2 Years Passed
Two years later, Manager Yun's life had fallen into a comfortable routine. He finished his work, went home, freshened up, had dinner, and went to sleep, just like any other day. But as he lay on his bed, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. He thought about his life and how well it was going, but the sense of emptiness lingered.
As he drifted off to sleep, he heard a faint sound, like someone calling his name. But when he opened his eyes, there was no one there. Suddenly, he felt himself falling into a dark pit, and his heart raced with fear.
But then, a hand reached out and pulled him out of the darkness, towards the light. Yun blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden change. And then, he heard a voice, a voice that sounded familiar, yet distant.
"Why did you leave me?" the voice cried. "Why did you forget me? Don't you need me now anymore?"
Yun's mind raced as he tried to place the voice, but it was unfamiliar. He shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs.
"Who are you?" he asked aloud, but there was no response.
"If you don't need my help, then I will go back and will not come even if you call me," the voice continued, its tone filled with a deep sadness.
Yun's heart skipped a beat as he realized that he had no idea who this mysterious voice belonged to. He tried to speak, but his words caught in his throat.
Yun screamed, his voice echoing in the darkness. But it was too late, the voice was gone, and Yun was left with only his confusion and fear.
"Nooooooo... hah! hah! hah!"
Yun woke up panting, his heart still racing from the vivid dream. He realized it was just a dream, but the sense of unease lingered. It was a very bad dream, one that had left him feeling unsettled.
He tried to shake off the feeling as he freshened up, had breakfast, and got ready for the office. But as he sat on his bed, tying his shoelaces, he couldn't help but think, "What am I doing?"
The same routine every day, getting ready for the office in the morning, working till evening, then coming home and sleeping, only to repeat the same thing again and again. Was this all there was to life?
Yun felt a surge of restlessness, a sense that he was meant for more. "Am I made for this only?" he wondered. "Will I remain an employee in the office forever?"
No, he thought to himself, I have to achieve bigger things in life. I have to break free from this monotonous routine and make a name for myself. But how?
Yun's mind raced with questions and doubts, but he knew one thing for sure - he couldn't continue living like this. He needed a change, and he needed it now. With a newfound determination, Yun stood up, ready to face the day and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Yun called out, "Sys... no, System 7.0, come here!"
The air was filled with a faint humming noise, and a soft voice responded. [ You called me, host. ]
[ Finally, you remembered me. ] System 7.0 said, its digital tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Yun's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why didn't you come till now?" he asked, his voice firm but curious.
[ Because you didn't call me. ] System replied, its response straightforward.
Yun's expression turned thoughtful. "You could have come even without me calling you," he suggested, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.
[ No, host. ] System 7.0 said, its digital voice firm. [ I am programmed like this. I cannot come on my own without your calling. ]
Yun's mind raced back to the past. "Okay, but two years ago, you came on your own, right?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of doubt.
System's response was immediate. [ Host, remember correctly, even then I came only when you called me. ]
Yun's eyes widened in realization. "Oh yes, you are right," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
He paused for a moment, his mind racing with questions. "Tell me one thing, the dream I had this morning, was it a hint from you?" he asked, his eyes locked onto the digital entity.
System's response was enigmatic. [ Maybe or Maybe not. ] it said, its digital tone laced with a hint of mystery.
Yun's face twisted into a smirk as he asked System 7.0, "Tell me, what I have done till now, and what I am doing now, and what I am going to do now, is it right?"
System's response was philosophical. [ Host, this is your life, and I cannot interfere in it. But whatever path you choose, I will always be with you and guide you. ]
Yun's eyes welled up with emotion as he heard the System's words. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, and his mind cleared as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
"Okay, now I have decided what I have to do next," Yun said, his voice firm and resolute.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Yun called his secretary, Chi Mo, and said, "I am leaving the company from today."
Chi Mo's voice was laced with surprise. "But why, sir? What's the reason?"
Yun's response was simple. "I am tired now, Chi Mo. I will send you my resignation letter by evening."
With that, Yun cut the call, feeling a sense of liberation wash over him. "Haah! So refreshing," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.
As he hung up the phone, Yun felt a sense of excitement for the unknown path that lay ahead. He knew that System would be with him every step of the way, guiding him through the ups and downs of life. And with that knowledge, Yun felt invincible.
System's digital voice inquired. [ What is your plan for the future, host? ]
Yun's eyes sparkled with determination as he replied, "I will sell all the assets that I have made in these two years and donate half of the money to the orphanages of the country."
He paused, reflecting on his journey. "When I joined Sun and Star Company, my salary was 350,000 ¥. Which became 500,000 ¥ after 6 months and 1,000,000 ¥ in the next 6 months. My salary kept increasing like this for the next year."
Yun's voice filled with pride. "I have accumulated a significant amount of wealth, and now it's time to give back to society. I want to use my wealth to make a positive impact on the world."
System's response was encouraging. [ That's a noble goal, host. I will assist you in every way possible to achieve this. ]
With a sense of purpose, Yun began making plans to sell his assets and donate to the orphanages. He knew it wouldn't be an easy task, but with System by his side, he felt confident that he could make a real difference.
Yun's entrepreneurial spirit had led him to diversify his investments. "Apart from this, I also opened some small businesses," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "From which I generated a good amount of revenue. And after investing in the stock market, my total assets are close to 100 million."
He paused, his eyes gleaming with a sense of purpose. "Out of which, I will open an organization to donate 50 million to orphanages. I want to ensure that this money is used for the greater good, and that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. I don't want any fraud or mismanagement to taint this noble cause."
System's digital nod was encouraging. [ That's a wise decision, host. Your generosity will undoubtedly bring joy and hope to many young lives. ]
Yun's determination was palpable. "I will make sure that every penny is accounted for and that the organization is transparent in its dealings. I want to create a lasting legacy, one that will continue to inspire and uplift others long after I'm gone."
After outlining his philanthropic plans, Yun turned his attention to the Skill Experience Extraction process. "First of all, I choose those abilities which I will need the most," he said to himself, his eyes scanning the list of abilities he needs to acquire first.
"Let's see...," he muttered, his finger tracing the list. "I'll need:
1. Martial Arts - for self-defense and physical discipline.
2. Chinese Medicine - to help those in need and expand my knowledge.
3. Business - to manage my organization and investments effectively.
4. Stock Market - to make informed decisions and grow my wealth.
5. Cooking - to nourish my body and delight my taste buds.
6. Programming - to develop innovative solutions and stay ahead in the tech world.
7. Hacking - to protect myself and others from cyber threats.
8. Gun Shooting - for defense and sport.
9. Multilingual - to connect with people worldwide and appreciate diverse cultures.
10. Driving - to travel freely and safely."
Yun chooses martial arts for self-defense, deeming it the most suitable ability for him. He searches far and wide for the best martial artist, and his quest leads him to Yin Shao, a 60-year-old master of the craft. Yin Shao is the head of China's most renowned martial arts academy, located in F city, with the intriguing name "Come in One Piece and Leave in Two Pieces Martial Arts Academy". Determined to learn from the best, Yun sets out to take admission in this esteemed academy.
As he approaches the entrance, a stern door guard blocks his path. "Halt! What brings you to our academy?" the guard growls, eyeing Yun with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
Yun stands tall, his resolve unwavering. "I've come to learn from the great Yin Shao. I wish to enroll in the academy and master the art of self-defense."
The guard raises an eyebrow, seemingly amused by Yun's audacity. "You think you have what it takes to join our ranks? Very well, I shall inform Master Yin of your request. But be warned, our academy is not for the faint of heart."
With that, the guard disappears into the depths of the academy, leaving Yun to wonder what lies ahead. Will he be able to convince Master Yin to take him under his wing, or will he be turned away? Only time will tell.
The guard returns swiftly and informs Yun that there are specific requirements for admission to the academy. "You must meet one of the following conditions," the guard explains. "Either:
1. You must be a black belt in at least one fighting style.
2. Or, your family must be a martial arts family.
3. Or, you can make a donation."
Yun thinks for a moment before responding. "I've come to learn martial arts, so I cannot already be a black belt in any fighting style. And I don't belong to a martial arts family, so that leaves only one option - donation. How much do I need to donate?"
The guard shrugs. "I don't know all that. Only Head Yin Shao can tell you. I'll take you to him."
Yun follows the guard to meet Head Yin Shao. Upon arrival, Yun greets the head respectfully and states his intention. "I want to learn martial arts, and I'm willing to make a donation. Please tell me how much you require."
Head Yin Shao looks at Yun with a discerning gaze. "How much can you donate?" he asks, his tone neutral.
Yun hesitates, unsure of the appropriate amount. "I'm not sure. What is the typical donation amount?"
Head Yin Shao smiles enigmatically. "Ah, that depends on your financial capabilities. But let me assure you, it won't be cheap. Are you prepared to pay the price for knowledge?"
Yun takes a deep breath and nods resolutely. "Yes, I'm willing to invest in my education. Please name your price."
Head Yin Shao leans forward, his eyes glinting with a hint of curiosity. "Very well, I shall name a figure. But remember, once you pay, there's no turning back."