Episode 15

After Ryan shut off the bluish holographic screen, he meant to sprawl out on his bed. However, before his back could even touch the mattress, a knocking sound emanated from outside his room.

"Headmaster! Are you done? I'm Parman, and I wish to present this sword to the Headmaster!" Parman's voice announced from beyond the door.

[Hehe... Patience, my dear sir! Patience is a virtue beloved by me!] the System joked lightheartedly.

Ryan sighed deeply then got up from his bed to open his room door.

"Pardon the intrusion, Headmaster! I merely wished to deliver this sword to you!" Parman declared anew after Ryan swung the door open.

"Very well! Thank you, Parman! Oh, and tell mother I'd like some rest. And as for you, do as you please—eat, sleep, whatever. Consider this your home too!" Ryan said before he closed the door again, clutching the Rio katana.

"Understood, Headmaster!" answered Parman before departing from Ryan's quarters.

Ryan then sat back on his bed, gripping the katana sword in his hand.

[Master! It's best to store it in the safe! That way, should you need it, you can retrieve it instantly without having to lug it around like a bandit!] the System interjected suddenly.

"Haah... You're right!" Ryan conceded weakly. Imagining the sword being stowed away in the system's vault, it vanished from his hand as though it had never been there. Anyone witnessing Ryan's actions would surely dub him a master magician.

Ryan laid down on his bed, utterly exhausted from the day's events. Ever since the System's arrival yesterday, the atmosphere within him had shifted dramatically.

Had the System not been there, he wouldn't have survived to become the revered leader of the black-skulled thugs. He closed his eyes gently, drifting off to sleep of his own accord.

Zhuung!

Unbeknownst to Ryan, a light emerged from his body, sculpting itself into the form of a stunningly beautiful woman. This radiant female lightly teared up as she gazed upon the slumbering Ryan.

"Master! You're so vulnerable right now! I promise to stand by you forever and strive to be the greatest!" she whispered fondly, caressing Ryan's head with utmost tenderness.

Zhuusshh...

A splendid sky-blue light enveloped Ryan's body. The light seeped into him, imparting a comforting warmth that deepened his slumber.

More than comfort, the celestial-blue light healed the sword wound that Ryan sustained. The glowing woman smiled sweetly at Ryan—a smile unique in this world, reserved for him alone. A smile so enchanting it might bewitch any man to engage in fatal combat just for a glimpse.

Once she had attended to Ryan's injury, the luminous woman gradually disintegrated into beautiful glittering fragments that re-entered his body.

Ryan abruptly awoke following the vanishing of the radiant woman completely.

"Ah… It was only a dream!" Ryan uttered in dismay.

He had dreamt of a celestial woman—and for reasons unknown, his heart ached with yearning for her, even though she was a stranger to his memories. Upon awakening to find it was but a dream, an inexplicable pain throbbed in his heart, akin to a fresh, bleeding wound.

As time ticked on, Ryan endeavored to fall back asleep but to no avail. His heart continued to pulse erratically as memories of the dream woman haunted him.

For long hours, Ryan tossed and turned aimlessly, eventually letting out a lengthy sigh.

"Phew... Who exactly was that woman in my dream?" he pondered aloud.

[What seems to be the trouble, Master? You appear restless?] inquired the System.

"Ah... Nothing, System! I had just dreamt about someone, and the memory clings on in my mind!" Ryan explained.

[Just a dream! Let it go, Master!] recommended the System.

"Enough! I've tried forgetting it! But the more I try, the more my heart aches!" Ryan revealed candidly.

[Oh... Master, you sound like you're in love! Was this individual a woman? A kind soul? And was she beautiful? How does her beauty compare to your ex, Master?] the System quizzed him with a barrage of questions.

"Eh? When did you become so talkative, System? And can you pace your queries?" Ryan asked, slightly baffled.

[Tsk! I'm merely ensuring you make no further mistakes in your choice of women! Don't misconstrue my considerate intentions, Master!] the System retorted.

"Heh... Alright, alright..." Ryan surrendered.

He proceeded to relate everything about the person he encountered in his dream—her appearance, her smile, all of it—Ryan shared with the System.

[Hmm... If such a woman truly exists, what would you do, Master?] the System inquired.

"Of course, I'd pursue her heart! I'd chase after her to the ends of the earth if need be!" Ryan responded promptly and without hesitation.

[Tsk! And if she were in the midst of the ocean, would you swim out to her? Master, be not a fool blinded by mere appearances! What if she turns out to be a serpent!]

[Consider the ripe mangoes sold everywhere; they look appetizing from the outside but might be worm-infested or rotten on the inside!]

[Remember that, Master!] the System lectured.

Ryan gaped, overwhelmed by the System's verbose admonishment. Thankfully, it wasn't condensed into a Pythagorean theorem.

"Yes, yes... Quite the nag you are! I'll bear it in mind!" Ryan replied, defeated.

In the midst of this, Ryan was startled by a revelation.

"Eh? This…"

Ryan felt at the spot on his thigh he had bandaged. No pain or sting remained. He swiftly unwrapped the cloth, astonished to find the wound had vanished without a trace.

"What in the world! The wound's healed!" Ryan exclaimed in shock.

"System! Did you do this?" Ryan inquired.

[Previously, I did say I was a kind and understanding System; in proof of that, I've gifted you healing for your injury, Master!] the System casually stated.

"Oh, ha! Indeed... You're caring and empathetic, my System! If only you could have a human body—especially a woman's—I would hug you tight!" Ryan cheered.

[Tsk! If I were a woman, why would I ever let a smelly, penniless man like you hug me?!] the System mocked.

"Ugh! Why are you as materialistic as Novie?" Ryan wondered aloud.

[That's my prerogative!] the System replied nonchalantly.

"Ugh!" Ryan could only scoff in exasperation.

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