Chapter 249: Chapter 249 - Skill From The Heaven
The wheel spun momentarily before coming to an abrupt stop. Both William and the Goddess scrutinized the outcome, their expressions tightening with concern.
Both looked at the skill and both had different expressions on their face as they tried to discern why had he gotten such a skill right now. One was somewhat troubled at the result while the other simply didn't understand what the skill meant and the name wasn't helping him on that either.
The Goddess's frown deepened as she gazed at the name displayed on the wheel. "What's your luck stat at the moment?" she inquired, her tone laced with perplexity. The item that he could have had some influence because of his luck but his luck wasn't that odd for him to get a skill such as this.
William mirrored her frown, struggling to grasp the significance of the skill's name. "Huh? Oh! It's at 50. I checked it just a moment ago." He nodded and wanted to explain more but he didn't know whether the number he had on luck was good enough or not.
The Goddess nodded thoughtfully before her expression brightened with a broad smile. "No wonder you acquired a skill that's not only potent but also perfectly attuned to you. Truly something that is quite heavenly.
To thing that someone will actually get this skill and that person had to be you than any other, simply too good." Still puzzled, William looked back at the wheel, attempting to decipher the name once more.
[ Deal With Heaven ]
The name sounded impressive, even majestic, but William knew better than to judge a skill by its title alone. A flashy name meant nothing if the skill itself lacked substance, so he was eager to determine its true value. But something about the Goddess's tone told him that it was not as simple as he thought out to be.
Turning to the Goddess, he asked, "Miss Goddess, can you tell me if this skill is actually powerful?"
The Goddess's gaze grew contemplative as she replied, "Any skill has the potential to be both formidable and feeble, depending entirely on how it's wielded."
William's confusion persisted, evident in his vacant expression. The Goddess, sensing his bewilderment, patiently explained.
"What I mean is that no skill is inherently weak or strong. Of course, if you don't comprehend how to use a skill— its power scale, range, timing, and other nuances— then it might seem worthless. But if you take the time to understand it, and figure out the optimal ways to use it, almost any skill can become extraordinarily powerful in your hands."
William nodded, processing the information. Then he asked, "So, what you're saying is that every skill is like a character in a VMOBA game, right?"
"Something that you would need to grind patiently and achieve success after countless numbers of strategic ways."
The Goddess nodded, and for a moment, William wondered how she was familiar with that concept. He quickly dismissed the thought before she could notice.
"I get what you're saying now. Every skill is unique, and it's up to the user to harness it effectively." The Goddess smiled, seeing that William was beginning to grasp her point.
"But," William continued, "can you explain what this particular skill actually does?"
The Goddess closed her eyes and became silent, so much so that William thought she might have drifted into some sort of trance. But soon, she opened her eyes, now glowing with newfound clarity, and spoke, "The skill is more aligned with wealth and fortune." William raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"In other words, it's perfectly suited for you," she continued. "I'm not entirely sure what led to you acquiring this skill— whether it was luck, fate, or the universe aligning in your favor— but whatever it was, it has given you the most advantageous skill you could have received at this moment."
William's curiosity intensified, and he urged the Goddess to continue, "The skill is called 'Deal With The Heavens.' Before I delve into its mechanics, let me simplify it for you."
William nodded as she continued.
"What is a contract? When two parties seek to engage in a transaction with specific terms that neither wishes to breach, they create a contract. Think about your bank. If someone wants to borrow money, they must adhere to the bank's terms, which are formalized in a contract. Are you following me so far?"
William nodded again, and the Goddess continued, "Alright. When the contract is accepted, that's when the skill activates. This skill deepens the relationship between the user and the signee, subtly influencing the signee to perceive the user more favorably, gradually fostering a growing fondness for the user."
William's jaw nearly dropped. "Wh- What?! Th- That's… That's impossibl—PERFECT FOR ME!" he exclaimed, his shock turning to amazement. The Goddess smiled at his childlike reaction.
"So, in essence, this skill will influence anyone who signs a contract with my bank, gradually making them more loyal to me. That's amaz—" He was about to say more but stopped when the Goddess raised her hand.
The Goddess set down her teacup, her expression turning stern. "There you go with your greed again."
William smiled sheepishly, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. It's just that the skill is so perfect… I couldn't help myself."
"Yes, the skill is indeed perfect for you," the Goddess said, her tone growing more serious. "But you seem to have misunderstood its effects."
"Ahh, what do you mean?" William asked, his excitement dampened.
"Let me clarify a few things about the skill. First, the skill functions not only through sub-contracts, such as those in your bank, but also through direct contracts. This means that you, yourself, can create a contract without needing a formal document. You just need to state the terms and have both parties willingly agree." The Goddess emphasized the word 'willingly.'
"Next, the timing. The effect remains active as long as the contract or deal is still in place or hasn't been fulfilled. For example, if you lend someone money and they repay the interest fully with the principal, the skill's effect ends once the deal is completed. What remains is the extent of influence you've managed to exert on that person during the contract."
"As for the range, the longer a deal remains unfulfilled, the more the signee is influenced, making you more likable to them. Note, I said likable— not loyal or compassionate. These latter feelings may develop if you have a direct, personal relationship with the signee beyond just a business arrangement."
"Finally, there's another aspect of the range. If the signee accepts the contract, but you later decide to forgive their debt, the skill's influence is changed. However, instead of the gradual influence you could have exerted by being patient, you will deliver a much stronger impact in one go. This can also be beneficial if you prefer a quicker approach."
"Now, this isn't the full extent of the skill. You'll discover more on your own. So, tell me, do you finally understand what the skill does?" the Goddess asked, looking at William. She couldn't help but laugh out loud at the expression on his face.