{APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable applications to communicate by exchanging data in a standardized format, usually JSON or XML. They define rules for requests and responses, allowing seamless integration between different software. For example, a weather app can use an API to fetch real-time weather data from a server and display it to users.} ~ Unknown
Narrator's P.O.V
Peter examined the artifact on the table. At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a plain, unassuming square box.
A slot for inserting pages. Another for printed paper to come out. An antenna, likely for wireless transmission.
A small hole for a needle—just like the one Aunt Amelia had used moments ago. And finally, a compartment for a magic stone.
'A glorified wireless printer,' Peter mused.
He wasn't an artifact expert, but he could piece together its function with just a glance. After all, he had been a software engineer in his previous life.
The magic stone was obviously the power source. The runes were probably etched along the inner walls, handling all the processing.
One output stream printed data onto paper. The other? It transmitted information through mana, probably linking to a distant device.
The part that intrigued him most was the blood requirement. How did it authenticate someone's status through a mere drop of blood? That was beyond him—at least, until he had the chance to study it properly.
The device was clearly imitating a skill like Identify {Status}—using runic script to request information from a person's Status Screen.
Peter had studied Identify {Status} while working on Status Camouflage. If he wanted to protect himself from certain skills, he first had to understand how they worked. Not just Identify {Status}, but many others—both low-tier and high-tier.
To put it simply, the Status Screen functioned like a well-structured application, complete with various APIs for retrieving and sharing data.
That was how it communicated with the main Cloud Server System, granting a person new skill when they met the requirements.
A skill like Identify {Status} utilized those same APIs to request information from the Status Screen. How much data it received depended on several factors, including the skill's level and the target's resistances.
Actors such as the level of the Identifying Skill, whether blood was used as a medium, and the presence of skills like Status Cloaking all influenced the results.
But how did a skill like Status Camouflage protect someone from an Identifying Skill?
By deploying fake API endpoints that fed misleading information to the Identifying Skill.
That was the simple explanation, of course. The actual process was far more intricate, which was why it had taken Peter over a year just to develop a slightly modified version of the skill.
'As expected,' Peter thought as the artifact printed out his fake Status Screen.
"Here," Amelia said, handing the printed page to Mariah.
Peter's parents examined the page closely before nodding in satisfaction.
"Thank you," Joseph said as he carefully folded the paper and tucked it into his pocket.
The parchment felt just as Peter had expected—rough, slightly uneven, typical of medieval-era paper.
"I'll be here for a few more hours," Amelia said as she stored the needle in its case. "If you three don't have any plans, you could visit Mother at home. She asked me to let you know she'd like to see you."
As Amelia withdrew the needle, Peter noticed something curious—there was no trace of blood on it.
"We already celebrated in the morning. We'll stop by to see her before heading home," Mariah said with a nod as Joseph opened the door.
Amelia watched her for a moment before stepping forward. "Oh… you were worried he'd be taken," she murmured, closing the distance to embrace Mariah.
"You don't have to worry now. He's yours to keep," she said gently, rubbing her back in a soothing motion.
Mariah let out a shaky breath before breaking into quiet sobs.
She had already lost two of her children. And when her third turned out to be exceptionally bright and mature for his age, anxiety had crept in.
She had dreaded this day—his first advancement. Feared the possibility that he might be born with a skill too special to go unnoticed.
She did not want to lose her boy.
Amelia held her close, offering silent comfort. Then, catching Peter and Joseph's eyes, she gave them a small, knowing look—one that wordlessly asked them to step out and give Mariah a moment.
They did.
About fifteen minutes later, Mariah stepped out of the room, looking much better.
As she approached, Peter wrapped his arms around her, and she smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing.
It felt like a weight had finally been lifted.
"Come on, let's visit the village elder," she said, taking Peter's hand in hers.
…
"Come, come. Make yourselves comfortable," Minerva said, stepping aside from the doorframe.
Joseph and Peter entered first, making their way to the dining room. Mariah followed last, gently helping Minerva along.
She pulled out a chair, guiding the elder into it before taking a seat beside her.
"Children grow so fast. Each time I see you, you're a little taller," Minerva mused with a smile, resting her cane beside her.
"Don't be so stiff now. You can have as many honey cookies as you like today."
Peter nodded and quickly grabbed five cookies from the bowl.
A single glance from Mariah was enough to make him put three back.
"Let him be, dear. It's his birthday," Minerva chuckled, patting Mariah's hand.
"Greed isn't good for him. Two are plenty," Mariah sighed, then relented slightly. "But… he can have one more if he behaves."
"You heard her, boy," Minerva laughed again.
For a few moments, the room was quiet as Peter enjoyed his cookies.
Then, Mariah broke the silence. "How are you doing, Elder?"
Minerva's smile faded. "Not well, my dear. I'm sure Joseph already has an idea."
Minerva sighed. "I lost two stat points in Spirit five days ago. You know what that means."