Chapter — Round Two
Name: Dogju Syu
Level: 5
Class: Supreme System
Abilities:
[SYSTEM REWRITE] – Hijack and manipulate other Systems.
[SYSTEM CONSUMPTION] – Absorb Systems and use their abilities.
[THUNDERCLAP] – Passive: Electric bursts increase movement speed.
[SYSTEM REGRESSION] – Revive by resetting the world after death.
[NEW PASSIVE: Reflex Adaptation] – Automatically reacts to surprise attacks.
Stats:
Perception: 6
Strength: 3
Agility: 4
Intellect: 5
Charisma: 1
Stat Points: 1
Dogju stared at the glowing system screen. His brow tightened.
"Charisma: 1. Fair enough." He sighed. "Still can't stand people."
Oracle stood nearby, arms crossed, her silver hair swaying lightly in the rooftop wind. Calm as ever.
"You tested me," Dogju said flatly.
"You're not the only Supreme System," Oracle answered. "But you're… different."
"Different how?"
"Unlisted. Untethered. Uncontrolled."
She walked toward the stairs, and he followed.
"There are five official Supremes, right? The ones with PR teams and worshippers. And then there's me."
"You were flagged the moment your System activated. We've been watching you."
"So the lightning girl was your scout?"
Oracle didn't answer directly. "She tests those worth recruiting."
"Great. Your job interviews come with broken bones."
They went down the stairwell in silence, footsteps echoing. She revealed nothing more. Controlled, quiet—the kind who only spoke when necessary.
"So what are you? A handler?"
"Think of me as a bridge. Between talent and necessity."
Dogju raised a brow. "Sounds like a leash."
They reached a dead-end wall in the old library basement. Oracle tapped the air, and the bricks shimmered—then vanished, revealing a hidden passage.
Dogju blinked. "There was a secret wall here the whole time?"
Inside was a large underground chamber. Dim lights buzzed above sleek panels. Around a dozen others were inside—students, some armored, some casual. All eyes turned toward him.
[SYSTEM SCAN ACTIVE]
[SYSTEM USER – LV 3]
[SYSTEM USER – LV 6]
[SYSTEM USER – LV 4]
[SYSTEM USER – LV 5]
Dogju scanned the room. "Most of them are weak. No problem if it comes to a fight."
"Confidence or delusion," Oracle muttered.
A boy stepped forward. Hoodie, messy hair, hands in his pockets. Looked ordinary—until Dogju's screen flickered.
[ERROR: STATS UNAVAILABLE.]
The boy smiled. "Dogju, right? I'm Ark."
Dogju studied him for a moment. "Let me guess—you're the welcome committee."
"Something like that," Ark said. "We want you to join us."
"You mean this little faction?"
Ark nodded. "We'll teach you how to control your System. In return, you help us. Simple trade."
Dogju tilted his head. "What's the real goal?"
Ark's smile tightened. "Order. Supremes without control are dangerous. Now we want to shape you with the power you're gifted."
"Shape," Dogju repeated dryly. "Nice word." He narrowed his eyes. "But I'm not interested."
The room stirred at his refusal.
Ark didn't flinch. "Why not?"
"Because I just got this System. I'm still figuring it out. And honestly? I don't trust you. You give off the wrong vibe."
Ark sighed. "That's disappointing."
Then it happened.
A sudden, blinding pain.
Dogju gasped, looking down. Blood. A blade stuck out of his stomach. His breath caught.
Behind him stood a guard, grinning.
Dogju coughed. "Do you stab every guest, or just the honest ones?"
Oracle stayed silent.
[CRITICAL CONDITION.]
His body went weak. Heavy. He tried to move but couldn't.
What happened to [REFLEX ADAPTATION]? The passive should've triggered. It didn't.
They must have blocked it—suppressed it somehow before striking. Precise, coded interference.
Ark stepped closer. "You're unstable, seen too much. We can't have that."
Dogju's knees hit the ground. Vision fading.
[ACTIVATING SYSTEM REGRESSION…]
The world shattered like glass.
REBOOTING…
Dogju woke up on the rooftop but the blood was gone. His wounds—gone. Reset.
But the memory wasn't.
Dogju dropped to his knees and vomited. His hands shook. For the first time, he'd felt real death—and it terrified him. The blade. The smirk. The silence.
He clenched his fist. The world hadn't changed. But now, he knew. He remembered Ark's face. The hideout. The betrayal.
He steadied his breath.
The screen flickered.
[NEW QUEST UNLOCKED]
Quest: Avenge your death
Objective: Defeat at least 5 members of the faction.
Reward: +3 Stat Points, EXP (Level Up Guaranteed)
Dogju stared. Then his lips curled into a small, sharp grin.
"Yeah… round two, you bastards."