What the Hell Just Happened?

"What the Hell Just Happened?"

The awkward silence in the room could probably kill a monster faster than Emma's magic. My cheek still stings from the slap she gave me, and my brain is trying to process the fact that she almost… undressed herself in front of me.

What the hell just happened?

I shake my head, trying to clear the embarrassment. I quickly straighten up, trying to regain my composure. "Okay, uh… forget all that. Let's just—sit. Yes, sit. We need to talk."

Emma, her face still red, nods awkwardly and sits across from me. I take a deep breath, trying to focus. "Now, seriously, how did you kill all those monsters? That power—you were like a one-woman army out there. I need to know everything. What's happening outside?"

She wipes the sweat from her forehead, finally calming down. "I don't know everything, Ethan, but one thing's clear—this is just the beginning. The monsters outside? They're only F-rank."

"F-rank?" I frown. "What do you mean, F-rank?"

She holds up her hand to stop me from interrupting. "Listen first. At first, I was terrified. I saw people getting ripped apart like they were nothing. I almost died too… but someone saved me. Someone with powers. Just like I saved you."

I lean in, curious. "Powers? You mean like that magic you used?"

She nods. "Yes. These powers come from something called a 'system.' I have one—it's called the S-Class Witch System. It allows me to use magic, like you saw earlier."

"A system?" I repeat, trying to wrap my head around it. "Like in games or novels?"

"Exactly. Systems are ranked from S-Class to F-Class. S is the highest, F is the lowest. Same with the monsters. The ones outside were just F and E-rank."

I stare at her, dumbfounded. "Wait. Those monsters were F and E-rank? They were that powerful at the lowest ranks?! How strong would A or S-Class monsters be?"

She shrugs, her expression grim. "I don't even want to imagine. But the system gives me information about them—like common knowledge, I guess."

I glance down at my phone, remembering her mention of people awakening systems. "But what about me? I haven't awakened any system. How does that even work?"

Emma leans back, crossing her arms. "As far as I know, systems are given randomly, but it seems to be influenced by a person's past behavior or desires. Like, I always wanted to be a magician—so I got a magic-based system."

I unlock my phone, scrolling through social media. My eyes widen. People everywhere are posting videos—humans fighting monsters with insane powers, fireballs, swords made of energy, people flying… It's like watching a live-action fantasy movie.

"The world's changing," Emma mutters, watching over my shoulder. "People are awakening powers, fighting monsters. Some want to save the world… but with great power comes great stupidity. Not everyone deserves it."

That last part hits hard. She's right. Power doesn't automatically make someone a hero.

I clear my throat. "What about the government? Are they doing anything?"

She sighs. "Most world leaders are dead. The monsters hit fast, and they didn't stand a chance. But—" she pulls out her phone, showing me a short video clip, "—a new organization formed already. The World System Organization—WSO."

On the screen, a serious-looking person in a sleek black uniform speaks confidently:

"We are the World System Organization. Our mission is to eliminate the monster threat. If you have not awakened a system, stay in designated safe zones. We will protect you. More information will follow soon."

I lean back, absorbing all of this. "So, that's it. The world's gone from normal to a real-life RPG in less than a day…"

Before I can process more, the door bursts open.

"Dad?!" I blink in shock.

My father stands there, his clothes torn, bruises on his face—but alive. His eyes sweep the room sharply, filled with the kind of intensity that only someone who's faced death can carry. There's something different about him, though—an aura of strength.

Mom rushes over, hugging him tightly, her face buried in his chest. Lina follows, tears brimming in her eyes as she clings to his arm.

"I'm home," Dad says, his voice gruff but filled with relief. He gently pats Mom's head, then ruffles Lina's hair.

Then his gaze shifts—to me. But not just me.

His sharp eyes land on Emma, who's now hiding slightly behind me, her face flushed with nervousness. His lips curl into a sly grin.

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow, his voice dripping with amusement. "Who's this? Hiding behind my son like a shy little kitten. Did you finally get a girlfriend, Ethan?"

Seriously?! People are dying outside, monsters are rampaging, and THIS is what he focuses on?!

Emma's face turns bright red, but to my horror… she doesn't deny it. In fact, she looks kind of happy.

I groan, my face in my hands. "She's not my girlfriend! She's a classmate. She saved my life, okay? She awakened an S-Class system.

Dad chuckles, crossing his arms. "Oh yeah? Well, I've got a system too. A C-Rank Fighter System. Not bad, huh?"

I blink. "C-rank? That's pretty good…"

But he smirks, walking past me with a pat on my shoulder. "Still better than someone with no system."

I sigh, glaring at both him and Emma, who's now quietly giggling. Great. I'm surrounded by system users, and I'm just… me.

For now.