Luo's life was a well-worn path, one he treaded every day without fail. At 15, his routine was etched into his bones: wake up to the chirping of birds in his small town, scarf down breakfast with his family, and head to school. The walk back home was just as predictable, with the same faces, same jokes, and same dull ache in his chest. He lived with his parents, who always had warm smiles, and his 12-year-old sister, Jigal, whose boundless energy could light up a room. His friends at school were lively, their chatter filling the air as they swapped stories during breaks. Luo played along, his laughter genuine but fleeting. He was happy—truly—but a quiet void lingered in his heart. Life was too… plain.
In his quiet moments, Luo dreamed of something more. Magic. Adventure. A system, like the ones in the novels he devoured late at night. He wanted a spark, something to break the monotony. Lying on his bed, he often pictured himself in a wooden cabin deep in a jungle, rain drumming on the roof, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. Solitude beckoned him, not out of loneliness but a strange yearning to be enough on his own. "Why do I want to be alone?" he wondered, his thoughts a tangled mess. "Everyone's so kind—Mom, Dad, Jigal, my friends. But still…"
That evening, the house was quieter than usual. His parents were out for a neighborhood meeting, and Jigal was sprawled on the living room couch, humming a tune while doodling in her sketchbook. Luo sat on his bed, staring out the window at the fading sunset. His mind wandered to his jungle cabin fantasy, the rain, the peace. He sighed, muttering to himself, "If only something exciting would happen. Just once."
As if the universe heard him, a faint glow flickered in the air. Luo froze. A translucent panel materialized before him, hovering like a hologram. Glowing text shimmered on it: 10th Civilization System: Activated. His heart pounded. "What the…?" he whispered, his eyes wide. Was he dreaming? He pinched his arm, wincing. Nope, not a dream. Hesitantly, he reached out, his fingers brushing the panel. It was cool, solid, real. "Am I losing it?" he muttered, half-laughing, half-panicked. "All that daydreaming finally broke me."
Before he could process it, the panel pulsed, and a figure stepped out. A girl, impossibly beautiful, with long, shimmering hair and eyes that seemed to hold galaxies. Her dress glowed faintly, like it was woven from starlight. Luo's face burned, his breath catching. She smiled, her voice soft but clear. "Hello, Luo. I'm your assistant, created by the 10th Civilization System. I'm here to help you fulfill your deepest desires."
Luo gaped, his mind a whirlwind. "W-Wait, what?" he stammered, scooting back on his bed. "This is… real? You're real?" He glanced at the panel, then back at her, his cheeks reddening. "I-I mean, who are you? What's this system thing?"
The girl tilted her head, her smile teasing. "You wished for something extraordinary, didn't you? The system heard you. It's a tool from an advanced civilization, capable of granting your wishes—power, adventure, even that rainy cabin you keep imagining." She paused, her eyes softening. "My name's Aria, by the way. What do you want, Luo?"
Luo's mouth opened, but no words came. He was too busy processing the fact that a gorgeous girl had just appeared in his room, claiming to be his assistant. Before he could respond, a loud voice broke the moment. "Luo! Who're you talking to?" Jigal's head poked through the door, her pigtails bouncing. Her eyes widened as she saw Aria and the glowing panel. "Whoa! What's that? Is that a hologram? Are you playing some sci-fi game without me?"
Luo groaned, covering his face. "Jigal, get out! This isn't a game!" He glanced at Aria, mortified. "S-Sorry, that's my sister. She's… nosy."
Aria laughed, a sound like tinkling bells. "It's fine. Hello, Jigal. I'm Aria, Luo's… guide." She winked at Luo, making his face flush again.
Jigal bounded into the room, undeterred. "Guide? For what? Is this like a magic thing? Luo, you've been reading too many of those weird novels!" She poked the panel, gasping when her finger didn't pass through. "This is so cool! Tell me everything!"
Luo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Jigal, I don't even know what's happening yet. Can you just… go draw or something?"
"No way!" Jigal crossed her arms, grinning. "If you're getting a magic system, I'm in on it. Right, Aria?"
Aria's eyes sparkled with amusement. "The system is bound to Luo, but I like your enthusiasm. Maybe you'll have a role to play later." She turned to Luo, her tone gentle but firm. "Luo, the system can change your life. You've felt trapped, haven't you? Wanting more, but not knowing what? Tell me—what's your first wish?"
Luo hesitated, glancing at Jigal, then back at Aria. His heart raced. "I… I don't know. I mean, I want adventure. Magic. That cabin in the jungle, with rain… just me." He paused, his voice quieter. "But is that weird? Wanting to be alone?"
Aria stepped closer, her gaze kind. "It's not weird. It's your truth. The system can give you that solitude, or it can show you a world beyond it. You choose."
Jigal nudged him. "Come on, Luo, don't be boring! Ask for something cool, like superpowers! Or a dragon!"
Luo rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You're impossible." He looked at Aria, his shyness fading slightly. "Okay, Aria. If this is real… show me what the system can do. But, uh, maybe start small? I'm not ready for dragons yet."
Aria nodded, her smile radiant. "Very well. Let's begin." The panel glowed brighter, and Luo felt a strange warmth in his chest. For the first time in forever, the void in his heart flickered with hope. Whatever came next, his ordinary life was gone—and he wasn't sure if that scared or thrilled him.