Prologue
I died.
...Or so I thought the moment a vast, pure white expanse unfolded before my eyes. I wondered if this was the afterlife I'd only heard about in stories.
You will now be born as a new being in a new world.
An unfamiliar voice echoed in my head.
I see. Reincarnation, huh? To get a fresh start all over again. Relief washed over me in an instant, but the mysterious voice pressed on.
To help you begin your new life in this new world, we offer a special opportunity to use Karma's Scales.
Karma's Scales? What the hell was that?
As if it could read my mind, the voice explained without me even asking.
Karma's Scales will randomly demand one price from you—in exchange, it grants power of equal weight.
Simple and straightforward. It was basically just a constraint or vow, right?
You also have the option to live your new life without using Karma's Scales and receiving nothing in return.
In other words: take the risk, snag some abilities, and start strong—or launch into the world empty-handed with zilch. Sure, there was no telling what price Karma's Scales might demand, but really, there was only one sane answer.
"I'll use the scales."
I had no clue what this new world was even like. Getting born with nothing? And I couldn't pick my parents either. Better to pony up whatever price and grab some power. Just treat it like gacha.
Understood. We will now place the price you must offer upon the Karma's Scales.
With those words, the already blindingly bright space erupted with even more intense light, swallowing my vision entirely.
Alright, we're committed now. Let's gooooo!!!!!
Pull the trigger and roll!!!!!!!!!
Braced like I was hitting the gacha button, I waited for the scales to respond.
My vision cleared, and a glowing bluish status window materialized right in front of me.
Trait: Small Pepper is Spicy
You offered "the providence of the flesh" to Karma's Scales.
Instead of broadening the vessel, you chose an aberrant evolution that maximizes the density of your inner essence to its limits.
Your physical form is forever frozen in its current childlike state, but all the energy and nutrients meant for growth are redirected to forge a colossal mana circuit.
Effect: Permanent cessation of physical growth. In exchange, gain mana reserves that transcend all limits, plus the special skill Ultra-Precise Mana Control.
Master the infinite universe contained within your tiny frame.
What the hell is this?