Chapter 5: The Mysterious Origins of the System
After the confrontation with the energy-seeking thieves, Arthur couldn't shake off the feeling that something bigger was at play. He had never considered the idea that others could detect the same energy he had been collecting, albeit on a much smaller scale. Sitting alone in his study, he summoned the system interface.
He needed answers.
"System," Arthur began slowly, "do these people have something like you? Are they running around with their own version of a system?"
The familiar cool, mechanical voice responded swiftly. "No, Master. They do not possess anything close to me. Their capabilities are primitive at best. They rely on crude technology—equipment that can only detect small traces of energy. And there are a select few individuals with natural sensitivity to energy signatures, but their accuracy is far inferior to mine."
Arthur's eyes narrowed as he listened carefully.
"While they stumble across minor signals and must search diligently, my detection spans the entire world, encompassing even the faintest traces of energy. They may sense one antique in a single location, but I can guide you to every artifact of significance across the globe."
Arthur leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "So they're basically just guessing, and I've got the ultimate map?"
"Precisely, Master. While they are limited, you are limitless in your potential. With me, you can tap into energies they couldn't even dream of. You will always be ten steps ahead."
Arthur smirked, the corner of his lips curling upward. He liked the sound of that. Still, something about the system itself bothered him. It had been with him ever since the strange stone incident, guiding him to energy-rich artifacts and boosting his stats, but where had it come from? And why had it chosen him? He decided to dig deeper.
"System," Arthur began, a hint of hesitation in his voice, "you talk about energy and power like you've been doing this forever. But… where did you come from? How did you come into existence?"
This time, the system didn't respond immediately. The usual prompt and efficient voice seemed to falter, and for a moment, Arthur wondered if it was even capable of answering the question. Then, after a pause that felt far too long, the system spoke.
"I do not know, Master."
Arthur sat upright, startled by the bluntness of the response. "What do you mean, you don't know?"
"My existence… is a mystery even to myself. I have no memory of how or when I was created. I simply know that I exist. My knowledge is vast—I understand many things, from ancient technologies to the nature of energy itself. I know how to evolve, how to become stronger. I know that with enough energy, I could rival gods themselves. But my origins? That… is beyond my understanding."
A shiver ran down Arthur's spine. The system's voice, always calm and precise, now held a faint undercurrent of uncertainty. For the first time, Arthur sensed something deeper—something almost human—behind its mechanical tones.
"What are you saying?" Arthur pressed, his voice more serious now. "You have no idea how you came into being, but you know everything else? How does that make sense?"
"It is as though I was simply placed into existence," the system explained. "A fragment of a larger entity, perhaps… or a creation of something far greater. I do not have the answers, but I do know that my potential is boundless. With enough energy, I could reach a state comparable to omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence—a god in every sense. But to achieve that, I need you, Master. I need the energy from the artifacts of the old world."*
Arthur stared at the floating interface, unsettled by the system's admission. Placed into existence? Was this some sort of ancient technology? Or something even more divine?
"And what about those men?" Arthur asked, his mind racing. "The ones who attacked me today—could they ever match your power?"
The system's voice was cool once more. "No, Master. They are nothing compared to what we can become. Their equipment can detect faint traces of energy, but only within a limited radius. They must constantly search and move from place to place, hoping to stumble upon an artifact. Meanwhile, I can pinpoint energy sources with unparalleled precision. You will always be one step ahead of them."
Arthur felt a wave of relief. But it was short-lived.
"What if someone else finds a system like you?" Arthur asked, his voice low. "Are there others like you out there?"
Another pause. "I do not believe so. My existence is unique. I have yet to encounter anything or anyone that mirrors my capabilities. However, Master… I cannot be certain."
Arthur's mind raced, torn between the power he now wielded and the unsettling mystery surrounding the system itself. It claimed to have no knowledge of its origins, but its ambition to rival gods was clear. It needed energy, and it had chosen him to collect it. But why?
Arthur shook his head, trying to push the thoughts aside. For now, he had to focus on his own goals. The system might be a mystery, but it was also his greatest asset.
"So, you don't know where you come from, but you think you can become as powerful as a god?" Arthur muttered, half to himself.
"That is correct, Master. With enough energy, I can achieve omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. I will become an unstoppable force—and so will you. Together, we will surpass the limitations of this world and any others you may travel to."
Arthur frowned, still uneasy but unable to deny the allure of that power. "And what happens when you reach that level?"
The system paused again before responding. "I do not know. But my power is now yours to command."
Arthur leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. The system was clearly powerful, but it was also shrouded in mystery—its origins unknown, its true purpose uncertain. Still, for now, it was his greatest ally. And with it, he would conquer any challenge that came his way.
"Alright," Arthur said after a moment of silence. "Let's keep collecting energy. If we're going to do this, we need to be ready."
"As you wish, Master. Together, we will become unstoppable."
Arthur closed the system interface, his mind still lingering on the unsettling answers he had received. Whatever the system was, its potential was undeniable—but so was the mystery surrounding its existence.
For now, Arthur would continue his quest. But the questions would remain—haunting him in the quiet moments, reminding him that even with all his newfound power, there were still things beyond his understanding.
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(author note: Is it weird the system calling mc Master. Comment your thoughts on it and i will changed it if you don't like it.
What a cliche system background. Still good than just some system randomly appeared without any explanation. jk guys. I will mainly invested my time in this novel.
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