21. Contract

[Analyzing the egg…]

[Analysis complete. Here are the results...]

[Mysterious Egg (prenatal):

(The egg of ???. Found by Sid Shoka in an unknown mystic realm space.)

(Can be Contracted)

Contract Condition: Drip a drop of blood over the egg.

Caution: The egg is of a parasitic creature and requires energy from the host to grow. Carefully consider before contracting. (Only someone with a spine may contract it.)]

"Huh? What do you mean—the egg of ???, and mysterious egg? Didn't you say you were analyzing it? What kind of shitty analysis is this?"

"And here I thought you were a genuinely awesome system for once. Guess I was wrong."

[The egg's origin cannot be traced back in this world's Akashic Records. It could be from another realm that I don't have access to, or maybe it's a mutated egg of some rare species of which I have too little information.]

[Simply put, it's hard to tell what kind of creature's egg this is.]

"Likely from another realm? Are you saying this egg is so special? Awesome... hmm... could be mutated too. Well, that's fine too, I guess."

"At any rate, it can be contracted. What's that? Is it like some pet or something? Or is it like those slaves?"

[Not exactly. The contract has equal sharing terms, not one-way dominance. Though the price of the contract varies depending on the person and the creature.]

"Hmm, let's see. It requires me to drip my blood on it. Ha, isn't that easy! Lil egg, you want to be contracted with me?"

Egg: (☆_☆)....!!!('~')... (-_-)

"Huh? You want to, but you're worried about me? Why though? Do you think I'm weak or something?"

[Why don't you take a look at the requirements to contract it before making a decision?]

"Hmm, guess you're right. Let's see—it's parasitic and requires a host to provide energy for growth."

"Really? But if it's just that, it won't be a problem, right?.... Huh? What's that? Only someone with a spine may contract it?"

"Dammit system. Are you saying I don't have a spine or something? F*ck you. I'll show you just who lacks a spine."

[That's not what I meant, actually...]

"Meant what? You're clearly trying to challenge me, aren't you?"

[No, wait...]

"Wait, what? Go to hell! Just you see..." With that said, Sid slashed his finger with his pocket knife, causing the blood to drip over the egg.

And so, the contract was formed. Simultaneously, the text on the system panel changed as well.

[Congratulations, you have contracted the mysterious egg...]

"Hehehe... would you look at that. Now what, you son of a b*tch system? Would you still say that I lack a spine? Hahaha...haha... ha?"

"What the hell? I feel so sluggish all of a sudden. Dammit system, what's happening to me?"

[See, that's why I warned you not to be in such a hurry to contract the egg. Your body is still too weak to handle the bur...den...]

With that, Sid's eyes started to dim, gradually closing shut. His consciousness had already left him.

Without the support of the host, the system panel disappeared into thin air as it fell asleep.

The room once again returned to its eerie quietness.

.....

Huh? You're asking where I was these past few chapters?

Well, there are reasons for that. Though, it was also nice to watch as a spectator for once. But still, damn that author...

Anyway, they must've told you everything you need to know, right? But if you don't understand something, you can still ask me—right here, right now. (Don't hesitate, just press and hold this para for a bit. Go on!..)

Now then, if you're done, let's get back to the story...

.....

Some unknown time later

Sid blinkingly opened his eyes, looking around the room, trying to remember what happened.

"Dammit, guess I fainted. That son of a b*tch system! It should've warned me of this beforehand."

[It was definitely your fault for not listening to my repetitive warning signals. One shouldn't blame the poor system for their own stupidity.]

As if to protest Sid's comment, bright white text appeared out of thin air before him. The panel blinked twice before stabilizing.

[Welcome back! I'm quite surprised by your tenacity. How could someone so weak even survive after all that?]

"Huh? What happened? All I remember is contracting the lil egg?... Right, where's the little egg? Why don't I see it anywhere?"

[Well, as I said before, the mysterious egg belongs to some unknown creature that has parasitic abilities. It's inside your body right now.]

"Huh? Really? Come to think of it, I still feel a bit sluggish. Could it be because of that energy absorption thing?"

[Yes, indeed. It resides in your spine and absorbs the energy required for its growth. If the energy supply isn't sufficient, you might just be sucked dry; even death is possible.]

"Wow, that's scary... But, I'm sure I won't die... I guess..."

[Now you understand why I said only someone with a spine can contract it. Contracting a pet without even completely understanding the situation. You definitely should control your anger issues. Why not start by decreasing the frequency of your cursing?]

"Ugh, why the hell are you always targeting my use of language? It's already past the modern era; there's a thing like freedom of speech."

"At any rate, I don't sense lil egg's response like before. Are you sure it's okay?"

[Please wait a moment, let me check... Here is the information you requested...]

[Pets: Mysterious Egg (prenatal–growth)

Status: Under deep sleep for energy conservation.

Benefits: 1. Extreme regeneration (Initiate)]

"Huh, guess I can't communicate with it until it wakes up. Wait, how long will it take for it to come out of sleep?"

[The deep sleep state here refers to its maturation process from egg to creature. It will automatically wake up once it's out of the egg.]

"That's good. And what's this extreme regeneration? Is it what I think it is?"

[Yes, indeed! Any pet, in a contracted state, gives you some abilities in exchange. As I said, it's always an equivalent exchange. As for this egg, it gave you extreme regeneration.]

"Does this mean I can regenerate infinitely, like some immortal? Hahaha, that's so awesome..."

[Well, yes and no. That is to say, as long as it gets energy, you can easily heal. Basically, you need to eat a lot, and everything will be fine on its own.]

Grumble...

"Ugh... now that you mention it, I'm hungry as hell. For how many days was I fainted anyway?"

[By my calculation... it's been about three days and fourteen hours.]

"No wonder I feel so empty. Guess I need to eat something, ASAP. Where was the food stored anyway?"

And so...

He took a bunch of food from the storage, eating it as he scanned through the panel once again.

"Huh? Hey system, what's this (Initiate) written in front of extreme regeneration?"

[Oh, that? It's the indicator that only appears before growth-type skills. It indicates the skill's growth level. Simply put, the skill will grow stronger as the egg grows.]

"Wow, that's so awesome! Lil egg, you're the best!"

"Now then, let's get back to the general panel. There are still a few things I need to clarify."

[Certainly, what would you like to know further?]

"Hmm... let's see. I guess the only things remaining are titles and this inventory. Tell me, what are those?"

[Sure....]

[The titles column refers to the title given to you by the world's intelligence or recognized by most of the creatures living on that planet.]

"Hmm? So the system's not the only one giving out titles? I can earn titles even if most of the humans recognize my worth? Isn't this quite interesting?"

"Hahaha, maybe I'll make the world recognize me as an expert. Then even the shitty system like yourself will have no choice but to acknowledge me. Hahahaha..."

[Please don't get delusional. The world's majority population does not only refer to humans, but to all those insects and animals that originally belonged to the world and are still within its protection.]

"Ahh? Damn, that's too complicated. Now I have to win the recognition of those damn pests too? Wait, do they even understand what a title is?"

[They don't need to. You only need to convince them of your ability.]

"I think it's better to just convince you. Hehehe... it just might be easier if you see my awesomeness for yourself. Hahaha..."

[At any rate, back to the point. Now, about inventory...]

Shuffle, shuffle...

Before the system could continue its explanation, its speech was cut off by Sid's hush gesture.

Following that, there were shuffling noises coming from outside the door. It was as if a group of people had gathered nearby, their intentions unknown.

As Sid was already in high alert mode due to the black market incident, he quickly caught on to what seemed like some insignificant noises.

"Someone's coming! They might be the enemy. Let's stop the explanation for now. Gotta get ready; we might need to run."

Sid said in a hushed voice, as he stuffed the necessities scattered around into his backpack at the fastest speed.

He then hid in the corner, not making a sound, just silently observing the door and listening to the movements outside.

Bang...

Soon, there was a loud noise, followed by a cloud of dust filling the room. The door was kicked open, crashing to the floor with a loud bang.

"No use trying to hide, kid! Let's go—turn over the entire house if need be. We must find him!"