John couldn't help but shudder at life's cruelty. He replayed all his failures in his head and felt his decision was right. His mother's frail image kept appearing in his mind, but he didn't have the courage to face her.
He knew she would find out the truth soon, and her opinion about him would crumble. He didn't want to experience any more shame—especially from his mom. He would rather die ten thousand times than be called a loser by her.
Due to the heavy rain, people dispersed from the beach. The pitch-black clouds seemed like a dark omen; the roaring thunder, like laughter from people around him; the raging waves, like an invitation to a new life; and the heavy rain, like it sympathized with John's misery.
He took a deep breath and inhaled the salty, fishy smell. He removed his slippers to experience the feeling of being one with heaven and earth for the last time in his life.
"I can't believe my life will end before it has barely begun," he let out a self-deprecating laugh. He looked at the clouds flashing lightning and rumbling thunder. The tears he had withheld for so long finally spilled out like rushing water from a broken dam. He clenched his fists and roared like a beast, as if screaming to God that it was unfair.
The entire weather seemed chaotic, and the sea waves looked frighteningly huge. His heart shuddered just by looking at them. He steeled his heart and walked toward the waves. Quickly, his lower body was submerged in seawater.
He said to himself that if there were a next life, he should live an honest one. His thoughts drifted back to his mom as he slowly submerged into the waves. He couldn't help but blame himself for being an unfilial son. She deserves a better son than me—one who isn't a cheater, a liar, or a scumbag.
He remembered an incident when his late father had thrashed his mom. She would cry and often ask, "Son, when you become a big officer, will you remember your poor mom?" John didn't know what she meant at that age, so he would hug her and say, "Yes, Mom, I'll remember you. Don't worry."
Mom, although I didn't become an officer, I love you with all my heart. This poor son is only capable of giving you this much in this lifetime. If there's a chance in the next life, I'll make it up to you a hundredfold… no, a thousandfold.
As he said this to himself, the water had already reached his nose. He prepared to close his eyes and let go of everything.
But suddenly, he felt something hit his back. He turned while floating and saw a strange bottle made of glass like material. It looked very mysterious and there was something inside it. He became curious all of a sudden. Many years later, he would replay this exact moment and sigh in relief — My curiosity saved me that day.
He tried opening the bottle in the middle of the water but couldn't. So he slowly came to the shore and opened the cap before finding shelter to take cover from the rain. "What is this?... A scroll!"
The condition of the scroll was very bad, probably because of how old it was. He carefully unfolded it and saw bold letters written inside:
HELLO LUCKY ONE, FINALLY SOMEONE OPENED IT, I GUESS. BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, LET ME WARN YOU: DON'T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE.
John didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was already in the middle of dying—what was the point of this warning?
SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE MADE YOUR DECISION. THERE IS A SMALL MICROCHIP INSIDE THE BOTTLE. SWALLOW IT. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT. SWALLOW IT AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER. DON'T WORRY, IT WON'T HARM YOU. IT WILL INTEGRATE WITH YOUR BRAIN AND BECOME PART OF YOU.
IF YOU ARE RELUCTANT OR SUSPICIOUS, I CAN'T HELP YOU. BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW ONE THING—IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY DISINTEGRATE WITHIN FIVE MINUTES. LIFE IS SHORT… A LEAP OF FAITH IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO CHANGE YOUR DESTINY.
The scroll disintegrated as John read the final line. He stood there and watched the small pieces of paper float through the air and disappear into the vast sea. He looked inside the bottle and found a small microchip, just as mentioned in the scroll. He held it in his hand and observed it for a few seconds.
This looks like an ordinary microchip. How can it change my life? Won't I die from internal organ damage if I swallow it? He looked at the dark clouds and remembered the words from the scroll: TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH TO CHANGE YOUR DESTINY.
He couldn't help but smile at the prank. He almost believed the nonsense. How could the world suddenly change its mind? He knew how badly the world hated him. He considered himself the unluckiest guy alive.
He decided to throw the microchip away and continue his journey to the netherworld. But a part of him didn't want to lose his last hope. So, without further thought, he swallowed it.
Anyway, I'm about to die. It doesn't matter if my internal organs are healthy or damaged. He closed his eyes and tried to feel any changes in his body. But he didn't feel anything. He cursed at his foolishness. John, you're too naïve for your own good.
Suddenly, thunder roared as if mocking his idiocy. He couldn't control himself anymore and showed the middle finger to the clouds, shouting, "Stupid God! Let me die in peace! Don't I deserve at least that much?"
[System initiating... 10%... 20%... 100%. Welcome, user. My name is Eva. I am your assistant.]
John was scared out of his wits and almost drowned. He looked around in confusion. "Who are you? Come out!"
He didn't get any answer. Then he remembered hearing the name Eva, so he called softly, "Eva?"
[Yes, how can I help you?]
John jumped like a scared cat. He still couldn't see anyone within a hundred meters. "Eva, where are you?"
[I am inside your head.]
John took a long while to process her words. He finally understood that the voice was coming from the microchip he had just swallowed. He asked slowly, "What is this system you were talking about?"
[This microchip has an in-built artificial intelligence that can guide its user to achieve great things. The creator of the microchip has left a note. Let me send it to your consciousness.]
[Hello, lucky one. Seems like you truly believed in my words. I am very happy to pass on my legacy. This system is designed by me. It contains my life's insights. I could have written a book and been done with it, but I knew it would eventually rot inside a library.
So I decided to create a system that can guide a person step by step. It incorporates suitable rewards and punishments to navigate your life. I have encoded the system with eight levels. Each level is fundamental. Let me state some risks:
– You must not tell anyone about this system, or you'll become a lab rat. Once Eva senses it, she will self-destruct and your brain will explode.– There is no turning back. If you try to remove the chip through surgery, Eva will self-destruct.– Failure to level up in time or complete missions may lead to Eva's destruction.– You are my only successor, hence it will attract enemies until you die or become powerful.
With great risks come great rewards. Let's talk about the benefits:
– Your destiny changed the moment you swallowed this microchip.– You will soon hear about the Realm Gate, Devata Realm, and your destiny in my clan. For now, focus on leveling up. Eventually, you'll learn everything from Eva.– Human values are the foundation of this system. You'll see yourself grow stronger in character as you progress.– The system will issue missions from time to time. Complete them within the given time, and you'll be rewarded.
Good luck.]
John didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He couldn't believe how his life had taken a 180-degree turn so suddenly. In one day, he felt like he had traveled from hell to heaven and back again. He had no idea about the origin or purpose of the microchip or its creator, but one thing he knew for sure—it was a God-sent golden opportunity.
The world had taken everything from him.
But maybe… just maybe, it had given him something back.
He clenched his fists and whispered to the storm, "Alright. Let's see what destiny looks like."