Hello, I am Leon Ashbleon. A handsome young man with pale skin, long black hair tied in a single braid that drapes over my shoulder, and deep black eyes with a striking white hue outlining each iris. I recently turned 17 and now live alone after moving to this new place. On the first night in my new home, I had a strange dream. When I woke up, I went to freshen up, but suddenly, I was struck with a sharp headache. Out of nowhere, a black screen, much like those in video games, appeared before me. And now here I am, sitting on the couch, staring at this bizarre screen in front of me.

Leon:

"What's going on? Did I overdo it with video games? Am I hallucinating? Why am I seeing this thing in front of me?"

Seven slots appeared on the screen, each bearing a name:

Pride - Level 0

Wrath - Level 0

Gluttony - Level 0

Lust - Level 0

Greed - Level 0

Sloth - Level 0

Envy - Level 0

Leon:

"Hmm... Level 0? From my gaming experience, does this mean they haven't been activated yet?"

Ding...

("That's correct, Host.")

Suddenly, Leon froze as he heard the voice echo in his head. He glanced around in confusion before finally focusing back on the screen.

("Here, Host. I'm right in front of you.")

Leon:

"Huh? No way… Are you the black screen in front of me?"

("Yes, Host. I am the Seven Deadly Sins System.")

Leon:

"The Seven Deadly Sins System?"

("Correct, Host.")

Leon's eyes lit up with excitement as he exclaimed:

"Wait, does this mean... like in manga and anime, where a protagonist gains a system with video game-like powers, becomes unbeatable, and gathers a harem?"

("Not exactly.")

Leon:

"What do you mean 'not exactly'? Aren't you like that?"

("The Seven Deadly Sins System isn't a game system that grants you superpowers or helps you collect a harem.")

Leon:

"Then what are you?"

("I am a prison with chains.")

Leon:

"A prison with chains? For what?"

("The Seven Deadly Sins System is a prison that protects you, Host, from being consumed by the sins. It binds them with chains represented by the levels. To help you understand, the system is modeled after the video games humans are so fond of.")

Leon:

"Oh, I see… Wait, did you say consumed by the sins? What the hell do you mean by that?"

("Host, you have inherited the Seven Deadly Sins—primal forces of immense power. Without restraint, these sins have a high chance of consuming you, turning you into their slave. The system exists as a prison to contain the sins, preventing them from taking over until you're strong enough to overcome them. As you noticed, all the sins are currently at Level 0, meaning they are dormant. When they reach Level 1, your struggle will begin. The higher the sin's level, the more profound your understanding of it becomes—and the higher the likelihood of being consumed by it.")

Leon:

"What? No way! I don't want something this dangerous. How do I get rid of it?"

("You can't.")

Leon:

"What do you mean I can't?!"

("The sins have fused with your soul. They are now an inseparable part of you. Removing them would be impossible unless…")

Leon:

"Unless what?"

The system responded with a cheerful tone:

("Unless you die, dear Host 😄.")

Leon:

"Are you kidding me, you piece of trash? 🙂"

("You asked, and I answered. Besides, I'm protecting you from them right now.")

Leon sighed in frustration:

"Wow, you're amazing. Just when I started living the peaceful life I always dreamed of, a crazy system brings seven ticking time bombs into my house and claims to be protecting me. You're like someone holding a gun to my head and telling me not to worry because the safety is on."

("I have feelings too, you know.")

Leon:

"You? What about my feelings?"

("I don't care, you ungrateful brat.")

Leon:

"What did you say, you depressing black box?!"

("Ungrateful brat, annoying fool, and a complete idiot.")

After an hour of heated arguments filled with insults...

Leon, panting:

"…Alright, let's stop. I'm exhausted."

("For a kid, you've got quite the temper.")

Leon:

"I'm not a kid, you bleak box of despair."

("True. With your intelligence and mindset, you're more like a monster.")

Leon's expression froze as the system touched upon his carefully hidden secret. Taking a deep breath, his face went blank, and his tone became cold and serious:

"Do you truly know who I am?"

("As I said, the sins have fused with your soul, and so have I. We know you as if you were a reflection in the mirror. After all, we are one now.")

Leon sighed, his expression softening before he returned to his usual demeanor:

"That's troubling."

Closing his eyes, he reflected on his past:

"Yes, in this filthy world, you must learn to live as a normal person, wearing the right mask for every situation. I understood this from a very young age."

(Flashback begins...)

Leon's Past:

Leon was born in an unconventional place—a dilapidated birthing center in a neglected area. His mother, suffering from severe psychological distress, saw him as nothing more than a useless burden. She abandoned him immediately after his birth, leaving him at an orphanage without explanation.

His father was an unknown figure, leaving behind only a cryptic note that labeled his existence as a "mistake."

Growing up without roots or connections, Leon developed an acute sense of detachment, feeling as though he didn't truly exist.

And his life in the orphanage was no better.

Leon was raised in a cold and strict orphanage.

The place lacked any signs of love or human warmth, functioning like a mechanical routine for feeding and raising the children.

The other children were either indifferent or psychologically troubled due to the harsh conditions.

At an early age (before turning six), Leon faced a pivotal incident:

While food was being distributed, a younger child was violently beaten by a strict supervisor for asking for more food. Leon stood motionless, neither intervening nor feeling fear or anger. This event cemented his lack of empathy for others.

When Leon observed how others reacted to the situation, he realized he was different; he couldn't feel what they felt.

He began to question whether this was a "flaw" or merely a natural way of being.

The child decided to become an observer rather than a participant.

Leon preferred to observe rather than engage.

He would sit in the corners, watching the interactions between the children and the supervisors.

He noticed that everything in life was like a "play," with people wearing masks that suited their roles.

He began mimicking these masks from a young age:

Smiling at the right moments just to avoid punishment.

Crying when he saw that tears would make him more likable.

Realizing that adapting to situations avoided trouble and gained him protection.

Another incident occurred:

One of the children (his so-called only friend) experienced a severe accident in front of Leon.

While the other children screamed or tried to help, Leon stood still, feeling only boredom or irritation at the chaos.

He watched the scene with empty eyes, pondering how "ridiculous" the others' reactions were.

After the incident, a supervisor confronted him:

> "Why didn't you do anything? Why were you just watching?"

Leon replied coldly:

> "What was I supposed to do? It wasn't my concern."

He decided to hone his "acting" skills—not because he wanted to be liked but because he wanted to survive in a world that favored emotions over rationality.

Over time, Leon became skilled at stealing the "colors" of others:

Mimicking the joy of happy children.

Emulating sorrowful expressions during sad moments.

Displaying fake respect for teachers and supervisors.

Mastering the ability to change his "color" to match others' expectations.

He learned that these masks weren't just a means of survival but tools to achieve his desires.

He gained acquaintances and friends in manipulative ways, always maintaining an emotional distance from them.

After years of adapting to life in the orphanage, he finally had the opportunity to live alone.

He carefully planned everything: gaining support from those who trusted him, though he felt nothing for them internally.

He believed living alone would grant him the peace he longed for, free from the need to wear masks.

However, he quickly faced the harsh reality that he must continue wearing the mask.

End of the past

"Yes, I was born as someone devoid of color. To survive, I had to learn. Learning was the answer.

Even without emotions, I learned how to mimic the emotions of others—or rather, how to steal their colors to live in this world.

I achieved what I needed. Even though I am alone, I learned how to deal with others without being too close or too distant.

Perhaps the term 'social recluse' fits me. And to avoid being ostracized—because no matter how much you dislike or resent people, you can't live without interaction, or you'll be deemed a weirdo—I developed a personality that adapts to anyone.

I ensure they don't feel uncomfortable, and at the same time, I make the useful ones like me and help me.

If I want something from someone, all I need to do is color myself in a shade they like.

After all, who wouldn't love someone who shares their thoughts, beliefs, and understands them better than their own family?"