Dreams aren't meant to come true. That's what I've always told myself, an excuse for living a largely unfulfilled life as a game tester.
I once wanted to be a surgeon, imagining myself diagnosing a wounded person, treating them on the spot with the expertise and care of a seasoned doctor. But that dream faded fast when I faced the reality that I didn't have what it took. I thought I could make it until an incident in my first year of college forced me to face a gruesome, bloody situation.
I froze when it mattered most. Because of my hesitation, someone paid the price—they became paralyzed.
I quit college after that and immersed myself in video games, where I found I had a knack. That's how I became a game tester.
Each time I earned some cash, I blew it on more games. I'm not embarrassed to admit I relied on my parents for food, rent, and even the clothes on my back. I was a parasite, leeching off them.
My parents are the type who see no wrong in their children's actions, functioning like easy-access wallets. No manipulation was needed on my part.
But I did lie to them. They still think I'm in college, working on my PhD or whatever, not knowing I'm just wasting space.
Don't get me wrong, I love them—I think. These days, I can hardly tell. I'm always locked in my room, barely remembering what my roommate looks like. Hell, I can't even recall their gender.
I put down the controller after finishing the mansion I'd been building in Build Your Dream House, a game that actually requires brains and artistic skill. But at the end of the day, it's still a game, something you can beat no matter how hard it is.
I stretched, then laid back on my bed, staring up at the constellation decals on my ceiling. The room was dimly lit, small but equipped with everything I needed. Still, the smell wasn't great, thanks to the trash I'd been meaning to take out. And let's not forget—I barely shower once a month. I should be ashamed, but I'm too depressed to care. It just feels like a waste of energy.
My eyelids grew heavy, sleep creeping up on me. I tried to resist, but it felt like I'd been drugged with a strong dose of sleeping meds. The last thing I heard was a faint "ding ding" sound before I slipped into darkness.
When I woke, I had a vague recollection of a refreshing dream—me, finishing med school, with my parents taking embarrassing photos in front of my friends. I dreamed of a successful life, with a wife and daughter. You know, the best life.
I sighed, ignoring the familiar weight pressing down on my chest. It wasn't the first time I brushed off the voice inside, telling me to get up and do something with my life. Well, tough luck. I'm not doing anything.
I tried to sit up, but I froze when a blue holographic screen appeared in front of me. Then came the same "ding ding" sound I'd heard before falling asleep.
[Ding~ ding~ ding~ Congratulations, you have unfortunately awakened the Mind Reading System. Prepare to be annoyed.]
Had I started hallucinating? Was this straight out of a wish-fulfillment webnovel? It didn't matter—I had to ask.
"You've got to be kidding me, right?"
[…]
Hmm, maybe it wasn't a talking system. Kind of disappointing. But hey, maybe I could try again. Maybe it's one of those shy systems, not one of the obnoxious ones.
"What else can I do?"
[…]
This is really awkward, do I really have a non talking system?
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
[Sorry, host. I am not a talking system.]
"…"
[…]
[Anyway, don't forget to say 'Status' to see, well, your status.]
"…"
After a moment of secondhand embarrassment for my system, I finally said "Status" in my mind. A blue holographic screen popped up right in front of me.
[Mind Reading System:]
[Ability: Mind Read]
[Rank: Tier 1]
[Money In The Bank: $0]
[Mission: Read your roommate's mind by professing your love for her.]
[Reward: $1000]
"What?!"
I shot up so fast I think I pulled a muscle. But anyone in my position would have reacted the same. Who wouldn't get excited about earning money just by reading someone's mind?
"Wait a minute… why do I have to complete a mission to read someone's mind? And what's the deal with the ranking?"
[Ahem, I'll answer this one question, and then never bother me again, is that clear?]
"As clear as an obsidian crystal."
[Was that sarcasm?]
"I don't know, was it?"
[Yes...?]
I almost slapped my forehead from that unsure response, but I held back my frustration. I needed to learn as much as I could before heading out to earn some cash.
"Just answer my questions and stop embarrassing yourself like some newbie system."
[I am new to this! How did you know?]
'Does this system have ADHD or something?'
"Is that so?"
[Yes.]
"Okay, can we get back on topic?"
[Of course! Where were we? Oh right, your first question. You can only use your mind-reading ability during missions in Tier 1.
What's Tier 1, you ask?
Let's just say using an ability like mind reading requires an insanely high brain capacity, and right now, you don't have that. The system's here to support you until you make enough money to upgrade to Tier 2.
Once you hit Tier 2, you'll be able to use mind reading outside of missions. And when you advance to Tier 3 and beyond, you'll be able to do even more amazing things.
But beware: mind reading is dull, annoying, and outright infuriating. Well, that's just my opinion.]
"Interesting stuff. I'm going to test it out now."