Awakening

[Don't get too cocky,] the system, warned. [People in this world are much stronger than you think. Right now, you're still unawakened, unable to use magic or aura. With your current strength, you'd only be able to fend off small fry.]

"What's with this 'unawakened' thing anyway? I've been hearing about it since this morning," I asked, confused.

[It's exactly what it sounds like. You're unawakened because your body hasn't gone through the awakening process yet,] System explained.

"Awakening? What's that? I don't remember hearing about it in the game."

[If you spent more time thinking and less time focusing on… well, other "things," you would've figured it out by now,] System sighed, clearly exasperated.

[Awakening is a phenomenon all residents of this world experience when they turn 15. When the demons began invading Eldora, the world couldn't just let beings from another realm wreak havoc unchecked. But Eldora, the world itself, couldn't directly intervene either. So, Eldora, the world's consciousness, blessed its inhabitants with the strength to fight back. When their bodies develop enough—around the age of 15—they undergo an awakening. If they're lucky, they awaken aether and gain special abilities or skills. If not, they live out their lives as normal humans.]

[Those who awaken receive a system from Eldora's will, which tracks their growth and potential. This system helps them channel 'aether,' the life force that powers everything here. Aether is the primary power source in this world—it's like air, present all around us. It's divided into two categories: aura and mana. Aura users become warriors, while mana users become mages.]

System began showing images and diagrams in a translucent window.

[At the start, everyone has the same amount of aether in their bodies, but skills and talents vary, from F-level to SSS-level. The higher the talent level, the easier it is to grow stronger. Skills can range from combat abilities to everyday tasks, and new skills can be acquired through repetition of specific task.]

"Wait, this world has its own consciousness? And it's a 'her'?" I asked, incredulous.

[Oh, for the love of—! Out of everything I've said, that's what you latch onto?] System groaned. [Yes, this world is alive and has a consciousness. Eldora is the mother goddess who sustains millions of beings on her surface. And don't get any weird ideas about her!]

I coughed awkwardly. "Right… got it. But if awakening is so important, why wasn't it mentioned in the game?"

[It's simple. Awakening happens at 15, right before students enter the academy. The game focused on academy life, so all the characters were already awakened. That's why it wasn't mentioned.]

"Oh… yeah, that makes sense. My bad," I nodded in understanding.

"But if everyone has a system, how are you different? What happens to you when I awaken? Will I end up with two systems?" I asked, genuinely curious.

[Of course not! The system everyone awakens with is basic—it just tracks stats and strength. They don't even have consciousness, they're just display screens. I, on the other hand, am far superior. I have countless other features.]

"Um, I have one more question," I said, embarrassed.

[Judging by your face, I assume it's something silly,] System commented dryly.

"Uh, yeah. Is it necessary to stay a virgin until awakening?" I asked, my face flushing red.

[Of course not. Virginity has nothing to do with awakening,] System replied bluntly.

"Huh? Then why did Lily stop me from fucking her? She said I couldn't lose my virginity before awakening."

[That's because, in this world, you're still considered underage. People here become adults after going through the awakening process. Technically, they don't need to awaken to be adults, but the ceremony coincides with adulthood at 15. It's become a cultural marker.]

[Since you're underage by this world's standards, Lily refused to… cross the final boundary with you. Underage sex is a crime, you know,] System added.

"So, it's okay to go all the way as long as there's no actual penetration? What kind of logic is that?" I asked incredulously.

[Don't ask me. I don't make the rules. Eroge world, eroge rules,] the system responded nonchalantly.

"Well, I'm not complaining. I'm still having fun," I said with a smirk.

"System?"

[Yes?]

"One more question."

[How many more questions do you have?]

"This is the last one, I promise," I said, raising my hands.

[Fine, out with it,] System sighed.

I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you have a name? Or is it just 'Eroge System'?"

[No, I don't have a name. Why?] System asked, sounding curious.

"Well, it would've been fine if you were just a text-display system. But since you can talk and you have your own consciousness, it's a bit awkward to call you 'System' every time."

[If that's the case, why don't you give me a name?] System sounded intrigued.

"Alright, but first… are you male, female, or… something else? I need to know before naming you," I asked cautiously.

[What? Are you serious? Can't you tell by my voice?] System huffed. [Do I really need to spell it out for you? I'm a woman, obviously!]

"Okay, okay! Sorry! It's just that in all the novels I've read, systems don't usually have genders."

[For God's sake, Arthur! Stop thinking in terms of those novels,] System groaned in frustration.

"Right… sorry about that," I apologized, rubbing the back of my neck.

After a brief pause, I smiled. "How about… Sol?"

[Sol… that has a nice ring to it,] Sol mused, sounding pleased.

"Doesn't it? From now on, you're Sol," I declared proudly.

[Thank you,] Sol replied, surprisingly cheerful.

"My pleasure."

"Yawn~ I'm feeling sleepy now," I said, stifling a yawn.

[Well, you must be tired after all your... strenuous activity earlier. Fufu,] Sol teased, clearly enjoying herself.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm not falling for your teasing. Goodnight, Sol." I pulled the blanket over myself, closing my eyes as sleep began to take over.