My Scumbag System - Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Some Men Build Empires, I Build an Ice Queen
The golden-haired mini-god twirled dramatically, his toga fluttering as he floated around my head. “So hasty! But I understand – the thrill of the gamble waits for no man!” He gestured expansively at the shimmering interface before me. “What’ll it be today, mortal? A single pull for your last remaining dregs of dignity? Or perhaps…” his eyes gleamed mischievously, “you’re feeling ambitious?”

“Give me the five-pull,” I said, tapping the purchase button.

Apollo clapped his tiny hands together in delight. “Ooooh! Big spender today! I love it when they go all in!”

My SP counter dropped from 195 to 95 as the gacha machine on screen whirred to life. A cosmic vortex of stars and nebulae swirled within the digital space, pulsing with potential and possibility.

“Round and round she goes, where she stops… well, that’s the fun part, isn’t it?” Apollo giggled.

The first orb materialized, hovering before me with a dull bronze glow. It cracked open with a disappointing little pop, releasing a puff of cheap-looking pink smoke.

[Trait Unlocked: Perfumer]

You smell nice. That’s about it. Your scent is like what the person smelling you likes.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

The tiny god shrugged. “Hey, don’t knock it! You know how many people would kill to naturally smell like their lover’s favorite scent?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Whatever. Next.”

The second orb materialized—another bronze. My expectations plummeted further as it shattered, revealing an icon that looked suspiciously like…

[Trait Unlocked: One Size Fits All]

Girls no longer feel any discomfort with your physical features, this extends to your now 13 inch (33cm) phallus somehow fitting inside of them.

I blinked. Read it again. A slow, incredulous grin spread across my face.

“Okay… you know what? I’ll take it.”

Apollo snickered. “Thought you might appreciate that one. Consider it a quality-of-life upgrade for you and your growing collection of women.”

“A very significant quality-of-life upgrade,” I admitted. “Though I have to say, it’s a bit on the nose even for you.”

“What can I say? The gods appreciate directness sometimes.”

The third orb appeared, this time glowing with a cool, silver light. It cracked open with a sound like shattering ice.

[Ability Unlocked: Ice Spike]

Allows the user to conjure and launch ice spikes or make the spikes of ice erupt from the ground. The more energy they expend, the stronger and larger the icicles.

My mind immediately started connecting dots. Ice… Another ice ability to go with my [Freezing Breath]. This one gave me ranged offense and area denial. It was solid. Practical.

But wait…

“Ice Spike,” I muttered thoughtfully. “Combined with Freezing Breath… and Natalia’s Cryo-Lich Ring…”

Apollo’s eyes glinted. “The wheels are turning! I can see them! Go on, mortal, what nefarious schemes are brewing in that delightfully devious mind of yours?”

I ignored him as the fourth orb appeared—another silver. It opened to reveal a simple, elegant ring.

[Item Acquired: Ring of the Messenger’s Alighting]

Negates falling damage from up to 50 meters.

“Utility,” I nodded. “Good for urban environments, escaping tight spots. Not directly combat-oriented, but survival is key.” I mentally equipped the ring, feeling a faint warmth on my finger where it would be.

“Four pulls down, one to go!” Apollo announced with game show host enthusiasm. “Will our contestant walk away with trash, or will he hit the jackpot? The suspense is killing me!” He clutched his tiny chest dramatically.

The final orb materialized. It wasn’t bronze. It wasn’t silver. It blazed with a brilliant, blinding GOLD light that filled my vision. The orb didn’t just crack; it shattered with a satisfying CRACK, revealing a skill scroll that unfurled in the air before me.

[Skill Unlocked: Intermediate Pressure Points]

You are experienced at spotting and using pressure points on the body, human or animal. Allowing you to press on pressure points to paralyze people or other points to cause them pleasure etc. Using it in combat, while not easy is possible.

“Now THAT,” Apollo said with genuine appreciation, “is what I call a worthwhile investment.”

Images flashed through my mind: using a single touch to disable an opponent; pressing specific points on Natalia to make her writhe in ways she never thought possible; making Emi melt with the slightest contact. The possibilities were intoxicating.

“I believe congratulations are in order,” Apollo said, floating upside down now. “You risked, and the gods rewarded your audacity. That’s how it should be! The timid get Bronze traits that make them smell nice. The bold get the tools to build empires.”

I smirked. “I think I came out ahead on this one.”

“For now,” Apollo winked. “The game’s more fun when you occasionally win, after all.”

I dismissed the Gacha interface, Apollo giving me a final, taunting wave before vanishing.

My phone buzzed again. Natalia was getting impatient.

Where are you? Another text.

Natalia’s Bond Rank had increased to 5: [Dependent]. She now had access to Imbuement Slot [2], which meant I could grant her one of my Gold-tier abilities.

But which one?

Sever? Protection from Arrows?

No, what Natalia needs is…

[Ice Spike]

The silver-tier ability I’d just acquired would be perfect. It would allow her to conjure and launch ice spikes or make them erupt from the ground. Combined with her telekinetic control and the Cryo-Lich Ring’s properties, she could become devastating on the battlefield.

I selected [ICE SPIKE] and confirmed the imbuement.

The ability vanished from my list, and I felt a subtle connection form between us – a thin, silver thread binding our power together.

I briefly considered giving her [Freezing Breath] as well, which would complete her transition into a full cryokinetic. The ability to exhale a cone of supercooled air would complement her arsenal nicely…

“No,” I decided. “Not yet.”

Better to keep one slot open, I might discover a more valuable ability to grant her later. Besides, her telekinesis was already her primary strength – enhancing that with ice capabilities was enough for now. No need to completely redefine her combat style.

My phone buzzed again.

Satori, I swear to god, if you don’t answer in the next minute…

I quickly texted back: Coming. Got you a present.

I smiled to myself, imagining her confusion at that cryptic message. She’d understand soon enough when she discovered the new ability within herself.

Stepping out of the archives, I made sure the corridor was clear before slipping back toward the main gala. The weight of my decisions settled comfortably on my shoulders. Creating my Ice Queen, building my court, preparing for war against a world that had no idea what was coming.

The night was still young, and we had plans to make.