"Leveling up a skeleton warrior to a great warrior? Unlimited time? And the reward is to become invincible?"
Alexander read the next mission given to him by the system.
"That's ridiculous. Leveling up a skeleton warrior? I'm just an ordinary human; how can I level it up!?"
"Trash system!"
"Why didn't you awaken me in a stronger form instead of just giving me a weak skeleton warrior!"
"Trash system!"
Seeing how things did not meet his expectations, Alexander began cursing the system he had obtained ten years ago.
How could he not? Alexander had been patient, completing missions for ten years, only to receive a seemingly weak skeleton warrior that was even shorter than he was.
Alexander then sat dejectedly on his bed, contemplating the hardships he had endured and the efforts he had made over the past ten years.
He had wished to awaken today as a warrior, but reality had other plans.
Sensing Alexander's emotions, the cat meowed softly.
"Meow."
"Meow."
The cat's gentle meows seemed to cheer Alexander up. Seeing this, the skeleton warrior spoke up.
"Father, this system is not a trash system, but it's the strongest system!"
"I'm not your father; don't call me that!"
"Father, I am the child you have raised by completing missions over these ten years."
Hearing this, Alexander calmed his emotions and began to think clearly. 'It was unlikely that the system would deceive him, and there must be a reason why he received this skeleton warrior', he thought.
"Skeleton warrior, are you strong?"
"Not yet, Father."
"Then how do I make you strong?"
"By killing monsters and gaining experience to level up."
"Killing monsters? With your small body?"
"You're right, Father."
Alexander frustratedly spoke with the skeleton warrior, contemplating how to level it up when he was just an ordinary human.
'Defeating monsters? That seemed impossible with its height being only half of his own', he thought.
"Father, please give me a name."
The skeleton warrior asked Alexander to give it a name.
"Is a name really that important to you?"
"Of course, Father. I must have a name."
Alexander then started thinking of a suitable name for the skeleton warrior.
After contemplating it for a while, Alexander finally gave it a name.
"Alright, now your name is Skeba."
"Thank you, Father. My name is Skeba."
The skeleton said it happily, repeating the new name given by Alexander.
As soon as Alexander named the skeleton warrior, a notification appeared on the system.
----
[Ding!]
[Congratulations! The host has obtained a partner who will become the host's protector.]
[Partner's name has been determined: Partner (Skeba)]
----
"Obtained a partner? Give me a strong warrior instead!"
Alexander still cursed the system, calling it trash, but this time he began to accept what had happened to him.
Alexander then grew curious about Skeba's abilities. 'It can't be just an ordinary skeleton warrior,' he thought.
"Alright, Skeba, what powers do you have?"
"Since I'm still level 0, the only skill I have is Skull Sword Slash, Father."
"Alright, let's try it. Now, perform your skull Sword slash!"
"I can't, Father."
"Why not?"
"You are the one who can use it, Father."
Alexander was confused by Skeba's words that he was the one who could use Skeba's skill. He then checked his system status again.
"System, show status."
----
[Welcome to the strongest system]
[Mission: Level up the skeleton warrior to a great warrior]
[Mission duration: Unlimited]
[Reward: Become invincible]
----
Alexander's eyes were drawn to the 'Skill' section in his status. "Huh, it says I have the Skull Sword Slash skill," Alexander said, surprised.
Alexander paused for a moment after seeing the skill listed in his system status. He then came up with an idea and decided to try it out.
"Skeba! Use Skull Sword Slash!" Alexander shouted as if he were calling out an attack move, like in games and fantasy novels.
Alexander watched Skeba remain still, and nothing happened, leaving him both surprised and embarrassed.
"Hey Skeba! Why didn't you use the skill? I already called it out."
"You did it wrong, Father. That's not how it works."
"Then how!?"
"I don't know either, Father. The system will tell you."
Alexander slapped his forehead. This was the dumbest thing he had ever done. 'But why hasn't the system given me any instructions?' Alexander wondered.
"Skeba, return to the system. I'll call you when I need you."
"I can't, Father."
"W-what? Will you always stay by my side?"
"That's right, Father. I will keep you safe."
Alexander was puzzled. Usually, creatures obtained from systems could disappear and return when summoned by their owner.
'Isn't this problematic? If Skeba is out in the open, he will attract attention and cause trouble,' Alexander thought.
He then thought for a while, trying to come up with a way to make Skeba less conspicuous when following him outside.
Alexander walked towards his pile of clothes and picked out a black cloak. The cloak wasn't too big and fit Skeba's height perfectly.
"Wear this when we're outside."
Alexander gave the black cloak to Skeba to wear when they were outside, so Skeba wouldn't stand out and attract attention.
Skeba took the cloak from Alexander and put it on, now looking like a mysterious wizard.
Alexander left his room with Skeba, now cloaked, by his side. He had only had breakfast today, and it was already evening.
Due to the issues he faced today, where he couldn't complete his mission quickly, he had forgotten to eat lunch.
Alexander still had 30 Dams left, enough to buy a long loaf of bread, sufficient to fill his stomach and stave off hunger until tomorrow.
Early tomorrow morning, Alexander needed to be at the Red Sword Guild. Despite the dangerous mission ahead, Alexander had no choice.
He had promised Anna and agreed to join the mission. Alexander just hoped no trouble would arise later.
Tomorrow, he would work as a porter, carrying supplies for the warriors as they battled the bivorches.