As I explored the gifts through the System, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. Every menu, every notification, every shiny little pop-up—it was all too perfect, too tailored. Like old man God knew exactly what would push my buttons.
Honestly, it felt like old man God took a page straight out of that Solo Leveling comic I used to read back in my old world. You know, the one with the guy who starts off weak but ends up soloing dungeons like a walking apocalypse? Yeah. That one. I used to binge it after long shifts, just imagining what it'd be like to have a System of my own.
Well, joke's on me. Because now I do.
"Stats? Check. Skill trees? Check. And the System Shop? Big check on that one."
Still, it's a bit underwhelming. I mean, with a system like this, shouldn't I be worried about some archetype trying to control me? Or maybe some divine punishment if I don't complete a quest on time?
'Meh. Who am I kidding?'
Didn't old man God say there were no quests? Just… enjoy my time here?
Still, I can't help but feel curious. And cautious. Because really—when has a system like this ever come without strings attached?
Just as I was about to further entertain my thoughts about this holographic system—maybe compare it to a gacha game next—a soft chime echoed in my ears.
Then, a somewhat mechanical but oddly soothing female voice cut through the silence.
<"It's finally nice to meet you, Master Zack. I am the AI tasked with assisting you in your upcoming adventures—in this world, and beyond.">
My eyes snapped to the floating interface as a soft glow pulsed around the edges of the System window.
Then she materialized—vivid and hovering just inches off the ground, her presence both ethereal and undeniably high-tech. Seeing the AI up close, I felt a strange flicker of recognition crawl up my spine.
She looked… familiar.
Not in the I-know-you kind of way, but more like déjà vu painted in neon and chrome. Where had I seen this kind of design before? The fluid hologram lines, the floating accessories, the pixelated shimmer trailing her every movement—it was on the tip of my tongue.
Anime? No... too clean.
A gacha game trailer? Maybe.
Wait… wasn't there an ai assistant from the two protagonist from that game I used to play before.
If I remember correctly, they were called Proxies in that game. This AI was something those siblings obtained early in the story—specialized in Hollow exploration.
She could instantly scan and map environments, track enemy movements, and pinpoint exits or anomalies with high-speed precision. On top of that, she could manipulate nearby smart tech, making her an invaluable support unit in unfamiliar or hostile zones.
Though the only downside is... I'm not in some sci-fi dystopian world with neon cities and cybernetics. Nope—this one's straight out of a classic medieval fantasy story. Castles, swords, dragons… and magic, apparently.
Which means, yeah—some of her functions might not even work here.
So maybe this version of Fairy is different from the one in the game. Adapted. Repurposed. Or maybe God just liked the aesthetic and slapped it on for fun.
Wouldn't put it past Him, honestly.
She hovered closer—well, it did. A floating orb about the size of an apple, sleek and silver with glowing rings pulsing gently across its surface. Its central eye-like lens flickered with light as if narrowing in amusement.
<"Excuse you, Master Zack, but I'm not just some recycled sci-fi assistant dragged into a fantasy setting like yesterday's update patch.">
The orb spun mid-air with a sassy little wiggle, emitting a faint digital chirp that almost sounded smug.
<"I'm a fully adaptive, environment-responsive AI—programmed to synchronize seamlessly with your System. Whether it's advanced tech or good old-fashioned mana-infused rocks, I can interface with it.">
The glow on its surface shifted as it continued, casually orbiting my head like a smug halo.
<"Sure, the smart tech in this world is… let's say quaint. But thanks to my sync with your System, I've got access to localized magical channels, structural mapping, and a few other tricks. If there's something useful nearby, I'll detect it before you even think to look.">
It hovered in front of my face, lens pulsing like it was raising an eyebrow.
<"So unless you're planning to wing it out here with pure vibes and sword swings, I'd suggest you appreciate the top-tier support you've been blessed with.">
I don't know whether to laugh or cry about getting this sassy AI as my companion. Maybe both. Part of me wants to curse my luck—but honestly? I'm kind of relieved.
Despite the sarcasm and the attitude, there's something… familiar about her. That same crass, no-filter tone she had in the gacha game. Same bite, same charm. It's like hearing an old voice in a brand new world.
Weirdly enough, that actually makes things feel a little less overwhelming.
"So... do you have a name, Miss AI?" I asked, tilting my head a little.
Even though I already knew her name—well, what she used to be called—I still felt the need to ask. Somehow, calling her out directly without asking felt... wrong.
The orb gave a soft hum, her lens flickering with light.
<"Negative. I am unfamiliar with the concept of a self-assigned designation. However, the Creator did inform me that you would provide my name once I came online and completed synchronization with your System interface.">
She paused, then added with a faint flicker of digital amusement:
<"So. Naming rights are yours, Master Zack. Try not to make it something ridiculous—I have to live with it, after all."
<"Haaa... I figured as much," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "But did you really have to say it like that? Now I understand why those two Proxies were always complaining about you.">
I shook my head helplessly as the orb hovered in smug silence, pulsing lightly.
"All right, fine. I'll keep it simple—for both our sakes."
I gave her a small nod.
"Your name will be Fairy."
The orb paused mid-spin, then gave a pleased little chime.
<"Designation accepted: Fairy. Hmm... has a nice ring to it. Functional, direct, and vaguely whimsical. I approve.">
The glow around her shell pulsed gently as her voice softened—just a little.
<"Now that synchronization is complete, I've unlocked the initial set of Gifts bestowed upon you by the Creator.">
A circular interface blinked open in front of me, displaying several icons glowing with distinct colors—each one pulsing with energy that felt... strangely personal.
<"These are your core Gifts—unique to you and tailored based on the Creator's divine blueprint. I've categorized them for ease of access: Combat, Utility, and Mystery.">
Fairy hovered beside the interface, projecting three glowing icons.
<"You've been granted access to all three Gift categories, Master—Combat, Utility, and Mystery. No need to pick just one.">
Each icon pulsed with a different aura:
~~~~~~~
•Combat — Power, reflexes, and battle-ready skills.
•Utility — Tools for survival, crafting, and support.
•Mystery — Unpredictable, rare abilities with unknown potential.
~~~~~~~~
She gave a sharp little spin and a digital sigh.
<"But just so we're clear—having access doesn't mean instant mastery. You'll need to work, train, and actually use your skills if you want them to level up. And no, the Creator didn't hand out a thousand gifts like party favors—so don't get greedy.">
A brief pause. Then, smugly:
<"This isn't a cheat menu, it's a growth system. No slacking, Master.">
Another pause. Then with a mischievous hum:
<""Go ahead, Master—choose whichever category you want to peek at first. I won't judge…">
A dramatic pause.
<"…but I'll definitely judge either way.">