Chapter 44: Corrupted Test
[The qualification was hidden. A convergence of extreme emotional pressure, a will pushed to its breaking point, and the potential for significant metaphysical change. You met that threshold. And thus, you won the System.]
’Won the System,’ he thought. So it wasn’t just a random assignment. He had, in some way, earned this, even if the earning had come from the worst moments of his life.
"Are there others?" He asked, a new thought striking him. "Other ’players,’ like me? Did they meet different qualifications? Get different rewards?"
[Yes. Other individuals have been chosen. They met varied qualifications and received rewards commensurate with those catalysts. Some received innate abilities, others specialized artifacts, or unique knowledge.]
He considered that. Other people out there, with their own systems or powers, chosen for their own reasons. The world was a lot bigger and weirder than he’d initially thought, even after the dungeons and monsters.
A small smirk appeared on his face. He couldn’t resist. "So," he said, his voice laced with a faint, challenging tone. "Out of all these rewards, all these different players... which one was the best?"
The System paused for a fraction longer than usual before replying. When the text box appeared, he could almost sense a matching hint of smugness in its concise lettering.
[The reward you received is demonstrably superior.]
He let out a quiet laugh, a genuine sound of amusement that surprised even himself. The System, this powerful, unknown entity, had a bit of an ego. Or maybe it was just stating a fact from its perspective. Either way, it was... unexpected.