The System

[Congratulations, Elliot. You have unlocked your survival system.]

The blue window floated in front of his eyes, dimly illuminating the dark basement. Elliot blinked several times, trying to take in what he was seeing. His thoughts were running into each other as he tried to find some logic behind this sudden appearance.

"What the fuck...?" he muttered under his breath, not daring to move too much so as not to wake Mel, who was still fast asleep against his chest.

For a moment, he thought maybe he was dreaming or that exhaustion had finally played a trick on him. But the window was still there, solid and shiny, as if it were mocking his confusion. Elliot slowly raised a hand, trying to touch it, but found no resistance; it was as if it were made of air.

Before he could process any further, the words on the screen changed.

[You have unlocked your system by having sex.]

Elliot froze, his eyes fixed on the message. He blinked once, then again, as if that would make the absurd words he had just read disappear. "What the fuck…?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

His mind began to spin in circles, trying to make sense of what he saw. Sexual intercourse? This is how this is unlocked? It was ridiculous. Incredibly ridiculous. He raised a hand to his face, running it through his hair in a frustrated gesture.

"This can't be happening," he muttered, letting out an exasperated snort. His brain, however, couldn't help but relate it to those trash stories he had read before the world collapsed. "What's next? Becoming the protagonist of a fucking apocalyptic porn? 'My S-rank harem system'? For fuck's sake!"

The thought made him let out a dry laugh, laden with disbelief. But the window was still there, unchanging, as if confirming every one of his suspicions.

Elliot let his head fall back, staring at the ceiling with a mix of resignation and amazement. "Of all the fucking times to show up… Why now? Two years of surviving in this hell, and it turns out all I had to do was fuck for this to show up. This is a joke."

His gaze returned to the screen, which seemed to glow with a kind of mute arrogance, as if it enjoyed his bewilderment. He tried to calm himself, but questions assaulted him one after another. Why him? Why now? And most importantly: What did this system mean, and what was he supposed to do with it?

The screen flickered again in front of Elliot, changing to display a more detailed list of information. The lines of text glowed brightly, organized as if they were a precise, professional report, but the content was anything but ordinary:

[You have had sex with Mel, so you have gained 1000 points.]

[Mel's affection and fondness for you has increased by 40%, so the points gained are multiplied x4.]

[Your shop system has been unlocked. If you need more information, just ask and the system will answer.]

A stat sheet then appeared before his eyes:

[Name: Elliot Debron

Age: 19

Number of women in your harem: 1

Points: 4000

Skills: None]

Elliot stared at the screen in disbelief. "Harem? What the fuck is this?" he muttered, his words echoing in the silence. Mel was still asleep in his arms, completely oblivious to the surreal spectacle unfolding in front of him.

"Well, let's just assume I'm not going crazy," he muttered to himself. He decided to try something, his mind scanning the options the system had presented. "Uh… system, how exactly does this work?"

The blue window flickered, as if processing his question, and then answered with disconcerting swiftness:

[The system is based on earning points by having sex with women. Each sexual relationship generates 1000 base points. However, the level of affection and fondness the woman feels towards you acts as a multiplier, increasing the points earned. For example, if a woman has an affection level of 50%, the base points are multiplied x5, resulting in 5000 points.]

Elliot let out a disbelieving snort. "So the more I woo them, the more I earn? Sounds like a cheap writer's wet dream."

The screen ignored his sarcasm and continued:

[Accumulated points can be spent in the system store, where you'll find basic resources like food, water, and medicine, as well as unique skills, advanced equipment, and even custom soldiers for your protection.]

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "Soldiers? What the...? And is there something I should know before I rush out to buy stuff?"

The screen flickered once more, as if anticipating his question:

[In order to keep the system active and keep accumulating points, you must continue having sex. Without points, access to the store and its benefits will be restricted. The system is designed to incentivize you to create and maintain intimate connections. If you don't, you'll lose access to all resources.]

Elliot let out a sarcastic laugh. "So basically, if I stop fucking, this system becomes useless garbage."

[Correct.]

He rubbed his temples, trying to process the onslaught of information. "What if I choose to ignore you?"

The system didn't respond immediately. After a moment of silence, a simple but haunting line of text appeared:

[The choice is yours, but remember: in this world, resources are scarce. The system can be your advantage… or your downfall.]

Elliot exhaled slowly, his dark eyes locked on the screen. On one hand, this seemed too absurd to be real. On the other, the prospect of access to food, skills, and soldiers was too tempting to ignore. His fingers drummed against the arm of the couch as his mind raced.

"Okay," he finally said. "Show me the shop. I want to see how helpful you can be."

The screen flickered and began displaying an endless list of options, each with specific prices. Still wary, Elliot decided to play along, at least for now. But something inside him told him that this system was more than a tool; it was a weapon, and like any weapon, it had to be handled with care.

[System Store]

Available Points: 4000

Available Items:

Small Supply Pack – 2000 points

Contents:

3 rations of canned food (high durability).

5 bottles of purified water.

Basic first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, painkillers).

1 flashlight with batteries included.

Ideal for surviving a week in adverse conditions.

Small Weapons Pack – 3000 points

Contents:

Semi-automatic pistol (9mm) with 2 magazines (15 rounds per magazine).

Tactical survival knife.

Light bulletproof vest (basic level).

For self-defense in moderate danger scenarios.

Basic Shelter Pack – 4000 points

Contents:

Weather-resistant tent.

Multi-purpose tool kit.

Insulated sleeping bag.

Portable stove with gas cartridges.

Perfect for setting up a temporary base.

Skills

Physical Enhancement Level 1 – 3000 points

Increases strength, stamina, and speed by 15% above the human average.

Benefits: Improves ability to fight, resist fatigue, and move quickly in dangerous situations.

Intelligence Increase Level 1 – 3000 points

Increases analytical, memory, and strategic decision-making abilities.

Benefits: Think more clearly under pressure, solve complex problems quickly.

Increased Attraction Level 1 – 2000 points

Increases your charisma and personal appeal by 10%.

Benefits: Improves social interaction, making it easier to increase the affection and affection of other characters.

Special Resource

Local Resource Map – 2500 points

Shows nearby locations of food, water, fuel, and weapons.

Benefits: Significantly reduces search time for supplies.

Recruits and Soldiers

Basic Staff Soldier – 4000 points

Trained in basic combat tactics and defense.

Included Weapons: Standard Rifle and Bulletproof Vest.

Note: Only available if the Affection of at least one female in your harem is over 50%.

Fast Scout – 3000 points

Reconnaissance and resource search specialist.

Equipment: Map and navigation tools.

Other Items

Luxury Meal – 2000 points

Contents: One full gourmet meal.

Benefits: Increases character Affection if shared.

Advanced Medical Kit – 3500 points

Includes advanced medical equipment to treat serious wounds and common illnesses.

Ammo Crate – 2500 points

Contains 100 bullets of various calibers.

Elliot looked around the store with a mix of disbelief and resignation. Yes, the options were useful, some even incredibly tempting, but his points were limited, and spending too much would leave him in a dangerous position. After all, relying solely on Mel to top up his points balance was a plan as impractical as it was stupid.

Whatever had happened between them, as intense and real as it had been in the moment, didn't change the fact that Mel was still in love with Owen. Everything they had shared could fall apart the moment she woke up and the guilt hit her like a train. If she regrets it, if she feels like she betrayed Owen, she could end up hating me. That possibility hovered in his mind like a persistent specter, souring his brief triumph.

He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair as he pondered his options. Ruling out the soldiers is the first thing. He couldn't risk having a guy with a gun appear out of nowhere who only obeyed him. The entire group would see him as a threat, and they would blow his head off in no time. Besides, explaining something like that would be impossible.

His eyes returned to the supply pack. This makes more sense. With 2000 points, I could supply the group with food and water for at least two or three days, as long as they rationed well. It wasn't a long-term solution, but it would at least buy me some time. If I spread this out strategically, I could strengthen my position in the group without raising suspicion.

However, the other option that caught his eye made him pause. Increased Attraction Level 1. He couldn't deny that the idea was appealing, literally. If this absurd system was going to depend on him having sex to survive, he might as well increase his chances of success. Being more charismatic, more desirable, would be an investment in himself. Plus, if he managed to handle it well, he could start attracting other women in the group or even outside of it, without relying exclusively on Mel.

His eyes alternated between the two options. "2000 for food and 2000 to upgrade myself," he muttered to himself, assessing the consequences. With this I not only settle the food for now, but also prepare for what's coming.

Finally, he made the decision. "Alright, system. Buy the Small Supply Pack and the Increased Attraction Level 1 skill," he ordered, keeping his voice low so as not to wake Mel.

The screen flickered, displaying a short message:

[Confirming purchase...]

[Successful purchase. Remaining: 0 points.]

Elliot felt a slight tingle run through his body, especially when the ability activated. It was like a new energy vibrated within him, a magnetism he hadn't felt before. His mind was clearer, and his confidence, though already solid, felt reinforced.

Within seconds, a small flash appeared in front of him. Out of nowhere, a solid, grey, functional box materialized on the basement floor. The supply pack.

Elliot smiled, leaning over to examine the contents as Mel remained asleep, her body still nestled against his. "Not bad," he murmured, opening the box to confirm that everything was in place. Food, water, a first aid kit... enough to calm the group's tensions and buy them a little more time.

He looked at Mel, who was still fast asleep, her hair disheveled and her naked body pressed against him. There was something almost poetic about the contrast between her vulnerability and the strength he now felt in himself. A smile curved his lips as he lay back down, the supply box secured and his mind making plans for the future.

"This system may be a stupid piece of shit, but if this works out like I hope it does, I'm going to turn this stupidity to my advantage.

Elliot closed his eyes, intending to rest for just a few minutes, but exhaustion eventually got the better of him. Without realizing it, he fell into a deep sleep, his body still entwined with Mel's, who was still curled up against him. Her soft breathing was a steady rhythm that enveloped him, as if at that moment, the chaos of the world didn't exist.

The night passed in a strange stillness, with both naked bodies sharing the warmth offered by the small couch. Elliot didn't dream, he didn't need to. For the first time in a long time, his mind was free of immediate worries. He had let it all out, literally emptying every drop of tension into Mel hours before.

His satisfaction was complete: the weight of desire he had carried for so long, the pent-up frustrations, and the damn need for some control in his life. It had all been channeled into that night. Now he had Mel in his arms, and more importantly, he had a system that promised to give him a real advantage in this cruel world.

Yet a shadow lingered at the edge of his mind. This was not a kind world. In The Last of Us, nothing good lasted for long. Everything could go to hell in the blink of an eye, and Elliot knew that all too well.

For now, he let the exhaustion and small victory of that night lull him. For now, he thought before sinking deeper into sleep.

But even as he slept, a light smile curved on his lips. Things were finally looking up, though he knew the true test was yet to come.

End of Chapter 6.