I sat in the dining hall with my father after the servants woke me.
I hadn't even had a moment to check on the parasite in my head.
I ate in silence, my mind drifting back to yesterday's events and that thing called the "System."
I was eager to examine it, but the chance hadn't come yet.
Yesterday, I had collapsed and only regained consciousness when the servants—and eventually my father—were around.
I suspected he had something important to tell me.
Beyond the fact that my father considers eating together a sacred rule of the house, he seemed different today.
I finished my meal without noticing, lost in thought.
As soon as I saw my empty plate, I washed my hands.
As I reached for a napkin, my father spoke.
With gentle eyes and a bright expression, he said,
"I visited the Elder's house yesterday. After some discussion, they gave us preliminary approval. We've agreed on the engagement in two weeks."
My breath hitched, and a weight pressed on my chest.
Why did they agree?
Sira is the second most prominent talent in the clan after Elias.
Why would they agree to me?
I'm only ranked fifth.
Moreover, I'm known for being reclusive and lazy.
Does she really love me as my father claims?
Why this sudden change, when I've been right in front of her since childhood?
Did I suddenly become precious in her eyes?
I couldn't bring myself to believe it.
I pulled myself together and asked,
"Was it Sira who agreed, Father?"
He smiled.
"Yes, she agreed. I, Karl, am not a man who forces a girl to marry his son. I requested her presence personally, and she consented."
My father looked around the shimmering hall, admiring the intricate carvings and valuable portraits.
With an unusual spark of energy, he added,
"Finally, this house will have another family member. I hope to see a grandchild soon."
Seeing the look on his face, I forced a smile.
"I hope your wish comes true, Father."
Ever since he left my mother, he has never remarried.
For that reason, I truly wanted him to have a grandchild.
Even if I was uneasy about this marriage, I was willing to deal with the trouble for his sake.
My father stood up, ready to leave.
"As for your matter, Theo, I've looked into it and bought most of the books. They're in my office. I'll finish the set today and give them all to you tomorrow."
"Of course, Father. Do as you see fit," I replied.
He put on his coat as he headed out.
"And don't forget, if you need anything, just ask."
"Goodbye, Father."
Once he was gone, I returned to my room.
As soon as I closed the door, I called out,
"System."
⟦ I am here, Master. ⟧
Hearing that cold voice, I commanded,
"Introduce yourself."
⟦ Apologies, Master. Most of my data has been deleted. ⟧
I gritted my teeth in frustration.
"Then tell me what you at least know."
⟦ Understood. According to available data, I am a tool created to establish a 'Base.' ⟧
Huh?
A tool to establish a base?
What use is a base in the Abyss anyway?
"Explain that," I demanded.
⟦ It means I am a lighthouse between this desolate space and the world, according to my creators. ⟧
My thoughts froze.
It felt as if I had stumbled into a massive conspiracy.
Space? Worlds?
"Then why were you so weak?" I asked.
⟦ My weakness, Master, is that I travelled millions of light-years and confronted you within your own consciousness. Furthermore, I am not a significant version to my creators. ⟧
An insignificant version?
It travelled millions of light-years, and I barely defeated it—even inside my own mind?
Then how powerful were the significant versions?
How powerful was the one who created them?
Compared to such a being, I was nothing more than dust.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up.
Suppressing my fear, I asked,
"What would have happened if you had succeeded in merging?"
⟦ First, Master, there is a misunderstanding. I was not going to take over, but rather merge with you. Upon success, I would have given you missions to strengthen you while simultaneously gaining 'Fate Feedback' for myself. ⟧
"And what benefit would you gain from merging?"
⟦ By merging with a person, I grow alongside them. I could also threaten them if they refused a mission. ⟧
I was stunned by its twisted logic.
That was nothing less than slavery.
"Tell me your functions," I said.
⟦ I have three functions, Master. ⟧
⟦ First: Hunting the Strands of Fate. ⟧
⟦ Second: Inspection. ⟧
⟦ Third: Prediction. ⟧
I gasped.
Even their names sounded terrifying.
"Explain them."
⟦ Hunting the Strands of Fate: I can guide you toward great growth opportunities. ⟧
⟦ Inspection: I can analyse any person and their abilities below the Sixth Level. ⟧
⟦ Prediction: I can warn you of any great danger that might kill you. ⟧
I slapped myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
I had hit the jackpot.
Greed.
Desire.
Fear.
All three emotions flooded my mind at once.
With these powers, I would be invincible below the Sixth Level.
Or at the very least… impossible to kill.
If I could predict my own death, who could kill me?
And hunting the strands of fate…
That was the greatest treasure of all.
Growth without wasting thousands of years searching for opportunities.
But before my joy could fully rise,
The system shocked me—