baby system
they continued through the forest, Mabus's steps slowed. The peaceful sounds of the Hawaiian jungle—the chirping birds, the rustling leaves—were suddenly drowned out by the voice of the jinx system echoing in his mind.
"Are you ready to surrender, Mabus?" the system asked, its voice both mechanical and mocking. Mabus gritted his teeth, shaking his head slightly as if to shake the unwelcome voice out of his mind. Surrender? Never. He'd endured too much to give in now.
His resolve must have reached the system somehow, for it responded with an edge of annoyance. "Have I been too easy on you, Mabus? Do you not take me seriously?" The tone was chilling, and Mabus's heart skipped a beat. Before he could gather his thoughts, an attribute box appeared before his eyes, floating in mid-air like a ghost.
```
Name: Mabus Nickel
Age: 17
Height: 186cm
Weight: 154lbs (69kg)
Hair: Dark brown, messy
Eyes: Brown, piercing
Face: Chiseled features, strong jawline
Body: Lean, athletic build
Charm: Charm Level: 40, Charm Description: Has a gloomy charm hard to ignore
Mood: Current Mood: Irritated, Mood Description: Mabus is feeling frustrated and annoyed, his patience wearing thin
Skills:
- Stealth Mastery: Level 0
- Zooming Velocity: Level 0
- Purple Force Manipulation: Level 1
Equipment:
- System Disguise Module
Quests: None currently available
System Messages: "You are bound to me, Mabus Nickel. Your jinx will persist until you embrace your true potential. Resistance is futile."
System Punishment:
- Jinx Category: Curse of Misfortune (Level 1)
- Plagued by a mild curse that attracts minor misfortunes and mishaps
```
The numbers and descriptions glowed ominously, a harsh reminder of his limitations.
Devoum, walking beside him with his usual predatory grace, glanced at the sudden manifestation of the system but chose to ignore it. His indifference felt like a cold breeze against Mabus's skin, making him feel even more alone and vulnerable.
"Devoum!" Mabus's voice cracked, panic lacing his words. "The jinx system is here! Please, save me!" His plea was desperate, his fear real. He felt like a chick crying for its mother, his earlier courage crumbling under the weight of the system's presence.
Devoum chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. "I thought the system was something great," he said, amusement evident in his tone. "I didn't realize it was just a baby threat you were scared of." His dismissive attitude stung, but there was a hard truth in his words.
"Let the little menace be an exercise routine to teach you some strength," Devoum added, his gaze piercing through Mabus. There was no sympathy in his eyes, only a cold, unyielding resolve.
Mabus felt a fresh wave of despair wash over him. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. "Why would I believe that the guy who loves to jinx me would help me solve a jinx threat in the first place?" His words were a bitter acknowledgment of his helplessness. He was trapped between the relentless system and Devoum's harsh methods.
Just then, the jinx system, sensing the powerful presence of Devoum, seemed to hesitate. There was a brief, tense silence before it flickered and disappeared, leaving Mabus alone with his thoughts. The oppressive weight lifted slightly, and he let out a long, shuddering sigh. "At least," he murmured, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders, "the curser's presence can chase out the jinx system. *Breathes in* at least for now."
His thoughts were a chaotic whirlpool of fear, frustration, and reluctant gratitude. Devoum's methods were tough, but there was a twisted sense of security in knowing that his mere presence could keep the jinx system at bay. For now, that had to be enough.
The forest seemed to breathe around them, the life within it carrying on, indifferent to Mabus's internal struggle. Birds continued their songs, insects buzzed, and the scent of tropical flowers mingled with the damp earth. Mabus took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present. He was still alive, still moving forward, and for now, that was all he could ask for.
Just as he was about to relax, the jinx system's voice echoed in his mind one last time, dripping with drama. "Curse you, Devoum! I shall return when you least expect it, like an unwanted guest at a dinner party!" The over-the-top tone made Mabus stifle a laugh.
Devoum raised an eyebrow. "Did your jinx system just... monologue?"
Mabus snorted, unable to contain his laughter. "Yeah, I think it did. What a drama queen."
Devoum shook his head, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You attract the strangest things, Mabus."
"Tell me about it," Mabus replied, his mood lifting. "At least this time, it got scared off. Your aura must be more terrifying than its threats."
"Naturally," Devoum said with a smirk. "But don't get too comfortable. You'll need to learn to deal with it yourself eventually."
Mabus sighed, his brief moment of lightness fading. "I know, I know. Just... maybe not today?"
"Not today," Devoum agreed, his tone softening ever so slightly. "But soon."
As they continued their journey, Mabus couldn't help but feel a strange sense of connection with Devoum. Despite their differences, despite the fear and the jinx system, they were in this together. And for now, that was enough.
The forest seemed to open up as they walked, the dense canopy giving way to glimpses of the ocean beyond. Mabus's eyes caught sight of a couple picking coconuts from a tree and people gliding through the sky on parasails, their colorful canopies bright against the clear blue sky. For a brief moment, Mabus almost forgot that he was on a vacation filled with dangers and curses.
"What are you looking at?" Devoum's voice broke through his thoughts, sharp and cold.
"Just looking at the beautiful couples," Mabus replied, a wistful smile tugging at his lips.
"What's so great about that?" Devoum frowned, his disdain clear. "Humans just put deep emotions into nothing."
Mabus sighed, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "They remind me of my mommy."
"Did you just say 'mommy'?" Devoum turned to him, one eyebrow arched in disbelief.
"I meant mom," Mabus corrected quickly, scratching his head awkwardly. He felt his face flush red like a potato. "Come to think of it…" His embarrassment deepened as he remembered why he was here in the first place. "My dad brought me on this vacation and then ran off with a beautiful lady."
Devoum laughed, a sound that was both chilling and oddly musical, his face still cold and impassive. "Seriously? Your dad leaves you for a lady?" He continued to laugh, the sound echoing through the trees.
"Stop laughing!" Mabus spurted, folding his arms defensively. "My dad really has weird taste, just like his last woman who he thought was Jezebel but turned out to be a monster walker. Damn."
Devoum's hair shook slightly as he chuckled, the amusement still clear in his eyes. Without warning, he slapped Mabus on the butt, causing him to yelp in surprise. "We should keep moving so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation," Devoum said, his voice laced with a rare hint of humor.
Mabus rubbed his sore behind, muttering under his breath. Despite the slap, he couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. Devoum's unpredictable behavior, as frustrating as it was, provided a strange sense of comfort. He glanced back at the couples and parasailers one last time before following Devoum deeper into the forest, his thoughts a chaotic mix of embarrassment, frustration, and reluctant gratitude.
While they walked, Mabus's mind wandered. The jinx system, his dad's bizarre choices in women, and Devoum's harsh but effective protection all swirled together in a confusing mess.