Ch. 3 The Desire System

[Determination recognized beginning the start of the host's first desire]

[Desire: Create an an unbeatable family and stand at the top]

'System what's up with this desire thing? I was just stating what I really wanted in this life'

[Host my main functions are to help you achieve your desires and you stating your desire with such determination triggered the creation of your first desire]

Alex fell into a deep thought to truly understand what the system was saying.

Alex sat on the edge of the luxurious bed, still coming to terms with his current reality. He flexed his hands, feeling the unfamiliar strength in his new body. 'This is definitely better than that old life' he thought. As his eyes adjusted to his opulent surroundings, a voice rang in his mind, pulling him back to the present.

[ Are you ready for your tutorial, Host? Or are you too busy admiring yourself in the mirror?]

Alex sighed, already feeling a headache brewing. 'Just get on with it, system,' he muttered, rolling his eyes.

[Tch, you could be a bit more grateful. Do you know how many people would kill to have their own Desire System?]

'Oh yeah? Why don't you go find one of them, then?' Alex shot back. 'I didn't exactly ask for you to fuse with my soul.'

The system huffed, if a disembodied voice could huff. [ Very well, since I'm stuck with you, let's go over the functions. And pay attention this time, I don't plan on repeating myself.]

A transparent screen appeared in front of Alex, filled with a variety of sections and functions.

[First, the **Status Screen**. This is your overall personal summary. Every major ability, talent, and stat is displayed here. Consider it your... personalized health checkup, only much better.]

Curious, Alex leaned forward, his eyes scanning the screen.

---

**Status Screen**

*Name:* Alexander Argoth 

*Race:* Human/???

*Title:* - (To Be Discovered) 

*Class:* - (Currently Locked) 

*Talent:* - (Unawakened) 

*Skills:* - (Currently Empty) 

**Stats:** 

Mana: I 

Strength: I 

Agility: I 

Intelligence: I 

Stamina: I 

---

Alex blinked. 'What the hell is this? It looks like my stats are at the bottom of the barrel!'

[ *Snickers* You think? You're weaker than the average human. Normal humans start at grade H. You're below that! I should've expected nothing more from a soul that managed to get himself killed.]

'Hey, I'd like to see you survive what I went through,' Alex retorted. 'You think you're so great because you're... whatever you are.'

[Fine, fine, I'll cut you some slack. Now, these are just your initial stats. I don't expect you to stay at the bottom for long – especially with me around. Besides, think of how satisfying it'll be to rise to the top. You'll even thank me one day!]

Alex snorted but decided to drop the argument. 'Alright, what's next?'

[Glad you asked. Next up, we have the **Quest Screen**. This is where you'll see your main and side quests, all connected to your desire – remember, you want to create a powerful family and protect those you care about. Each quest will help you get closer to that goal.]

With a wave of the system's metaphorical hand, another screen opened.

---

**Quest Screen**

*Main Quest:* 

- Establish a foundation of strength and wealth for the Argoth Family

*Side Quests:* 

- Improve your status to grade H. 

- Unlock your class. 

- Begin basic training with mana. 

---

Alex felt a sense of purpose flicker inside him. The goals were tangible, reachable. 'So, I just need to follow these quests, and I'll get closer to...'

[ To achieving the life you desire, yes. Or at least, as close as a scrawny, weakling host can get. But hey, with my guidance, even someone like you might have a shot.]

'Keep up that attitude, and I might just find a way to uninstall you,' Alex grumbled.

[ *mock sighs* Fine, I'll be nice – for now. Finally, we have the **Store Function**. This is the key to getting whatever you need – weapons, skills, potions, you name it. As long as it relates to your desires, I can make it available to you... for a price.]

'A price?' Alex echoed, narrowing his eyes. 'And how exactly am I supposed to pay?'

[Oh, don't worry, I'm not asking for anything extreme. You'll earn currency by completing quests, defeating enemies, or finding treasures. And the better you perform, the more I can offer you. Simple, right?]

Alex leaned back, taking it all in, when something else on the screen caught his attention.

'Hold on a second... why are some functions grayed out? There are other tabs here that I can't access.'

[ Ah, yes. Those are the additional functions that are *currently* unavailable due to the system's low level... and, well, because of *your* rather pitiful stats.]

'Excuse me?' Alex felt his temper rising. 'So, it's my fault the system's limited?'

[ *shrugs* Incompetence has consequences, Host. You're stuck with a level 1 system for now.]

'Then how do I level you up?' Alex asked, his tone edged with irritation.

[ *smugly* Now, that's the mystery, isn't it? I can't reveal that information just yet. But complete at least one main quest, and we'll talk.]

Alex scowled. 'Great. A cryptic system that's full of itself. Just my luck.'

[Think of it as motivation, Host. If you want access to the full system – and trust me, you will – start making progress. Or we can just sit here and bicker all day. Your choice.]

Alex let out a reluctant laugh, his irritation melting slightly. 'I guess we're stuck with each other.'

[ Now that we've got that settled, maybe we can get you moving on one of those quests – starting with getting your sorry stats to grade H.]

'I don't need to be reminded.' Alex scowled. He took a deep breath and forced himself to focus. This wasn't his old life, where he had no power or freedom. Here, he had a chance to shape his future.

[ Good. That's the spirit. And, remember, I'm here to—]

Before the system could finish, a soft knock echoed from the door, startling Alex out of his thoughts. He barely had time to sit up when a maid cautiously stepped into the room, carrying a tray of water and towels. Her eyes widened in shock upon seeing him awake, and with a gasp, she dropped the tray. The glass clinked as it shattered across the marble floor.

"M-My lord, you're awake!" she stammered, her face pale.

"Uh, yeah, I am." Alex watched her as she took a step back, clearly in disbelief.

Without another word, she turned on her heels and fled the room, her footsteps echoing down the hall.

Alex raised an eyebrow, feeling his heartbeat faster. 'System, what's going on?'

[Oh, it seems you've stirred up quite a reaction. I'd say you've got some explaining to do, Host.]

As he watched the door, wondering what exactly he'd gotten himself into, Alex felt a chill of both excitement and trepidation. His new life was about to get even more complicated – and he wasn't entirely sure he was ready.