Chapter 2: System

[System: Synchronization Complete]

[System: Welcome, Host, to the new world.]

Hmmm? System? What is that?

When I started to calm down, I suddenly heard a voice talking to me.

I turned my head around to look for whoever might be speaking to me but saw no other being besides me and the big bird that returned to its nest, who knew when staring at me because of my roar earlier. The way it looked at me was full of curiosity instead of hostility. Then I looked up at the sky and saw that the sun had already disappeared and the surroundings had turned dark. What hangs in the sky are the mesmerizing stars that were rarely seen in my previous world because of the pollution and the people I was already trying to forget.

As my new life here starts, I must also refresh my memory, as what I remember from before may not be applicable here. What I know is too little anyway, so maybe I can start anew… Or not, as important lessons in life will always be remembered even if I'm in a different world.

'Strength is everything, and anything after that will follow.'

If strength cannot solve it, maybe I just don't have enough of it. Just like in my previous life, although I can say I have strength, I'm not the strongest and can still be beaten. I died from beatings, remember? And don't even talk about revenge when you do not have strength.

'And how to become strong in this world is a question.'

[System: Scanning the Host for Identification.]

While I'm thinking of how to become strong—well,  as you know, I'm not human anymore—I hear that voice again. And this time I tried closing my eyes and focusing on my sense of hearing.

Roar! [Translation: Who?]

I tried talking to it to try to find out where it came from. But after some time of waiting, no reply came.

'This is making me irritated.' I thought when suddenly a series of monotonous sounds came. And I finally found the source of the sound. It is in my head.

[System Notice: Detected that the Host cannot access the system by the default settings. System calibration… Complete.]

[System Notice: Scanning Host for possible mediums for easier access… Complete.]

[System Notice: Detected that the Host is an intelligent organism. Compiling related data… Complete.]

[System Notice: Connecting the Host to the database.... Complete.]

'Hmmm… Hello? So, care to explain what is happening?'

[System: The Host can now connect with the system through thought or will.]

Or so it says. But really, what is a system anyway? I have no idea what it is. It's not that I'm stupid; it's just a new word for me. Hey, I'm still learning, so don't judge me in the early game, alright? Maybe asking for it will help.

'What is a system, and what do you do exactly?'

[System: For easier understanding, a system is a mechanism that can help you become strong.]

It is indeed easy to understand. Although I feel some important details were skipped but I am still learning, so maybe I can understand and experience them later. For now, I have something to confirm.

'Will the system betray me?'

Hey, I don't have an issue with betrayal, but just to make sure, alright?

[System: The system acts as a support and is therefore incapable of betraying the Host.]

Good. Good.

'So will you harm or kill me?'

[System: The system acts as a support, but if the strength of the Host is insufficient, it can harm and even kill the Host.]

'Hey isn't that betrayal in itself?!'  I cannot help but complain. But maybe it is not betrayal?

[System: It is not betrayal if the Host is the cause of the problem.]

On further thought, indeed, it is not betraying me if what I lack is the strength to overcome death itself. In this world, maybe it is possible to overcome death by punching it in the face… if it has one.

With that problem solved, let's embark on the training arc!

GROWL~

Or not. I forgot that my body is weak and needs food for energy. All this strength and system thing made me forget I am currently weak and hungry. I'm currently too weak to even move, stand, and hunt that bird that's staring at me with those eyes like an idiot. How can it see in the dark anyway? And also, how can I see in the dark and make my vision shift from dark to light? Even without focusing my eyes, I can see in the darkness like it was daytime, like it was a natural thing, and when I put some effort into adjusting my sight, it became what the surroundings should be, dark.

'Uhm… System? Can you tell me what I am now? Like what kind of animal I am?'  Sure, I know I have claws and fur, and this overgrown but not too long hair in what is supposed to be my neck, but my limited knowledge prevents me from identifying myself.

[System: Host may just think of "Status" and you will know about yourself and the focus of your will.]

'Focus of my will?'

[System: Yes. For crude example, just stare at the visible object and think "identify" and the information that is available for the system to analyze and assess to show the Host.]

I tried to do what the system instructed, and sure enough, what I was looking for appeared in my mind. 

_______________

HP: 42/750

MP: 0/50

Status: [Weakened (severe) ] [Hungry (severe) ] [Thirsty (severe) ] [Mana Exhaustion (moderate) ]

Rank: Mortal

Name: - - -

Age: 18/115 (Adolescent )

Race: Mana Beast

Species: Golden Lion

Bloodline: Golden Regal Lion (Unawaken)

Abilities: [Armament] [Regalia(Unawaken) ]

Talent: [Seeker] [Auspicious] [Golden]

Skills: - - -

_______________

What came to mind after reading my status was "???".

It's not that I don't understand what I read. It is precisely because I understand it, that it makes me question my intelligence.

It was my first time reading those words, but for some reason, its like I knew them from the start. It makes me feel weird, really.

'System, why do I understand those silly things that I saw for the first time?' And so I ask what is baffling me.

[System: The Host is can process and analyze more things efficiently when connected to the system database. Note that the Host's normal compression and analysis speed returns to normal when disconnected to the system database.]

'So apparently, I only became smart because the information was already in my mind and I just tried to remember it?'

[System: In principle, yes, but remember that the information provided will not make you smarter just because it is there. It is advisable to still understand them yourself to truly acquire that knowledge.]

I don't understand. But for some reason, I feel like I do. Hmmm… If I don't understand, I might as well experience it.

So I tried thinking about what my Race is which did not exist in my old world, without connecting to the system database. And sure enough, I don't have any idea what that is.

So I tried thinking about what is a Mana Beast using the system and this time I found out that Mana Beast are organisms that are capable of harnessing mana from the universe to strengthen their existence.

And here come another question! What is mana? New term for me again. Hayst.. Learning is endless indeed. One question after the other.

So mana is the embodiment of nature's elemental forces. The foundation of this world and the beings living in it. Every thing in this world has mana, be it humans, animals, plants, or even the bed of sand I am lying in. How to feel, see, and use it is another question.

It was hard to digest new and hard concepts, so I'll stop for now. Using brain cells uses energy and makes you more hungry; as the saying goes by those damned humans.

Looking at it now, I am very hungry and thirsty so maybe it was the real cause of the former owner of this body's death? Then how do I have HP if that is the case?

'Hmmm… nah too hungry to think.' It's better to ask the System.

'System, Sir, how did I die? Or the former owner, I mean.'

[System: Detect that the body exhausted its innate mana, causing to its death.]

'Huh? So no mana equals death? Aren't I in danger, then? I have no more mana!'

While I am panicking about my new found dilemma, I heard some comforting news from the system.

[System: You need not worry as the new owner, being the Host, does not have the necessary knowledge and skill to use your innate mana and with a Mana Beast's natural mana regeneration that heals your damaged body, it can be said that dying of mana deficiency is impossible.]

Whew! That's a relief, alright! Though I am weak right now, I am not that weak to die! It saved me instead!

See that age? I am still young and will live a long life!