Ethan hung up the phone and slumped back against the cab door, the adrenaline finally starting to wane, leaving him cold and aching. He stared out the window, watching the familiar streets of the North End turn into the residential blocks near Sarah's apartment.
[Look at how beaten up you are right now,] the System commented, its tone light and mocking. [You have a steel skin System, money, men, power, and you ended up in such a lamentable state. You really are pathetic, you know?]
"I know, don't even start," Ethan conceded, wincing as the taxi swerved. "It was tough. I barely survived. It doesn't matter; I made it, and those sons of bitches will pay me back for this."
[That's the spirit, kid. If you get humiliated again, you'd bring me great shame. Why don't you buy a healing potion and end your suffering right now?] the System asked.
