A warm object held by her hand emitted a strong bitter aroma that wafted to her nose. There is also a mixture of idle conversations and tableware clattering that rang in her ears. Eve gently opened her eyes and adjusted her sight onto the black concoction near her mouth. She flawlessly moved the mug away before the contents touched her lips. With a soft click, the cup of coffee was placed on the table. She swiftly scanned her surroundings and analyzed the world she is currently in.
[ Normal looking people and the usual coffeehouse.] She glanced outside and continued,
[Buildings of typical style and non-flying cars.] Her tone a little disappointed.
[It seems I am still in a modern world.]
Perceiving the lack of imminent danger, she relaxed and tried to contact her system.
(Halfsie?)
This time she did not mind the unresponsive system. She focused on differentiating the two worlds that highly resemble each other. However, she could not tell them apart. Halfsie said the first mission is a class D. It made her think that such a plane is akin to a test run to help her transition. Somehow, her impression of the "employer" got better.
The furball added that it will be absent physically during the mission. Despite that, it will dwell within her through the link in their soul. Simply thinking of such a concept almost made her convulse. In the end, she resorted to self-hypnotism just to mentally prepare herself. Besides, Eve also made sure to "persuade" the scheming furball in obeying her commandments. Of course, such drama took a long time to wrap up thereby delaying their takeoff. Thinking back, Halfsie promised to communicate the moment they arrive yet it remained silent up to now. Such a stunt started to get on her nerves. Nonetheless, she decided to be magnanimous and wait while trying to find a clue about her host body's identity.
She didn't bring a bag and only a phone was tucked in her pocket. Fortunately, it can be unlocked through her fingerprint. Eve proceeded to politely go through the contacts, call log, messages, gallery, and not even sparing the media center's games and music. After a careful investigation, she surmised that her hostess is a very aloof person. Only four numbers were saved in her phonebook namely Father, Grandfather, Driver, and Housekeeper. Well, she's not the least bit dissatisfied with such a situation. On the contrary, she is glad only a few people may genuinely know her. This meant only a handful may notice her change.
[I think something is wrong with her.]
She is no doctor but she can tell something is going on with the host body after criticizing her phone content. The inbox is almost empty and the longest call duration was only a minute. Even her games and gallery are without content. Even so, the bank account was fully loaded.
[It seems I'm a filthy rich second generation.] She likes her status a lot. After all, she didn't want to be broke ever again. Moreover, she is not interested in experiencing a life being tempered by the so-called poverty tribulation.
Noticing that a certain fool is still playing dead, her voice finally sounded a little salty.
(Halfsie.)
(If you won't answer very soon, you might have to say goodbye to that remaining fur of yours.)
Eve felt an intensified itch to pummel a furry ball. Still, recalling its abnormal reaction to punishments, she hesitated. She has decided to observe for a while and find other ways to subdue it. In spite of that, the chowderhead has yet again tested her limits.
[Very good.] She thought as she tapped the table in a calm, rhythmic pattern.
On the first day of work and a certain creature decided to play hooky. The next time she sees that goofball, she'll pluck its fur one by one. It doesn't matter if it enjoys such torment. She promises to make it feel so good, the little donkey will be sent to heaven and hell alternately until it only has one last breath.
The extras in the background: [ Hey, why did it suddenly got cold in here?]
Fortunately, before the goddess of frost loses her shit and freeze everyone in the room, the prodigal son returned.
( Host! You lied!)
( You said you were a ghost but clearly you weren't.)
(Don't deny it! I certainly saw you left your body in the space.)
The non-stop accusation jabbed her ears.
[ I have a body? How is that possible?] Eve knew she's long been a soul since her death. So she wondered why a body has appeared out of nowhere. Now all her attention was drawn to that unexpected piece of information.
(Are you sure it's a physical body?) She could not help confirm.
( Yes, host. I am very sure.) The childish voice in her mind didn't have a shred of deception.
Halfsie couldn't be more positive on that matter. In fact, the moment Eve was sent to the mission world, it got distracted by the soft thud as her body hit the floor. Its ruby eyes instantly shone brightly as it locked on its target. Only one thing kept playing in its mind, "This is it!" Discerning that no one can stop its action, the flurry ball instantly popped its limbs to tackle the host. It's just that it can't pass through a certain invisible force protecting Eve's body. The black ball's insanity almost stepped up a notch at that moment. Halfsie's ability to spout poisonous words also drastically improved as it desperately claws its way toward her face. It's a shame that destiny seems to forbid such desecration because not long after, it was sucked up and thrown to the mission world.
Needless to say, it's little adventure will be kept from its host.
Halfsie might appreciate the eccentric way of its host's affection now but that doesn't mean it didn't fear death. After all, being dead means absolute zero chance of being close to that sacred golden orbs.
Meanwhile, Eve's mind concentrated on another probability.
[ If I did have a body, that means… ]
She hurriedly took her phone and turned the front camera on. She squinted her eyes as she gazed at her "new" face.
[There goes my golden finger.]
Eve speculated that since she was bestowed her ultimate cheat of a face, she will only use the hostess' identity rather than their bodies. Even if the system guide has mentioned " lend you their bodies" before, she doubted. It can't be helped since she truly can't trust the main system's credibility. Just look at her ultimate cheat that turned out to be a fraud.
Halfsie felt its host's disappointment. It thought that maybe she is sorrowful because her face became "normal".
( Host, don't be sad. Even if you look plain now, in my eyes you are still the peerless heavenly beauty.) It sincerely tried to console its host.
It observed Eve's new appearance through its God's eye ability and sighed. Thinking back of the "unguarded" host in the space, it brooded over the lost chance to frisk to its heart content. It can not even feast over Eve's aureate eyes anymore.
Eve: …
It appears like she has discovered another side of her system guide. It is indeed a face-control creature but its standards are way off the charts. If it maintains such criteria, she's certain that only she will be considered pretty in its eyes.
[ Well I am indeed the prettiest.] She narcissistically added.
( I'm not sad.) She replied as she put her phone back in her pocket.
Her new face may be a far cry from her own but she thinks it still a perfect 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Provided of course that her godly face is worth 100 points. She reflected for a while and decided to stop using her appearance as a yardstick. Rationally speaking, that countenance belongs to a new league on its own.
( Just a little annoyed that I still have no idea what my ultimate cheat is.)
She pushed all the questions she had at the back of her mind. Having a body won't harm her anyway. Additionally, even if she has a lot of questions, no one will answer.
[ Indeed, my host is the toughest nut.] Halfsie admired its host unperturbed reaction.
( Host, don't worry. You might discover your golden finger in this world.)
Eve simply hummed when she heard the furball reassure her. Surely, she will know later on. She has time anyway. She can wait.
Seeing that its host has nothing more to say, it decided to fulfill its duty.
( Host, do you want to accept the memory now?)
( A sec.) She swiftly scanned the menu in front of her. Next, she raised her hand in a gesture then called,
" Waiter."
A pleasant voice instantly attracted the gaze of everyone in the room. They followed the source and couldn't retrieve their gaze right away. An exquisite young woman sat by the window looking like a picturesque view. They wonder if she has been in there for a while. To think they have been seated for quite some time yet did not notice such a charmer. Somehow, the boys felt quite envious of the lucky guy who attended to the young lady's needs.
" A latte, please. Thank you." Eve sat straight while resting her arms on the table. After speaking, an intoxicating smile formed on her lips. Observing the attendant's reaction, she chuckled inwardly.
[How innocent. So cute.]
The young man with a face as red as a tomato almost dashed away as soon as she finished.
Halfsie: …
For a moment, the host resembled a womanizer depicted in its archive.
( Host, you're familiar with this kind of world?) As a matter of fact, Halfsie didn't know anything about its host's background. It was only programmed to accompany Eve through different worlds to achieve a goal.
( Naturally.)
( Since in the past, I too, lived in a similar world.)
She watched the scenery outside the café. If she isn't aware of her real situation, Eve might think that everything was only a dream. The familiarity is overwhelming that it made her think of her previous life.
If she didn't die, would she be like this now? Alone in a new city, enjoying herself while waiting for a cup of coffee. She was about to free herself that day and planned a new life after moving. Alas, she was indeed too unlucky.
(Host?) Halfsie called for Eve's attention again. The host has been silent for a while.
(Hmm?)
( Host, I asked how many years you have stayed on the previous plane?) It didn't feel any fluctuations in the host's mood so it asked away.
Eve took her gaze back, leaned against the cozy chair, and crossed her leg over her knee. She cupped her chin in one hand while the other was on her lap. The lackadaisical goddess is back.
(Eighteen.)
She nonchalantly answered. However, a biting atmosphere once again chilled the neighboring seats.
Before Halfsie could inquire again, she urged it instead.
" Stop babbling and send me the memory."
The furball immediately behaved. It has no other choice but to do so. The coercion inside the host's consciousness is simply too fierce that there's no room to resist. Halfsie wanted to shed tears. It blamed the main system for not warning them of such important information.