After reviewing everything, Meng Yuqing closed the system interface and lay down on the bed, lost in thought. The system's current functions were quite comprehensive, but one major issue loomed: compared to the natives of this world, he was far too weak.
Operating only within the tribe's boundaries limited the system's potential. To resolve this, he saw two paths: either find a way to enhance his strength or rely on a trustworthy ally to help him thrive.
But none of the system's existing features allowed him to boost his own abilities. While the store offered powerful weapons, they were prohibitively expensive.
"Am I stuck with the second option? That's risky," he muttered.
Unable to let it go, Meng Yuqing posed a question to the system.
"Is there any way I can become stronger and explore the wilderness on my own?"
"Not currently," the system replied.
"'Not currently?' Does that mean there will be such a feature in the future, once I level up?" Meng Yuqing pressed.
"Yes, new features will unlock as the system levels up."
"But my limited capabilities slow down the system's progress. It's a vicious cycle that hinders upgrades," Meng Yuqing argued.
The system fell silent. Just as he was about to push further, it spoke again.
"The host can disguise the system's abilities as a natural talent. With proper use, you may find a trustworthy beastman to assist you."
"Disguise my abilities as a talent? What do you mean?" Meng Yuqing asked, sitting up straight.
"Some sub-beastmen possess innate talents, though most are negligible or so subtle they go unnoticed. However, certain sub-beastmen have detected their unique abilities. The host can emulate these talents."
Meng Yuqing frowned.
"You said it's rare, right? If most people don't even know about this, wouldn't I risk being labeled an anomaly? Or worse, endanger my life?"
"Precisely why you must find someone trustworthy who will not see you as an outsider," the system responded calmly.
Silence fell over the room.
Meng Yuqing stared ahead, his face dark and unreadable. The atmosphere grew heavy.
After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"You're suggesting that person should be Xuan, aren't you? You're guiding me toward him."
The system didn't respond. Meng Yuqing hadn't expected it to and continued speaking to himself.
"You mentioned that he's 'different.'"
"When I first arrived in this world, you didn't bind with me immediately. Instead, you appeared only after Xuan brought me to safety. That naturally made me more inclined to trust him."
"When you did show up, my initial reaction wasn't excitement but suspicion. Yet, you knew I wouldn't reject the opportunity to have a 'golden finger.'"
"Later, when Xuan returned after hunting the Shadow Beast, you revealed you could conceal my presence from predators. That must have been how I avoided attracting any nearby creatures before Xuan found me, right? You intervened so he could take me away."
"You deliberately set things up so I'd grow close to Xuan. Why not bind with him directly, though? Let me guess—you'll say I don't have the 'permissions' to know."
He smirked but didn't press for an answer.
"One last thing: you said I died in my original world. Was that true?"
For the first time, Meng Yuqing revealed the sharp edge of his personality.
"It's true," the system replied quickly, offering no defense against Meng Yuqing's deductions.
Seeing the system's reaction, Meng Yuqing nodded in understanding.
"Then you've saved my life. Helping you upgrade can be my repayment—and my ticket back home."
After a brief pause, he asked one final question.
"System, are your intentions toward this world and its beings good, or malicious?"
Meng Yuqing didn't mind aiding the system's progression, but he wouldn't stand for being complicit in harm.
"The system guarantees it will never act against this world or its tribes," the system stated firmly.
To Meng Yuqing's surprise, he detected a sense of seriousness in the system's otherwise emotionless tone.
Satisfied with this assurance, he nodded and lay back down. He was exhausted. The confrontation with the system had drained him mentally. Combined with his hypersomnia, the tension release sent him spiraling into unconsciousness. His pounding headache faded as sleep overtook him.