Max frowned at the sudden system chime, thrown off by the absurdity of it. Why was there a countdown? What was it even counting down to?
It barked now, but gave a chilled response earlier.
Moreover, immediately distressed him with a countdown, without implying its purpose.
'What does it want?' He waved his hands through the glowing screen in front of him, tapping, swiping, even poking at it like an old touchscreen. Nothing worked.
The screen floated stubbornly in his vision, unblinking and unmoved.
"Ugh," Max scratched his head. "How did I even bring this thing up?"
His past attempts to activate anything had all failed, so what made this time different?
Then it clicked.
"Wait…" His eyes lit up. "Did I… wish it?"
He focused, narrowing his gaze on the icon that floated near the corner of his vision, this time with clear intent. Sure enough, the interface shifted with a soft chime.
Ding—!
====
Dimensional Mercenary — Max Knight
-Mission
-Space Backpack
-Rewards
-Help*
====
Bewildered, his brow furrowed, he scanned the system screen head to toe.
The title Dimensional Mercenary drew his attention instantly. Why wouldn't it? The name alone was a giant hint: how this system worked and its purpose.
This alone was enough for Max to glean everything about it. Not just him, most people acquainted with webnovels, manga, or even anime would grasp instantly.
"So… a mercenary, huh?" he frowned.
His gaze shifted to each tab, and he gradually realised the authority this system potentially held.
"Mercenary, pretty self-explanatory. The menu spells it all out," he whispered, rubbing his neck. "Do missions, get paid. So… basically a cosmic errand boy. Or a slave?"
"Max Knight, mercenary for hire," he scoffed, disgruntled at the sound of it. The 'dimensional' part, in particular, deeply unsettled him.
Was it referring to the mystical dimensions that sorcerers in Marvel draw power from? Or did it imply full-blown multiverse travel?
Both were terrifying; his body shivered at the thought. Who would want to intrude into the territory of those dimension lords or cosmic entities? Such beings would hunt him down at the slightest provocation, and any clue of his existence.
Moreover, who knows what kind of missions he'll get? His concern was evident.
"Hey, can you talk or anything?" he asked, hoping for further intel.
But once again, there was no reply.
"So it really was the silent type, just menus and zero customer support." He sighed in frustration.
"Huh"
Noticing the last entry, the asterisk on its crown, he muttered, "What's this?"
The name 'Help' practically screamed to be opened.
Intrigued, he willed it, and the screen changed once again.
Ding—!
====
Welcome, Cadet
-You've been chosen as a Dimensional Mercenary…..
====
A wall of text slammed into his vision, making his head spin with overload.
He even suspected the devs were taking cues from shady companies, dumping endless policy terms before unveiling their proudest product, the kind most people just accept without reading.
Of course, only to regret later.
Just like those endless user agreements, too long, too dense, and designed to make the average person hit 'Accept' without a second thought.
Customers were helpless; they bought the product to use it, and no matter what the rules were, they'd click yes. No choice.
This long notification, similarly, crammed with information, made him dizzy. Yet, given his need for intel, he pushed through and read carefully.
Scroll—
====
-You'll receive missions and opportunities to travel to different worlds to complete them.
-Participation is optional, as mercenary code adheres to freedom of choice. Decline all or accept all, your call.
-Successful completion will yield rewards from employers, whose identities will remain confidential as part of the contract.
====
He deduced as much, Dimensional Mercenary was exactly what the name implied.
He was particularly glad to learn that participation was optional. He read many webnovels and knew how some systems were nothing short of slave drivers.
Some even twisted the MC's personality from within, slowly eroding their will through tasks and manipulating the plot to their whims.
Scroll—
====
-A space backpack with limited capacity.
====
"Oh! A system space. Nice," he grinned, rubbing his hands in delight.
Like most protagonists blessed by systems, he expected this. As for the limited part, he brushed it away, refusing to acknowledge it. Something was better than nothing.
====
-In every dimension, employers will assign you a new identity, along with relevant memories, knowledge, and skills if deemed necessary.
-Besides rewards, everything is banned. Even knowledge is considered an asset by employers.
====
The employer clause unsettled him. Who were these so-called employers, capable of issuing tasks through the system?
"Ugh."
Was this system some sort of multiversal tool run by a time agency or interdimensional company, similar to the TVA?
The thought was chilling.
If someone had such reach and power, then the employers themselves must be multiversal beings, or at the very least, entities of massive importance.
A cold breath escaped him. He pushed the screen down once again.
====
-Failure to complete a task within the time frame or declining a mission may lock you out of that dimension permanently.
-Once selected, your identity in a particular dimension will remain fixed. Be warned, multiple missions may come from the same world. Take every step wisely.
-Time in your home world will not pass. Your body will remain in your world.
====
The locked-dimension clause didn't bother him, at least not yet. He hadn't even seen the first mission, so there was nothing to stress over… yet.
So, no urgency at all.
Humming along, he mused, 'As for my identity, I'll be careful. No reckless moves. Maybe they want us to behave like we would in our original world: cautious when needed, and strike when opportunity knocks.'
As he continued to scan each segment, the clause about time answered most of his lingering questions.
With time halted, at least he was safe from some of the most terrifying beings… for now. Letting out a faint sigh, he clung to hope.
However, a bald, powerful sorcerer did flash through his thoughts, and he brushed it aside like always.
'I'll think about that later.'
====
-Be cautious. Death in the system can bring consequences worse than death itself.
====
The death warning agitated him. He gulped. He'll try to be as thorough as possible. Even in another body, dying would hurt.
Besides, he already tasted death once and even though he didn't exactly know how, his neck sometimes hurt.
So, how much psychological trauma would another death cause? Especially one experienced firsthand?
Instead of taking stupid risks, stay cautious. Better not think about consequences.
Dreadful thoughts like soul capture or sacrifice rituals passed through his mind.
He shuddered.
He even suspected this system might be a manipulation tactic used by some demonic being; Marvel had those, too. Some pretty famous. But he'd take his chances for now.
Even if some demon was after him, he believed he knew a place to counter them. And most importantly, he wouldn't sign anything. Not at all.
He nodded to himself, self-assured.
Nearing the end, his eyes lit with hope. Licking his lips, they curled up into a grin.
'Now, I finally have something to rely on.' He thought it was over.
But his hopes were dashed the next second. A new line appeared, sending his blood surging to his head.
====
-The first mission will be compulsory to earn your mercenary tag.
If it fails, the system will vanish forever.
Welcome and begin your journey! Countdown is on!
====
"You basta—!" he almost screamed out loud, mentally willing the countdown back.
====
5:30 minutes...
====
His eyes widened. He sucked in a cold breath. A chill ran down his spine as cold sweat trickled down his brow.
"Damn…"
Five minutes… That was barely enough time to freak out properly, let alone prepare.
….
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