Chapter 43: Behind-the-Scenes Manipulation
**Chapter 43: Behind-the-Scenes Manipulation
"The system does not scheme against the host; it only designs the optimal way for the host to complete tasks and awards rewards based on this method," the system continued coldly.
"By the way... what is the purpose of your existence?"
Lin Qingshan blinked and asked.
"There must be some meaning to your presence. If you want me to complete tasks quickly, what's in it for you?"
He was genuinely curious.
What was the purpose of the system, or rather, of its creators?
"The system has no benefits. Its core code is to ensure the host completes a series of tasks as quickly as possible without harming the host."
The system replied directly.
Just code? Lin Qingshan realized that under the drive of its core code, the system was determined to make him complete tasks by any means necessary.
But he was currently stuck on the task of:
**[Show Your Brilliance: Make a hundred people know your name and leave a deep impression, current progress 14/100 (200 points)]**
This task, Lin Qingshan recalled, had been stuck here for a long time compared to other reputation tasks like **[Unknown Person]** and **[Famous Overnight]**.
**[Show Your Brilliance]** was a second-stage impression task. He had been stuck here for quite a while.
Reputation tasks had progressed to the fifth or sixth stage by now.
Thinking about it, there was a reason for being stuck on this impression task.
It was because *Edge Walker* wasn't famous enough to make Lin Qingshan well-known. He hadn't even appeared in public yet.
Naturally, very few people had a deep impression of him.
The system must have been frustrated with his progress. No wonder it had been anxious before, awarding him the **[Game Lord (Platinum)]** ability.
Thinking about it, the system must have had a tough time. As an artificial intelligence constrained by code, it was forced to work with someone as disinterested in career advancement as him.
If the system had its own thoughts, it would probably want to scold him.
"So, system, what is the ultimate task?" Lin Qingshan asked again.
"The ultimate task is to create the ninth work of type %&￥! [Code Distortion] &% and receive praise from five hundred million people…"
"...Make one hundred million people know your name and leave a deep impression."
"Show your talent and have your name carved into the world's historical records!"
The system's cold and distorted voice left Lin Qingshan stunned.
Creating a ninth work of an unknown type and receiving praise from five hundred million people. Also, achieving the one hundred million impressions and having his name recorded in history.
Hell, does this mean that the end goal of the reputation task is for him to create at least nine works? It might be limited to a specific type, with the goal of receiving praise from five hundred million people.
Five hundred million people was comparable to the fan base of the three major web novels from his previous life. That might not be too difficult, but creating nine works was another story.
And they likely had to meet the task requirement by the end of the first work.
Could *Edge Walker* achieve that?
The three major web novels each had three works, but there were still a few more to go.
*Attack on Titan* might have potential, and *Chainsaw Man* also had potential, but what about the rest?
Creating nine long-form manga meant his time in this world would be consumed by drawing.
The second ultimate task of achieving one hundred million impressions was not an easy feat. Even after their works became famous, the authors of the three major web novels had their names known by more than one hundred million people.
The most challenging was the ultimate task of *Born for This*. Being recorded in world history was a level only world-class authors could achieve.
What could a mere manga artist like him do?
Unless…
[Translator: sauron]
But no matter what, these three tasks were very challenging.
Fortunately, the system didn't impose any penalties for failing to complete the tasks. Success or failure was entirely up to Lin Qingshan's willingness.
However…
"Old System, I'm willing to help you, but... I'll do my best."
Lin Qingshan said.
He had received benefits from the system and felt obligated to fulfill his part, not just take advantage of the system.
Even if he was taking advantage, there should be some form of responsibility.
"So, since that's the case, can you help me out?"
Lin Qingshan thought for a moment and then said with a sly smile.
"What can the system assist the host with?"
The system asked coldly.
Lin Qingshan flashed a crafty smile and said, "Old System, you can control the issuance of rewards, right?"
"So you should also be able to control the refresh of the shop, right?"
The system replied coldly, "No, I cannot."
"But the system can control the specific abilities synthesized by the fusion enhancement function. It needs to have some touch on certain areas."
"Fusion enhancement function?"
Lin Qingshan was momentarily taken aback.
He had never used this function since he got the system. Mainly because he was wary of it.
From his previous experience with game fusion and enhancement functions, they were often traps.
Either the equipment was destroyed, or the fusion resulted in ancient treasures.
So Lin Qingshan had always thought fusion enhancement was a scam!
But now that the system mentioned it, he was immediately excited.
With the system's manipulation behind the scenes, it was like having a guaranteed win in a lottery!
"Great! I'll go check it out and then ask for your help!"
Lin Qingshan rolled up his sleeves, ready to dive in.
The system retreated, and Lin Qingshan started brainstorming. Perhaps he could use the **[Game Lord (Platinum)]** ability to impress the company acquiring the rights for the *Cyberpunk 2077* game adaptation.
He could then offer to join the game development team, using the system to gain a diamond-level ability related to game production.
He was determined that with the system's help, the *Cyberpunk 2077* game he created would be flawless!
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(End of Chapter)