Awakening

Chapter 41: Awakening

Swallowed by his sadness, Jin lay still, feeling the cold on his back as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Thoughts rushed through his head like a raging storm. Why...? What is the point in this...?

Jin's voice was dry and empty, his hand slowly rising to cover his weary eyes. Through the slight gap in his fingers, he faintly saw the familiar light of the system window. The light flickered gently, and then suddenly, a voice rang in his ears.

"Are you going to give up now?"

Jin frowned, trying to focus, but his thoughts were too scattered. The voice returned, this time more powerful.

"Are you going to give up now!"

A surge of energy, like electricity, rushed through Jin's body, jolting him upright. His eyes fluttered open, and through his daze, he saw a figure—a woman, glowing faintly.

"Who are you?" Jin asked, his voice full of confusion.

The woman laughed softly, her presence comforting yet unfamiliar. "Did you forget who I am?" she asked, stepping closer. "I gave you wealth and power beyond your imagination."

Jin's breath caught in his throat. He gasped, his mind slowly putting the pieces together. "Trillionaire System... is that really you?"

The woman smiled, her golden eyes shimmering with warmth. Her skin was pale, flawless, and her figure was one that would easily catch anyone's attention. Without hesitation, she moved toward Jin and hugged him tightly, her embrace full of warmth and passion.

Jin's eyes burned with tears he hadn't allowed himself to shed. One single tear escaped, falling silently like a raindrop.

The woman's voice softened as she spoke into his ear. "We have to go now. There's a new quest awaiting."

As her words echoed, her entire body began to glow, transforming back into the system window. Jin blinked, still processing what had just happened, but there was no time to waste.

He rushed out of his room, the door slamming behind him as he hurried to the bathroom. Looking into the mirror, he barely recognized himself. I look horrible... he thought, noting the patchy beard that had grown and the redness around his tired eyes. His arms, once strong, now looked as thin as twigs.

He took a deep breath. I need to move on. The old man wouldn't want this...

Determined, Jin stepped into the shower, the water crashing down as loud as rain against the tiles. After scrubbing himself clean, he emerged, feeling a little lighter. He shaved the rough beard off, revealing his sharp jawline and smooth skin underneath.

Jin stood in front of the mirror, thinking to himself. I can't believe the system is... a woman.

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, and glanced at the new quest glowing on the system window.

New Quest: Glow Back Up, Day 1.

Jin smiled, feeling a spark of motivation. He had already completed part of the quest and was rewarded with a small bonus: Physical Enhancement +1.

"This is great!" Jin shouted, feeling the strength returning to his body.

"Good job, Jin," came the familiar voice.

Jin spun around and saw the woman from before, the system personified. "It's still strange that you're... like this," Jin said, slightly bewildered by her human-like appearance. But it no longer bothered him. The system was a part of him now, no matter what form it took.