Chapter 4: Cracks in the System

Kaito and Yuki followed Aria out of the bustling park and into the quieter streets that bordered it. The air was still, save for the occasional hum of a passing car, and the faint glow of the System screens that hovered near every building.

"Are you going to explain where we're going?" Yuki asked, her tone sharp. She had been glaring at Aria's back for most of the walk.

"Patience," Aria replied without turning. "We're almost there."

Kaito glanced nervously at Yuki, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, I don't trust her, but this is your mess.

Eventually, they arrived at an old library tucked between two modern skyscrapers. Its exterior was weathered, its sign barely legible, but its doors opened automatically as Aria approached.

"This place is still open?" Kaito asked, surprised.

"Officially, no," Aria said, stepping inside. "But the System overlooks certain places… when it's convenient."

They followed her in. The library was eerily quiet, its shelves lined with books covered in a thin layer of dust. Holographic screens flickered faintly in the corners, casting an otherworldly glow on the worn wooden floors.

Aria led them to a table in the center of the room and gestured for them to sit. She remained standing, her gaze steady as she began.

"First, let me clarify something," she said. "The System isn't as infallible as it appears. While most people see it as an omnipotent force, it's more like… a flawed machine."

"Flawed how?" Kaito asked, leaning forward.

Aria reached out, summoning a holographic display that projected a complex web of data. "The System operates on rules—rules it enforces strictly. But those rules are built on assumptions. One of those assumptions is that everyone will integrate at the same rate."

Yuki frowned. "And Kaito… doesn't?"

"Exactly," Aria said. "A low Integration Rate like his is rare. The System struggles to adapt to people who don't progress as expected. That creates gaps—cracks in its programming, if you will. People like Kaito can slip through those cracks."

Kaito blinked. "So… what? I'm some kind of glitch?"

"In a sense," Aria said, her lips curving into a faint smile. "But that's not a bad thing. Glitches can manipulate the System in ways others can't."

Yuki crossed her arms. "Manipulate how? You're being awfully vague."

Aria tilted her head. "Let me give you an example. Have you noticed how the System forces Users into specific quests and roles?"

"Obviously," Yuki said. "I'm a Brawler now because it decided I punch things well. Not complaining, but still."

"Exactly," Aria said. "The System assigns classes and quests based on its analysis of your abilities. But for someone like Kaito, with a low Integration Rate, the System's influence is weaker. He can reject its expectations and forge his own path."

Kaito raised a skeptical eyebrow. "That sounds great, but I'm still stuck doing delivery quests for pocket change."

"That's because you haven't learned to take control," Aria said. "Most Users are trapped in the System's framework. They think they have no choice but to follow its instructions. But you, Kaito… You have the potential to rewrite the rules."

"Rewrite them how?"

Aria's gaze sharpened. "Have you ever tried refusing a quest?"

Kaito hesitated. "No… I mean, isn't that dangerous? I've heard of people getting hit with penalties for that."

"It's dangerous for most," Aria said. "But not for you. The System's penalties rely on your Integration Rate. The lower it is, the less power it has over you. You can decline quests without facing the consequences others would."

Yuki looked skeptical. "Okay, but why does this matter? What's your angle here?"

Aria's expression softened. "I'm not here to use you, if that's what you're implying. I simply want to uncover the truth about the System—and I believe Kaito is the key to doing so."

"Why me?" Kaito asked.

"Because you're unbound," Aria said. "The System doesn't control you the way it controls everyone else. If we can understand why, we might be able to break free entirely."

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The room fell silent as Kaito tried to process what Aria was saying. The idea of defying the System felt… impossible. The System was everywhere. It decided your quests, your skills, your very future. How could he possibly fight something so omnipresent?

Yuki broke the silence. "Okay, let's say we believe you. What's the plan? How does Kaito 'rewrite the rules' without getting himself killed?"

Aria stepped closer, her green eyes locking onto Kaito's. "We start small. I'll guide you through techniques to exploit the cracks in the System. It won't be easy, but if we succeed, you'll be able to do things no other User can."

Kaito leaned back, feeling the weight of her words. "And if we fail?"

Aria's expression darkened. "Failure isn't an option. The System doesn't take kindly to those who challenge it."

"That's reassuring," Yuki muttered.

Aria ignored her. "You have two choices, Kaito. You can continue following the System's instructions, hoping it doesn't crush you under its rules. Or you can take a risk and learn to fight back."

Kaito looked at Yuki, who shrugged. "Don't look at me. It's your life. But if you ask me…" She smirked. "It'd be fun to see you actually try for once."

Kaito sighed. "Fine. What's the first step?"

Aria smiled, the intensity in her eyes softening slightly. "We begin by rejecting your next quest. Let's see how the System reacts when it's forced to adapt to you."

Kaito gulped. He had a feeling this was going to be the start of something way over his head.

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The holographic screen in front of him lit up as a new quest appeared.

New Quest Assigned!

Quest: Assist in a local cleanup effort.

Objective: Collect five pieces of trash in the park.

Reward: +5 EXP, +1 Charisma.

Bonus: +10 EXP for completing within 10 minutes.

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"Trash collection?" Yuki said, laughing. "Wow, Kaito. The System's really aiming high for you."

Kaito ignored her and focused on the screen. His hand hovered over the Accept button, but he hesitated.

"Go ahead," Aria said softly. "Press Decline."

He took a deep breath and tapped the button.

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Quest Declined.

Warning: Failure to complete assigned quests may result in penalties.

————————————————————

Nothing happened. No shockwaves, no sirens, no sudden bursts of pain.

"Well, that was anticlimactic," Yuki said.

Aria smiled. "Exactly. The System expected you to obey. Now, it has to reassess."

Kaito frowned. "What does that mean?"

"Wait for it," Aria said.

A moment later, another quest appeared.

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New Quest Assigned!

Quest: Complete a training exercise.

Objective: Run 1km within 15 minutes.

Reward: +5 EXP, +1 Stamina.

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"It's trying to adapt," Aria explained. "When you reject a quest, the System recalibrates to give you something it thinks you'll accept."

"So… I just keep rejecting until it gives up?" Kaito asked.

Aria shook her head. "Not quite. If you push too far, the System will escalate its penalties. The key is to find balance—accept the quests that benefit you, but reject the ones that don't. Force the System to work for you, not the other way around."

Kaito stared at the screen, his mind racing. Could he really outsmart the System?

Yuki nudged him. "Hey, don't overthink it. Worst case, you just run a kilometer and get it over with."

"Right," Kaito said, though he wasn't convinced.

Aria placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've taken the first step. That's more than most people ever do."

For the first time in a long time, Kaito felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as powerless as he thought.