Episode 5

The light entered Ryan's body unnoticed by its owner. Ryan merely got up to fetch his wrench before returning to the work that needed his attention.

The day flew by swiftly. Before he knew it, the clock struck four in the afternoon and it was time for Ryan and Apri to head home.

Both garage workers did not forget to see the boss to collect their pay. Ryan earned his daily wages, while Apri collected a week's worth. For that was how often Apri chose to be paid.

Ryan would usually ride home on the back of Apri's motorcycle—a routine for the duo. This time, however, Ryan declined Apri's offer as he had an errand to run, which was to buy medicine for his mother from the pharmacy.

"Alright.. Then, I'll leave first!" said Apri with a smile as he left Ryan behind.

"Okay!" Ryan replied.

Ryan walked in the opposite direction to the pharmacy, but suddenly halted his steps upon hearing an invisible voice, though it was not a bodily function!

[Master!] the voice called out.

"Who's there?" Ryan asked, looking around.

[Master! It's me!] the voice said again.

"Who? Where are you?" Ryan inquired, confused.

[Master! I am within you!] replied the voice.

"Inside me?" Ryan grew even more puzzled.

[Yes, Master! Will you accept me and become my lord?] asked the voice.

"Be your lord? What is this? Are you a ghost?" Ryan said, feeling a chill.

[Answer my earlier question first, Master! Then, I'll tell you!] the voice insisted, becoming slightly stern.

"Huh? Uh…" Ryan hesitated to respond.

[Gosh! How slow!] the voice exclaimed, clearly irritated.

"Fine, fine.. I accept you as my lord!" Ryan finally answered.

[Excellent!]

[Initiating the bonding process..]

[10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Complete]

[Ding! Welcome to the coolest, kindest, most understanding and altruistically helpful System! You are now my lord] said the voice, oozing narcissism.

[Ding! Congratulations! Master has received 2 Mystery Boxes and 1 Small Gift Box as a token of acceptance.] the voice continued, causing Ryan to feel queasy.

A thin blue holographic screen appeared, startling Ryan.

[Master! Say 'status' to check your status!] the system instructed.

"Fine! Status!" said Ryan, still with his shocked expression.

[Alright, Master! Status check:

Name: Ryan Aji Sena

Age: 23 years

Status: Perennially single and unhappy about it

Charm: - (0/100)

Points: - (0/1000)

Skills: -

Strength: - (0/100)

Tasks: -

Bank savings: 45,000

System Store: Access Unavailable

Vault: 2 Mystery Boxes, 1 Small Gift Box.

System Version: 1.0 (Upgrade...)]

Ryan's gaping mouth twitched as he read his status and the amount of his savings in the bank.

"System?" Ryan said.

[Yes, Master! What is it?] the System inquired.

"This status? Why does it need to be shown as well?" Ryan asked.

[Hehehe... But isn't that the truth, Master?] the System responded.

"Damn it! But it doesn't have to state it so clearly! And my bank balance! Ugh.. It's embarrassing!" Ryan expressed helplessly.

[Master can relax! Only you can see this holographic display! So chill!] the System reassured.

"Tsk!" Ryan clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"System! Explain in detail what all this means! And, isn't this similar to the systems in the novels I usually read?" Ryan queried, driven by curiosity.

[Tsk! Master, don't compare me to those systems! Those in novels are just figments of authors' imaginations! I, on the other hand, am reality!] the System retorted, sounding quite peeved.

"Ahahaha.. Okay, okay.. I apologize! Now explain the details!" Ryan laughed off, feeling relieved no one was observing him. They would have thought him mad, talking and laughing to himself.

[Tsk! Very well..]

[Status is just that, your status!]

[Charm is your aura towards the opposite sex. The higher the charm value, the more attractive you appear.]

[Skills are extraordinary capabilities you possess, granted by the System.]

[Strength measures your physical ability.]

[Tasks are objectives set by the System for you to complete. Fulfilling them earns cash rewards, directly deposited into your bank account. Tasks are divided into three categories for each system level! Namely, low or ludicrous tasks, medium or mundane tasks, and the last, high or challenging tasks.]

[The Vault is where you can stow anything without the need to carry it around!] the System explained.

"Hmm.. I see.. But why is my charm score so low? I'm handsome!" Ryan protested.

[Tsk! Master may be quite handsome! But Master, you are poor! Who nowadays wants a poor man? Be realistic!] the System commented, displaying an eyeroll emoji on the holographic screen.

"Damn! You're right this time!" Ryan conceded.

"And about Points and the System Store? Why can't I access the System Store?" Ryan continued to inquire.

[Master! Each time you complete a task assigned by the System, you receive points according to the task's level. Master could also exchange points for cash if you wish. The System Store will become available once the system upgrades to version 3.00]

Ryan nodded his head to show he understood the System's explanations.

"Alright.. I get it now!" Ryan said with a nod.

"System, I'm curious about these three gift boxes!" he continued.

[Shall we open all three? Yes/No?] the System asked.

"Yes!" Ryan responded confidently.

[Good! Let's open the 2 Mystery Boxes first!]

[Ding! Congratulations! Master has received a cash prize of 10 million rupiah!]

[Ding! Congratulations! Master has earned 200 system points!]

"Wow-wow-wow.. I seem quite wealthy now!" Ryan beamed. He could afford to buy the medicine or even take his mother to a hospital for better care.

[Master! Shall we proceed to open the Small Gift Box?] asked the System.

"Oh! Yes.. Open it!" Ryan replied, startled but very excited.

[Okay! Opening the Small Gift Box..]