The Successor System

Facing death the second time

Art hasn’t been sitting down and leaving everything to her all this time.

He had tried to distribute the stats he just received but much to his disappointment, the system didn’t permit him as his body was too weak to handle the kind of boost he was about to give it

This was the last card he had but watching Racheal as she used magic reminded him of what happened when he, or better put, the former body owner saved the girl.

Simply put, he could use magic.

Although doing this was very risky, not doing anything was even riskier.

He mustered as much strength as he could to stand up, before walking towards Rachael in the straight line from her to him which was water balls free. 

He wondered how she was killing the red-eyed rabbits behind him which was when he noticed that the water balls curved after passing him.

He knew that she was both talented and powerful for their level but this went beyond his expectations as controlling them required a lot of concentration.

Getting to where she stood pale and sweaty, he placed his hand on her shoulder as she shifted her gaze to him.

“I'll take it from here,” he voiced out causing her to frown.

“What do you mean by that?”

"You've done enough. I'm grateful for you trying to save my life at the expense of yours but I don't think that's a wise thing. You should've……….”

“STOP!” she screamed interrupting him.

Why Val was telling her this was because he wouldn't do the same for her.

“Don’t ever say things like that! It's my job to protect you and that aside I'm willing to give my life for yours. Even though I die and get brought back to life, I'll do it over again without hesitation. So please, don't ever speak or even think of me abandoning you.”

The tears which fell from her eyes while saying this stopped mid-way to the ground before also shooting towards the red-eyed rabbits.

Art who had suffered several betrayals was moved by this and for the first time since he came here, he sincerely smiled at someone.

“I see,” he said placing his hand on her blue hair while staring into her azure eyes which were filled with tears.

“Thank you. But as I said, I'll be taking it from here.”

He removed his hand internally promising to help her whenever she needs it when he gets stronger.

Her magic had dwindled significantly and the red-eyed rabbits were now moving closer to them.

He walked a little bit forward before stretching out his hand with his palm open.

“No!” Racheal screamed with widened eyes realizing what he was about to do. She wanted to run and stop him but she was more exhausted than she thought and she ended up falling to the ground.

"Don't do it!” she wailed but Art was too busy with the information in front of him to pay attention.

[WARNING: If host uses any form of magic in host’s current state, it would be critical and most probably lead to instant death!]

This was written in blood red showing how severe it was.

The system was telling him that using magic would without a doubt lead to death so the chances were between dying instantly or dying a little later which he believed could be prevented.

This was very risky and but what was the fun of life without taking risks?

He was still yet to learn how to use magic properly as even the former body owner lacked this, only knowing three spells.

He had used one to save the girl he met which ended up creating a large crater, also leading to his death and Art was about to do the same thing, isn't it ironic?

Although he was planning on using a different spell.

‘Are you sure about this?’ the voice which he has been waiting to hear finally arrived.

‘Is that worry I sense? It seems you're the one who’s getting attached,’ he smirked.

‘Hahahaha! Making such a joke at a moment like this, you truly are amusing. Attached? I'm just worried that all the mana I've used would end up a waste. Just—like—you,’ she made sure to stress the last part like an annoying little girl.

Art shook his head with a smile.

Hearing her laughter comforted him in a way giving him more courage.

‘Don’t worry, this isn't enough to kill me.’

At this point in time, the edges of his hand had a thin white line on it which was pure mana.

He understood now how truly powerful this body he had entered truly was.

Not everyone could give off pure mana by just casting a spell.

Racheal who had stopped shouting now started at him with the mixed feelings of horror and awe.

Her spell had completely vanished and the 300+ red-eyed rabbits were now only a few feet away from them.

The closest red-eyed rabbit leaped for a bite of him when his hand closed as waves of mana were sent out.

[New attribute unlocked: Earth]

Hundreds of thin two meters long earth spikes sprung out from the ground impaling not just the red-eyed rabbits but every other thing which wasn't strong enough to resist it at a radius of a kilometer.   

All the red-eyed rabbits got killed by this attack as he started at the beautiful sight in front of him.

In case you're wondering, no! 'Beautiful sight’ didn't refer to the bloody spikes and pieces of their bodies, rather, it was this………….

[You have killed F-rank red-eyed rabbit: +10EXP]

[You have killed F-rank red-eyed rabbit: +10EXP]

[You have killed F-rank red-eyed rabbit: +10EXP]

[You have killed F-rank red-eyed rabbit: +10EXP]

[You have killed F-rank red-eyed rabbit: +10EXP]

……

The notification came in chains.

Racheal barely stood up quickly, quickly running towards and catching Art who was falling like a log of wood to the ground with tears falling from her eyes and she felt his body getting colder.

“Art! Art! Don't you dare leave me like this! Art!”

*********************

Meanwhile,

There was a particular area except from around Art and Racheal within the 1 km radius of Art’s magic that didn't have a single spike.

Better put, the spikes seemed to have all been reduced to dust.

In the middle of this stood a man who had a big smile on his face, showing how satisfied he was.

“Looks like my coming here wasn't in vain. Now, let’s get to work.”

********************

Art could barely hear all of Racheal’s wailing as his consciousness was only being held onto by a thin thread.

He saw a notification from the system which caused him to sigh in disappointment.

‘So much for this life. At least I didn't miss.’

[Host used magic]

[Body limit far surpassed]

[Host life span shortened]

[Host would die in]

[9]

[8]

[7]

[6]

[5……]