Memories of the past

Tyla's early life had been shaped by the harsh realities of growing up in an orphanage, an experience that deeply affected her sense of self-worth and confidence. When she was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Orion High Academy, it felt like a rare opportunity to prove herself. Despite her undeniable intelligence and academic excellence, she couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place among the children of wealthy families. Surrounded by classmates who constantly boasted about their luxurious cars, designer clothes, and flawless makeup, Tyla grew even more self-conscious and withdrew into herself. Her heart ached as she wondered if she would ever be able to stand confidently among them.

In her vulnerability, she found herself drawn to Lily Wilson, one of the privileged students who, despite the arrogance and contempt from others, showed her a shred of kindness. Tyla, desperate for connection, opened her heart to Lily, hoping that this small gesture would be the beginning of real friendship. Unfortunately, she would later realize that Lily's kindness had been nothing more than a facade. To Lily, Tyla had simply been a charity case—someone she could help in order to enhance her own reputation. This shallow connection soon faded, especially when Jason Cruz entered the picture.

Jason Cruz was the heir to the second branch of the newly wealthy Cruz family. Though they had money, their status was still a step below that of families like the Wilsons, whose old-money wealth was entrenched in the academy's social fabric. Despite his family's status, Jason was known for his determination and drive. He excelled academically, was the star player on the basketball team, and brought home countless trophies for Orion Academy. His charm made him the object of affection for many girls at school, including both Tyla and Lily Wilson. At first, Tyla thought Jason was genuinely interested in her, but soon it became clear that his affection was a mask. His true goal was to get closer to Lily, the key to the Wilson family fortune. Marrying Lily was his way of securing the Cruz family's position in the ongoing conflict over wealth and inheritance. Tyla, unable to see through Jason's façade, believed in a connection that never existed.

The betrayal grew even darker as the world collapsed into chaos. In the midst of the apocalypse, when everyone was too terrified to leave their shelters to scavenge for food and supplies, Tyla had been the one to step forward. She had worked tirelessly, ensuring that Lily and Jason survived the harsh first few months of the disaster. But when the time came, Tyla was the one who was betrayed—cast aside to face certain death. Her so-called friends, Jason and Lily, threw her into the grasp of the zombies, leaving her to die alone.

As the memory of her betrayal flooded her mind, Tyla's thoughts were interrupted by a strange mechanical voice. "Hello, I am System 111. Would you like to bind with me?" The voice was eerily familiar—it was the same one that had spoken to her as she was being torn apart by the zombies.

A system? Tyla wasn't unfamiliar with the concept. Before the apocalypse, she'd read web novels for entertainment. In many of those stories, the main characters who received systems went on to live extraordinary lives, gaining power and recognition. Yet, she had also seen stories where the system took control of the character, turning them into little more than a tool to serve its own agenda.

Tyla hesitated for a moment. The pain of betrayal still stung, and she couldn't just trust anything or anyone so easily anymore. With a steely resolve, she spoke: "What guarantee do I have that you won't hurt me once I bind with you? Why should I trust you?" Her voice held a mixture of suspicion and guarded hope—she wasn't about to make the same mistake again.