Laurence, don't blame me for being ruthless
[System 337, the Doomsday Favorability System, is at your service.
Whether to bind
-Yes
-No]
A glowing holographic screen appeared floating in the air, displaying a strand of words—a question, to be exact. Her amorous turquoise eyes shimmered with unknown light, and she swept the room for any signs of an intruder. The search was fruitless, as the room was pristine and not a thing was improper, except for the branded clothes thrown into a heap of mess besides her small, palm-sized feet.
As if sensing her thoughts, the system made some effort to let the jade bangle discharge heat to draw her attention. Arianne immediately spun her head and scanned the bangle up close. Upon careful inspection, she saw some tiny engravings of unfamiliar characters producing subtle light flickering in chaotic rhythm.
The system didn't wait for her to ask, and immediately introduced itself.
[I am System 337, the Doomsday Favorability System, an advanced product of a Higher Civilization from the Interstellar era. I got attached to this jade bangle in an accident. The system offers a variety of rewards if you accomplish the task given. It will be very helpful in the coming global catastrophe.]
Arianne's arched brows, accentuating her almond-shaped visage, slightly raised when she heard the first two sentences. This jade bangle was just given to her by her father a day after her 17th birthday; there was no sentimental value involved, which is why Arianne gave it to Annette without hesitation. It seems like her father had hit the jackpot without realizing it; she was also oblivious, while the heroine Annette was the one who benefited in the end. The setup made by the gaming company could make one's teeth itch.
After the betrayal in her last life, Arianne never wanted to trust anyone anymore, so despite the system's tempting offer, she stood unperturbed. Rather than the rewards and its mysterious background, which she didn't have the power to confirm, Arianne was more interested in its name and how it knew about the coming doomsday. She pretended to be surprised. "What coming doomsday are you talking about?
[Seven days from now, asteroids carrying a deadly virus from cosmic radiation will rain down on earth and spread infectious disease. Humans will be divided into living and undead; plants and animals will mutate; and arable lands will cease to grow food. [Water will be contaminated, and air will no longer be pure.]
Well, there's no useful content. She already knew these things, but to squeeze some wool, she still acted scared. "Are you saying the truth?"
[Yes]
She covered her eyes with her hands and pretended to sob. Her shoulders trembled, and distressing cries escaped the gap between her fingers, resembling fresh bamboo shoots. The system hiding inside the jade bangle detected her anxiety, lowered its vigilance, and silently made small deductions, labeling her as easy prey.
[Don't worry. If you bind the system, you can use the favorability accumulated to exchange materials from the system inventory.]
"What's the use? The world will end in a week. I'm just a girl without the strength to bind a chicken. I will not be able to survive."
[Don't underestimate the system's items.]
"Stop talking; I don't believe you unless you prove it."
[…]
The system went silent for a few seconds, and Arianne's cries grew louder. Arianne thought that the system would not agree, but unexpectedly, a blinding light different from the natural sun's rays illuminated the room in a split second. Arianne closed her eyes in reflex and when she opened them, a small bottle filled with purple liquid was levitating, defying gravity, a few inches away from the jade bangle. A square hologram displayed its label and use.
[Gene Improvement Potion]
Upon intake, it can improve physique.]
Her heart beat fast. Her hands were itching to snatch it, but she restrained herself. She secretly rubbed her eyes until they reddened before dropping her hands. "What is that?" Her eyes had no greed but only curiosity.
[A product from the same Civilization I was manufactured, Since you don't believe what I said, take this potion as a meeting gift and consume it. After the liquid has been integrated into your body, you can decide whether to bind me or not.]
Arianne displayed a reluctant expression, but still took the bottle and drank it in one gulp. Quickly, a strange feeling emerged within her, enveloping her whole body in a warm embrace and washing away her fatigue and impurities.
A nauseating stench permeated the room. Arianne searched for the source and suddenly found her entire skin covered in black mud.
[The potion worked. Your physique has improved. Are you ready to bind the system?]
Arianne's current look was like a monster from the swamp. She really didn't have the mood to continue the chat, but the system didn't give her a break.
"If we draft a fair contract, I will bind you," Arianne said, silently planning something in her mind.
[…]
The system didn't expect her to request such a thing and immediately raised its guard.
"Don't misunderstand me; it's just that my Mother taught me not to trust strangers. I don't know you that well. We only interacted for a few minutes."
The system reevaluated her, once again categorized her as an easy target, and sent her a contract it drafted on a whim.
"Can I change some parts of the contract? I feel insecure."
The system thought that it was quite a normal reaction and gave her permission. Nevertheless, a little naive girl couldn't possibly outsmart a system like it.
Arianne scanned the screen containing the contents of the contract and changed the parts she felt were dubious and added a phrase for safety: The system cannot in any way, whether directly or indirectly, cause harm to the host.
After finishing, she let the system review it.
[…]
"What's wrong?" Arianne questioned.
[Nothing…]
The system scoffed and decided to edit what she'd coded, but Arianne wasn't going to let it be. She immediately twirled the jade bangle in her hand, startling the system.
"This jade bangle is very delicate, and my physique has improved. System, if I use all my strength to shatter this useless bangle to pieces, do you think someone would mind?" She asked in a trifling manner while using an innocent tone. The system didn't know how to respond. It began calculating possibilities for how to handle the situation.
"Since you don't know the answer, how about we test it out?" She gripped the bangle and made a throwing stance.
[State your requests.]
The holographic screen that was once in golden frames was now shrouded in red lights.
"You sign it first, and I'll sign it afterward." Her fingers squeezed the jewelry.
The system quickly did what it was told and presented her with the unedited contract.
Arianne made sure the system's stamp was on it before editing a number of phrases, turning the whole contract into a master and servant agreement. Then she signed with a satisfied sigh. Her facial features, veiled by dirt, had a smile.
The system servant finally got its wish to bind the host, but it was not a bit happy.
Arianne didn't bother cheering it up. She quickly went to take a shower and wash off the filth. After doing so, she wore the beige plain dress.
The communicating device once again vibrated.
Arianne thought it was Annette. She wanted to shut it down, but when the name on the screen entered her vision. She remained silent.
The system that was sulking a moment ago opened up its interface.
[Detected a four-star star: Son of Destiny (Laurence Rothschild)]
-Does the host wish to view his basic information?]
"When you mentioned collecting favorability, am I required to fill up their affection points?"
[It totally depends on the host. If you wish to make it full, you're free to do so. [If you want to leave the target halfway, the system also has no complaints.]
The system was basically stripped of its rights and reduced to a servant. It couldn't dictate her actions anymore.
"It's a bit bad, but I like it." Arianne clicked the answer button on the screen. Her eyes flashed with calculation.
Laurence, don't blame me for being ruthless.