Zach Evans, 22, had just graduated with a degree in economics, full of expectations for the next chapter of his life. He imagined that he'd quickly find a dream job and begin his professional career. However, reality had other plans.
Despite sending out countless resumes, Zach had been through one failed interview after another. Frustration mounted as days turned into weeks, and he could feel the weight of his parents' unspoken expectations every time he returned home.
One evening, as usual, Zach sat in front of his computer, scrolling through job postings. His eyes glazed over as his hand absentmindedly moved the mouse.Suddenly, the screen flickered, and a few lines of bizarre text appeared."Host detected. System binding initiated..."Zach jumped, startled, and instinctively smacked the screen. "Is my computer infected with a virus again?" he muttered.Just as he was about to force a shutdown, the screen froze, followed by a robotic voice that filled the room:"Welcome, Host, to the 'All-Universal Supreme Positive Energy Collector Master-Class Super Mega Hyper System.'"Zach blinked in confusion, scanning his surroundings to make sure there weren't hidden cameras or some elaborate prank being played on him. Clearing his throat, he asked cautiously, "What system? Who are you? And since when have you been installed on my computer?""Greetings, Host. I am an energy collection system developed by the alien Xylon civilization, designed to assist you in collecting positive emotional energy by guiding you through tasks."Zach sat in stunned silence, feeling as though he had been thrust into a sci-fi movie. Aliens? Positive energy? Was he really supposed to take this seriously, or should he just reboot the computer?After a moment, he thought, Well, life's been pretty rough lately. What do I have to lose? Let's see what this 'system' has to offer."Alright, System. Since you're here, why don't you show me something real? How about a starter pack?" Zach asked, testing the waters."Host, your initial task has been generated: clear one acre of land within a day. Upon completion, you will receive a reward of $50. Note: this system does not offer a starter pack because it is the 'All-Universal Supreme Positive Energy Collector Master-Class Super Mega Hyper System.'""...What kind of system doesn't even have a starter pack?" Zach thought, annoyed, but outwardly he said, "Clearing land? That's a pretty down-to-earth task. Fifty bucks, though? Seriously, that's way too cheap.""The system prioritizes positive energy accumulation. Initial rewards are modest, but as your positive energy increases, so will the rewards."Zach rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, I'll treat it like a game. Fifty bucks isn't much, but I guess it's something."He stood up, walked to the door, and eyed a piece of overgrown land that had been untouched for years. The ground was uneven, covered in tall weeds, and looked like a daunting challenge. He grabbed a hoe from his shed and stood at the edge of the plot, thinking he could just hack away a bit and call it a day.But after only a few swings, Zach paused, staring at the hoe in disbelief. "Am I really expected to clear a whole acre of land in one day? I'm not a bulldozer!"He had assumed this "system" was just a joke and that he could easily skate by with a half-hearted effort. But the reality of the task set in quickly—it was no easy feat.Frustration welled up, and just as Zach was about to quit, the system's voice chimed in again:"Host's emotional fluctuation detected. System shop now open. Available item: 'Super Hoe' (1-day use). Regular price: 1000 positive energy points. Introductory offer: only 100 positive energy points.""Wait, there's a shop?" Zach blinked. So, the system had a store where he could use positive energy to buy items? Now he was intrigued."How do I earn positive energy?" Zach asked, seeing potential in this new development."Host can accumulate positive energy by completing system tasks, helping others, or generating positive emotions in others."Zach's interest piqued. This positive energy was essentially his "currency," and through it, he could buy all sorts of useful items. With this in mind, he decided to give it a try."Alright, System. How do I exchange for this 'Super Hoe'?""Simply confirm the exchange in your mind, Host, and the system will handle the rest," the robotic voice responded.Zach raised an eyebrow. "Alright then. Let's try this out," he thought, tentatively saying, "Exchange for the Super Hoe."A moment later, the system chimed in again: "Host's current positive energy balance: 0. Unable to complete the exchange. However, as this is your first time, 100 points have been gifted. Current balance: 100 points. Confirm purchase?""Well, that's convenient," Zach chuckled to himself. "Confirm exchange."In an instant, a flash of light appeared before him, and when he looked down, there in his hands was a gleaming, gold-plated hoe, inscribed with the words "Unstoppable Digger." It radiated with an otherworldly power.Despite how absurd it seemed, Zach figured it couldn't hurt to try. He swung the hoe, and to his amazement, the tough, packed soil gave way as though it were soft clay. It was effortless."Wow! This is incredible!" Zach laughed in disbelief as he worked the land with ease. In no time, the once-overgrown plot was cleared, level, and ready for use.Standing triumphantly in the middle of the freshly cleared field, Zach felt a swell of pride. It wasn't long before the system chimed in again: "Task complete. $50 has been credited to your account."His phone buzzed, and Zach quickly checked his banking app. Sure enough, there was a deposit for $50. It wasn't much, but knowing he'd earned it through sheer determination (and a bit of alien tech), he felt a sense of accomplishment.Just as he was basking in this small victory, the system's voice returned: "New task generated: build an irrigation system within three days. Reward: $80."Zach's smile faded. "Three days to build an irrigation system? Are you kidding me, System?""The system will provide technical assistance. Host may exchange positive energy for helpful items in the shop."Zach sighed. "Not the shop again. Let me guess, I'll need more positive energy to buy something useful?"Without missing a beat, the system continued: "The shop offers 'Smart Irrigation Equipment' for 200 positive energy points."Zach rubbed his temples. "Looks like I'll need to stockpile more positive energy. System, any tips on how to earn it quickly?""Host can accumulate positive energy by participating in community service, assisting others, or resolving emotional issues for additional bonuses."An idea sparked in Zach's mind. "If helping others generates positive energy, I can use the system's tools to assist people around the village and rack up some points."Armed with this new strategy, Zach decided to change his approach. Instead of grumbling about the system's stinginess, he would figure out how to make the most of it. Grabbing his magical hoe, Zach headed into the village.His first stop was at Old Man Jenkins' place. The elderly farmer had been struggling with his rock-hard soil, and Zach eagerly stepped in to lend a hand. With a few effortless swings of the Super Hoe, the soil was tilled, leaving Jenkins in awe."Zach, what kind of super strength do you have? You're like a one-man farm machine!" the old man exclaimed.Zach grinned. "Just a little trick I picked up, Mr. Jenkins."As Jenkins showered Zach with praise, the familiar sound of the system echoed in Zach's mind: "Helping Mr. Jenkins till his land has earned you 50 positive energy points.""Bingo!" Zach thought, realizing the system could be useful after all. He continued helping out various neighbors, quickly accumulating enough positive energy to buy the smart irrigation equipment.Three days later, standing in front of his newly installed irrigation system, Zach marveled at its efficiency. The system automatically adjusted water flow and distribution with perfect precision."Looks like the system really does deliver quality," Zach thought, feeling both amused and amazed. "Who knew farming could be this high-tech?"