Chapter 9: The Gift of the System
Chapter 8: The Gift of the System
Three weeks into their journey across the shifting wildlands of Vaelrin, the six Earthlings had changed. No longer soft and uncertain, they'd grown leaner, faster, and wiser. Their battles against goblins, G-rank beastlings, rogue constructs, and even terrain itself had forged the first steel in their spirits. The bond between them had solidified—not just as fellow survivors, but as comrades linked by shared fate and the mysterious system that tied their lives to this new world.
Under a cool twilight sky where twin moons glided like ship sails over distant stars, a flash of brilliant light surrounded each of them. The air shimmered as the System spoke—not in words alone, but in thoughts, emotion, and the resonant hum of advancement.
"Okay, serious question," Steven said, squinting at Meloy. "We've been walking for weeks. We fought bandits, camped in dust, wrestled with boars. Why don't any of us smell like we've been living out of a backpack?"
Meloy glanced down at her linen traveling outfit. "Huh. You're right. My clothes feel fresh. No stains, no tears. Not even dirt under my nails."
"I haven't even brushed my teeth," Ivan muttered. "And I still taste mint."
Sana stopped walking and blinked at them all. "Wait, are we clean all the time? That can't be right."
Robert raised an eyebrow and opened his system menu. "Let me ask."
[Query Detected: Host Condition – Hygiene and Clothing Maintenance]
[Answer: System-Aligned Hosts Benefit from Passive Environmental Shielding and Self-Maintenance Protocols]
→ Explanation: All system-bound individuals possess a passive [Cleanse Field] at Class Tier F or higher. This ability purifies the body, eliminates odor, suppresses sweat, and maintains hygiene on a subconscious cycle.
→ Clothing worn by Host is automatically linked to the [Adaptive Thread Protocol], allowing garments to self-clean, repair, and adjust appearance for comfort or context.
→ Note: Clothing style may be changed by command. Minor visual changes are free of cost. Battle-grade or divine-thread clothing requires shop purchase.
Steven snapped his fingers. "So, we're basically magic mannequins with an eternal dry-cleaning subscription?"
"Better than gym laundry," Sana grinned. "Back home, I was doing three loads a week. This is heaven."
Ivan looked down at his newly tailored traveling vest. "So I could just... swap this into something formal? A coat? Robes?"
[Affirmative. Voice or mental command accepted. Design templates available in customization sub-menu.]
Arlo let out a short laugh. "So let me get this straight—we're walking across a monster-infested continent and still look like we just stepped out of a spa?"
"Pretty much," Robert replied, amused. "System efficiency."
Steven held out his arms and turned in place dramatically. "You hear that, Anniekes? I'm clean, stylish, and ready to cook up a storm."
[First quest have been completed initializing the rewards for all host.]
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[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT: F-RANK CERTIFICATION COMPLETE]
Unlock: Personalized System Shop (Basic Tier) Unlock: Star Map Access (1 Path Available – All Others Locked) Notice: Shop inventory adapted based on Host Personality, Earth Background, and Class Archetype Compatibility.
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Dr. Robert Starfield – Class: Starseer / Dual-Knot Scholar
Class: Starseer / Dual-Knot Scholar
Background: Scientist of Hydrology and Stellar Astronomy
Core Traits: Analytical, Inquisitive, Determined
Robert's system interface was shaped like a constellation map. Threads of starlight stretched between glowing nodes, and when he reached toward them, they hummed like a planetarium's pulse.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Celestial Thread (String Weapon): "A metaphysical tether attuned to gravitational theory. May be used for entrapment, kinetic redirection, or channeling force."
Void-Forged Longsword (Basic Starsteel Blade): "A balanced sword forged with materials derived from ancient satellites. Blends elegance with efficiency."
Background: Hydrologist, Astronomer
Personality Thread: Analytical, Curious, Resolute
Chosen Weapons: Both.
System Note: Host's class allows split-focus weapon integration. Celestial Thread and Starsteel Sword will harmonize into Dual Mode at Rank E.
Star Map Path (Unlocked):
Celestial Resonance – Path of the Observer
Gravity Mastery I
Aetheric Line Mapping
Cosmic Insight (Locked)
Cometfall Technique (Locked)
Astral Nexus (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: Host shows affinity with energy manipulation, physics-derived logic, and remote observation. Combat style is focused on prediction, control, and striking when variables align.
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IVAN VENN
Class: Shadow-Tailor / Cloakbound Caster
Background: Tailoring Legacy
Core Traits: Precise, Methodical, Adaptable
Ivan's system screen appeared as a loom of shifting cloth and magical sigils, weaving patterns of energy that formed into tools, threads, or deadly arts.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Twin Silver Daggers (Bloodweave Type): Razor-fine and silent, ideal for quick strikes and delicate control.
Deathstop Chainblade: High-risk, high-reward melee weapon suited for brutal finishers.
Threadcaster Wand (Spindle Focus): Allows magical control over fiber and thread-like arcane matter.
Ivan's brow furrowed. "Wait. A wand? Why the hell would I—?"
[System Note: Weapon Options Derived from Personality-Affinity Calculus. You approach the world like a tailor: with control, patience, and refinement. The wand is not weakness—it is precision manifested.]
Chosen Weapon: Wand (Reluctantly)
System Note: Host's psychology aligns more with manipulators of fine systems than brute force. Wand interfaces with hidden Weave Arts unlocked in future star maps.
Tailor Map Path (Unlocked):
Loom of Shadows – Path of the Unseen Weaver
Binding Stitch
Seamless Dodge
Thread Clone (Locked)
Illusory Pattern (Locked)
Master's Fabrication (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: You are both maker and destroyer. Every stitch holds potential. Every spell is a garment of deception and force.
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MELOY CONNERS
Class: Verdant Planter / Bloomforge Initiate
Background: Entrepreneur & Gardener
Core Traits: Nurturing, Curious, Resilient
Her shop interface appeared like a spiraling vine of options. Each tool or item sprouted from a glowing leaf that responded to her touch with warm green pulses.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Seed-Spear (Growth Variant): Weapon that strengthens over time, fed by surrounding nature and user intent.
Pruning Claws (Short Blades): Designed for close combat, pruning enemies like invasive weeds.
Pollencast Orb (Supportive Ranged): Releases toxic spores, healing pollen, or blinding mists.
Meloy grinned and selected the Seed-Spear.
"Let's see what these alien plants can do."
Chosen Weapon: Seed-Spear
Verdent Map Path (Unlocked):
Garden of Resolve – Path of the Rootbinder
Seed Burst I
Vine Snare
Blooming Armor (Locked)
Symbiosis Field (Locked)
Wild Mother's Grasp (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: Your kindness is your power. Your care will shape forests. But should enemies rise, you will cut them down with beauty blooming at your back.
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STEVEN CROSS
Class: Flavor-Bound Cook / Gourmet Blademaster
Background: 5-Star Chef
Core Traits: Passionate, Innovative, Loyal
Steven's interface resembled a rustic hearth that opened into a fusion of kitchen and battlefield. Flames danced on his selection screen.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Chef's Blade (Fire-Attuned): Balanced melee weapon with ignition capabilities and recipe-enhanced damage.
Panbreaker (Shield Weapon Hybrid): Heavy blunt force plus defense.
Spicebelt (Tactical Utility Kit): Deployable items like flash herbs, stun spices, and marinated traps.
Steven, without hesitation, picked the Chef's Blade, his eyes gleaming.
"She's gonna eat well tonight."
Chosen Weapon: Chef's Blade
Cook Map Path (Unlocked):
Feast of Flame – Path of Culinary Combat
Sear Slash
Flash Fry Counter
Culinary Wrath (Locked)
Feast For One (Locked)
The Final Plate (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: Flavors are memory. Dishes are destiny. Make each enemy part of the recipe.
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CAPTAIN ARLO REYES
Class: Pilot-Ward / Mechlinked Warrior
Background: Aerospace Pilot
Core Traits: Disciplined, Strategic, Dreamer (Hidden)
Arlo's shop displayed like a cockpit's HUD. Each weapon appeared as a blueprint diagram, and each button clicked with mechanical exactitude.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Mag-Thrust Gauntlets: Delivers kinetic propulsion on punch. Boost dash compatible.
Basic Mech Saber: Lightweight, clean-cut weapon linked to artificial targeting pathways.
Gravity Boots (Phase 1): Enhances mobility, air time, and direction control.
Arlo selected the Mech Saber with the ease of someone who had chosen her weapon years ago.
"I'll build my suit later. One piece at a time."
Chosen Weapon: Mech Saber
Mechanic Map Path (Unlocked):
Steel Wings – Path of the Mobile Vanguard
Boost Dash
Reposition Protocol
System Scan (Locked)
Titan Limb (Locked)
The Dream Core (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: You want more. More than cockpit or sword. Let us build it, one piece at a time.
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SANA CRUZ
Class: Mindbinder / Spirit Gymn
Background: Therapist & Gym Enthusiast
Core Traits: Empathetic, Grounded, Physically Strong
Her system screen resembled a glowing aura wheel and mind map. Her tools looked more like extensions of the self than traditional gear.
Basic Weapon Box Options:
Weighted Spirit Gauntlets: Increases both spiritual energy and raw striking power.
Mind Mirror Staff: Allows support, mind reading, and limited reflection attacks.
Therapy Bands (Binding Tools): Can restrict, heal, or amplify depending on technique.
Sana's eyes softened at the Gauntlets.
"These. Easy pick."
Chosen Weapon: Spirit Gauntlets
Gymnast Map Path (Unlocked):
Pulse and Will – Path of the Inner Force
Grounded Focus
Burst Lock
Mirror Pulse (Locked)
Inner Dome (Locked)
Infinite Recenter (Hidden Node)
System Commentary: You protect. You break. You rebuild. And when they fall, you'll be the one who lifts them up again.
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The Basic Tier shop faded into the system's memory, with all higher tiers shimmering behind locks of iron and gold. As they held their new weapons in hand, each of them knew: this was just the beginning.
Their tools reflected not only their pasts… but their potential.