Floating Island: The Meeting of Yuto Saito and the System
In the serene villa's living room on a floating island, Yuto Saito rested quietly on the sofa, his eyes closed in deep thought as he communicated with the system embedded in his mind.
"System, can you help me find the address of Zhang Kui's parents?" Yuto asked, his tone measured, reflecting his cautious nature.
The system responded swiftly, "The host can locate someone by seeking out individuals with talents in tracking, scent detection, or hacking. You could also trace the source of the signal via mobile devices and authenticated accounts."
Yuto chuckled at the system's extensive knowledge. "You sure know a lot. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"The host never asked," the system replied matter-of-factly. "I assumed you already knew how to handle it."
Yuto reflected on the past few days. After being reborn and gaining access to the system, he'd spent time organizing supplies with Ni Shuang and others while focusing on leveling up. His time had been consumed with hunting zombies and monsters, accumulating energy crystals, and upgrading his abilities. He realized he hadn't spent enough time understanding the system that had saved his life.
"System," Yuto began, "why was I reborn, and why did the apocalypse happen three hours earlier this time?"
The system's response was shocking: "The host possesses a unique hidden talent: the ability to reverse time."
Yuto's eyes widened. "Reverse time? Hidden talent?"
"Yes," the system confirmed. "This talent activates only when the host dies. Upon death, the talent triggers, sending you back through time by three hours. In this case, it also caused a ripple effect, pulling everyone else back three years, though the process took three hours—resulting in the apocalypse beginning earlier than before."
Yuto froze, the weight of responsibility sinking in. "So, the early apocalypse... is because of me?"
"Not exactly," the system reassured. "The apocalypse was inevitable due to the environmental degradation of Blue Star—pollution, natural disasters, and the release of toxic gases long buried underground. Your time reversal only shifted the timeline slightly."
Sitting up, Yuto asked, "What if I die again? Will the time reversal happen once more?"
"Yes," the system answered. "If you die again, you will be sent back to July 7th. However, it's important to note that this only works if you are killed by external forces. It won't activate if you die of old age, starvation, or suicide."
A twisted smile crossed Yuto's face. "So, in a way, I'm immortal, right? As long as someone kills me, I can loop indefinitely."
The system clarified, "Only death by external forces will trigger the loop. You're not completely invincible."
Yuto considered this, impressed but cautious. "So, I've been given a second chance at life because of my hidden talent, but why did you only activate after I died the first time?"
The system's tone grew more serious. "You needed to experience the harshness of the apocalypse firsthand—both the brutality of the monsters and the cruelty of humanity. Only then could you truly grow and be ready for this life. In your previous life, you gained significant experience, but this time, the system is here to guide and assist you further."
Yuto pondered this deeply. "How long do you think I can survive with my current strength?"
"At your present power level," the system calculated, "you could live for approximately two thousand years."
Yuto couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "Two thousand years? I'll be an old monster by then."
"In many ways," the system replied, "you are already a formidable existence—your current strength makes you comparable to the most terrifying beings in this world."
A thought crossed Yuto's mind. "System, has my rebirth caused a butterfly effect? Have I changed things?"
The system confirmed, "Yes, especially for those closely linked to you. For instance, Zhang Kui didn't intend to harm Ni Shuang in the previous life, but the earlier apocalypse has altered events. Because of her sister's fate, Ni Shuang is now stronger than she was back then."
Yuto's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Wait—Zhang Kui didn't want to kill Ni Shuang in the previous timeline?"
"Correct," the system explained. "The outbreak in the previous life happened at 3 PM, and Zhang Kui was bitten while shopping at a canteen. The early outbreak meant Zhang Kui became a zombie ahead of time, altering the sequence of events."
This new information overwhelmed Yuto, but he quickly focused on the task at hand. Zhang Kui's family still posed a potential threat, and finding their location was crucial. With talents like tracking and hacking available, Yuto had new options.
Interrupting his thoughts, Yun Yun descended the stairs, her freshly showered figure draped in elegant pajamas. Her S-shaped silhouette caught Yuto's eye, and he couldn't help but compliment her. "You look stunning."
She smiled softly. "Where is everyone else?"
Yuto answered, "Hu Tuan'er, Rice Noodles, and Ruoruo are at the hot spring. Xiaoshuang is bathing, and the others are outside, likely calling their families."
Just as he finished speaking, Hu Tuan'er, Rice Noodles, and Ruoruo returned.
"Captain, we're back," Hu Tuan'er announced.
"The hot spring was amazing! I want to soak every day," Rice Noodles chimed in.
"Brother Su," Ruoruo added with a playful smile, "I've finished introducing the floating island to the others."
Yuto nodded in approval. "Good work, Ruoruo. Now, gather everyone. I have something to discuss."
Once the rest of the team had gathered, Yuto spoke with authority. "We only need 30 more white crystal stones to upgrade the floating island to level 4. Tomorrow's mission is to collect as many as possible. Hu Tuan'er, tell us about your abilities."
Hu Tuan'er explained, "My teleportation is currently at level 1. After a one-second charge, I can summon a circle with a one-meter radius. Anyone within the circle can teleport with me."
Ni Shuang asked, "Only a one-meter radius?"
"Yes," Hu Tuan'er confirmed. "But when I level up, the radius will increase to two meters."
Ruoruo, always optimistic, chimed in, "Don't worry, leveling up is fast. By tomorrow, we'll have you up to level 3!"
Yuto considered how to strategically use teleportation. Matching it with protective abilities would prevent interruptions. When more copy cards became available, he'd distribute abilities to strengthen the team. For now, his remaining two cards would be used wisely, ensuring the team's survival and their rise to power.
"Xianxian," Yuto called out, turning his attention to Rice Noodles. "Tell me more about your talent for medicine refining. What can you make so far?"
As the conversation deepened, Yuto knew one thing for sure—this rebirth wasn't just a second chance. It was his opportunity to rewrite the future.