Michael blinked in surprise. "Wait, I can actually do that?"
[Yes, Host. These are among the system's basic features. As your level increases, these functions will also expand. Eventually, you'll even gain the ability to modify your subordinates' morals and personalities as you wish.]
"Huh… that sounds like changing the settings of a game's NPC."
This system never stopped surprising me.
[So, Host, would you like to fix her?]
Michael looked at Lira again. "Hmm… not a bad idea. That might get rid of this weird awkwardness."
Michael's primary reason for purchasing Lira was simple — he needed someone to assist him with his business. However, if she remained so lifeless and unattractive like this, no customer would ever want to buy from them. In trade, forming connections with clients was just as important as the product itself.
"Yes," he said decisively.
[Command accepted.
Initiating System Integration Link — Subject: Lira.]
A thin beam of blue light shot out from the screen and hit the slave mark on Lira's collarbone. The mark lit up.
[Dimensional Energy Required — 20%]
[Confirm expenditure?]
"Yes," Michael said without hesitation, as he didn't want to waste any more time here.
At once, a soft hum filled the room. Blue sparks drifted through the air, swirling around Lira like fireflies.
[Dimensional Energy consumed — 20%]
[Fix Protocol Initiated. Estimated completion time: 2 hours 34 minutes.]
Lira's breathing quickened; a faint glow rippled beneath her skin, pulsing like liquid light. For a moment, her eyes widened in shock—then her body went limp, collapsing to the floor as if every string holding her up had been cut.
Michael jumped to his feet. "What the—?! Did she just die?"
[Do not worry, Host. The subject has entered a protective stasis. Her consciousness is currently being synchronized with the system's rehabilitation module. During this process, all biological activity is reduced to 30% of normal levels.]
"Oh, so she's just… unconscious for now?"
[Correct. Once the Fix Protocol is complete, her physical vitality and neural balance will begin restoration.]
"Hm. That's good."
The room glowed faintly with the system's light; outside, evening had already fallen.
Around Lira's body, intricate blue and golden shapes began to form—hovering rectangles of light spinning gently in the air. Tiny sparks of energy drifted from them, seeping into her body, while tendrils of black and violet mist rose from her skin, twisting upward before being absorbed back into the glowing constructs. The whole scene looked like a purification ritual—mechanical and divine at once.
Another holographic window appeared before Michael.
[Fix Progress — 4%
Estimated Completion: 2 hrs 28 mins]
Hmm, this is going to take a while, Michael thought, glancing at the timer. Besides, it was already getting late—I should probably return to Earth.
[Host, I recommend that you also replenish your Dimensional Energy. Only 38.83% remains, which is below safe levels. It's advisable to restore it as soon as possible—otherwise, insufficient energy levels may cause operational instability or limit your access to system functions in future scenarios.]
"Ah, right… I completely forgot about that," Michael muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"Sista, what do I need to do to bring it back up to a full 100%?"
[Host, you'll need to purchase Dimensional Energy (DE) from the Dimensional Trade Network. Would you like me to set it to Automatic Mode? In this mode, the system will automatically buy DE whenever your reserves drop below a safe level—saving you the trouble of manual purchases.
Additionally, in special emergencies, if your energy is suddenly depleted, the system will instantly refill it for you. This greatly increases your chances of survival—even under extreme conditions.]
Michael couldn't help but be impressed. "That's… actually pretty amazing," he murmured. "Heh, with something like this, maybe I could even survive a nuclear strike..."
"How much does it usually cost to buy this energy?"
[Host, DE prices fluctuate constantly. The current average rate is 0.72 D-Coins per 1% DE.]
"Hm, not exactly cheap," Michael muttered, "but fair enough."
"Alright then—enable automatic mode and purchase the energy."
More windows popped up in front of him.
[Confirm]
[Automatic DE Purchase Mode — ENABLED]
[Priority Level: Standard]
[Linked Wallet: Main D-Coin Account]
[Current Balance: 249 D-Coins]
[Required DE: 61.17% — Total Cost: 44.042 D-Coins]
[Processing purchase through DTN…]
Michael watched as his energy bar started to rise.
38.83% → 50% → 72% → 100%
[Transaction Complete]
[−44.042 D-Coins Deducted | New Balance: 204.96 D-Coins]
[Dimensional Energy Fully Restored — 100%]
Hmm… it's a little over one million euros, but even so, it still feels cheap considering what it's capable of.
Another holographic window appeared before him as Sista's voice followed.
[Host, automatic energy management is now active. You will receive a notification if your D-Coin balance becomes insufficient. Additionally, you can adjust the auto-purchase mode or disable it anytime.]
"That's good. Now open the portal to Earth. I've already wasted enough time here."
[Understood, Host.]
[Opening portal to Earth…]
♦♦♦
Earth — Citra, Lexing State
The harsh sound of the alarm tore through the quiet room, waking Rick, who had somehow rolled off the couch and ended up sleeping on the floor.
"Ugh… already morning?" he groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up and reached to shut off the alarm.
"Ah… mmm… Michael, hey Michael," he called out drowsily, his voice thick with sleep.
When there was no response, he scratched his head and yawned loudly before standing up.
"Huh…"
Rick looked around the room, but Michael was nowhere to be seen. The door, however, was locked from the inside.
For a moment, Rick wondered if he'd dreamed everything — the fancy dinner, the restaurant, Vanessa, even Michael's return. It all felt like a blur now.
But his still-full stomach and the lingering taste of last night's luxurious meal still clung to his tongue — proof that it had all been real.
"That motherfucker… where the hell did he go? And wait — when did I even lock the door?"
Rick stood by the door, scratching his head in confusion.