"What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" Raven's voice dripped with disdain as she leveled her accusatory gaze at me. "Why the silence after you shoved me?"
It took a few moments for the fog of confusion to lift from my mind, the events of the last few minutes a jumbled mess. Despite the haze, I knew I had to act swiftly—I refuse to meet the same fate as the hapless original inhabitant of this body. With a sense of urgency, I dropped to my knees, a desperate attempt to appease the enraged noble before me.
"I beg your forgiveness," I stammered, my forehead meeting the unforgiving floor with a sickening thud. Blood oozed from the wound, a crimson testament to my penance.
Raven's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise mingling with the guilt that clouded her features. It was only then that I realized the eyes of our fellow students bore witness to our altercation, their whispers a chorus of curiosity and judgment.
"There's no need for such theatrics," Raven interjected, her voice tinged with revulsion. "While I may be of noble birth, I'm hardly inclined to end your life over a mere shove. Cease your self-flagellation."
With a sense of relief, I halted my self-inflicted punishment, gratitude mingling with the remnants of shame that lingered in my heart. Thanking Raven for her unexpected mercy, I made a hasty retreat, eager to put this humiliating encounter behind me.
As I fled the scene, my surroundings blurred into a disorienting haze. It wasn't until I came to a stop that I realized the incongruity of my surroundings—a sprawling elementary school filled with children. Their curious stares and pointed fingers served as a stark reminder of the conspicuous trail of blood that marked my passage.
Before I could react, a translucent screen materialized before me, words appearing in its ethereal glow.
[Hello, I'm your system, and from today, you and I will be inseparable.]
Initially taken aback, a surge of anger quickly replaced my shock. "So, you're the one who sent me into this blasted book as cannon fodder," I snarled, attempting to swipe at the transparent barrier, only to watch my hand pass through it fruitlessly.
The children around me cast curious glances in my direction, their whispers mingling with the hum of the schoolyard. I could almost hear the murmurs of 'crazy' floating on the breeze, prompting me to seek refuge in the solitude of a secluded corner before addressing the enigmatic system.
[Fear not, my dear host. You alone possess the ability to perceive me. And there's no need for spoken words; we can communicate through thought.]
In response, I defiantly extended my middle finger toward the translucent screen, a gesture of frustration and defiance.
[No need for hostility, dear host. Consider this an opportunity to live out your fantasies in a world where magic reigns supreme, where dreams can become reality.]
"Yes, but not in a wretched book like this! You've sent me to my demise!" I retort, my anger unabated.
[Blame yourself, for it was your scorn that brought us here. There's no sense in taking it out on me—we're both prisoners of the same fate.]
As the system's words sink in, a begrudging acceptance washes over me. Perhaps it could have been worse, though it would take time to reconcile myself to this bewildering turn of events.
"Well then, what exactly are your functions, System? I hope you won't compel me to do anything against my will," I inquire, a hint of apprehension coloring my tone.
[Fear not, dear host. I am a just system; I harbor no ill intent. Your actions remain entirely your own, free from coercion or harm] the System assures me, its words a balm to my troubled mind.
Slightly reassured, I press on with my inquiries. "How exactly do you operate, then?" I ask, curiosity piqued.
"[Much like the video games of your world, I function through a system of quests, attributes, and skills]," the System explains.
"Alright, then, could you perhaps display my attributes for me?" I request.
"[Of course]," the System responds, and before me materializes a list of statistics:
[Name: Jade Smith
Age: 5
Race: Half-human, half-dragon
HP : 300/500
MP: 1000/1000
Magic: 15
Strength: 3
Intelligence: 24
Appearance/Charisma: 20
Skills: Cooking (B), Escape (C), Running (C+)]
Surveying the displayed information, I find myself unsurprised by the results. "And how do my skills compare to the inhabitants of this world?" I inquire further.
"[In this world, a score of 10 in any given statistic represents the average for adults, while 100 is the pinnacle of achievement. Skills are graded from F, the lowest, to SS, the highest]," the System elucidates.
"Wait a moment, System. Since when am I half-dragon? In the book, she was merely human," I exclaim, my surprise evident.
"[You are mistaken. In truth, she was indeed half-dragon; she simply never knew, nor attempted to find out]," the System clarifies.
"Ah, that doesn't surprise me in the least. But tell me, do you happen to have a beginner's pack?" I inquire.
"[You have received the beginner's pack. You can access it through your inventory]," the System responds.
As the words fade, a new icon materializes, labeled 'Inventory.' I press it, revealing the beginner's gift pack. With a sense of anticipation, I open the package.
"[You have received: Fire Magic (F), acquired Fire Affinity, obtained 100 gold coins, Memory Fragment 1, and 5 attribute points]," the System announces.
"Is that all I get? I was expecting some sort of overpowered skills," I grumble, disappointment evident in my voice.
"[I apologize, host, but it is up to you to develop your skills. I will assist you in improving them more quickly, but that is all]," the System replies.
I sigh, resigned to the reality of my situation. "Normally, there's a store in the system, isn't there?" I inquire.
"[Yes, indeed, but it requires one thousand gold coins to unlock]," the System confirms.
But before I could delve further into conversation with the System, someone's voice calls out to me. I turn around to see a rather tall woman with green hair and eyes, dressed professionally. Upon spotting me, her expression shifts to one of concern, and she quickly strides over, reaching out to touch the wound on my head.
"What have you done, Jade? We need to get you to the infirmary right away," she says, her worry palpable.
"Don't worry, ma'am, it's just a small injury, nothing serious," I assure her, scratching my head.
"Don't be ridiculous, your head is still bleeding," she insists, her concern deepening.
"[Host, be careful, your HP is decreasing rapidly. Remaining HP: 20/500]," the System warns.
Before I can react or say anything further, everything fades to black. I can't help but wonder if I'm about to meet my end.