinated while hiding from a bush. In one practiced move, the victim’s body also went into the bush after Viers was done with him.

The two Level 0 after that were easy. A clean slit to the throat for the first and a 180-degree neck twist for the second.

Killing Spree. Triple Kill!

Viers heard the announcer’s voice in his head and went towards the next group of people under the cover of darkness.

Ready yourself Radiant heroes. A single Scourge hero is coming to kill you.