System binding

Jack woke up the next morning, his head pounding with the weight of exhaustion. The previous night had stretched long into the early hours as he worked tirelessly to finish ironing the clothes for a client. It wasn't just about the work; it was about the payment—every penny mattered. His sister Ariel's hospital bills loomed over him like a storm cloud, and the prospect of her heart transplant felt like a distant, almost unattainable dream.

Ariel had been battling a severe heart condition for years, and the cost of the transplant was far beyond what Jack and his mother could afford. Despite their relentless saving efforts, even with Elise and her family's support, they had barely scratched the surface of the total amount needed. The weight of it all pressed heavily on Jack's shoulders.

As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, a sudden chime echoed in his head, startling him. 

**** 

A translucent screen flickered before his eyes, displaying the message. Jack blinked, confusion flooding his mind. He had read about systems in novels, those fantastical elements of fiction that granted characters unimaginable powers. But this was reality, and such things didn't exist—or so he believed.

Shaking his head, he dismissed the notification, chalking it up to fatigue-induced hallucinations. He had no time for daydreams or fantasies. Gathering the neatly pressed clothes, Jack hurried out the door. His modest bungalow stood alone by the side of a desolate highway, a stark reminder of the life he led. 

He flagged down a passing cab, its yellow body gleaming under the morning sun. "Hailey Street," he said, slipping into the back seat. The driver, a middle-aged man with a worn cap, nodded and set off.

Midway through the journey, the driver broke the silence. "Son, did you get a system notification this morning?"

Jack's heart skipped a beat, but he masked his reaction. "I don't know anything about systems, sir," he replied curtly.

The driver hummed thoughtfully. "Funny thing, I got a strange message too. A system notification. At first, I thought I was dreaming, but then my son mentioned getting the same thing."

Jack stared out of the window, uninterested. He had enough on his plate without entertaining wild stories about systems. 

They reached Hailey Street, a neighborhood Jack had always dreamed of calling home. The place exuded wealth, with its grand houses and perfectly manicured lawns. But dreams of affluence were distant echoes now; reality had other plans. Today, he was here not as a resident, but as a delivery boy.

He approached the familiar door of his client, Mr. Diaz, a kind elderly man who had been one of the few to trust Jack with his laundry. Unlike the other wealthy residents who preferred professional services, Mr. Diaz valued Jack's dedication.

Jack knocked, and the door creaked open. "Right on time, boy," Mr. Diaz greeted with a warm smile. "How much do I owe you?"

"Twenty-five dollars, sir," Jack replied politely.

Mr. Diaz nodded and disappeared inside. Jack waited patiently, the cool morning air nipping at his skin. Despite his circumstances, he always made sure his service to Mr. Diaz was impeccable, and sometimes the old man would reward him with a little extra.

The door opened again, and Mr. Diaz handed Jack a small bundle of cash. Jack quickly counted—twenty-two dollars. He smiled, grateful for even this small amount. "Thank you, sir," he murmured.

As he turned to leave, a small seed of hope flickered in his chest. The weight of his responsibilities hadn't lessened, but maybe, just maybe, something extraordinary was on the horizon. For now, though, he had to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

****

By the time Jack returned home from delivering the laundry and visiting his sister at the hospital, the air was abuzz with news about the systems. The once mysterious notifications that had puzzled many now had an explanation. People were finally beginning to understand the purpose behind their sudden empowerment.

The systems were bestowed only upon those deemed worthy by the great one—individuals capable of harnessing their full potential without succumbing to misuse. Yet, it seemed the criteria were broad enough that nearly everyone, except the elderly, had received a system. The town was alive with the formation of factions, each with its unique mission and vision, ready to face the looming threat of the Saltins.

Jack entered his modest home, the weight of the day still heavy on his shoulders. The scent of home-cooked food lingered faintly in the air, though the house was quiet. In the living room, Elise lounged on the couch, a bowl of chips in her lap, casually munching as the television flickered in the background.

"Took you long enough to get back, Jack," she teased, her voice light but her eyes curious.

Elise had practically become a fixture in Jack's home over the years. With her parents constantly working as surgeons, she had sought solace in Jack's company. From a young age, she spent her days here, finding a sense of belonging that her own home couldn't provide. Her presence had become so familiar that even Jack's family saw her as one of their own, except for Ruth, Jack's sister, who rarely saw her due to her extended hospital stays.

Jack dropped his bag by the door and walked towards the dining table, reaching for a glass of water. "You've heard about the systems?" Elise asked, her eyes following him.

Jack nodded, his expression still skeptical. "I can't wrap my head around it. Are you a system wielder too?"

Elise grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yep. Still surprised they picked me. I mean, I just stole from my mom's purse the other day." She chuckled, turning her gaze back to the television.

Jack raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "So am I," he said, setting the empty glass down.

Elise leaned forward, her excitement palpable. "But you know, I feel like I can get a lot stronger with this system."

Jack crossed his arms, curious despite himself. "Why do you say that?"

Elise jumped up, her energy infectious. "I did some charity work today and unlocked something called 'Ninja Kick Level One.' Watch this!" She shifted her weight, then expertly demonstrated the kick, her movements swift and precise.

Jack couldn't help but chuckle. "Impressive," he admitted, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Elise beamed, clearly proud of herself. "See? This system stuff might actually be useful."

Jack's mind drifted back to the weight of his responsibilities, the constant struggle to support his family, and the looming threat of the Saltins. He still wasn't sure what to make of the system, but seeing Elise's enthusiasm stirred something within him—a flicker of hope, perhaps, that this unexpected gift might change their lives in ways they couldn't yet comprehend.