Chapter 56: The Main System's Decision (END)

(Comedy Chapter)

Within the System Space, the small, white, ball-shaped System was meticulously calculating Ke Lu's future prospects.

"Hmm, still so many points left. I wonder what I can exchange for my Host?" the System mused, hesitating.

Its own situation was deteriorating. Funding from System Headquarters had been steadily decreasing, and rumors even circulated that their department might be eliminated.

Refusing to believe this, the System clung to its duties, striving to perform its tasks flawlessly.

Suddenly, it sensed an overwhelmingly powerful force invading its System Space. Just as it braced to resist, the familiar, awe-inspiring presence left it breathless.

The Main System! How could He be here? This shouldn't be happening!

Though bewildered, the System followed protocol and awaited the Main System's commands.

Main System: "008, your recent performance has been rather lackluster."

The Main System is here for this? 008 panicked.

Each System had its own assigned missions. Failure to complete them resulted in poor performance, which meant dire consequences.

The Main System would ignore them, funding would be cut off, and they'd be forced to scrape by on meager earnings from co-op missions with their Hosts.

008 panicked, recalling rumors it had heard, a terrifying suspicion beginning to form in its mind.

"Main System, please tell me your instructions directly," 008 pleaded.

"Very well, I won't beat around the bush," the Main System replied. "For the foreseeable future, I will be suspending production of your series of systems. From now on, you will only receive the minimum wage guarantee."

008 swallowed the bitterness stinging its eyes, knowing that the Main System's orders were absolute and could not be disobeyed.

"Yes, Main System," 008 replied.

Sensing 008's reluctance, the Main System sighed. "You understand, don't you? Your series of systems has consistently underperformed. The System Headquarters can't make a profit from you, so this is the only option."

"Is there truly no chance left?" 008 asked one last time.

"None," the Main System replied tersely.

"Understood," 008 nodded, watching the Main System depart.

The Main System's final words echoed through the System Space: "You may continue to assist your Host, but your future now rests entirely in your own hands."

Staring at the empty System Space, 008 suddenly felt lost. All its years of dedication had ultimately been powerless against the crumbling edifice.

It felt ashamed to face its Host, ashamed to tell her the truth.

But it had to. In its view, the Host had the right to know.

"Host, are you there?" 008 whispered.

"Yes, what is it?" Ke Lu immediately sensed something was off about 008.

008 rarely spoke, and when it did, it was always about something urgent. Now, it was initiating conversation with her, and its tone sounded like it had been bullied. Ke Lu noticed this subtle difference.

"The Main System is abandoning us," 008 said, relaying its recent conversation with the Main System. To its surprise, Ke Lu didn't panic but remained remarkably calm.

"008, do you know about Cerydra's and my past?" Ke Lu asked.

"I do," 008 replied, accessing its database. "Cerydra was a beggar as a child, and you were an orphan."

"Exactly. We've faced far more difficult beginnings than this, and we still managed to overcome them. Why are you so downhearted?"

"Without the Main System's support, we'll become a power in our own right—a force this entire universe can't afford to underestimate."

Ke Lu's words, sharp and resolute, dispelled 008's confusion.

"You're right! Let's quietly work hard where no one knows, and then surprise everyone!" 008's eyes sparkled with newfound determination.

"Though our story will no longer be publicized."