The first rays of sunlight crept through the glass windows, bathing Zyan's room in a golden glow. The luxurious decor gleamed in the morning light, and the soft warmth felt like an ironic contrast to the turmoil in Zyan's mind.
[Host, your room looks like the lovechild of a palace and a five-star hotel. What's with the velvet curtains and that chandelier? Do you even use it, or does it just collect dust?]
Zyan groaned. "Seriously? Can't you let me enjoy the morning without roasting my room?"
[Roasting? Host, I merely observe. But since I'm here, let me ask—are those silk sheets or just overpriced cotton? Oh wait, you can't feel them properly. My bad.]
"Wow. Just wow," Zyan muttered, rolling his eyes. "Why am I stuck with a sarcastic meteor shard instead of a cool, all-knowing system?"
[You wound me, host. I'm very cool. Vintage cool, remember? Besides, I have an excellent sense of humor. Speaking of which, I have a very important question for you.]
"What now?"
[Are you planning to keep that ridiculous bedhead, or is this your battle-ready look for the day?]
Zyan touched his hair, realizing it was sticking up in every direction. "Great. Now my cosmic best friend is my stylist too."
The banter was interrupted by a sudden thought that had been bugging him. "System… are you, uh, male or female?"
For a moment, there was silence. Then:
[Host. Did you just—]
"Yes, I did," Zyan said, smirking.
[HA! Oh, this is rich! Host, are you asking because you're lonely? Shall I be your cosmic boyfriend or girlfriend?]
Zyan laughed despite himself. "I asked to tease you, but… do you actually have a gender?"
[If we both survive until I reach Version 3.0, maybe you'll find out.]
Zyan raised an eyebrow. "Wait. You're serious?"
[Of course. My essence is evolving as you grow stronger. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up as a dashing rogue or a sophisticated lady. Either way, I'll look better than you.]
Zyan sighed, leaning back. "This is my life now. Teased by a meteor shard with identity issues."
[Correct. And you're welcome.]
Just as Zyan was about to retort, the door creaked open. His sarcastic companion went quiet, replaced by the soft sound of footsteps.
Maria entered, her golden hair catching the sunlight like strands of molten gold. Her mesmerizing eyes, the color of honey, seemed to glow with unspoken worry. Zyan's gaze lingered a moment too long, and he felt something stir in his chest.
[Host. Staring at your sister like that? Bold move. Shall I play a romantic tune for this moment?]
"Shut up," Zyan hissed under his breath, earning a raised eyebrow from Maria.
"Good morning, little brother," Maria said, her voice gentle yet tinged with sadness.
"Morning, sis," Zyan replied, his warm smile catching her off guard. It had been years since she'd seen him smile like that.
Her heart ached, but she forced a small smile. "Why are you so cheerful? Did you awaken a superpower to fly or something?"
Zyan chuckled. "Nope. Nothing that cool. My ability's called 'Luminara.'"
He activated it, and a soft, milky-white glow enveloped his hands. For ten seconds, he maintained the radiance before collapsing back onto the bed, groaning in pain.
"Zyan!" Maria rushed to his side, her golden eyes wide with panic. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Zyan panted. "Just a little… exhausted. I mean, who needs enemies when my own ability knocks me out?"
Maria frowned, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "What kind of ability does that? It looks like a glorified flashlight."
Zyan smirked weakly. "Exactly. I can illuminate my room during blackouts. Super useful, right?"
Maria shook her head, her sadness returning. If this was all his ability could do, how could he possibly survive in Nexus?
She sat on the edge of his bed and pulled him into a tight embrace. Zyan felt her soft warmth, her heartbeat steady against his own.
"You don't have to go, Zyan," Maria whispered, her voice breaking. "Even if you stay an ordinary person, I'll always protect you. I'll take care of you, no matter what."
She kissed his forehead gently, and tears fell from her eyes.
Zyan's heart ached. He hated seeing her cry. "Hey, hey. Don't do that. I'm eighteen, remember? Stop treating me like a kid."
Maria managed a teary smile, flicking his forehead. "Then stop acting like one."
For a moment, the sadness lifted, but Zyan's expression turned serious. "Maria, I need to tell you something."
Her smile faded. "What is it?"
He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm… going to enter a coma soon. It'll be for a few months, maybe a year. I can't explain why, but it's something I have to do. And when I wake up… I promise, I'll be different. Stronger. Better."
Maria's mind went blank. A thousand questions swirled, but she pushed them aside. "You'll come back, right? Promise me you'll come back."
Zyan's voice wavered as he said, "I promise. Whatever happens, I'll come back to you."
Maria hugged him tightly, her sobs muffled against his shoulder. Zyan felt his own eyes grow moist but held back his tears.
[Host, if you cry now, I'll have to add 'crybaby' to your resume.]
"Not now, System," Zyan muttered, earning a puzzled look from Maria.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," Zyan said, forcing a smile. "Just… take care of yourself while I'm gone, okay?"
Maria nodded, pulling back to look at him. Her golden eyes shone with a mixture of hope and heartbreak. "You better keep your promise, Zyan. I'll be waiting."
As she turned away, Zyan whispered under his breath, "I'll come back. No matter what."
[Attaboy, Host. Let's make sure you keep that promise.]