The System paused for a moment.
[Host, the System is just going through the motions. Please don't overthink it.]
Erwin replied, "Is that so? If that's truly the case, why explain? I've pondered this for ages. You, this System, are fascinating. You have your own thoughts, and you argue back! That proves you're intelligent. You know everything about me, yet I know nothing about you. I don't even know your origins!"
"According to the laws of wizardry, all protagonists' magical gifts are special artifacts obtained before or after arriving in this world. But they're still objects, with clear origins—or creators. Even the wilder ones, forged by the world's will, have roots. You're different. From the moment you activated, you've never revealed your source."
"The real kicker? I've always suspected the items I've drawn seem unrelated but are exactly what I need most. It sharpened after I got the Metamorphmagus ability—like someone was steering my draws on purpose."
"Including this Yule gift selection, System. You rushed it this time, and the rewards were too generous! It raised flags. If I'm right, there's a motive behind giving me the Deathly Hallows, isn't there? The Invisibility Cloak alone couldn't snag that power. So, System, what are you really?"
The System stayed silent.
Erwin did too.
It felt like a childish standoff—whoever spoke first lost.
After an eternity, the System broke.
[Why must the host dig so deep? The System means you no harm. Some truths aren't ready for you yet! You need to uncover them yourself. Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe it. The reality is too strange, and with your nature, you'd only trust what you witness firsthand, right?]
[Since you arrived here, the host, this System has been your sole ally—your companion. It won't harm you or plot against you. Everything is to make you stronger. If you insist on answers, I'll say this: we hail from the same world. In this one, only we two do.]
[So, no matter what, the System will never betray you. Believe that?]
Erwin shook his head.
[See? That's your way. You verify everything personally. Even the intel from that girl Charlotte—even from a marked source—you hold back, don't you?]
Erwin said nothing; the System had nailed it.
It fell quiet again.
The System knew Erwin better than he realized, for reasons beyond his grasp.
Erwin mulled it over inwardly.
As the System claimed? True or false, he couldn't tell.
Its motives? Unclear.
But one certainty stood out: the System made him stronger, and he relied on it utterly.
Most crucially, given its power:
Even if Erwin uncovered its creator—or the puppet master pulling strings—
He'd be helpless to resist.
Such influence dwarfed any refusal, whatever the endgame.
Unless he fought to the death.
That would derail any schemes.
But Erwin wasn't suicidal.
He'd face defeat in honorable combat.
Surrender without a fight? Never.
With that resolved, a grin spread across Erwin's face.
"System, apply the upgrade charm. Target: enchanted ring."
[Upgrade charm applied successfully. The incomplete enchanted ring has evolved into a golden enchanted ring.]
Neither addressed the earlier exchange.
They pressed on as if it never happened.
Time seemed rewritten.
Erwin's grin widened at the gleaming ring on his finger, excitement bubbling.
The System hummed along, mechanical as ever.
Only they knew their true thoughts.
Erwin probed the ring.
The upgrade was straightforward: storage, enhanced.
Space expanded tenfold.
He sensed its vastness and paused, awed.
But at the edge, a veil of mist lingered.
"System, what's that fog?"
[Locked sector. Full access unlocks at legendary gold rank. Keep pushing!]
Erwin eyed the mist, then pulled back.
A hidden realm? Some mystery?
The original ring lacked this, even unlocked.
He let it drop.
Slipping the ring on, he eyed the final upgrade charm, weighing options.
He sifted his inventory idly.
Then, something caught him—a long-forgotten prize, brimming with potential.
With a wave, it materialized on the table.
The Enchanted Brewing Station.
Erwin's eyes lit up.
What if he upgraded this?
Decision made, he targeted it with the charm.
Golden light flared...
Soon, a sleek, upgraded version gleamed.
[The Enchanted Brewing Station has reached gold level. Name unchanged.]
[Enchanted Brewing Station (Gold): Insert potion recipes. It auto-analyzes formulas and methods, no limits. Current output: one vial every two hours, up to three batches parallel!]
...
Thanks for the incredible support to reach this milestone. Enjoy the read, and let's get started on the next goal immediately!
Power Stones:[109]/300
5 Star Reviews: [6]/10
— MrGrim