Chapter 49 – Let’s begin for real this time

The system is not a living entity. Not mostly. They are mainly tasked with fulfilling various missions with maximum efficiency across time and space. They are overseen by the goddess of fate, Ellefreya herself. They possess some level of awareness to take self-action in an emergency situation.

System 18.9.1 was created to assist Adrian in his quest to integrate with elements of this world and increase his growth potential and strength. It was the purpose of their birth. They are nothing but a mere tool.

In a world where transmigrator never died, one could only assume of the possibilities. The system might've evolved into a more advanced being and a close companion for Adrian. They could've become more humane. But that reality was easily shattered, and the system remained just a program until Adrian's death.

Then the system was asked to serve a different host. A reckless fool who's hellbent on getting himself killed. The system's only task was to protect and guide him to Vermaris. But it was anything but easy. Theon's reckless actions made the system feel like they were losing its nonexistent hair. The emotionless programmed system actually cursed for the first time. They learn about humanity in the most unlikely way. Not through love, sacrifice, or duty, but from sheer depression.

Although their mission is already over, the system was afraid to leave him alone. There's no saying what kind of chaos he might unleash on himself. Or on the world. Theon also did something Adrian never did. He gave them a name.

...............…..

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:

SYSTEM TERMINATION IS IN PROGRESS. HOST SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO THE STATUS WINDOW. BUT ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS SHALL BE TERMINATED.

IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR SERVING YOU, HOST. GOODBYE.

Theon knew this day would come. After Adrian passed away, he knew the system would follow him soon. There's nothing he could do about it. He has to keep moving forward. Ever since waking up from the coma a year ago, even when he was not certain of his own identity, the system was by his side. Not an arrangement designed by fate, but through a series of coincidences. The system was not a tool but closer to family.

"I know I haven't been the most reliable person."

Theon spoke. His voice was grave.

"But thank you for tolerating me all this time. I will miss you. And I will never forgive you. I will be fine from now on."

"Goodbye, Aria."

"I know."

A light surrounded his body. He felt as if a part of himself was disappearing. Slowly, the light materialized in front of him in the form of a woman with blue hair and blue eyes. She smiled.

"Goodbye bye host. I know you will be fine now. You have grown into a responsible person and have matured. It has been a pleasure seeing your growth."

Theon smiled, hearing this, but the system was not finished. She came closer to his ear and whispered.

"At least that's what I would like to say. But we both know that's just fucking bullshit. You're probably gonna get yourself killed the moment you walk out of here. A reckless fool like you cannot be left alone."

She chuckled, seeing Theon's dumbfounded look, and muttered her last words before disappearing.

"Try not to get yourself killed. At least until I find a way to come back."

With that, the system completely disappeared from the world. Theon was still standing there with a dumb look on his face. Pandora looked like she was trying so hard not to laugh. He was about to ask her something, but suddenly felt a foreboding presence.

The ground started shaking, and the temple started collapsing.

Pandora sighed and got up from her throne.

"Looks like our time's up, kid. It's time to wake up and do your thing."

"Wait, what is going on?"

Theon asked.

Pandora looked towards the crumbling ceiling and spoke.

"Someone just recognized your presence and is trying to come here to end you. To nip the problem in the bud. You spoke about how someone was orchestrating everything. Looks like she heard you."

Golden color chains manifested around Pandora. Her eyes were glowing in a purple hue. She looked back at Theon, and a portal opened behind him.

"Kid. Your fate is in your own hands now. Go write your story. And take care of Elara for me. Like every other fragment, she too must find herself in this world."

With that Theon was sucked into the portal. The last thing he saw was the collapsing ceiling, and behind it was a woman surrounded by violent demonic energy. A black-haired woman with black eyes and a twisted smile.

"It was foolish of you to attack me in my own kingdom. Do you foolish gods never learn that? Amareon?"

...............

With a gasp, Theon woke up. His body was covered in various ointments and bandages. He was inside a tent with various medical equipment. Strangely, although he expected to feel pain upon movement, he felt nothing. On the contrary, his body felt rather good.

"Looks like I managed to come back."

He was about to summon his status window when he suddenly heard a loud crashing from outside. He peeked outside the tent to see what was happening.

Further away, he could see a crowd gathered. People of Vermaris were observing something. He slowly started walking towards the. People were so busy spectating that only a few people recognized him and paved the way.

When he moved to the center, he saw the back of a black-haired man standing in the middle. He looked a little bit familiar. Beyond him was the Blood Wolf party. Rod, Kleines, Elara, Veryn, and Marla collapse on the ground. They were bloodied and bruised. Injuries were not severe, but painful, nonetheless.

The man raised his fists, as if about to deliver the final blow.

"10 minutes. That's pretty good. This generation is really blessed."

Theon could realize at a glance. This man has reached the pinnacle of humanity. In a better situation, he would've recognized who this was, but he just woke up and saw his friends getting beaten up.

He did not feel any mana inside his body, but felt incredible vitality. Everything appeared as if moving slowly. Without even realizing what he was doing, Theon moved towards the man in a blur. At the same time, Magnus struck down his fist, generating pressurized air, momentarily blinding everyone.

When the scene cleared, everyone expected the Blood Wolf party to pass out, which they had. But they also saw someone holding Magnus's fist back with both his arms. Theon held back Magus without moving a single inch. Magnus was surprised and then grinned.

"I heard you raised all sorts of chaos while I was away. It looks like it's not an exaggeration, brat."