Chapter 4: A System? (3)

Chapter 4: A System? (3)

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Zephyr excused himself from the table and hurried to one of the men's bathrooms. No matter where he looked or how fast he moved, the holographic screen followed him like a persistent shadow.

Whatever it was, it seemed to grow even more impatient as the last line of text flashed furiously.

Reaching the bathroom, Zephyr quickly locked himself in a stall, back pressed against the door. He took a moment to calm his breathing and still his racing heart. When he felt ready enough, Zephyr fixed his gaze on the screen once more.

"What are you? Why can I see you?" was the first question he asked, hand gripping the doorknob tightly in case something stranger happened.

A mechanical sound answered moments later, emanating from the device.

[I am a system distributor from a galaxy light years away from yours. You're seeing the holographic screen because been chosen to host a system and it's being directly projected to your consciousness. Would you like to complete the bonding process?] the system's voice responded.

Zephyr raised an eyebrow. "A system distributor from another galaxy? This sounds like something out of a science fiction novel."

[It is understandable that you doubt my words. A system is only granted when a timeline, planet, galaxy, dimension, or universe is in danger that might affect the balance of the universes in the world. So far, more than a thousand systems have been deployed to different dimensions and timelines to help save them. The seers have foreseen a grave danger in the future of this dimension which will affect the order of the universe. Naturally, a system is deployed ahead of time to help. You've been chosen to host this system. Do you accept?] the system explained.

Zephyr's mind raced to process the new information. Questions flooded his thoughts, but one stood out the most. "Why me?"

[You were chosen because you have a clear heart, unstained by the elements of this world. You care about others and are willing to help. Finally, you were chosen because you're a naturally born leader and you have a record of sacrificing yourself to save others. I believe you'll use the powers granted by the system to save your dimension,] the system replied.

"...Right," Zephyr said after a moment of silence. "Is that the script you read to every other 'chosen host'?" he asked skeptically.

[Okay, fine, some people love to feel important so we just say that. You were chosen because in a few other universes connected to this one, you bonded with the system successfully so there's less chance of you dying during the bonding process in this universe,] the system admitted.

"So basically, there was a chance I would die because of you," Zephyr said, a wry smile crossing his face.

[Basically,] the system confirmed.

Zephyr couldn't help but laugh. "Right," he said with a smile. "Thanks for your honesty but I'd appreciate it if you see yourself out of my mind now. I refuse..."

[Wait,] the system interrupted before Zephyr could complete his sentence. [I know we've gotten off on a pretty rocky start but you really are the only person in this universe who could bond with this system successfully. Besides, I have a proposal for you.]

Zephyr was immediately intrigued. "What proposal?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

[You'll be risking your life for your planet so naturally, I'll give you something important in return. A chance to find out the truth about your origin. I can give you a chance to recover your sealed memories and uncover the truth regarding your origin,] the system offered.

[You, the being you know as your brother, and your soulmate. I can help you uncover it all. Just accept to save this planet in exchange,] the system continued.

Zephyr, who was originally going to reject the system, now found himself lost in thought.

Not about the soulmate—everyone finds their soulmate eventually, dead or alive.

Zephyr's thoughts were filled with the system's words about his and his brother's origins. What did it mean?

From his memories, Zephyr's parents had been dead since he was twelve, and his brother three. Ever since, he had been the one taking care of his brother, Mac, refusing to go to an orphanage or be adopted.

They were helped by neighbors, Mac's teachers, and a kind law enforcer who came to check up on them every so often.

Zephyr never questioned anything or felt anything was weird until the system brought it up. Sealed memories? Could that explain why he didn't remember his parents' faces at all?

Zephyr wasn't one to forget things that easily, especially not the faces of his family.

"I accept," Zephyr finally said decisively.

[Thank you,] the system replied.

[Approval accepted...]

[Bonding system with host...]

[Scanning for abnormalities, none...]

[Bonding Successful.]

[Now returning to Galaxy X0260. Wishing the newest Soul System User the best of luck in his future adventures,] the system concluded before disconnecting.

Zephyr stood in silence for a few moments after the system's departure. He had expected something dramatic to happen, but after a few more moments, a frown formed on his face. Was that it?

For a moment, Zephyr questioned his sanity. Perhaps he really was going crazy after so many years of fending for himself that he began to hallucinate.

With a wry smile and a shake of his head, Zephyr reached for the door when he felt a weight on his right wrist. Raising his hand, Glenn saw a delicate bracelet, as if made of glass with a mix of red and silver—a reminder that everything that had happened moments ago wasn't his brain being creative.

Without a second thought, Zephyr traced his finger over the smooth and slightly cold surface of the bracelet.

To his amazement, a holographic screen opened above the bracelet. It resembled the earlier one but this one was red with silver lining the edges.

By estimation, Zephyr was certain it was about the size of a 42-inch TV screen. Lines of text were displayed on the screen.

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{Name ~ Zephyr Sinclair}

{System ~ AI System 0109}

{Role ~ Host}

{Stat}

Total Stat Points: 69

Intelligence: 20/20

Agility/Dexterity: 15/20

Perception: <unable to determine value>

Endurance/Vitality: 10/20

Strength: 7/20

Wisdom: 9/20

Luck: 5/20

Cosnergy ~ 25/20

<Note - With every level up, 1.5 points are added to each attribute. Attributes can be increased by various other means.< em>>

{Cultivation}

Method ~ None

Level ~ \\\

{Awakened Talent}

01 ~ Unawakened

02 ~ Unawakened

03 ~ Unawakened

<Note 3 - Host can only awaken talents until level 50. However, each talent have a number of skills depending on host comprehension capabilities>

{Storage}

Empty {0/10} Slots

<Note - Host can increase the storage space by completing missions with related rewards>

{Wheel of Fortune}

0/5 spins used

<Note 5 - Host can spin the wheel times weekly. It will be refreshed at midnight every Sunday and cannot carried over to next week>

{Sub-system Users}

No slots available

<Note 1 10 - Host can get slot every levels>

Weekly Bundle - Unopened

*****************************************************************************

Zephyr examined the details on the screen with a thoughtful expression. It seemed the system was thorough, even adding notes to explain potential questions Zephyr might have.

"Why are all my last three stats so low?" he asked after a few moments, not really expecting a reply.

{Why not?. Just kidding, after strict examination, those are the values your stats have currently achieve} the system replied, its voice startling Zephyr. {I can't figure out why your perception value is off the charts though}

"You can talk?" Zephyr asked, surprised.

{Well, I won't be an AI if I couldn't talk. Hi, I'm Zero and I'll be your side chick from now on,} the system introduced itself.

"You mean sidekick," Zephyr corrected.

{What he said,} Zero replied, and Zephyr could almost imagine the AI rolling its eyes if it had any. {Is there anything you don't understand?}

Zephyr nodded, refocusing on what was important. "Just the Sub-system Users."

{Sub-system Users is a feature that allows you to influence the talents and attributes of people you wish to. You can add people to your system and grant them talents according to your desire. These people will get a Sub-User Interface when added to the system, but you'll be the admin so everything returns back to you.}

{You have the option to add people, help them improve, or completely change their talents. It's advised not to add people you don't trust, as they will experience a large boost in power and might be a problem for you in the future,} Zero explained.

Zephyr listened intently. He now understood more about this new system and was ready to move on to his next question.

"The system distributor said this dimension is in danger. Can you tell what kind of danger?" he asked hopefully.

{Sorry, this information is not accessible for now. However, I can tell you that there is about a year and a half until the first disaster,} Zero responded.

"What?" Zephyr exclaimed, losing his composure. "A year and a half? Are you kidding me?"

{I'm not, but don't worry. A year and a half is just about enough time for me to get you to at least level 25. You should have about a 25% chance of stopping the first disaster then,} Zero assured him.

"25%?" Zephyr repeated, feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to collect himself.

"Is there a way for me to communicate with you without speaking out loud?" Zephyr asked after he felt calmer.

{Yes, I can hear your thoughts directed towards me,} Zero confirmed.

Zephyr sighed with relief. At least something was going his way. "Good. Let's put all this on hold for now. I need to return to the table before someone comes looking for me," he said, opening the door and stepping out. "We'll continue when I get home."

The hallway was now mostly deserted, with first-year students still on break and second-years not due out for another twenty minutes. Zephyr walked with slow strides, hoping to delay his return to the cafeteria.

As he passed the office of the first-year teachers, however, his steps came to a halt, his attention caught by voices from inside. Zephyr had no business listening in on teachers' conversations, but the tone and content piqued his curiosity.

"Miss Lauren, who are your students this year? Another bunch of losers, I presume?" a male voice said, followed by snickering.

Zephyr strained to hear Miss Lauren's response, but it was a guy who spoke next.

"Don't you all know Miss Lauren is our school's most dedicated teacher? For three years, she's taught three classes and all her students have graduated with worst results. She hasn't received a single promotion, unlike teachers who started at the same time as her," the guy remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Promotion? I'd be surprised if she even gets any recognition from the head teacher!" another voice chimed in mockingly.

"Miss Lauren, you're beautiful, but that's all. Maybe if you'd accepted my proposal earlier..." the first voice teased.

Footsteps approached the door, and Zephyr quickly stepped back just as it opened. Miss Lauren, the beauty with long black hair, walked out, clad in a blue polo shirt and jeans, briskly moving down the hall without noticing Zephyr's presence.

Zephyr listened to her depart, noting the tensed aura on her despite her composed demeanor. She didn't utter a word in response to the mocking voices from the office.

Zephyr's mind churned with thoughts. The assigned teacher for his class was in a precarious position within the school hierarchy. Would this affect the students? More importantly, would it affect him?

"Things are getting interesting, don't you think so, Zero?" Zephyr murmured, a small smile playing on his lips.

{Your mentality is what's interesting, host,}Zero quipped.

Zephyr chuckled softly, then resumed his walk towards the cafeteria. The events of the day had taken a surreal turn, from discovering a mysterious system to encountering the harsh realities of school dynamics. He couldn't help but feel that his life was about to embark on an unexpected journey—one that would intertwine with both extraordinary powers and everyday challenges.

With each step, Zephyr Sinclair, now host to an enigmatic system, prepared himself for the uncertainties that lay ahead, both within the walls of his school and beyond the dimensions of his understanding.