Author Of Worlds: I Reincarnated Into My Novel As A Random Character
Chapter 26: Origin Path... Uncontrollable Decay...

Chapter 26: Origin Path... Uncontrollable Decay...

Staring at the moon that hung in the vast origin skies, Matthew’s lips curved into a faint smile.

’Well, it’s time to upgrade my ability.’

For now, the adamantium had successfully restricted his power, allowing him to freely hold any object without consequence.

He slowly lowered his gaze to the upgrade crystal, which shimmered with a mesmerizing multicolored glow.

’Based on my knowledge, to use this upgrade crystal, all one needs to do is absorb it slowly.’

Matthew thought silently and, without wasting a moment, began the process without hesitation.

The upgrade crystal radiated a type of origin energy, but this one felt significantly purer and more potent than the norm. It carried a weight that seemed to press gently against his skin, humming with power just waiting to be claimed.

Just like how origin crystals were used to rapidly enhance one’s cultivation, the upgrade crystals operated similarly, only on a much higher level.

With the crystal cradled in his palm, Matthew guided his origin energy, linking it to his ability—Uncontrollable Decay.

His energy flowed forward in steady waves, surrounding the upgrade crystal and initiating the absorption.

Time slipped by slowly.

Soon, a frown emerged on Matthew’s face.

’What is going on?’ he wondered, brows creased in confusion.

Despite his efforts, there was no reaction from the crystal. It remained unchanged, as if refusing to yield even a trace of its power. No energy seeped into him, and it felt as though the crystal was an inert object instead of a powerful artifact.

Puzzled, Matthew exhaled deeply and resolved to continue trying.

Minutes passed. Still, there was no improvement. His ability showed no signs of advancing, and the crystal remained just as radiant as before.

Matthew’s thoughts began to spiral.

’Now that I think about it, isn’t Origin Path the true ability I awakened? If that’s the case, then it makes sense why the upgrade crystal doesn’t work on Uncontrollable Decay. Maybe that’s also why Axel couldn’t copy my ability. It might not even be a regular ability!’

A sudden flash of realization crossed his eyes. Dozens of scattered thoughts began aligning like puzzle pieces falling into place.

He focused inward, directing his consciousness to his true ability—Origin Path.

Within his spiritual realm, he saw a black-colored light constantly shifting its form, just as he had left it before entering the trial.

Carefully, he manipulated the ever-changing light, shaping it back into its original form. Yet as he did so, something unexpected occurred.

Rather than detaching from him, the shifting light slid quietly to the side of his origin crystal. It hovered there calmly, almost as if it had found a home.

Matthew stared at it with mild surprise, though somewhere deep down, this felt natural.

Then he noticed something.

Out of the five multicolored lights embedded within his origin crystal, one had dimmed the moment the ability was registered.

Matthew’s mind raced.

’Wait... does this mean I can actually integrate four more Origin Paths?’

The remaining colors in the crystal seemed to correspond with the other origin paths described in his novel. If so, then he might still have the potential to awaken additional abilities from those unused paths.

A familiar line surfaced in his mind, clear and absolute.

Origin Path.

Allows its user to embark on the Origin Path.

Matthew’s expression shifted constantly. A whirlwind of emotions took hold—joy, curiosity, apprehension, and something else more difficult to define.

He didn’t yet know whether this discovery was a blessing or a curse. But one truth remained crystal clear.

Nothing came without a price.

And sooner or later, the price for his power would come due.

For now, he pushed that thought aside.

’Since I have this ability, I will grow as strong as I can with the time I have. I should also start thinking about what other abilities to awaken from the remaining Origin Paths.’

He returned his attention to the upgrade crystal, still resting silently in his palm. Determined, he resumed the absorption process, once more channeling his origin energy.

Yet again, his brow furrowed.

Nothing.

There was no reaction, no transformation, no resonance. It was as if he hadn’t even tried.

He racked his brain, searching for a solution, but no answers came. He didn’t realize that his Uncontrollable Decay had already reached its limit—it was fully maxed out and incapable of evolving any further.

And as for Origin Path?

That was a completely different entity altogether.

Matthew remained seated on his bed, eyes blank as he sank deeper into thought. Scenes and ideas flickered through his mind, but no conclusion felt satisfying.

Eventually, a soft sigh filled the silent room.

"So I have to give it to Axel, huh?"

"If it works for him, then I’ll know the issue isn’t with the crystal, but with my own abilities."

Matthew sighed once more, heavy with disappointment.

He had truly looked forward to discovering what evolution his powers would undergo once upgraded.

Unfortunately, none of that would be happening any time soon.

’Thankfully, this isn’t the only upgrade crystal in my novel. I can use the others later after I figure out what’s wrong.’

With that thought, Matthew shoved aside his frustration and allowed his focus to drift from the crystal.

...

Whoosh.

A figure appeared silently inside Dorm 5.

Clenching his jaw, Leo stumbled toward his bed and collapsed heavily onto it.

His eyes flared with rage as he stared into the empty space before him.

The upgrade crystal had been within reach—so close he could almost taste it.

And yet he had lost it.

’Who the hell was that mysterious bastard who took it?’

’One of them has that terrifying ability that destroys everything he touches, and the other has teleportation. What kind of monsters are they?’

His mind whirled as countless theories and suspicions ran wild.

Just then, a mechanical beep resounded from the system.

Leo’s body twitched, his teeth grinding.

[Mission failed.]

[Your ability will be withheld for one week.]

[Please focus on learning combat techniques to protect yourself.]

[Keep working hard.]

Reading the system’s cheerful tone, Leo’s face contorted in fury.

’I dare you to say that one more time and I’ll smash this useless system to pieces!’

’Take my damn elemental Origin Path. Just shut up already!’

His fists clenched tightly, and he shook with anger as his eyes locked onto the system screen.

Every muscle in his body screamed with frustration.

The idea of having his ability taken from him made his blood boil. He wanted nothing more than to punch a hole through the system itself.

But he knew there was nothing he could do.

The system could not be harmed.

After a moment of tense silence, Leo huffed bitterly and turned over.

Thoughts of Grati and the danger he posed began swirling through his mind. He had no idea how he would survive the next week without his ability.

Desperation filled his thoughts as he tried to come up with a plan.

...

Elsewhere, someone else was equally displeased.

Staring at what lay before her, she muttered under her breath.

"How frustrating."

...

Please read the author’s note.