The morning sunlight filtered through the small window of Ye Shengtao's cramped room in the inn, casting long golden beams across the floor. He stretched lazily, his hooves pushing against the rough wooden walls, as his cow form adjusted to the new day. His muscles ached from the events of the previous night, and his mind buzzed with the implications of the dark sect's growing influence beyond the mountains.
The village had been peaceful that morning—surprisingly so. It seemed the villagers were still in the afterglow of last night's "miraculous" events, with Fergio's and Ye Shengtao's "heroics" fresh in their minds. Most of them were likely still fast asleep after celebrating what they believed was their divine deliverance.
Fergio had left earlier, his gleaming armor catching the morning sun as he bounded off to "patrol the village" and ensure its continued safety. It was more likely that he was simply wandering around, basking in the attention of villagers who saw him as their gallant hero. Ye Shengtao, on the other hand, had no such aspirations. He was content to enjoy the quiet while it lasted.
As he lay on his hay bed, still grumpy from the system's antics the night before, he felt a familiar presence.
"Morning, noble bovine!" the system's voice chirped as she materialized beside him in the air, her usual cheeky smile plastered across her face.
Ye Shengtao grunted in response. He wasn't in the mood.
The system ignored his grumpiness, floating lazily around the room. "Slept well? I know a pile of hay isn't exactly fit for someone of your stature, but hey, it's better than being outside with the bandits, right?"
Ye Shengtao rolled his eyes and stood up slowly, his large form filling the room as he moved. "What do you want?"
The system grinned, her eyes glinting mischievously. "I just thought we should have a little chat. You know, about *everything* that's happening. This whole 'dark sect' business... you seem concerned."
"Of course I'm concerned," Ye Shengtao muttered. "You told me this wasn't supposed to happen. The storyline was supposed to be about Fergio, not me."
"True, true," the system admitted, floating over to perch on a low shelf, her legs swinging casually. "But things change, right? Stories evolve. And now you've got a dark sect to worry about. Exciting, isn't it?"
"Exciting is not the word I'd use," Ye Shengtao said dryly, casting a wary glance out the window at the distant mountains. "Tell me what you know about them."
The system pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin theatrically. "Well, the dark sect has always been lurking in the background of this world. They're an ancient order—practitioners of forbidden magic, necromancy, and all that spooky stuff. They were driven out of the kingdoms centuries ago and forced into hiding beyond the mountains. But, as you've noticed, they're making a comeback. Their influence is growing, and it's not just this village that's at risk. If they aren't stopped, their power could spread across the entire land."
Ye Shengtao frowned, pacing the room. "And how am I supposed to stop them? I'm a cow."
The system let out a giggle, covering her mouth with one hand. "A very *special* cow. And you've got Fergio, your loyal knight—whether you like it or not. He may be a bit... overzealous, but he's strong. And if you guide him well enough, maybe he'll be able to take down the dark sect for you."
Ye Shengtao snorted. "Guide him? He doesn't listen to a thing I say. He's too busy shouting about the gods and charging headfirst into danger."
"True," the system agreed, tilting her head. "But that's where you come in. If you're smart about it, you can steer him in the right direction. After all, he thinks you're some divine figure. Use that to your advantage."
Ye Shengtao groaned, his frustration building. "I didn't sign up for any of this. I just want to be left alone."
The system floated closer, her expression softening for a moment. "Look, I know you didn't ask for this. But the fact is, you're part of it now. The dark sect isn't going to stop because you want to stay out of the way. And if they succeed, it's not just Fergio or this village that'll be in danger. It's the entire world. You've got power, Ye Shengtao. Maybe it's time to start using it."
Ye Shengtao was silent for a long moment, his mind wrestling with the situation. He hadn't asked for this role, and he certainly hadn't wanted it. But the truth was, the dark sect's rise was a serious threat. He could see that now. And if he didn't do something, there might not be a world left for him to quietly disappear into.
"What's their goal?" Ye Shengtao finally asked, his voice low.
The system's eyes gleamed with interest, sensing his growing involvement. "The dark sect? They want control. Ultimate power. And they're willing to use any means necessary to get it. From what I've gathered, their leader is someone called the Black Magus. He's ancient—older than any human. He's been alive for centuries, sustained by dark magic and forbidden rituals."
Ye Shengtao sighed, his frustration building again. "Of course."
Ye Shengtao stared out the window again, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. An ancient sect, a powerful leader, and a world-ending plot that was slowly drifting away... it was too much for one cow to handle.
"And I'm supposed to stop all of this?" Ye Shengtao muttered.
The system floated down until she was level with his eyes, her expression serious for the first time in a long while. "Not just you. Fergio, the villagers, the kingdom—everyone has a part to play. But you, Ye Shengtao, you're more important than you realize. Whether you like it or not, you've already set things in motion. The bandits, the village... it's just the beginning. You've got potential."
Ye Shengtao snorted again, though this time it was more of a resigned acceptance than defiance. "Great. Just what I needed."
The system grinned, her usual playful demeanor returning. "Come on, noble one! It's not all bad. You've got your loyal knight, a village that worships you, and let's be honest—you make a pretty majestic figure. Those udders—"
Ye Shengtao cut her off with a warning glare. "Don't. You. Dare."
The system giggled, backing away quickly with her hands raised in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! No need to get all worked up. Just saying, you've got a lot going for you."
As Ye Shengtao settled back onto his makeshift bed, the weight of the situation hung over him like a dark cloud. He still didn't know how he was going to deal with the growing threat of the dark sect, or what role he was truly meant to play in all of this. But one thing was clear: he wasn't just a simple cow anymore.
The journey ahead would be long, and dangerous. But for now, he had a moment of peace, however brief it might be. He closed his eyes, letting out a slow, weary breath.
The system's soft giggle echoed in the room. "Don't worry, noble one. I'll be right here with you. Every step of the way."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Ye Shengtao muttered as he left the room.