Dungeon at the End of the Universe

Perhaps I should have expected it. After all, I had gotten a notification when I absorbed the Universe energy. So why shouldn’t I get one when absorbing divine energy? Both are quite significant achievement, yet I was still surprised.

You have absorbed Divine energy!

Unable to add pattern to Create database.
Searching for workaround.
Workaround found: granting [Divine] status!

Error! [Divine] is antithetical to [Eldritch]!
Status [Divine] and Aspect [Eldritch] are in conflict!
Determining outcome…

Ignore That activated!

Hidden status upgraded!
[Eldritch Horror] → [Eldritch god]

I waited for a few more minutes, but nothing more came. No new Abilities, no new notification, not even an explanation about what statuses are. Or what hidden statuses are!

I mean, seriously? I’ve had a thing like [Eldritch horror] affecting me this whole time, and nobody even told me? What effect does it have? Did it have, I mean? And what about this new status? Oh dear, oh no. Now I really am a deity and the Sipaloons aren’t just making shit up.

I pause for a moment to deal with the mana overflow my constant destruction of Zemis’s divine energy is causing. I section off a part of my mind to start converting it into Universe energy. Good thing too, since I was beginning to run low after the last two time loops.

Anyway, back to ruminating on my stupid System hiding stupid statuses from me.

Actually, you know what? System, why don’t you explain to me what statuses are and do.

Query [status definition] received.
Providing answer:

A status is a name for a broad category of effects. While they range in effect and usefulness, generally they can be considered to be a key that unlocks a range of options for an entity. Other names for statuses include, but are not limited to: affinity, path, achievement, trait, and title.

Alright then, sure. Can you provide me with some examples? And while we’re at it, you can stop with the ‘query received’ and ‘providing answer’ stuff. Speak a bit more non-mechanically please.

Understood.

The System cannot provide examples for statuses you haven’t encountered. Here are the statuses available to you:

[Divine]
A status granted to those who have stepped onto the path to godhood. Usually unlocks harvest of Faith for Divine energy, minor reality alteration, and basic forms of immortality. Beings without the status, or an equivalent, feel awe at your presence.

[Eldritch Horror]
A status granted to those who have no [Native] status in any Universe and survive regardless. Usually unlocks minor reality alteration, basic forms of immortality, and {unknown}. All non-Eldritch beings feel a revulsion at your existence*.
*Feeling based on multiple variables. Can be negated

[Eldritch god]
A status granted to [Eldritch Horror]s who attempt to reintegrate into a Universe without undergoing Translation. Usually unlocks reality alteration, immortality, and {unknown}. All beings feel a revulsion at your existence*.
*Feeling based on multiple variables. Can be minimized

[Native]
A status granted to those who have been born in a Universe or have been Translated and accepted to said Universe. One can only have a single [Native] status at a time. The Universe consciousness treats you as a [Native].

Well, ignoring the self-referential description of the [Native] status, this is interesting. I am assuming that the variables mentioned in the both Eldritch statuses are things like my own Ability. And maybe also the relative power level of the being? Based on the [Divine] one that would make sense.

One thing I am apprehensive about is the last bit of the description. I can no longer completely remove the feeling of revulsion caused by my new and improved status as an [Eldritch god].

That could become a problem. Only one way to find out.

“Faellen?” I ask, already fearing the worst, “Feel anything weird? Maybe similar to when we first arrived in Ferras?”

“Huh? No?” I breathe a sigh of relief. And yet, the fairy continues after a moment of pause. “Actually, none that you mention it, yeah. Probably wouldn’t have noticed it if you hadn’t said anything. Experimenting with your Eldritch Aspect?”

“Unfortunately, no,” I sigh and begin explaining. “After a used Destroy on the Divine energy the System wanted to grant me the [Divine] status. Which apparently came into conflict with my Eldritch nature, but Ignore That activated and instead upgraded a hidden status I had. I didn’t even know there things like statuses!” I went my frustration.

“Oh boy, here comes the Paradox bullshit again.”

“So now, instead of being an [Eldritch Horror] I’m an [Eldritch god]. And apparently, those are no longer capable of completely suppressing that weird feeling you’re getting.”

I worrying thought enters my mind. I quickly check on the Sipaloon village, where my fears are confirmed.

All of them are kneeling and praying. Gods damn it.

…

Which now apparently also included me.

I recount what I saw in the village to Faellen as fast as I can. That needs to be addressed first and foremost.

“Fine, I’ll go fix your mess, but you need to figure out a way to deal with the Sipalians. Most of them won’t buy the whole ‘that is the power of a deity’ thing. At least our current trio won’t. Especially Ditti, they’ll know something is up.”

I give a mental nod before turning back to the System.

Quick, what are the variables that govern this feeling of revulsion? And can it truly not be reduced to zero?

Major relevant variables:
User Level, User Abilities and mastery, acclimatization, relationship to User, power, distance to User

Probability of full reduction: only at large distance, otherwise near zero

Alright, okay. Actually, let’s back up a bit. What were those {unknown}s unlocked by both Eldritch statuses?

Many things concerning all forms of the Eldritch are unknown to the System. Current User is the largest data-point on the Eldritch available.

Sure, sure. Okay then, think. If distance is a major variable then I don’t need to worry about all the Sipalians down on Lapis. Only those in the process of becoming adventurers and System Users are relevant.

What do they have in common? As far as I know, only the System. That will give them some power, which should reduce it somewhat. We can also claim the feeling is a side effect of mana and let them acclimatize over their time here, but if it’s really a feeling of revulsion than that’ll be difficult to explain. It’s more likely that that’ll just cause more of them be less inclined to use it.

My own mastery over my Ability won’t just magically increase overnight. Besides, we need a solution that’s immediate.

Lastly, there’s that relationship to me. What does that mean, exactly?

Your enemies will generally feel the revulsion more intensely and allies less so. Bonds, like the one with Dungeon fairy Faellen, also help to greatly alleviate it.

Alright, that feels like the last puzzle piece. Does it? It must!

System! [Divinity] says it usually unlocks that stuff. What about blessing? How to deities bless their followers?

Blessings are usually categorized as normal buffs or a type of minor reality alteration. Sometimes they can be a category all on their own, if sufficiently powerful or specific.

Great! And so as an [Eldritch god] I have unlocked not just minor, but normal reality alteration. Plus, since it’s basically just a combination of [Divine] and [Eldritch Horror], there’s a chance some of that {unknown} can be the ability to grant blessings. I should be able to grant blessings, right?

Probability: high

Superb! And a blessing is similar enough to a Bond that it’ll reduce the effect I have on them?

Correct.

And lastly. Can I grant the System as a blessing?

Calculating…
Yes, as long as you provide an addition to the User’s version of the System that’s supported by your own power.

Oh, thank the heavens. Well then, let’s try this. And let’s hope to mana that this works.