- Quickly, catch that dragon! It's escaped!
A notification screen popped up.
*Basic Familiarization Progress: 2/5. The Omnipotent Steward System has been unlocked.*
A mechanical voice, distinct from the System's, echoed:
*The Omnipotent Steward AI greets the host. Wishing the host a pleasant evening.*
*The Steward AI is a function designed to assist the host in managing assets when the host lacks the capability or desire to do so.*
*Startup process initiated. Warning…*
Noah.
- That's it! Activate it quickly and retrieve that dragon for me!
*The System confirmed the acceleration command... The process will commence in 3… 2… 1…*
As Noah waited for further updates, seven glowing golden rings materialized around his body. Each ring tightened around his limbs, waist, and head, sealing him in a cocoon of light. Before he could react, an invisible force clamped down, lifting him into midair.
Beneath his feet, a complex circular array with strange, shifting patterns radiated outward. In front of him, a blood-red crystalline frost array pulsed rhythmically. Noah realized its flashes synchronized with his heartbeat.
He tried to call out to the System but found himself mute.
Suddenly, a burning sensation erupted between his eyebrows. The pain intensified—sharp, soul-rending agony. His jaw locked, forcing him to scream internally:
- *Aaaaaa!*
After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided. Exhausted, Noah collapsed to the floor. His hollow gaze fixated on a drop of blood floating away from his forehead. The shimmering crimson droplet drifted into the frost array.
From the array's center, a humanoid figure began to form—limbs, torso, and a face identical to Noah's, but with blank, pupilless white eyes.
**System Notification:**
- *Clone formed with 85% similarity. Data transfer commencing.*
Blue rings enveloped the clone. It convulsed violently until another notification appeared:
*Startup successful.*
In a corner of the room, Noah warily observed his emotionless doppelgänger. Its translucent body pulsed with blue light, radiating cold, brutal efficiency.
Noah:
- System! What is this?!
System:
*This is a clone—a lifeless, consciousness-less extension of your mind. It operates as a self-sustaining array to manage your affairs when you are absent or incapable. It has been programmed with all necessary knowledge for leadership. Rest assured, host.*
Noah shuddered at the clone's vacant stare.
- Are you sure it's not sentient? Will it replace me?!
System:
*It is merely an extension of your intellect. It cannot act independently—only optimize tasks based on your directives.*
Facing his eerie twin, Noah muttered:
- This feels unethical… System, I don't need a clone! Just implant the knowledge directly into me!
He paused, recalling the clone's earlier convulsions.
- …Actually, never mind.
System:
*Are you satisfied? If not, I will restart the cloning process. Warning: This will cause pain.*
Noah:
- Cancel the request!
System:
*Process irreversible.*
A dialog window appeared:
*[Confirm Satisfaction?]*
No option to decline. Resigned, he sighed:
- Confirm.
The clone dissolved, leaving Noah alone in his antique-style bedroom. Exhaustion overwhelmed him.
- System, where's the dragon and the clone?
System:
*The mythical-grade ley line has descended beneath the manor to enhance spiritual energy. The clone is dormant and will only activate when needed.*
Noah:
- So the dragon was just a ley line? I thought…
He sighed, disappointed.
The warm candlelight and woody scent lulled him.
- Tonight's been too long… First a massacre scene, then a storm, then that clone… What a nightmare.
As he drifted off, the System's emotionless voice chimed:
*Familiarization Progress: 3/5.*
Noah:
- System, mute notifications.
Silence fell. He sank into sleep.
---
**Epilogue:**
After the celestial disturbances faded, the Moonlight Empire's Silver Light General arrived with troops 20 miles from Strong Bull Mountain. They encountered an elderly scholar—Bai Huo , an envoy from the Great Prosperian Dominion—smiling placidly.
General:
- Esteemed Bai Huo, this area is now restricted. Outsiders are prohibited.
Bai Huo:
- How rude to dismiss guests so hastily.