Chapter 20
Jayden's jaw dropped as he stared at the roulette wheel spinning before him—each section a flashing icon of overwhelming potential: Bloodline. Jutsu. Weapon. Summon. System.
It wasn't the spinning disk that shocked him.
It was where it stopped.
A golden light exploded from the arrow tip, freezing in place like the universe itself had held its breath.
> System.
His pupils shrank.
"…No way," he breathed.
"Wait… does that mean—am I getting a new system?" he muttered, voice trembling somewhere between anxiety and hope. His eyes sparkled like a kid unwrapping presents on Christmas morning.
A slow, wicked grin crawled across his face.
This—this—was it.
His ascension. His glow-up arc. His ticket to soloing armies with one pinky.
He clenched his fists. "Please be broken… please give me something busted. Dragon Ball. One Piece. Hell, I'll take Saitama System."
> Would you like to view your new system?
A cold, robotic voice echoed in his mind like it was announcing the fate of the world.
Jayden nearly choked on his own breath. "YES!" he yelled.
A screen materialized in front of him—metallic, chrome-lined, glowing faintly with a silvery aura. It started… peeling.
Not revealing.
Peeling.
Like a scratch card designed by someone who hated happiness.
"Oh, come on," Jayden muttered, watching as a metallic fog slowly cleared from the center of the screen. First a symbol… then text…
Bit by agonizing bit.
> Congratulations! You've obtained the Fullmetal Alchemist System.
Bonus Character Unlocked: Silver Alchemist.
Power Explanation Loading…
Jayden blinked. Once. Twice.
His brain took a full five seconds to process.
Then his eye twitched like it was having a seizure.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Out of every possible anime system—the thousands of godlike power fantasies, the cheat codes of fiction, the anime hacks that shattered universes—he got science homework.
Alchemy.
Transmutation circles.
Circle-drawing arts-and-crafts energy bending.
The floating system screen hovered smugly in front of him like it knew how disappointed he was.
Jayden groaned. "This isn't even the Fullmetal Alchemist. It's the Silver Alchemist. What am I gonna do, polish people to death?"
He stared blankly at the swirling data screen as the explanation finished loading.
> Silver Alchemist: A rare alchemist who specializes in metallic transmutation. Master of weapon morphing, structural defense, and energy-redirection through metallic mediums. Highly strategic. Requires knowledge, creativity, and premeditated alchemical circles for higher-level combat.
Jayden read it twice.
"…So basically, it's the engineer class with extra homework."
> Would you like to switch your current system to Fullmetal Alchemist System?
Jayden inhaled sharply. "First of all… why this system? Where's Gojo's Infinity Swipe? Goku's Power System? I'd even take Itachi's Eye Drop Subscription."
> System allocation is random. Your result depends on your luck.
"…So you're telling me," Jayden whispered, "…that my luck is garbage."
> Affirmative.
His soul left his body for a moment. He facepalmed, dragging his hand down his face like he was trying to erase his own existence.
And still… something in him hesitated.
Because the more he thought about it… the more he realized… this system wasn't completely useless. It just wasn't flashy.
Alchemy was versatile. Matter conversion, weapon forging, terrain manipulation. Sure, it didn't come with laser beams or interdimensional teleportation, but if used smartly… it could be deadly.
Jayden exhaled and glanced at his SP balance. "Okay… maybe I can make it work. I'll just keep my Naruto System active for now. No need to switch—"
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"Wait… why do I need to switch systems? I thought I could use multiple."
He pulled up the system panel—and nearly dropped to his knees.
> Unlock Additional System Slot – 2500 SP
Jayden's current balance: 2200 SP
Jayden's face contorted into something between a dying frog and a bankrupted man.
"Two thousand five hundred?! That's robbery! That's not a system—it's a subscription plan! What is this, Anime+ Premium?"
> You still have two spins left.
Jayden blinked, recovering just enough for his brain to click.
"…Oh yeah."
With renewed fire in his eyes, he said "SPIN AGAIN!"
The wheel glowed and began spinning. This time, he was praying like his life depended on it.
"No weapons. No cosplay. Give me something that punches planets—PLEASE."
It finally slowed.
And landed.
> Jutsu.
Jayden sighed, arms crossed as he stared at the glowing screen in front of him.
"Yep," he muttered, watching his spin results vanish into the system log, "luck's definitely expired."
He leaned back like a tired office worker clocking overtime in a warzone.
> Would you like to unravel the package?
He groaned. "Yeah, whatever. Surprise me. Just don't give me something like… filler arc food jutsu."
The scratch card interface materialized again, shimmering with a faint golden glow. The process was as slow and dramatic as ever—scraping away like it was being done by a lazy god with a butter knife.
Bit by agonizing bit…
> Congratulations! You have obtained the Eight Inner Gates Technique.
Jayden blinked.
Then blinked again.
"…Wait. The Eight Gates? As in—Might Guy's 'I'll burn so bright the gods cry' mode?"
His breath hitched.
He slowly stood, hands trembling like he'd just drawn Exodia in a children's card game.
Then he grinned. "Now we're talking. With this, I can punch holes in mountains. I can fight speed blitzers without looking like a turtle on cough syrup!"
He stared at the description that followed, eyes wide:
> Eight Inner Gates: Unlock gate by gate for temporary bursts of power. Gate 1 to 5 accessible. Gates 6 to 8 locked behind SP thresholds. Warning: Final Gate causes permanent bodily damage.
Jayden raised an eyebrow. "So, you're telling me I can unlock death by choice?"
> One spin left.
His smile faded.
"This is the one. Come on, please don't be something dumb like 'costume.'"
The wheel spun again.
And this time… it slowed toward the very thing he feared.
"Nonononono—"
It hovered over Costume, paused like it was thinking about trolling him, then skipped over to the next section with a metallic ping.
> Bloodline.
Jayden exhaled like he'd just survived a deathmatch. "Thank God. Imagine pulling 'Naruto's Orange Tracksuit' as my final prize."
> Would you like to unravel—
"Yes!" he snapped, not waiting for the rest.
The glow built up. The scratch interface returned. The energy pulsed, this time darker—cooler—like it carried the weight of a clan's legacy.
And then—
> Congratulations! You have obtained the Nara Bloodline.
Special Jutsu Granted:
– Shadow Possession Jutsu
– Shadow Strangling Jutsu
Jayden tilted his head.
"…Nara?" he muttered, blinking.
He'd hoped for Uzumaki—the chakra tanks. Or Senju—the broken regen bois. Even Otsutsuki—the alien demigods with moon-smashing powers.
But instead, he got… Shikamaru's clan.
"…So I just unlocked anime depression and high IQ?" he said, unimpressed.
But then the system projected the passive benefits across the screen:
> Nara Bloodline Perks:
– Genius-level intellect and strategic boost
– Shadow manipulation for stealth, crowd control, and assassinations
– Immobilize multiple enemies with shadow jutsu
– High chakra efficiency = longevity in battle
– Compatible with multiple jutsu styles
Jayden read it over again.
Slowly, the gears started turning in his head.
"…Okay. Okay, fine. I'll take it," he muttered. "Tactical god mode, I guess."
He glanced back at the Eight Gates tab—and winced.
> Only five gates unlocked.
Unlocking Gates Six to Eight requires:
– 13,000 SP
– 20,000 SP
– 29,000 SP
WARNING: Final Gate permanently decreases lifespan.
Jayden scoffed. "Stingy-ass system."
Still… he wasn't done.
He opened the shop and glanced at his remaining SP, now slightly above 2000 thanks to the spin bonuses. Just enough to go full shonen.
> Purchase confirmed: – Rasenshuriken (High cost. Insanely worth it.)
– A-rank & B-rank Jutsu Pack (Versatile and dangerous.)
– Tactical Flash Step Movement Technique (Bonus with Nara Bloodline.)
Jayden eye spark like a villain mid-monologue. "Alright. With this setup? I'm unstoppable. Shadow binding from a distance, clone confusion, Rasenshuriken to finish, and Gates to body anyone who thinks I'm weak."
"This… this is the build of an anime god."
That night, Jayden curled up under a makeshift blanket, smiling faintly as his overpowered stats hovered in the corner of his vision.
Unseen by him, the screen flickered.
> Would user like to switch system now?
Half-asleep, Jayden mumbled, "Yeah… sure…"
The interface glowed ominously.
> System switching in progress…
A soft click echoed in his mind.
And just before he faded into sleep, the last thing he heard in his drowsiness was:
> System: Fullmetal Alchemist System Activated.
The Next Morning
Jayden opened his eyes to see Mephina, Toph, and even Rictor crowding outside his room like overzealous tour guides selling a one-way ticket to death.
He rubbed his face. "Why can't people just forget I exist…" he thought.
After packing his things, Jayden stepped outside—only to be greeted by the most emotional goodbye of all.
Lolly stood there, fists clenched at her sides, her small body trembling.
Her lips quivered. "Big brother… I know I shouldn't cry… but I'll really miss you."
Then she bolted forward and buried her face in his chest, sobbing quietly.
Jayden froze momentarily.
He knelt, gently patting her head with a smile. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon. Stronger. Cooler. Maybe even a little handsomer."
Lolly sniffled, then let out a teary giggle.
Her mother stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your help. We'll never forget it."
The old man, meanwhile, clutched his back, weeping openly—not out of sentiment, but because he was clearly dreading returning to daily chores.
With farewells exchanged, the group headed out. Rictor strutted ahead like he owned the mountains.
A few hours into the walk, Mephina launched into her usual chatter. "So get this—I'm now officially recognized by the inner circle of the Scarlet Faction. It's kind of a big deal."
Rictor yawned. "Blah blah, status. Who's stronger You or Toph?"
"Toph is stronger." She said.
"Oh, three people are even stronger than Toph that are young genius as well," Mephina said proudly. "There's one in particular… Blake. He's considered the greatest genius among the younger generation. It only took him four years to reach the peak of the Orange Plane."
Jayden's feet slowed.
Mephina went on, unaware. "He's a close combat type, specializes in multiple elements, and he's… well, kinda known for being battle-hungry."
Battle-hungry? Multiple elements? Close combat?
His eye twitched.
That wasn't just some prodigy. That was the lunatic he'd met when he first woke up in this chaotic world—the same guy who nearly gave him a heart attack with that feral grin, he was part of the reason he never want to be part of the Scarlet Faction.
Jayden's deadpan expression cracked. "Nope. Nope. Hell no. Not joining a faction where that guy lives. I like breathing."
The moment no one was looking—he vanished.
---
Somewhere in the forest…
Jayden bolted between trees like a shadow. "Screw potential, I choose life."
FWIP!
A razor-thin wind slash shredded the bark inches from his face.
Jayden ducked instinctively.
A masked figure dropped down in front of him, landing with silent menace. A purple band marked his arm—Mid Purple Plane.
Jayden blinked. "Uh… who are you again?"
The man sneered. "You dare question me, Blue Plane trash? I'll kill you first. Then talk."
He lunged—lightning-fast.
Jayden twisted, just barely avoiding the fatal strike, tumbling into the dirt with a grunt.
" it's over." he muttered.
He threw his palm out. "Activate Rasengan!"
Nothing happened.
"…Hello, System?"
> Error: Cannot activate Rasengan.
Jayden's brain short-circuited. "What do you mean?"
> Current System: Fullmetal Alchemist. Jutsu not supported.
"WHAT?!"
The enemy's kick landed hard, sending Jayden crashing into a tree.
[HP: -20, 80/100]
Jayden coughed. "System, I swear—what happened to my Naruto loadout?!"
> Replay loading…
System: Would user like to switch?
Jayden (half-asleep): Yeah… sure…
Switch confirmed.
Jayden screamed internally.
"Damn sleepy me!"
> Next system switch available in: 18 hours, 14 minutes.
Two more figures emerged from the trees—Mid Purple Plane, just like the first.
Jayden's back was to a tree.
He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.
"I really didn't want to burn my remaining SP this early…"
He opened his interface. "System. Buy Flame Alchemist Ability. Then activate."
> Ding! Purchase successful!
White gloves materialized around his hands, embroidered with glowing transmutation circles.
Jayden rolled his shoulders. "Let's cook."
SNAP!
A monstrous FWOOOOOSH! exploded outward as a wave of fire engulfed the trees around him. The assassins staggered back.
Jayden stepped through the blaze, his shadow cast long and monstrous behind him, fire dancing in his eyes.
"You three just cost me all my remaining SP. So now…"
He clenched his fist, fire swirling into a spear behind him.
"…you're gonna pay interest—with your lives."
To be continued.