Utopian System

The chamber fell silent as the weight of this revelation settled. Even the usually dramatic Emberg and mischievous Poison Stinger seemed subdued, understanding that they too would lose their unique existence if Nala succeeded.

"Each sphere," Dionz explained, floating closer to examine the iridescent object, "will grant 100 points of mana. One for each level of the challenge. And since this is a system-wide upgrade, every human will receive the same increase. Should help your friends quite a bit."

He paused, his expression growing more serious. "But the real change, the important one, is how it affects your capacity to govern. Originally, I planned to divide this power among your 9 companions, spreading out the responsibilities since you were supposed to enter with a 10 strong team. But for now..."

He shrugged apologetically. "You'll have to handle the 'ten commandments' alone."

Emberg created a tiny flame crown above Elio's head, while Poison Stinger mimed bowing with exaggerated reverence.

"This isn't a joke," Dionz admonished, though his lips twitched at the invocations' antics. "Your mind will change with each sphere. You'll become... more like Nala in some ways. For someone with your level of curiosity, it could be a serious challenge to your individuality."

He created a holographic representation of neural pathways. "Though that same curiosity might be what helps you endure it… You need to resist. The perception increase you've been experiencing? That's actually part of the training program I designed to prepare the leader for a hundredfold increase in what I call 'divine capacity'."

The hologram shifted, showing the changes in brain structure. "But there are side effects of a powerful individuality. Egoism, for one. Nala hates it, but I believe it's the answer to a longer life in a way. Yet it's actually easier to be corrupted by this than by power itself. If you become too self-centered, the utopian world will also fail before it begins."

Elio watched the holographic brain change, noting the areas that lit up differently but not understanding it really that much. "You're also not level 100 yet," Dionz added. "So you'll need to be extra careful with…"

"I'm not taking all hundred spheres at once," Elio interrupted. "Instead of theorizing about what might happen, why don't we see what actually changes when taking one?"

He turned the first sphere in his hands, studying its shifting colors. "One step at a time. We can observe the effects and adjust our approach based on real results… I'm the first one to try right?"

Dionz blinked, then smiled. "That's... actually a very sensible approach.

Moving toward Nala's statue, Elio held up the sphere. "Besides, having too much power without understanding it seems like exactly the kind of thing that leads to the problems you're warning about. If I had 100 spheres now I'd probably use them all."

The god watched as Elio approached the statue, his expression mixing hope and concern. This slower approach was promising, exactly the kind of thinking needed to handle an increased perception by more than 1000 times without losing oneself to it.

But would it be enough?

Would careful steps and measured progress be sufficient against what Nala's overwhelming power and different mind couldn't resist?

When Elio touched the statue, a window materialized before him, summarizing everything Dionz had explained but with additional details about power increases. The interface was surprisingly straightforward for something dealing with divine power distribution:

[Divine Sphere Exchange 1/100]

Base Mana: 200 → 300 Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire

Resistance: +100

Attack & Magical Damage: +100

Physical & Magical Defense: +10

Speed: +1

Perception: +0.1

New Skill Acquired: Divine Corruption 1/100

Exchange Reward: 9 Minor Commandments Spheres, 1 Major Sphere

Emberg peered at the numbers, its flames flickering with excitement as it noticed the increased magical damage and mana would affect invocations as well. Poison Stinger clicked its pincers appreciatively too.

"The nine smaller spheres," Dionz explained, floating closer to examine the rewards, "are meant to be shared. Ideally, you'd have a team of ten for this challenge, you and nine others to help bear the burden of divine power… But save them in your book for now."

After explaining about the spheres, Dionz studied Elio carefully. "Do you feel any different? The Divine Corruption should be starting to manifest, even if it's just at one percent."

Elio was about to say no when he paused, considering. Emberg and Poison Stinger moved closer, clearly curious about any changes in their master.

"Not really, but..." He frowned, trying to articulate the subtle shift in his thoughts. "You know, I was angry with you before, well I still am... Kept thinking all of this, the game, the cycles, the suffering… was your fault, and you will pay for it one day."

Dionz winced slightly, but Elio continued.

"That anger's still there, but it's... less intense now. Like I can see beyond it to what needs to be done."

The god nodded encouragingly. "What about your other concerns?"

"Zara, the city, everyone we left behind..." Elio's expression grew thoughtful. "I'm still worried, of course. But it's different now. Before, there was this weight of... inevitability? Like no matter what we did, it wouldn't be enough..."

"...But," Elio nodded. "The resignation I felt before is fading. Instead of seeing all the ways we might fail, I'm starting to see the path forward. It's like..." He searched for the right words. "Like the challenge isn't just something to endure anymore. It's something to overcome."

"Increased clarity?" Dionz suggested.

"Not exactly. More like... increased confidence? The problems haven't changed, but my perspective has. I feel more... centered? Like I can trust in my ability to find solutions."

The god smiled. "The Divine Corruption isn't just about the extra power, it's about expanding your capacity to handle that unfair power. Even at one percent, it starts to align your mind with your potential..."

Elio flexed his hand, watching the enhanced mana flow through it. "It's strange. I should probably be more worried about these changes to my mind, but..."

"But you feel more like yourself, not less," Dionz completed. "That's the paradox of Divine Corruption, it doesn't corrupt by taking away who you are. It corrupts by making you more intensely yourself… But be careful, that's a sweet trap, a powerful one."