"It's possible because you have the tech inside you," said Kim Seijin, his voice direct and stronger than before. His intense gaze fixed on Seung. "I am talking about the Power System."
Seung stuttered in surprise, "P-power system? Inside me, or what did you just say?"
"An E-ranker beating a D-ranker is unheard of. The events at the Gangnam dungeon and the abandoned factory were only possible because of the advanced technology inside you. Although specialists identified that you underwent NCS, your data is highly secured, blocking any external attempts," said Kim Seijin. "The Power System was intended for global use by our ally, but now it's owned by an underaged citizen."
Seung was bewildered by how this man knew about his fight with the metallic dude. He imagined the possibility of having been tailed for a long time. And what was this talk about a futuristic creation?
From the outset, he honestly thought it was a lie – everything was just unveiling gradually then. 'Perhaps, the bluish screen is what he is talking about?' he wondered, furrowing his brows.
A strange screen that negotiated flashy empowering stats and upgraded daggers was indeed uncommon. Since his days of exploring the hunting field, he hadn't seen anything like that before. Thinking deeper, he realized another point: he had only Awakened a cloning ability, yet he was gaining features entirely out of line. How were his ability and improving weapons similar in any way? What about refilling his energy for one-half stats reduction?
'Now I get it. My guess of it being an artificial intelligence was correct.'
A shadow crossed his side. Looking up, the director was there, placing a purple card on a desk beside him.
The man sighed and gave him a stern look. "Contact me when you have been discharged. It's then that I will let you know what I need you for in return for rescuing you and covering up the tech's matter."
As he started walking towards the door, Seung's question made him stop: "But…isn't that considered a fraud?"
Seijin turned around, not too surprised. He had been observing Seung since the conversation started; the young man was cautious of what he said. Even though Seijin's words were direct, Seung maintained his composure.
"You refused the C-rank raiding's profit for a reason, didn't you?" Seijin interjected. "Once you are discharged, come fetch as many Jars of Life as you want. In return, you'll help me out."
"Help you…?"
Just at that moment, Kim Seijin snapped his fingers, and a purplish portal emerged. The portal, dome-shaped like those leading into dungeons, differed in color and emitted striking thunder sounds.
"You can stop by the Reawakening center to get lucky too. I have an additional teleportation ability now," said Seijin, stepping into the portal. In two seconds, both he and the portal vanished.
Seung sighed heavily, closing his eyes and resting his head in his palm in stress. His plan wasn't to get someone else to save the life he had brought doom upon by himself, but with the situation at hand, he thought that might finally be the case. It would take weeks for his wound to heal and months to get used to the new arm.
He opened his eyes and managed a smile. "Alright, AI screen! Let's find out what you are!"
The screen shimmered to life at his eye level. Silence enveloped all corners of the ward, with the ticking of the wall clock and faint movements in the hallway becoming the dominant sounds.
The screen started without his order this time.
[You have one unread message.]
"Open," Seung said right away, already knowing it's all he had to do.
[Message was sent by the system on January 21st, 2022: Congratulations on becoming a Mutant. You have been tested on various occasions and have proven worthy to unlock the system's full potential.]
A smile played on Seung's lips. "What next?"
[Hello, Mutant 001. I am called Power System and model BUT-1X, made in Blue Labs. As the data encoded in me has synced with your neurons, I can assist you with anything, whether you want me to manage everything or just offer some guidance. Besides, we have merged as one.]
This cleared up his earlier confusion. It suggested that, possibly, an alien's spaceship had crashed near his apartment, and the iron box containing the tech had fallen into his backyard.
He asked it to proceed.
[Mutation is a controlled process facilitated by advanced automatic technology, enhancing a mutant's abilities and ensuring continuous improvement. This is carried out through NCS.]
"The stoic man was right."
Then, the display changed to an entirely different section.
[Welcome to the System Interface. Please study everything carefully and try to remember each section.]
[Processing sections for you…]
[Character Profile]
Name: Lee Seung
Level: Cloning, LV. 2. Mutant, LV. 1
Power rating: 1000
Age: 17 years
Intelligence level: 80
Reflexes: 16
Speed: 25
Strength: 23
Endurance: 40
Seung grinned, "Wow, even the system recognizes my intelligence."
[Stats are still the same as before mutation.]
[…]
[Country map: Here is an interactive map display of everywhere in your country. Since you may need to complete various missions in unfamiliar places, you can easily access the location at any convenient spot.]
***
At W.H.A headquarters
"Good afternoon, President Park," greeted a slender lady. "Mr. Song Minseok seeks an audience with you."
The President's mouth opened, and his eyes widened in surprise. "He is at the headquarters right now?"
"Don't be too surprised, Colonel Park. Or should I address you as the president now?"