As I slurped my noodles at the town's famous noodle shop, I was completely absorbed in the rich, savoury taste. The world around me faded into the background as I focused on my food. Then, suddenly, a strange sound reached my ears.
Ping.
I paused and looked around, confused. Nothing seemed out of place. No one else reacted. Shrugging it off, I assumed I had imagined it and went back to enjoying my noodles.
After finishing, I headed home. The moment I stepped inside, the comforting smell of cooking filled the air. My mother, Sophia, was in the kitchen, calmly frying chicken. Watching her move with practised ease, I instantly regretted eating noodles earlier. No food compared to hers.
I declined, much to her surprise. Her disappointment was palpable, prompting me to quickly apologize and offer a hug. "Sorry, Mom," I said earnestly.
"It's okay, not your fault. I should have told you earlier," she replied, her mood lifting as I kissed her cheek before darting upstairs.
"That little... when will he grow up?" she chuckled, resuming her cooking.
Once alone, I changed into my pajamas and settled in front of my computer, ready to join my friends in a gaming session. However, before I could even launch a game, the mysterious "ping" echoed once more, followed by an unfamiliar mechanical voice. I froze in terror, my heart racing.
"Host has 100% compatibility with the System. Requesting the Host's approval to bind the System with the Host's body," the voice declared.
I stumbled backwards, landing unceremoniously on the floor. Panic coursed through me as I struggled to comprehend the situation. Who—or what—was speaking to me? Was I losing my mind?
I shivered at the voice's reappearance. "What the... why am I hearing things? Did the A.I. rebel and start attacking cities? Is the apocalypse starting? What is happening to me?"
"Host, do not be afraid."
Terrified, I remained frozen. "What are you?"
"Congratulations, Host. The Supernatural Divine Godly Power System, or The Primordial System, has selected you to be your guide to becoming the strongest in the Universe and participating in the Multiverse."
My jaw dropped. "The Supernatural Divine Godly Power System? The strongest in the universe? The Multiverse, what?"
The information overloaded my senses. I sat down, attempting to process the revelation. "The system, the strongest in the universe – is this some kind of joke?"
"No, it is not."
"What... you can hear my thoughts?"
"Yes, the Host's mind is connected to the system, so the system can hear every thought the Host produces."
"Damn, what a drag."
"Host's approval is required for the system to bind with the Host's body."
"Binding the system? What's the use of that?"
"Binding the system will give the Host complete control over his body and enable the training and cultivation of different powers and techniques."
"Cultivation techniques? Are there Grandmasters and deities in this world?"
"Yes, that is correct."
My mind raced with disbelief; the world held secrets I had never fathomed. The revelation of a supernatural system and the promise of becoming the strongest in the universe opened up a realm of possibilities I couldn't have imagined.