Meanwhile, as Lucian peacefully slept, the System diligently did what it had told Lucian. Carefully, it used the Soul Power it was given and pierced it into Arcadia's sun before guiding it back along its Soul Power into Lucian's body.
Unlike previously, the process was fast and not as tedious. As soon as the Star Essence Fragment was within a ten-foot radius of Lucian, without the System having to do anything, it dashed into Lucian's body through his pores before combining with the previous Star Essence Fragment.
—------------
Since Lucian had fallen asleep early yesterday, he woke up naturally before his alarm could wake him up.
As soon as Lucian opened his eyes, he quickly checked the inside of his body and sighed in relief.
Although his body housed two Fragments of an entire Star Essence and could explode at any moment, taking his body and Arcadia with it, so far it was contained.
The System, which had spent the past nine hours diligently helping Lucian, was annoyed when it saw Lucian's actions.
[Humph! Not even a thank you!? Host, do you know I spent the past nine hours while you were peacefully sleeping plundering and guiding a Star Essence Fragment into your body before helping you absorb it?]
Lucian smirked at the System's complaint. He sat up in bed and lazily stretched. The feeling of having a Mortal Body would still take time to get used to, even though one-third of the current Lucian was comprised of Chef Lucian from Earth.
After stretching and yawning, Lucian stood up and finally, indifferently spoke:
[Alright, alright, System… thank you. I appreciate your hard work and diligence.]
When the System heard Lucian's gratitude, it felt pity it did not have a body. Otherwise, it would have smashed Lucian's face into a wall. Who expressed their appreciation with an indifferent face and tone? Worst of all, the System could tell Lucian was reluctant as he spoke.
After not receiving a response from the System, Lucian shrugged and went to take a shower.
"Haah, some people are just too inconsiderate nowadays." Lucian shook his head as he washed his hair with shampoo.
The System was annoyed. It would be stupid if it did not understand who Lucian was speaking about. It seemed its Host had a real knack for annoying people.
A moment later, after calming down, the System emotionlessly asked:
[Host, do you find joy in messing with me?]
[Of course.]
An immediate answer! Lucian did not have to think twice before answering.
Sometime later, after the System managed to somehow calm down its rapidly boiling emotions, it announced:
[Host, congratulations, you are now two percent closer to forming your Celestial Mana Core. At this rate, unless no accidents occur, within ninety-eight days, your Celestial Mana Core will form.]
Lucian happily nodded, and this time, he sincerely said:
[Thanks!]
The System was taken aback by Lucian's heartfelt gratitude.
Although it was a single word, it was one more word than the System had thought Lucian would say.
For a moment, it even thought maybe it was a lie. But after recalling his sincere tone, it realized Lucian was sincerely thanking it, causing the System to feel appreciated.
While the System was astonished by Lucian's words, Lucian indifferently continued:
[But you have to admit, you also benefit from this. The stronger I get, the more benefits you receive, no?]
The System did not argue, silently acknowledging that was the case. It was true that the stronger Lucian became, the more powerful it would become. Maybe, one day, instead of having to borrow that powerful Soul Power, it would have Soul Power of its own. But for now, the System was unsure if that was even possible.
After applying conditioner to his hair and thoroughly washing himself, Lucian walked out with a towel wrapped around his lower body. He then quickly donned his chef's uniform.
Today was finally the day!
Lucian was mildly excited, and it was obvious by his grinning face. He could not wait to cook the new dish — Sous Vide Filet Mignon.
After tidying his bed, Lucian went out of his room.
Once Lucian closed the door, he glanced at the opposite room door and shook his head.
'The Spatial Farm.'
Lucian could not care less about it. It was useless to him. As long as the System kept providing him with infinite ingredients, he would never need to use the Artifact.
'I hope I didn't jinx it.'
Shaking his head, Lucian proceeded downstairs and into the kitchen.
After entering the kitchen, Lucian's gaze was drawn to the sleek black sous vide machine on the counter next to the stove.
[While the Host was taking a shower, I placed the sous vide machine and all the ingredients in the corresponding places], The System said when it noticed Lucian's gaze.
Lucian nodded. As he was walking to the fridge to take out the Cloud Spotted Cow Filet Mignon, he stopped and said:
[Thanks.]
Lucian was not an emotionless person. He had a Soul and was a living person. If someone treated him well, he would treat them a thousand times better. If they were to step on his shoes, he might not do anything, but if they were to spit on him, he would not hesitate to kill them. That was just how he was.
The System was startled but did not reply. It even felt that maybe it was that time of the month. However, it knew if it asked Lucian, he would go back to his previous self.
Unaware of the System's thoughts, Lucian retrieved the filet mignon and placed it on the chopping board. Admiringly, he stared at it as if he were appraising a beautiful naked woman.
Lucian could not help himself. The filet mignon was beautiful. It was totally unlike a simple filet mignon from Earth. The Cloud Spotted Cow Filet Mignon was filled with Mana, and the marbling was like rivers of milky white water converging into one another.
It was a beautiful piece of artwork!