"*Sigh* where do I even begin. Well for starters you get a discount in every store where either I or the other FragHIMs are located, about a 5% discount. This is known as the pioneer's discount and is actually very rare.
The next benefit is your very own dungeon that supplies you with some of the experience points it gains for every invader killed. Do note that you need to clear it before you would be recognized as its owner. Oh yeah, by the way if someone clears the dungeon, they have the right to challenge you for it.
The challenge must be preset by you and must be made known to everyone entering the dungeon.
This is normally done by writing or posting the rules of the challenge at the dungeon cave mouth or on the dungeon door or gate if it has one. This practice is done to prevent dungeon owners from cheating or making up rules to the disadvantage of the specific participant or challenger. Also, when the dungeon dies, the dungeon breaks loose, releasing all of its inhabitants to cause chaos and havoc as a form of paying last respects to the deceased lord. The dungeon is a great way to farm exp since dozens of adventurers of different races are always looking to get stronger and hone their skills. Plus, death is pretty common, so you cannot be blamed for the death of anyone who entered your dungeon. You can however be attacked by those affected by such deaths provided you are in a lawless area, or the attackers have more power or authority than you. But such is life, seeing how the universe is based on the principles that 'might makes right' and 'history is written by the victors'. The ones who make and enforce the laws in an area are naturally the ones with the 'bigger fist', irrespective of how flawed or broken their moral compasses are, so if you think there is a problem with the system and want to fix it, just become strong enough to enact your personal changes."
"Hmm, thanks for the advice, I will make sure to keep it in mind. But don't tell me those are all my benefits", complained Mateo, his voice reducing to a mumble near the end.
"Boy, the benefits I just told you are enough to cause wars, as a matter of fact they have caused many wars, especially the dungeon ownership benefit and here you are unsatisfied. *Sighs* Then again, this greedy attitude of yours might be able to get you to the top. Well, that was just by the way, now let me tell you more about dungeons. For starters, dungeon ranks are the normal F to S class ratings you already know about, and the rating is given in line with the highest non-boss level monster in the dungeon. Dungeons can have multiple floors or just one floor with the interior and challenges designed by the dungeon masters, with the exception of the starting area which stays the same as it was gotten. Dungeon masters are only recognised as LORDS when their dungeons reach B- rank. Dungeon masters can increase their dungeon's rank either by levelling up its inhabitants, or by challenging other dungeon masters to a dungeon duel provided that the challenging dungeon is of equal or lower rating. This is to prevent stronger dungeon masters from challenging and bullying the weaker ones. Okay, that is enough about dungeons, let's move on to more general information. *Sighs*."
"Bruh, what is with all this sighing, just hurry up and tell me more" prompted Mateo with a tired look on his face.
This, of course earned an even more tired sigh from FragHIM, whose glowing face had significantly reduced in brightness, almost as if he was aging and decided to go into power saving mode.
"Kid, do you know who I am, …, I am a fraction of the current ruler of the universe, meaning anything I see, hear or say, His Indomitable Majesty has access to, meaning I should be accorded the same respect you would give HIM, since I technically, am part of HIM".
"Eh, I doubt His Majesty has the time to spy on the conversation of a lowly rank 1 being, so I think it's alright if I be myself, no?"
"Tch, you're probably right. So lets move on to the next topic, …, status points or stats for short. Well, as you may or may not have realised, you have an interface floating at the corner of your vision, similar to the ones seen and described in novels and manga as system interfaces, though not nearly as powerful or wish granting as systems from your entertainment. As you may also have noticed, the interface can be assessed with a conscious thought and currently only displays your coins at hand. This is because, all the other functions including the stats are currently locked for you. You want to know what the other functions are and how to unlock them, right? Well, I could tell you, but I don't feel like it, seeing how you treated me. Maybe if you begged and grovelled, it would change my mind"
"Tch, petty old man, at least tell me how to unlock my stats."
"What is that I hear, definitely not the sound of begging and grovelling."
"Oh, wise old man, keeper of knowledge, and looks that could put models to shame, could you bless me with a fraction of the knowledge you possess, so that it may guide me on my journey into the cold and unforgiving universe."
"Oh my, since you asked me so nicely and spoke straight from your heart, I guess I could find it somewhere in me to answer your pleas, now drop to one knee and bow your head to receive it."
After Mateo had done what he was told, a bright orb of light shot out of FragHIM and entered Mateo without making a sound or disrupting the air currents despite its fast speed.
"Rise young one for I have unlocked some of your stats. The rest will be unlocked as you climb up the ranks. As for the other functions, I genuinely have no say in how to unlock them. Well, that's goodbye then, I've got some pieces of advice for ya. One, stay true to yourself no matter how dark the road or winding the path is and you won't regret it. Two, take any chances you see and try to stand out, first place has more benefits than just fame."
"Wait, will I see you again?"
"Of course, kid I'm basically everywhere. Till, next time."
A golden light fell on Mateo, spinning him around till he eventually just faded away. Soon after, a bright light shone and now hovering at his previous position was a crisp white version of what could only be assumed as another FragHIM.
"Hmm, I see you just favoured the boy who just left before I could scrutinize him, so tell me, was it worth it."
"I don't know if it's worth it or not, but hey, I have hope, after all that's my department."
"Mmm, very well, I just hope you don't regret it."
After saying those last words, strict-aura FragHIM disappeared, leaving only his host to his thoughts