What do I need?
Honestly, a lot of things.
The first things that came to mind were immortal inheritances, legendary cultivation techniques, and various divine treasures that could pave my way to the top of this new, unknown world.
But all of that could wait.
At the moment, I was more interested in something more trivial, but useful in my situation.
Knowledge.
It was obvious that after spending no more than an hour in this world, it remained a mystery to me.
And I need to learn all the basic information about this world, from the local currency and its face value to the mysteries of the unusual arts of this world, be it magic, cultivation, or anything else.
But asking my sugar mommy about such trivialities seemed pointless, not to mention I wasn't sure if she knew about my transmigrant identity. And revealing that information could have unintended consequences.
In any case, a few plans had already matured in my mind with which I could easily learn about the world around me.
As for this hot milf…
As much as I wanted to keep enjoying her view, I was well aware that sometimes being in too much of a hurry could be detrimental to the eventual catch.
Establishing a relationship and leaving a pleasant impression was quite enough for our first meeting.
What about the future…
Smiling greedily to myself, while managing to keep an innocent and respectful expression on my face, I politely said.
"No need, your presence alone makes me feel calmer."
For reasons unknown to me, the woman frowned slightly and, without answering anything, disappeared from my sight after a couple of seconds, turning back into a gentle blue glow.
Brushing away the regret that appeared from the departure of such a mature beauty, I decided to ponder my situation once more, but I was interrupted by a sharp sound.
*Ding*
[System Activation... completed successfully]
What?
[Binding to host... completed successfully]
[Binding to host's soul... stable]
After getting rid of the daze, thoughts spilled into my head
System?
Why now?
Did I fulfill some condition for activation?
Thinking briefly, I decided to ask these questions to the system, hoping it had some semblance of consciousness.
"System, can you hear me?"
After a couple seconds of waiting, I heard the desired answer.
[Yes, host.]
Unlike the system's previous notifications, which were voiced in a cold robotic voice devoid of any hint of emotion, this time the system responded with a pleasant female voice.
Hearing it brought a warmth to my chest and a vague sense of familiarity, which it quickly brushed off, wanting answers to its questions as soon as possible.
"What's the reason you showed up so late?"
[The arrival of the system was interrupted ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ , appearing in connection with ◼️◼️◼️◼️.]
So the lateness is not due to me, but to some external factor.
Something or someone powerful enough to stop the omnipotent system? It would be nice to know more about it.
Thinking briefly, I asked the question.
"What does that mean? I really hope you avoid excuses like 'you lack privileges to view this information'."
[Okay, I won't.]
"..."
A silence fell between us.
"You're not going to answer that?"
[As the host wished, I will avoid answering this question. After all, honoring the user's wishes is one of my principles.]
Hearing such a shameless answer from the system, the corner of my mouth twitched.
Suddenly, I noticed a detail I had ignored earlier.
The system's voice was too similar to one very annoying person.
Frowning, I asked with a note of menace in my voice.
System, what is the reason for using 'this' person's voice?
[Having achieved perfect synchronization with the host, by analyzing your memory and soul, the system deduced the most pleasant voice you would like to hear.]
"Pleasant, my ass!"
The realization that this system, probably not even having a full and independent consciousness, was using my sister's voice made me furious.
[Host wants to change voice?]
"Yes"
I replied dryly.
[Choice confirmed... voice successfully changed]
The system's voice changed again, but not to the old robotic voice I had heard at the beginning, but to a female voice, though not as childishly innocent as my sister's.
Getting rid of the irritation hanging in the air, I asked the pressing question that had been plaguing me since the system's inception.
[What are you and what is your ultimate goal?]
Sincerely hoping for a less vague answer this time, I began to listen to the silence.
After a few seconds, a voice sounded in my head.
[I am an entity whose purpose of existence is to provide you with the best assistance in accomplishing your goal. Please refrain from comparing me to those garbage systems you have read about on earth. Unlike them, I am founded on higher principles that prioritize respecting you as a person.]
After receiving a very ambiguous response that seemed imbued with pride, I noticed one detail.
"Goal?"
"Does that mean you want something from me?"
[Yes. Your purpose is to save this world.]
"Save the world?"
Not immediately realizing what I heard, I sighed.
"Ha, what a cliché..."
Sounds like the typical goal of an equally typical hero.
Would I really be limited to these morals and laws even in the new world?
I already had the answer in my head.
Fuck that shit!
Becoming a good hero puppet in the hands of the system was definitely not in my plans.
Now that I was here, I would live this new life by my own rules!
I shouted to myself.
To my surprise, the system, instead of threatening me or asking me to do so, took my statement quite calmly.
[Host, as I said, I am different from other systems and I respect your decision. You are not limited by any moral constraints. As long as you fulfill the goal, the path you choose is irrelevant.]
Slightly skeptical of the system's response, I decided to accept it.
At least for the moment.
"What options can you provide right now?"
[Only the 'Missions' section is available to you. The main mission is currently in the process of being created.]
[Warning: Failure of main mission will result in host being punished.]
What? No store, no newbie gift warmly waiting for you in your inventory, hell, there wasn't even a status here?!
I suppressed a ton of swear words wanting to come out of my mouth, I tried to distract myself with something.
"What is meant by punishment?"
[Death.]
Startled by her short answer, I asked.
"What about my rights?"
[No violations were detected.]
"..."
Deciding to ignore the system's antics, I continued to look for possibilities.
"That's not all of your functions, is it?"
[You're right, host. A few conditions must be met to unlock the other functions.]
Relaxing and regaining my faith in the heavens, I mentally ordered it to show them.
[1 ???
2 ??? ]
"System, you fucking brat!"
The moment I wanted to curse one more time, the system's voice sounded in my head.
[Analysis complete, main mission created.]
Oh, yeah.
There's also that annoying mission.
Considering saving the world, what could it be other than the hackneyed killing of a demon king?
Without much enthusiasm, I ordered the system to show the mission, only to freeze in place the next moment.
[Mission: Eat the Villainess.]
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"