Gu Lin and the system walked out together. Along the way, attendants did appear to politely stop him, but none truly dared to get close. They only hovered three full meters away, hands raised stiffly as if to gesture to him to stay, their faces full of fear.
It was purely symbolic resistance, a hollow attempt, because who in their right mind would dare to actually block this notorious troublemaker?
Tonight, His Highness was clearly suffocating with suppressed anger, and no one was willing to be the unlucky creature who accidentally provoked him and became the sacrificial Zerg of the evening.
One wrong word and they would become the cannon fodder in his place. No one was willing to gamble with fortune tonight.
So, Gu Lin walked straight out of the Star Palace just like that, without a single Zerg truly stepping forward to stop him.
The system watched the whole way, amused, quietly laughing in its circuits, and even sincerely praised its host for his dedication to maintaining his image.
“Stop being cheeky” Gu Lin sighed helplessly. This system was getting more and more mischievous the more it learned, but he did not genuinely mind.
A few dark marks on his record were fine. As long as he did not get taken advantage of, everything else was acceptable.
Once Gu Lin stepped into the hover car, the system practically started vibrating with excitement. It stopped joking around and eagerly took control of the auto driving function, feeling extremely pleased with itself as it prepared to drive its host personally.
It had used the points gifted by Gu Lin to upgrade its skills. Now, it could not only manipulate the two little home robots, it could even operate lower grade hover vehicles and hack into basic surveillance systems.
However, although its golden finger started off cheap, upgrading was extremely expensive. It had only reached the very first level, while level two still looked far away, so far it was like staring across an entire galaxy.
Still, the system felt deeply satisfied. Its host had stuffed it full of skills, making it practically the most talented little system among lower-level systems. And since its host was so capable, earning points in the future would definitely not be a problem.
As long as it followed Gu Lin, it would never worry about running out of points or lacking skills to learn.
Feeling excited, the system’s driving became more and more… creative. The hover car began weaving slightly, like a drunk butterfly learning to fly.
Gu Lin endured it for a while, until his body could not take it anymore. He finally ordered it to stop fooling around. His current body was fragile, too fragile. Even the smallest bit of turbulence made him dizzy, his vision spinning and his stomach clenching uncomfortably.
The system eventually became obedient, but the earlier shaking had already triggered severe discomfort. Even by the time the car slowed near their destination, the nausea lingered stubbornly. Tch.
This body truly was too weak. Gu Lin pressed his temples with slender fingers, attempting to alleviate the throbbing dizziness.
He really was, without exaggeration, a delicate male who could be toppled by a gentle breeze.
【H.. Host, are you okay?】 The system had laughed enough earlier, but now panic rushed in as it noticed Gu Lin’s condition. His face had turned pale, his brows drawn tight, breathing uneven. The system immediately panicked.
“I am fine.” Gu Lin answered calmly. He did not blame it. Apart from stopping its reckless driving, he had not scolded it once. His body simply could not handle much.
He needed to earn points quickly and exchange for basic healing potions. He could not rely on main quests appearing conveniently. Main quests did give abundant points, but they took too long. He needed results fast. His body could not wait that long.
As for bothering the protagonist again… even wool plucking required rotation. One could not always pluck the same sheep. Before the next plot point arrived, he would keep his distance from the protagonist.
He had to think of other paths.
While Gu Lin contemplated solutions for his physical condition, the system curled into a mental ball of guilt. Even a silly system knew it was responsible for its host suffering. How could it forget the host was currently weak?
【Host, I will call the little robots to bring a transport unit to take you back.】 Flustered, the system immediately summoned its two helper bots.
Gu Lin did not refuse. This was not the moment to put on pride. He never had such pointless pride anyway. If he felt uncomfortable, then he should rest and accept help. There was no reward for suffering silently.
However, before the mini robots arrived, someone else appeared in front of him first, Kaxiu.
Kaxiu stood there in a straight, perfectly tailored military uniform. His sapphire blue eyes carried a faint trace of confusion. He had clearly just returned to the estate.
A full day at the military department had worn him slightly, yet his mental state was still sharp and composed. Compared to yesterday’s gloomy and unsettled appearance, he seemed like a different Zerg entirely today, bright, steady, dependable, almost shining.
He had indeed just come back. His first official day back in the army resulted in predictable overtime. In the military, staying late was a norm; leaving on time was the true rarity.
Tonight, thanks to his superiors deliberately making things hard for him, he left the base two hours later than everyone else. The sky was already deep and dark when he walked out.
He had heard the news about the Balk family banquet, after all, such things spread quickly. The prestigious family had recovered their long lost male, and gossip spread like wildfire across both male and female circles.
As an A grade male and heir of the Elton family, Gu Lin was naturally among the invited guests. So, Kaxiu could not understand why Gu Lin was returning early.
But since he encountered him, he could not simply turn away without greeting. However, as soon as he approached, he froze halfway. Gu Lin’s pale complexion and strained breath shocked him.
“Your Highness!” Kaxiu hurried to his side, only to suddenly stop again. Instinct overriding everything, he reached for his terminal to call the emergency medical department.
But Gu Lin stopped him calmly, “I am fine. I just need to rest. The hover car was driven a bit too fast earlier”
Normally, his condition would have already triggered the male biological monitoring system, but Gu Lin had turned it off intentionally. He did not want the Male Association to detect abnormal signals and investigate him. He would get stronger on his own terms first, quietly and steadily.
Kaxiu believed him. Males did not lie about health. Still, hesitation lingered. In his education, the wellbeing of a male was the highest priority. Even if he believed Gu Lin’s words, his instincts screamed that going to the hospital would be safer.
Gu Lin could see that hesitation, but he did not offer further explanation. Strictly speaking, his character should not have even explained that much. The hint of genuine worry in Kaxiu’s gaze had softened him temporarily, but no more than that.
At that moment, the two little robots arrived pushing a hover stretcher. Kaxiu assumed Gu Lin had ordered it via his terminal, so he did not suspect anything. He moved to help Gu Lin onto the stretcher.
When Gu Lin’s body leaned slightly into his support, Kaxiu’s entire body stiffened. His muscles tensed like he was on a battlefield, his every movement slow and painfully careful, cradling Gu Lin like fragile glass.
Not because he harbored thoughts toward Gu Lin, nor because he admired him romantically. It was simply because reality hit him hard, males truly were as fragile as the rumors said. Delicate, precious, and frighteningly easy to harm.
His heart immediately tightened again. Perhaps His Highness was not like other males… or perhaps he was injured worse than he let on?
Kaxiu’s steps grew even lighter, his breathing more controlled, treating Gu Lin like a priceless artifact. Gu Lin, who was already feeling better after resting briefly, could not help feeling puzzled by Kaxiu’s tense behavior.
【Host, why do I feel Kaxiu is acting strangely?】the system whispered suspiciously.
【I feel the same.】 Gu Lin replied expressionlessly. Kaxiu had indeed become odd.
Unaware he was being silently judged by both the system and the host, Kaxiu performed every caretaking step seriously.
Caring for males had been one of the most important lessons at the academy. Even the laziest students studied that subject seriously. Kaxiu, being a diligent student, mastered it thoroughly.
Yet this was his first time practicing, and on top of that, the subject was the very male who had helped him return to the army. His gratitude and nerves tangled tightly, making him cautious to the extreme.
【Host, should we check his brain? the system muttered. He does not seem… very bright right now.】
Gu Lin ignored that and instead gave another quiet order. 【Use the new skill to check what happened to Kaxiu today.】
He had already guessed Kaxiu would be targeted, but returning this late… that was not normal.
【Ah? 】The system froze in shock.
【Host, do you want me to hack into the Fourth Corps network? I am only level one, they will catch me immediately.】
Gu Lin paused,【System… has anybody ever told you that you are very….. cute?】
【Host, if you wanted to compliment me, you could do it more directly! I already know I am adorable 】The system replied smugly.
…
Gu Lin could only endure Kaxiu’s overly cautious caretaking while teaching the system the proper method of gathering information. After finally managing both tasks, the hover stretcher reached his room. At last, Gu Lin exhaled a soft breath of relief.
“You may leave.” His tone was natural, aloof, entirely lacking gratitude, as if dismissing a servant casually.
Kaxiu did not mind. This male had helped him immensely already. Doing something small like this did not even count as repayment. His Highness not caring was truly normal.
Once Gu Lin was settled, he bowed slightly and retreated.
Only when both the worried Kaxiu and the emotional system disappeared did Gu Lin finally relax completely. He swept his body with his mental power, and the more he saw, the more serious his expression became.
His current body was far too weak.
If this continued, he might not even survive until his third metamorphosis awakening. One careless mistake and he could very well die.
He needed to act quickly.
He needed points. He needed medicine. And he needed strength.
He could not afford to wait.
This system is cute too! I rank it 2nd cutest system in my list! 1st..it’s still system 009🤭
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
This translator has been caught working for free again. Scandalous.
☕ 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