As Seung-ho slept, an unsettling sensation crept over him. It felt as if something was invading his mind, probing the depths of his consciousness.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his head, cold and mechanical:
"System activation initiated. Bonding with host... complete."
Seung-ho's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. He sat up abruptly, looking around the room with a mixture of confusion and fear.
"What the hell?" he muttered.
A series of numbers flashed before his eyes:
"System download... 10% complete."
"System download... 20% complete."
"System download... 30% complete."
Seung-ho clutched his head, trying to make sense of what was happening.
"System download... 40% complete."
Seung-ho's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the bizarre situation. A system? Bonding with him? What kind of twisted joke was this?
As the download percentage climbed, Seung-ho felt a strange sensation spreading through his body. It was as if invisible tendrils were reaching into his very being, intertwining with his thoughts and memories.
"System download... 50% complete."
Suddenly, a flood of information poured into Seung-ho's mind. He saw glimpses of a dark underworld, filled with crime and corruption. He heard whispers of powerful families and their sinister secrets.
"System download... 60% complete."
Seung-ho gasped as he realized the truth.
As the system download continued, Seung-ho's excitement grew. He had always dreamed of having a special ability or power, and now it seemed his wish had been granted.
"System download... 70% complete."
Seung-ho eagerly awaited the reveal of his newfound abilities. Would he gain enhanced strength? Superhuman reflexes? Or perhaps some unique skill like mind-reading or time manipulation?
"System download... 80% complete."
The blue panel flickered, and a new message appeared:
"Criminal Tycoon Gossip System: Initiating host integration..."
Seung-ho's eyes widened as he read the words. Criminal Tycoon Gossip System? That didn't sound like the kind of system he had in mind.
"System integration... 10% complete."
Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced Seung-ho's head, causing him to cry out. He clutched his temples, feeling as if his skull was being split open.
"System integration... 20% complete."
As the system integration progressed, Seung-ho's body convulsed uncontrollably. Sweat poured down his face, and his breath came in ragged gasps.
"System integration... 30% complete."
Seung-ho's mind was assaulted by a barrage of images and sounds. He saw himself committing heinous crimes, manipulating people for personal gain, and climbing the ranks of a ruthless criminal underworld.
"No... this can't be real," he whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks.
But deep down, Seung-ho knew that this was no mere hallucination. The system was altering his very essence, molding him into a criminal mastermind against his will.
"System integration... 40% complete."
"System integration... 50% complete."
Seung-ho's body began to change, his features shifting and evolving. His eyes turned a piercing blue, and his hair darkened to a glossy black. Muscles rippled beneath his skin, making him appear stronger and more formidable.
"System integration... 60% complete."
As the transformation progressed, Seung-ho felt a surge of confidence and ambition course through his veins. The desire for power and control consumed him, drowning out his initial resistance.
"System integration... 70% complete."
Seung-ho's mind was filled with strategies, schemes, and manipulations. He saw opportunities for advancement in every situation, exploiting the weaknesses of those around him.
"System integration... 80% complete."
His senses heightened, allowing him to perceive the hidden motives and secret desires of others. He could manipulate emotions and bend people to his will with ease.
"System integration... 90% complete."
Seung-ho stood tall, his newfound powers coursing through him like electricity. He was no longer just a student or an outsider; he was a criminal tycoon in the making.
"System integration... 100% complete."
A adorable little fox popped out of nowhere with a devilish smile.
"Hello host call me Taotao I am now your host I am system 3666 I am a Criminal Tycoon Gossip System! I will lead you to the world of crime and gossip! Oh I almost forget here are the system rules!" Taotao said as system panel popped in front of him.
System Rules:
1. Complete tasks and missions assigned by the system to earn life energy and gossip points.
2. Refusal to complete a task will result in punishment, which may include loss of life energy or gossip points.
3. Gossip points can be used to unlock new abilities, skills, and information within the system.
4. Life energy is required to maintain the host's physical form and extend their lifespan.
5. The host must keep their true identity and the existence of the system a secret from others.
6. Failure to maintain secrecy may result in severe consequences for both the host and their loved ones.
7. The system will provide guidance and assistance to the host, but ultimately, the decisions made are the host's responsibility.
Taotao's eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched Seung-ho absorb the rules.
"Well, what do you think, host? Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of crime and gossip?"
Seung-ho stared at Taotao.
"I refuse," Seung-ho said.
"Dear host are you sure?" Taotao asked.
"Yup."
System Punishment: Has been activated the host will feel like he is drowning in ice water for the next thirty seconds.
Seung-ho did not believe it.
Seung-ho gasped as an icy sensation suddenly engulfed his entire body, as if he was submerged in frigid water. His heart raced, and he struggled to catch his breath, feeling like he was drowning.
"Th-this can't be real," he stammered through chattering teeth, his limbs shaking uncontrollably.
Taotao watched with a detached curiosity, his adorable fox face showing no emotion.
"The punishment lasts for thirty seconds. I suggest you reconsider your decision."
Seung-ho gritted his teeth, determined not to give in. He refused to be controlled by this twisted system.
But as the seconds ticked by and the icy pain intensified, Seung-ho felt his resolve weakening. The agony was unbearable, and he could barely think straight.
Just as he reached the brink of madness, the sensation abruptly vanished. Seung-ho collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily and covered in a cold sweat.
"Forget it dumb system let's see who will break first, I need to go to sleep," Seung-ho said he felt tired and he went to sleep. Taotao watched over his host and he sighed this host soul is so strange truly an interesting person.
The next day
Seung-ho woke up by his cousins banging on the door. When Seung-ho walked down the stairs breakfast was read. For a long time he stared at the food.
"Why does it look like lunch and so much," Seung-ho said.
"Seung-ho, you need to learn Korean culture," Jasper said.
"Jasper you came over?"
"Of course today we will introduce you to our friends and show you around," Jasper said.
"I see."
As Seung-ho sat down at the breakfast table, he couldn't help but stare at the abundance of food before him. There were various Korean dishes, including kimchi, bibimbap, and several types of banchan (side dishes). The portions seemed enormous compared to what he was used to.
His aunt smiled warmly as she noticed his confusion.
"In Korea, breakfast is often a big meal. It's a tradition to eat well in the morning to start the day off right."
Seung-ho nodded slowly, still trying to wrap his head around the concept. He picked up his chopsticks and hesitantly tasted a bit of kimchi.
"It's... different."
After eating breakfast Jasper and Jae-hye truly showed Seung-ho around Ulsan City he meant all kinds of people.