Multiversal Manifestation System

Chapter 44: Chapter 44 - Tests



As Alexander sat across from Wang Zi's imposing figure, he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

The cloaked man had offered him a single ability from the world of Demon Slayer, and for Alexander, the choice was clear. His heart raced as he thought about the power he had seen Wang Zi wield in the Colosseum.

"Thunder Breathing," Alexander said firmly, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him. "That's what I want."

Wang Zi leaned back slightly, his glowing Rinnegan studying Alexander with an unreadable expression.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"As expected." Wang Zi thought to himself.

The idea of channeling lightning mana through one's body, taming its chaotic nature to enhance speed, power, and cultivation, was an obvious choice for someone like Alexander, a lightning specialist seeking to surpass his siblings and carve his own path.

"Thunder Breathing..." Wang Zi repeated, as though tasting the words.

He stood up slowly, the room's ambient light dimming slightly as he moved.

"You've made a fine choice," he said, his voice calm and deliberate. "This ability will serve you well... if you can master it."

Alexander swallowed, excitement building within him.

"I will," he said, his voice resolute. "I'll master it."

Wang Zi walked around the table, his eyes momentarily flicking to the system's interface. The cost for Thunder Breathing was displayed clearly: 5 million SP.

"Not bad, but I can't let this be the standard price. If I'm going to build a reputation for exclusivity and power, I need to make these abilities feel like treasures. For now, though...

Five million SP is nothing compared to the long-term gains of creating a loyal customer. But I'll double it for future buyers. Supply and demand, after all." He decided to waive the cost for Alexander.

"Stand up," Wang Zi said, his voice commanding. Alexander immediately obeyed, his nerves sparking once more.

Wang Zi's smile widened as he stepped closer, his towering figure casting a shadow over Alexander.

"You'll feel this," he said cryptically, raising his hand toward Alexander's head. The Rinnegan flared to life, its glow illuminating the room. In a single fluid motion, Wang Zi's hand connected with Alexander's forehead, the eerie light of the Rinnegan intensifying.

Alexander's body froze as he felt a surge of energy course through him, his mind suddenly awash with vivid imagery.

It was as though he were standing in the middle of a thunderstorm, lightning crackling all around him, each bolt illuminating the intricate sequences of breathing techniques required to harness the power of Thunder Breathing.

The knowledge poured into him like a rushing river, overwhelming and exhilarating.

"This is the power you sought," Wang Zi said, his voice calm yet heavy with authority.

"Thunder Breathing is now yours."

Alexander staggered slightly as Wang Zi withdrew his hand, the connection severed.

His breaths came in short gasps, his body trembling from the intensity of the transfer. But within seconds, he steadied himself, his eyes wide with newfound understanding.

"I... I can feel it," Alexander said, his voice tinged with awe. He clenched his fists, the faint crackle of lightning dancing along his fingers.

"It's incredible."

"Hmm. You've got what you wanted. Now leave. The one outside is starting to get nervous."

"And don't forget. Contribute, or I'll take back what I gave." Wang Zi's tone turned grave.

"Of course! Thank you!"

The man said nothing, simply watching as Alexander turned and began walking toward the exit. As the door began to close behind him, the man's voice echoed one last time.

"You got a key to something many will kill for in the future. Don't squander it." Wang Zi's voice echoed, as his figure vanished.

Alexander paused for a second, before taking a deep breath and continuing walking to the door. As he stepped back into the store's entrance, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, his uncle Ray immediately turned to him.

"Well?" Ray asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

Alexander glanced at the black door behind him, still glowing faintly, and then at the cards in his hand.

"Here uncle, I think you'll be interested in this." Alexander said, as he handed his uncle a card with the number 11.

Ray's expression shifted to one of restless anticipation as he gripped Alexander's shoulder firmly.

"It's real?" Ray asked, his voice low and tense.

"It's true. I got what I went there for." Alexander nodded, his excitement barely contained. 

"Good. Log out now. We're testing this immediately." Ray's grip tightened momentarily before he released him. 

Alexander complied without hesitation, logging out of the Virtual Brain and opening his eyes in his estate's opulent private quarters. Ray was already waiting by the door, his commanding presence a reminder of his high-ranking military status.

Together, they made their way to the training grounds.

The Nedeir's training grounds were a marvel of modern technology and wealth. Enclosed within a massive dome, the space was outfitted with everything a warrior or mage could dream of for perfecting their craft.

The walls were lined with mana-reactive plating, capable of simulating various combat environments and absorbing high-energy attacks for data analysis.

Rows of advanced monitoring equipment stood ready to measure every conceivable parameter: mana flow, energy output, reaction speed, physical strength, you name it, they had it.

Training dummies infused with adaptable mana cores could simulate real combat opponents, reacting intelligently to attacks.

In the center of the dome was an expansive combat platform, its surface etched with runes to track and amplify mana signatures for testing.

Above, an observation deck with reinforced glass overlooked the entire facility, complete with holo-screens displaying detailed readouts of the ground-level activities.

As Alexander and Ray entered, a third figure awaited them: Alexander's loyal butler, Frederick.

"Frederick," Ray barked, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

"Seal off the training grounds. No monitoring, no surveillance."

Frederick's brow furrowed slightly in confusion but obeyed without question. "Understood, sir," he said, his deep voice calm and measured.

He walked briskly to a control panel, entering a complex series of commands. A mechanical hum filled the dome as the walls shimmered faintly, signaling the activation of the privacy field.

"The area is secured, Master Alexander," Frederick said, turning back to the pair. "May I ask what this is about?"

Alexander exchanged a glance with Ray before nodding.

"You've served our family for years, Frederick. You've earned the right to watch this," Alexander said, his voice tinged with excitement.

Frederick raised a brow but remained silent, stepping back to observe. His sharp eyes tracked every movement of his young master as Alexander stepped onto the central combat platform. Ray crossed his arms, his intense gaze fixed on Alexander.

"Prove it, Alexander," Ray said, his tone commanding. "Show me that this store of yours isn't a scam."

Alexander took a deep breath, his fingers trembling with anticipation. He closed his eyes, focusing on the torrent of knowledge that had been implanted in his mind by the store. The sequences of Thunder Breathing techniques played out vividly in his mind like a symphony, each beat guiding his mana in precise rhythm.

Alexander stepped onto the training platform, his breaths deep and steady, the faint hum of mana-reactive plating beneath him responding to his movements. He focused on the sensation of Thunder Breathing, feeling the raw energy course through his veins.

As he started using the breathing method, a surge of lightning mana crackled across his body.

ZI ZI ZI CRACK!

The electricity was wild and untamed, sparks snapping unpredictably around him. A faint hum from the monitoring devices turned into urgent beeping as warning signals lit up the control panel.

Frederick, the butler, glanced nervously at the flashing alerts.

"Master Alexander, the system is detecting instability in the mana flow. It might be dangerous to-" Frederick, the butler, glanced nervously at the flashing alerts.

Ray waved him off with a dismissive hand.

"Let it run. I'm here. If anything happens, I'll step in." His eyes never left Alexander, who gritted his teeth as he adjusted to the volatile energy.

CRACKLE!

The room was filled with the sharp crackle of lightning as Alexander tried to guide the thunder mana through his body. Every now and then, the lightning arced wildly, striking the training platform and sending faint reverberations through the dome. The smell of ozone filled the air, sharp and electric.

After several minutes of practice, the crackling began to even out. Alexander's breathing grew more rhythmic as he gradually adapted to the foreign energy coursing through him. The alerts on the monitors started to subside, though faint sparks still leapt from his fingertips.

He flexed his hands, testing his control, before walking over to the weapon rack and selecting one of his treasured swords, a finely crafted blade designed for precise mana conduction.

Ray watched silently, his arms crossed, as Alexander returned to the platform.

"Show me what you can do with it," he said.

Alexander nodded and took his stance. He exhaled sharply, lightning crackling along the blade's surface, and then muttered, "First Form: Thunderclap and Flash."

...

Nothing happened.

The lightning dissipated in a burst of sparks, leaving the room silent except for the faint hum of the monitors. Alexander frowned, adjusting his grip on the sword, and tried again.

"Thunderclap and Flash!" he called out, the sword glowing faintly with lightning mana. But once more, the technique failed, the lightning scattering uselessly.

Ray's brow furrowed.

"It's not working," he said flatly, a hint of disappointment creeping into his voice.

Alexander ignored him, his focus unshaken. He tightened his grip on the hilt, steadying his breathing, and tried again. And again. Each time, the attempt ended in failure.

After several tries, Alexander lowered the sword and sat cross-legged on the platform. His chest rose and fell as he maintained his Thunder Breathing, eyes closed in deep concentration.

The chaotic sparks of lightning around him began to subside, replaced by an eerie calm. The hum of the mana-reactive plating beneath him seemed to soften, as if the entire room were holding its breath.

Ray's eyes sharpened as he watched his nephew.

"Turn the monitoring back on. Now!" he ordered.

Frederick hesitated only a moment before activating the system. The holographic displays flickered to life, showing Alexander's mana flow stabilizing at unprecedented levels. The faint sound of crackling thunder became softer, rhythmic, like the gathering of a storm on a distant horizon.

Ray held his breath.

Suddenly, Alexander's eyes snapped open, their electric blue hue glowing faintly. He stood in a single fluid motion, the sword in his hand once again crackling with energy. The room grew silent, save for the faint hum of the monitoring systems.

"First Form: Thunderclap and Flash." Alexander whispered.

CRACK!

A split second later, a deafening CLAP of thunder echoed through the dome, shaking the very walls.

In the blink of an eye, Alexander's figure vanished, leaving behind only a trail of electric afterimages and a faint scent of ozone. A sharp crack resounded as his sword cleaved through the training dummy at the far end of the room, the impact sending a shockwave rippling across the platform.

When he reappeared, he stood at the other end of the platform, sword in hand. The training dummy began to disintegrate, tiny fragments of it crumbling to the ground in a cascade of sparks.

His treasured sword, unable to withstand the power of the technique, fractured along the blade and fell apart, leaving only the hilt in Alexander's grip.

The monitors went haywire, their readings spiking far beyond their usual range. Warning alerts blared once more, the system struggling to process the unprecedented energy output.

"M-Master Alexander… that was…" Frederick took an involuntary step back, his mouth slightly agape. 

Ray stared in stunned silence for a moment before breaking into a rare smile.

"You did it," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and disbelief. "It's real. This breathing method… Hahaha!"

Alexander exhaled slowly, the glow around him fading as he dropped the broken hilt of his sword. His body trembled slightly, still adjusting to the strain of the technique. But despite the exhaustion, his face was lit with triumph.

"This is just the beginning," Alexander said, his voice firm and resolute. "With this, I'll surpass them!"

Wang Zi was unaware that Alexander went to test out the reward he got, unsure if it was reality or not. Not that he would care, it was true as true can be after all.

Back in the MMS store, he leaned back in his seat, spinning one of the MMS membership cards lazily between his fingers, he couldn't help but think about Feifei.

Her lack of interest in abilities didn't bother Wang Zi at all. In fact, it was better this way. She wouldn't compete for high-tier abilities, and her presence would be all profit for him.

But the challenge was how to involve her.

Since Wang Zi didn't know her personally, there was no direct way to offer her a card. He needed to create an event that would not only grab her attention but also intrigue her massive audience.

"Her fanbase is insane. If I could get Feifei to hold one of these cards, even if she never buys anything, the store's exposure would skyrocket. Almost everyone on this planet knows who she is."

Hua'er fluttered in front of him, her tiny hands on her hips, her wings shimmering faintly.

"Master, are you sure it's worth it? She doesn't strike me as someone who's interested in power."

"Exactly. That's why this is perfect. Someone like her, with that kind of reach, will bring attention without actually competing for the high-level abilities. She'll be pure profit."

Hua'er rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amusement.

"You're such a schemer. So, how do you plan on getting the card to her? It's not like you can just walk up to her."

Wang Zi tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully before snapping his fingers, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"The Virtual Brain. She's always streaming, right? I'll use the system to make it… interesting." Wang Zi grinned, his mind already crafting the perfect scenario.

"It needs to happen during one of her streams. A card that appears out of nowhere, her name engraved on it, and a mysterious arrow pointing her to the MMS store. That'll keep her and her fans talking for days."

With a thought, Wang Zi summoned a new card from the system, this one bearing the serial number 21. He studied it for a moment before addressing Hua'er.

"Make this card have a tracker function to guide her directly to the store. I want it to appear dramatic, like it's glowing and floating in a void. Something that'll grab her attention, and her viewers."

"Now then, let's get this card to her!" Wang Zi grinned.

With the plan set, Wang Zi initiated the system's interference with the Virtual Brain.

Feifei was in her usual high-energy mode, her vibrant pink hair bouncing as she leaned toward the camera. Her stream was buzzing with activity, thousands of viewers flooding her chat with excited messages.

"Okay, okay! Let's rewatch this part. Look at how cool Lucius was here! Isn't he just like a prince?!"

Her chat exploded:

"Lucius supremacy!"

"Forget Lucius, where's Fatty Zi?!"

"Feifei, you're so biased!"

She giggled, rewinding the footage to highlight one of Lucius' more dramatic moments.

"See? See? Look at that pose! So cool~"

As the clip played, something unusual happened. The stream flickered for a moment, and the room around Feifei dimmed.

"Eh? What's going on? Did my Virtual Brain just glitch?"

Her chat began to panic.

"Feifei! Are you okay?!"

"What's happening?"

"Is this part of the stream?!"

The dimness turned into complete darkness, a soft, low hum reverberating through her virtual room.

Suddenly, a brilliant golden light appeared in front of her, illuminating the void. A crystal-clear card floated in mid-air, glowing faintly. Its edges shimmered with a soft, ethereal radiance, and at its center was the intricate Uchiha symbol, glowing red against the transparent background.

A resonant hum echoed as the card rotated gently, casting faint reflections on Feifei's wide-eyed face.

Feifei froze, staring at the card, her chat going wild.

"It's so pretty!"

"Is this a new feature?!"

She hesitantly reached out, her fingers brushing against the card. As soon as she touched it, a pulse of light spread from the contact point, illuminating her face and the card's surface.

Slowly, her name and picture appeared on one side, while a glowing arrow materialized on the back, pointing somewhere within the virtual world.

"Wait… that's me! Why is my name on this?!"

Her chat exploded again.

"OMG, Feifei's been chosen!"

"Follow it!"

Feifei turned the card over, staring at the arrow that glowed faintly.

"An arrow? Is this like… a quest or something? But who sent it?"

She hesitated, glancing around her darkened room.

"Chat, do I follow it? What if it's dangerous?"

Of course you should follow it!

This is so exciting, Feifei! Go go go!

Her dimpled smile returned, though her nervousness hadn't entirely faded.

"Alright, fine! I'll follow it. But if I get in trouble, someone better come save me!"

She adjusted her virtual avatar and began following the arrow, which glowed brighter as if urging her forward. The stream's excitement reached a fever pitch, with memes and wild speculation flooding the chat.

Back at the MMS Store, Wang Zi, sitting behind the counter in his store, watched everything unfold through the system's interface. His smirk grew wider as Feifei clutched the card and set off toward the MMS store.

"See? Told you this would work. Now, let's see how many curious fans she drags along." Wang Zi told Hua'er.

"Master, you're devious. But I have to admit, this is going to be fun."

And so, the MMS store prepared to welcome its newest member, while the popularity of this broadcast was starting to soar.


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