Before Valentina could succumb to slumber once more, a jolt of raw energy surged through her body, crackling across her skin like a miniature lightning storm. A sharp, involuntary gasp escaped her lips as she was abruptly jolted awake, her muscles tense and her senses overloaded.
"Ah," Valentina hissed out, the sound laced with annoyance and a touch of discomfort. Her eyes snapped open, focusing on Maw Maw with a glare that could melt steel.
Maw Maw didn't want this either. He'd hoped for a gentler introduction to this new world, perhaps a period of acclimatization before forcing her into the role of a villainous caricature. But the System was relentless, its directives absolute. He felt a pang of… something akin to guilt as he witnessed the flicker of irritation in Valentina's eyes. This abrupt activation was likely to exacerbate her already fragile mental state.
Valentina's anger flared with alarming speed, a sudden inferno erupting within her. The lingering discomfort from the electric shock vanished instantly, replaced by a simmering rage that threatened to consume her. It was a familiar sensation, a dark tide she'd battled countless times across countless worlds.
"Host, don't worry," Maw Maw said quickly, attempting to diffuse the situation with forced cheerfulness.
"You will earn points as you act as a villainous! It's all part of the system!"
But Valentina wasn't listening. Her crimson eyes darkened for a fleeting moment, the irises swirling with an unsettling intensity. A dangerous thought flickered across her mind—a primal urge to unleash chaos and destruction upon this new world. Maybe it would be best to kill and destroy this world? She had died 999,999 times.
Maw Maw, realizing that reasoned argument was unlikely to sway Valentina in her current state, quickly shifted tactics. He swiftly summoned a shimmering offering – a bottle of exquisitely crafted Immortal Liquor, radiating an ethereal glow, and a plate piled high with delectable, otherworldly delicacies.
"Here, Host," Maw Maw said, his voice softening with a touch of genuine concern.
"Try this. It's a calming elixir from the Celestial Gardens. And these are Moonpetal pastries guaranteed to soothe even the most frayed nerves."
The gesture seemed to work wonders. As Valentina's gaze fell upon the shimmering liquor and the fragrant pastries, the storm within her visibly subsided. The dark intensity in her eyes softened, and the tension in her shoulders eased slightly. She reached out and delicately took the bottle of Immortal Liquor, uncorking it with a practiced ease that belied her recent turmoil.
She took a slow, deliberate sip, the ethereal liquid seeming to cascade through her veins, washing away the lingering remnants of her rage. A serene smile slowly spread across her face, transforming her expression from one of simmering fury to one of languid amusement. The predatory gleam in her eyes faded, replaced by a playful spark of mischief.
"Much better," Valentina murmured, setting the bottle down with a graceful flourish. She then turned her attention to the Moonpetal pastries, delicately picking one up and taking a bite. Her eyes closed momentarily as she savored the exquisite flavor.
"You know," she said, her voice regaining its usual melodic quality.
"You're not entirely useless after all, Maw Maw." She gave him a playful wink.
"Though I still think you're dreadfully weak and foolish."
Maw Maw let out a digital sigh of relief. Valentina gently patted Maw Maw head.
The notification slammed into Valentina's consciousness with the force of a physical blow.
Mission Name: Be rude to your dad and act spoiled
Time Limit: 2:00:00
System Energy Points: 10
Mooching Energy: 45
System Coin: 3
System Points: 1,000,000
Punishment: 1 bolt lightning strike
Reward: Card
"Damn it!" Valentina exploded, her voice laced with frustration.
"This system is making me so angry!" She was currently clad in ridiculously cute bunny pajamas, a stark contrast to the villainous persona she was being forced to portray. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she stomped down the grand staircase of the opulent mansion.
She rounded the corner and spotted Ricky, her adoptive father, finishing a phone call and removing his glasses with a weary gesture. Even after countless rebirths, even with the knowledge of her demonic heritage, she couldn't deny the undeniable appeal of his appearance. He was an extremely handsome middleaged man, radiating an aura of quiet strength and intelligence. He looked so much like her mother...
Inner voice: Ah dad is so handsome just like mum he had so many admirers… oh well, sorry dad for this. Don't be angry.
Valentina stormed over to him, snatched the cup of tea he was holding, and slammed it down on the nearby table with a dramatic flourish.
"Daddy! I want that new limited edition purse! I want the pink diamond jewelry!" she shouted, her voice dripping with manufactured petulance. Her eyes fixed on Ricky, and her adoptive mother, Sierra, who watched their daughter with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Her eldest brother, Wong, and second brother, Zack, both stared at her in open shock.
Inner voice: Waaa dad! I am sorry, but I don't want to be punished by Maw Maw!
Ricky's expression softened as he registered the familiar tremor in her inner voice – a subtle plea for understanding that often accompanied her more outrageous demands. He knew she was playing a role, fulfilling some bizarre directive from the system.
"Okay," Ricky said calmly, his voice laced with a hint of weary resignation. He was used to Valentina's eccentricities by now.
"I want the most expensive jewelry!" Valentina declared, stamping her foot like a spoiled brat.
Xiao stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Valentina with a coolness that mirrored Valentina's own carefully cultivated arrogance. For a long moment, their eyes met, a silent battle of wills playing out between them.
"Elder sister! Elder sister!" Valentina chirped, abruptly abandoning her icy demeanor and grabbing Xiao's hand with an exaggerated sweetness.
"Dad! Let sister get what she wants." She squeezed Xiao's hand tightly, her eyes pleading for support.
Inner voice: Elder sister is so nice to me! Sister, you are so beautiful! You are the only sister I acknowledge!
Xiao slowly smiled, a rare and genuine expression that softened her otherwise severe features. She gently patted Valentina's head—a simple gesture that sent a jolt of utter bewilderment through Valentina.
Valentina was shocked for a long moment. This wasn't supposed to happen!
Inner voice: No, no, no! This family is supposed to hate me? Forget it, forget it! I will get a beautiful diamond! I want a light bracelet! Ah, I forgot, elder sister who is also the same age as me, we share the same birthday and her twin brother Juin are both geniuses and elder sister has three identities so she is a wealthy girl!
Fueled by a renewed sense of entitlement and frustration at the unexpected kindness, Valentina huffed dramatically and stormed off, radiating an aura of arrogant disdain.
Maw Maw, who had been nestled comfortably on her shoulder throughout the entire performance, let out a quiet digital chirp.
Mission System: Completion
A shimmering card materialized in Valentina's hand.