Arc 1: Chapter 17

Bastian frowned, eyes darting at the void space he was currently in. A moment ago, he's still fighting against the nightwalker and trying to save Martin, and yet, he was suddenly pulled inside this space.

Suddenly, a round glowing ball appeared before him. The ball is much larger compared to a soccer ball and it is emmiting a faint light that made the void space seemed to brighten.

[Host, this system is greatly disappointed with your actions.] A cold mechanical voice sounded from the ball.

Bastian was quite stunned.

"System?"

[As a guardian system, this system, is tasked to help the host elevate and help those which were robbed of their fates. However, the primary tasked of the system is to help and make the host stronger to carry the task implemented by the main system to the host. In short, this system, is responsible for your safety and growth as you traverse and complete your task until you succeed. ]

Bastian felt the system turned colder as it spoke with its mechanical tone, thus he pursed his lips, and remained silent, awaiting of what's to come.

[Your task in this world is originally a simple task of F rank, turned to C due to an error. But still this kind of task is commonly used for practice. Thus, dying here is a complete loss with no benefits for both the host and the system. You do not need to sacrifice yourself for the mission completion, it does not matter if the fated person lose a limb or two, but he host must always remain safe. This mission is not the mission we prioritized. You are simply here to train your body, soul and mind to its complete compatibility. The energy is not enough to completely support all the system's function. And this performance almost made you fail without even getting started.]

Hearing the cold and ruthless word, Bastian was at a loss.

How can he help a fated one if that said fated one lose their limbs? It will simply result to further depression and complete failure?

Besides, Martin is a person that he truly wants to help and protect, thus losing any body part of the man made his heart tremble.

Why the hell would he let Martin suffer if he can save him?

[Host. It seemed you do not understand. This world is a simulation of the worlds but at the same time, it is the truth and reality. The energy in various worlds generated by the fates and its world trajectory is greatly affected because of the unknown entity, currently eating at its cores. The entity eats the fate and world laws generated by the systems energy, thus the energies needed to maintain each every worlds functions,

is in peril. The main system sent many systems to stop the said entity that is eating away the energies. This system is one of those systems, sent as the first batch of 100. Hence, my number. As you can see, each world had its own axis and trajectory, however, since the energies is not enough, the stronger habitants like yourself starts to awaken, resulting in massive world failures. Although it is good to know that they were no longer like frogs in a well, it is not good to know so much. They start to break through their worlds and start causing havoc resulting in a massive destruction. This destruction is fatal. It will act as a virus helping the entity, then when the energies are finally depleted, the main system will then collapse and the worlds will lose its orbit and basically starts to disintegrate. Disintegration means the worlds death as well as the inhabitants! Do you understand? Although the target in this world is important, the mission completion does not solely rely on him. It relies on you! You dying here, meant you will be done for, and I will be forced to look for another host! Have you forgotten what you are? You yourself is a bug. You will be killed if you make things worst for the main system. Even though we have the power to survive, it doesn't mean we can live that long. Host, from the beginning, this systems mission is to cater to your growth needs. To make you stronger and be of helped to the Main system. You already said, sincerity is what you need to make this deal successful. But seeing you risk your life for a low level mission, this system cannot see your sincerity. Or is it that your sincerity just amount to this?

This system hopes that you understand and do the missions with at most caution and care to yourself. We are not playing games here. If you die here, you will never be able to reincarnate. Your soul will perish and you will cease to exist. Consider my words as a warning.] The system's lengthy words strucked at Bastian.

The system is indeed true. he wasn't serious.

He just sees this world as a game.

Perhaps, thinking he'd have a cheat, an immortal-like ability, where he can continuously resurrect and enjoy experience.

However, what's happening rightnow is his wake up call.

By not taking it seriously, he became relaxed and almost cost him and Martins life.

What a joke!

He speaks of sincerity, just like a human child, who sees the world as simple and honest world.

But he himself knew, that it should be reciprocal. A fair exchange.

Bastian sighed. The system is right. Recklessness will kill not only him, but those around him.

Truthfully, Bastian really doesn't care what will happen in the future. All he wanted was to read and enjoy his freedom.

Free of fixed routine and destined fate, he now felt like a bird released from its cage.

He wanted to enjoy the vast experiences he was unable to experience in his own world.

He felt ashamed.

And disappointed.

Haaahh.

What am I doing?

"I am sorry for letting you see such an ugly side of mine. I am a selfish person. I only seeks benefit for my own. To be honest, I simply do not care what the main system as well as systems like you, are trying to do. Whether you save the worlds or destroy it does not matter."

He is a selfish person.

That is the truth.

"But seeing you, and hearing your words made me feel ashamed. A system, is not a human, like me. But you seemed more human-like than me. perhaps, I'd recklessly save him again if it's come to another deadly situation. Maybe, I'd even choose him again despite your words of wisdom. But, I promise you, I'd try to save myself as well. And, accomplish what we originally needs to do... Mere words is not enough. I'll make you see what I am capable of. "

Maybe...

I'd end up with a cut limb or two.

I'd even sacrifice myself If I had to.

But I promise myself,

From today onwards...

I'll start growing and getting stronger...

"So, Can you please bring me back to him?" Bastian asked softly.

He doesnt need to understand why he felt anxious and scared of not seeing the man again. He doesnt need to know why he felt so strongly despite only knowing the other man for a short period of time.

What he needs to do he will accomplish.

And he will do it without giving up the man as well as himself.

The system, although unable to read his mind, knew that the host has strengthen his resolve. It is not sure if the host truly understand the severity of the situation, however, the system has no power to and has no right to dictate its host. Because at the end, it is just a guide.

So it can only agree,

[Fine. This is your second and last chance. Take it seriously. I'll use the energy you've accumulated to heal the cells and muscles damaged. So brace yourself ...

It will feel painful. You will feel the pain and will wish that you were dead. But remember, You have to hold on. You cannot sleep nor lose consciousness, because if you do so, the reboot will fail. Thus, you will die and be no more.

In a count of three.....]

Hearing the system, Bastian took a deep breath, intending to brace himself for the incoming pain.

However,

[Three!]

Fuck!!!! I wasn't ready yet!

Then, the counting wasn't even finished yet when he was suddenly met with an intense agony. A pain like no other.

With a mocking sound of notification, the system's dull voice echoed:

[Host, please grit your teeth. I wish you success.]

You dipshiiiiiit!!!!!

At least count one to three!

It was all he can think of before his mind went blank completely.