"Before answering your questions, you must first agree to become the System's host and fuse with me," the System's mechanical voice intoned.
Gu Fanyu's lips curled into a sly smile.
"Hohoho, clever, aren't you? Afraid I'm just bluffing, that I'll take back my words once you spill more information?" He chuckled, clearly amused by the System's cautious approach.
Sensing his suspicion, the System continued, its tone unwavering. "The System is concerned you may not believe what I reveal. However, once we fuse, our lives will be intertwined. If you die in the other world, the System ceases to exist. Our connection ensures we cannot deceive each other—if one lies, the other will know."
Gu Fanyu pondered this for a moment, his expression calm. "A reasonable explanation, but still hard to trust."
"Everything I've said is the truth," the System replied.
After a few moments of silent contemplation, Gu Fanyu made his decision. "Alright then, I accept the deal."
He knew that no matter how convincing the System sounded, he had no way of verifying its claims. In this situation, he was the weaker party, always at a disadvantage. Trying to outsmart the System would only waste time. The only way to uncover the truth was to take the plunge.
"What do I need to do?"
"Simply agree in your heart."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Alright then… I'll give it a try."
In that instant, Gu Fanyu felt a connection form between him and the System, a strange yet exhilarating sensation. He could now sense the System's presence as if it were a part of him, and for the first time, he became acutely aware of his own soul.
"Ding! Congratulations, host! You have successfully bonded with the System. [System Activated]."
The notification echoed in his mind, but Gu Fanyu paid it no attention. He was focused on detecting any changes within himself, trying to grasp the full extent of his new reality. But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the voice of the System—only this time, it sounded entirely different.
"Aargh… it's exhausting pretending to be some emotionless AI. You're really a tough one to catch as a host! Do you know how lucky you are? I put a lot of effort into wooing you. You should be proud I chose you!" The System's tone was now playful, almost boastful.
"Enough with the theatrics, System," Gu Fanyu replied, his voice steady and unperturbed.
The System seemed pleased with his reaction. "Hehe, you're not surprised to learn I'm not just some emotionless robot? Not mad that I tricked you, right?"
Gu Fanyu's eyes glinted with a dangerous light, but his tone remained calm. "As long as it doesn't harm me, I don't care."
"Hmm, fair enough."
"Now, System, tell me about your origin," Gu Fanyu commanded, his voice firm.
"Alright, but don't be shocked. I'm actually a human… or at least, I was. To survive, I had to fuse my soul with the System. Now, the System is me, and I am the System," it explained, still in that light-hearted tone.
"That's it?" Gu Fanyu's brow furrowed in skepticism. The System's answer was vague, clearly withholding the full truth.
"Hehe, you know I'm not lying to you, host!" the System teased.
"We'll revisit this topic later. Didn't you say you'd grant me supernatural powers? What do I need to do?"
"As I mentioned before, you'll need to travel to another world first."
"Fine. I'm ready."
"Host, are you sure you want to travel now?"
"Yes. Do it!"
No sooner had Gu Fanyu spoken than the space in his office began to distort. A faint white ball of light appeared, its surface swirling with intricate golden patterns, exuding an aura of mystery. Before he could fully grasp its nature, the light enveloped his body.
"Searching… search complete. Time spent: 10 seconds and 2000 units of world origin consumed. Beginning body transmigration!"
In an instant, Gu Fanyu felt his body being torn apart, disintegrating into countless white particles of light that floated in the air before vanishing into the rift.
On July 31, 2023, the young billionaire Gu Fanyu disappeared from the city of Shanghai without a trace. His mysterious disappearance became one of Earth's most baffling unsolved cases. Even a decade later, the world remained captivated by the story of the billionaire who vanished from his office, leaving behind only questions and speculation.
---