The Fifth Day in Murim World

Narration:

Ahmed had spent four excruciatingly painful days in the Murim world, trying (and failing) to play the flute, being harassed by the System, and receiving "training" from Master QuYi. Each day, he would wake up to the same impossible tasks, with the ever-present teasing and mocking voice of the System in his head.

Today, however, something was different. The moment Ahmed opened his eyes and glanced around the clearing where he had been forced to spend his days, he noticed a small object beside him—a flute. But not just any flute.

[SYSTEM: Good morning, my little prince! 🌞✨ I've got something special for you today! 😘💖]

Ahmed groaned. "Not again… What now, System? Another flute? I swear if you even think about handing me another one of those wooden sticks, I'm—"

[SYSTEM: Oh, but you'll love this one! Trust me, you've got the hands for it. 😏🎶 It's a Tunisian flute, just like the one you've probably seen in your world! It's perfect for you! 🌟✨*]

Ahmed blinked, unsure if he'd heard right. "Wait, what?" He picked up the flute, squinting at it. "This is a Tunisian flute? How do you even know about that? I'm in some crazy world and you're handing me a flute from my own country?"

[SYSTEM: I'm a genius, sweetie. 💁‍♂️ I know everything about you. 😘]

The flute in his hands was smaller than the one Master QuYi had given him, with intricate designs carved into its surface, giving it a unique, almost ancient feel. It had a sleek wooden appearance, with a slightly curved body that fit perfectly into his tiny hands. Ahmed wasn't sure why, but for the first time, he felt a weird sense of connection to it.

II. The Awkward Performance

"Okay, fine," Ahmed muttered, still half-suspicious of the System's intentions. "I'll give this a shot. But don't think I'm doing this for you. I just want to get this over with." He raised the flute to his lips, his fingers awkwardly pressing against the holes.

[SYSTEM: Now, that's the spirit! Go ahead, impress me, little musician! 🎵💖]

Master QuYi, who had been meditating nearby, glanced over in mild curiosity. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice calm and curious.

Ahmed grumbled, rolling his eyes. "I'm trying to play the stupid flute, alright? Apparently, this one is... special? Whatever. Let's see if this thing even makes a sound."

With an exaggerated sigh, he blew gently into the flute. The sound that came out was... well, it wasn't exactly music. It was more like the noise you'd expect from a cat being strangled while playing in a windstorm.

[SYSTEM: Hahaha! You're so cute when you make noises like that! Keep going, little flute boy! 😆🎶]

QuYi's eyes widened slightly. She stood up and approached Ahmed. "What... is this?" she asked, her tone a mixture of confusion and intrigue.

Ahmed blinked at her, a little embarrassed. "It's a Tunisian flute... I guess? I don't know. I'm just blowing air into it, okay?" He started playing again, this time trying to focus more on getting a proper sound out. The noise was... still horrible, but slightly better than before.

[SYSTEM: Oh, that's the sound of talent right there! You're totally nailing it, Ahmed! 🎶💖💁‍♂️]

QuYi furrowed her brows, tilting her head slightly. "This... this is something new. I've never heard this style before." She leaned in closer, inspecting the flute carefully. "Where did you learn to play this instrument?"

Ahmed snorted. "It's a traditional instrument from my country. We don't exactly have magical flutes in my world, okay? This is a real instrument, not one of your mystical nonsense things."

[SYSTEM: Ohhhh, you're gonna get it now, little one! They'll all be amazed by your cutting-edge style! 😜🎶]

QuYi seemed to consider this for a moment. Then she looked at Ahmed with a serious, yet intrigued expression. "You may have chosen the wrong path when it comes to learning. This style you are playing is... unique. I didn't expect to hear it here, in this world."

Ahmed's confusion deepened. "Wait, hold on. Are you telling me this random flute noise actually means something?"

QuYi nodded, but there was a hint of a smile creeping onto her lips. "Indeed. It is... different. But different can be powerful." Her eyes softened as she looked at him. "I think you have chosen correctly, after all."

[SYSTEM: Ha! I knew you were a natural! 😘🎶 Now you're a flute legend! 💪🎵]

III. Teasing, as Always

[SYSTEM: Ahmed, don't look so serious. You've got this in the bag! 😘💖]

Ahmed slammed his fist against the ground in frustration. "You have got to be kidding me, System! I do not need this right now. I just want to go home. You promised me a way out, but all I'm doing is making weird noises with a flute!"

[SYSTEM: Oh, sweetie, you have no idea. This is your key. You're going to unlock the gates of legendary flute-ness. Trust me on this one! 😆🎶]

QuYi, still watching Ahmed closely, didn't say anything at first. But then, she extended her hand toward him. "You will need time, but I will help you learn. Together, we can master the true potential of this instrument."

Ahmed stared at her hand for a moment, his mind a whirl of confusion and skepticism. "I... don't know if I want to keep doing this. It's embarrassing!"

[SYSTEM: Oh, sweetie, the more embarrassed you get, the better! 😆🎶 It's like the perfect show!]

But, in that moment, something strange happened. As Ahmed looked at the hand extended before him, he realized that maybe this was his only chance. The flute... the sound... even if it wasn't what he had imagined, maybe this was his path forward. Maybe this was what he needed to do to get out of this madness.

With a reluctant sigh, he placed his hand in QuYi's. "Fine, let's do this. But if you make me play this thing in front of anyone, I swear I'm going to lose it."

[SYSTEM: Yesss, we're making progress! A little more flute, a little more charm, and you'll be irresistible! 😘🎶]

IV. The Flute of the Sun

QuYi guided Ahmed through more lessons that day, helping him refine his technique, though it was still a bit rough around the edges. But as time went on, Ahmed began to notice something strange. The sound of the flute, while far from perfect, felt... powerful. Each note seemed to stir something deep within him. He didn't know if it was the Murim world's influence or just his own frustration, but he could feel his energy beginning to shift.

[SYSTEM: Awwww, you're getting better at this, Ahmed! Keep going, little one! You're making magic happen! 😘🎶]

Master QuYi observed, her expression thoughtful. "You are learning quickly. There is a force behind this music of yours. It's not just the melody—it's your energy. You must harness it."

Ahmed looked at her, a small flicker of hope sparking in his chest. "Maybe... maybe I am starting to get it. This flute could be the key to... something."

[SYSTEM: Ooooh, you're starting to see the light, huh? 😆🎶 I knew you'd come around eventually!]

V. Epilogue: The Music of Fate

As the sun set on the fifth day in the Murim world, Ahmed found himself playing the Tunisian flute once more, this time with more confidence than before. His hands moved with purpose, and the melody, though still imperfect, was his.

And even though the System kept teasing him, and even though he had no idea what would happen next, Ahmed couldn't help but smile just a little. Maybe, just maybe, this flute wasn't the most absurd thing that had happened to him in this world.

But then again, knowing the System, he wouldn't put it past it to make it even worse.

End of Chapter