Infinite Potential System

Tia saw Gunther looking at her and bared her teeth like an animal, "What? You wanna fight?"

"No ma'am." Gunther averted his gaze before Tia decided it was time to spar.

Everyone laughed while William gathered his Mana and casted similar Blessing Spells on everyone present. With almost eight million Mana in his Reserves, William had no problem with going all out.

In addition to the other buffs, Carl received a boost to his Earth and Summoning Magic, allowing him to better control the peak Magical Beasts under his control. If he had access to an Ascension-level Magical Beast right now, Carl might just be able to pacify it.

Controlling it would be another matter, but he would at least not be at risk of death in the next fifteen years or so.

Yuming's Fire Magic was boosted, but William also used the Thought Transference and his profound teaching ability to enhance his understanding of Alchemy, instantly allowing him to break the barrier between the eighth and ninth levels of Pill Refinement.

Seeing that Yuming gained knowledge related to the Alchemy profession, Carl decided not to be polite and asked for William to impart Arrays to him, so he passed along as many Advanced Runes and Arrays as he knew to Carl.

Anything past that might result in some sort of backlash, so William ended it there. Perfect Arrays would be something for Carl to learn on his own, though his progression speed fast enough that William wondered if the man would ever have a need to use Arrays.

It would probably take him a few hundred years to learn Complete Arrays. By then, he might be ready to Ascend, but who am I to tell him what to do. William shrugged as he finished passing along the information.

He moved on to Tia, Blessing her with mostly the same effects and transferring some of his knowledge of the Weapons Master Talent. Regardless of if she chose to use no weapon or some, understanding her opponents' weapons should make it easier for her to counter them.

He didn't forget that Gunther was interested in blacksmithing, so William went back and passed along some information to him. Gunther's mental strength wasn't nearly as high as the rest, though, so William was only able to give him a little bit of knowledge and some general tips.

Lastly, Charlotte received her buffs along with a boost to her Life Element. It was a bit ironic for her to be gaining from William when their first interaction was her healing him, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she pursed her lips and gave William a slight smile and a simple "thank you".

"I know it's not a lot compared to the trouble I've put you all through..." William apologized earnestly.

"What do you mean? The Gravitas Ruins was basically a Cultivation Hotel that you reserved for free, and then we got to stay in the best Cultivation Ground in the entire World, all because our enemies are afraid of you!" Carl said.

Gunther spoke up, "Yeah, I would probably still be in the Golden Core Realm if not for you, Nascent Soul if I was lucky. And with these Blessings, I might be able to Ascend in the next few dozen years!"

William was touched by the words of his friends, but he didn't have the luxury of time to remain much longer. He signaled to Charlotte, who nodded and went off to another room while waiting for William to say his goodbyes.

While Will would be around for a few more months, this was the last time he planned to visit with his friends before Ascending. Other than seeing Misha for a while, William didn't intend to let anything else hold him back.

-You won't even spend a few days with her?

She's not even my real mother and staying close to her is only going to make me feel more and more guilty. William retorted. If it was his biological or adopted family from Reius it would be one thing, but he had barely ever spoken to Misha since arriving on Efretta.

I already felt bad enough teleporting piles of Gold Coins to her new house with apologetic notes. What am I supposed to say? "Hi mom, or actually not my real mom. I stole your son's body and left you in confusion for three years."

"Oh, by the way, I caused the Beast Tide that destroyed your home and village, and you would have died too if not for Torc. Oopsie!"

-I suppose you're right.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

You dare to admit that I'm right? Are you okay? I was expecting a much longer back-and-forth with you.

-You want to be bullied? I have no problem bullying you. In fact... Ugly, Idiotic, and Embarrassing.

What are you saying? Are you insulting me?

-I'm just describing you.

Fuck. Fine, you win again! William heaved a sigh, drawing his friends' attention.

"Don't worry about him," Carl waved his hand in dismissal, "Will does that all the time. I'm starting to think he has conversations with himself. He might even be r... I won't say it."

-Hmph! They agree with me.

He didn't even say it!

-Even you know what he was about to say!

William shook his head and ignored the System. He bade each of his friends farewell, then headed to the nearby room. Charlotte was already waiting on a couch fit for two, two teacups filled with a sweet-smelling liquid placed on a table in front.

One of her legs were crossed over the other in a slightly elegant manner while her hand rested on her chin, her fingers curled and concealing half her lips. For a naturally cute girl like Charlotte who was usually bursting with energy, this attitude sent warning signals that told William he was in for a long conversation.

"Hey." he said as he sat down next to her.

"Hey."

William paused for a moment, "Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

Charlotte looked down and adjusted the folds of her dress. She was very quiet for a long time, not speaking even after five minutes had passed.

These moments became a miniature form of torture for William as he tried to guess what was on Charlotte's mind. Was she mad at him for not visiting more often? Was she disappointed that he didn't give her more Blessings than the others?

Did she think his sister Fria was some sort of threat to her? It wouldn't be uncommon in a Cultivation World, but William found it unnatural.

Ten minutes passed, then fifteen before Charlotte finally chose to speak.

"I can't keep up with you."

"Keep up with me? Why would you need to do that?"

Charlotte raised a finger to her lips, as if asking William to stay quiet.

"Ever since you left Thin Creek Village, I had been following you, trying to keep up so you wouldn't leave me behind. At first, it was because I had grown close to the old William, but you are a spitting image of him.

Even if you say you're different people, I still want to treat you the same. But...

When I was recruited by the Five Elements Sect and found you again, you were already far above me in strength. I'm a healer, I can't be strong like other Mages. I had to learn how to fight, but I've never been good with weapons like you and the Sect Elders or fists like Tia.

I'm useless, and I always have been. I'll never be able to keep up with your progression, and I'll always be the burden that holds you back." Charlotte looked away with a heavy sigh.

William was about to speak, but Charlotte locked eyes with him once more.

"You asked me what we are. I think you should forget about me."