The System

Under the shimmering moonlight, two girls stand beside a majestic waterfall, its waters cascading down in a silvery torrent. The night air is cool and crisp, filled with the gentle symphony of the flowing water and the rustling of the bamboo trees.

The moon casts a delicate glow on their faces, highlighting their eyes as they look at each other.

"Why are you not answering?"

The Head Deputy of the Discipline Committee asked, her voice getting harsher.

'What are you expecting me to speak about? I am going to get scolded, anyway.'

I complained in my heart. Although, my lips remained sealed.

"Well, it doesn't matter. It's getting late. What is your dorm number? I am going to take you back."

She spoke, seemingly not caring anymore.

"Well, it would be twenty-five."

I answered, my voice was naturally soft-spoken.

"All right, just follow me. You probably already forgot the way back."

She is right, in this darkness, I have no idea how to find my way back.

I guess meeting her here today isn't as bad as I thought.

Today's night seemed to be especially dark; I barely saw anything as I followed from behind.

'I should be more careful next time.'

I thought.

I stepped cautiously, although as if fate wanted it to happen. I lost focus for a second, making me trip over something.

Luckily, because of my quick reflexes, I was able to avoid falling. It's just unfortunate that I accidentally bumped my head against the back of my senior sister.

"Sorry."

It was the only thing; I managed to utter before she turned in my direction.

Before, the visibility at the lake was terrible. Now, being in the bamboo forest, I could barely see anything.

"Sigh..."

Hearing her softly, breathing out as if greatly annoyed.

I felt terrified. Is she going to leave me here?

"Just be careful."

She voiced, and I felt something warm enveloping my smaller hand.

'Huh? Well, it seems this senior sister isn't as cold as she appears.'

I thought in my mind.

- ten minutes later -

"I will let you off this time, but remember, there will be not a second time."

She said, leaving me go when we reached the doorsteps of the dorm.

"Thank you."

I expressed my gratitude. A person who leads me through the dark forest, holding my hand and letting go as soon as we are on the main path has to be a good person.

I am grateful.

Entering the building, I was relieved to find no one at the front desk, allowing me to slip up to the second floor without being noticed.

Finding my room at the end of the corridor. I took a deep breath, calming myself, opening the door with the jade pendant.

I am uncertain what to expect.

As the doors slid open, in the room with still lights on. I could see three girls.

One of them was reading a book on the bed. She had long brunette hair and a small stature, appearing cute and innocent.

Two other girls were sitting on the carpet in the middle of the room, playing cards.

Wait…

"Nicole, Emily, what are both of you doing here?"

I asked, with evident confusion on my face. After all, we were to meet the next day.

At the same time, their heads turned in my direction, interrupting their argument about who was cheating the most.

"Rose? What took you so long?"

Said Nicole, springing to her feet and shooting in my direction.

"Wait Nicole, be careful there is…."

I didn't finish my sentence before she slipped on one of the many board games that were lying on the floor, causing her to lose balance and head-bumping me in the stomach.

I almost whimpered, feeling the impact.

This body is weak. Please be gentle, I wanted to say.

I think that's karma.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it."

Nicole said, managing to land softly on her own butt.

After this brief episode, we sat down and discussed our own stories.

They were the first to speak, talking about their own plan to stay in the same room. This plan didn't include me in the beginning. After all, we were just strangers.

Emily was the one who suggested switching to this room since she already knew my room number, even though it would require both of them to change their accommodation.

As much as Nicole found this weird. Her friend rarely makes any requests, so she was happy to oblige.

When Nicole spoke about that part, her friend's cheeks became slightly red; she appeared to have thin skin.

"Still, I don't get it. How were you allowed to change rooms?"

I asked, unsurely.

"We just asked them nicely. I mean, your would-be roommates to change with us."

Emily spoke as a matter of fact.

"Yeah, and that worked?"

I questioned, not believing them.

"Well, Nicole was doing the 'talking' part, so why would they refuse?"

Emily explained, making her friend nod in agreement. Seemingly proud of her persuasion skills.

'Hey, why are you flexing your muscles so suddenly? Are you okay, girl?'

I wanted to ask, but I held myself.

The two girls seem friendly to me. It's a good idea to make friends in the sect.

After that, they bombarded me with a ton of questions. So, I answered them calmly.

I told them pretty much everything, omitting my crying part and holding hand's part.

They are young girls; I don't want to make them misunderstand.

"What did you just say, The Head Deputy of the Discipline Committee? The monster that every disciple is terrified of after the secret realm incident."

Inquired Nicole.

"Yes, but she is not a monster."

I answered, puzzled.

"Well, my family is tightly connected with the sect. So, I know some things."

Said Nicole, almost bragging.

"When I say monster, I really mean one just a few hundred years ago. She roamed the continent in the beast form. Only recently, gaining the human one."

"I don't know why she didn't punish you, even helping you, but she is dangerous. You should avoid her in the future."

Finished Nicole.

My impression and her words didn't quite match. After all, if she was dangerous. Why would the elders allow her to join the Discipline Committee?

Still, we will probably never meet again, so I dismissed what I was about to say.

"Hey, are you going to continue talking? Do you know how late it is? Tomorrow, we have to wake up early!"

Some unfamiliar voice almost shouted.

Looking behind me, I only now remembered that we were not the only ones in the room.

I feel a bit embarrassed that I forgot about her. After all, it was rude, even though I didn't intend it to be.

"Hey, I am Rose. Sorry for the late introduction."

I said, standing up.

"I don't care about your name. Just go to the bathroom; you are the last one."

The girl with brunette hair said.

I looked at Nicole and Emily, communicating with our eyes.

It seemed not only I got that treatment.

Although she has a point, it's getting late. It's time to sleep.

>>>>>>>>>> 

After exiting the shower and changing into the night clothes that were the necessities prepared for us in the room.

Considering this resembles the ancient Chinese period, some things here are strangely advanced. Yet, this is the world of the mobile game, so anything is possible.

Knowing that I don't need to do my business outside is much of a relief for me.

With the lights turned off, I quickly put myself on the bed closest to the door. I was extremely tired. Yet, I couldn't fall asleep. My mind was restless, swirling with too many thoughts.

Being suddenly turned into a girl. I just don't know how to feel, I hope I did not act too weird today. I am not used to the female companionship. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I never talked to the female. It's just a difference in treatments. However, there's nothing wrong with it. I used to be more comfortable with guys as well.

'If only I had a system like the most reincarnated or transmigrated people do. I wouldn't feel so miserable.'

I thought about my current situation, yet out of nowhere, something suddenly materialized in front of me.

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Status screen

[Name: Rose Ling]

[Race: h?/4?af (error)]

[Points:0]

[Cultivation: none]

[Physique: Extreme Yin Body (unawakened)]

[Bloodline: The Enchanting Nine-Tailed Fox (sealed)]

[Shop]

[Tower]

[Missions]

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I almost jumped in surprise as a holographic screen suddenly appeared in front of me.

I looked left and right. However, it seems no one saw it beside me; The brightness of the screen illuminates the whole room but to make sure…

"Nicole..."

I whispered, not wanting to wake up others.

"What?"

Turning around she looked at me confused.

"Well, doesn't matter anymore, I will talk to you the next day."

I spoke in a hushed voice, but Nicole seemed unfazed, wrapping herself comfortably in the quilt and attempting to sleep again.

Confirming my theory, I put my mind to the blue holographic screen again.

'Just what?'

Is it one of those situations where your "golden finger" shows itself only when you call it?

Still, WOW!

Thankfully, my talentless self has something to rely on in this strange and dangerous world.

Trying to hold my surprise in check, I slowly explored my status screen.

The first thing that caught my eye was my physique and bloodline — specifically chosen for the boost in charm, though trash otherwise.

Why are they 'unawaken' and sealed?

Additionally, I don't see any tabs displaying my traits. Does this mean that the body I currently have isn't the same as the one I created? Or maybe the system doesn't have the function to view my traits?

Well, the sure thing is that this system is vastly different from the game I am used to.

Anyway, exploring other functions. I attempted to touch a section of the tower icon but quickly realized it was unnecessary because it automatically clicked itself as soon as I thought about it.

[You need to achieve a Body Reconstruction realm to be able to access this section]

Knowing that Body Reconstruction was the first realm in your path of cultivation. I could only regretfully put that for later.

Next, I clicked the points icon.

[Points are the currency of the system]

'Figured.'

I thought.

Moving on to my race. Is it bugged or something? That error message has made me quite concerned.

I planned on examining other functions of the system before falling asleep but…

My eyes blinked, trying to regain their focus. Only now, the true exhaustion for today seems to hit me.

I was struggling to stay awake; I wanted to know more before falling asleep.

Still, my weak body couldn't hold on anymore. My eyes closed by themself, and my breathing became rhythmical and soft, falling into the world of my dreamlands.