Reading the Immortal Bonds description left my eyes feeling strained.

  But I had to keep going.

  I needed to understand myself—what I had, what I could do.

  <“If I understand correctly, Immortal Bonds allows me, the people around me, and even future generations to attain immortality?”>

  【Statement verified. Affirmative.】

  <“... Is that really okay? Won't it eventually lead to a world where everyone is immortal? Maybe not now, but over thousands of years?”>

  【Projected scenario possible. No conflict detected. If planetary capacity is exceeded, designated individuals can be transferred to alternate worlds.】

  …Wait.

  Did it just casually suggest mass inter-world migration as a solution?

  <“That’s… strange. What does Goddess Libertas really want from me? It feels suspicious. She must have some ulterior motive, right?”>

  【No hidden objectives detected. Primary directive: Ensure Master’s happiness.】

  …Happiness, huh?

  【Immortal Bonds prevents internal conflict among those connected. This aligns with Master’s subconscious desire for a stable, conflict-free family structure.】

  【Additionally, it provides individual autonomy. Those who wish to renounce their immortality may do so at any time.】

  I see…

  She interprets this as my deepest subconscious wish.

  I never really thought about it in those terms, but it’s not entirely wrong either.

  I do want the people I care about to stay safe. I do want a family I can trust.

  And if she claims it’s what I truly want deep down… maybe she’s right.

  【However, if Goddess Libertas desires anything in return, it is faith.】

  <”...Faith?”>

  【Correct. The expansion of Her faith base increases Her influence. Greater influence enables broader interventional capabilities.】

  <“... And why does She need more power?”>

  【To extend Her assistance to a greater number of individuals.】

  <”Huh?”>

  【Faith is expended to create new worlds, generate new souls, and expand Her celestial network.】

  【Goddess Libertas crafts additional angels to aid in this process—sustaining an infinite cycle of intervention and renewal.】

  【Master's reincarnation was one such investment. The expectation is that Master will, in time, acknowledge Her and naturally contribute to expanding Her faith within this world.】

  So… She invests faith to help others, gaining more faith in return. Like an endless cycle of creation and expansion.

  <“What if the people She helps turn evil and harm Her followers?”>

  【No corrective measures will be taken.】

  <”Huh?”>

  【Assistance is granted at Her discretion. Those who receive it retain complete autonomy over their actions. Whether the Master assumes the role of a hero or a villain, Goddess Libertas will neither intervene nor impose judgment, even in the event of large-scale destruction.】

  【However, all beings possess the same freedom. Indirect intervention may occur, such as providing preemptive knowledge to a designated saintess.】

  【As a result, individuals who engage in harmful actions may encounter unforeseen obstacles. However, if Her followers perish despite such measures,

  then so be it.】

  …A harsh, yet logical philosophy.

  She prioritizes freedom above all else.

  Well, I only seek happiness, not power.

  If I take action, it will only be to protect myself and those I care about.

  【For those who suffer an unjust demise, She will reincarnate them into a more favorable existence.】

  【However, should Master or others attempt to disrupt inter-world balance, She will intervene directly.】

  I see.

  I have no intention of becoming some interdimensional warlord like those characters in manhua, so I doubt that will ever be an issue.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  So, faith, huh?

  If Her intentions toward me are truly genuine, then I want to help Her in return.

  But how?

  Should I create my own nation and lead its people to believe in Her? I’m immortal, so it’s not a bad idea to build a home where I can live for centuries.

  There’s also the option of becoming a saint or pope to spread Her faith…

  …No.

  I want to help Her, but I’m not the type of person to dedicate my life to religion.

  Well, I can push this aside for now.

  <“That’s enough about the Goddess for now. I want to learn about my other skills.”>

  【Acknowledged. Which ability should be examined first?】

  <”Let’s see.. How about the title ‘Otherworlder’ first?”>

  ? Otherworlder ?

  A title granted to those who have reincarnated, transmigrated, or been summoned from another world while retaining their memories.

  Effect:

  This title remains concealed during appraisal by native inhabitants but is revealed when appraised by fellow otherworlders.

  So basically, I can recognize others like me.

  But… They can also recognize me.

  Whether that’s a blessing or a curse depends on who I meet.

  <“Does that mean there are other Otherworlders?”>

  【Privacy restriction active. Unable to disclose.】

  Huh?

  【However, records indicate Otherworlders are rare. Typically, one may appear every few centuries—or even millennia.】

  I see…

  So… I am the only Otherworlder in this era.

  But there could be survivors from past generations, such as people from other races with long lifespan like those in fantasy novel.

  I hope they don’t have hostile intentions.

  【Not all Otherworlders achieve greatness. Some perish early due to negligence or recklessness. Others live mundane lives, avoiding attention.】

  【Goddess Libertas grants abilities based on subconscious desires. Master’s skills reflect a deep-rooted need for strength—to protect and secure personal bonds.】

  I see.

  Even cheat skills come with limitations.

  <“The skills that help me grow stronger—are they ‘Double Natural Growth Rate’ and ‘Learning Acceleration’?”>

  【Affirmative. ‘Status Manipulation’ is also categorized under enhancement abilities.】

  ? Double Natural Growth Rate ?

  Doubles the growth rate of status enhancement gained through training or combat.

  ? Learning Acceleration ?

  Enhances the rate of knowledge acquisition, allowing the possessor to learn faster than ordinary people.

  Straightforward, yet extremely useful.

  Although the mechanics behind these talents pique my curiosity, the specifics might be unnecessary, right?

  <“What about ‘Status Manipulation’?”>

  ? Status Manipulation ?

  All individuals possess a concealed status known as "Status Points." After the user eliminates any living beings, they can acquire a small number of status points based on the target's status. These points can be utilized to forcibly augment other statuses without the need for training.

  Those with this talent can perceive their own "Status Points”. If the possessor of this talent wields an Appraisal skill, they can inspect and utilize the status points of others to enhance that person's status with their explicit consent.

  If the possessor of this talent wields an Appraisal skill, they can fabricate fake status details for themselves and others, contingent on the agreement of the involved parties.

  <“So I can increase my own stats—and boost others’ stats too?”>

  【Correct. However, Status Point acquisition is minimal unless Master consistently eliminates high quantities of living beings.】

  …A grind-heavy cheat skill.

  Yet, compared to Immortal Bonds, it seems normal in comparison.

  Still, it’s a game-changer.

  <“Next, show me ‘Language Comprehension.’”>

  ? Language Comprehension ?

  Endows the user with the ability to comprehend all forms of language within this world. They can fluently speak, listen, write, and read any language present in this world.

  Ah, yes. The quintessential isekai starter pack skill. It effortlessly grants me the capability to understand and communicate in the language spoken by my parents and sisters.

  Now, the last one.

  <“Reveal the details of ‘Appraisal.’”>

  ? Appraisal ?

  ?Lv. 1?

  Allows the user to inspect the status or descriptions of anything within this world. As the skill level increases, the information revealed becomes more detailed, and the skill gains greater resistance against obstruction attempts.

  Another straightforward skill and also another fundamental component of the isekai starter pack.

  <“How do I level it up?”>

  【Frequent use required.】

  I-I see… very straightforward.

  Let's give it a try. I want to appraise my mother.

  How do I activate it? Should I gaze at her and chant, similar to my father's actions a few days ago?

  I focus on her, thinking of the command—just like my father did with the Appraisal Orb.

  <”Appraisal.”>

  【Wait, Master!】

  …Huh?

  For the first time, Azadia’s voice sounded… different.

  A faint trace of emotion—urgency.

  Before I could question it, a screen materialized before my eyes.

  ? Status Window ?

  ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

  Name: Sheryl

  Age: 30

  Race: Human

  Surprisingly minimal information, even less detailed than the orb my father used.

  ...Huh?

  Why does my head suddenly feel dizzy?

  The world around me blurs.

  Then—

  Everything faded to black.

  “Hmm? I sense a faint aura being used here…”

  My mother looked around, confused.

  “…Freed is sleeping. It’s probably just my imagination.”

  She shook her head and resumed sewing, unaware that I had just passed out.