Fred's eyes, bloodshot with rage, locked onto Aliostar Alex's gaze. His low, furious voice sliced through the silence like a blade:
"Well, Alex? I'm waiting for an explanation. What the hell was that nonsense this morning?"
Fred's voice carried the weight of a father's anger mixed with deep concern. Years of carrying the burden of leading the sect had hardened him, but what truly disturbed him now were Alex's repeated blunders. The fury in his eyes wasn't just anger—it was bitter disappointment.
Unable to meet his father's gaze for long, Alex cast him a few ashamed glances and mumbled softly, "Dad… I swear, I have an explanation."
But as Alex tried to recall the chaos of that morning, he had no idea where to even begin.
To understand everything, we'll have to go back—to the night before.
The Night Before
Alex sat alone in his room, thinking about his first interaction with the system."Hey, System," he asked nervously, "can I really choose any technique I want?"
His voice trembled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty—a reflection of his youth and inexperience.
DING!As the Host, you may access anything in the system for a specified cost.
"A cost?" Alex frowned, puzzled. Curiosity began to stir within him. Just how real were the promises this system was making?
DING!Maxiona Systems operates on Karma Point Exchange, providing projected items from this universe and parallel realms through a unique and innovative design.
"My karma points? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Alex grumbled. Even though he had been raised in one of the most powerful sects in the realms, he couldn't help but let out a mocking chuckle. He had never heard his father—or any high-ranking elder—mention anything about bloodlines, bodies, or this so-called "karma."
DING!Host may consult the user guide for further answers.
Panicking slightly when he couldn't locate the manual in the interface, Alex froze—until a small, eight-page notebook suddenly materialized in his hand. Decorated with delicate jade-green patterns and wrapped in red silk ribbons, the notebook was in complete contrast to the opulent room around him—full of precious stones, a high-raised bed, and royal-worthy furnishings.
After all, why should the son of a second-generation elite settle for anything simple?
"Hey System, can't you be a little more extravagant?" Alex muttered sarcastically.
DING!Certainly, Host. As you wish.
If the first thing Alex had heard from the system hadn't been its robotic tone, he might've noticed the sarcastic undertone.
A few minutes later, an absurdly lavish emerald-colored book appeared in front of him—over 80 cm tall, covered in golden inlaid designs, and containing only 16 sentences. Alex couldn't help but smirk.
"Now that's more like it." He knelt beside the massive book and began reading.
EXCERPT FROM THE USER MANUAL
CLAUSE 1: The user and system are bound through soul and karma; separation is impossible. (Trust me, you do not want to piss off the only thing that'll be with you for the rest of your life. Teehee <3)
CLAUSE 2: Systems evolve alongside their users, unlocking new features as your power grows.
CLAUSE 3: The system operates through karma energy and the Law of Cosmic Parallelism. For users from underdeveloped civilizations, this can be summed up as: "You reap what you sow."
...
CLAUSE 16: Any attempt to initiate sexual relations with the system will result in being hunted by the Maxiona Interdimensional Assassination Agency.
"WTF?" Alex whispered in disbelief. Seeing the phrase underdeveloped civilization in Clause 3 was one thing—but Clause 16 made his whole body shiver from his toes to his scalp.
"What the hell?! Does the system think I'm some kind of perverted artifact freak?!"
A wave of dread washed over him."Why the hell am I stuck with such a weird system? I can't even imagine how my dad would react if he ever found out about all this 'underdeveloped civilization' crap."
He shook his head and tried to focus."Alright, whatever. If I want something from the system, I guess I'll have to earn it."Taking a deep breath, he said, "System 003, I want cultivation technique number 17. What do I have to do to get it?"
Alex had spent nearly all his time glued to the technique list since the very beginning. While many had caught his eye, he kept circling back to number 17—as if it was calling to him. Something deep inside whispered that this technique was meant for him.
DING! At the Host's request, unlocking quest for cultivation technique 'Deafened Strings.'
QUEST: BALL CRUSHER
DESCRIPTION:Cursed with deafness, you, a child, showed your rage to the heavens by crushing balls with your foot. You will not stop until you shatter the fate that shackled you in silence.
OBJECTIVE:Kick the balls of 3 master musicians and show the universe how terrifying you can be.
REWARD:Cultivation Technique 'Deafened Strings' unlocked, +1 skill point.
FAILURE PENALTY:None. Wait—none? Hahaha. You lucky little bastard.
TIME LIMIT:3 days.
"DAMN IT, SYSTEM! SHOW ME YOUR DAMN BALLS! SHOW ME YOUR BALLS RIGHT NOW!"Alex lost it, shouting in desperation toward the ceiling. All he could hope was that the "balls" were metaphorical… and that kicking them really would unlock something.
Truthfully, for Alex, this quest was easily doable. Even without any cultivation base, being the only son of the sect's supreme leader gave him plenty of privilege.
But the thought of facing his father sent an uncontrollable shiver down his spine."Just thinking about the fury in his eyes gives me goosebumps…"
"Ugh… There's nothing I can do right now. Guess I should just sleep."Yawning, Alex laid his head on the pillow. Thoughts of tomorrow's quest swirled in his mind until they were swallowed by the dark.
After all, for a mortal, deaf child—this was already more than enough madness for one night.
"Goodnight, damn system…"
DING!Goodnight, Host :)
Hearing the system wish him goodnight for the first time, Alex couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, he silently prayed to the gods for this strange twist of fate—and at the very least, hoped that tonight's dreams would be ball-free.
"Please… just let me sleep in peace…" he mumbled as he drifted off.