Chapter 16: Looking forward for the future

<Ding >

<The host has discovered a new goal>

<The goal is deemed achievable but not immediately>

<Generation of the instant quest aborted>

<The dream: "Saving your lover" has been registered.>

<The first mission has been generated. Please consult the Dream Missions tab>

Seeing the system's notification, I immediately opened it. At the bottom of the missions list, a new one appeared.

.

<Saving your lover: Emily Walt was the most important person to you before reincarnation. Now that know her situation, want free soul so she can live beside and do what couldn't in previous life with her.< p>

First mission: Become an Apprentice Blacksmith

Description: Acquire the knowledge and craftmanship necessary to be recognized as an Apprentice Blacksmith.

Difficulty: C

Rewards: 500 shop coins and access to forging recipes inside the shop

Note: All blacksmithing manuals had been removed from the system shop>

I didn't understand how becoming a blacksmith would allow me to free Emily, but I knew the system was guiding me toward my objectives, even if I didn't understand how. I also noticed the system always removed all mission-related items from the shop. I asked Mimi if she knew why.

[Yes, I know why. In the past, systems granted by the Gods were more powerful. System hosts had access to incredible powers very easily. They allowed hosts to obtain powerful skills and items without any restrictions. But the Gods realized that their chosen ones were becoming arrogant and apathetic. They all became corrupted by the demon Gods or defeated easily. The Gods decided to change their approach and designed their new systems to help their chosen one without doing everything for them. The hosts would develop a positive mindset by working hard for their goals.]

"It makes sense, but I still do not understand one thing. What is the purpose of all this? Why give blessings and systems? What is their goal?"

[Usually, this information would be forbidden to you, but because you already have a mission related to this, I am authorized to tell you. Their goal is to elevate mortals to godhood. The demon Gods are stronger overall but cannot increase their number that way. So, to even the fight, the human Gods want to create new deities. You are technically an exception since your system was designed to help you fulfill your dreams, but because you triggered that mission, you also are on that path.]

"But what if I change my mind?"

[Like I said, you, contrary to everyone else, can choose. If you don't want to complete a mission, you can ignore it or ask the system to delete it. But be careful before doing that because once a Dream Mission is deleted, it will be forever.]

Once the heavy topics were done, we continued to chat until late at night. I was delighted to have Emily by my side once again. The road toward her freedom would be long, but we had time as long as I worked hard.

Talking like that with her made me realize how much I loved her. But I found out that, unlike in my previous life, that love wasn't exclusive. I am not talking about love toward my family or friends but romantic love. I realized I also loved Maria.

The reasons I loved them were different. Of course, both were great beauties, but that was not why I loved them, although it helped. Emily was the person who supported me when I was at my worst. She never judged me, even when she disagreed with me, and always encouraged me in anything I did. Her positive and assertive personality made her prone to talk and act before thinking, unlike me, who is more cautious. We were complementary. She pushed me to act when I hesitated, and I held her back when she was going too far.

Maria, on the other hand, was someone I wanted to protect. She looked up to me and always tried to get my approval. She was the cutest thing I ever saw. When we were younger, she often sneaked into my bed to sleep with me. She loved to cuddle with me and was delighted when I patted her head or stroked her fluffy tail. Lately, she tried to appear more dignified when attending to me, but I could see her wagging her tail when she thought I wasn't looking.

I was relieved that Emily wasn't against me having multiple lovers in the future. I wasn't really concerned about Maria because polygamy was widespread in Astria. Nobody will say anything about it as long as you can provide for your family.

Before going to sleep, I reviewed all my Dream missions to formulate a plan. When I opened my system panel again, I noticed that my first mission was blinking. After clicking on it, the system played the victory theme from one of my favorite video games. By hearing it, I suddenly wanted to twirl a giant sword above my head.

<Ding >

<First mission: Perform the Awakening Ceremony is completed>

<Your rewards have been added to your status>

<Generating next mission>

<Second mission: Acquire your first followers< p>

Description: Acquire 10 followers. Current followers 1/10

Difficulty: B

Rewards: 1000 shop coins and a new feature for the system>

By selecting my follower counter, I saw that Maria was already considered one of my followers. Like the mission about becoming a blacksmith, this mission will take a long time, considering my age, strength, and influence.

For now, I will concentrate on increasing my stats and learning how to code and draw. Maria was planning to enlist in a dojo. A few weeks ago, she asked me if I wanted to go with her. At the time, I was reluctant, but now I was planning to accept her offer.

Next, I had to acquire a good computer and drawing tools. Before asking my parents, I will check the system shop to see what I can get from it.

Making plans like that felt exciting. For the first time in my life, I was really looking forward to the future.

After some time, my thoughts became blurry, and I fell asleep without realizing it.