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System 2.0

Chapter 2 / 76

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Chapter 2 of 76

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Ch 2 Moving on up

System 2.0

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PreIntegration

Ch 2 (Release Edit)

Waking up was painful. As I started to come to my senses, my head fucking hurt. I’m not talking like, ‘Oh, give me an Advil and it will be better.’ No, it was someone please just end it now. Fuck, it hurts to even think. Pain flared up from my toes all the way to, well, everything. “Shit, I feel like I got run over by a Zamboni.”Full novel: System 2.0 — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

Sitting up felt like a complete chore while I turned, sliding my legs off of the bed. Everything felt a bit weird. The only way I could describe it was if someone took all of my limbs and moved them two inches in a random direction. It took a minute to blink away the sleep from my eyes, and I found myself looking back at a reflection that was me, and yet wasn't. Everything ached and I felt a light pounding within my skull while I did my best to take in everything I was seeing. The first thing that just struck me as different was I looked healthier.

Blinking a few times, the confusion and wonder quickly made me forget about the small discomfort I had been feeling as I stood up. Looking into the full-length mirror, there was no way that was me. I looked like a fucking model. Immediately the next thing that caught my gaze was the lack of body hair. Now that was a definite upgrade. Everything seemed to fit better on my body with the realization I had somehow gotten taller. Not much, maybe a few inches, but damn it made a huge difference. Even my oversized tits rested better and didn't make me feel like I would fall face first at any point in time. Even my skin seemed to hold a glow about it. I couldn't help but to twist from side to side admiring myself.

“Hey Ari, are you around? What did you do? This is insane.” I couldn't hide the awe in my voice as I spoke to the empty room. Even as I started to look around, the detail in which I saw things just left me stunned and with no words to describe the difference. It had been like my entire life I had been not seeing clearly, but now? Hell, I could see little cracks in the ceiling that I never noticed before.

Right in front of me a small puff of black smoke appeared, and then as it quickly faded away, the diminutive succubus floated in front of me. “Hello Sara. I see you have noticed the improvements.” Her tone held a bit of lust to it. Wait, was she checking me out? I felt like I was preening under the attention. “Don't look so surprised. From my understanding you had some idea from all those books you have read. They don't get everything wrong.” Well, I guess she had a point. Still, it was one thing to read and imagine such a thing. It was yet another to witness it in all of its glory. “Think on this, Sara. You chose a being that is in every way designed to be superior to a human. This is the result of such an experiment.”

I had to ask, as now it turned into a burning question. “What would count as normal for humans?”

“Hmm, typically around 3 to 6 points in a stat. Typically a six would constitute an Olympic-level athlete. 3 is an average.”

Now, I hadn't looked at my status screen yet. I guess that would be next. Well, if I could take my eyes off of myself. Even my skin held more color than normal this time of year. All of this was amazing, and I guess the System could consider my mind blown. Guess it was time to move on. “So Ari, is there more to all of this? I mean, like, am I just floundering until the System comes online or is there more to this early access thing?”

Seeing Ari's demon-like wings fluttering in the air, she let me examine myself. “Yes, you will get system-generated quests, stumble upon hidden quests, and there is also a Training Dungeon you have access to. Coins and credits can be earned from completing quests.”

Well, that cleared things up kind of. Maybe if I weren't obsessing over my new, sleek, hairless state, I’d have pieced it together sooner. Call it vanity, but honestly? No more waxing or plucking is a superpower in itself.

“Sara, you should go through your notifications before continuing anything else.”

I acknowledged her words with a nod and grumbled about needing a new wardrobe. Then it all hit me. Was college even worth it now? No, not when I have the assets for a proper start. Who knows what I’ll need to pick up and buy? Marie would be happy. She’d probably tell me I look healthy in her Midwest twang.

Marie was hired by my grandfather a little over ten years ago, after we moved from the country house to the city penthouse. He wanted me to be challenged, so he got me into a private school. She took care of everything: cooking, cleaning, and acting as a confidant. She still lives in the penthouse. I couldn’t fire her when I left, and part of me knew I’d return. Getting my thoughts back on track, I brought up my status.

Name: Sara Garner

Race: Futa (experimental)

Primary Class: Build-A-Bear ( R )

Str: 3 | Dex: 2 | End: 3 | Vit: 3

Int: 4 | Wis: 2 | Chr: 6

LV: 0 | Exp: 0

Body: Rank G | Core: Rank G | Bloodline: Succubus Rank G

Hp: 9 | Mp: 24 | Stamina: 6

Perks:

Sexual Prowess

Rapid Learning

Minor Shape-shift

Abilities:

Imbue Mechanical Object

Imbue Electrical Object

Skills:

Affinity: Tech

“Well, aside from being rather underwhelming after all that pain, this UI sucks massive wrinkly donkey balls. Is there a way to adjust the UI?”

Ari was silent for a moment. “Kinda, but I believe that there should be a UI update in a few days. The past couple of hundred years, the System has been testing out different ones throughout its expansive territory.”

Well, that’s one answer. Now I’ve got three more questions queued up, like how many universes does the System cover anyway? For now, I’ll stack it on my mental backlog. You’d think I’d feel more impressive by now, but here I am, stuck on average.

“Finish your notifications, silly girl.” Damned succubus pixie and her reading my surface thoughts.

Quest complete: Take that first step.

Congratulations on completing a hidden quest. You realize that you have to take this seriously, and with your resources, you can ensure you and your harem have a head start when the shit hits the fan.

Reward: One Training Dungeon token for you and up to four others.

You gain 100 experience, bringing you to level one.

Congratulations on reaching level one. You have twenty-four hours to assign your stat points. Pick any one skill, perk, or ability from the list.

Hidden quest complete: Reach Level One.

Well, we weren't sure if you would wallow in self-pity and depression or take that first big step into a larger world. As a reward, you will get to pick two skills, perks, or abilities from the list.

+1 to STR, END, INT applied from Racial

+1 to VIT applied from Class

Applying the points, I groaned as pleasure washed over me. Oh yeah. This was better than pain. If this is leveling up, I’d take ten more. I let out a breath and shook my body as goosebumps formed over my arms. I needed level one for things to flesh out more. Looking at the list, I realized coffee would have helped my mood. I told the System I wanted descriptions with the titles. It repopulated, and I looked over my options.

Pheromones

You can choose to give off a scent that will influence those around you. The skill has both active and passive aspects. In passive mode, people will like you more and feel drawn to you. When activated, you can tug on the different sexual emotions, easily manipulating them. Note that those with a high Wis are more likely to resist.

Perfect Fit

Are you tired of constantly having to adjust your cock? Too big, too small, too thick. Fucking hell, can no woman be satisfied? Well, now they can. One thrust in a hole and your cock will fit just right.

Rune Crafter

You can etch very basic runes into anything you have imbued with your Mana. This is the first step to making your own equipment. Note that this skill is limited to your own equipment and will not have the same range of runes as the Enchanter.

Tech Apprentice

So you want to be a baller, a shot caller. Well, here you go. Where most people let their phones blow up, you tame them and turn them into something better. You are the tech whisperer.

Naughty Girl

We know you are a little pervert. So, in celebration of the freak you are, we offer a one-time class ability. That is right, for a limited time only, you can take any sex object and turn it into a weapon, armor, or utility item using your mana.

That little Rabbit just turned into a mini vibrating grenade. That 12-inch black dildo you have hidden in the trunk? It is now your personal Tommy gun. Yes, you can call it Big Tommy.

Mad Scientist

Your mind is filled with random ideas, and now you can do something with them. Each level increases the chance of a crazy project succeeding. On top of that, if you do succeed in creating your own personal double penetration sex toy, there is another chance it will have a high-grade quality to it.

Really? Like, out of all things possible, here I am offered sex toy skills?

“Sara, think about it. You are a Futanari. Even in your culture, they are sexual creatures with a voracious appetite for sex. Next, you have the bloodline of a succubus. It's like taking the mix for your chocolate cake, then adding triple the chocolate. You are a being of sex. You ooze it, you enjoy it, and well, how often do you turn it down?”

“Fine, but come on. How is this supposed to help me out? A fucking gun shaped like a dildo. Holy shit, no one will take me seriously.”

“Yeah, till you fucking shoot them in the face.”

OK. Shit, the little demon had a point. She continued.

“Sara, though you are a bit more free with your sexuality than most humans, the rest of the multiverse is not as uptight sexually. Sure, some sects and races are, but really, for the most part, anyone outside of your own race won't think twice about it as long as it kills good.” Ari paused. “Sara, if you get good enough, you might be able to market what you make.”

Well, if that wasn't an idea. Taking a deep breath, I organized my thoughts as I went, trying to figure out my choices.

I guess the first thing was to figure out what minor shape shift did. Well, both of the perks. The abilities and skills seemed pretty self-explanatory. I have an affinity towards Tech magic, and obviously imbue skills meant I could add mana to those two types of items. I would look at the details later, but didn't need to right now.

Sexual Prowess

This perk must be activated to use. Allows for a shorter refractory period, more staying power, and an increased amount of cum released.

Minor Shape-shift

This perk must be activated to use. Allows for minor changes to the face and body. It can only be maintained for up to one hour. The aspect of this perk is the ability to grow a penis up to ten inches long. This can be maintained for up to five hours.

After looking at Minor Shape-shift, I decided that Pheromones would be the better option. Though, of course, the thought came after I selected it: could I have combined them at some point for a better shape-shifting ability? Another question was added to the list.

Looking at the next two, it was a bit of a tougher choice. I liked the second one, but yes, it was limited. Still, who knows when I would come across an Enchanter? Also, the System was pushing me in a direction of building my own shit. I went back and forth between each one, finally choosing Rune Crafter.

Then the last two. I was a little pissed. I wanted the Mad Scientist option. Like, really, really wanted it. The difference between the two was that one said this was a limited-time offer. Fucking FOMO.

I couldn't deny that the Naughty Girl ability was tempting. It had a lot of potential, and I had a feeling there would be more to it. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I really thought things out on this one. Something told me choosing one or the other would set me on a specific path. Seeing my reflection in the mirror, all I could think was, fuck, I look sexy.

Then it hit me. I could make fucking Fem Bots. I could have my very own sexy Fem Bot that shoots people with its nipple guns. Well, there we go, decision made. Just call me a Naughty Girl. Once the last choice was made, I felt another smaller rush through my body, causing a slight shudder. Seeing as I had one more notification, I figured I might as well clear out the queue before cleaning myself up. Then I had to make some phone calls.

New Quest: Bond a bitch

That's right, Sara, I may be proud of you, but we are only getting started. For you to grow in power, to save a few close to you from certain death, and well, we both know you are just frothing at the mouth to get your first bond.

So what are you waiting for? You have one week from today to bond with your first victim, I mean, sex toy. Sorry, your first bonded mate.

Rewards: Enough experience to reach the next level. Added rewards for completing early.

Failure: My immense disappointment and loss of a level.

I stared at the quest for a long moment. First, even after all the interaction with the System, I found myself giddy with getting my first quest. I think at least the first person I was choosing would be an easy win for me. Looking around for my phone, I had to run out into the living room to grab it. I wasn't even thinking as I stood in the middle of my living room butt-ass naked with my curtains open as I searched for Katie's name.

[Hey, I know you got exams all week. Still, this weekend you and I are having a two-person party at the penthouse.]

I didn't frame it as a question, mainly because I knew the answer already. Katie never turned down a party. I wasn't expecting an answer right away, as I was sure she was in one of her exams right now. That is, if I remembered her schedule correctly. I don't know how she did it. Noticing the time on the phone, I just realized I had been out for the entire evening and then night. Fuck me. Seven a.m. I was never up this early. OK, maybe she wasn't in an exam; I was still thinking it was last night. Katie had a few night classes, so she was probably only just waking up or close to that time anyway. I couldn't do that. I even found ways so none of my classes started before 11 a.m.

Speaking of the penthouse... Fuck. Shit. Dammit.

This was not a call I wanted to make. Having scrolled down to the name and number, I stared at it for a long moment. Tony. It wasn't out of dread or fear, but the fact that at some point I would see that 'I told you so' smile. Tony had been hired by Grandpa when we moved into the city. He served as our bodyguard and driver. Though initially I had been confused by why we would need one, Grandpa had been patient with me as he explained that out here in the city things could get dangerous. Especially with people who had money. I could easily get kidnapped or worse. To say that had been a very sobering thought would be an understatement. It wasn't like we were owning a yacht rich, but Grandpa had over the years amassed a good amount. It had taken some getting used to, but eventually I didn't even think about it. Even after I moved out, I knew Tony was still out there keeping an eye on me. I never did release him. He was the type to take his job seriously, even if he allowed me some space.

I swear, was that man ever late for anything? The knock on the door echoed through the living room as I stuffed the last toy into my bag and, though it was a bit of a struggle, got the bag zipped up. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by that. Like Grandpa, he had served several tours in the military. Both he and Grandpa didn't speak a lot about what they actually did, but I always had a feeling they both had been special forces in their respective times serving. Grandpa had served in World War 2, and Tony had served both times when we had gone over to the Middle East.

Opening the door, Tony stood there with that knowing smile on his face. Seriously, if he wasn't married, I swear I would have tried something by now. He stood taller than me with his broad shoulders dressed in a crisp, ironed black suit. His beard and dark hair were perfectly trimmed while showing just the right amount of salt with the pepper. Fuck me, he was ruggedly handsome. Even standing there with his smile, Tony seemed to just expel this aura that screamed out, ‘Don't fuck with me.’ Yeah, it was hot.

I stepped aside and he walked in like he knew every inch of my apartment. He probably did. Hell, I would place a bet that he had blueprints, had somehow gotten a spare key, and knew every code to the doors. Within a moment he had returned, a bag in each hand, holding them both like they were nothing. I didn't see anything on his face like he knew what was in one, but something told me he definitely knew what was in there. Still, no judgment as he walked past me. “Movers will be here later in the day. You should have your stuff by tomorrow.”

With that, he led the way down to the parking garage, the black Escalade still looking the same way it looked the day it was bought from the car lot. Hitting the open air within the garage caused me to shiver slightly as I zipped up my puffy jacket. As he held the door open for me, I felt his eyes on me. Not in a creepy way. not that I felt getting looked at was creepy, as I always enjoyed the stares. No, he was assessing me, and I was damn sure he noticed all the changes.

After I got settled in, the door shut softly before starting as he got into the driver's seat and began the drive back home. I couldn't help but to sigh. I just hadn't imagined myself returning so soon. I wasn't sure if I was ready for that, but I would need the resources that returning to the lifestyle could afford me. I didn't have a plan yet, but I figured this was a good start. A sudden ding from my phone caused me to jump a little as I pulled it out of my pocket.

[Ohhh, so moving on up again. I am glad and it's about time. This week is a total bummer, but if I don't do well I know my dad will force me to move back home. Anyway, a weekend with you after all of this sounds fun. I am looking forward to it.]

A smile on my lips twitched to life while reading Katie's text. Well, at least I won't be doing this alone. Plus, she would kill me if I didn't bring her in. Of course, my thoughts drifted to all the things I've always wanted to do that will now become a reality.

Then it really hit me. Fuck, I had time. I had time to do things like learn how to fight. To really prepare myself. “Hey Tony, I don't suppose you could do me a favor and hook me up with some combat trainers? The whole nine yards. Hand-to-hand, melee, maybe a fitness trainer?” As soon as the last word left my mouth, I knew I should have maybe eased him into it.

“Oh.” I saw his eyes move to the rearview mirror to meet mine. “So, what's with the sudden change of heart? Before, you were always so against it. And why a weapons trainer?”

Shit. Shit. Shit. “Umm, I guess I had given the things you said some thought. As to the weapons thing, Katie and I have been on an old kung-fu movie kick lately.” That wasn't a lie. I knew he could sniff out a lie ten miles away. “So I guess it would be cool to do something like that.”

A grunt back was what I got. In my experience, that was a good sign. I could feel my mind going a mile a minute now, thinking of different things I could do, and then it hit me: I should free up my money. Technically it was mine to do with as I pleased now. And really, would it do any good once the shit hit the fan? Using my phone, I sent a group email to my accountant and the group of lawyers that handled the trust the money was in. Luckily, Grandpa never put restrictions on it, so I told them I wanted all of it freed over the next few months, but at least a third of it available by Friday. I knew as soon as I sent it they would get their panties in a twist. Not my problem, really.

Once we hit the high-rise and he parked, I let him know I was going to the front desk. I figured it would be best to let them know I was back, plus I knew they kept people on retainer for shopping needs, and I was definitely in need. I knew in the back of my mind I could have just called them from the penthouse. I was stalling. The look on Tony's face when I told him where I was going made it apparent he knew I was stalling as well. Fucker.

The interaction at the desk was quick. The secretary informed me there was a new manager and she would want to meet up with me, just to say hi and all that jazz. Also, they did have someone on call. Her name was Spring, which I thought was a super cute name. They would give her a call and send her over immediately.

The final ding from the elevator as it reached the top floor brought me back to reality. I had been caught up on something new: the secretary at the desk had a weird scent. It wasn't bad; if anything, it tasted good. Was something like that possible? I suppose. It was in a way like the smell of a perfectly done steak. It only added to your desire to feast on it. I really had to wonder what part of all of my choices and revelations from the previous day awakened such a desire.

Stepping out into the hallway, it hadn't changed since I had last been here. The only door on this floor led to my grandparents' penthouse. Then I sighed. Fuck. Not theirs, this was mine now, and it had been since their passing. Up until now, I just refused to even think of it like that. Now I had to face that reality head-on. For just a moment, as my hand rested on the handle to the door, I gave serious thought to going back to the safety of my apartment. It was a place where I didn't have to face the loss and memories, where I could easily just focus on what was to come. But in doing so, what would I be giving up? Shouldn't I be reconciling my own feelings of the past? Isn't that the right thing to do? Isn't that what I have been told? Forcing a deep breath, I turned the handle and stepped into the past, now my future.

The door opened with a slight creak, and stepping inside immediately caused me to tear up a little. The door clicked softly behind me as I was flooded with memories, but again that scent hit me like a brick wall. In my mind, I could see Grandma when she still had mobility in the kitchen after I would get home from school fixing dinner, while Grandpa would be in the large open space of the living room sitting in his favorite spot on the L-shaped couch watching some old war movie. The thing that struck me as odd for a moment was how barren things looked. Sure, all the furniture was still out, but the walls were bare, and the little trinkets and knickknacks that Grandma had out were all gone.

While I stood within the entrance blinking away my tears, the sound of Marie's footsteps caught my attention. “Sara!”

In that moment I was pleasantly assaulted by a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. That little action first caused me to blush slightly and helped settle a bit of my emotions. I was quickly overwhelmed by her scent, and it tasted of a mix of happiness and desire... Wait, what? I felt her hands grip mine as she looked at me, and for the first time I think I truly looked at her, not as the awkward teenager that I once was, but as something more. Her dark skin shone under the fluorescent light, her beautiful features framed by soft, black, wavy locks. The way her shirt framed her body, my eyes flitted to her chest and flat stomach. Even her jeans seemed to make my thoughts go to places they never had before. What was going on with me?

“I am so happy you decided to come back.” She gave me another hug. Again, I was struggling to understand these changes. At the full contact, her nipples seemed to be hard points against me, and I returned her hug.

“I guess it was time.” I couldn't hide the emotion in my voice. I was happy to be back, I think, but fuck... this was not something I felt I was ready to deal with even now. I felt her step back as she looked me over.

“Did you have a growth spurt? Seriously, Sara, you look thinner. Don't worry, I'll make sure to put some meat back on those bones.”

Her words caused a giggle to escape my lips. At least some things haven't fully changed. “I will admit, I have missed your cooking. Takeout doesn't compare to it.”

That elicited a smile from her, and she created some distance between us, which at this moment I was very happy about. In that moment I felt some sort of hunger, a need for more from whatever it was she was feeling.

Her next words hit me like a hammer on an anvil. “The master bedroom has been cleaned up and is ready for you, Sara.”

No. That was not my room.

“I appreciate that, Marie, but I was just planning on moving back into my room.” Yeah, though I could now see what had been done. The removing of the knickknacks, paintings, and decorations had been done to force me to accept things and move on.

“Sara,” this time it was Tony's voice that dominated the room, “we have already packed up your grandparents' things and put them into your old room for you to sort through at your leisure. This place is yours now.”

At his words, anger must have flashed on my face for a brief moment, because his own features seemed to say, Try it, small fry.

Sighing again, I somehow reined that in. Seriously, I guess I couldn't blame them. They both were trying to help me move on. Sure, this was a bit abrupt, but I knew Tony had a point. If anyone aside from Katie knew me well, it was both Tony and Marie. They in their own way had been a part of my life for nearly ten years and helped raise and influence me. They also knew that oftentimes I needed a push in the right direction.

“No, you are right, Tony. Thank you both for getting things set up.”

Heading down the hall, I passed the maintenance door on the left where we kept the cleaning supplies and the breaker boxes. Right after that was a full bathroom. To the right were two more bedrooms. The first one was Marie's; the second used to be mine. The last door, prominent, stood closed at the end of the hallway, facing me like a looming door of doom. This was part of the reason why I moved out. That wasn't my room.

Opening the door, I entered, and with a soft click, it closed as I teared up. Everything blurred as I tried to hold back the tears. This room smelled sanitized; everything had been scrubbed clean right to the baseboards. This wasn't my space. I refused to acknowledge that. I sat on the bed, and even the mattress felt brand new. Then it happened. Tears started coming out unbidden. How long had I been holding them back? I couldn't answer that fully.

A soft, almost meek knock on the door pulled me out from the flood of memories and my now tear-streaked face. Shit, how long had I been sitting on the edge of this bed bawling my eyes out? I must have been slow in pulling out of my self-induced fog, as another round of knocking sounded. This time it was a bit louder.

“Ms. Garner, I am Spring Mackinaw. I was told you needed a new wardrobe. Becky from the front desk sent me.”

Again it took a few moments to register. “Yeah. Umm, give me a second, please.” I really hoped I didn't sound like I had just been crying.

With a rush, I went into the master bathroom and splashed water on my face, trying to clear up the trails the tears had left. Using a nearby hand towel, I rubbed my face dry, leaving it on the sink counter as I rushed over to the bedroom door and opened it up.

Again, there was that abrupt shift that I just couldn't seem to get a handle on. Standing opposite to me was this sexy, five-foot-nothing, hot little number. It was like my senses went into overdrive and took a 180-degree turn on a busy highway. My eyes followed her long blond hair that framed her features perfectly, and came to rest on small, perky breasts. I was jealous for a moment at how perfect her makeup looked and how it seemed to accent her features incredibly well. Her outfit was very professional-looking: a soft white blouse with matching black dress slacks and one-inch high-heeled shoes. For just a moment I thought I was about to drool on myself, looking at her like a tasty meal. Okay, what was with this sudden way of looking at those around me like a snack?

In that moment, something shifted. I took a deep breath. Her scent screamed of lust and desire, leaving a sweet taste on my tongue as something deeper took hold of me. In my mind, I could see myself just grabbing her by those soft blond locks and yanking her head back, kissing her deeply while consuming her for my pleasure. Even the sound of my voice was different, deeper, more sensual, and predatory.

“Hello, Spring. You are even prettier than your name.”

It seemed like she was mesmerized while she took a step deeper into the room. With a sound louder than I intended, the door clicked shut, and the small distance between us closed. I could see her nipples fighting the material of her shirt, and my body pressed against hers, trapping her against the door.

Within her deep, violet-colored eyes, I only saw desire and a need that seemed to run deep into her soul.

Full novel: System 2.0 — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠
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