Goal

Chapter 20 – Goals

"Hey system! I want to add some modifications on the system's design." Jhin said as he scanned the surrounding using the shared vision, he has with the ink soldiers on his wrist.

Cracks riddled the ground, except from rocks, not a blade of grass nor trees grows on it. Ashen gray clouds littered the sky, obstructing the moon from cascading its light. Dreamy white fogs cover the surrounding, limiting the visibility to only a hundred meters.

The portal behind was closing, the intense purple light it had earlier was dimming by the second. At this moment, all the soldiers had exited the shrine and were now resting, with some surveying the area.

[The host is allowed to modify the system once for free. Further modifications would need ink drops as modification fee. Except from the main rules the system had arranged like the currency and the quest, the host could change the other parts.]

Due to how annoyed he was after the system had given him compulsory quest, Jhin decided to do some in depth study on the system. And earlier, he realized that he could do some modifications on it. Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed to make modification on the quest window.

The system modification has two categories, major and minor. Perhaps, because it was his first time doing the modification, the system gave him free modification slots. One major modification and a minor modification.

As for what exactly major and minor modifications are, Jhin only have a vague idea. Major, if it'll brought massive changes into the system. And minor, just its name itself, small changes.

To put it simply, what he was doing right now was like adding a new code or changing a code on a software program.

But unlike computer programming, he doesn't need codes, instead he must input his ideas and design.

"System, I want to create a window where my goals and task will be listed."

[Ding! Are you sure you want to use your minor modification slot?]

"Yes!"

[Please visualize and input your design here.]

A blank window appeared in Jhin's vision. Using his thoughts, Jhin started imagining and visualizing the design he wanted.

Words and tables rearranged themselves in the window. Before long, and with some final adjustments, a new window appeared in the system's interface. It was called, "Goals and Standards."

The window has four columns. The first one was called, "Goals", the second column "Standards", the third "Whys'" and the last was called "What needs to be done/Subsidiary Goals."

[You have used your minor modification trial. You have successfully created a new window. Do you want to start filling up now?]

"Yes" Jhin willed and started filling up the form.

In total, Jhin had written three goals:

1. [Returning to Earth by killing a million within one year]

2. [Destroying the slave rune as fast as possible]

3. [Gather information and build a business empire]

Next to each of these goals were the standards which was mostly about Jhin's character. For example, the first goal returning to the earth, in the standard column, he wrote: [Only kill those who are fit to be killed like criminals and enemies.]

Then for the Whys' column, he wrote the stakes. In the first goal's why: [Only through returning will I learn the truth and be in peace. If I failed, regrets would consume me once more.]

And for the last column, 'What needs to be done/ Subsidiary goals', Jhin wrote his plan of action. [Strengthen the Ink soldiers, obtain inks, learn combat skills, battle formations, and etc…]

But, since he couldn't do much about the first and second goal given his strength, he only gave a brief description about them. Likewise, it was enough to put a reminder on which step he should take. Then he shifted his focus to the third goal.

"Gathering information and building a business empire… I wonder how I should proceed?" Jhin mused. To establish himself in this world, what he truly requires was wealth and strength. And with enough wealth, strength could be earned. It could also be said that if he could accomplish the third goal, he would be one step closer to the first and second one.

This was also what he realized upon being reborn. With all the riches he had back then, he could've easily funded a body strengthening research or hire a martial art coach to train him. Alas! Everything had already happened, and he couldn't turn back the time.

"First, I must establish myself in the Blackrock Shelter." Jhin decided, "But to do so, I must gather information about the situations in the Blackrock Shelter."

Jhin always believe that the start of development is but a single word, "Knowledge." Knowing the problem, learning how to deal with the problem, planning, learning how to execute the plan, all these requires knowledge. This philosophy was the main reason why he became successful back on Earth.

Back then, before they entered the shrine, Jhin asked Crystal about herself. From their conversation, he learned she was the Shelter Lord of the Blackrock Shelter. To solve the food crisis the shelter was about to encounter, they entered the battlefield. Hoping to gain resources from the shrine.

Upon learning the demand of food, Jhin had made some analysis. When he was transported inside the treasure room, one of the chests he picked was a chest containing food pellets.

After consuming the food pellet, he hasn't suffered any hunger even after a day had passed. With such effects, Jhin was planning on using the pellet as the steppingstone to his goal. However, he has one problem.

He doesn't know whom he should negotiate with. If Crystal wasn't severely wounded, she might be the ideal candidate. Not only was she his servant, but she was also the Shelter Lord of the Blackrock Shelter. With her help, it would be easier to build foundation to his business.

Unfortunately, he could no longer proceed like that given that she was unconscious. Waiting for her to wake up wouldn't be favorable. At this moment, he could be considered as a refugee. He was afraid that the army might mistreat him.

Perhaps, even kill him if they don't see any value in keeping him. Especially now that their food reserve was limited. One less mouth to feed means more resources to save.

'The best course of action now is to return with them and take advantage of the situation there.' Jhin thought. He decided to finalize his plan when he entered the shelter. That way, he would be able to consider the details much better.

Suddenly, a loud horn sounded from the side, startling Jhin and he subconsciously opened his eyes.