"Traveling between two worlds has allowed me to discover new systems, new magic, and make new friends. I've benefited tremendously," Lockhart continued.
"Not to mention your lottery function."
As he spoke, Lockhart's voice filled with emotion, tinged with a hint of awe.
"You can grant the ability to quickly acquire others' powers simply through favorability ratings."
"Truly formidable!"
Lockhart delivered this last comment with genuine appreciation.
The System maintained its appearance as a purple-gold sphere of light. Occasionally, shallow ripples appeared on its surface, suggesting it was listening attentively.
Lockhart didn't linger on the lottery function, instead changing the subject: "When facing attacks from the soul realm of evil gods like Dormammu, my personal abilities would have been insufficient to resist."
"Your presence created an essential defensive barrier for me."
Lockhart continued listing the ways the System had helped him, but stopped abruptly mid-sentence.
He realized that because he had deliberately avoided relying too heavily on the System, his understanding of it remained limited.
Was this good news or bad? He couldn't be certain.
"System, you've helped me tremendously."
"However, I personally believe there's no such thing as a free meal."
"If you consider your previous assistance an investment, then you surely expect something in return."
Having said this, Lockhart fell silent, his gaze fixed on the purple-gold sphere of light before him.
His meaning couldn't have been clearer.
He chose honesty with the System in this delicate situation, though he maintained an escape route. His body—condensed purely from the concept of existence—would persist unless all knowledge of him was erased from reality.
If the System truly surpassed the Ancient One, Odin, and the various evil gods in power, and could erase his existence, memory, and essence from the multiverse... then Lockhart would have to accept defeat.
After all, attempting to take food from a tiger's mouth inevitably carried risk.
He had done everything within his power to prepare. Now, he was willing to gamble.
By taking this chance, he bet that the System's capabilities, though vast, still had limitations—that it couldn't simply erase him from existence.
"That's my personal perspective," he added.
"So I'd like to know what reward you require."
"I'm also curious—why did you choose me initially? Was it because of my luck?"
Everything had cause and effect.
There must have been a reason for his time travel and for the System's binding to him.
Otherwise, with countless worlds and nearly infinite life forms, why choose Lockhart specifically?
Having spoken, Lockhart waited silently for the System's response.
"Investment?"
"That's an appropriate term!"
The familiar mechanical voice of the System responded.
"It's fine if you think of it that way."
Hearing this, Lockhart felt a flicker of excitement.
If the System accepted the logic of investment, then meaningful dialogue remained possible.
Suddenly...
"But, Host, have you ever considered the possibility of becoming a puppet?"
Of course, that's my greatest concern, Lockhart thought silently.
This fear explained why he had chosen to separate from his soul and true spirit. The worry that the System had established deep roots during their long association haunted him.
If the System could manipulate him, turning him into an unwitting puppet, defending against such control would prove nearly impossible.
Yet the System's question actually relieved Lockhart somewhat.
Though maintaining its mechanical tone, he detected something like an almost-smile in the System's voice—as if making a joke, or referencing a possibility that had once existed but no longer did.
Lockhart smiled naturally and replied, "It would be dishonest to claim I never harbored such concerns."
"But I believe that partnership with me would yield greater benefits than controlling me as a mere puppet."
Lockhart's words caused the purple-gold sphere to bob slightly up and down, as if nodding in agreement.
"Indeed, Host, you are a genius."
"Among all worlds, your intellect would certainly rank among the finest."
Lockhart didn't allow himself to be distracted by the System's praise.
He quickly asked, "So, can you tell me what you want now?"
"If it's within my power, I'd be more than willing to help."
"Host, you're performing admirably as it is. Continue on your path." The System offered encouragement rather than a clear answer.
Lockhart pressed further: "Besides primal power, what else interests you?"
"If there are other things, I'll make sure to pay attention to gathering them in the future."
Lockhart continued to demonstrate goodwill, expressing his willingness to establish a trading relationship.
He hoped to establish clear communication and transaction mechanisms with the System—no vagueness, no excessive emotional entanglements.
A pure exchange of interests seemed, in Lockhart's estimation, the most reliable approach at present.
He didn't expect significant benefits from the System. After all, traveling between worlds had already granted Lockhart tremendous advantages.
He hoped for just one thing now: that the System would temporarily separate from his soul and true spirit.
He wanted control over his own existence.
At minimum, he wished to eliminate the possibility of his soul being secretly manipulated, turning him into an unwitting puppet at any moment.
"Host, if you wish to trade, energy of the same quality as primal power would also be acceptable."
The System stated part of its request, but offered nothing more.
Lockhart naturally nodded in agreement.
"I'm curious, Host," the System continued. "Why choose such a difficult path?"
"I could assist you if necessary."
Evidently, Lockhart's idea of forging a new way forward for sorcerers had captured the System's interest.
His previous explanation hadn't satisfied its curiosity.
Lockhart pondered for a moment before sharing part of his thinking: "I personally find the relationship between dimensional gods and their believers distasteful."
"It's fundamentally unhealthy."
Lockhart deliberately chose the word "unhealthy" to describe the relationship, revealing his contempt for the followers of gods and conventional sorcery.
"Besides, I have many good friends at Kamar-Taj."
"If someday they were forced into hostility because of divine relationships..."
As he spoke, Lockhart's tone clearly revealed emotional investment in this concern.
The system of divine worship appeared beautiful on the surface. Believers could gain power rapidly, while gods extended their authority and control.
Yet looking deeper revealed that the gods controlled everything, while believers merely served as sustenance.
It represented a deformed cultivation system.
This was evident in how few sorcerers had ascended to become dimensional gods in recent centuries. There existed no path forward except through extraordinary luck.
"Are there other reasons?" the System inquired further.