The forest was calm once more as a gentle breeze swayed the treetops, and shafts of sunlight filtered through the branches, painting golden patches across the leaf-covered ground. After a relatively short walk from the village, Algeni arrived at the place where he intended to complete his new mission. He slowly looked around, making sure he was completely alone, then stretched his muscles before letting out a quiet sigh.
“Good. I’m finally alone. System, now you can tell me everything that’s new while I complete this mission.”
The system assistant appeared floating in front of him and answered enthusiastically:
“Good, finally. The first new feature that has been added is—”
Before it could finish, a wolf burst out of the bushes with a fierce growl, baring its fangs as it locked its eyes on Algeni.
Algeni let out a small chuckle.
“It looks like the world really doesn’t want you to explain the update to me. Well, don’t stop. Keep talking. I’ll deal with this wolf while you explain.”
With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and charged toward the beast. The wolf lunged forward, trying to bite him, but Algeni intercepted the attack with his blade. Without taking his eyes off his opponent, he calmly said,
“System, go ahead and explain everything that’s new. And don’t worry—don’t stop until you’ve finished.”
The assistant hesitated for a few seconds.
“Are you sure you want me to explain the new features while that wolf is attacking you? It could be dangerous.”
Algeni calmly deflected another lunge before replying,
“It’s fine. This isn’t difficult, so go ahead.”
The assistant nodded.
“Very well, if that’s what you want, User. The first new feature is the interface. It has been redesigned to make it more comfortable to use and to give it a cleaner, more stylish appearance.”
Algeni swung his sword in a horizontal slash, opening a deep wound along the wolf’s side. Without lowering his guard, he answered,
“Good. That’s a simple visual improvement. I don’t see any problem with that.”
The wolf released a loud howl that echoed through the forest.
Only a few seconds later, growls began to rise from every direction.
More wolves emerged from the surrounding vegetation, slowly encircling Algeni.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“Perfect. Now I won’t have to waste time looking for the rest.”
The assistant continued speaking as though nothing unusual was happening.
“Another new feature is the System Inventory. It is an infinite storage space where anything can be stored, whether alive or dead, inside a timeless dimension where time itself does not flow.”
While listening to the explanation, Algeni sidestepped a wolf that tried to ambush him from behind.
“Alright… that’s a classic system feature.”
He spun around and delivered a swift slash, carving a deep wound across the beast’s body.
Gravely injured, the wolf tried to flee, but Algeni moved faster, cutting it down before it could escape.
The remaining wolves seized the opportunity and charged him all at once.
Algeni planted his feet firmly as the assistant continued its explanation.
“The Shop feature has also been added. Through it, you will be able to purchase items, weapons, and many other goods using System Points, which are earned by leveling up or completing missions.”
Algeni blocked several consecutive bites while replying between attacks,
“Now that’s actually a useful upgrade.”
His sword suddenly began to radiate an intense white light.
With smooth, precise movements, Algeni dashed straight through the pack of wolves.
“Skill Used: Light Slash.”
A series of brilliant flashes streaked across the forest.
When the light faded away, most of the wolves lay motionless on the ground.
Algeni took a deep breath.
“I didn’t expect them to surround me like that.”
The two remaining wolves instinctively backed away before turning to flee.
But Algeni was much faster.
Within seconds, he caught the first one and brought it down with a single clean strike.
The last wolf barely managed to run a few more meters before meeting the same fate.
As he slowly sheathed his sword, he murmured with a faint smile,
“Well… that was entertaining.”
Using the back of his hand, he wiped away the blood that had splattered across his cheek.
The assistant watched him for a few moments before commenting,
“Wow… I honestly thought you wouldn’t get through that without losing at least one leg, but I’m glad to see I was wrong. To finish explaining the update, the final new feature added to the system is the Fusion Menu. From now on, you will be able to fuse items and other things together.”
Algeni stared thoughtfully at the new system window floating before him.
“That’s not something you usually see in novels… Fusing items… Hmm… Well, it looks interesting, although I honestly don’t see any reason to use it right now.”
The assistant nodded.
“That concludes the explanation. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
Algeni raised an eyebrow.
“What? You’re leaving already? Are you just going to disappear and merge back into the system until I need you again?”
The assistant answered calmly,
“My duty is to help the User understand the system and answer any questions you may have.”
Algeni frowned slightly.
“That sounds incredibly boring. So… you just stay in a vegetative state until I call you?”
The assistant paused to think before replying,
“You could describe it that way… although I remain fully conscious. It is more like existing inside a completely empty space.”
Algeni grimaced.
“That sounds painfully boring… Just stay.”
The assistant answered automatically,
“My duty is to assist the User.”
Algeni smiled.
“Good. If that’s your duty, then you also have to help keep me from going insane by talking to myself—or worse, ending up having conversations with trees. So you’ll stay outside the system.”
The assistant remained silent for several seconds before giving a slow nod.
“The User is correct. I should assist you in every way possible… even with that.”
Algeni let out a quiet laugh.
“Good. At least I won’t be so bored anymore.”
With the conversation over, he began carefully collecting the wolves’ special claws one by one. As he worked, the forest gradually returned to its peaceful silence. The breeze once again rustled the leaves overhead, birds cautiously resumed their songs, and the last traces of battle faded into the stillness of the woods, marking the end of another successful mission.
After finishing, Algeni looked down at the small pile of wolf claws gathered at his feet. A faint breeze swept through the forest, rustling the leaves around him as he nodded with satisfaction. Read this novel at novelping dot com for the best experience.
“Well, that’s all of them.”
The assistant immediately replied,
“Good job. Please continue your excellent work.”
Algeni looked at him with an awkward expression.
“Hey… do you always have to talk like a robot?”
The assistant tilted his head slightly.
“What do you mean, User?”
Algeni let out a sigh.
“Well, no offense or anything, but… you talk like ChatGPT.”
A floating question mark appeared above the assistant’s head.
“What is ChatGPT?”
A small bead of sweat slid down Algeni’s temple.
“ChatGPT is an AI created to help people with their… wait, I’m getting off topic.” He shook his head before continuing. “What I mean is, don’t sound so stiff when you talk. I know it might be difficult because, well, you’ve only existed for about an hour and a half, but try expressing yourself a little more.”
The assistant slowly nodded.
“I understand, User. From now on, I will try to speak more like a human. It may take me some time.”
Algeni smiled understandingly.
“I know it’ll probably be difficult for you. So here’s a piece of advice: find someone you want to observe and try to imitate not copy the way they speak and their personality. Maybe that way you’ll understand people better… and eventually develop your own personality.”
The assistant fell silent for several moments, thoughtfully processing those words before finally nodding with determination.
“I understand. I will do my best.”
Algeni carefully stored the special claws inside his backpack before tightening the straps.
“Alright, let’s head back. According to the mission request, these six wolf claws are worth ninety gold coins, so let’s go.”
The two of them began making their way back toward the village.
As they walked beneath the towering trees, sunlight filtered through the branches overhead, casting shifting patterns across the forest floor. The assistant followed a few steps behind Algeni, silently repeating those final words over and over in his mind.
“Someone… to imitate.”
He slowly raised his gaze and watched Algeni’s calm, steady stride.
Little by little, he closed the distance until he was walking beside him.
Throughout the rest of the journey, the assistant made several attempts to speak more naturally. Each sentence sounded a little less mechanical than the last, though they still came out somewhat awkward and forced.
Listening to him struggle, Algeni finally let out a quiet laugh.
“Alright, alright… don’t try so hard. You don’t have to change overnight. It’s your first day, so just take it one step at a time.”
The assistant remained quiet for a few seconds before answering in a noticeably more relaxed voice than before.
“Understood… I’ll do my best.”
A faint smile crossed Algeni’s face.
“That’s good enough.”
The two continued walking side by side along the forest path. Around them, the woods gradually returned to their usual peace. Birds resumed singing from the branches above, the wind gently stirred the leaves, and the traces of the recent battle slowly faded away, as if nothing had happened there only minutes earlier. Together, they continued toward the village, unaware of what awaited them next.