Death Option

After explaining with details and a bit of anger, Kein managed to chase away his friend and the dormitory attendant, leaving himself with an incredulous face when a few minutes ago his moans were heard painfully. Kein took a deep breath with a slightly relieved face, at least there was nothing to add to his confusion.

He was about to leave the room when suddenly the system reappeared with the same screen size and colour.

[Are you going to follow this system's directions?]

[Yes/No?]

Kein closed his eyes for a moment, his brain thinking hard about the sudden question. But before answering, he had a question.

"|What will happen if I refuse? And if I go through all this drama, will I really get what I want?'"

Kein had no idea of the risks or consequences of choosing one or the other. Seeing what the 'system' said, if he followed the directions, he would get what Kein wanted. But that was all too fictional for him. He just wanted to be a professional athlete with great achievements.

But when he asked the 'system' to send him to a planet in another galaxy, would it happen? Kein was sure the way the 'system' worked was ridiculous and controversial.

[Are you confused about the options? Don't worry, you can press the '?' sign at the end of the screen, top right].

Instantly Kein was stunned, his head almost hitting the wall. His surprise was based on the 'system' that was very sophisticated in pampering its users. It did not allow Kein to be confused or make the wrong choice in determining his future. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, his forefinger immediately fell on the sign.

[If you choose 'Yes', then the 'system' will guide you to become the professional athlete you need to be, from your skills, health, and physique. As well as your readiness far more mature than other athletes in undergoing official and prestigious matches.]

[If you choose 'No', then the only way is for you to fight hard to eliminate this 'system' from your body. Basically, this 'system' was born because of your need and determination to become a professional athlete. If the first option is not possible, there is still another option. The other option is for you to die and the system will stop working on your body].

"Damn it! The second option is not an option. In the end, I have to choose to become a slave to the system!"

Kein was quite furious after realising that the explanation seemed futile and a waste of his time. Another long sigh was exhaled and his decision on the question was still uncertain. He was very unfamiliar with the system and he had to find out from his friends who were fanatical about comics or novels with the 'system' as the source of the main characters' power.

What made him even more hesitant was the future promised by the 'system'. If it really happened to him, of course, he would have made that choice by now. But normal humans cannot see the future, except by guessing a prediction with luck. 

Taking too long to decide, the 'system' disappeared from his eyes for a moment and then appeared with a different sentence. Bringing up a negotiation that slightly favoured the user.

[If you are still unsure, you will be given until noon. If you haven't decided by then, then your answer will automatically be switched to the 'No' option.]

That made Kein even more surprised, knowing that the 'system' that entered his body was actually in his favour.

'Alright, I'll decide on my choice later.' Kein replied, then the 'system' disappeared from his sight and gave him a little chance to breathe.

"Huft. That was close. I didn't expect the system to read my mind and understand my confusion. Are all systems in comics and novels like that? It makes me even more curious. I'll ask them."

Kein got off the bed and cleaned his mattress as quickly as possible, then rushed to the bathroom. He didn't want his first day back in class to be the centre of attention of being tagged as a bad student. The indirect conversation with the system made him feel like he had wasted a lot of time, but Damian had yet to be seen after being expelled due to his anxiety.

After showering, putting on his uniform, and rushing to the canteen, it was only then that Kein saw his friend who had eaten his food first. He was so ravenous that he didn't even let his teeth stop chewing on a meal that was three times the normal portion.

He took a leisurely step and sat down next to his friend. "You look like a scavenger who hasn't eaten in three days."

While chewing, Damian still did not let his friend wait. "That's an apt description. Because I'm so hungry right now. I was so tired from yesterday's training session that I didn't have time to eat dinner last night."

Kein nodded. He couldn't blame Damian for going straight to bed after his nightly shower. It was undeniable that Coach Marlon's training methods during holidays could indeed wear down athletes who did not have a strong physique. Then he decided to have breakfast because as the clock on the wall in the canteen showed, in fifteen minutes, the academic session was about to start.

There was no time to ask Damian about the 'system' other than the short time, his roommate was not as knowledgeable as he was. After finishing their food, they headed to class together with the other students.

***

The bell rang very long, signalling that today's academic session was over. It was over half an hour before the noon hour so Kein still had time to listen to the explanation of the 'system' from his friends.

Turning his body, observing his friends who were fanatical about fiction, it didn't take long to approach them as his arrival this morning was welcomed by them. When a few steps closer to them, Kein saw Damian who was hiding behind the classroom door. It didn't surprise him but his mind said,

'What is that guy doing there? Is he going through the same thing?'

It's just that that brief thought is impossible for her, considering Damian is just as seemingly ordinary and there is precisely no change in his nature after six months.

"Hey, guys." Kein interrupted their conversation. "I know this is impromptu. But can you tell me about the 'system' in fiction?"