After an hour of testing, he stopped. He had forgotten about the perk system in his excitement over the technology section. William leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. The security was somewhat complete, well, the prototype was. Aptly named TheodosianWalls, named after the famous Walls of Constantinople, like its namesake, it was a multi-layer defense system.

  He was about to check out the perk system, but he stopped. His brain was fried from the knowledge he gained from the system, and he knew he wouldn't be able to make rational decisions if he checked it out now and might do some impulse buying. He looked at the time. It was only 1 pm. So he decided to take a nap to clear his mind. It was a day off for both William and Eve, so he ignored everything and just went for a nap.

  He woke up, refreshed. The orange light came through the curtain and hit his face. He got up and washed his face. He went downstairs and ate dinner with Sarah and Eve. After eating with them, he played games with Eve for a bit before he went back to his room. He called up the system and got ready to check the Perk System.

  [Perk System]

  [Total Available Perk Points: 89]

  [Select Skill to view Available perks: Chromesthesia, Shut-In, Coding, Gaming, Languages, Speaking, Crawling, Walking, Running, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Swordsmanship, Business, and Designing]

  Curious. He clicked on Coding.

  [Coding (Level 9 - 4 Perks Available)]

  [Available Perks: 12]

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Code Optimization - Reduce code size by 15% without losing functionality]

  [Syntax Genius - Never make any syntax error]

  [Debug Vision - Instantly identify logical errors through visual inspection]

  [Clean Code - Automatically format code to industry standards]

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Parallel Processing Intuition - Write multi-threaded code without race conditions]

  [Memory Master - Perfect memory management; zero memory leaks]

  [API Understanding - Comprehend any API documentation instantly]

  [Version Control Mastery - Never lose code; perfect git workflow intuition]

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Architecture Genius - Design scalable systems intuitively; see bottlenecks before they occur]

  [Language Agnostic - Learn new programming languages 50% faster]

  [Code Dictation - Verbally describe code, Pennyworth transcribes perfectly]

  [Refactoring Instinct - Instantly see how to improve existing code structure]

  Tier 4 (LV8)

  [Compiler Whisperer - Compilers optimize your code 25% beyond normal]

  [Universal Compatibility - Code works across platforms with minimal adjustment]

  [Bug Prediction - Foresee potential issues before testing (70% accuracy)]

  [Algorithmic Innovation - Create novel algorithms 40% faster]

  He thought for a second. All of these seem useful. First thing I would pick is Code Optimization, as it would further reduce my code by 15%, which is already optimized extensively by me. Secondly, I would pick Architecture Genius, as it would allow me to optimize even further. Next would be Compiler Whisperer, and the last would be Universal Compatibility. I'll pick it later. Let me see Gaming.

  He read through it. It was a lot. He saw a total of 150 perks in there, with him being able to pick 50 of them. All the perks were centered around the theme of predicting, intuition, and strategic thinking. He sighed and decided to deal with Gaming later. For now, he was more focused on the other ones.

  Languages (LV6 - 3 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 9

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Quick Learning] Learn new languages 25% faster

  [Perfect Pronunciation] Native-level accent in all languages

  [Grammar Intuition] Instinctively understand grammatical structures

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Instant Translation] Translate between known languages mentally in real-time

  [Cultural Understanding] Grasp cultural context behind language

  [Idiom Mastery] Understand and use idioms/slang naturally

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Language Synthesis] Combine languages to learn related ones faster

  [Code-Switching] Switch between languages effortlessly mid-conversation

  [Linguistic Analysis] Deduce language family and structure rapidly

  For Languages, he picked Quick Learning, Instant Translation, and Code-Switching. Quick Learning was self-explanatory. Instant Translation would be useful in international business, and Code-Switching would let him switch between languages mid-conversation, which would be invaluable when dealing with multilingual business partners.

  Speaking (LV10 - 5 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 15

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Clear Articulation] Never mumble; always understood

  [Volume Control] Perfect voice projection without strain

  [Vocal Endurance] Speak for hours without losing voice

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Persuasive Tone] Voice naturally more convincing

  [Emotional Inflection] Convey emotions through tone perfectly

  [Confident Speech] Sound assured even when uncertain

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Commanding Voice] Natural authority when speaking

  [Rhetorical Mastery] Structure arguments effectively

  [Debate Skills] Win arguments through logic and presentation

  Tier 4 (LV8)

  [Public Speaking] Address large crowds without anxiety

  [Charismatic Speech] +1 Charisma during verbal communication

  [Negotiation Voice] Voice optimized for deal-making

  Tier 5 (LV10)

  [Voice Projection+] Be heard clearly in any environment

  [Speech Optimization] Convey maximum information in minimum words

  [Inspirational Oratory] Inspire others through speeches

  For Speaking, he hesitated. He hated public speaking. But he knew he'd need it eventually. He chose Volume Control. His thought process was simple. It can be used to learn singing. And singing might be a skill that meant he'll get more perks points from there if he did learn it. He was willing to take that risk. Commanding Voice would help offset his naturally low Charisma. Speech Optimization fit his personality perfectly, conveying maximum information in minimum words. That was exactly how he preferred to communicate. He added Debate Skills because arguments were just logic competitions, and Persuasive Tone because it would help in negotiations without requiring him to change his personality.

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  Crawling (LV10 - 5 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 15

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Silent Movement] Move quietly while crawling

  [Stamina Efficiency] Crawling costs 20% less stamina

  [Speed Crawl] Crawl 25% faster

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Tight Spaces] Navigate confined spaces easily

  [Stability] Perfect balance while crawling

  [Endurance Crawl] Crawl for extended periods without fatigue

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Tactical Crawl] Maintain awareness while crawling

  [Stealth Master] Stay hidden when prone

  [Obstacle Navigation] Crawl over/under obstacles efficiently

  Tier 4 (LV8)

  [Combat Crawl] Fight effectively from crawling position

  [Quick Recovery] Stand from crawl position instantly

  [Prone Shooting] Perfect accuracy while prone

  Tier 5 (LV10)

  [Urban Infiltration] Navigate ducts, crawlspaces expertly

  [Escape Artist] Escape from tight restraints

  [Low Profile] Extremely difficult to detect while crawling

  Crawling was... weird. He'd never thought of crawling as a skill, but apparently, the System had been tracking it since he was a baby. He skimmed through the perks. Most of them seemed useless. When would he ever need to fight from a crawling position?

  But some were practical. Silent Movement could be useful. Tight Spaces might come in handy. Stamina Efficiency was always good. He picked those three, then added Stealth Master and Escape Artist just to round it out. After all, it was better to have perks he'd rarely use than to leave points unspent.

  Walking (LV10 - 5 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 15

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Efficient Stride] Walking costs 15% less stamina

  [Posture Perfect] Always maintain ideal posture

  [Balance Mastery] Never stumble or trip

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Silent Steps] Walk nearly silently

  [Speed Walking] Walk 20% faster naturally

  [Endurance Walk] Walk for hours without fatigue

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Terrain Adaptation] Walk efficiently on any surface

  [Crowd Navigation] Move through crowds effortlessly

  [Purposeful Gait] Walk with confidence and presence

  Tier 4 (LV8)

  [Urban Mobility] Navigate cities optimally

  [Tracking Evasion] Leave minimal footprints/traces

  [Weather Walking] Maintain pace in adverse weather

  Tier 5 (LV10)

  [Marathon Walker] Walk 50+ miles without rest

  [Parkour Foundation] Basic parkour movements while walking

  [Tactical Movement] Military-grade movement efficiency

  Walking was more interesting. Balance Mastery meant he'd never trip or stumble. That alone was worth it. Not just that, it didn't mention if it is only for walking or for anything else. If it was the latter, he would be set. Silent Steps would be useful. Terrain Adaptation made sense for him. Crowd Navigation would help at conferences and conventions. And Urban Mobility, just like with Volume Control from Speaking, might help with learning another skill, most notably, Parkour.

  Running (LV10 - 5 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 15

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Running Efficiency] Running costs 20% less stamina

  [Speed Boost] Run 15% faster

  [Breathing Control] Optimal oxygen intake while running

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Sprint Burst] Short bursts of increased speed

  [Long Distance] Run marathons without special training

  [Obstacle Running] Maintain speed over obstacles

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Combat Running] Fight effectively while moving

  [Evasive Movement] Harder to hit while running

  [All-Terrain Running] Run efficiently on any surface

  Tier 4 (LV8)

  [Chase Master] Excel at pursuit/evasion

  [Leg Brake] Able to stop own momentum instantly

  [Acceleration] Reach top speed instantly

  Tier 5 (LV10)

  [Endurance Runner] Run for hours at high speed

  [Combat Sprint] Full combat capability while sprinting

  [Escape Artist+] Nearly impossible to catch when fleeing

  For Running, he wanted pure efficiency. Running Efficiency, Long Distance, All-Terrain Running, Endurance Runner, and Breathing Control were his pick. He jogged every morning anyway; these would just make him better at it. No need for combat-focused perks. He wasn't planning to run while fighting anyone.

  Hand-To-Hand Combat (LV4 - 2 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 6

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Strike Precision] Land hits 25% more accurately

  [Ambidextrous] Able to use both hands as dominant hand

  [Quick Strikes] Attack speed increased by 20%

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Grappling Expertise] Excel at throws, locks, submissions

  [Counter-Fighting] Turn opponent's force against them

  [Stamina Conservation] Combat costs 25% less stamina

  Hand-to-Hand Combat was straightforward. He picked Ambidextrous, as it was just all round useful. And cool too. For his second perk, he chose Counter-Fighting. It was just his style of fighting.

  Swordsmanship (LV4 - 2 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 6

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Blade Bond] Any bladed weapon feels natural in your hand

  [Sixth Sense] Able to sometimes know intuitively where and when an enemy would attack

  [Distance Judgment] Perfect sense of weapon reach

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Parry Prediction] Anticipate incoming attacks

  [Adaptive Grip] Instantly adjust to any sword type

  [Combat Flow] Enter flow state during combat

  For this one, he was torn. First of all, Sixth Sense was a must pick. The wording was ambiguous, as it said 'enemy'. It might extend outside of swordfighting, and if it did, it would save his life. As for the others, he was torn between Blade Bond and Parry Prediction. While Parry Prediction was perfectly tailored to his fighting style, Blade Bond was far too precious to throw out, as it said 'any bladed weapon', not just swords or knives. That meant it included polearms like glaives and spears; axes; and might even extend to throwing knives or axes.

  Business (LV1+1 - 1 Perk Point Available)

  Available Perks: 3

  Tier 1 (LV2 equivalent due to +1 trait bonus)

  [Market Sense] Intuitive understanding of supply/demand

  [Negotiation Edge] Get 10% better terms in deals

  [Financial Literacy] Read financial statements instantly

  He immediately picked Market Sense. Negotiation would be handled almost exclusively by Eve, and he could already read financial statements easily.

  Designing (LV2 - 1 Perk Point Available)

  Available Perks: 3

  Tier 1 (LV2 - 1 Perk Point Available)

  [Aesthetic Eye] Instinctively recognize good design

  [User Focus] Design with user experience in mind

  [Iteration Speed] Create design variations 30% faster

  For Designing, User Focus was the clear winner. Otherwise, he would have to study psychology. He would still study it regardless, now that it could be a skill, and this perk could be helpful in that study.

  Chromesthesia (LV6 - 3 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 9

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Color Clarity] - See sound colors with 50% more definition and vibrancy

  [Expanded Spectrum] - Perceive colors from sounds beyond normal human hearing range (infrasound/ultrasound)

  [Mood Reading] - Detect emotional undertones in voices with 60% accuracy

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Sound Mapping] - Create mental 3D maps of environments based on sound colors

  [Lie Detection] - Detect deception through color dissonance in speech (70% accuracy)

  [Color Memory] - Perfect recall of any sound-color combination experienced

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Synesthetic Focus] - Enter flow state faster when working with audio/visual tasks

  [Harmonic Analysis] - Instantly identify musical notes, chords, and intervals by color

  [Emotional Resonance] - Feel others' emotions more deeply through their voice colors

  Color Clarity was useless. Mood Reading was too. His chromesthesia already seemed to do that. Sound Mapping was just echolocation. Lie Detection could be cool, and Color Memory might be good for music. He had abandoned the pursuit in his teenage years after he became busy with writing the OS. Synthetic Focus seemed to be very situational. Harmonic Analysis was great for music. In the end, he chose Expanded Spectrum as his first perk simply because it would be too much of an advantage to have it. While it would be annoying to have it on all the time, it might come in useful, especially when his company grows and corporate espionage becomes more common. He suspected he wouldn't exactly be hearing these sounds but instead, seeing it as colors, which was interesting. For his second and third, he picked Color Memory and Harmonic Analysis for developing his music Skills.

  Shut-In (LV7 - 3 Perk Points Available)

  Available Perks: 9

  Tier 1 (LV2)

  [Home Efficiency] - 20% productivity boost when working from home

  [Comfortable Isolation] - Reduced stress from extended periods alone

  [Indoor Navigation] - Perfect spatial awareness of familiar indoor spaces

  Tier 2 (LV4)

  [Remote Productivity] - 25% efficiency boost on remote work/communication

  [Solitary Focus] - Concentration increases by 30% when alone

  [Minimal Needs] - Require less social interaction to maintain mental health

  Tier 3 (LV6)

  [Digital Presence] - Communicate more effectively through text/email than in person

  [Introvert's Sanctuary] - Recover stamina 50% faster in private spaces

  [Self-Sufficiency] - Learn solo skills 20% faster

  He picked Home Efficiency, Remote Productivity, and Self-Sufficiency. All of these would boost his productivity massively. He smiled and selected all of it.

  [Confirm Perk Selection?]

  Coding: Code Optimization, Architecture Genius, Compiler Whisperer, Universal Compatibility

  Languages: Quick Learning, Instant Translation, Code-Switching

  Speaking: Volume Control, Commanding Voice, Speech Optimization, Debate Skills, Persuasive Tone

  Crawling: Silent Movement, Tight Spaces, Stamina Efficiency, Stealth Master, Escape Artist

  Walking: Balance Mastery, Silent Steps, Terrain Adaptation, Crowd Navigation, Urban Mobility

  Running: Running Efficiency, Long Distance, All-Terrain Running, Endurance Runner, Breathing Control

  Hand-to-Hand Combat: Ambidextrous, Counter Fighting

  Swordsmanship: Blade Bond, Sixth Sense

  Business: Market Sense

  Designing: User Focus

  Chromesthesia: Expanded Spectrum, Color Memory, Harmonic Analysis

  Shut-In: Home Efficiency, Remote Productivity, Self-Sufficiency

  Total: 39 perks selected

  Remaining: 50 perk points (Gaming: 50)

  Note: This selection is permanent and cannot be changed. Proceed?