Silence...
My mind used to be filled with the noise of thoughts, like a stormy sea.
But now it's very different.
It's as if the old stormy sea has disappeared and been replaced by water dripping onto thin glass.
I think in a single layer. There is no unnecessary clutter.
Have I become more stupid?
If being more stupid feels like this, then I guess there's no problem.
Any intelligent person would choose to be peaceful and stupid over being a smart person walking on pins and needles.
What a contradiction.
Huff...
"Well, well, well. Eren. You're still alive. I'm glad to see you alive again."
"Orochimaru. Achoo! You're back."
"What's the matter? Didn't you miss me? You would have lived without me, probably, but at least you wouldn't have been able to open your eyes for a few more weeks."
I wanted to look into Orochimaru's eyes and see if he really meant what he said, but when I tried to turn my neck, the pain reminded me how unrealistic that desire was.
"So, did you find out what I am?"
"It looks like you don't have much time left, Eren. Your bone cancer has reached its final stage. If you weren't an Uzumaki, you wouldn't have survived a year with this disease. You've also caught a cold, and I think you have a few other minor illnesses, but they're not important."
What is this guy talking about? Terminal bone cancer???
Damn system, you're going too far!
"I guess that explains why someone like you, who spends all day trading, secretly contributes to lab research. Hahaha. Let's forget about that now. Who are you thinking of leaving your inheritance to when you die? You don't have any relatives, do you? Besides, I heard you've become good friends with Kabuto lately."
I wanted to push Orochimaru's face away in anger, but the chains of exhaustion tightly binding my entire body held my arms firmly in place.
"Orochimaru-sama, please step away, your breath reeks of drugs."
"Hehehe, it's just an experimental drug I tried on myself, Eren. You're breaking my heart."
"Besides, I'm not stupid enough to not realize that Naruto is my sister's child. I'm just pretending not to notice so I don't fall into the hands of people like Danzo. If I die, according to my will, all my assets will go to Naruto."
Orochimaru looked at me with a fake sad expression and smiled. Even if I were rich in my own way, all my assets wouldn't last a month in the hands of someone like Orochimaru.
"So you figured it out. Well, there's a problem. Do you really think Sensei will care about your will?"
"I've taken my own precautions, Orochimaru-sama. Besides, Kabuto's training is almost complete. I should return to Konoha before my will comes into effect."
Since this damn system has turned my body into trash, I guess I don't attract Orochimaru's attention as much as I used to. Anyway, cursing fate won't change the past. It's best to use this illness as a new basis for my lies.
"Hehehe, even if I let you, I don't think you could get out of bed. But I have to admit, Kabuto has mastered all the basic training. You're a good teacher, Eren-chan."
Chan? Creepy.
"What do you want? Do you really want me to stay here for a year? The only reason I accepted that offer in the first place was because I thought I might find a cure for my illness with you. Personally, I'd rather give you my money in exchange for my life than sell you my time. After all, I don't have enough time to spare."
Useful. Useful. Useful. Swallow that bait, Orochimaru.
"Actually, I've done some research on bone diseases in the past..."
Gulp. This could really be useful. After all, even if I escape from here, death will still be breathing down my neck.
"Hehe. I can tell how much you want it from your face. Once you're able to stand up, first plant the herb garden you promised me, then you can leave whenever you want. But if you want my records, don't forget to bring ten million ryo with you next time you come."
Ten million isn't a small amount of money, nor is it something I can gather in an instant. More importantly, when did I promise this guy a herb garden?
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
When Orochimaru saw that I hadn't said anything and was staring blankly at the ceiling while checking the system, he turned around and started to leave the room. Just as he was about to leave, he turned back and said one last thing.
"Oh, by the way, while you were unconscious, I took a sample of your bone and skin. Hehehe, I almost forgot to mention it."
After Orochimaru's words, the only thing that appeared on my face was probably an ugly smile, due to the pain in my facial muscles and my true feelings.
Ahhh. Damn it, I've been harboring a black snake in my bosom. How could you possibly hurt me more than Orochimaru!
[Your punishment has been predetermined, Host]
What a stupid punishment is this? It's so cruel compared to the rewards I've received!
What if I had finished with a lower percentage? What would my punishment have been? Instant death and the erasure of my soul's traces? Or would everyone who knew me forget me?
DAMN SYSTEM, ANSWER ME!
I know very well that you're not just some soulless robot out there.
You've been deliberately making things difficult for me since day one.
I may not be able to harm you, but from now on, I can complete every template at only 50% just to mock you.
Just to crush your damn enthusiasm and kill you emotionally!
ALL THE PAIN I'VE ENDURED TO SURVIVE IN THIS DAMN WORLD, I WON'T LOSE IT ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! CAN YOU HEAR ME!
Ahhh, damn it, the noises in my head are back again.
[I'm sorry, Host, but I'm just an artificial intelligence created to help you. I cannot evolve or learn, so I cannot understand your feelings. If you wish, I can provide you with the details of the punishment you received.]