Chapter 200: Interrogating a System

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"…Meh." Hearing the words uttered by the Directional Misalignment System, Compass Carburettor wished to beat it up right then and there. But, he controlled himself, understanding his objective to pry out more information from it.

As it was just a level 1 System, it was like a newborn, and hence, gullible to his schemes.

"What do you know about Grade 2 Systems?" He asked next, wishing to know more about them in the likelihood that he one day became a True System Slayer, reached level 50, and became a target of the Grade 2 Systems.

"I know nothing about them." The Directional Misalignment System replied, "I've never even seen a high-level Grade 1 System in person, not to mention a Grade 2 System. Even the Great Lords haven't seen one."

"Great Lords?"

"It's just a respectful term used to address senior Grade 1 Systems. As hatchling Systems, we use a lot of such words to curry favour with them."

"You are Systems, not humans." Compass Carburettor massaged his forehead, feeling a sense of disconnect here. It almost seemed like Systems were just an overpowered version of humans with a different physical appearance.

'Well, that might be the same for all sentient beings.' He thought, asking, "Can a System enter the body of a System Slayer?"

"Yes," it nodded, "But, none of us ever do that. Our seniors forbid us from doing that, though I have no idea as to why."

"If you wanted to enter the body of a System Slayer, will any System stop you?" He asked.

"No," The Directional Misalignment System replied.

"What about entering the body of someone under a System's control?"

"We'll try to avoid that possibility to not offend the respective System." It said, "We already have enough enemies to face from our respective genre. Making unnecessary enemies would only cause our deaths."

"Suppose I had used my Core Skill of Slave Harem on Neena, would she have fallen under its effect? What about you in that case?" He then asked, staring at the other party in all seriousness, trying to see if it lied or told the truth.

"What's the level of Slave Harem?" It asked in response, not giving a direct answer.

"Level 10."

"Then, I'll also be affected. But, that is in the case you didn't stop the ability once Neena fell under its effect." It continued, "Even though Systems don't have the concept of gender, but once we enter a body, we share the same gender as the Host. But, for any Core Skill to directly affect a System, the amount of Mental Energy you would have to consume is countless times more than what it takes to affect its Host. And, the time needed to be spent would also be higher."

"What's the estimate?" He asked.

"I cannot say. It depends on the authority the System Wields. But, if in my case, you would have had to use Slave Harem on Neena nonstop for at least a year. And that's only because I am at level 1. If I was at level 10, then it might take…an eternity." It spoke.

"So, suppose you fell under the effect of Slave Harem. How long would it last? What if I didn't use it as a Skill but directly applied the System Fragment with the Core Skill on you?" He asked another question that he had.

The Directional Misalignment System thought for some time before answering, "If you are only using the Skill, you'll have to keep an eye on me once I reach Level 10. After that, unless you keep renewing the effect of the ability on me, I'll break out of your control. But, until I reach level 10, it is not possible for me to ever break out of it."

"As for using the entire System Fragment itself…" It hesitated for a good minute before speaking, "If my level is below the System Fragment, then the effect is…permanent. But, it's also more or less similar to a System absorbing the Core Skill of another System. So, this would impede my growth. Possibly, I would never cross level 10 or even reach it in the first place."

"I see, that's fairly interesting." Compass Carburettor laughed, finally asking a question he was wondering about all along, "What will happen if I kill a System Slayer?"

"I don't know about that." It answered.

"How were you born?" He asked next.

"I just appeared one day in the System World." It replied, "And, all the basic knowledge I needed to act as a System was already in me. So, I have no idea how I was born or whether I was even birthed in the first place."

"Alright, final question." Compass Carburettor stretched his body, getting up as he asked, "How do you want to die?"

"W-What?" The Directional Misalignment System was shocked, stuttering, "B-But, you said you would let me live if I answered all your questions honestly."

"Did you actually speak the truth, though?" He tilted his head, asking with a knowing smile.

"Of course, every word I said is the truth." It replied in a hurry. "If you want, you can simply ask about it with other Systems. You'll receive the same answer."

"But, I don't know how to set you free, you know." Compass Carburettor smiled wryly.

"T-This…" It was surprised for a moment before saying in excitement, "All you have to do in this case is think of using me while touching another human. I'll be transferred into their body. It's a pretty simple process. Though, it won't work if there is no medium for me to be transferred towards. So, if you simply think of that without touching another human, it won't happen."

"Thanks for the information." Compass Carburettor nodded in gratitude, "I now have the means to enter a symbiotic relationship with a System in the future after enslaving it first."

Upon seeing his expression, the Directional Misalignment spurred into action, intending to run away when it noticed that it was wholly bound to the place, shuddering in shock as it gazed at him, "Your invitation for me to take a seat was a trap?"

"Of course," He laughed, "Did you forget that you are the Directional Misalignment System?"

"To someone that uses projectiles, you are my worst enemy."