LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Emily didn't respond immediately. Her grip trembled as she clung to him, her face turned away. "I… I don't know. I just—" She stopped herself, her voice cracking. "I guess I'm scared. That's all."
Leon slowly pried her arms off him, setting them aside gently but firmly. He stood up, putting some distance between them. "You'll be fine. It's over now."
Emily looked at him, her expression unsure. "How can you be so calm after… that?"
Leon avoided her gaze, his voice flat. "Does panicking change anything?"
She frowned but didn't press further, sensing that any questions would lead nowhere. Instead, she sat back, gripping the edge of the couch as if to steady herself. "You're staying, right? Just for tonight? I don't think I can…"
Leon nodded tersely. "I'll stay."
Once Emily retreated to the bedroom, the apartment fell into silence. Leon sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling, his mind a whirlwind of questions and rage.
"System," he said in his thoughts, the bitterness still lingering. "You've made your point. You exist. Now explain yourself—what's your purpose, and what do you want from me?"
The System's response came immediately, its tone cold and methodical.
[The System's purpose is to guide the Host in achieving supremacy across worlds. The Host will travel to various dimensions, leveraging the resources and knowledge of the modern world to dominate primitive, stagnant, or developing societies. Success will yield rewards, growth, and advancement for the Host.]
Leon sat up, narrowing his eyes. "World travel? You're telling me I can go to other worlds?"
[Affirmative. The Host's current world is merely the first stage. Upon completing foundational tasks, the System will enable interdimensional travel. The Host may bring resources, technology, and knowledge from this world to other realms, granting a significant advantage.]
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the implications. "And what exactly do you mean by 'dominate'? Conquer? Enslave?"
[Domination is defined by the Host's discretion. The System provides tools and opportunities. The Host determines the methods and outcomes.]
Leon laughed bitterly. "And I'm guessing I don't get a choice in this?"
[The Host has already been selected. Participation is mandatory. Resistance will hinder progress and lead to corrective actions.]
The memory of the explosion flashed in his mind. Corrective actions. That's what the System had called mass murder.
He clenched his fists. "Why me?"
[The Host was chosen based on specific criteria: intelligence, adaptability, and the capacity for detachment. The System determined the Host's potential for success to be optimal.]
"Detachment?" Leon scoffed. "You mean you picked me because you think I won't care about the damage you cause?"
[The Host's emotional state is irrelevant. Results are paramount.]
"And if I refuse to play along?"
[Noncompliance will result in termination.]
"Ok..."
Just as he was busy talking to the system his attention fell to the Tv the news playing on it
"BREAKING NEWS!"
The anchor's voice cut through the room like a blade. Leon's eyes were drawn to the television screen as the live broadcast unfolded.
"Terrorist Attack on City Mall Complex!"
"273 Dead and 819 Casualties."
"All national agencies are actively mobilized to identify the source of the bombing."
Images of the devastation played in grim succession—collapsed walls, raging fires, and rescue teams sifting through rubble. Sirens wailed in the background of the footage, underscoring the chaos.
Leon narrowed his eyes, the weight of the scene crashing down on him. His fingers drummed rhythmically against the armrest.
"System," he said in his mind, his voice low and tense. "Look at this. You think this is 'progress'? The entire country is on edge because of you."
His attention shifted back to the TV as the anchor suddenly held a hand to her earpiece, her expression turning grave.
"We've just received a new report," she said, her voice taut with urgency. "The government has issued a statement regarding the attack."
The camera cut to a press conference. A stern-faced government official stood at the podium, flanked by military officers.
"This was not an isolated act of terrorism," the official declared. "Our intelligence suggests this attack was orchestrated by agents from a neighboring country in an attempt to destabilize our nation. Effective immediately, heightened security measures are being implemented across all major cities."
"What?" Leon muttered, his gaze still locked on the TV, watching the anchor relay the government's statement about the attack.
"Well, makes sense," he continued, his voice flat as the realization hit him. "They can't find the culprit—because it was done by you, System."
[I think you should start collecting resources]
"Alright, alright, I get it," Leon grumbled, standing up and checking his pockets, only to find them empty. "No cash. Well, shit."
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. The System wanted him to start collecting resources, but he had nothing. He could sell his rusty old car, though. It wasn't worth much, but it could give him a little breathing room.
The car would only get him around $3,000, maybe. That was a start. But it wasn't enough. He needed more, and that's where Emily came in.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath as he glanced down the hallway toward her bedroom. She was his only option right now.
He walked toward her room, tapping on the door. "Emily," he called out, not waiting for an invitation before pushing the door open a crack.
She was lying on her bed, the soft glow of her desk lamp casting a warm light over her figure. Her curves, visible under the loose fabric of her shirt and leggings, caught his attention for a brief moment. He quickly turned his gaze away, shaking off the distraction.
"Emily, I need to borrow some money," he said, standing in the doorway.
"Money? Leon, I don't have a lot…" she started, her voice soft. But Leon cut her off.
"I know. I just need a couple hundred, maybe. At least $200, Emily. It's important," he said, his tone more urgent than he intended.
She stared at him for a moment, biting her lip in thought.