I slipped into my room, the door closing behind me with a soft click.
The sudden silence was a welcome respite from the tension-filled dining hall.
I let out a frustrated sigh, my voice barely above a whisper. "What a disaster. Those bastards never change, huh? I guess they do deserve what happened to them in the game."
I was certain that my words would remain confined to the solitude of my room, safe from prying ears.
But, as I sat on the bed, a gentle, feminine voice whispered in my mind, [Yep, they sure are.] I spun around, my eyes scanning the room, but I was alone.
Suddenly, small words began to materialize in the air, accompanied by the same soft voice.
I watched, stunned, as the words danced before me. "What the...?" I trailed off, my mind reeling with questions. What was happening? Who or what was this phenomenon?
Could it be that? The legendary system. But let's clarify.
I spoke aloud, seeking clarity on the mysterious presence in my mind. "What are you?" I asked, my voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.
The response was immediate, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
[I am your system].
The words echoed in my mind, and I felt a sense of déjà vu wash over me.
This was an archetype I had encountered before, but in a different context.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that this was more than just a simple system.
"But how is this possible?" I pressed on, seeking answers. "In this world, systems can't communicate with their hosts like this. And yet, you're not only talking to me but also reading my thoughts."
The silence that followed was oppressive, and I sensed that I was being deliberately ignored.
I let out a frustrated sigh and changed tack. "Fine, whatever. But what do you want me to call you?" I asked, a hint of sarcasm creeping into my voice.
The response was immediate, and it only served to pique my curiosity further.
[The host can call me whatever he wants].
The voice in my head was neutral, devoid of emotion, and yet, I sensed a hint of mischief lurking beneath the surface.
I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets this enigmatic presence held, and I was determined to uncover them.
I decided to test the waters, proposing a name for the mysterious presence in my mind. "I'll call you Ace, then," I said, watching for a reaction.
[No], the voice responded, its tone hinting at a subtle displeasure. I sensed a flicker of amusement and decided to press on.
"But you just said I could call you anything," I pointed out, curiosity getting the better of me.
[Do not call me Ace], the voice repeated, its tone firm but polite.
I tried again, proposing alternative names. "How about Sakura?"
[Rejected].
"Oracle?"
[Please do better].
"Obi-wan?"
[Host, please try to be creative].
The voice's patience was wearing thin, its responses growing increasingly tart.
I realized, with a start, that the voice's knowledge extended far beyond system-related information.
"You recognize those names, don't you?" I remarked, my suspicion growing. "You've accessed my memories."
The voice's response was immediate and unsettling.
[Yes].
My anxiety spiked, and I felt a surge of annoyance at the invasion of my privacy.
"Why?" I demanded, struggling to keep my frustration in check.
[To be a more capable assistant to the host], the voice responded, its tone calm and feminine.
Its humility was a surprise, given the often-arrogant systems I'd encountered in similar stories.
I leaned forward, my mind racing with questions. "Then as my assistant, it's your duty to provide me with answers," I stated, finally having the opportunity to uncover the truth.
[Then ask, host], the voice replied, granting me permission to proceed.
I took a deep breath, focusing on the most pressing question. "What happened to Jessica after I... passed away?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern. "Is she okay?"
[She's doing well], the voice responded. [She mourned your loss for a couple of years, but she's since moved on].
I felt a pang of surprise, followed by a hint of sadness. Years had passed? How was that possible?
[Time dilation], the voice explained, as if sensing my confusion. [The transition between worlds isn't instantaneous. Even souls traveling through space experience time differently].
I nodded, processing this information. Jessica had moved on, and while it stung,
I was relieved to know she was happy. "Is she truly happy?" I asked, seeking reassurance.
[Yes, she is], the voice replied. [In fact, the last time she was this happy, you were still alive].
I smiled wistfully, feeling a sense of closure. "If she's happy, then I have no complaints," I said, turning my attention to the next pressing question. "Is this world truly the game world I knew?"
[Not exactly], the voice hedged. [While it shares many similarities, it's possible that this world is simply inspired by the game].
I nodded thoughtfully, grateful for the clarification. "And what about my... awakening?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
[You've indeed awakened], the voice confirmed. [You can verify your status by-]
I interrupted, a hint of excitement in my voice. "I know how to check my status." Without hesitation, I whispered, "Status."