Gu Lin completely ignored the servant who was speaking. With the kind of personality he had built up for himself, how could he possibly lower his pride to acknowledge an invitation from a female Zerg of a family?
On the surface, he wore an expression of great reluctance, as if merely knowing that a member of the Balk family had arrived was enough to ruin his mood and make it impossible for him to continue his little game. He waved his hand arrogantly, showing he had no interest in the matter, then turned as if preparing to leave.
Before walking away, he cast a sidelong glance at Colin, his gaze carrying a trace of amusement that was both mocking and elusive.
The surrounding Zergs who had gathered to watch the commotion immediately made way, none daring to provoke this notorious little devil.
The uproar they had caused earlier had drawn a rather large crowd. Circles of spectators layered around them, eager for excitement. But once Gu Lin turned to leave and it became clear that there would be no more spectacle, the crowd began to disperse one after another, disappointed but cautious.
When the noise finally faded and the two had walked some distance away, the system that had been quiet for a while suddenly spoke up.
【Host, you were amazing! Do you know how many points we earned this time?】The system’s voice practically bounced with excitement, cheerful and clumsy like an overly happy puppy.
【We got two thousand five hundred and seventy points!】 The system’s tone grew even louder in its enthusiasm. 【You not only completed the mission but even earned more than five hundred extra points! Host, you’re incredible!】
The banquet hadn’t even officially begun, and yet his host had already finished the task so neatly. The speed was one thing, but earning bonus points on top of that, it was the perfect outcome.
“Not bad,” Gu Lin replied. It wasn’t beyond his expectations, but the amount was satisfactory. “Keep two thousand points to buy potions later. Use the rest to exchange for something else I need.”
The system perked up immediately upon hearing that Gu Lin intended to spend over five hundred points. Its host was never stingy, though most of the things it redeemed could also benefit Gu Lin, to the system, that still counted as a pure gain.
Other systems had to beg and cajole their hosts to spend points so they could skim a little commission. But this one? He could use his host’s points freely. It was practically the life of a champion system!
【What do you want to exchange for, Host?】 Though it was gloating internally, the system knew it was all thanks to Gu Lin’s generosity that it could live so comfortably. With any other host, taking advantage like this would be impossible.
Besides, Gu Lin had even given it pocket money before, points that it hadn’t yet spent. If it could save up a bit more, maybe it could redeem something even better later!
“Network tools,” Gu Lin replied. “Look through the options. Prioritize anything that allows covert intrusion and helps collect information, something like a digital golden finger.”
【Got it】 the system answered cheerfully, then dived straight into its exclusive store.
【Host, I found it!】 It popped back up a short while later, brimming with excitement. 【Here’s one that matches your request. The beginner version costs one hundred points. The advanced version has an unbreakable defense and can be upgraded later】
“How does the upgrade system work?” Gu Lin’s interest was piqued.
【After purchasing, you can level it up using more points, five levels in total. The costs are one hundred, five hundred, one thousand, ten thousand, and two hundred thousand points. But since my system level isn’t high enough yet, I can only upgrade it to level three for now】
【At level one, you can already hack into another Zerg’s personal light-brain information. Level two improves concealment and adds an alarm system. If the target’s defense level is too high and I’m at risk of being detected, the system will warn us ahead of time. Once it reaches level three, as long as you don’t ask me to steal state-level confidential documents, there won’t be any problem】
“This seems a bit different from the previous stealth-type golden finger,” Gu Lin noted.
【It is】The system admitted, scratching its metaphorical head. 【Stealth-type golden fingers are more like a starter benefit for new systems, mainly used for hiding and protecting ourselves】
【There are certain restrictions. Stealth and defense tools are cheaper and easier to obtain. Information-gathering ones start simple but become harder to upgrade. Offensive tools are the hardest to get and require the most points to upgrade】
Gu Lin understood. Even the system’s marketplace had its own set of rules and privileges.
Most of the affordable items were for defense or concealment. Beyond that, discounts became rare, and for certain assistive golden fingers, the cost rose sharply in tiers. Beginners could manage the first level, but upgrading demanded vast amounts of points. As for offensive ones, there was no such thing as a discount.
【Do you want me to redeem it now?】 The system asked hesitantly. It was thinking that upgrading to level two would be safer, since the alarm system could help Gu Lin avoid plenty of unnecessary trouble.
However, Gu Lin’s current budget was only five hundred seventy points. To reach level two, he would need over seven hundred points, just out of reach.
The system still had about one hundred eighty points left from the pocket money Gu Lin had given it earlier, but it also had its own wish list of things to buy.
Still, the hesitation lasted only a second. Many systems in the system forum saw their hosts merely as tools for farming points, constantly trying to squeeze them dry. But this one genuinely liked its host.
And now, its host was using his own points to buy something that would strengthen the system itself.
【Let’s get the level two version, Host! You can use my points too!】
The silly little system completely forgot that Gu Lin actually had over two thousand five hundred points, not five hundred. It was practically wagging its tail in excitement.
Gu Lin, who had been quietly thinking about ways to earn more points, couldn’t help but smile when he heard that. Of course, even though he was in the middle of the Starl Palace and couldn’t show his emotions outwardly, the corner of his lips still curved in amusement.
“Keep your pocket money,” he replied lazily. “Your host has other ways to handle this.”
Then he lifted his light-brain device and tapped a few words into a message box.
‘I heard you have an older brother. How about letting him be my attendant?’
When the system saw what he had sent, it was startled for a moment. Then, recalling the earlier conversation between Gu Lin and the protagonist, it couldn’t help but ask curiously, 【Host, were all those things you said to the protagonist true?】
“Of course they were,” Gu Lin said, closing the light-brain and letting the cool evening breeze brush against his face. “The protagonist should be grateful he has his own system. Otherwise, everything I said would really happen.”
“You remember the part in the novel about the protagonist’s older brother, Grace, right?”
【Yes, I do,】 The system replied quickly. 【There was even a forced engagement plotline, but the protagonist stopped it in time.】
As it spoke, it began to realize something unsettling.
In the novel, it was thrilling to watch the protagonist change another Zerg’s fate with just a few words. But placed in reality, that thought was deeply terrifying.
Grace’s engagement partner wasn’t some decent Zerg, but one of the most violent and dangerous individuals in the entire race.
If a family could force their female heir to marry such a beast, could they really be trusted to treat a C-grade male gently?
If the protagonist hadn’t leveled up later, hadn’t become an S-grade male, his future would have been far more tragic than the story let on.
……
Meanwhile, Colin followed the attendant away, his mood heavy. Though he didn’t fully believe Gu Lin’s words, they had still left a faint mark in his heart, an unease that lingered quietly.
He kept his emotions buried deep, his face calm. But then, his light-brain suddenly chimed with a new message. Curious, Colin opened it, and froze when he saw what was written.
His breath caught sharply.
Gu Lin. That arrogant Zerg was definitely doing this on purpose!
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The translator promises nothing except gratitude and possibly more chapters.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · Crossing OverChapter 2 · KaxiuChapter 3 · Social DeathChapter 4 · Female Servant/WifeChapter 5 · ConfusedChapter 6 · MysteryChapter 7 · CamouflageChapter 8 · AcquaintanceChapter 9 · Man in a ShellChapter 10 · FoodChapter 11 · RemunerationChapter 12 · GossipChapter 13 · TaskChapter 14 · CoverdaleChapter 15 · Mission AccomplishedChapter 16 · ExchangeChapter 17 · DreamChapter 18 · DelicateChapter 19 · ReasonChapter 20 · SpecialChapter 21 · 2 Dose of VialChapter 22 · Night WatchChapter 23 · One NightChapter 24 · GratefulChapter 25 · ContestChapter 26 · FortChapter 27 · RecordChapter 28 · SealChapter 29 · MissedChapter 30 · Treasure TroveChapter 31 · Battle SpiritChapter 32 · IllusionChapter 33 · PhotosChapter 34 · DifferentChapter 35 · Heartfelt wishesChapter 36 · TeasingChapter 37 · InterestChapter 38 · TrappedChapter 39 · Borrowing a knifeChapter 40 · SecretChapter 42 · ConditionChapter 43 · QuestionChapter 44 · AnswerChapter 45 · CoreChapter 46 · MeetChapter 47 · WeirdChapter 48 · DifferentChapter 49 · Spiritual SeaChapter 50 · ConceptsChapter 51 · Hicks Return!Chapter 51 · RoefellerChapter 53 · 10 thousand points!Chapter 54 · RedemptionChapter 55 · ChangeChapter 56 · ReceiveChapter 57 · Side QuestChapter 59 · It seems like a old FriendChapter 60 · TrainingChapter 61 · MoodChapter 62 · ConfusedChapter 63 · Children’s PlaygroundChapter 64 · GiftChapter 65 · ApproachingChapter 66 · ThreatChapter 67 Part 1 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 67 Part 2 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 68 · MaintenanceChapter 69 · Thank youChapter 70 · UndercoverChapter 71 · VisitChapter 72 · FrenzyChapter 73 · TransactionChapter 74 · ReminderChapter 75 · ArenaChapter 76 · InterestingChapter 77 · CuteChapter 78 · SecretChapter 79 · CompareChapter 80 · StrategyChapter 81 · CrisisChapter 82 · ProtectChapter 83 · Blind SpotChapter 84 · SafetyChapter 85 · Mission ObjectiveChapter 86 · DeterminationChapter 87 · Grave DangerChapter 88 · GuessingChapter 89 · Chess PieceChapter 90 · EmotionsChapter 91 · Guardian’s HeartChapter 92 · A Dangerous FigureChapter 93 · FrustratedChapter 94 · BullyChapter 95 · NegotiationChapter 96 · ChallengeChapter 97 · RejectionChapter 98 · PlantingChapter 99 · Thank youChapter 100 · LeveragingChapter 101 · ChaosChapter 102 · SubmitChapter 103 · ThoughtsChapter 104 · Good news and bad newsChapter 105 · MadmanChapter 106 · CooperationChapter 107 · Just drawingChapter 108 · It was a pleasure working with youChapter 109 · StargazingChapter 110 · GuideChapter 111 · Plant FlowerChapter 112 · White WolfChapter 113 · SterilisationChapter 114 · CollarChapter 115 · RunChapter 116 · GenerousChapter 117 · ImageChapter 118 · FriendlyChapter 119 · LostChapter 120 · TasteChapter 121 · System upgradeChapter 122 · Transfered FromChapter 123 · Keep dragging it outChapter 124 · CategoryChapter 125 · DemolitionChapter 126 · I want to cry but can’tChapter 127 · Upgrade completeChapter 128 · Tears streaming down my face in the windChapter 129 · Strange luckChapter 130 · UnknownChapter 131 · Dog plant flowersChapter 132 · Contest of Wits and Silent UnderstandingChapter 133 · ColinChapter 134 · AmbushChapter 135 · DullChapter 136 · BattleChapter 137 · Post-WarChapter 138 · Return ToChapter 139 · Strength EnhancementChapter 140 · Is this a staged accident scam?Chapter 141 · ToolChapter 142 · ProcessingChapter 143 · CluesChapter 144 · MemoryChapter 145 · UnderstoodChapter 146 · I want to hug youChapter 147 · Differential treatmentChapter 148 · So DifficultChapter 149 · Going to farChapter 150 · Real or FakeChapter 151 · ResponseChapter 152 · The truthChapter 153 · Let’s chat Causally?Chapter 154 · A Way to RelaxChapter 155 · ConversationChapter 156 · Daily MissionChapter 157 · A QuarrelChapter 158 · NamelessChapter 159 · ProbingChapter 160 · A Good HelperChapter 161 · ConfirmationChapter 162 · DiscussChapter 163 · ForgottenChapter 164 · TraceChapter 164 · TraceChapter 165 · Contact