System and Functions - Part 1

In the room, only Greta and Allen remained after Lecia's departure.

They both wore expressions of nonchalance, as if Lecia's presence had no bearing on them.

Greta gently assisted Allen in sitting on the bed, her concern evident as she asked, "My dear, are you alright?"

Despite her efforts to conceal it, Greta's tone of voice inadvertently betrayed her anxiety.

However, Allen simply smiled, reaching out to hold his mother's hand while offering reassurance: "Don't worry, Mom, I'll be fine."

Upon hearing this, Greta remained deeply concerned, but observing her son's unwavering determination and the noticeable improvement in his countenance, she couldn't help but nod in acknowledgement.

"Alright, you should prioritize getting ample rest for a smooth recovery, alright?" Greta's gaze softened as she lovingly caressed Allen's cheek.

Witnessing his mother's affectionate gesture, guilt intensified within Allen's heart.

"No matter what happens, I must preserve your smile, Mom," Allen silently vowed, his solemn promise resonating within him as he nodded in agreement with his mother.

"Sure!" Allen replied, his smile beaming at his mother.

Despite the happiness he felt at being reunited with his mother, it was also a bittersweet day for Allen, as he carried the weight of regret for her past demise.

"Ugh!" Suddenly, a frown creased Allen's face, a visible shift that did not go unnoticed by Greta.

"Honey! What's wrong? Did something happen?" Her voice laced with worry and urgency, she asked in a frantic manner.

Allen gazed at his mother's concerned expression, a mischievous smile quickly spreading across his face.

"It's nothing, Mom," he reassured her.

"I'm just really hungry, and I miss your cooking." He chuckled, expressing his genuine sentiment.

Hearing this, Greta let out a sigh of relief, her hand patting her big chest in a soothing manner.

"You truly had me worried, my dear~" Greta feigned anger, playfully pinching Allen's cheeks.

"Hehehe, I'm sorry, Mom," Allen chuckled, relishing the lighthearted moment with his mother.

Greta shook her head affectionately and spoke softly, "Well, if that's what my son desires, I'll prepare a special meal for you!"

Her hands clenched with determination, and her eyes sparkled as she gazed at Allen with fervor.

It had been a long time since her son had requested that she cook for him, making this moment exceptionally special.

Greta's excitement and joy surged within her like a child experiencing something new.

Observing his mother's contagious enthusiasm, Allen nodded affectionately and replied, "I can't wait for that, Mom!"

The two exchanged a heartfelt gaze, bursting into laughter together.

The warmth of the sunlight enveloping them enhanced the preciousness of their shared moment.

Greta gently brushed away the tears of joy lingering at the corners of her eyes and spoke with tenderness, "Well then, my son, hold on."

"I'll be back in half an hour!" Greta's words carried a soft, reassuring tone.

Allen nodded in agreement and replied, "In that case, I'll rest and take a nap while waiting for you."

With Greta's assistance, Allen eased himself back onto the bed, settling into a comfortable position.

As Greta exited the bedroom, her face brimming with excitement, Allen watched her close the door with a contented smile.

"Whoever it was that brought me back, I am profoundly grateful." Allen's voice resounded with a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness.

He closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of relaxation as his thoughts shifted towards contemplating his future.

Unexpectedly, a peculiar voice echoed within his mind.

[Ding! The system recording will be transferred to the host!]

Startled, Allen's eyes flew open, scanning his surroundings in bewilderment.

"Who's there?" He called out, but no one appeared to be present.

Pondering the situation, he considered the possibility of hallucinations, attributing them to the fact that he had been reborn.

Yet, to his surprise, the voice returned, resounding within his mind with heightened intensity.

[Activate recording!]

[0%!]

[30%!]

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Allen shouted once more, scanning his surroundings, but the voice seemed to emanate from within rather than from any external source.

[60%!]

[80%!]

[99%!]

[Ding! Success!]

[Hello, host!] the voice greeted him.

Upon hearing the voice, Allen's fear intensified, causing him to survey his surroundings with heightened vigilance.

"Who are you? Show yourself!" he demanded, his brows furrowing and his body poised for action in case of an attack.

Despite his lingering injuries, he would not hesitate to defend himself if the need arose.

[Introduce! I am the Fate Fighting System that brought you back from death!] the voice explained.

Startled, Allen realized that the voice did not seem to originate from any external source but rather echoed within his own mind!

Though taken aback initially, Allen managed to regain his composure and pose a question with a measured tone: "So, you're saying that I was reborn because of your intervention?"

[That's correct! I brought you back, but the immense energy required to rewind the timeline caused me to enter a dormant state.]

[Now, I exist as a recording, ready to explain everything to you, host!]

Upon hearing this explanation, Allen gradually lowered his guard, opting to embrace the situation and make an effort to comprehend the unfolding events.

Taking a deep breath, Allen's curiosity got the better of him as he inquired, "So, can you explain to me what exactly happened? Can you provide a detailed explanation?"

Initially, he regarded his rebirth as an unusual occurrence, suspecting that there must have been a reason behind it.

As the realization sank in that he had been brought back by the enigmatic system, Allen couldn't help but feel that there was more to the situation than met the eye.

"What is the purpose behind bringing me back?" Allen pondered, his mind racing to unravel the significance of this entity known as the system.

Sensing Allen's apprehension, the system sought to alleviate his worries.

[Do not worry, host,] the system reassured.

[I have no intention of causing you any harm whatsoever!] it declared.

[As for the precise reason behind your return, I regret that I cannot provide a detailed explanation due to restricted authority,] the system conveyed in its automated voice.

Allen, though finding it difficult to fully comprehend, nodded and resolved not to press for further information.

"No matter the specifics, I won't pry any further," he stated firmly.

"I'm genuinely grateful to you for giving me this opportunity," Allen said, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.

Knowing that without his rebirth, accepting his fate in the afterlife would have been unbearable to him.

In contemplating the choice between being reborn at a great cost or embracing the afterlife, Allen concluded that he would unhesitatingly choose rebirth.

The weight of his regrets and deep-seated resentments rendered the option of starting over indispensable in his quest for release.

Upon hearing Allen's resolute response, the system fell silent, seemingly taken aback or preoccupied with its own thoughts.

Observing the momentary pause, Allen's smile widened, piquing his curiosity even further.

"By the way, is there anything else you wish to convey?" he inquired, his curiosity unabated.

Eager to share its message, the system promptly resumed speaking.

[Now, please lend me your ears, host!] it urged, emphasizing the importance of what it was about to communicate.