An Unexpected Ally and a Sarcastic Captivity

Visual: A clearing littered with the remains of the Mushroom Goons. Park Min-Ho stands in the middle, breathing heavily. He still can't believe what just happened.

— Well, hero, how does it feel? - the System's voice echoed in his head.

— I... I don't understand what that was, — muttered Park Min-Ho, still in shock.

— That was your power, idiot. The one I've been trying to awaken in you. Although, I admit, I didn't expect it to happen so soon.

— But how? I... I've always been weak...

— Apparently, even a piece of trash like you has some hidden potential, — the System chuckled. — But don't get too excited. This is only the beginning. You still have a long and painful path to the top.

— I... I'm ready, — said Park Min-Ho uncertainly. For the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope.

— Oh, please, don't try to act like a hero, — the System scoffed. — You're still the same pathetic weakling, you just got lucky today.

— Can you stop insulting me already? — Park Min-Ho snapped. — I just saved your life, you know!

— Saved my life? Don't make me laugh my non-existent ass off! I'm a System, I can't be killed. But you were one step away from death. And if it weren't for me, you'd be fertilizing these lovely mushrooms right now.

— Thanks for the "support," as always, — grumbled Park Min-Ho.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind the trees:

— Hey, are you alright?

Park Min-Ho turned sharply and saw a girl approaching him. She was wearing light armor, and a bow and a quiver of arrows were slung across her back. Her face was beautiful but stern.

— Oh, look, another hero has arrived, — commented the System. — Only this time, it seems, a real one.

— I... yes, I'm fine, — replied Park Min-Ho, smiling awkwardly.

— I saw you fighting, — said the girl, coming closer. — Not bad for a beginner.

— Thanks, — Park Min-Ho didn't know what else to say.

— My name is Han So-Yoon, — the girl introduced herself. — I'm a B-rank Hunter.

— Park Min-Ho, — he replied. — I'm... uh... a Hunter, too.

— Only the lowest rank, — the System giggled. — And besides, you're not a Hunter, you're a laughingstock.

— Nice to meet you, — said Han So-Yoon, carefully examining Park Min-Ho. — Are you alone here?

— Yes, — nodded Park Min-Ho.

— It's strange that you wandered so far alone, — noted Han So-Yoon. — It's dangerous here even for experienced Hunters.

— I... I got lost, — lied Park Min-Ho.

— Well done, keep lying, — approved the System. — Maybe she'll believe you, and you won't look like a complete idiot.

— I see, — Han So-Yoon didn't seem to believe his words very much. — Alright, come with me. I'll lead you out of the forest.

— Thank you, — Park Min-Ho said sincerely.

They started walking. Han So-Yoon walked ahead, confidently making her way through the thicket. Park Min-Ho followed her, trying not to fall behind.

— Look at you, you've found yourself a bodyguard, — noted the System. — Not bad for a pathetic weakling.

— She's not a bodyguard, she's an ally, — corrected Park Min-Ho.

— An ally? Don't make me laugh. She's just using you. As soon as you're no longer needed, she'll abandon you.

— You think so? — Park Min-Ho felt uneasy.

— I don't think, I know. That's the nature of people. They are hypocritical and selfish. Especially Hunters.

— But... she helped me...

— For now. But don't get your hopes up. Things can always change.

Park Min-Ho fell silent, lost in his thoughts. The System's words had sown a seed of doubt in his soul. What if she was right? What if Han So-Yoon was really using him?

Suddenly, Han So-Yoon stopped and raised her hand, signaling Park Min-Ho to be quiet.

— What is it? — he whispered.

— Quiet, — she hissed. — I hear something.

They froze, listening intently. A strange sound, similar to... singing, came from behind the trees.

— Looks like we're in for a surprise, — commented the System. — And, apparently, not a very pleasant one.

Han So-Yoon slowly took out her bow and nocked an arrow.

— Be careful, — she whispered to Park Min-Ho. — Whatever it is, it won't be happy to see us.

Suddenly, a flock of small, fairy-like creatures flew out from behind the trees. They circled in the air, emitting a melodic chime that, however, grated on the ears.

— Those are Sirens, — the System informed him. — Quite dangerous creatures. Their singing can drive you mad.

— What should we do? — Park Min-Ho was at a loss.

— Don't listen to their singing, — said Han So-Yoon, aiming her bow. — And try not to let them get close.

— Great advice, — the System chuckled. — Especially considering that they've already noticed us.

The Sirens, noticing the uninvited guests, rushed towards them, emitting a piercing shriek.

— Cover me! — shouted Han So-Yoon, releasing an arrow at one of the Sirens.

— Well, here we go, — commented the System. — Now you'll die, and I'll finally be free!

Park Min-Ho tried to take cover behind a tree, but the Sirens were too fast. They surrounded him, diving from above and trying to sink their sharp claws into his face.

— Aaaah! — yelled Park Min-Ho, waving them off with his hands.

One of the Sirens grabbed his arm, painfully scratching the skin. Park Min-Ho felt his mind clouding, and a strange, mesmerizing melody began to sound in his head.

— Don't listen to them! — the System shouted. — Don't give in!

But Park Min-Ho could no longer hear her. He stood, as if enchanted, staring at the Sirens with an empty gaze. His will was broken.

Visual: Han So-Yoon tries to fight off the Sirens, but there are too many of them. Park Min-Ho stands like a statue, completely under the control of their singing.