Chapter 2: The Return Rate System Awakens
Adam woke up, his head throbbing as if it had been split in half. Fragments of memories tumbled forward, more chaotic than before. His breath hitched as he clutched his temples, trying to piece together the shattered puzzle of his identity. It wasn't just his head – his entire body was rewritten.
"What happened... to me?" he whispered, his voice inaudible in the dim sky.
Before he could land, a sharp, mechanical sound hit his voice Mind, light and understanding.
initialization complete. Welcome to the activated host compensation system. >
The upright man shivered, his heart pounding against his ribs. His eyes scanned the small room, searching for the source of the voice, but it was his own. he whispered, his voice rising in fear. "Who said that?"
The voice almost immediately returned, devoid of emotion but full of energy.
Mission: Test the return rate system. Task: Give a small item of value. Bonus: 2x return. >
Aram's mouth is dry. Is there a system? Like those web stories? His mind is racing. Wait... do I mean I'm in one of those worlds? Is this my trick?
. He glanced around the dimly lit room, his eyes falling on the wooden chopping board lying beside the rickety table. It looked so plain, so far removed from anything he thought was important.
"Should I give this? Did I go?" he asked, his voice filled with doubt.
The test section requires a small fee. >
Still unsure, Adam picked up the shovel, the rough edge cold to his fingers. The smell of the damp wood he stood on, his legs shaking, but strong. If this was true, there was only one way to find out.
On our way out, Adam was greeted by a small, dilapidated village. The dirt path under his feet Between rows of dilapidated houses, their uneven roofs strewn with straw and scraps of cloth. Washing lines sagged under the weight of worn clothes, while children walked barefoot, laughing as they trailed themselves in the dust.
Adam muttered, "This… this is like an ancient Chinese garden environment." Poverty was palpable, in all the wooden hollows and unblemished forms The villagers were troubled. "And I'm poor."
He held the spoon firmly, his mind buzzing with questions. what am I why am I here And what is my system?
As he stood there, thinking deeply, a frail old woman walked past him, her basket full of dried herbs. Her back was bent, her steps slow and deliberate, as if every task required effort.
Adam paused and looked at the shovel in his hand. from the system The language was clear: give. But how could something so small be useful? He left his doubts and went to the woman.
said with a trembling voice, "I'm sorry, aunty. "Here, take this spoon. It's a gift."
The old woman stood and looked at him with sad eyes. His expression changed from confusion to mild suspicion. "A spoon?" he cried, his voice cracking with age. "Why did you give me this?"
"Just..." Adam trailed off, heat rising to his Cheeks "Take it. Trust me. "
After a long pause, the woman jumped up and accepted the spoon, her fingers curling in his hand. She said with a small laugh, "Son." "You're a stranger."
As the spoon came out of his hand, Adam's vision darkened. A powerful force surged through him, sharp and electric.
complete. 2x also activated. >
Adam blinked, and a shiny silver spoon appeared in his hand, it was the blade. Polished to perfection, the sun's rays caught the sun, shining like a treasure from the master's table.
His jaw dropped. "What the hell? It's a real job!"
The old woman looked back briefly, a mixture of confusion and amusement on her face. "You crazy boy," she whispered as she walked away.
Adam looked at the silver spoon, his mind racing. If I gave something for free and got this... what if I gave Got away with something valuable?
things flashed through his mind like a map of infinite potential. There was a slow burn on his face and he realized.
"Oh, I'm fine,"
murmured as the faint hum of voices around him faded into the background as his thoughts turned to the future.
But as he turned inside, he saw a shadow sitting at the edge of his vision. A man just leaned over a standing man But, he fixed his gaze on Adam and a strong shiver ran down his spine.
Adam's laughter faded. Am I still watching?
He put the silver spoon in his hand and turned to the house, his mind already thinking about what to do. If this system can do what I think it can do ... I must be vigilant. That power will definitely attract attention.