Anomaly: Lord of mysteries

Chapter 2: Wishes of the Unknown

MC's POV:

The Void was eerily silent as I paced back and forth—or at least, what felt like pacing. In this strange, weightless space, I wasn't entirely sure if I was moving or simply imagining it. Twenty minutes wasn't a lot of time, especially when my future—my survival—depended on the choices I made now.

MC (thinking): Six wishes. Six chances to gain an edge in a world where people go insane from mere glimpses of the truth. No pressure, right?

I took a deep breath—or whatever the Void equivalent of a deep breath was. Focus. If I hesitated or squandered this opportunity, I'd regret it forever. This was no game. The stakes were real.

R.O.B.: "Time's ticking, friend. Got your wishes ready?"

I clenched my fists, bracing myself. I had to be smart about this.

MC: "Alright. Here are my wishes."

R.O.B.: "Let's hear them. Make them good!"

I took another moment to steady myself. This was it.

MC: "My first wish is for absolute protection of my body, soul, and mind. I want immunity to corruption, insanity, and mental attacks. No entity, mortal or divine, should be able to tamper with me."

R.O.B. hummed, his tone thoughtful. "A classic choice. But I like the way you framed it. Done."

MC: "My second wish is to have an unshakable sense of self—complete clarity of mind and identity. I don't want to lose myself, no matter what influences or forces I encounter."

R.O.B.: "Smart. It's not flashy, but it's essential in a world like that. Done. Next?"

MC: "For my third wish, I want absolute concealment. No one—whether through divination, visions, or any supernatural means—should be able to find or track me unless I allow it."

There was a brief silence before R.O.B. chuckled. "Paranoid, aren't you? I like it. Done."

MC: "My fourth wish is to gain the uniqueness of the Error, Door, and Fool pathways, along with full control over the Sefirah Castle."

R.O.B.: "Oh? Now you're aiming high." His voice took on a sharper edge, though there was still amusement in it. "That's technically two wishes, but I'll let it slide. You've got two left. Make them count."

I nodded, determination hardening my resolve.

MC: "For my fifth wish, I want a personal system—a slot-based system that lets me advance in all three pathways simultaneously. It should also include all the potion for these pathways, from Sequence 9 to Sequence 1."

R.O.B.: "Ambitious. I approve. Done. Your last wish?"

MC: "I want a skill akin to Raphael's abilities—the Lord of Wisdom—but even more advanced. It should grant me unparalleled insight for plotting, strategizing, and creating countermeasures. It should also protect me from manipulation by angels, gods, or any other higher beings."

For a moment, the Void was silent. Then, R.O.B. let out a low whistle.

R.O.B.: "You really went all out, didn't you? Fine, I'll grant it. But remember, the world of Lord of Mysteries isn't a place where power alone guarantees survival. You'll need to be clever."

MC: "I know."

R.O.B.: "Good. Just one last thing—since you're messing with the established order by being so unique, I'll tweak the rules a bit. The Lord of Mysteries will have greater power and influence than in the original plot. It'll make things more interesting for both of us."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I nodded. This was the price of playing his game.

R.O.B.: "Oh, and as a bonus, I'll give you the memories of the Lord of Mysteries. Consider it a little gift so you're not completely clueless about your new powers."

MC: "Thank you."

R.O.B.: "Don't thank me yet." I could almost hear him grinning. "Now, off you go. May you survive—and maybe even thrive. Either way, I'll be watching."

Before I could respond, a blinding light enveloped me, and the Void melted away.