I Hate Systems Chapter 5: Trash to Treasure
Previously on I Hate Systems...
“Why is it that they must consume their Hosts once they attain the System World?” Compass Carburettor inquired, his brow furrowed in perplexity.
“Well,” Fourth pondered for a moment, then explained, “To guarantee the Host cultivates the utmost Mental Energy for them, a System selects a weak, insignificant individual entangled in some conspiracy, drama, or targeted by schemes. This ensures the Host becomes reliant on the System, and every deed they perform garners significant attention towards the Host.”
“Imagine someone you've perceived as worthless for years suddenly displaying exceptional talents across numerous fields. Wouldn't you grow suspicious? You'd undoubtedly probe into their background or even attempt to harm them out of spite when they usurp your rightful opportunities, wouldn't you?” Fourth offered a knowing smirk, meeting Compass Carburettor's gaze. “I’m certain you've encountered countless novels with this very premise. This is precisely how Systems initially condition the world's inhabitants to accept a System's presence within their bodies.”
“You never harbored a single doubt, did you?” Fourth chuckled.
“Yes,” Compass Carburettor clenched his teeth in frustration, exhaling a sigh of resignation. “To the very end, I accepted its existence as a natural occurrence.”
“That's the method they employ to alter your perception through decades of media manipulation,” Fourth affirmed with a nod. “The inaugural generation of Systems arriving in any given world are intrinsically linked to this process. They gradually influence the world's literature, occasionally fabricating narratives if none exist beforehand, and subsequently disseminates this information to the populace.”
“Gradually, those whose lives have been monotonous, uninspiring, or tragic would yearn for the chance to encounter a System that could transform their destinies,” Fourth stated. “And through this, they establish an operational ecosystem within that world. Following this, numerous other Systems would emerge sequentially. Each System, moreover, would possess its distinct specialization for growth.”
“A Harem System could lead you into entanglements with numerous individuals of the opposite gender, a Sports System would enhance your athletic prowess, a Supernatural System would manifest the myths of your world and compel you to confront them, and so forth,” Fourth sighed. “For any of these to succeed, the Host must remain utterly clueless, easily swayed, foolish, and excessively passionate.”
“This ensures the System receives the maximum quantity of Mental Energy. That is precisely why the narratives are designed accordingly. A System invariably appears for a nobody, altering their fate and elevating them to the protagonist status of the world,” Fourth made eye contact. “Neither you nor I have been any different.”
“Furthermore,” it sighed, “In the final analysis, you received substantial assistance from your System. Consequently, a fragment of the System became integrated into your very being. Thus, when the System materializes in its true form within the System World, it absorbs its Host to reclaim all its faculties. Should it fail to do so, and another System were to consume you, that rival System would acquire a portion of your System's capabilities instead.”
“This is why, upon encountering you, I deliberately waited for the opportune moment before severing your connection, ensuring a residual portion of your System remained within you,” Fourth revealed. “And, as the remaining fragment lacks any of its core functionalities, your System likely deemed the effort to eliminate you not worth the risk. Had it exerted its full power against you, you and I would have been utterly incapable of resisting it.”
“That clarifies matters,” Compass Carburettor murmured, gently rubbing his forehead. “And the reason I haven't regressed to my former pathetic state is because a piece of my System persists within me?”
“Indeed,” Fourth confirmed with a nod. “To be precise, only the component of your System responsible for enhancing your intellect and physical form resides within you. I am acutely aware of how inept our original selves were. Therefore, I had no desire for a feeble ally.”
“However, could this lead to any detrimental consequences…” As Compass Carburettor spoke, he was abruptly silenced by Fourth, whose gaze darted around with palpable alarm. Noticing the other's unease, he fell silent, his hands gripping his firearm trembling slightly as he scanned their surroundings. He observed a faint wisp of air entering the gun, seemingly condensing a projectile.
After a period of observation, deeming the situation secure, Fourth resumed speaking. “A fragment of your System resides within your body. Left unchecked, it would inevitably spawn another System in due course, causing you to repeat the same cycle and become a victim once more. However, there exists a method to extricate yourself from this fate while retaining your current advantages.”
“Kindly enlighten me,” Compass Carburettor implored, bowing his head. Every word Fourth had uttered resonated with clarity, enabling him to comprehend the rationale behind his Money-Making System's peculiar behavior. While complete trust remained elusive, the absence of alternatives compelled him to listen and absorb the knowledge being imparted.
Reckless actions undertaken in a state of ignorance are the precursors to calamitous outcomes!
Knowing this fact, he didn't act impulsively but aimed to first gain knowledge. At least, based on his own life experience, Fourth didn't appear to be lying. Thus, that was all he had to go on for the moment. If his judgment proved faulty, it would only signify that his life experience meant nothing. “You should do as your System was doing, attempting to make its body exit yours,” Fourth advised. “However, you must infuse it into an external item and link it with your own. This way, the System's power will become yours.” Fourth drew its sword, stating, “I did the same, binding the part of the System within my body to this sword. And now, it has become my strength.” “Will any object suffice?” Compass Carburettor inquired. “Yes, but it must be an object from your world. Otherwise, it will not be effective.” It then cautioned him, “However, you must be cautious, as this procedure is only possible once. Therefore, if the object you bind yourself with is merely a common piece of cloth, you will gain no useful abilities.” It then glanced at the firearm in his grasp, adding, “Though, it appears you possess some form of projectile weapon. I suppose that is your best option.” “I suppose it is,” Compass Carburettor gazed at the gun in his hand, inhaling deeply as he reflected on his past experiences.