Volume I - Chapter 3
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『 MESSAGE』
YOU HAVE 5 UNREAD MESSAGES
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I was momentarily at a loss for words, not quite sure how to process what just happened. As the doctor hung up the phone and was about to turn his attention back to me, I swiftly clicked on the 'X' at the top corner of the screen, closing the notification window just in time.
"What was that?"
Doctor: How did you manage to break this? - he inquired, moving closer to examine the toy.
- I didn't.
Doctor: So, are you telling me it burned on its own?
= Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.
"I need to be careful here. If I share too much, I might be labeled as crazy, or worse, subjected to even more tests."
Doctor: I'll look into it... - He sighed, giving me an evaluative look.
When he entered, a nurse was with him. He turned to her and instructed.
Doctor: Take him for the daily exams, and then he is free to go. Call Sister Lisa to accompany him.
Nurse: Yes, Doctor.
She gently guided me by the arm, and I followed her without resistance to the examination area, where they did blood tests, tomography, and X-rays - the usual procedures. Once finished, I was released.
At the reception, there she was: Sister Lisa, a true angel without wings, the light at the end of my chaotic and gray tunnel. The nun had kindness and compassion in her gaze, taking care not only of me but also of a bunch of noisy and energetic kids in the orphanage, being a sort of superhero in habit and veil.
At 25, Lisa was not just a nun. To me, she was something like a mother, perhaps even cooler than my mother from my past life - no offense to her, of course. After all, my biological mother was facing her own monsters, mainly the debts that constantly haunted her.
Lisa's hair was a story on its own. Blonde, long, looking like strands of gold dancing in the air with every move she made. And those eyes... oh, those eyes! They were blue, but not just any blue. A deep blue, the kind you lose yourself in, like a calm and inviting ocean.
And speaking of her looks, Sister Lisa didn't need anything artificial to be beautiful - her beauty was all natural and genuine. No contact lenses, makeup, or any trick of the sort.
Wearing the traditional nun's habit, Lisa had a simple, yet elegant vibe. You know, not everyone could make a black and white dress look so good. Her habit somehow perfectly matched her peaceful and gentle aura, giving her this mystical and welcoming air, always ready to give you a tight hug or wise advice when life decides to knock you down.
- Lisa?
Lisa: Ah, Kuroto! Hello! How did the exams go today?"
"Different" is one way to put it - I said, stretching my arms out to her.
Lisa picked me up, leaving the hospital heading towards the street to catch a taxi back home.
Lisa: What do you mean by "different"? Did anything unusual happen?
- Nothing much... nothing you need to worry about.
Lisa: You know, every time you say that, I get even more worried, you little rascal - she replied, giving me a gentle pinch on the cheek.
- Ow, ow... Sorry - I said, giving her a faint smile.
We sat in the taxi, and I found myself looking at Lisa and then the window, as I couldn't see much because of my height.
- Why do I have to go through all these exams... - I sighed, looking at my window.
Lisa: It's for your own good.
- If they really cared, they would let me have a normal childhood.
The words left my mouth like razors, cutting through the air and hitting Lisa. I could tell she felt bad about what I said.
- ... - I sighed, turning my gaze back to her - I'm sorry.
Lisa: No... You don't need to apologize, you're not wrong. But it's for your own good.
~ For my own good, huh... - I sighed, looking back at the road.
The atmosphere in the car grew heavy, and it remained so for the entire ride, each of us absorbed in our thoughts. Lisa tried to break the silence:
Lisa: How about a piece of German pie when we get home?
- No need. You'd have to buy for the other kids too. And, either way, it won't help.
Lisa tried to say something else, but I interrupted her.
- Just... forget it. The more we talk about it, the worse it will be.
We spent the rest of the ride in silence, while I mentally revisited the day's events. When we finally arrived at the convent, I bid Lisa goodbye with a kiss on the cheek.
- I'm sorry... I didn't mean to take it out on you.
Lisa: It's okay... Sometimes I forget you are...
- A child? - I completed for her, with a serious look - Just because I'm more mature doesn't mean I can't act like a child every now and then.
Lisa: You little devil - she said, crouching down to hug me in that caring way only a mother does.
I returned the smile and kissed her cheek before running off towards my room, where I tried to access the system again. After a few minutes of struggle, I managed to open the system simply by thinking about doing so.
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『 MESSAGE』
Welcome
System Presentation
Startup Reward
Restart Package
???????
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For some reason, I couldn't open the last message. There seemed to be some error or bug, and a notification popped up saying "Permission required, unavailable."
"Uhm, seems like I don't have administrator permissions, just user ones... That's interesting. It seems quite simple, but I don't see other tabs in the system. How does this work?"
Let's take it step by step since I can't access that one.
While analyzing the messages, I couldn't help but think that, even though it was unusual, it was a welcomed change. After all, my life up until now had been a series of tests and experiments, not all ethical. Having something different to focus on was exciting.
Systems... I vaguely remember some mangas, manhuas, and even webtoons about this. Usually, they are absurdly and super powerful - I thought to myself while staring at the screen - And other times... They are a curse - I sighed deeply - If you're in hell, embrace the devil - I murmured, opening the first message.
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『MESSAGE』
Welcome, PLAYER, to the system created by the APOCALYPSE DRAGON. The system will guide you to become worthy of being the avatar of your sponsor.
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- Apocalypse Dragon... What a... tacky name - I commented, raising an eyebrow.
I felt a chill down my spine as I said that, as if someone or something didn't appreciate my comment. But I shrugged and went straight to the next message.
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『MESSAGE』
Hello again KUROTO, The APOCALYPSE DRAGON congratulates you on your appointment, meeting the prerequisites for using the system.
(THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS HAVE BEEN UNLOCKED)
STORE
INVENTORY
STATISTICS
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"Well, seems straightforward, right? Just think about the option and it appears, right? It wasn't explained very well, but it's okay."
"He's congratulating me for my name? So, this message is old, right? Why didn't the system appear before? I'm getting more confused, but let's go to the next message."
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『MESSAGE』
Congratulations for reaching your first system initialization. The MISSION option has been unlocked.
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"Well, I was finding it strange that there were no missions. Now, the most interesting thing of all: this package. What could be inside?"
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『MESSAGE』
The APOCALYPSE DRAGON congratulates you on your restart and offers a blessing to your avatar. Choose the primary energy, which will be your permanent power source and will influence your future potential (Choose wisely).
Cursed Energy
Magical Energy
Holy Energy
Draconic Energy
Demonic Energy
Vital Energy
Chakra Energy
Ki Energy
WARNING: The chosen energy will affect the rewards acquired in the future. New energies can be acquired by performing specific actions or having specific legacies, but there is a risk of incompatibility with the primary energy, which may cause energy conflicts in your body. All energies start at their most basic level of knowledge. The APOCALYPSE DRAGON awaits your choice.
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"This is suspicious. It's offering me a form of power with a wide range. If I choose randomly, I might be prevented from acquiring new energies in the future. Magical Energy and Cursed Energy seem to be the most compatible since the others tend to cancel each other out."
I reflected while looking at the screen, considering the pros and cons of each energy, unable to decide which would be most beneficial for me.
"Cursed Energy is derived from humans' negative feelings. It might be easy to use, and maybe I can create my own technique if I dedicate myself to it. It will be this one." I decided, selecting Cursed Energy.
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『MESSAGE』
(SELECTED REWARD)
Cursed Energy
Would you like to confirm your choice and start the adaptation process?
⟮Yes⟯❯──────｢❖｣───────❮⟮No⟯
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I don't have much to lose. As I said, if you're in hell, embrace the devil - I murmured, selecting '⟮Yes⟯'.
Ah, that initial golden glow, that treacherous and damned light, made a silent promise of comfort, encircling me like a warm and welcoming embrace. But the promise quickly unraveled, giving way to a damn pain, a visceral torment inflaming every fiber of my body, each cell, every atom.
"Damn..." The curse escaped, a panting and involuntary murmur as agony began to consume me. It was a wicked pain, a kind of deafening agony that tore and grinded, a hurricane of discomfort leaving me staggering at the brink of madness. "What the hell... What a dumb idea was this? I'm just a kid, a damn child... Am I to be obliterated like this, roasted and shattered by an invisible, motherfucking force?"
The words on the system display alternated, changing place and meaning, showing me the percentage and progress of this painful transmutation. Each new percentage seemed to bring a new layer of pain, an additional dimension of suffering that made me want to scream until I was breathless.
The pain intensified, growing in increasingly higher and powerful waves, waves that broke against the shores of my being with the force of devastating typhoons. It felt like someone had shoved a lit torch inside me, burning me from the inside, incinerating every part of me while something essential and irreplaceable was devoured by the relentless flame.
"Stop, damn it! Enough of this shit! It hurts, it hurts too much! STOP!" My voice came out in a guttural roar, while I crawled on the grass, the green blades stained by sweat and tears, vision blurred and distorted by the pain pulsing in every corner of my being.
Li...sa... - The name passed through my lips in a whisper, a fragile and broken murmur, as consciousness slipped away, fleeing like sand through my fingers. And then, on that night of infinite pain and darkness, I fainted.
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『 WARNING 』
FAILURE IN ASSIMILATION OF THE CURSED SOUL
PROCESS INTERRUPTED
■■■■■■■■■■■□□□□□□□□□□ 50%
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When I came to, I felt as if a damn truck had run over me. Everything hurt. Trying to move, I realized I was lying in the same damn bed. And no, nobody had tied me down, my body had simply given up on me. I felt tremendous agony, and my eyes, though blurred and confused, couldn't hold back a rebellious tear.
"What the hell... Why is this crap happening to me? Well, at least I have that so-called cursed energy now, right?"
Out of nowhere, that annoying system message appeared. Even though my vision was crap, it was as clear as day.
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『 WARNING 』
Partial failure in the assimilation of the Cursed Soul: the process is 50% complete.
It's recommended to restart the process to ensure full integration.
Ignoring this recommendation may result in an 80% incompatibility with the Cursed Soul.
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"Damn it, hellish system! You nearly killed me, and now you're telling me it was all for nothing? Go to hell! Looks like I'm screwed again..."
I tried to swallow my tears as I attempted, unsuccessfully, to move. Such unbearable pain from the needles stuck in me.
I wanted, I don't know, a quiet life, you know? Why did all this crap have to fall squarely on my shoulders? I tried to calm my mind, remembering to breathe and not completely freak out.
Suddenly, I heard Lisa's voice. It sounded like an angel amidst all this hell.
Lisa: Kuroto! - She came running, holding my hand with a firmness that brought some relief.
L-Lisa... it hurts like hell! - I managed to say, trying not to burst into tears in front of her.
Lisa: Shhh... relax, okay? I'm here. Everything will be okay.
I forced a smile, as a distant memory of my mother in a past life surfaced in my mind.
You promise? - My voice was weaker than I would have liked.
Lisa: I promise. And later we'll have a big ice cream, okay? - She tried to smile, but the sadness in her eyes was evident. I felt moisture on my hand... Damn, she was crying for me.
I... I'm going to die, aren't I? - Reality seemed to hit me like a punch. I closed my eyes, waiting for some answer, but nothing. I lost myself in darkness again.
Upon waking, I felt more trapped than ever, with tubes and more tubes. And I could hear those conversations, whispers, about money, about my condition. Oh, crap, I was really bad.
"System, can you tell me how screwed I am?" - And there I was, dialoguing with the only thing that seemed to have an answer. But honestly, I didn't know if I wanted to hear it.
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『 WARNING 』
The body is in critical condition. If the system carrier refuses to complete the body repair and Cursed Soul reconstruction process immediately, the probability of death is 98%.
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『 WARNING 』
Body collapsing, irreparable damage accumulating.
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『 WARNING 』
Probability of success for new attempt at 10% and decreasing!
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"I'm going to die again, without having enjoyed anything from this new life... Is this the end?"
The conversation between Lisa and the Priest continued, with Lisa pleading for more time for me to live. But I already knew the truth. I didn't want Lisa to suffer more because of me.
Finally, an emergency message from the system appeared:
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『 WARNING 』
Last opportunity to initiate body repair and Cursed Soul reconstruction. Do you wish to proceed? Countdown: 20 seconds.
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I decided to fight. "Initiate repair!" - I commanded, as the countdown was almost at zero. A popup appeared:
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『 MESSAGE 』
Initiating emergency body repair protocol...
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Ah, trying to explain the pain that followed is like trying to count how many stars are in the sky on a cloudy night. It was a motherfucking agony, the kind that makes each second feel like an entire decade. It was as if every cell of my body was being squeezed, twisted, and then thrown into a blender.
Every piece of my being screamed. It was an infernal torment that seemed endless, a rampant roller-coaster of pain that rose and fell, making my stomach churn and my head pulse. It felt like I was being torn apart from the inside, while every nerve of mine was pulled and twisted to its limit. And there was no escape, nothing I could do but endure.
Damn, it was as if I was being torn apart and then reassembled, piece by piece, all wrong. My muscles burned, as if they were being melted and reforged, and my skeleton... Oh, my skeleton felt as if it was being crushed and rebuilt, the bones rearranging in ways I couldn't even imagine were possible.
And my head? It was a whirlwind of pain, a storm of agony that made me dizzy, making me want to vomit, scream, cry, all at once. But I couldn't. I was stuck in that torment, at the mercy of whatever the hell was happening to me.
When that symphony from hell finally ended, I felt like a rag. I was so exhausted, mentally and emotionally, that I could hardly process anything. The world around me seemed distant, blurred, like I was looking through a dark, narrow tunnel. I had no energy for anything, just exhaustion that penetrated to the core of my being.
You know when you're so tired, so tired, that even thinking hurts? That was it. A fatigue that went beyond the physical, leaving me on the brink of unconsciousness. I was hanging by a thread, a step away from falling into the abyss of nothingness. And honestly, at that moment, I almost preferred that to continuing to feel that damn pain.
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『MESSAGE』
Congratulations to the PLAYER! The assimilation of the Cursed Soul and body repair were successful with an acceptance rate of 70% and rising.
Risk of rejection: 0.1%.
Recovery time: undefined.
[Reactivation of ability]
{Pain Suppression}
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『PRIMARY ENERGY ACQUIRED』
[Cursed Energy]
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My thoughts were in turmoil, and soon darkness enveloped me, leading me into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When I woke up again, a feeling of emptiness and lightness filled me, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders. The pain, once unbearable, was now just a distant memory.
My eyes opened slowly, revealing an impersonal white ceiling above me. The soft, diffused light illuminated the environment, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. I tried to move, realizing that for the first time in a long while, my body responded to my command, albeit weakly.
- Where... where am I? - I murmured, my voice weak and hoarse from disuse.
The door to the room opened gently, and Lisa entered, her eyes red and swollen from crying, but a shy and relieved smile illuminated her face as she saw me awake.
Lisa: Kuroto! You woke up! - she exclaimed, approaching my bed with hurried steps. - How are you feeling?
- Tired... and with a headache. - I replied honestly, trying to sit up with difficulty.
Lisa helped me, arranging the pillows behind me so I could lean back.
Lisa: You gave us a big scare, Kuroto. - she said, her eyes shining with suppressed emotion. - But now you're fine. You're safe.
I wanted to believe in her words, I really did, but something within me remained restless and suspicious. What had happened to me? What was that Cursed Soul? And more importantly, what would happen now?
Throughout the days that followed, Lisa was by my side, taking care of me with dedication and affection. Gradually, my strength returned, and with it, a torrent of unanswered questions.
However, every time I tried to address the subject with Lisa, she would deflect, talking about trivial things or simply asking me to focus on getting better. This only served to increase my frustration and confusion.
The night fell, casting its silent and dark cloak across the room, making the soft light even more diffuse and sleepy. Lisa, still worn out, fell asleep again in the armchair, her breathing soft like a tranquil melody, weaving through the silence. Meanwhile, in my mind, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions invaded me, forming a chaotic vortex of uncertainties and fears.
Oh, man, this whole thing is driving me crazy. What's the story with this Cursed Soul, anyway? And this system... it's like a bizarre virtual reality game, but incredibly real.
I observed Lisa, sleeping peacefully, despite the stress that undoubtedly my condition imposed on her. She has been an incredible support, but there's something in her eyes, a deep and hidden sadness, that makes me a bit apprehensive. Why does she care so much about me? It's not like we're blood relatives or anything.
I decided not to share anything about the system with her or anyone else. Deep down, it seemed like a good idea to keep it to myself. I already had enough complications to deal with without throwing this madness onto someone else.
A light breeze entered through the slightly open window, playing with the curtains and bringing the coolness of the night into the stifling room. Somehow, that small touch of nature calmed me a bit. It was a silent reminder that, despite all this mess, life continued outside, indifferent and unceasing.
Ah, whatever. I'll take it one day at a time. I'll figure out what's going on, but no rush. First, I need to recover completely. Then, who knows? Maybe there's a way to use this system for... for what, exactly?
I smiled to myself in the dark. I had no idea what was coming, but honestly? It added a pinch of excitement to my life. An adventure. Something I never expected to have. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
Hey, maybe life is about to get interesting.
I closed my eyes, allowing fatigue to envelop me, taking me into the realm of dreams. Who knows what tomorrow would bring? But one thing was certain: I was ready to find out.
After all, adventure awaited me. And I was curious to see how far it would take me.